1.Application of CRISPR/Cas System in Precision Medicine for Triple-negative Breast Cancer
Hui-Ling LIN ; Yu-Xin OUYANG ; Wan-Ying TANG ; Mi HU ; Mao PENG ; Ping-Ping HE ; Xin-Ping OUYANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):279-289
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents a distinctive subtype, characterized by the absence of estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Due to its high inter-tumor and intra-tumor heterogeneity, TNBC poses significant chanllenges for personalized diagnosis and treatment. The advant of clustered regular interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) technology has profoundly enhanced our understanding of the structure and function of the TNBC genome, providing a powerful tool for investigating the occurrence and development of diseases. This review focuses on the application of CRISPR/Cas technology in the personalized diagnosis and treatment of TNBC. We begin by discussing the unique attributes of TNBC and the limitations of current diagnostic and treatment approaches: conventional diagnostic methods provide limited insights into TNBC, while traditional chemotherapy drugs are often associated with low efficacy and severe side effects. The CRISPR/Cas system, which activates Cas enzymes through complementary guide RNAs (gRNAs) to selectively degrade specific nucleic acids, has emerged as a robust tool for TNBC research. This technology enables precise gene editing, allowing for a deeper understanding of TNBC heterogeneity by marking and tracking diverse cell clones. Additionally, CRISPR facilitates high-throughput screening to promptly identify genes involved in TNBC growth, metastasis, and drug resistance, thus revealing new therapeutic targets and strategies. In TNBC diagnostics, CRISPR/Cas was applied to develop molecular diagnostic systems based on Cas9, Cas12, and Cas13, each employing distinct detection principles. These systems can sensitively and specifically detect a variety of TNBC biomarkers, including cell-specific DNA/RNA and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). In the realm of precision therapy, CRISPR/Cas has been utilized to identify key genes implicated in TNBC progression and treatment resistance. CRISPR-based screening has uncovered potential therapeutic targets, while its gene-editing capabilities have facilitated the development of combination therapies with traditional chemotherapy drugs, enhancing their efficacy. Despite its promise, the clinical translation of CRISPR/Cas technology remains in its early stages. Several clinical trials are underway to assess its safety and efficacy in the treatment of various genetic diseases and cancers. Challenges such as off-target effects, editing efficiency, and delivery methods remain to be addressed. The integration of CRISPR/Cas with other technologies, such as 3D cell culture systems, human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), and artificial intelligence (AI), is expected to further advance precision medicine for TNBC. These technological convergences can offer deeper insights into disease mechanisms and facilitate the development of personalized treatment strategies. In conclusion, the CRISPR/Cas system holds immense potential in the precise diagnosis and treatment of TNBC. As the technology progresses and becomes more costs-effective, its clinical relevance will grow, and the translation of CRISPR/Cas system data into clinical applications will pave the way for optimal diagnosis and treatment strategies for TNBC patients. However, technical hurdles and ethical considerations require ongoing research and regulation to ensure safety and efficacy.
2.Effects and mechanisms of total flavones of Abelmoschus manihot combined with empagliflozin in attenuating diabetic tubulopathy through multiple targets based on mitochondrial homeostasis and ZBP1-mediated PANoptosis.
Si-Yu CHA ; Meng WANG ; Yi-Gang WAN ; Si-Ping DING ; Yu WANG ; Shi-Yu SHEN ; Wei WU ; Ying-Lu LIU ; Qi-Jun FANG ; Yue TU ; Hai-Tao TANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(13):3738-3753
This study aimed to explore the mechanisms and molecular targets of total flavones of Abelmoschus manihot(TFA) plus empagliflozin(EM) in attenuating diabetic tubulopathy(DT) by targeting mitochondrial homeostasis and pyroptosis-apoptosis-necroptosis(PANoptosis). In the in vivo study, the authors established the DT rat models through a combination of uninephrectomy, administration of streptozotocin via intraperitoneal injections, and exposure to a high-fat diet. Following modeling successfully, the DT rat models received either TFA, EM, TFA+EM, or saline(as a vehicle) by gavage for eight weeks, respectively. In the in vitro study, the authors subjected the NRK52E cells with or without knock-down Z-DNA binding protein 1(ZBP1) to a high-glucose(HG) environment and various treatments including TFA, EM, and TFA+EM. In the in vivo and in vitro studies, The authors investigated the relative characteristics of renal tubular injury and renal tubular epithelial cells damage induced by reactive oxygen species(ROS), analyzed the relative characteristics of renal tubular PANoptosis and ZBP1-mediatted PANoptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells, and compared the relative characteristics of the protein expression levels of marked molecules of mitochondrial fission in the kidneys and mitochondrial homeostasis in renal tubular epithelial cells, respectively. Furthermore, in the network pharmacology study, the authors predicted and screened targets of TFA and EM using HERB and SwissTargetPrediction databases; The screened chemical constituents and targets of TFA and EM were constructed the relative network using Cytoscape 3.7.2 network graphics software; The relative targets of DT were integrated using OMIM and GeneCards databases; The intersecting targets of TFA, EM, and DT were enriched and