Biomedical Research and Therapy

Non-achievement of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goal and related factors among elderly outpatients in Viet Nam: A cross-sectional study

2025-02-08T18:47:36+07:00

Introduction: Dyslipidemia, particularly elevated serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), plays a crucial role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. This study aimed to determine the rate of LDL-C non-achievement according to the European Society of Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society 2019 (ESC/EAS 2019) guidelines and related factors in the elderly.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 555 individuals (age 69.30 ± 6.54, male/female ratio 4.55/1) in an outpatient clinic in Ca Mau province from October 2020 to June 2021. Demographic information, medical history, clinical characteristics, and tested cholesterol, including LDL-C level, were collected to assess cardiovascular risk and determine factors related to LDL-C control status.

Results: The non-achievement rate of the LDL-C goal in participants was 77.1%. In the adjusted model, factors associated with an increased risk of non-achievement of the LDL-C goal were non-adherence to treatment (odds ratio (OR) 7.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.65-16.47, p < 0.001), being at very high risk (OR 15.48, 95% CI 6.34-37.76, p < 0.001), and at high risk (OR 4.03, 95% CI 2.20-7.40, p < 0.001). Conversely, factors related to a decreased risk were exercise (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.30-0.95, p = 0.032) and a history of myocardial infarction or unstable angina (OR 0.192, 95% CI 0.05-0.72, p = 0.014), or coronary revascularization (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.08-0.48, p < 0.001).

Conclusions: The rate of non-achievement in the LDL-C goal among participants was notable. Non-adherence to treatment and classification as high to very high risk were identified as factors associated with an increased risk of non-achievement of LDL-C, while regular exercise was linked to a decreased risk. This study emphasizes the necessity of an aggressive strategy for high and very high-risk groups with a comprehensive approach incorporating pharmacological and non-pharmacological individual treatment for achieving the LDL-C target.

Nocturnal high blood pressure and left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with chronic kidney disease

2025-02-08T21:00:41+07:00

Background: Patients diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a heightened risk of developing masked uncontrolled hypertension (MUCH), leading to hypertension-induced organ damage. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and characteristics of MUCH and to investigate risk factors of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in those with CKD.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on data from 178 patients diagnosed with CKD and having controlled office blood pressure at Nhan Dan Gia Dinh Hospital between October 2018 and June 2019. These participants underwent 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) using the SunTech Oscar 2 device. Subsequently, echocardiography was performed to assess for the presence of LVH.

Results: The prevalence of MUCH was 48.9%. Notably, all patients with MUCH demonstrated elevated nighttime blood pressure. LVH was more prevalent in the MUCH group when compared to those with controlled hypertension (55.2% and 38.5%, respectively). MUCH and CKD staging 4-5 were independent risk factors of LVH with ORs 1.97 (95% CI, 1.03-3.85) and 2.58 (95% CI, 1.16-5.94), respectively.

Conclusions: We recommend routinely using ABPM to detect MUCH in CKD patients even with controlled office hypertension. Screening for LVH is necessary in those with MUCH.

Artificial intelligence models and predicting implant success

2025-02-08T09:01:36+07:00

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into dental implantology has revolutionized the field, offering enhanced predictive capabilities that empower clinicians to optimize treatment outcomes. By leveraging AI, dental professionals can analyze vast amounts of patient data with unprecedented accuracy and efficiency. This advancement not only improves patient outcomes but also reduces healthcare costs by minimizing complications and streamlining treatment planning. Furthermore, AI paves the way for more personalized and successful patient care. Despite these promising developments, significant research gaps remain. These include understanding how to optimally integrate AI with diverse clinical datasets and addressing variability in patient responses. The integration of AI into dental implantology enhances not only the precision and efficiency of treatment planning and execution but also enables a more tailored approach to patient care. This review explores the potential of machine learning approaches in predicting the success of dental implant procedures. Additionally, it highlights the benefits of combining AI-generated predictions with patient-specific factors, such as bone quality, implant location, and overall health status. By adopting this holistic approach, clinicians can achieve a more accurate and personalized assessment of implant success probability, ultimately improving treatment planning and long-term outcomes.

Unravelling the role of stem cell-derived exosomes in oral cancer treatment: A review

2025-02-08T10:54:57+07:00

Introduction: Oral cancer is the sixteenth most prevalent cancer globally, with Asian countries accounting for two-thirds of cases. Despite advancements in surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, late diagnosis, the absence of specific biomarkers, and the high cost of treatment result in poor outcomes. Tumor recurrence remains a significant challenge, highlighting the need for innovative therapeutic strategies. One promising avenue is the study of exosomes, which carry biomolecules like proteins, lipids, DNA, RNA, and microRNA, playing a key role in intercellular communication and the tumor microenvironment. Stem-cell-derived exosomes could revolutionize cancer therapy by targeting tumors and modulating immune responses. MicroRNAs within these exosomes are crucial in cancer progression, metastasis, and aggressiveness, contributing to high recurrence rates in oral cancer.

