1.Investigation of somatization symptoms and related factors in adolescents during frequent earthquakes in Hefei
Yu ZHUANG ; Pei TANG ; Yinghan TIAN ; Peng YAO ; Lei XIA ; Huanzhong LIU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):141-145
ObjectiveTo investigate somatization symptoms in adolescents during frequent earthquakes in Hefei, and to explore their correlation with earthquake experiences. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was used to select 324 adolescents in Hefei as the survey objects. The self-rating scale of somatization symptoms (SSS) and the fatigue intensity scale (FIS) were used to evaluate the somatization symptoms and fatigue degree of middle school students, and multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the related factors of somatization symptoms and fatigue among middle school students. ResultsA total of 324 adolescents were included, and the overall detection rate of somatization symptoms was 6.5%, and the detection rate of moderate or above fatigue was 20.1%. The results of regression analysis showed that adolescents who were concerned about the earthquake for a longer time (≥1 h) had a higher risk of somatization symptoms (OR=5.430, 95%CI: 1.547-19.058), and adolescents who received pre-earthquake training had a lower degree of fatigue (OR=0.535, 95%CI: 0.292-0.981) (P<0.05). ConclusionDuring the frequent earthquakes, adolescents have more somatization symptoms and fatigue. Therefore, it is crucial to enhance health education, reduce the emphasis on event-related reports, and implement earthquake prevention and disaster reduction training to improve the physical and mental health of adolescents.
2.Traditional Chinese Medicine Alleviates Dry Eye Disease by Regulating Tear Film Homeostasis: A Review
Sainan TIAN ; Bin'an WANG ; Yao CHEN ; Guicheng LIU ; Li TANG ; Pei LIU ; Genyan QIN ; Jun PENG ; Qinghua PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):172-181
Dry eye (DE) is a prevalent multifactorial disease of the ocular surface, clinically characterized by tear film homeostasis imbalance accompanied by related ocular surface symptoms. Specifically, the tear film is a thin liquid layer of tears covering the cornea and conjunctiva through blinking, while tear film homeostasis serves as the foundation for maintaining normal ocular surface structure and function. Insufficient tear secretion and excessive tear film evaporation lead to tear hyperosmolarity and the production of inflammatory mediators, disrupting tear film homeostasis and subsequently forming DE. Additionally, cascade reactions are triggered, resulting in a "vicious cycle of DE" that exacerbates the disease severity and prolongs its duration. Therefore, for DE treatment, it is crucial to restore tear film homeostasis and terminate this vicious cycle. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which differentiates and treats DE based on systemic conditions, often achieves favorable therapeutic outcomes, offering additional treatment options for DE. Studies have demonstrated that TCM can alleviate DE by regulating tear film homeostasis and terminating the vicious cycle. This review systematically summarizes recent basic experimental research in China and abroad on TCM in alleviating DE by regulating tear film homeostasis, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for clinical treatment and an insight for research design.
3.Effect of Runmu Dihuang Decoction on Perimenopausal Dry Eye in Rats with Liver-kidney Yin Deficiency Syndrome Based on SIRT3/HIF-1α/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Sainan TIAN ; Wei MA ; Yao CHEN ; Yu CAO ; Guicheng LIU ; Pei LIU ; Junxian LEI ; Qinghua PENG ; Jun PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):201-210
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms of Runmu Dihuang decoction (RMDHD) in treating perimenopausal dry eye with liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome based on the silent information regulator 3 (SIRT3)/hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. MethodsSixty female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups (n=10 per group): Sham operation group, model group, sodium hyaluronate eye drop group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose RMDHD groups (5.625, 11.25, 22.50 g·kg-1). Except for the sham operation group, all rats underwent bilateral ovariectomy and were administered 0.1% benzalkonium chloride eye drops combined with long-term chronic irritation to establish a perimenopausal dry eye model with liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome. Drug administration began in the 11th week after modeling and continued for 21 days. General conditions, screen-grip test scores, tear secretion volume, tear film breakup time (TFBUT), and corneal fluorescein staining were recorded. Serum levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), and progesterone (PROG) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Pathological changes in the lacrimal glands, corneas, and uteri were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Protein expression levels of SIRT3, HIF-1α, phosphorylated NF-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65), and total NF-κB p65 in the lacrimal glands were detected by Western blot. The expression of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the lacrimal glands was assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). ResultsAfter model establishment, no significant differences were observed among the groups except the sham operation group. Compared with the sham operation group, the other groups exhibited slowed movement, dull responses, increased irritability, reduced body weight, elevated rectal temperature, decreased screen-grip test scores, reduced tear secretion, and significantly shortened TFBUT (P<0.05). After treatment, compared with the model group, the sodium hyaluronate eye drop group and all RMDHD groups showed improved general conditions, significantly increased tear secretion (P<0.05), prolonged TFBUT (P<0.05), and elevated screen-grip test scores (P<0.05). Serum ROS and FSH levels were significantly decreased, while E2 and PROG levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). Pathological damage to the cornea, lacrimal glands, and uterus was ameliorated. In addition, protein expression levels of SIRT3 and HIF-1α in the lacrimal glands were significantly upregulated (P<0.05), whereas the expression of p-NF-κB p65, IL-1β, and TNF-α was significantly downregulated (P<0.05). ConclusionRMDHD increases tear secretion and TFBUT, improves lacrimal gland and corneal injury, and alleviates dry eye symptoms in a perimenopausal dry eye rat model with liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome. The underlying mechanism may be related to regulation of the SIRT3/HIF-1α/NF-κB signaling pathway, inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, and reduction of ocular surface tissue damage.
