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Search Results (288)

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Keywords = systemic immune-inflammatory index

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21 pages, 2030 KiB  
Article
Restoring Balance: Probiotic Modulation of Microbiota, Metabolism, and Inflammation in SSRI-Induced Dysbiosis Using the SHIME® Model
by Marina Toscano de Oliveira, Fellipe Lopes de Oliveira, Mateus Kawata Salgaço, Victoria Mesa, Adilson Sartoratto, Kalil Duailibi, Breno Vilas Boas Raimundo, Williams Santos Ramos and Katia Sivieri
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(8), 1132; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18081132 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 265
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), widely prescribed for anxiety disorders, may negatively impact the gut microbiota, contributing to dysbiosis. Considering the gut–brain axis’s importance in mental health, probiotics could represent an effective adjunctive strategy. This study evaluated the effects of Lactobacillus helveticus [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), widely prescribed for anxiety disorders, may negatively impact the gut microbiota, contributing to dysbiosis. Considering the gut–brain axis’s importance in mental health, probiotics could represent an effective adjunctive strategy. This study evaluated the effects of Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Bifidobacterium longum R0175 on microbiota composition, metabolic activity, and immune markers in fecal samples from patients with anxiety on SSRIs, using the SHIME® (Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem) model. Methods: The fecal microbiotas of four patients using sertraline or escitalopram were inoculated in SHIME® reactors simulating the ascending colon. After stabilization, a 14-day probiotic intervention was performed. Microbial composition was assessed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), ammonia, and GABA were measured, along with the prebiotic index (PI). Intestinal barrier integrity was evaluated via transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), and cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α) were analyzed using a Caco-2/THP-1 co-culture system. The statistical design employed in this study for the analysis of prebiotic index, metabolites, intestinal barrier integrity and cytokines levels was a repeated measures ANOVA, complemented by post hoc Tukey’s tests to assess differences across treatment groups. For the 16S rRNA sequencing data, alpha diversity was assessed using multiple metrics, including the Shannon, Simpson, and Fisher indices to evaluate species diversity, and the Chao1 and ACE indices to estimate species richness. Beta diversity, which measures microbiota similarity across groups, was analyzed using weighted and unweighted UniFrac distances. To assess significant differences in beta diversity between groups, a permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) was performed using the Adonis test. Results: Probiotic supplementation increased Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, and decreased Klebsiella and Bacteroides. Beta diversity was significantly altered, while alpha diversity remained unchanged. SCFA levels increased after 7 days. Ammonia levels dropped, and PI values rose. TEER values indicated enhanced barrier integrity. IL-8 and TNF-α decreased, while IL-6 increased. GABA levels remained unchanged. Conclusions: The probiotic combination of Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Bifidobacterium longum R0175 modulated gut microbiota composition, metabolic activity, and inflammatory responses in samples from individuals with anxiety on SSRIs, supporting its potential as an adjunctive strategy to mitigate antidepressant-associated dysbiosis. However, limitations—including the small pooled-donor sample, the absence of a healthy control group, and a lack of significant GABA modulation—should be considered when interpreting the findings. Although the SHIME® model is considered a gold standard for microbiota studies, further clinical trials are necessary to confirm these promising results. Full article
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15 pages, 1321 KiB  
Article
The Role of Inflammatory Biomarkers in Predicting Postoperative Fever Following Flexible Ureteroscopy
by Rasha Ahmed, Omnia Hamdy, Atallah Alatawi, A. Alhowidi, Nael Al-Dahshan, Ahmad Nouraldin Alkadah, Siddique Adnan, Abdullah Mahmoud Alali, Yazeed Hamdan O. Alwabisi, Saleh Alruwaili, Muteb Bandar Binmohaiya, Amany Ahmed Soliman and Mohamed Elbakary
Medicina 2025, 61(8), 1366; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61081366 - 28 Jul 2025
Viewed by 173
