In recent years,Mendelian randomization(MR)has been increasingly utilized,leveraging genetic variants as instrumental variables.This approach significantly mitigates confounder effects and reverse causation,precisely ...In recent years,Mendelian randomization(MR)has been increasingly utilized,leveraging genetic variants as instrumental variables.This approach significantly mitigates confounder effects and reverse causation,precisely clarifying the causal links between exposures and outcomes.MR’s unique advantages have made it instrumental in medicine,especially in elucidating glaucoma’s etiology.It facilitates the identification of potential risk factors,laying the groundwork for developing preventative and therapeutic strategies against glaucoma.Recent MR research has delved into diverse potential glaucoma risk factors,including behavioral habits,metabolic profiles,and their causative linkage to the disease.This review encapsulates MR’s analysis in glaucoma etiology,heralding new avenues for understanding underlying mechanisms and establishing causality.展开更多
The uveitis-glaucoma-hyphema(UGH)syndrome,initially described in 1978,presents as an iatrogenic complication associated with contact between intraocular implant and ocular tissue.This syndrome encompasses a spectrum o...The uveitis-glaucoma-hyphema(UGH)syndrome,initially described in 1978,presents as an iatrogenic complication associated with contact between intraocular implant and ocular tissue.This syndrome encompasses a spectrum of clinical manifestations,including intraocular inflammation,elevated intraocular pressure,and recurrent hemorrhage.Advances in cataract surgery techniques reduced the incidence of early intraocular lens(IOL)dislocation while inversely increased rates of delayed dislocation.The primary etiology of UGH syndrome is IOL subluxation.Weakness of the ciliary zonules or unstable IOL fixation techniques may predispose the eye to iris-lens contact.Other contributing factors include Soemmering’s ring formation,abnormal iris and ciliary body anatomy,positional changes,and improper positioning of glaucoma implants.Clinical examination and imaging modalities such as ultrasound biomicroscopy and anterior segment optical coherence tomography supports diagnosis of UGH.Treatment options range from observation and medical therapies to invasive procedures such as laser therapy,IOL repositioning,or replacement.Endoscopy provides direct visualization for identifying causes intraoperatively,aiding in tailored surgical approaches towards minimal intervention.In conclusion,UGH syndrome poses a complex clinical challenge,emphasizing the importance of understanding its etiology,accurate diagnosis,and personalized management strategies to mitigate its impact on visual function and ensure favorable outcomes.展开更多
Liver fibrosis is a reversible wound-healing process aimed at maintaining organ integrity, and presents as the critical pre-stage of liver cirrhosis, which will eventually progress to hepatocellular carcinoma in the a...Liver fibrosis is a reversible wound-healing process aimed at maintaining organ integrity, and presents as the critical pre-stage of liver cirrhosis, which will eventually progress to hepatocellular carcinoma in the absence of liver transplantation. Fibrosis generally results from chronic hepatic injury caused by various factors, mainly viral infection, schistosomiasis, and alcoholism; however, the exact pathological mechanisms are still unknown. Although numerous drugs have been shown to have antifibrotic activity in vitro and in animal models, none of these drugs have been shown to be efficacious in the clinic. Importantly, hepatic stellate cells(HSCs) play a key role in the initiation, progression, and regression of liver fibrosis by secreting fibrogenic factors that encourage portal fibrocytes, fibroblasts, and bone marrow-derived myofibroblasts to produce collagen and thereby propagate fibrosis. These cells are subject to intricate cross-talk with adjacent cells, resulting in scarring and subsequent liver damage. Thus, an understanding of the molecular mechanisms of liver fibrosis and their relationships with HSCs is essential for the discovery of new therapeutic targets. This comprehensive review outlines the role of HSCs in liver fibrosis and details novel strategies to suppress HSC activity, thereby providing new insights into potential treatments for liver fibrosis.展开更多
Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas.The etiology and pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis have been intensively investigated for centuries worldwide.Many causes of acute pancreatitis have been ...Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas.The etiology and pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis have been intensively investigated for centuries worldwide.Many causes of acute pancreatitis have been discovered,but the pathogenetic theories are controversial.The most common cause of acute pancreatitis is gallstone impacting the distal common bile-pancreatic duct.The majority ofinvestigators accept that the main factors for acute billiary pancreatitis are pancreatic hyperstimulation and bile-pancreatic duct obstruction which increase pancreatic duct pressure and active trypsin reflux.Acute pancreatitis occurs when intracellular protective mechanisms to prevent trypsinogen activation or reduce trypsin activity are overwhelmed.However,little is known about the other acute pancreatitis.We hypothesize that acute biliary pancreatitis and other causes of acute pancreatitis possess a common pathogenesis.Pancreatic hyperstimulation and pancreatic duct obstruction increase pancreatic duct pressure,active trypsin reflux,and subsequent unregulated activation of trypsin within pancreatic acinar cells.Enzyme activation within the pancreas leads to auto-digestion of the gland and local inflammation.Once the hypothesis is confirmed,traditional therapeutic strategies against acute pancreatitis may be improved.Decompression of pancreatic duct pressure should be advocated in the treatment of acute pancreatitits which may greatly improve its outcome.展开更多
Esophageal cancer is one of the most fatal diseases worldwide mainly because of its rapid progression and poor prognosis.Although the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma has markedly risen in North America and Euro...Esophageal cancer is one of the most fatal diseases worldwide mainly because of its rapid progression and poor prognosis.Although the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma has markedly risen in North America and Europe in the past several decades, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is still the predominant subtype of esophageal cancer, especially in China. It accounts for more than 90% of all esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cases in China. Geographical differentiation is one of the most distinctive characteristics of esophageal cancer. The progression, risk factors, and prognosis of these two subtypes of esophageal cancer differ. This study reviews the epidemiology, etiology, and prevention of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in China, thereby providing systematic references for policy-makers who will decide on issues of esophageal cancer prevention and control.展开更多