4.Study on the mechanism of gossypol acetic acid in the treatment of uterine fibroids based on proteomics
Xin ZHANG ; Abulaiti GULISITAN ; Jing SHEN ; Pei ZHANG ; Zuwen MA ; Jun YAO
China Pharmacy 2025;36(3):318-323
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism of gossypol acetic acid (GAA) in the treatment of uterine fibroids. METHODS Human leiomyoma cells SK-UT-1 were selected as objects to investigate the effects of different concentrations (5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160 μmol/L) of GAA on the activities of cell proliferation. 4D-DIA proteomic detection and bioinformatics analysis were carried out to screen differential proteins. Gene ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signaling pathway analysis were performed. The expressions of top 3 proteins [N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 (NDRG1), epidermal growth factor receptor feedback inhibitor 1 (ERRFI1), CXC chemokine ligand 3 (CXCL3)] with differential fold changes in SK-UT-1 cells were determined. RESULTS 10-160 μmol/L GAA could significantly reduce the survival rate of SK- UT-1 cells (P<0.05). Proteomics results showed that a total of 921 differentially expressed proteins were obtained, including 254 up-regulated proteins and 667 down-regulated proteins. The differentially expressed proteins were mainly distributed in mitochondria, nucleus, extracellular matrix, etc. Bioinformatics results showed that differentially expressed proteins were mainly involved in signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT (phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B), MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase), TNF (tumor necrosis factor), etc., which mainly involved cell apoptosis, aging, and movement. GAA significantly decreased protein expressions of NDRG1 and CXCL3 (P<0.05), but increased protein expression of ERRFI1 (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The improvement effect of GAA on uterine fibroids may involve signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT, MAPK, TNF, etc. It can improve the occurrence and development of uterine fibroids by downregulating the expressions of NDRG1 and CXCL3 proteins, upregulating the expression of ERRFI1 protein, and affecting the proliferation and apoptosis of uterine fibroid cells.
5.Tetrahydropalmatine acts on α7nAChR to regulate inflammation and polarization of BV2 microglia.
Yan-Jun WANG ; Guo-Liang DAI ; Pei-Yao CHEN ; Hua-Xi HANG ; Xin-Fang BIAN ; Yu-Jie CHEN ; Wen-Zheng JU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(11):3117-3126
Based on the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor(α7nAChR), this study examined how tetrahydropalmatine(THP) affected BV2 microglia exposed to lipopolysaccharide(LPS), aiming to clarify the possible mechanism underlying the anti-depression effect of THP from the perspectives of preventing inflammation and regulating polarization. First, after molecular docking and determination of the content of Corydalis saxicola Bunting total alkaloids, THP was initially identified as a possible anti-depression component. The BV2 microglia model of inflammation was established with LPS. BV2 microglia were allocated into a normal group, a model group, low-and high-dose(20 and 40 μmol·L~(-1), respectively) THP groups, and a THP(20 μmol·L~(-1))+α7nAChR-specific antagonist MLA(1 μmol·L~(-1)) group. The CCK-8 assay was used to screen the safe concentration of THP. A light microscope was used to examine the morphology of the cells. Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to determine the expression of α7nAChR. qRT-PCR was performed to determine the mRNA levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS), cluster of differentiation 86(CD86), suppressor of cytokine signaling 3(SOCS3), arginase-1(Arg-1), cluster of differentiation 206(CD206), tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, interleukin(IL)-6, and IL-1β. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was employed to measure the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the cell supernatant. The experimental results showed that THP at concentrations of 40 μmol·L~(-1) and below had no effect on BV2 microglia. THP improved the morphology of BV2 microglia, significantly up-regulated the protein level of α7nAChR, significantly down-regulated the mRNA levels of iNOS, CD86, SOCS3, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, significantly up-regulated the mRNA levels of Arg-1 and CD206, and dramatically lowered the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the cell supernatant. However, the antagonist MLA abolished the above-mentioned ameliorative effects of THP on LPS-treated BV2 microglia. As demonstrated by the aforementioned findings, THP protected LPS-treated BV2 microglia by regulating the M1/M2 polarization and preventing inflammation, which might be connected to the regulation of α7nAChR on BV2 microglia.