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Flexible ureteroscopic surgery is a common minimally invasive procedure utilized for the management of various urological conditions. While effective, postoperative complications such as fever can occur, necessitating the identification of reliable biomarkers for early detection and management. In this [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Flexible ureteroscopic surgery is a common minimally invasive procedure utilized for the management of various urological conditions. While effective, postoperative complications such as fever can occur, necessitating the identification of reliable biomarkers for early detection and management. In this study, we specifically evaluated the predictive performance of three preoperative hematologic indices: the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune–inflammation index (SII). Materials and Methods: By systematically comparing these biomarkers through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and logistic regression modeling, we aimed to identify the most accurate predictor of postoperative fever development. Our cohort included patients who developed postoperative fever, many of whom exhibited normal WBC counts, allowing us to evaluate the discriminatory power of alternative inflammatory biomarkers. Results: Among the 150 patients, 32 developed postoperative fever. Conventional WBC counts did not predict fever, with 91% of feverish individuals having normal WBC values. In the ROC curve analysis, NLR outperformed SII (AUC 0.847, cutoff 796) and PLR (AUC 0.743, cutoff 106), with an AUC of 0.996 at 2.96. A combined logistic model achieved 100% sensitivity and 91% specificity (AUC = 0.996). Conclusions: This study addresses a critical gap in perioperative monitoring by validating readily available complete blood count-derived ratios as clinically meaningful predictors of postoperative inflammatory responses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Urology & Nephrology)
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11 pages, 652 KiB  
Article
Circulating Beta-Defensin 2 Levels Correlate with Conventional Inflammatory Markers in Infection-Free Individuals with Overweight and Obesity: An Exploratory Study
by Theocharis Koufakis, Dimitrios Kouroupis, Georgios Dimakopoulos, Theofylaktos Georgiadis, Areti Kourti, Paraskevi Karalazou, Katerina Thisiadou, Panagiotis Doukelis, Ioanna Zografou, Dimitrios Patoulias, Djordje S. Popovic, Athina Pyrpasopoulou, Evangelos Fousteris, Georgia Argyrakopoulou, Alexander Kokkinos, Olga Giouleme, Kalliopi Kotsa, Michael Doumas and Kali Makedou
Biomedicines 2025, 13(8), 1800; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13081800 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 283
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The role of intestinal dysbiosis as an important driver of inflammation in metabolic disorders is becoming increasingly evident. Beta-defensin 2 is an antimicrobial peptide that contributes to innate immunity, while recently it has been suggested as a novel biomarker of gut [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The role of intestinal dysbiosis as an important driver of inflammation in metabolic disorders is becoming increasingly evident. Beta-defensin 2 is an antimicrobial peptide that contributes to innate immunity, while recently it has been suggested as a novel biomarker of gut dysbiosis. However, its role in obesity remains unexplored. This study aimed to compare circulating beta-defensin 2 levels between individuals with overweight and obesity and lean controls. An additional objective was to explore potential correlations between beta-defensin 2 and other inflammatory markers in this population. Methods: The study population consisted of 81 participants (61.7% females) divided into obesity (n = 27), overweight (n = 34), and normal body mass index (n = 20) groups. All participants were free of infection and diabetes mellitus. Beta-defensin 2, interleukin-6, presepsin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and ferritin were evaluated in the study groups. Results: We did not find significant differences in beta-defensin 2 levels between the groups (p = 0.936). In contrast, hs-CRP levels were higher in people with obesity compared to the sum of participants in the overweight and control groups (p = 0.044), after adjusting for the effects of age, sex, smoking, and vitamin D status. Furthermore, a positive correlation was established between beta-defensin 2 and presepsin values (p = 0.012). Conclusions: The results of the present study demonstrate that obesity is characterized by an aggravation of inflammation, as expressed by elevated hs-CRP levels. Although the study design cannot prove causal relationships, our findings also suggest that beta-defensin 2 levels correlate with the magnitude of systemic inflammation in infection-free individuals living with obesity. The value of the combined evaluation of different biomarkers in obesity-related outcomes warrants further investigation by larger studies. Full article
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27 pages, 5846 KiB  
Article
Agrocybe cylindracea Polysaccharides Ameliorate DSS-Induced Colitis by Restoring Intestinal Barrier Function and Reprogramming Immune Homeostasis via the Gut–Liver Axis
by Aamna Atta, Muhammad Naveed, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Yamina Alioui, Immad Ansari, Sharafat Ali, Eslam Ghaleb, Nabeel Ahmed Farooqui, Mohammad Abusidu, Yi Xin and Bin Feng
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(14), 6805; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26146805 - 16 Jul 2025
Viewed by 378
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease driven by immune dysregulation, microbiota imbalance, and intestinal barrier dysfunction. Despite its global burden, effective therapies remain limited. This study explores the therapeutic potential of Agrocybe cylindracea polysaccharides (ACP) in a dextran sulfate sodium [...] Read more.