Budd-Chiari syndrome is a congestive hepatopathy caused by blockage of hepatic veins. This syndrome occurs in 1/100 000 in the general population. Hypercoagulable state could be identified in 75% of the patients; more...Budd-Chiari syndrome is a congestive hepatopathy caused by blockage of hepatic veins. This syndrome occurs in 1/100 000 in the general population. Hypercoagulable state could be identified in 75% of the patients; more than one etiologic factor may play a role in 25% of the patients. Primary myeloproliferative diseases are the leading cause of the disease. Two of the hepatic veins must be blocked for clinically evident disease. Liver congestion and hypoxic damage of hepatocytes eventually result in predominantly centrilobular fibrosis. Doppler ultrasonography of the liver should be the initial diagnostic procedure. Hepatic venography is the reference procedure if required. Additionally liver biopsy may be helpful for differential diagnosis. The prognosis of the chronic form is acceptable compared to other chronic liver diseases.展开更多
Stomach carcinoma is still the leading cause of cancer death in China and the second one in the world. Its possible causes include: A) chemical factors such as intragastric formation of N-nitroso compounds (NOC) and h...Stomach carcinoma is still the leading cause of cancer death in China and the second one in the world. Its possible causes include: A) chemical factors such as intragastric formation of N-nitroso compounds (NOC) and high salt intake; B ) biological factors such as infection of Helicobacter pylori and biotoxins intake; and C ) nutritional factors such as deficiency of vitamin C, selenium, and other antioxidants. Nitrogenous precursors of NOC, e.g., alkylamines, alkylureas, alkylguanidines, and alkylamides, occur widely in nature and potential nitrosating agents, e.g., nitrite (NO2-) and NOx (the gaseous oxides of nitrogen ) are similarly widespread. Relationship between exposure to NOC and causes of human cancer was investigated extensively ten years ago. Results indicated that the exposures of NOC might contribute to the occurrences of malignancy in the upper digestive tracts including stomachs. It was also observed that both high salt intake and deficiency of some micronutrients enhanced NOC-induced carcinogenicity. Recent studies show that infection of H. pylori can lead to atrophic gastritis and achlorhydria, and promote endogenous formation of NOC indirectly[1] . Much attention has been paid to stomach cancer and NOC regarding the characterization of natural N-nitrosamides in human environment in the 1990s.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the etiology and clinical characteristics of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) in elderly patients (≥ 60 years of age). METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively all the SAP cases treated in Xuanwu Hospi...AIM: To investigate the etiology and clinical characteristics of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) in elderly patients (≥ 60 years of age). METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively all the SAP cases treated in Xuanwu Hospital in Beijing between 2000 and 2007. RESULTS: In 169 patients with SAP, 94 were elderly and 16 died. Biliary and idiopathic etiologies were the first two causes that accounted for over 90% of SAP in the elderly. Biliary, hyperlipemic and alcoholic etiologies were the first three causes in the young. The proportion of co- morbidity of cholelithiasis, biliary infection, hypertension and coronary heart disease in the aged was significantly higher than that in their young partners. The scores of APACHE Ⅱ and Ranson were also significantly higher in the elderly except the CT score. Organ failures were more common in the elderly, but the local pancreatic complications were not different between the two groups. Mortality of the aged was correlated with the severity of SAP, multiple co-morbidity and incidence of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). MODS was the main cause of death. CONCLUSION: The etiology of SAP in the elderly is quite different from that in the young. Biliary and unknown factors are main causes in the aged. The elderly are subject to major organ failures but there is no difference in the occurrence of local pancreatic complications between the elderly and the young. It is crucial to monitor and improve the functions of major organs so as to prevent MODS in the aged with SAP.展开更多
INTRODUCTIONChina is a country with a high incidence of liver cancer insome areas.Liver cancer has a wide distribution andthreatens human health seriously.A rough estimationshows that out of a population of 1.2×1...INTRODUCTIONChina is a country with a high incidence of liver cancer insome areas.Liver cancer has a wide distribution andthreatens human health seriously.A rough estimationshows that out of a population of 1.2×10~8 in liver展开更多
AIM: To assess the functional status and etiology of liver cirrhosis by quantitative 31p magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS).METHODS: A total of 80 patients with liver cirrhosis of different etiology and functional ...AIM: To assess the functional status and etiology of liver cirrhosis by quantitative 31p magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS).METHODS: A total of 80 patients with liver cirrhosis of different etiology and functional status described by Child-Pugh score were examined and compared to 11 healthy volunteers. MR examination was performed on a 1.5 T imager using a 1H/31P surface coil by the 2D chemical shift imaging technique.Absolute concentrations of phosphomonoesters (PME),phosphodiesters (PDE), inorganic phosphate (Pi) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were measured.RESULTS: MRS changes reflected the degree of liver dysfunction in all the patients as well as in individual etiological groups. The most important change was a decrease of PDE. It was possible to distinguish alcoholic,viral and cholestatic etiologies based on MR spectra.Alcoholic and viral etiology differed in PDE (alcoholic,viral, controls: 6.5±2.3, 6.5±3.1, 10.8±2.7 mmol/L,P＜0.001) and ATP (alcoholic, viral, controls: 2.9±0.8, 2.8±0.9, 3.7±1.0 mmol/L, P＜0.01) from the control group.Unlike viral etiology, patients with alcoholic etiology also differed in Pi (alcoholic, controls: 1.2±0.4, 1.6±0.6mmol/L, P＜0.05) from controls. No significant changes were found in patients with cholestatic disease and controls; nevertheless, this group differed from both alcoholic and viral groups (cholestatic, alcoholic, viral: 9.4±2.7, 6.5±2.3, 6.5±3.1 mmol/L, P＜0.005) in PDE.CONCLUSION: 31p MRS can significantly help in noninvasive separation of different etiological groups leading to liver cirrhosis. In addition, MRS changes reflect functional liver injury.展开更多
Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD),including both ulcerative colitis(UC) and Crohn's disease(CD),emerged and dramatically increased for about a century.Despite extensive research,its cause remains regarded as unknown...Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD),including both ulcerative colitis(UC) and Crohn's disease(CD),emerged and dramatically increased for about a century.Despite extensive research,its cause remains regarded as unknown.About a decade ago,a series of findings made me suspect that saccharin may be a key causative factor for IBD,through its inhibition on gut bacteria and the resultant impaired inactivation of digestive proteases and over digestion of the mucus layer and gut barrier(the Bacteria-Protease-Mucus-Barrier hypothesis).It explained many puzzles in IBD such as its emergence and temporal changes in last century.Recently I further found evidence suggesting sucralose may be also linked to IBD through a similar mechanism as saccharin and have contributed to the recent worldwide increase of IBD.This new hypothesis suggests that UC and CD are just two symptoms of the same morbidity,rather than two different diseases.They are both caused by a weakening in gut barrier and only differ in that UC is mainly due to increased infiltration of gut bacteria and the resultant recruitment of neutrophils and formation of crypt abscess,while CD is mainly due to increased infiltration of antigens and particles from gut lumen and the resultant recruitment of macrophages and formation of granulomas.It explained the delayed appearance but accelerated increase of CD over UC and many other phenomena.This paper aims to provide a detailed description of a unified hypothesis regardingthe etiology of IBD,including the cause and mechanism of IBD,as well as the relationship between UC and CD.展开更多
The outbreak of novel coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)has resulted in global emergence.With the expansion of related research,in addition to respiratory symptoms,digestive system involvement such as nausea,vomiting,...The outbreak of novel coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)has resulted in global emergence.With the expansion of related research,in addition to respiratory symptoms,digestive system involvement such as nausea,vomiting,and diarrhea have also been reported with COVID-19.Besides,abnormal liver function is also frequent in biochemical tests of COVID-19 patients,which is correlated with the severity and mortality of the disease course.The etiology of liver injury in patients with COVID-19 might include viral immunologic injury,drug-induced liver injury,the systemic inflammatory response,hypoxic hepatitis,and the exacerbation of preexisting liver disease.Although liver injuries in COVID-19 are often transient and reversible,health workers need to pay attention to preexisting liver disease,monitor liver function,strengthen supportive treatment,and reduce the chance of drug-induced liver injury.This article reviews the epidemiological characteristics,etiology,management,and preventive strategies for liver injury in patients with COVID-19.展开更多
AIM: To research the etiology, portal vein thrombosis and other features of Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) patients prospectively. METHODS: A total of 75 patients (40 female, 35 male) who were diagnosed between January 20...AIM: To research the etiology, portal vein thrombosis and other features of Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) patients prospectively. METHODS: A total of 75 patients (40 female, 35 male) who were diagnosed between January 2002 and July 2004 as having BCS were studied prospectively. Findings from on physical examination, ultrasonography, duplex ultrasonography and venography were analyzed. Hemogram and blood chemistry were studied at the time of diagnosis and on each hospital visit. Bone marrow examination and immune phenotyping were performed by a hematologist when necessary. Protein C, S, antithrombin Ⅲ, activated protein C resistance, and anticardiolipin antibodies, antinuclear antibodies, and anti ds-DNA were studied twice. The presence of ascite, esophageal varices, and portal thrombosis were evaluated at admission and on every visit. RESULTS: At least one etiological factor was determined in 54 (72%) of the patients. The etiology could not be defined in 21 (28%) patients. One etiological factor was found in 39, 2 factors in 14 and 3 factors in 1 patient. The most common cause was the web (16%), the second was Hydatid disease (11%), the third was Behcet’s disease (9%). Portal vein thrombosis was present in 11 patients and at least one etiology was identified in 9 of them (82%). CONCLUSION: Behcet’s disease and hydatid disease are more prominent etiological factors in Turkey than in other countries. Patients with web have an excellent response to treatment without signs of portal veinthrombosis while patients having thrombofilic factors more than one are prone to develop portal vein thrombosis with worse clinical outcome.展开更多
In December 2019,a novel coronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)was identified in Wuhan,China causing coronavirus disease-2019(COVID-19).Numerous studies have shown varying degree...In December 2019,a novel coronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)was identified in Wuhan,China causing coronavirus disease-2019(COVID-19).Numerous studies have shown varying degrees of liver damage in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2.However,in previous case studies of COVID-19,the exact cause of liver injury has not been clearly elucidated,nor is there clear evidence of the interaction between liver injury and COVID-19.This study will analyze the causes of liver injury in COVID-19 and the influence of liver-related complications on the treatment and prognosis of COVID-19.展开更多
Microscopic colitis is a common cause of chronic,nonbloody diarrhea. Microscopic colitis is more common in women than men and usually affects patients in their sixth and seventh decade. This article reviews the etiolo...Microscopic colitis is a common cause of chronic,nonbloody diarrhea. Microscopic colitis is more common in women than men and usually affects patients in their sixth and seventh decade. This article reviews the etiology and medical management of microscopic colitis. The etiology of microscopic colitis is unknown, but it is associated with autoimmune disorders, such as celiac disease, polyarthritis, and thyroid disorders. Smoking has been identified as a risk factor of mi-croscopic colitis. Exposure to medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, proton pump inhibitors, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, is suspected to play a role in microscopic colitis, although their direct causal relationship has not been proven. Multiple medications, including corticosteroids, anti-diarrheals, cholestyramine, bismuth, 5-aminosalicylates, and immunomodulators, have been used to treat microscopic colitis with variable response rates. Budesonide is effective in inducing and maintaining clinical remission but relapse rate is as high as 82% when budesonide is discontinued. There is limited data on management of steroid-dependent microscopic colitis or refractory microscopic colitis. Immunomodulators seem to have low response rate 0%-56% for patients with refractory microscopic colitis. Response rate 66%-100% was observed for use of anti-tumor necrosis factor(TNF) therapy for refractory microscopic colitis. Anti-TNF and diverting ileostomy may be an option in severe or refractory microscopic colitis.展开更多