Berberine Alkaloids/chemistry*
;
alpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor/chemistry*
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Microglia/metabolism*
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Mice
;
Animals
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Cell Line
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Corydalis/chemistry*
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Humans
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Molecular Docking Simulation
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Inflammation/drug therapy*
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Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II/immunology*
;
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/immunology*
6.Regulatory effects of Dangua Humai Oral Liquid on gut microbiota and mucosal barrier in mice with glucolipid metabolism disorder.
Zhuang HAN ; Lin-Xi JIN ; Zhi-Ta WANG ; Liu-Qing YANG ; Liang LI ; Yi RUAN ; Qi-Wei CHEN ; Shu-Hong YAO ; Xian-Pei HENG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(15):4315-4324
The gut microbiota regulates intestinal nutrient absorption, participates in modulating host glucolipid metabolism, and contributes to ameliorating glucolipid metabolism disorder. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota can compromise the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier, induce inflammatory responses, and exacerbate insulin resistance and abnormal lipid metabolism in the host. Dangua Humai Oral Liquid, a hospital-developed formulation for regulating glucolipid metabolism, has been granted a national invention patent and demonstrates significant clinical efficacy. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Dangua Humai Oral Liquid on gut microbiota and the intestinal mucosal barrier in a mouse model with glucolipid metabolism disorder. A glucolipid metabolism disorder model was established by feeding mice a high-glucose and high-fat diet. The mice were divided into a normal group, a model group, and a treatment group, with eight mice in each group. The treatment group received a daily gavage of Dangua Humai Oral Liquid(20 g·kg~(-1)), while the normal group and model group were given an equivalent volume of sterile water. After 15 weeks of intervention, glucolipid metabolism, intestinal mucosal barrier function, and inflammatory responses were evaluated. Metagenomics and untargeted metabolomics were employed to analyze changes in gut microbiota and associated metabolic pathways. Significant differences were observed between the indicators of the normal group and the model group. Compared with the model group, the treatment group exhibited marked improvements in glucolipid metabolism disorder, alleviated pathological damage in the liver and small intestine tissue, elevated expression of recombinant claudin 1(CLDN1), occluding(OCLN), and zonula occludens 1(ZO-1) in the small intestine tissue, and reduced serum levels of inflammatory factors lipopolysaccharides(LPS), lipopolysaccharide-binding protein(LBP), interleukin-6(IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α). At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Bacteroidota decreased, while that of Firmicutes increased. Lipid-related metabolic pathways were significantly altered. In conclusion, based on the successful establishment of the mouse model of glucolipid metabolism disorder, this study confirmed that Dangua Humai Oral Liquid effectively modulates gut microbiota and mucosal barrier function, reduces serum inflammatory factor levels, and regulates lipid-related metabolic pathways, thereby ameliorating glucolipid metabolism disorder.
Animals
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Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects*
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Mice
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Intestinal Mucosa/microbiology*
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Male
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Humans
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Glycolipids/metabolism*
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Lipid Metabolism/drug effects*
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Administration, Oral
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Disease Models, Animal
7.Predicting Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer Using Urine Metabolomics via Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry
Chung-Hsin CHEN ; Hsiang-Po HUANG ; Kai-Hsiung CHANG ; Ming-Shyue LEE ; Cheng-Fan LEE ; Chih-Yu LIN ; Yuan Chi LIN ; William J. HUANG ; Chun-Hou LIAO ; Chih-Chin YU ; Shiu-Dong CHUNG ; Yao-Chou TSAI ; Chia-Chang WU ; Chen-Hsun HO ; Pei-Wen HSIAO ; Yeong-Shiau PU ;
The World Journal of Men's Health 2025;43(2):376-386
Purpose:
Biomarkers predicting clinically significant prostate cancer (sPC) before biopsy are currently lacking. This study aimed to develop a non-invasive urine test to predict sPC in at-risk men using urinary metabolomic profiles.