analyzed signaling pathways by Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) software using DAVID database. In vivo study results showed that TFA+EM could improve renal tubular injury, the protein expression levels and characteristics of key signaling molecules in PANoptosis pathway in the kidneys, and the protein expression levels of marked molecules of mitochondrial fission in the kidneys. And that, the ameliorative effects in vivo of TFA+EM were both superior to TFA or EM. Network pharmacology study results showed that TFA+EM treated DT by regulating the PANoptosis signaling pathway. In vitro study results showed that TFA+EM could improve ROS-induced cell injury, ZBP1-mediatted PANoptosis, and mitochondrial homeostasis in renal tubular epithelial cells under a state of HG, including the protein expression levels of marked molecules of mitochondrial fission, mitochondrial ultrastructure, and membrane potential level. And that, the ameliorative effects in vitro of TFA+EM were both superior to TFA or EM. More importantly, using the NRK52E cells with knock-down ZBP1, the authors found that, indeed, ZBP1 was mediated PANoptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells as an upstream factor. In addition, TFA+EM could regulate the protein expression levels of marked signaling molecules of PANoptosis by targeting ZBP1. In summary, this study clarified that TFA+EM, different from TFA or EM, could attenuate DT with multiple targets by ameliorating mitochondrial homeostasis and inhibiting ZBP1-mediated PANoptosis. These findings provide the clear pharmacological evidence for the clinical treatment of DT with a novel strategy of TFA+EM, which is named "coordinated traditional Chinese and western medicine".
Animals
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Rats
;
Mitochondria/metabolism*
;
Benzhydryl Compounds/administration & dosage*
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Glucosides/administration & dosage*
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Abelmoschus/chemistry*
;
Male
;
Homeostasis/drug effects*
;
Flavones/administration & dosage*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Diabetic Nephropathies/physiopathology*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics*
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Humans
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Apoptosis/drug effects*
3.Coagulation profile PT, FBG, FDP, D-D as disease predictors of RA and pSS inflammatory immunity.
Wenwen MIN ; Lei WAN ; Feng LI ; Yu ZHANG ; Ying WANG ; Siyu LIANG
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(10):895-904
Objective To explore the expression of coagulation indexes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and dry syndrome (pSS) and their relationships with inflammation and immune function. Methods A total of 61 patients with RA who were hospitalized in the Department of Rheumatology of Anhui Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from March 12 to September 9, 2024 were selected as the RA group. And 61 patients with pSS who were hospitalized in the Department of Rheumatology of the same hospital September 4, 2023, to August 17, 2024, were selected as the pSS group. 61 healthy individuals who underwent routine medical checkups at the Physical Examination Center of Anhui Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine during the same period were included as the control group. Baseline clinical indexes before treatment were collected from patients in each group, including prothrombin time(PT), international normalized ratio(INR), thrombia time(TT), fibrinogen(FBG), activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT), fibrin (ogen) degradation products(FDP) and D-Dimer(D-D). Results The expression levels of PT, FBG, TT, FDP, and D-D in the RA group, the pSS group, and the normal group were significantly different. The expression levels of PT, FBG, FDP, and D-D in the RA group were all higher than those in the pSS group and the control group, respectively. And the expression level of TT in the pSS group was lower than that in control group. ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC of PT was 0.638, the AUC of FBG was 0.899, the AUC of FDP was 0.866, and the AUC of D-D was 0.919 in the RA group compared with the normal group. And the AUC of coagulation indexes for joint diagnosis of RA was higher than that of the indexes detected individually. pSS group had an AUC of PT of 0.618 compared with that of the normal group. The AUC of TT was 0.645, and the AUC of coagulation indexes for the joint diagnosis of pSS was higher than the AUC of each index detected separately. Association rule analysis showed that elevated D-D in RA patients had a significant correlation with elevated hs-CRP, CCP and RF, and elevated FBG had a significant correlation with elevated hs-CRP, ESR, RF and CCP. Elevated D-D in pSS patients had a correlation with elevated hs-CRP and anti-SSA, and elevated INR has correlation with elevated hs-CRP, anti-SSA and anti-SSB. Correlation analysis showed that PT, INR, FBG, FDP, and D-D were positively correlated with CRP and ESR, and TT was negatively correlated with CRP and ESR in the RA group. FBG, FDP, and D-D were positively correlated with CRP and ESR in the pSS group. Moreover, coagulation indexes were positively correlated with immune indexes in RA group and pSS group which were all significant. The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that FBG was a positive correlate of hs-CRP and ESR in RA patients. For PSS patients, FBG and FDP were positive correlates of hs-CRP. APTT and FBG were positive correlates of ESR. Conclusion Compared with pSS, coagulation indexes (especially PT, FBG, FDP and D-D) are more informative for the early diagnosis of RA and the judgment of the degree of the disease, and can be used as an important predictor for the confirmation of the diagnosis of RA.