Objective This study was conducted to investigate the viral and bacterial etiology and epidemiology of patients with acute febrile respiratory syndrome(AFRS) in Qinghai using a commercial routine multiplex-ligation-nu...Objective This study was conducted to investigate the viral and bacterial etiology and epidemiology of patients with acute febrile respiratory syndrome(AFRS) in Qinghai using a commercial routine multiplex-ligation-nucleic acid amplification test(NAT)-based assay. Methods A total of 445 nasopharyngeal swabs specimens from patients with AFRS were analyzed using the RespiFinderSmart22 kit(PathoFinder BV, Netherlands) and the LightCycler 480 real-time PCR system. Results Among the 225(225/445, 51%) positive specimens, 329 positive pathogens were detected, including 298(90.58%) viruses and 31(9%) bacteria. The most commonly detected pathogens were influenza virus(IFV;37.39%;123/329), adenovirus(AdV;17.02%;56/329), human coronaviruses(HCoVs;10.94%;36/329), rhinovirus/enterovirus(RV/EV;10.03%;33/329), parainfluenza viruses(PIVs;8.51%;28/329), and Mycoplasma pneumoniae(M. pneu;8.51%;28/329), respectively. Among the co-infected cases(17.53%;78/445), IFV/AdV and IFV/M. pneu were the most common co-infections. Most of the respiratory viruses were detected in summer and fall. Conclusion In our study, IFV-A was the most common respiratory pathogen among 22 detected pathogens, followed by AdV, HCoV, RV/EV, PIV, and M. pneu. Bacteria appeared less frequently than viruses, and co-infection was the most common phenomenon among viral pathogens. Pathogens were distributed among different age groups and respiratory viruses were generally active in July, September, and November. Enhanced surveillance and early detection can be useful in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of AFRS, as well as for guiding the development of appropriate public health strategies.展开更多
AIM: To identify and analyze the clinical presentation, management and outcome of patients with acute mechanical bowel obstruction along with the etiology of obstruction and the incidence and causes of bowel ischemia,...AIM: To identify and analyze the clinical presentation, management and outcome of patients with acute mechanical bowel obstruction along with the etiology of obstruction and the incidence and causes of bowel ischemia, necrosis, and perforation. METHODS: This is a prospective observational study of all adult patients admitted with acute mechanical bowel obstruction between 2001 and 2002. RESULTS: Of the 150 consecutive patients included in the study, 114 (76%) presented with small bowel and 36 (24%) with large bowel obstruction. Absence of passage of flatus (90%) and/or feces (80.6%) and abdominal distension (65.3%) were the most common symptoms and physical finding, respectively. Adhesions (64.8%), incarcerated hernias (14.8%), and large bowel cancer (13.4%) were the most frequent causes of obstruction. Eighty-eight patients (58.7%) were treated conservatively and 62 (41.3%) were operated (29 on the first day). Bowel ischemia was found in 21 cases (14%), necrosis in 14 (9.3%), and perforation in 8 (5.3%). Hernias, large bowel cancer, and adhesions were the most frequent causes of bowel ischemia (57.2%, 19.1%, 14.3%), necrosis (42.8%, 21.4%, 21.4%), and perforation (50%, 25%, 25%). A significantly higher risk of strangulation was noticed in incarcerated hernias than all the other obstruction causes. CONCLUSION: Absence of passage of flatus and/or feces and abdominal distension are the most common symptoms and physical finding of patients with acute mechanical bowel obstruction, respectively. Adhesions, hernias, and large bowel cancer are the most commoncauses of obstruction, as well as of bowel ischemia, necrosis, and perforation. Although an important proportion of these patients can be nonoperatively treated, a substantial portion requires immediate operation. Great caution should be taken for the treatment of these patients since the incidence of bowel ischemia, necrosis, and perforation is significantly high.展开更多
Neovascular glaucoma is defined as iris and/or anterior chamber angle neovascularization associated with increased intraocular pressure. It is a secondary glaucoma that is most frequently caused by severe retinal isch...Neovascular glaucoma is defined as iris and/or anterior chamber angle neovascularization associated with increased intraocular pressure. It is a secondary glaucoma that is most frequently caused by severe retinal ischemia. The most common diseases responsible for the development of neovascular glaucoma are diabetic retinopathy, ischemic central retinal vein occlusion,and ocular ischemic syndrome. Uncommon causes include ocular radiation, ocular tumors, uveitis and other miscellaneous conditions. Vascular endothelial growth factor is an important and likely predominant agent involved in the pathogenesis of intraocular neovascularization and neovascular glaucoma. The evolution of clinical and histopathological changes from predisposing conditions to the occurrence of rubeosis iridis and neovascular glaucoma is divided into four stages: prerubeosis, preglaucoma, open angle glaucoma, and angle-closure glaucoma.展开更多
In Germany, esophageal carcinoma is one of the ten most frequent causes of death. Normally the disease is found in men over the age of 50. Although squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the esophagus has been more commonly...In Germany, esophageal carcinoma is one of the ten most frequent causes of death. Normally the disease is found in men over the age of 50. Although squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the esophagus has been more commonly diagnosed over the past 30 years, there is increasing incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (AC) in Western industrialized countries. For SCC the known etiological risk factors are nicotine and alcohol abuse. For AC, they are moderate nicotine and alcohol consumption as well as gastro-esophageal re?ux and obesity.展开更多
Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic,debilitating disorder of the gastrointestinal tract.The etiology of inflammatory bowel disease has not been elucidated,but is thought to be multifactorial with both environmenta...Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic,debilitating disorder of the gastrointestinal tract.The etiology of inflammatory bowel disease has not been elucidated,but is thought to be multifactorial with both environmental and genetic influences.A large body of research has been conducted to elucidate the etiology of inflammatory bowel disease.This article reviews this literature,emphasizing the studies of breastfeeding and the studies of genetic factors,particularly NOD2 polymorphisms.展开更多
基金Supported by Shenzhen Science and Technology Program(No.JCYJ20220530152005013,No.JCYJ20230807114605011)Sanming Project of Medicine in Shenzhen(No.SZZYSM202411007).