Materials and Methods:
Urine samples from 934 at-risk subjects and 268 treatment-naïve PC patients were subjected to liquid chromatography/mass spectrophotometry (LC-MS)-based metabolomics profiling using both C18 and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) column analyses. Four models were constructed (training cohort [n=647]) and validated (validation cohort [n=344]) for different purposes. Model I differentiates PC from benign cases. Models II, III, and a Gleason score model (model GS) predict sPC that is defined as National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)-categorized favorable-intermediate risk group or higher (Model II), unfavorable-intermediate risk group or higher (Model III), and GS ≥7 PC (model GS), respectively. The metabolomic panels and predicting models were constructed using logistic regression and Akaike information criterion.
Results:
The best metabolomic panels from the HILIC column include 25, 27, 28 and 26 metabolites in Models I, II, III, and GS, respectively, with area under the curve (AUC) values ranging between 0.82 and 0.91 in the training cohort and between 0.77 and 0.86 in the validation cohort. The combination of the metabolomic panels and five baseline clinical factors that include serum prostate-specific antigen, age, family history of PC, previously negative biopsy, and abnormal digital rectal examination results significantly increased AUCs (range 0.88–0.91). At 90% sensitivity (validation cohort), 33%, 34%, 41%, and 36% of unnecessary biopsies were avoided in Models I, II, III, and GS, respectively. The above results were successfully validated using LC-MS with the C18 column.
Conclusions
Urinary metabolomic profiles with baseline clinical factors may accurately predict sPC in men with elevated risk before biopsy.
8.Predicting Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer Using Urine Metabolomics via Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry
Chung-Hsin CHEN ; Hsiang-Po HUANG ; Kai-Hsiung CHANG ; Ming-Shyue LEE ; Cheng-Fan LEE ; Chih-Yu LIN ; Yuan Chi LIN ; William J. HUANG ; Chun-Hou LIAO ; Chih-Chin YU ; Shiu-Dong CHUNG ; Yao-Chou TSAI ; Chia-Chang WU ; Chen-Hsun HO ; Pei-Wen HSIAO ; Yeong-Shiau PU ;
The World Journal of Men's Health 2025;43(2):376-386
Purpose:
Biomarkers predicting clinically significant prostate cancer (sPC) before biopsy are currently lacking. This study aimed to develop a non-invasive urine test to predict sPC in at-risk men using urinary metabolomic profiles.
Materials and Methods:
Urine samples from 934 at-risk subjects and 268 treatment-naïve PC patients were subjected to liquid chromatography/mass spectrophotometry (LC-MS)-based metabolomics profiling using both C18 and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) column analyses. Four models were constructed (training cohort [n=647]) and validated (validation cohort [n=344]) for different purposes. Model I differentiates PC from benign cases. Models II, III, and a Gleason score model (model GS) predict sPC that is defined as National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)-categorized favorable-intermediate risk group or higher (Model II), unfavorable-intermediate risk group or higher (Model III), and GS ≥7 PC (model GS), respectively. The metabolomic panels and predicting models were constructed using logistic regression and Akaike information criterion.
Results:
The best metabolomic panels from the HILIC column include 25, 27, 28 and 26 metabolites in Models I, II, III, and GS, respectively, with area under the curve (AUC) values ranging between 0.82 and 0.91 in the training cohort and between 0.77 and 0.86 in the validation cohort. The combination of the metabolomic panels and five baseline clinical factors that include serum prostate-specific antigen, age, family history of PC, previously negative biopsy, and abnormal digital rectal examination results significantly increased AUCs (range 0.88–0.91). At 90% sensitivity (validation cohort), 33%, 34%, 41%, and 36% of unnecessary biopsies were avoided in Models I, II, III, and GS, respectively. The above results were successfully validated using LC-MS with the C18 column.
Conclusions
Urinary metabolomic profiles with baseline clinical factors may accurately predict sPC in men with elevated risk before biopsy.
