ABO Blood Group and Diabetes Mellitus Influence the Risk for Pancreatic Cancer in a Population from China

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients with pain have abnormal central pain processing

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is often associated with debilitating abdominal pain that is poorly understood. The aim of this study is to evaluate pain processing in patients with PDAC using Pancreatic Quantitative Sensory Testing (P-QST).

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study enrolling histologically confirmed PDAC patients from referral centers in the United States and Germany, and healthy controls from the United States, Germany, and Denmark. P-QST assesses central pain processing by measuring pressure pain thresholds at dermatomal sites (C5, T10 back, T10 abdomen, L1, L4), evaluating temporal summation with pinprick stimulation, and using a cold pressor test with a conditioned pain modulation (CPM) paradigm. Using an established algorithm, it differentiates normal pain processing from segmental (pancreatic dermatome-related) hyperalgesia and widespread hyperalgesia.

RESULTS

A total of 104 patients with painful, treatment-naive PDAC (56.7% men, mean age 65.9 ± 10.6 years) and 122 healthy controls (50% men, mean age 48.9 ± 12.1 years) were enrolled. PDAC patients were 29% early tumor stage (I/II) and 71% advanced tumor stage (III/IV). Overall, PDAC patients had lower pressure pain thresholds, higher temporal summation and shorter cold pressor endurance time compared to controls. Abnormal central pain processing, i.e., segmental hyperalgesia (19% vs. 12%) and widespread hyperalgesia (19% vs. 4%), was significantly more common in PDAC patients (p < 0.001). Advanced tumor stage and metastases were associated with lower CPM and more widespread hyperalgesia, Advanced tumor stage and metastases were associated with lower CPM and more widespread hyperalgesia, though not remain significant after false discovery rate correction.

CONCLUSIONS

P-QST revealed abnormal central pain processing in PDAC patients compared to healthy controls, which may have implications for pain management.

The association between ABO blood type and outcomes following sudden cardiac arrest: a multicenter observational study

Background

ABO blood type has been associated with various disease outcomes, but its relationship with outcomes in patients with sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) remains unexplored.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of adult out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients with SCA treated at three major branches of the National Taiwan University Hospital between January 2016 and July 2023. The variables examined for their possible influence on the neurological and survival outcomes of patients with SCA were sociodemographic characteristics, pre-existing diseases, resuscitation events, and blood type. The results of a multivariable logistic regression were reported as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Neurological outcomes were determined by the Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) scale at hospital discharge.

Results

No significant differences were found in the prevalence of each blood type between those who survived and those who did not or between those with good (CPC 1-2) or poor (CPC 3-5) neurological outcomes. There was no significant association between survival and blood type; however, patients with blood type AB had a higher probability of good neurological outcomes than those with blood type O (aOR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.02-3.83, p = 0.042). A sensitivity analysis of the data from patients with aseptic etiologies also showed a significantly higher likelihood of good neurological outcomes among those with blood type AB (aOR: 2.21, 95% CI: 1.12-4.35, p = 0.023).

Conclusion

ABO blood type is not associated with survival in patients with SCA, but blood type AB is associated with better neurological outcomes than type O.

Association of blood group types and clinico-pathological features of gynecological cancers (GCs)

BACKGROUND

Gynecological cancers (GCs) affect the reproductive system of females, and are of multiple types depending on the affected organ most common of which are cervical, endometrial, ovarian cancers. Among different risk factors for GCs, ABO blood group system is considered as one of the pivotal contributing factors for increased susceptibility of GCs. The aim of our study was to report on the demographics of GC patients and to investigate the relationship between the ABO blood group system and the risk of acquiring GC in our population.

METHODS

The current retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out between the years of 2016 and 2023. The sample included all the patients having age > 18 with a record of blood group and confirmed histological or cytological diagnosis as per International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) guidelines. A comprehensive review of the charts was conducted to gather data including demographics, tumor characteristics, comorbidities, adverse effects, and treatment methods.

RESULTS

A total of 543 female patients were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 61.6. The three most common BG in our GC cases were as O + (43.8%), followed by A + (26%), and B + (15.5%). Among comorbidities, hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus (DM), dyslipidemia were the top three affecting GC patients. A significant association (p < 0.05) between ABO BG and serous histology in endometrial cancer was found. ABO blood group and fallopian cancer showed a significant relationship between serous histology and B blood group (p < 0.05). For ovarian cancer a significant association between AB blood group and recurrence rates were found (p < 0.05). In case of the patient dependent GCs, a significant association between ovarian cancers and recurrence, fallopian tube cancers and adverse events and survival status, vaginal/vulval cancers and TNM stage and mixed GCs and tumor type (carcinoma) was observed (P < 0.05). Furthermore, multinomial analysis between various confounding factors and GCs revealed that the risk of Cervical, Endometrial and Ovarian cancers to be significant for Type B BG (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our study found that O + BG was the most prevalent among our population. Furthermore, there was a significant association between BG B and endometrial and serous histology in fallopian tube and between BG AB and ovarian malignancies, respectively. Additionally, multinomial analysis revealed higher risk of Cervical, Endometrial and Ovarian cancers for Type B BG (P < 0.05).