文摘In recent years,Mendelian randomization(MR)has been increasingly utilized,leveraging genetic variants as instrumental variables.This approach significantly mitigates confounder effects and reverse causation,precisely clarifying the causal links between exposures and outcomes.MR’s unique advantages have made it instrumental in medicine,especially in elucidating glaucoma’s etiology.It facilitates the identification of potential risk factors,laying the groundwork for developing preventative and therapeutic strategies against glaucoma.Recent MR research has delved into diverse potential glaucoma risk factors,including behavioral habits,metabolic profiles,and their causative linkage to the disease.This review encapsulates MR’s analysis in glaucoma etiology,heralding new avenues for understanding underlying mechanisms and establishing causality.
文摘The uveitis-glaucoma-hyphema(UGH)syndrome,initially described in 1978,presents as an iatrogenic complication associated with contact between intraocular implant and ocular tissue.This syndrome encompasses a spectrum of clinical manifestations,including intraocular inflammation,elevated intraocular pressure,and recurrent hemorrhage.Advances in cataract surgery techniques reduced the incidence of early intraocular lens(IOL)dislocation while inversely increased rates of delayed dislocation.The primary etiology of UGH syndrome is IOL subluxation.Weakness of the ciliary zonules or unstable IOL fixation techniques may predispose the eye to iris-lens contact.Other contributing factors include Soemmering’s ring formation,abnormal iris and ciliary body anatomy,positional changes,and improper positioning of glaucoma implants.Clinical examination and imaging modalities such as ultrasound biomicroscopy and anterior segment optical coherence tomography supports diagnosis of UGH.Treatment options range from observation and medical therapies to invasive procedures such as laser therapy,IOL repositioning,or replacement.Endoscopy provides direct visualization for identifying causes intraoperatively,aiding in tailored surgical approaches towards minimal intervention.In conclusion,UGH syndrome poses a complex clinical challenge,emphasizing the importance of understanding its etiology,accurate diagnosis,and personalized management strategies to mitigate its impact on visual function and ensure favorable outcomes.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81300251
文摘Liver fibrosis is a reversible wound-healing process aimed at maintaining organ integrity, and presents as the critical pre-stage of liver cirrhosis, which will eventually progress to hepatocellular carcinoma in the absence of liver transplantation. Fibrosis generally results from chronic hepatic injury caused by various factors, mainly viral infection, schistosomiasis, and alcoholism; however, the exact pathological mechanisms are still unknown. Although numerous drugs have been shown to have antifibrotic activity in vitro and in animal models, none of these drugs have been shown to be efficacious in the clinic. Importantly, hepatic stellate cells(HSCs) play a key role in the initiation, progression, and regression of liver fibrosis by secreting fibrogenic factors that encourage portal fibrocytes, fibroblasts, and bone marrow-derived myofibroblasts to produce collagen and thereby propagate fibrosis. These cells are subject to intricate cross-talk with adjacent cells, resulting in scarring and subsequent liver damage. Thus, an understanding of the molecular mechanisms of liver fibrosis and their relationships with HSCs is essential for the discovery of new therapeutic targets. This comprehensive review outlines the role of HSCs in liver fibrosis and details novel strategies to suppress HSC activity, thereby providing new insights into potential treatments for liver fibrosis.
文摘Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas.The etiology and pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis have been intensively investigated for centuries worldwide.Many causes of acute pancreatitis have been discovered,but the pathogenetic theories are controversial.The most common cause of acute pancreatitis is gallstone impacting the distal common bile-pancreatic duct.The majority ofinvestigators accept that the main factors for acute billiary pancreatitis are pancreatic hyperstimulation and bile-pancreatic duct obstruction which increase pancreatic duct pressure and active trypsin reflux.Acute pancreatitis occurs when intracellular protective mechanisms to prevent trypsinogen activation or reduce trypsin activity are overwhelmed.However,little is known about the other acute pancreatitis.We hypothesize that acute biliary pancreatitis and other causes of acute pancreatitis possess a common pathogenesis.Pancreatic hyperstimulation and pancreatic duct obstruction increase pancreatic duct pressure,active trypsin reflux,and subsequent unregulated activation of trypsin within pancreatic acinar cells.Enzyme activation within the pancreas leads to auto-digestion of the gland and local inflammation.Once the hypothesis is confirmed,traditional therapeutic strategies against acute pancreatitis may be improved.Decompression of pancreatic duct pressure should be advocated in the treatment of acute pancreatitits which may greatly improve its outcome.
