1.Development and Validation of a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for Detecting Adrenocortical Hormones and Establishment of Age-Stratified Reference Intervals in Reproductive-Aged Women from Guangxi, China
Yixuan LIU ; Tingwei JIN ; Yushuang WEI ; Xuelian QIN ; Siyu DENG ; Jie ZHENG ; Boteng YAN ; Yuanyuan NONG ; Yu YE ; Shengzhu HUANG ; Yu LONG ; Jianmin LI ; Ganqin WANG ; Pei HUANG ; Jinghang JIANG ; Fan WU ; Zengnan MO ; Yonghua JIANG
Annals of Laboratory Medicine 2026;46(2):146-154
Background:
Adrenocortical hormones, particularly 11-oxygenated androgens, are pivotal in female reproductive health and fertility. Standardized detection kits and population-specific reference intervals are lacking in China, hindering related clinical applications.
Methods:
A HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) pipeline was developed, rigorously validated, and applied to simultaneously quantify corticosterone, cortisone, cortisol, 18-OH cortisol, androstenedione (A4), 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione (11-OH A4), dehydroepiandrosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in serum samples from 455 reproductive-aged women (18–45 yrs) in Guangxi, China. Age-dependent concentration trends were analyzed, and reference intervals stratified by age (2.5th to 97.5th percentiles) were established. Correlations with body-composition metrics, ethnicity, and the menstrual cycle were investigated.
Results:
The HPLC-MS/MS method demonstrated high precision (intra- and inter-assay CVs < 15%), accuracy, and sensitivity. All eight hormones exhibited significant age-related declines (P < 0.001 for seven hormones; P = 0.001 for 11-OH A4). Notably, 11-OH A4 levels were significantly lower in the 35–45-yr (3.05 nmol/L) and 25–34-yr (3.09 nmol/L) age groups than in the 18–24-yr (3.57 nmol/L) age group, whereas no significant difference was observed between the 35–45-yr and 25–34-yr age groups. Weak negative correlations were observed between the body mass index and corticosterone and cortisone levels, whereas ethnicity and the menstrual cycle showed no significant associations with hormone levels.
Conclusions
We developed an HPLC-MS/MS-based method for simultaneously quantifying eight adrenocortical hormones, including 11-OH A4, and defined age-specific reference intervals for reproductive-aged Chinese women. These findings advance the clinical utility of adrenocortical hormones in diagnosing and managing reproductive disorders.
2.Correlation of serum miR-210,TSG-6 and CTRP3 with myocardial fibrosis and prognosis in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy
Yebao WANG ; Yongping LIN ; Ling LIU ; Jianmin LI
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(23):3690-3696
Objective To investigate the correlation between serum microRNA-210(miR-210),tumor necrosis factor-stimulated gene 6(TSG-6),and complement C1q tumor necrosis factor-related protein 3(CTRP3)and their association with myocardial fibrosis and prognosis in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM).Methods A total of 117 patients with DCM admitted to Taizhou People's Hospital between March and August 2024 were enrolled in the DCM group.Based on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging findings,these patients were further classified into a myocardial fibrosis group(n=96)and a non-fibrosis group(n=21).Additionally,according to the occurrence of acute heart failure during one-year follow-up,they were categorized into a heart failure group(n=47)and a non-heart failure group(n=70).Concurrently,58 age-and sex-matched healthy volunteers were recruited as the control group.Serum levels of miR-210,TSG-6,CTRP3,N-terminal propeptide of type Ⅲ procollagen(PⅢNP),left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP)were measured and compared across all groups.Results The DCM group exhibited significantly higher serum levels of miR-210,TSG-6,PⅢNP,and NT-proBNP,lower CTRP3 levels,and reduced LVEF compared to the healthy controls(P<0.05).Similarly,the fibrosis group showed elevated serum levels of miR-210,TSG-6,PⅢNP,and NT-proBNP,decreased CTRP3 levels,and impaired LVEF relative to the non-fibrosis group(P<0.05).The heart failure group also demonstrated higher serum concentrations of these biomarkers,along with lower CTRP3 and reduced LVEF,compared to the non-heart failure group(P<0.05).Serum miR-210 and TSG-6 levels were positively correlated with PⅢNP and NT-proBNP(P<0.05)and negatively correlated with LVEF(P<0.05).Multivariate analysis revealed that elevated serum miR-210(OR=2.065,95%CI:1.116~3.821)and TSG-6(OR=1.047,95%CI:1.013~1.083)were independent risk factors for heart failure in DCM patients(P<0.05),whereas higher CTRP3 levels(OR=0.911,95%CI:0.849~0.978)were associated with a protective effect(P<0.05).The sensitivity of serum miR-210,TSG-6,and CTRP3 in predicting heart failure in DCM patients was 72.34%,74.47%,and 74.47%,respectively,with specificities of 62.86%,62.86%,and 68.57%,yielding AUC values of 0.669,0.712,and 0.759,respectively.Conclusions Serum levels of miR-210 and TSG-6 are elevated,whereas CTRP3 levels are reduced in patients with DCM.These biomarkers are closely associated with myocardial fibrosis and cardiac function impairment.Moreover,miR-210,TSG-6,and CTRP3 exhibit significant predictive value for the prognosis of DCM.