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease driven by immune dysregulation, microbiota imbalance, and intestinal barrier dysfunction. Despite its global burden, effective therapies remain limited. This study explores the therapeutic potential of Agrocybe cylindracea polysaccharides (ACP) in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced murine colitis model. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-characterized ACP was administered orally to BALB/c mice following colitis induction. ACP treatment significantly reduced Disease Activity Index (DAI) scores, preserved colon length, and restored intestinal barrier integrity by upregulating tight junction proteins. Mechanistically, ACP modulated immune homeostasis, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-17, IL-23, CRP) while enhancing anti-inflammatory mediators (IL-4, TGF-β). Furthermore, ACP inhibited hepatic TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling, attenuated systemic inflammation, and reshaped gut microbiota composition by enriching beneficial taxa and reducing pathogenic Bacteroides. These findings demonstrate ACP multi-target efficacy in colitis, positioning it as a promising natural therapeutic for UC. Full article
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14 pages, 273 KiB  
Article
From Blood to Outcome: Inflammatory Biomarkers in Rectal Cancer Surgery at a Romanian Tertiary Hospital
by Georgiana Viorica Moise, Catalin Vladut Ionut Feier, Vasile Gaborean, Alaviana Monique Faur, Vladut Iosif Rus and Calin Muntean
Diseases 2025, 13(7), 218; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases13070218 - 13 Jul 2025
Viewed by 291
Abstract
Background: Systemic inflammatory markers have emerged as accessible and reproducible tools for oncologic risk stratification, yet their prognostic value in rectal cancer remains incompletely defined, particularly in acute surgical settings. This study aimed to assess six inflammation-based indices—NLR, PLR, MLR, SII, SIRI, and [...] Read more.
Background: Systemic inflammatory markers have emerged as accessible and reproducible tools for oncologic risk stratification, yet their prognostic value in rectal cancer remains incompletely defined, particularly in acute surgical settings. This study aimed to assess six inflammation-based indices—NLR, PLR, MLR, SII, SIRI, and AISI—in relation to tumor stage, recurrence, and outcomes among patients undergoing emergency versus elective resection for rectal cancer. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 174 patients treated between 2018 and 2024. Pre-treatment blood counts were used to calculate inflammatory indices. Clinical and pathological parameters were correlated with biomarker levels using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Pre-treatment inflammation markers were significantly elevated in patients requiring emergency surgery (e.g., NLR: 3.34 vs. 2.4, p = 0.001; PLR: 204.1 vs. 137.8, p < 0.001; SII: 1008 vs. 693, p = 0.007), reflecting advanced tumor biology and immune activation. Notably, these patients also had higher rates of stage IV disease (p = 0.029) and permanent stoma (p = 0.002). Post-treatment, recurrence was paradoxically associated with significantly lower levels of SII (p = 0.021), AISI (p = 0.036), and PLR (p = 0.003), suggesting a potential role for immune exhaustion rather than hyperinflammation in early relapse. Conclusions: Inflammatory indices provide valuable insights into both tumor local invasion and host immune status in rectal cancer. Their integration into perioperative assessment could improve prognostication, particularly in emergency presentations. Post-treatment suppression of these markers may identify patients at high risk for recurrence despite initial curative intent. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Oncology)
18 pages, 8113 KiB  
Article
An Interpretable Machine Learning Model Based on Inflammatory–Nutritional Biomarkers for Predicting Metachronous Liver Metastases After Colorectal Cancer Surgery
by Hao Zhu, Danyang Shen, Xiaojie Gan and Ding Sun
Biomedicines 2025, 13(7), 1706; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13071706 - 12 Jul 2025
Viewed by 376
Abstract
Objective: Tumor progression is regulated by systemic immune status, nutritional metabolism, and the inflammatory microenvironment. This study aims to investigate inflammatory–nutritional biomarkers associated with metachronous liver metastasis (MLM) in colorectal cancer (CRC) and develop a machine learning model for accurate prediction. Methods [...] Read more.