文摘Esophageal cancer is one of the most fatal diseases worldwide mainly because of its rapid progression and poor prognosis.Although the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma has markedly risen in North America and Europe in the past several decades, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is still the predominant subtype of esophageal cancer, especially in China. It accounts for more than 90% of all esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cases in China. Geographical differentiation is one of the most distinctive characteristics of esophageal cancer. The progression, risk factors, and prognosis of these two subtypes of esophageal cancer differ. This study reviews the epidemiology, etiology, and prevention of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in China, thereby providing systematic references for policy-makers who will decide on issues of esophageal cancer prevention and control.
基金Yusuf Bayraktar, MD, Gastroenterology Department, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. bayrak@hacettepe.edu.trTelephone: +90-312-3051712 Fax: +90-312-3051490
文摘Budd-Chiari syndrome is a congestive hepatopathy caused by blockage of hepatic veins. This syndrome occurs in 1/100 000 in the general population. Hypercoagulable state could be identified in 75% of the patients; more than one etiologic factor may play a role in 25% of the patients. Primary myeloproliferative diseases are the leading cause of the disease. Two of the hepatic veins must be blocked for clinically evident disease. Liver congestion and hypoxic damage of hepatocytes eventually result in predominantly centrilobular fibrosis. Doppler ultrasonography of the liver should be the initial diagnostic procedure. Hepatic venography is the reference procedure if required. Additionally liver biopsy may be helpful for differential diagnosis. The prognosis of the chronic form is acceptable compared to other chronic liver diseases.
文摘Stomach carcinoma is still the leading cause of cancer death in China and the second one in the world. Its possible causes include: A) chemical factors such as intragastric formation of N-nitroso compounds (NOC) and high salt intake; B ) biological factors such as infection of Helicobacter pylori and biotoxins intake; and C ) nutritional factors such as deficiency of vitamin C, selenium, and other antioxidants. Nitrogenous precursors of NOC, e.g., alkylamines, alkylureas, alkylguanidines, and alkylamides, occur widely in nature and potential nitrosating agents, e.g., nitrite (NO2-) and NOx (the gaseous oxides of nitrogen ) are similarly widespread. Relationship between exposure to NOC and causes of human cancer was investigated extensively ten years ago. Results indicated that the exposures of NOC might contribute to the occurrences of malignancy in the upper digestive tracts including stomachs. It was also observed that both high salt intake and deficiency of some micronutrients enhanced NOC-induced carcinogenicity. Recent studies show that infection of H. pylori can lead to atrophic gastritis and achlorhydria, and promote endogenous formation of NOC indirectly[1] . Much attention has been paid to stomach cancer and NOC regarding the characterization of natural N-nitrosamides in human environment in the 1990s.
文摘AIM: To investigate the etiology and clinical characteristics of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) in elderly patients (≥ 60 years of age). METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively all the SAP cases treated in Xuanwu Hospital in Beijing between 2000 and 2007. RESULTS: In 169 patients with SAP, 94 were elderly and 16 died. Biliary and idiopathic etiologies were the first two causes that accounted for over 90% of SAP in the elderly. Biliary, hyperlipemic and alcoholic etiologies were the first three causes in the young. The proportion of co- morbidity of cholelithiasis, biliary infection, hypertension and coronary heart disease in the aged was significantly higher than that in their young partners. The scores of APACHE Ⅱ and Ranson were also significantly higher in the elderly except the CT score. Organ failures were more common in the elderly, but the local pancreatic complications were not different between the two groups. Mortality of the aged was correlated with the severity of SAP, multiple co-morbidity and incidence of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). MODS was the main cause of death. CONCLUSION: The etiology of SAP in the elderly is quite different from that in the young. Biliary and unknown factors are main causes in the aged. The elderly are subject to major organ failures but there is no difference in the occurrence of local pancreatic complications between the elderly and the young. It is crucial to monitor and improve the functions of major organs so as to prevent MODS in the aged with SAP.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China,№48970193
文摘INTRODUCTIONChina is a country with a high incidence of liver cancer insome areas.Liver cancer has a wide distribution andthreatens human health seriously.A rough estimationshows that out of a population of 1.2×10~8 in liver
基金Supported by grant from Ministry of Health IGA 7853-3, and MZO 00023001, Czech Republic
文摘AIM: To assess the functional status and etiology of liver cirrhosis by quantitative 31p magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS).METHODS: A total of 80 patients with liver cirrhosis of different etiology and functional status described by Child-Pugh score were examined and compared to 11 healthy volunteers. MR examination was performed on a 1.5 T imager using a 1H/31P surface coil by the 2D chemical shift imaging technique.Absolute concentrations of phosphomonoesters (PME),phosphodiesters (PDE), inorganic phosphate (Pi) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were measured.RESULTS: MRS changes reflected the degree of liver dysfunction in all the patients as well as in individual etiological groups. The most important change was a decrease of PDE. It was possible to distinguish alcoholic,viral and cholestatic etiologies based on MR spectra.Alcoholic and viral etiology differed in PDE (alcoholic,viral, controls: 6.5±2.3, 6.5±3.1, 10.8±2.7 mmol/L,P＜0.001) and ATP (alcoholic, viral, controls: 2.9±0.8, 2.8±0.9, 3.7±1.0 mmol/L, P＜0.01) from the control group.Unlike viral etiology, patients with alcoholic etiology also differed in Pi (alcoholic, controls: 1.2±0.4, 1.6±0.6mmol/L, P＜0.05) from controls. No significant changes were found in patients with cholestatic disease and controls; nevertheless, this group differed from both alcoholic and viral groups (cholestatic, alcoholic, viral: 9.4±2.7, 6.5±2.3, 6.5±3.1 mmol/L, P＜0.005) in PDE.CONCLUSION: 31p MRS can significantly help in noninvasive separation of different etiological groups leading to liver cirrhosis. In addition, MRS changes reflect functional liver injury.