3.Diagnostic value of epicardial adipose tissue thickness combined with serum ADAM10 and STIM1 for coronary heart disease
Peilu XU ; Jianmin QIAO ; Jing LI ; Jianrong LIU ; Shujun CHEN ; Chunpeng JI
Tianjin Medical Journal 2025;53(9):963-967
Objective To explore the diagnostic value of epicardial adipose tissue(EAT)thickness combined with serum disintegrin metalloprotease 10(ADAM10)and stromal interaction molecule 1(STIM1)in coronary heart disease(CHD).Methods A total of 119 CHD patients were included as the study group,and 100 non-CHD patients in the same period were selected as the control group.The clinical data of the patients were collected.Serum ADAM10 and STIM1 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Color Doppler ultrasonography was applied to detect EAT thickness.Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze influencing factors of CHD occurrence.The diagnostic value of EAT thickness combined with serum ADAM10 and STIM1 levels in the diagnosis of CHD was analyzed by subject work characteristics(ROC)curves.Results The levels of triglycerides,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),EAT thickness,serum ADAM10 and STIM1 were higher in the study group than those in the control group(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that elevated EAT thickness,serum ADAM10,STIM1,triglyceride and LDL-C levels were independent risk factors for the occurrence of CHD(P<0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of EAT thickness combined with serum ADAM10 and STIM1 for the diagnosis of CHD[0.864(95%CI:0.811-0.907)]was higher than that of their respective individual diagnoses[0.801(95%CI:0.741-0.851),0.750(95%CI:0.687-0.806),respectively,0.799(95%CI:0.740-0.850)],and the sensitivity and specificity of the combined diagnosis were 82.35%and 83.00%,respectively.Conclusion EAT thickness,serum ADAM10 and STIM1 levels are obviously elevated in CHD patients,and the combination of the three tests has a high diagnostic value for CHD.
4.Chinese expert consensus on drug-coated balloon for the treatment of symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis
Tianxiao LI ; Liqun JIAO ; Zhongrong MIAO ; Jianmin LIU
Chinese Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2025;22(11):794-804
Endovascular interventional angioplasty is an important treatment for symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis(sICAS).However,conventional endovascular interventions,such as bare-metal stenting and plain balloon angioplasty,are associated with a high risk of restenosis.Drug-coated balloon(DCB),due to the drug-carrying properties,may reduce the long-term restenosis risk and represent a novel option for the endovascular intervention of sICAS.Presently,DCB for sICAS has been a subject of increasing clinical studies,and its clinical application has progressed to small-scale use.Nevertheless,it's lack of an unified guidelines or consensus to standardize its procedural indications,technical details,and perioperative management.This expert consensus summarized the relevant clinical studies on DCB for sICAS and incorporated the practical experience of specialists from neurointerventional field,aiming to provide reasonable guidance for the current clinical use of DCB in treating sICAS.