Objective: Tumor progression is regulated by systemic immune status, nutritional metabolism, and the inflammatory microenvironment. This study aims to investigate inflammatory–nutritional biomarkers associated with metachronous liver metastasis (MLM) in colorectal cancer (CRC) and develop a machine learning model for accurate prediction. Methods: This study enrolled 680 patients with CRC who underwent curative resection, randomly allocated into a training set (n = 477) and a validation set (n = 203) in a 7:3 ratio. Feature selection was performed using Boruta and Lasso algorithms, identifying nine core prognostic factors through variable intersection. Seven machine learning (ML) models were constructed using the training set, with the optimal predictive model selected based on comprehensive evaluation metrics. An interactive visualization tool was developed to interpret the dynamic impact of key features on individual predictions. The partial dependence plots (PDPs) revealed a potential dose–response relationship between inflammatory–nutritional markers and MLM risk. Results: Among 680 patients with CRC, the cumulative incidence of MLM at 6 months postoperatively was 39.1%. Multimodal feature selection identified nine key predictors, including the N stage, vascular invasion, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), systemic immune–inflammation index (SII), albumin–bilirubin index (ALBI), differentiation grade, prognostic nutritional index (PNI), fatty liver, and T stage. The gradient boosting machine (GBM) demonstrated the best overall performance (AUROC: 0.916, sensitivity: 0.772, specificity: 0.871). The generalized additive model (GAM)-fitted SHAP analysis established, for the first time, risk thresholds for four continuous variables (CEA > 8.14 μg/L, PNI < 44.46, SII > 856.36, ALBI > −2.67), confirming their significant association with MLM development. Conclusions: This study developed a GBM model incorporating inflammatory-nutritional biomarkers and clinical features to accurately predict MLM in colorectal cancer. Integrated with dynamic visualization tools, the model enables real-time risk stratification via a freely accessible web calculator, guiding individualized surveillance planning and optimizing clinical decision-making for precision postoperative care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Hepatology)
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15 pages, 282 KiB  
Article
The Association Between Childhood Trauma, Emotional Dysregulation, and Depressive Symptoms’ Severity in Patients with Obesity Seeking Bariatric Surgery
by Marco Di Nicola, Maria Rosaria Magurano, Maria Pepe, Amerigo Iaconelli, Lorenzo Moccia, Alessandro Michele Giannico, Caterina Guidone, Geltrude Mingrone, Laura Antonella Fernandez Tayupanta, Angela Gonsalez Del Castillo, Edoardo Zompanti, Luigi Ciccoritti, Piero Giustacchini, Francesco Greco, Daniela Pia Rosaria Chieffo, Gabriele Sani and Marco Raffaelli
J. Pers. Med. 2025, 15(7), 303; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm15070303 - 11 Jul 2025
Viewed by 464
Abstract
Background: Patients with obesity seeking bariatric surgery often display high rates of depressive symptoms, which are linked to worse clinical and surgical outcomes. A comprehensive evaluation of depression-related features in this population is lacking. Therefore, this study investigated clinical and psychopathological factors associated [...] Read more.
Background: Patients with obesity seeking bariatric surgery often display high rates of depressive symptoms, which are linked to worse clinical and surgical outcomes. A comprehensive evaluation of depression-related features in this population is lacking. Therefore, this study investigated clinical and psychopathological factors associated with depressive symptoms’ severity in 946 outpatients with obesity undergoing pre-surgical evaluation. Methods: The sample (45.1 ± 12 years) was subdivided according to Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) into ‘absent’, ‘mild’, and ‘moderate-to-severe depression’ groups, which were compared for sociodemographic characteristics, childhood trauma, and emotional dysregulation. Assessments included the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short-Form (CTQ-SF) and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scales (DERS). Inflammatory levels were evaluated through the Systemic Immune-inflammatory Index (SII). Multinomial logistic regression and correlations were performed to evaluate predictors of depression severity and their interrelationship. Results: Beyond sociodemographic and clinical differences, patients with moderate-to-severe depression displayed higher childhood trauma, emotional dysregulation, and inflammatory levels. Logistic regression with 95% confidence intervals showed that higher CTQ-SF scores were significantly associated with moderate-to-severe vs. absent depression (p = 0.005, 95% CI: 1.02–1.09), while elevated DERS scores were a risk factor for both moderate-to-severe vs. mild (p < 0.001, 95% CI: 1.04–1.11) and vs. absent depression (p < 0.001, 95% CI: 1.11–1.18). Additionally, PHQ-9 was significantly correlated with CTQ-SF, DERS, and SII. Conclusions: A worse clinical picture was observed in patients with moderate-to-severe depression, and significant interactions were found between psychopathology and inflammatory indexes. Emotional dysregulation was primarily associated with depression severity. These preliminary results support the implementation of rigorous pre-operative screening to identify and deliver targeted psychotherapeutic/pharmacological interventions aimed at improving clinical and post-surgical outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Personalized Therapy and Drug Delivery)
17 pages, 626 KiB  
Article
Does Vitamin D Supplementation Slow Brain Volume Loss in Multiple Sclerosis? A 4-Year Observational Study
by Weronika Galus, Mateusz Winder, Aleksander J. Owczarek, Anna Walawska-Hrycek, Michalina Rzepka, Aleksandra Kaczmarczyk, Joanna Siuda and Ewa Krzystanek
Nutrients 2025, 17(14), 2271; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17142271 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 557
Abstract
Background and Aims: Vitamin D is currently well regarded for its pleiotropic effects on the immune system, stimulating an anti-inflammatory response and enhancing immune tolerance. Vitamin D deficiency is an established risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS). Additionally, lower vitamin D serum levels [...] Read more.