文摘Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD),including both ulcerative colitis(UC) and Crohn's disease(CD),emerged and dramatically increased for about a century.Despite extensive research,its cause remains regarded as unknown.About a decade ago,a series of findings made me suspect that saccharin may be a key causative factor for IBD,through its inhibition on gut bacteria and the resultant impaired inactivation of digestive proteases and over digestion of the mucus layer and gut barrier(the Bacteria-Protease-Mucus-Barrier hypothesis).It explained many puzzles in IBD such as its emergence and temporal changes in last century.Recently I further found evidence suggesting sucralose may be also linked to IBD through a similar mechanism as saccharin and have contributed to the recent worldwide increase of IBD.This new hypothesis suggests that UC and CD are just two symptoms of the same morbidity,rather than two different diseases.They are both caused by a weakening in gut barrier and only differ in that UC is mainly due to increased infiltration of gut bacteria and the resultant recruitment of neutrophils and formation of crypt abscess,while CD is mainly due to increased infiltration of antigens and particles from gut lumen and the resultant recruitment of macrophages and formation of granulomas.It explained the delayed appearance but accelerated increase of CD over UC and many other phenomena.This paper aims to provide a detailed description of a unified hypothesis regardingthe etiology of IBD,including the cause and mechanism of IBD,as well as the relationship between UC and CD.
基金Supported by the National Key Research and Development Program,No.2017YFC0908903National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81873565 and No.81900507Hospital Funded Clinical Research,Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine,No.17CSK04.
文摘The outbreak of novel coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)has resulted in global emergence.With the expansion of related research,in addition to respiratory symptoms,digestive system involvement such as nausea,vomiting,and diarrhea have also been reported with COVID-19.Besides,abnormal liver function is also frequent in biochemical tests of COVID-19 patients,which is correlated with the severity and mortality of the disease course.The etiology of liver injury in patients with COVID-19 might include viral immunologic injury,drug-induced liver injury,the systemic inflammatory response,hypoxic hepatitis,and the exacerbation of preexisting liver disease.Although liver injuries in COVID-19 are often transient and reversible,health workers need to pay attention to preexisting liver disease,monitor liver function,strengthen supportive treatment,and reduce the chance of drug-induced liver injury.This article reviews the epidemiological characteristics,etiology,management,and preventive strategies for liver injury in patients with COVID-19.
文摘AIM: To research the etiology, portal vein thrombosis and other features of Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) patients prospectively. METHODS: A total of 75 patients (40 female, 35 male) who were diagnosed between January 2002 and July 2004 as having BCS were studied prospectively. Findings from on physical examination, ultrasonography, duplex ultrasonography and venography were analyzed. Hemogram and blood chemistry were studied at the time of diagnosis and on each hospital visit. Bone marrow examination and immune phenotyping were performed by a hematologist when necessary. Protein C, S, antithrombin Ⅲ, activated protein C resistance, and anticardiolipin antibodies, antinuclear antibodies, and anti ds-DNA were studied twice. The presence of ascite, esophageal varices, and portal thrombosis were evaluated at admission and on every visit. RESULTS: At least one etiological factor was determined in 54 (72%) of the patients. The etiology could not be defined in 21 (28%) patients. One etiological factor was found in 39, 2 factors in 14 and 3 factors in 1 patient. The most common cause was the web (16%), the second was Hydatid disease (11%), the third was Behcet’s disease (9%). Portal vein thrombosis was present in 11 patients and at least one etiology was identified in 9 of them (82%). CONCLUSION: Behcet’s disease and hydatid disease are more prominent etiological factors in Turkey than in other countries. Patients with web have an excellent response to treatment without signs of portal veinthrombosis while patients having thrombofilic factors more than one are prone to develop portal vein thrombosis with worse clinical outcome.
基金Supported by Zhejiang University Special Scientific Research Fund for COVID-19 Prevention and Control,No.2020XGZX052.
文摘In December 2019,a novel coronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)was identified in Wuhan,China causing coronavirus disease-2019(COVID-19).Numerous studies have shown varying degrees of liver damage in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2.However,in previous case studies of COVID-19,the exact cause of liver injury has not been clearly elucidated,nor is there clear evidence of the interaction between liver injury and COVID-19.This study will analyze the causes of liver injury in COVID-19 and the influence of liver-related complications on the treatment and prognosis of COVID-19.
文摘Microscopic colitis is a common cause of chronic,nonbloody diarrhea. Microscopic colitis is more common in women than men and usually affects patients in their sixth and seventh decade. This article reviews the etiology and medical management of microscopic colitis. The etiology of microscopic colitis is unknown, but it is associated with autoimmune disorders, such as celiac disease, polyarthritis, and thyroid disorders. Smoking has been identified as a risk factor of mi-croscopic colitis. Exposure to medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, proton pump inhibitors, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, is suspected to play a role in microscopic colitis, although their direct causal relationship has not been proven. Multiple medications, including corticosteroids, anti-diarrheals, cholestyramine, bismuth, 5-aminosalicylates, and immunomodulators, have been used to treat microscopic colitis with variable response rates. Budesonide is effective in inducing and maintaining clinical remission but relapse rate is as high as 82% when budesonide is discontinued. There is limited data on management of steroid-dependent microscopic colitis or refractory microscopic colitis. Immunomodulators seem to have low response rate 0%-56% for patients with refractory microscopic colitis. Response rate 66%-100% was observed for use of anti-tumor necrosis factor(TNF) therapy for refractory microscopic colitis. Anti-TNF and diverting ileostomy may be an option in severe or refractory microscopic colitis.