5.Correlation of serum miR-210,TSG-6 and CTRP3 with myocardial fibrosis and prognosis in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy
Yebao WANG ; Yongping LIN ; Ling LIU ; Jianmin LI
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(23):3690-3696
Objective To investigate the correlation between serum microRNA-210(miR-210),tumor necrosis factor-stimulated gene 6(TSG-6),and complement C1q tumor necrosis factor-related protein 3(CTRP3)and their association with myocardial fibrosis and prognosis in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM).Methods A total of 117 patients with DCM admitted to Taizhou People's Hospital between March and August 2024 were enrolled in the DCM group.Based on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging findings,these patients were further classified into a myocardial fibrosis group(n=96)and a non-fibrosis group(n=21).Additionally,according to the occurrence of acute heart failure during one-year follow-up,they were categorized into a heart failure group(n=47)and a non-heart failure group(n=70).Concurrently,58 age-and sex-matched healthy volunteers were recruited as the control group.Serum levels of miR-210,TSG-6,CTRP3,N-terminal propeptide of type Ⅲ procollagen(PⅢNP),left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP)were measured and compared across all groups.Results The DCM group exhibited significantly higher serum levels of miR-210,TSG-6,PⅢNP,and NT-proBNP,lower CTRP3 levels,and reduced LVEF compared to the healthy controls(P<0.05).Similarly,the fibrosis group showed elevated serum levels of miR-210,TSG-6,PⅢNP,and NT-proBNP,decreased CTRP3 levels,and impaired LVEF relative to the non-fibrosis group(P<0.05).The heart failure group also demonstrated higher serum concentrations of these biomarkers,along with lower CTRP3 and reduced LVEF,compared to the non-heart failure group(P<0.05).Serum miR-210 and TSG-6 levels were positively correlated with PⅢNP and NT-proBNP(P<0.05)and negatively correlated with LVEF(P<0.05).Multivariate analysis revealed that elevated serum miR-210(OR=2.065,95%CI:1.116~3.821)and TSG-6(OR=1.047,95%CI:1.013~1.083)were independent risk factors for heart failure in DCM patients(P<0.05),whereas higher CTRP3 levels(OR=0.911,95%CI:0.849~0.978)were associated with a protective effect(P<0.05).The sensitivity of serum miR-210,TSG-6,and CTRP3 in predicting heart failure in DCM patients was 72.34%,74.47%,and 74.47%,respectively,with specificities of 62.86%,62.86%,and 68.57%,yielding AUC values of 0.669,0.712,and 0.759,respectively.Conclusions Serum levels of miR-210 and TSG-6 are elevated,whereas CTRP3 levels are reduced in patients with DCM.These biomarkers are closely associated with myocardial fibrosis and cardiac function impairment.Moreover,miR-210,TSG-6,and CTRP3 exhibit significant predictive value for the prognosis of DCM.
6.Diagnostic value of epicardial adipose tissue thickness combined with serum ADAM10 and STIM1 for coronary heart disease
Peilu XU ; Jianmin QIAO ; Jing LI ; Jianrong LIU ; Shujun CHEN ; Chunpeng JI
Tianjin Medical Journal 2025;53(9):963-967
Objective To explore the diagnostic value of epicardial adipose tissue(EAT)thickness combined with serum disintegrin metalloprotease 10(ADAM10)and stromal interaction molecule 1(STIM1)in coronary heart disease(CHD).Methods A total of 119 CHD patients were included as the study group,and 100 non-CHD patients in the same period were selected as the control group.The clinical data of the patients were collected.Serum ADAM10 and STIM1 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Color Doppler ultrasonography was applied to detect EAT thickness.Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze influencing factors of CHD occurrence.The diagnostic value of EAT thickness combined with serum ADAM10 and STIM1 levels in the diagnosis of CHD was analyzed by subject work characteristics(ROC)curves.Results The levels of triglycerides,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),EAT thickness,serum ADAM10 and STIM1 were higher in the study group than those in the control group(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that elevated EAT thickness,serum ADAM10,STIM1,triglyceride and LDL-C levels were independent risk factors for the occurrence of CHD(P<0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of EAT thickness combined with serum ADAM10 and STIM1 for the diagnosis of CHD[0.864(95%CI:0.811-0.907)]was higher than that of their respective individual diagnoses[0.801(95%CI:0.741-0.851),0.750(95%CI:0.687-0.806),respectively,0.799(95%CI:0.740-0.850)],and the sensitivity and specificity of the combined diagnosis were 82.35%and 83.00%,respectively.Conclusion EAT thickness,serum ADAM10 and STIM1 levels are obviously elevated in CHD patients,and the combination of the three tests has a high diagnostic value for CHD.