Background and Aims: Vitamin D is currently well regarded for its pleiotropic effects on the immune system, stimulating an anti-inflammatory response and enhancing immune tolerance. Vitamin D deficiency is an established risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS). Additionally, lower vitamin D serum levels are associated with worse disease outcomes. However, current randomized clinical trials provide conflicting evidence about the beneficial role of vitamin D on disease progression. Most studies have evaluated the effect of vitamin D supplementation on clinical and radiological activity, yet very few have examined the impact on brain atrophy. Methods: A 4-year observational, non-interventional study design was applied to evaluate the association between vitamin D supplementation and disease progression. Altogether, 132 relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis patients were enrolled in the study (97 subjects in the group with vitamin D supplementation and 35 subjects in the group without supplementation). The analyzed groups were similar in terms of age, body mass index, sun exposure, comorbidities, nicotinism, duration of the disease, and current treatment. The number of relapses, Expanded Disability Status Scale assessments, and the number of new/enlarged T2-weighted lesions and gadolinium-enhancing lesions in magnetic resonance imagining analyses, as well as 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum levels, were assessed every 12 months of a 4-year follow-up, whereas brain atrophy was assessed at the baseline and after 36 months using two-dimensional measurements. Results: After 36 months, a significant increase in atrophy was observed in both groups; however, patients without vitamin D supplementation had a significantly higher increase in intercaudate distance, third ventricle width, and bicaudate ratio after 36 months of observation (p < 0.05). Vitamin D supplementation among the studied group did not affect other disease activity outcomes. Conclusions: Our study revealed an observed association between vitamin D supplementation and reduced brain atrophy in patients with MS. Randomized controlled trials are required to establish the impact of vitamin D supplementation on brain atrophy progression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Nutrition)
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13 pages, 840 KiB  
Article
Full-Blood Inflammatory Ratios Predict Length of Stay but Not Early Death in Romanian Pulmonary Tuberculosis
by Ionut-Valentin Stanciu, Ariadna-Petronela Fildan, Barkha Rani Thakur, Adrian Cosmin Ilie, Livia Stanga, Cristian Oancea, Emanuela Tudorache, Felix Bratosin, Ovidiu Rosca, Iulia Bogdan, Anca Chisoi, Ionela Preotesoiu, Viorica Zamfir and Elena Dantes
Medicina 2025, 61(7), 1238; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61071238 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 265
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Blood-borne inflammatory ratios have been proposed as inexpensive prognostic tools across a range of diseases, but their role in pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) remains uncertain. In this retrospective case–control analysis, we explored whether composite indices derived from routine haematology—namely the [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Blood-borne inflammatory ratios have been proposed as inexpensive prognostic tools across a range of diseases, but their role in pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) remains uncertain. In this retrospective case–control analysis, we explored whether composite indices derived from routine haematology—namely the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), the systemic immune–inflammation index (SII) and a novel CRP–Fibrinogen Index (CFI)—could enhance risk stratification beyond established cytokine measurements among Romanian adults with culture-confirmed pulmonary T. Materials and Methods: Data were drawn from 80 consecutive TB in-patients and 50 community controls. Full blood counts, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, and four multiplex cytokines were extracted from electronic records, and composite indices were calculated according to standard formulas. The primary outcomes were in-hospital mortality within 90 days and length of stay (LOS). Results: Among TB patients, the median NLR was 3.70 (IQR 2.54–6.14), PLR was 200 (140–277) and SII was 1.36 × 106 µL−1 (0.74–2.34 × 106), compared with 1.8 (1.4–2.3), 117 (95–140) and 0.46 × 106 µL−1 (0.30–0.60 × 106) in controls. Those with SII above the cohort median exhibited more pronounced acute-phase responses (median CRP 96 vs. 12 mg L−1; fibrinogen 578 vs. 458 mg dL−1), yet median LOS remained virtually identical (29 vs. 28 days) and early mortality was low in both groups (8% vs. 2%). The CFI showed no clear gradient in hospital stay across its quartiles, and composite ratios—while tightly inter-correlated—demonstrated only minimal association with cytokine levels and LOS. Conclusions: Composite cell-count indices were markedly elevated but did not predict early death or prolonged admission. In low-event European cohorts, their chief value may lie in serving as cost-free gatekeepers, flagging those who should proceed to more advanced cytokine or genomic testing. Although routine reporting of NLR and SII may support low-cost surveillance, validation in larger, multicentre cohorts with serial sampling is needed before these indices can be integrated into clinical decision-making. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pulmonology)
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18 pages, 309 KiB  
Article
The Prognostic Value of Hematological, Immune-Inflammatory, Metabolic, and Hormonal Biomarkers in the Treatment Response of Hospitalized Patients with Anorexia Nervosa
by Joanna Rog, Kaja Karakuła, Zuzanna Rząd, Karolina Niedziałek-Serafin, Dariusz Juchnowicz, Anna Rymuszka and Hanna Karakula-Juchnowicz