基金supported by State Major Project of Infections Disease Control and Prevention of China [2017ZX10104001-002-003 and 2014ZX10004001-002]the National Key Research and Development Program of China [2016YFD0500301 and 2016YFC1200200]
文摘Objective This study was conducted to investigate the viral and bacterial etiology and epidemiology of patients with acute febrile respiratory syndrome(AFRS) in Qinghai using a commercial routine multiplex-ligation-nucleic acid amplification test(NAT)-based assay. Methods A total of 445 nasopharyngeal swabs specimens from patients with AFRS were analyzed using the RespiFinderSmart22 kit(PathoFinder BV, Netherlands) and the LightCycler 480 real-time PCR system. Results Among the 225(225/445, 51%) positive specimens, 329 positive pathogens were detected, including 298(90.58%) viruses and 31(9%) bacteria. The most commonly detected pathogens were influenza virus(IFV;37.39%;123/329), adenovirus(AdV;17.02%;56/329), human coronaviruses(HCoVs;10.94%;36/329), rhinovirus/enterovirus(RV/EV;10.03%;33/329), parainfluenza viruses(PIVs;8.51%;28/329), and Mycoplasma pneumoniae(M. pneu;8.51%;28/329), respectively. Among the co-infected cases(17.53%;78/445), IFV/AdV and IFV/M. pneu were the most common co-infections. Most of the respiratory viruses were detected in summer and fall. Conclusion In our study, IFV-A was the most common respiratory pathogen among 22 detected pathogens, followed by AdV, HCoV, RV/EV, PIV, and M. pneu. Bacteria appeared less frequently than viruses, and co-infection was the most common phenomenon among viral pathogens. Pathogens were distributed among different age groups and respiratory viruses were generally active in July, September, and November. Enhanced surveillance and early detection can be useful in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of AFRS, as well as for guiding the development of appropriate public health strategies.
文摘AIM: To identify and analyze the clinical presentation, management and outcome of patients with acute mechanical bowel obstruction along with the etiology of obstruction and the incidence and causes of bowel ischemia, necrosis, and perforation. METHODS: This is a prospective observational study of all adult patients admitted with acute mechanical bowel obstruction between 2001 and 2002. RESULTS: Of the 150 consecutive patients included in the study, 114 (76%) presented with small bowel and 36 (24%) with large bowel obstruction. Absence of passage of flatus (90%) and/or feces (80.6%) and abdominal distension (65.3%) were the most common symptoms and physical finding, respectively. Adhesions (64.8%), incarcerated hernias (14.8%), and large bowel cancer (13.4%) were the most frequent causes of obstruction. Eighty-eight patients (58.7%) were treated conservatively and 62 (41.3%) were operated (29 on the first day). Bowel ischemia was found in 21 cases (14%), necrosis in 14 (9.3%), and perforation in 8 (5.3%). Hernias, large bowel cancer, and adhesions were the most frequent causes of bowel ischemia (57.2%, 19.1%, 14.3%), necrosis (42.8%, 21.4%, 21.4%), and perforation (50%, 25%, 25%). A significantly higher risk of strangulation was noticed in incarcerated hernias than all the other obstruction causes. CONCLUSION: Absence of passage of flatus and/or feces and abdominal distension are the most common symptoms and physical finding of patients with acute mechanical bowel obstruction, respectively. Adhesions, hernias, and large bowel cancer are the most commoncauses of obstruction, as well as of bowel ischemia, necrosis, and perforation. Although an important proportion of these patients can be nonoperatively treated, a substantial portion requires immediate operation. Great caution should be taken for the treatment of these patients since the incidence of bowel ischemia, necrosis, and perforation is significantly high.
文摘Neovascular glaucoma is defined as iris and/or anterior chamber angle neovascularization associated with increased intraocular pressure. It is a secondary glaucoma that is most frequently caused by severe retinal ischemia. The most common diseases responsible for the development of neovascular glaucoma are diabetic retinopathy, ischemic central retinal vein occlusion,and ocular ischemic syndrome. Uncommon causes include ocular radiation, ocular tumors, uveitis and other miscellaneous conditions. Vascular endothelial growth factor is an important and likely predominant agent involved in the pathogenesis of intraocular neovascularization and neovascular glaucoma. The evolution of clinical and histopathological changes from predisposing conditions to the occurrence of rubeosis iridis and neovascular glaucoma is divided into four stages: prerubeosis, preglaucoma, open angle glaucoma, and angle-closure glaucoma.
文摘In Germany, esophageal carcinoma is one of the ten most frequent causes of death. Normally the disease is found in men over the age of 50. Although squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the esophagus has been more commonly diagnosed over the past 30 years, there is increasing incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (AC) in Western industrialized countries. For SCC the known etiological risk factors are nicotine and alcohol abuse. For AC, they are moderate nicotine and alcohol consumption as well as gastro-esophageal re?ux and obesity.
文摘Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic,debilitating disorder of the gastrointestinal tract.The etiology of inflammatory bowel disease has not been elucidated,but is thought to be multifactorial with both environmental and genetic influences.A large body of research has been conducted to elucidate the etiology of inflammatory bowel disease.This article reviews this literature,emphasizing the studies of breastfeeding and the studies of genetic factors,particularly NOD2 polymorphisms.