7.The association between cardiac function status and prognosis in patients with diabetic foot ulcers
Qiong HONG ; Min LI ; Jie YANG ; Jianyuan SHI ; Junyi GU ; Huili CAI ; Jianmin LIU ; Zhengyi TANG
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(7):540-545
Objective:To investigate the relationship between different states of cardiac function and their changes during the course of diabetic foot ulcers(DFU), and to evaluate their impact on patient prognosis.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 194 DFU patients who were rehospitalized at approximately 3-month intervals. Basic clinical data and cardiac function-related indicators were collected at baseline and follow-up. Patients were followed until death or until November 10, 2024. Outcomes including ulcer healing, recurrence, minor amputation, and death were recorded. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the effects of cardiac function status and its changes on these four outcomes. Results:After treatment, the proportion of patients with NYHA class Ⅱ-Ⅲ decreased significantly from 33.5% at baseline to 21.6%( P=0.009). Serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP) level also decreased after treatment compared with baseline [635.85(59.83, 453.28) pg/mL vs 728.67(81.48, 696.15) pg/mL, P=0.055]. Serum NT-proBNP level was significantly higher in the death group compared to the survival group( P=0.002). The proportion of DFU patients with baseline NYHA class Ⅱ-Ⅲ was significantly higher than that in those with class Ⅰ( P=0.012). Regression analysis showed that an improvement in NT-proBNP levels was associated with a lower risk of DFU recurrence( OR=0.378, 95% CI 0.183-0.779, P=0.008), and improvement in NYHA class was associated with a lower mortality risk( OR=0.074, 95% CI 0.020-0.275, P<0.001). Conclusion:Cardiac function status and its changes during the treatment of DFU patients have strong prognostic implications, particularly in predicting the risk of recurrence and death outcomes.
8.Relationship between triglyceride-glucose index and acute ischemic stroke with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion
Ruyue LIN ; Jianqiang FAN ; Lijun WANG ; Xiaoxi ZHANG ; Hongjian SHEN ; Pengfei XING ; Lei ZHANG ; Zifu LI ; Yongwei ZHANG ; Pengfei YANG ; Jianmin LIU ; Rui ZHAO
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(4):435-441
Objective To explore the relationship between triglyceride-glucose index(TyG)and acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion(AIS-LVO)of anterior circulation.Methods A retrospective study was conducted on patients with anterior circulation AIS-LVO who underwent emergency endovascular thrombectomy at Neurovascular Center of The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University from Jan.2018 to Dec.2019.According to modified Rankin scale(mRS)score 90 d after operation,the patients were assigned to favorable outcome group(mRS score 0-2)or unfavorable outcome group(mRS score 3-6),and the TyG was compared.According to the median of TyG,the patients were assigned to low-TyG group(TyG<8.57)or high-TyG group(TyG ≥8.57),and the clinical data,laboratory indexes,and imaging characteristics were compared.Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of TyG for poor prognosis.Results A total of 135 patients were enrolled,with 72 in the favorable outcome group and 63 in the unfavorable outcome group.The TyG of the unfavorable outcome group was significantly higher than that of the favorable outcome group(8.82+0.63 vs 8.43+0.60,P<0.001).There were 67 patients in the low-TyG group and 68 in the high-TyG group.Compared with the low-TyG group,the proportion of patients with hyperlipidemia history(P=0.003),systolic blood pressure at admission(P=0.018),fasting blood glucose level(P<0.001),and triglyceride level(P<0.001)were significantly higher in the high-TyG group,the infarct core volume was significantly larger(P=0.025),the high density lipoprotein-cholesterol level was significantly lower(P=0.013),and the mRS score 90 d after operation was significantly higher(3[1,5]vs 1[0,5],P=0.049).The TyG had certain predictive value for poor prognosis in anterior circulation AIS-LVO patients(area under curve value=0.662,95%confidence interval 0.571-0.753).Conclusion TyG is elevated in anterior circulation AIS-LVO patients with poor prognosis,and may be a potential prognostic indicator for anterior circulation AIS-LVO patients.