Nutrients 2025, 17(14), 2260; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17142260 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 322
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a chronic eating disorder with the highest mortality rate among psychiatric conditions. Malnutrition and starvation lead to long-term impairments in metabolic processes, hormonal regulation, and immune function, offering potential diagnostic and prognostic value. This study aimed to [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a chronic eating disorder with the highest mortality rate among psychiatric conditions. Malnutrition and starvation lead to long-term impairments in metabolic processes, hormonal regulation, and immune function, offering potential diagnostic and prognostic value. This study aimed to identify immune–metabolic–hormonal markers associated with treatment response and nutritional rehabilitation. Methods: Fifty hospitalized female patients with AN were included. Anthropometric measurements and venous blood samples were collected at admission and discharge, following partial nutritional recovery. Blood analyses included complete blood count, serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL and HDL, triglycerides, glucose, NT-pro-BNP, TSH, free thyroxine (fT4), sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, iron, and vitamin D. Composite immune-inflammatory indices calculated were neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte (MLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR); neutrophil-to-high-density lipoprotein (NHR), monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein (MHR), platelet-to-high-density lipoprotein (PHR) and lymphocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein (LHR) ratios; systemic immune-inflammation (SII), and systemic inflammation response (SIRI) indexes. Results: Responders (R) and non-responders (NR) differed significantly at baseline in levels of sodium, chloride, fT4, monocyte count, MCV, NLR, MLR, SII, and SIRI (all: R < NR; p < 0.05). Predictive ability for treatment response was confirmed by AUC values (95%CI): sodium = 0.791 (0.622–0.960), chloride = 0.820 (0.690–0.950), fT4 = 0.781 (0.591–0.972), monocytes = 0.785 (0.643–0.927), MCV = 0.721 (0.549–0.892), NLR = 0.745 (0.578–0.913), MLR = 0.785 (0.643–0.927), SII = 0.736 (0.562–0.911), SIRI = 0.803 (0.671–0.935). The lower levels of inflammation and chloride are particularly predictive of better nutritional recovery, accounting for 26% of the variability in treatment response. Conclusions: The study demonstrated important insights into the hematological, metabolic, hormonal, and immune-inflammatory mechanisms associated with nutritional recovery in AN. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Public Health)
13 pages, 470 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of CHA2DS2-VA Score and Systemic Inflammatory Indexes in Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation: A Case–Control Study
by Abdulkadir Cakmak, Sirin Cetin, Ercan Kahraman and Meryem Cetin
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(13), 4601; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14134601 - 29 Jun 2025
Viewed by 459
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) is a prevalent arrhythmia associated with elevated risks of stroke, systemic embolism, and mortality. Emerging evidence underscores the pivotal role of inflammation in NVAF pathogenesis. The CHA2DS2-VA score is currently the most powerful tool [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) is a prevalent arrhythmia associated with elevated risks of stroke, systemic embolism, and mortality. Emerging evidence underscores the pivotal role of inflammation in NVAF pathogenesis. The CHA2DS2-VA score is currently the most powerful tool used in the management of patients with atrial fibrillation, and integrating novel inflammatory biomarkers—neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI)—into this score may enhance prognostic accuracy and guide personalized therapy. Methods: In this observational case–control study, a cohort of 330 NVAF patients and 201 controls, inflammatory and biochemical parameters were measured and compared, we employed multivariate logistic regression and ROC analyses to validate the discriminative power of novel inflammatory indexes and novel CHA2DS2-VA score, setting a new benchmark for biomarker integration in NVAF management. Results: Inflammatory indexes (NLR, PLR, SII, SIRI) were significantly higher in NVAF patients compared to controls (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified NLR (OR = 4.02), PLR (OR = 1.04), SII (OR = 1.01), and SIRI (OR = 1.87) as independent NVAF risk markers. The CHA2DS2-VA score showed the strongest association with NVAF (OR = 5.55), and an optimal cutoff of ≥2 yielded 88.18% sensitivity and 74.63% specificity. Conclusions: Inflammatory markers NLR, PLR, SII, and SIRI, when assessed alongside the CHA2DS2-VA score, offer significant and complementary prognostic insight for patients with NVAF. These findings support the integration of inflammatory indexes into routine clinical risk assessment models to enhance early identification of high-risk individuals and inform personalized therapeutic strategies. Moreover, our findings provide a rationale for developing composite risk scores in future studies that integrate inflammatory biomarkers with the CHA2DS2-VA score (e.g., a CHA2DS2-VA-Inflammation Score). Further large-scale, longitudinal studies are warranted to validate these results and explore the benefits of inflammation-targeted interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Developments on Diagnosis and Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation)
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12 pages, 1341 KiB  
Article
Prognostic Value of PLR, SIRI, PIV, SII, and NLR in Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: Can Inflammatory Factors Influence Pathogenesis and Outcomes?