9.Predicting Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer Using Urine Metabolomics via Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry
Chung-Hsin CHEN ; Hsiang-Po HUANG ; Kai-Hsiung CHANG ; Ming-Shyue LEE ; Cheng-Fan LEE ; Chih-Yu LIN ; Yuan Chi LIN ; William J. HUANG ; Chun-Hou LIAO ; Chih-Chin YU ; Shiu-Dong CHUNG ; Yao-Chou TSAI ; Chia-Chang WU ; Chen-Hsun HO ; Pei-Wen HSIAO ; Yeong-Shiau PU ;
The World Journal of Men's Health 2025;43(2):376-386
Purpose:
Biomarkers predicting clinically significant prostate cancer (sPC) before biopsy are currently lacking. This study aimed to develop a non-invasive urine test to predict sPC in at-risk men using urinary metabolomic profiles.
Materials and Methods:
Urine samples from 934 at-risk subjects and 268 treatment-naïve PC patients were subjected to liquid chromatography/mass spectrophotometry (LC-MS)-based metabolomics profiling using both C18 and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) column analyses. Four models were constructed (training cohort [n=647]) and validated (validation cohort [n=344]) for different purposes. Model I differentiates PC from benign cases. Models II, III, and a Gleason score model (model GS) predict sPC that is defined as National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)-categorized favorable-intermediate risk group or higher (Model II), unfavorable-intermediate risk group or higher (Model III), and GS ≥7 PC (model GS), respectively. The metabolomic panels and predicting models were constructed using logistic regression and Akaike information criterion.
Results:
The best metabolomic panels from the HILIC column include 25, 27, 28 and 26 metabolites in Models I, II, III, and GS, respectively, with area under the curve (AUC) values ranging between 0.82 and 0.91 in the training cohort and between 0.77 and 0.86 in the validation cohort. The combination of the metabolomic panels and five baseline clinical factors that include serum prostate-specific antigen, age, family history of PC, previously negative biopsy, and abnormal digital rectal examination results significantly increased AUCs (range 0.88–0.91). At 90% sensitivity (validation cohort), 33%, 34%, 41%, and 36% of unnecessary biopsies were avoided in Models I, II, III, and GS, respectively. The above results were successfully validated using LC-MS with the C18 column.
Conclusions
Urinary metabolomic profiles with baseline clinical factors may accurately predict sPC in men with elevated risk before biopsy.
10.Predicting Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer Using Urine Metabolomics via Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry
Chung-Hsin CHEN ; Hsiang-Po HUANG ; Kai-Hsiung CHANG ; Ming-Shyue LEE ; Cheng-Fan LEE ; Chih-Yu LIN ; Yuan Chi LIN ; William J. HUANG ; Chun-Hou LIAO ; Chih-Chin YU ; Shiu-Dong CHUNG ; Yao-Chou TSAI ; Chia-Chang WU ; Chen-Hsun HO ; Pei-Wen HSIAO ; Yeong-Shiau PU ;
The World Journal of Men's Health 2025;43(2):376-386
Purpose:
Biomarkers predicting clinically significant prostate cancer (sPC) before biopsy are currently lacking. This study aimed to develop a non-invasive urine test to predict sPC in at-risk men using urinary metabolomic profiles.
Materials and Methods:
Urine samples from 934 at-risk subjects and 268 treatment-naïve PC patients were subjected to liquid chromatography/mass spectrophotometry (LC-MS)-based metabolomics profiling using both C18 and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) column analyses. Four models were constructed (training cohort [n=647]) and validated (validation cohort [n=344]) for different purposes. Model I differentiates PC from benign cases. Models II, III, and a Gleason score model (model GS) predict sPC that is defined as National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)-categorized favorable-intermediate risk group or higher (Model II), unfavorable-intermediate risk group or higher (Model III), and GS ≥7 PC (model GS), respectively. The metabolomic panels and predicting models were constructed using logistic regression and Akaike information criterion.
Results:
The best metabolomic panels from the HILIC column include 25, 27, 28 and 26 metabolites in Models I, II, III, and GS, respectively, with area under the curve (AUC) values ranging between 0.82 and 0.91 in the training cohort and between 0.77 and 0.86 in the validation cohort. The combination of the metabolomic panels and five baseline clinical factors that include serum prostate-specific antigen, age, family history of PC, previously negative biopsy, and abnormal digital rectal examination results significantly increased AUCs (range 0.88–0.91). At 90% sensitivity (validation cohort), 33%, 34%, 41%, and 36% of unnecessary biopsies were avoided in Models I, II, III, and GS, respectively. The above results were successfully validated using LC-MS with the C18 column.
Conclusions
Urinary metabolomic profiles with baseline clinical factors may accurately predict sPC in men with elevated risk before biopsy.

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