Humans
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Female
;
Male
;
Arthritis, Rheumatoid/diagnosis*
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Middle Aged
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Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products/analysis*
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Blood Coagulation
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Adult
;
Fibrinogen/metabolism*
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Partial Thromboplastin Time
;
Prothrombin Time
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Aged
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Inflammation/immunology*
;
ROC Curve
4.Trend in testicular volume change after orchiopexy in 854 children with cryptorchidism.
Ying-Ying HE ; Zhi-Cong KE ; Shou-Lin LI ; Hui-Jie GUO ; Pei-Liang ZHANG ; Peng-Yu CHEN ; Wan-Hua XU ; Feng-Hao SUN ; Zhi-Lin YANG
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(6):723-727
The aim of this study was to investigate the trend in testicular volume changes after orchiopexy in children with cryptorchidism. The clinical data of 854 children with cryptorchidism who underwent orchiopexy between January 2013 and December 2016 in Shenzhen Children's Hospital (Shenzhen, China) were retrospectively analyzed. The mean (standard deviation) age of the patients was 2.8 (2.5) years, and the duration of follow-up ranged from 1 year to 5 years. Ultrasonography was conducted preoperatively and postoperatively. The variables analyzed included age at the time of surgery, type of surgical procedure, laterality, preoperative testicular position, preoperative and postoperative testicular volumes, and the testicular volume ratio of them. The average testicular volumes preoperatively and at 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, and 5 years postoperatively were 0.27 ml, 0.38 ml, 0.53 ml, 0.87 ml, and 1.00 ml, respectively ( P < 0.001). The corresponding testicular volume ratios were 0.67, 0.76, 0.80, 0.83, and 0.84 ( P < 0.001). The mean volume of the undescended testes was significantly smaller than the mean normative value ( P < 0.001, lower than the 10 th percentile). The postoperative testicular volumes in children with cryptorchidism were generally lower than those in healthy boys but were still greater than the 10 th percentile and exhibited an increasing trend. The older the child is at the time of surgery, the larger the gap in volume between the affected and normal testes. Although testicular volume tends to gradually increase after orchiopexy for cryptorchidism, it could not normalizes. Earlier surgery results in affected testicular volumes closer to those of healthy boys.
Humans
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Male
;
Cryptorchidism/diagnostic imaging*
;
Orchiopexy
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Child, Preschool
;
Testis/surgery*
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Retrospective Studies
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Organ Size
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Ultrasonography
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Infant
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Child
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Postoperative Period
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Follow-Up Studies
5.A Study of Flow Sorting Lymphocyte Subsets to Detect Epstein-Barr Virus Reactivation in Patients with Hematological Malignancies.
Hui-Ying LI ; Shen-Hao LIU ; Fang-Tong LIU ; Kai-Wen TAN ; Zi-Hao WANG ; Han-Yu CAO ; Si-Man HUANG ; Chao-Ling WAN ; Hai-Ping DAI ; Sheng-Li XUE ; Lian BAI
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(5):1468-1475
OBJECTIVE:
To analyze the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) load in different lymphocyte subsets, as well as clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients with hematologic malignancies experiencing EBV reactivation.
METHODS:
Peripheral blood samples from patients were collected. B, T, and NK cells were isolated sorting with magnetic beads by flow cytometry. The EBV load in each subset was quantitated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Clinical data were colleted from electronic medical records. Survival status was followed up through outpatient visits and telephone calls. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 25.0.