by Francesco Pio Bizzarri, Marco Campetella, Pierluigi Russo, Giuseppe Palermo, Seyed Koosha Moosavi, Francesco Rossi, Lorenzo D’Amico, Antonio Cretì, Filippo Gavi, Enrico Panio, Simona Presutti, Fabrizio Bellavia, Mauro Ragonese, Chiara Ciccarese, Roberto Iacovelli, Maria Chiara Sighinolfi, Marco Racioppi, Emilio Sacco and Bernardo Rocco
Cancers 2025, 17(13), 2189; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17132189 - 28 Jun 2025
Viewed by 415
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Given the increasing interest in the predictive role of inflammation in oncology, we aimed to assess the association between inflammatory factors (IFs) and the histopathological characteristics of bladder cancer (BC). Our objective was to correlate some of these IFs with BC progression [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Given the increasing interest in the predictive role of inflammation in oncology, we aimed to assess the association between inflammatory factors (IFs) and the histopathological characteristics of bladder cancer (BC). Our objective was to correlate some of these IFs with BC progression and recurrence, identifying possible new diagnostic tools. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 285 patients (79.8% male, 20.4% female; median age 73) who underwent transurethral resection of the bladder (TURB) between January 2016 and January 2022. The preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), and standard clinical variables were collected one month before TURB and evaluated as predictors of recurrence and progression. Patients were stratified using the Youden Index and ROC analysis. Cox regression models were applied to identify independent predictors. Results: High-grade tumors were present in 74.6% of cases, and 34% were recurrent. Carcinoma in situ was found in 5%. After 72 months, 53% underwent radical cystectomy, and 13.7% died within 5 years. The optimal cutoffs were PLR 139, SIRI 1.12, PIV 248.49, NLR 2, SII 327. Smoking, primary MIBC, age, and lymph node status were significantly associated with recurrence. Elevated PLR correlated with recurrence and T2 progression (p = 0.004). Higher SIRI, PIV, and PLR levels were significantly associated with lymphovascular invasion and nodal metastasis (p < 0.05). PLR was linked to recurrence in tumors ≥ 3 cm post-BCG (p = 0.004); high SIRI predicted recurrence within 48 months (p = 0.05). Conclusions: High PLR and SIRI levels were associated with recurrence. Our findings support the emerging role of IFs in predicting BC outcomes and suggest their potential inclusion in future prognostic models. Full article
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18 pages, 1004 KiB  
Article
Hair Calcium Levels in Relation to Coronary Artery Disease Severity and Systemic Inflammation Markers: A Pilot Study
by Ewelina A. Dziedzic, Aleksandra Czernicka, Jakub S. Gąsior, Anna Szamreta-Siwicka, Beata Wodejko-Kucharska, Paweł Maciński, Anna Arbaszewska, Konrad Adler, Andrzej Osiecki and Wacław Kochman
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(13), 4537; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14134537 - 26 Jun 2025
Viewed by 473
Abstract
Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading global cause of mortality. The role of calcium (Ca), a key metabolic and structural element, in atherosclerosis and inflammation remains unclear. Ca influences immune cell function and is a component of atherosclerotic plaques. Hair [...] Read more.
Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading global cause of mortality. The role of calcium (Ca), a key metabolic and structural element, in atherosclerosis and inflammation remains unclear. Ca influences immune cell function and is a component of atherosclerotic plaques. Hair analysis reflects long-term mineral exposure and may serve as a non-invasive biomarker. Objectives: This pilot study aimed to investigate the association between hair Ca levels and acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and to evaluate correlations with the Systemic Inflammatory Index (SII), Systemic Inflammatory Response Index (SIRI), and selected CAD risk factors. Methods: Ca levels were measured in hair samples from patients undergoing coronary angiography for suspected myocardial infarction. Associations with ACS diagnosis, Syntax score, SII, SIRI, and CVD risk factors were analyzed. Results: Serum calcium levels were not significantly associated with the presence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) (p = 0.392) or with its clinical subtypes, including ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and unstable angina (UA) (p = 0.225). Diagnosis of ACS was linked to higher SII (p = 0.028) but not SIRI (p = 0.779). Ca levels correlated negatively with Syntax score (R = −0.19, p = 0.035) and SII (R = −0.22, p = 0.021) and positively with HDL-C (R = 0.18, p = 0.046). Conclusions: Hair calcium content may reflect subclinical inflammation and CAD severity. Although no direct link to ACS was observed, the associations with SII, HDL-C, and Syntax score suggest a potential diagnostic role which should be further explored in larger, well-controlled studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coronary Heart Disease: Causes, Diagnosis and Management)
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11 pages, 279 KiB  
Article
Can We Determine Osteoarthritis Severity Based on Systemic Immuno-Inflammatory Index?
by Bilge Kagan Yilmaz, Recep Altin and Alper Sari
Diagnostics 2025, 15(12), 1556; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15121556 - 18 Jun 2025
Viewed by 382
Abstract
Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the common joint diseases. Hematologic markers have been investigated to determine its severity and predict the prognosis of joint diseases. In this study, we investigated whether the systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII) is a marker for assessing the [...] Read more.
Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the common joint diseases. Hematologic markers have been investigated to determine its severity and predict the prognosis of joint diseases. In this study, we investigated whether the systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII) is a marker for assessing the severity of OA. Methods: The records of patients diagnosed with OA at various stages between 1 January 2020 and 1 January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients aged 18–75 years with complete blood count within the last 15 days and not taking anti-inflammatory drugs were included in the study. Patients were classified according to the Kellgren–Lawrance classification as stage 1-2-3 mild to moderate OA (Group I) and stage 4 severe OA (Group II). A total of 1580 patients were diagnosed with knee OA and 946 were included in the study. Of the patients, 246 (26%) were male and 700 (74%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 61.00 (53.00–68.00) years. Results: There were 449 (47.5%) patients in Group I and 497 (52.5%) patients in Group II. Statistically significant differences were found between the groups in age, gender, hemoglobin, lymphocytes, and SII (p < 0.05). An SII value of 627.9 was found to distinguish severe OA from mild–moderate OA with 42.5% sensitivity and 70.6% specificity. Conclusions: Although this study is the first in the literature, it shows that SII has limited predictive value in assessing the severity of knee OA. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to establish causality and explore therapeutic implications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Laboratory Medicine)
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13 pages, 816 KiB  
Article
“Pre-Treatment“ and “Post-Treatment” Systemic Inflammatory Markers: Is There Any Prognostic Role for Metastatic Cervical Cancer on Bevacizumab Containing Treatment?
by Serkan Yaşar, Ahmet Kadıoğlu, Arif Akyildiz, Nadiye Sever, Mehmet Emin Büyükbayram, Mehmet Bilici, Elanur Karaman, Mehmet Uzun, Murat Bardakcı, Caglar Koseoglu, Irem Bilgetekin, Mehmet Cihan İçli, Alper Türkel, Zafer Arık, Murat Sarı, Tugba Yavuzsen, Mehmet Ali Nahit Sendur, İsmail Erturk and Mutlu Dogan
Medicina 2025, 61(6), 1100; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61061100 - 17 Jun 2025
Viewed by 491
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Despite developments in cervical cancer (CC) treatment, an advanced stage is a poor prognostic factor. Cervical cancer is an immunogenic tumor in which viruses, like HPV, play a role in carcinogenesis. Therefore, systemic inflammatory markers (SIMs) may have prognostic [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Despite developments in cervical cancer (CC) treatment, an advanced stage is a poor prognostic factor. Cervical cancer is an immunogenic tumor in which viruses, like HPV, play a role in carcinogenesis. Therefore, systemic inflammatory markers (SIMs) may have prognostic value. Most studies on SIMs focus on the early stage by evaluating pretreatment levels. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic and predictive values of both pretreatment and post-treatment parameters at the advanced stage, as well as treatment efficacy after progression with first-line treatment. Materials and Methods: A total of 133 advanced-stage CC patients with progression on first-line platin–paclitaxel and bevacizumab were evaluated retrospectively. Demographic and histopathological characteristics were recorded along with treatment details. Pre-treatment baseline blood parameters and post-treatment follow-up values were recorded to calculate SIMs as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), and systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI). Results: Median values for SIMs were accepted as cut-off values. Post-treatment values demonstrated stronger predictive power, with pre-treatment SIRI and NLR being significant only in univariate analysis, but not in multivariate analysis. High post-treatment SIRI (>2.1) was correlated with shorter overall survival (OS) and considered a poor prognostic factor. High post-treatment SIRI (>2.1), -SII (>746), and -PLR (>197) emerged as independent prognostic factors for progression-free survival (PFS). Their prognostic values were clearer in the whole population and the metachronous metastatic subgroup. Rechallenge of platinum-based chemotherapy was an option for those who had at least 6 months of PFS with first-line platinum-based chemotherapy. Bevacizumab addition to single-agent or combination regimens led to improved ORR as well. Conclusions: Post-treatment SIRI is a promising prognostic factor for OS, while post-treatment SIRI, SII, and PLR may serve as convenient SIMs for PFS. Platinum-based combination chemotherapy reinduction is a feasible second-line treatment strategy, especially with the addition of bevacizumab. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Oncology)
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