Methods: This review followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines to explore the therapeutic potential of stem cell-derived exosomes in oral cancer. A literature search in PubMed and Web of Science used terms related to "exosomes," "stem cells," and "oral cancer," including studies in English published before March 1, 2024. Original research, clinical trials, in vitro, and in vivo studies were selected; reviews and conference abstracts were excluded. Two reviewers independently screened and reviewed studies. Data extraction included study characteristics such as exosome origin, cargo, target cells, animal species, sample size, pathways, and primary outcomes.

Results: This review included nine studies, all conducted in vitro, with six also encompassing in vivo experiments. Notably, four of these studies were conducted in China. Findings suggest that stem cell-derived exosomes are promising candidates for oral cancer therapy, playing key roles in reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines, inducing apoptosis, enhancing cytotoxicity, inhibiting angiogenesis, and reducing oral cancer cell proliferation. The studies examined various types of exosomes derived from different stem cell sources, including umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells, cancer stem cells, and other relevant tumor-related cells.

Conclusions: This review unravels the therapeutic potential of stem cell-derived exosomes as promising tools for oral cancer therapy. Exosomes derived from UC-MSCs, SHED, MenSCs, and hBMSCs reduce inflammation, induce apoptosis, and modulate angiogenesis and metastasis. Offering advantages over conventional treatments, such as low immunogenicity and targeted delivery, further research and clinical trials are essential to validate their safety, efficacy, and mechanisms.

Mitochondria in the reproduction system and mitotherapy in assisted reproductive technology: the importance of mitochondria selection

2025-02-08T17:03:44+07:00

Mitochondria are central to energy production and are crucial for the proper operation of the reproductive system. Mitochondrial function and capacity determine whether germ cells are fertilizable, and embryos can safely reach developmental expectations. Impaired mitochondrial biogenesis and defects in mitochondrial DNA result in low birth rates, infertility, and, more seriously, unhealthy offspring with inherited and irreversible metabolic diseases. In recent years, mitochondrial transfer and transplantation have contributed greatly to the field of assisted reproductive technology, especially with advances in biotechnology. Much effort has been invested in refining mitotherapy techniques, aiming at improving the safety, efficacy, and accessibility of the treatment, while reducing costs, labor, and ethical issues. Recent research has shown numerous changes in the approaches with innovative ideas and new materials. This review highlights the role of mitochondria in the reproductive system and the current efforts to improve the outcomes in ART cases with mitochondrial issues. We also summarize different types of mitochondrial transplantation techniques and emphasize the importance of mitochondria selection for reproductive purposes.

Unveiling the anticancer effect of citral through inhibition of stemness in estrogen-positive breast cancer

2025-02-09T08:39:36+07:00

Introduction: Breast cancer remains a significant challenge due to disease recurrence and metastasis, often attributed to the persistence of treatment-resistant breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). Citral, a compound derived from lemongrass essential oil, has demonstrated cytotoxic effects on various cancers, including breast cancer. This study investigates the anticancer mechanisms of Citral in BCSC-enriched 3D cultured spheroids and evaluates its therapeutic potential for estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.

Methods: Using flow cytometry, the CD44⁺CD24^- population was analyzed, and real-time PCR was employed to measure the expression of ALDH isoforms and pluripotency genes. Additionally, the Nanostring nCounter® PanCancer Pathway Panel was utilized to identify gene expression changes in cancer-related pathways.

Results: Citral treatment significantly reduced spheroid size and the CD44⁺CD24^- stem-like cell population, accompanied by downregulation of ALDH isoforms and pluripotency genes. Gene expression analysis revealed Citral's modulation of key pathways, including PI3K/Akt signaling, cell cycle control, DNA damage response, and apoptosis.

Conclusion: These findings underscore Citral's potential as a promising anticancer agent, particularly for targeting estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cells and BCSCs. Further preclinical and clinical studies are warranted to explore its therapeutic applications.

A case report: Perforation of the small intestine and sigmoid colon due to Kirschner wire migration

2025-02-08T04:43:05+07:00

Introduction: Kirschner wires (K-wires) are extensively utilized in orthopedic and trauma procedures. Several risks associated with K-wires have been documented, including a rare case of intestinal perforation caused by wire migration into the pelvis.

Case Report: In this report, we present the case of an 84-year-old woman with a history of left femoral neck fracture fixation surgery using a K-wire. She was hospitalized in the emergency room due to persistent dull pain in the left iliac fossa for 7 days. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan revealed an abscess in the left iliac fossa and a K-wire located in the abdominal cavity adjacent to the abscess. An emergency laparotomy was performed, and three perforations were identified. The surgery involved removal of the K-wire, closure of the small bowel perforation, and exteriorizing a segment of the damaged sigmoid colon to form a stoma. With timely diagnosis and treatment, the patient experienced significant recovery within 13 days postoperatively.

Conclusion: Perforation of the small intestine and sigmoid colon due to Kirschner wire migration is a rare complication. However, it should be considered in patients with a history of orthopedic surgery involving K-wires.