RESULTS:
A total of 39 patients with hematologic malignancies were included, among whom 35 patients had undergone allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). The median time to EBV reactivation was 4.8 months (range: 1.7-57.1 months) after allo-HSCT. EBV was detected in B, T, and NK cells in 20 patients, in B and T cells in 11 patients, and only in B cells in 4 patients. In the 35 patients, the median EBV load in B cells was 2.19×104 copies/ml, significantly higher than that in T cells (4.00×103 copies/ml, P <0.01) and NK cells (2.85×102 copies/ml, P <0.01). Rituximab (RTX) was administered for 32 patients, resulting in EBV negativity in 32 patients with a median time of 8 days (range: 2-39 days). Post-treatment analysis of 13 patients showed EBV were all negative in B, T, and NK cells. In the four non-transplant patients, the median time to EBV reactivation was 35 days (range: 1-328 days) after diagnosis of the primary disease. EBV was detected in one or two subsets of B, T, or NK cells, but not simultaneously in all three subsets. These patients received a combination chemotherapy targeting at the primary disease, with 3 patients achieving EBV negativity, and the median time to be negative was 40 days (range: 13-75 days).
CONCLUSION
In hematologic malignancy patients after allo-HSCT, EBV reactivation commonly involves B, T, and NK cells, with a significantly higher viral load in B cells compared to T and NK cells. Rituximab is effective for EBV clearance. In non-transplant patients, EBV reactivation is restricted to one or two lymphocyte subsets, and clearance is slower, highlighting the need for prompt anti-tumor therapy.
Humans
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Hematologic Neoplasms/virology*
;
Herpesvirus 4, Human/physiology*
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Epstein-Barr Virus Infections
;
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
;
Virus Activation
;
Lymphocyte Subsets/virology*
;
Flow Cytometry
;
Killer Cells, Natural/virology*
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Male
;
Female
;
B-Lymphocytes/virology*
;
Viral Load
;
Adult
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T-Lymphocytes/virology*
;
Middle Aged
6.Infrared Laser Stimulation of Purkinje Cells Primarily Depends on TRP Channel Activation.
Bin-Bin DONG ; Chen WANG ; Wan-Qi HUANG ; Yu-Peng BIAN ; Jun LIU ; Wei CHEN ; Lin ZHOU ; Ying SHEN ; Luxi WANG
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(7):1261-1266
7.Standardized operational protocol for the China Human Brain Bank Consortium(2nd edition)
Xue WANG ; Zhen CHEN ; Juan-Li WU ; Nai-Li WANG ; Di ZHANG ; Juan DU ; Liang YU ; Wan-Ru DUAN ; Peng-Hao LIU ; Han-Lin ZHANG ; Can HUANG ; Yue-Shan PIAO ; Ke-Qing ZHU ; Ai-Min BAO ; Jing ZHANG ; Yi SHEN ; Chao MA ; Wen-Ying QIU ; Xiao-Jing QIAN
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2024;55(6):734-745
Human brain banks use a standardized protocol to collect,process and store post-mortem human brains and related tissues,along with relevant clinical information,and to provide the tissue samples and data as a resource to foster neuroscience research according to a standardized operating protocols(SOP).Human brain bank serves as the foundation for neuroscience research and the diagnosis of neurological disorders,highlighting the crucial rule of ensuring the consistency of standardized quality for brain tissue samples.The first version of SOP in 2017 was published by the China Human Brain Bank Consortium.As members increases from different regions in China,a revised SOP was drafted by experts from the China Human Brain Bank Consortium to meet the growing demands for neuroscience research.The revised SOP places a strong emphasis on ethical standards,incorporates neuropathological evaluation of brain regions,and provides clarity on spinal cord sampling and pathological assessment.Notable enhancements in this updated version of the SOP include reinforced ethical guidelines,inclusion of matching controls in recruitment,and expansion of brain regions to be sampled for neuropathological evaluation.
8.Research progress in improvement of sleep disorders via sound wave therapy
Xinlong GAO ; Ying HE ; Wenhui WU ; Yu WAN ; Ying SUN ; Lina LIU ; Beier JIANG
Military Medical Sciences 2024;48(8):625-629
Sleep disorders are characterized by abnormal amounts of sleep and unusual behavior during sleep.Long-term sleep disorders can lead to the disruption of normal social functioning or neurological conditions.In recent years,the role of sound wave therapy in improving sleep quality has attracted much attention.This article aims to review the research progress related to the role of sound wave therapy in enhancing sleep quality,cognitive function,and alleviating fatigue in patients with sleep disorders in hopes of contributing to clinical applications.