9.Application of radiomics and emerging imaging features in diagnosis and treatment of cerebral arteriovenous malformations
Xiangjun XIAO ; Yuhang ZHANG ; Zhe LI ; Qi WU ; Guoli DUAN ; Jianmin LIU ; Qiang LI
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(9):1103-1107
Radiomics provides quantitative support for the diagnosis,treatment strategy and prognosis evaluation of brain arteriovenous malformation(bAVM)through high-throughput analysis of imaging data,and it also shows significant advantages in clinical symptom prediction,personalized treatment and clinical outcome prediction.Emerging imaging techniques,such as blood oxygen level-dependent cerebrovascular reactivity imaging and ultrasound technology,provide a new perspective for evaluating the hemodynamic changes and epilepsy susceptibility associated with bAVM.In addition,advances in deep learning algorithms in automatic segmentation of bAVM lesions have greatly improved the accuracy and efficiency of segmentation.With the continuous progress of imaging technology,data analysis algorithms and software,radiomics is expected to play a greater role in precision medicine and individualized treatment,bringing better diagnosis and treatment services and better treatment effects for bAVM patients.
10.Efficacy observation of endovascular treatment for acute large-vessel occlusion ischemic stroke over 24 h after onset
Meihua HUYAN ; Zhaochen LIU ; Hongjian SHEN ; Pengfei XING ; Lei ZHANG ; Zifu LI ; Pengfei YANG ; Yongwei ZHANG ; Jianmin LIU
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(9):1116-1120
Objective To investigate the safety and effectiveness of endovascular treatment in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion(AIS-LVO)over 24 h after onset.Methods The clinical data of AIS-LVO patients who received endovascular treatment in Neurovascular Center of The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University from Jan.2018 to Dec.2022 were retrospectively analyzed,including baseline characteristics,imaging findings,treatment,degree of vascular recanalization(modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction grade 2b and 3 for successful recanalization)and prognosis.Results A total of 57 patients were included,including 42 males and 15 females,aged from 30 to 84 years old.The most common risk factors were hypertension(39 cases,68.4%),followed by smoking history(24 cases,42.1%),diabetes mellitus(17 cases,29.8%),previous stroke history(16 cases,28.1%),and atrial fibrillation(9 cases,15.8%).Before treatment,the National Institutes of Health stroke scale score was 12.84±7.04,and the Alberta Stroke Program early computed tomography score was 9.00(7.00,10.00).Vascular occlusion sites included middle cerebral artery occlusion in 27(47.4%)cases,internal carotid artery occlusion in 24(42.1%)cases,and tandem lesions in 6(10.5%)cases.The time from onset to femoral artery puncture was 38.30(28.17,53.71)h,and the time from femoral artery puncture to vascular recanalization was 52.00(38.50,92.50)min.General anesthesia was the main anesthesia method,accounting for 64.9%(37/57).The etiological types of stroke were mainly large artery atherosclerosis(38 cases,66.7%),cardiogenic embolism(9 cases,15.8%),unknown causes(6 cases,10.5%),and other clear causes(4 cases,7.0%).Mechanical thrombectomy was the first choice in 41(71.9%)cases,balloon dilatation/stenting was used in 35(61.4%)cases,of which 15(26.3%)cases were the first choice.Finally,53(93.0%)cases were recanalized successfully.In terms of complications,1(1.8%)case had symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.The 90-d prognosis rate was 59.6%(34/57),and 3(5.3%)cases died.Conclusion Endovascular treatment for AIS-LVO patients over 24 h after onset has high recanalization rate and good safety,but it still needs to be further verified by randomized controlled trials.

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