9.A multicenter study of neonatal stroke in Shenzhen,China
Li-Xiu SHI ; Jin-Xing FENG ; Yan-Fang WEI ; Xin-Ru LU ; Yu-Xi ZHANG ; Lin-Ying YANG ; Sheng-Nan HE ; Pei-Juan CHEN ; Jing HAN ; Cheng CHEN ; Hui-Ying TU ; Zhang-Bin YU ; Jin-Jie HUANG ; Shu-Juan ZENG ; Wan-Ling CHEN ; Ying LIU ; Yan-Ping GUO ; Jiao-Yu MAO ; Xiao-Dong LI ; Qian-Shen ZHANG ; Zhi-Li XIE ; Mei-Ying HUANG ; Kun-Shan YAN ; Er-Ya YING ; Jun CHEN ; Yan-Rong WANG ; Ya-Ping LIU ; Bo SONG ; Hua-Yan LIU ; Xiao-Dong XIAO ; Hong TANG ; Yu-Na WANG ; Yin-Sha CAI ; Qi LONG ; Han-Qiang XU ; Hui-Zhan WANG ; Qian SUN ; Fang HAN ; Rui-Biao ZHANG ; Chuan-Zhong YANG ; Lei DOU ; Hui-Ju SHI ; Rui WANG ; Ping JIANG ; Shenzhen Neonatal Data Network
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2024;26(5):450-455
Objective To investigate the incidence rate,clinical characteristics,and prognosis of neonatal stroke in Shenzhen,China.Methods Led by Shenzhen Children's Hospital,the Shenzhen Neonatal Data Collaboration Network organized 21 institutions to collect 36 cases of neonatal stroke from January 2020 to December 2022.The incidence,clinical characteristics,treatment,and prognosis of neonatal stroke in Shenzhen were analyzed.Results The incidence rate of neonatal stroke in 21 hospitals from 2020 to 2022 was 1/15 137,1/6 060,and 1/7 704,respectively.Ischemic stroke accounted for 75%(27/36);boys accounted for 64%(23/36).Among the 36 neonates,31(86%)had disease onset within 3 days after birth,and 19(53%)had convulsion as the initial presentation.Cerebral MRI showed that 22 neonates(61%)had left cerebral infarction and 13(36%)had basal ganglia infarction.Magnetic resonance angiography was performed for 12 neonates,among whom 9(75%)had involvement of the middle cerebral artery.Electroencephalography was performed for 29 neonates,with sharp waves in 21 neonates(72%)and seizures in 10 neonates(34%).Symptomatic/supportive treatment varied across different hospitals.Neonatal Behavioral Neurological Assessment was performed for 12 neonates(33%,12/36),with a mean score of(32±4)points.The prognosis of 27 neonates was followed up to around 12 months of age,with 44%(12/27)of the neonates having a good prognosis.Conclusions Ischemic stroke is the main type of neonatal stroke,often with convulsions as the initial presentation,involvement of the middle cerebral artery,sharp waves on electroencephalography,and a relatively low neurodevelopment score.Symptomatic/supportive treatment is the main treatment method,and some neonates tend to have a poor prognosis.
10.Association between TyG-WC and risk of coronary heart disease in middle-aged and elderly population:a prospective cohort study with 10-year follow-up
Yu WANG ; Ying MIAO ; Qiang LIN ; Mao TIAN ; Zhuang CHEN ; Qin WAN
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2024;40(12):1731-1736
Objective To investigate the association between triglyceride glucose index(TyG)combined with waist circumference(WC)and the risk of new-onset coronary heart disease(CHD)in the middle-aged and elderly people in 10 years of non-interventional follow-up in Luzhou area.Methods A total of 8 647 eligible individu-als participated in epidemiological survey in Luzhou area were selected.The subjects were divided into different groups according to the quartiles of the TyG-WC and followed for ten years.The correlation between different TyG-WC quartile group and 10-year new CHD in middle-aged and elderly population was analyzed by using univariate analy-sis and Cox regression analysis.Results Of the 8 647 participants in the study,484 had new CHD,accounting for 5.5%.The comparison of the number of newly diagnosed CHD subjects grouped by TyG-WC quartiles indicated the 4th quartile group>the 3rd quartile group>the 2nd quartile group>the 1st quartile group,showing statistical significance(P<0.001).Cox regression analysis showed that without adjusting for any variables,the risk of new CHD in 10 years increased with the increase of TyG-WC quartile group,and the differences between the second,third and fourth quartile array and the first quartile array were statistically significant(P<0.05).After adjusting for age and sex and further adjusting for the influence of various influencing factors,the risk of new CHD in 10 years increased with the increase of TyG-WC quartile group.The difference between the third and fourth quartile array and the first quartile array was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion TyG-WC is a risk factor for new-onset CHD in the middle-aged and elderly population in Luzhou area in 10 years of non-interventional follow-up,and TyG-WC may be a predictor of the risk of CHD in the middle-aged and elderly population.

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