Comprehensive Review on Pancreatic Head Cancer: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment Challenges in the Quest for Improved Survival

This comprehensive review explores the complexities surrounding pancreatic head cancer, a highly fatal and challenging-to-treat illness with a survival rate of less than five years. Despite being a major contributor to cancer-related deaths, pancreatic head malignancy often eludes early detection due to its posterior location and high metastatic potential. The review delves into the associated symptoms, including gastric outlet obstruction and obstructive jaundice, highlighting the impact on the patient's eligibility for surgery. Examining recent advancements, the article discusses fast-track surgery recovery programs and emerging immunotherapeutic approaches, acknowledging the unique challenges posed by the immunosuppressive environment of pancreatic head cancer. Additionally, the review elucidates the intricate relationship between pancreatic cancer and glucose levels, emphasizing the role of islets of Langerhans in insulin production. The pathogenesis section explores lifestyle and genetic factors contributing to pancreatic head carcinoma, shedding light on risk factors such as smoking, obesity, diabetes, and hereditary predispositions. The extensive analysis of pancreatic cancer diagnosis methods encompasses imaging techniques, biopsies, and biomarkers, emphasizing the challenges posed by late-stage diagnoses. Addressing treatment modalities, the review emphasizes the significance of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy. The intricate details of neoadjuvant, immunotherapy, and microbial therapy provide a comprehensive understanding of evolving treatment strategies. The review concludes by highlighting promising areas of research, including oncolytic viral therapy and gene editing technology, aiming to enhance the limited treatment options for this devastating disease.

ABO Blood Group and the Risk and Prognosis of Lymphoma

ABO blood group antigens exhibit alternative phenotypes and genetically derived structures that are located on the red cell surface. The role of ABO blood group in cancer biology has been intensely reported by several studies, and it is now widely recognized that ABO antigens are associated with the risk and prognosis of several types of tumors, namely gastric cancer and pancreatic cancer. However, there have been contentious limited issues with the association between the ABO blood group and lymphoma. In this narrative review, based on literature data, we discuss the role of ABO blood group in the risk and prognosis of lymphoma and summarize the current knowledge of the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of the association. The possible association of ABO blood group with racial disparities and pathological classification in lymphoma patients is also discussed.

Distributions and prognostic effects of ABO/Rh blood groups in patients with HER2/neu positive gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer

BACKGROUND

The aim of study was to look at ABO/Rh blood types frequency and prognostic significance in patients with HER2/neu positive gastric cancer.

METHODS

The study was designed retrospectively. Clinicopathological characteristics, treatment approaches, and the ABO/Rh blood groups features were noted. The ABO/Rh blood types for patients and healthy donors were compared by the Chi-square method.

RESULTS

The average age was 61 years. The average survival time was 17.9 months (13.2-22.5). ABO blood types frequencies were not similar between patients (25.9% O, 6.3% AB, 57.1% A, and 10.7% B) and control group (34.9% O, 7.9% AB, 41.9% A, and 15.3% B) (P = 0.01). Patients and controls had the same Rh factor distribution (P = 0.07).

CONCLUSIONS

We showed that A blood group frequency was increased in patients with HER2/neu receptor-positive gastric cancer than in a healthy population. Also, we detected that the frequency of O blood type was decreased. ABO/Rh blood types were not linked with prognosis for overall survival.

Pancreatic cancer: A review of epidemiology, trend, and risk factors

Despite rapid advances in modern medical technology and significant improvements in survival rates of many cancers, pancreatic cancer is still a highly lethal gastrointestinal cancer with a low 5-year survival rate and difficulty in early detection. At present, the incidence and mortality of pancreatic cancer are increasing year by year worldwide, no matter in the United States, Europe, Japan, or China. Globally, the incidence of pancreatic cancer is projected to increase to 18.6 per 100000 in 2050, with the average annual growth of 1.1%, meaning that pancreatic cancer will pose a significant public health burden. Due to the special anatomical location of the pancreas, the development of pancreatic cancer is usually diagnosed at a late stage with obvious clinical symptoms. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the risk factors for pancreatic cancer is of great clinical significance for effective prevention of pancreatic cancer. In this paper, the epidemiological characteristics, developmental trends, and risk factors of pancreatic cancer are reviewed and analyzed in detail.

ABO system combination with Rh, Kell and MN group in Georgian blood donors

There are numerous scientific data about the study of the prevalence of blood group antigens in the different donor population. Several studies showed that the profile of major blood group antigens is not similar in blood donors from different local areas.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE

Our scientific goal was to study of the prevalence blood group antigens in the Georgian blood donor population. In the current study, we analyzed the 48 phenotypically combinations based on four major (ABO, Rh, Kell, and MN) blood groups.

RESEARCH METHODS

The blood of 1009 donors has been studied on RBC antigens. The sample were collected from the diagnostic laboratory of Medina Ltd Health Centre of Batumi. Blood typing of the sample has been carried out on the basis of the immunogenetics laboratory of Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University. The universal monoclone antibodies was used for identify minor blood group antigens. We used as forward as reverse grouping methods. For identification erythrocytes, blood group antigens also were used ID cards, such as ABO/D + Reverse Grouping.

RESULT

12 phenotypic combinations have been identified in each O, A, B, AB group of ABO system. Out of 48 theoretically possible phenotypic combinations, we can actually find 1,9 times less phenotypes and the real amount is 25 phenotypes. The remaining 23 phenotypic combinations have not been observed in the studied donors. These are: 1. O, Rh^-K⁺ MM; 2. O, Rh^-K^- MN; 3. O, Rh^-K^- NN; 4. A, Rh^-K⁺ MN; 5. A, Rh^-K⁺ MM; 6. A, Rh^-K⁺ NN; 7. A, Rh^-K^- MM; 8. A, Rh^-K^- NN; 9. B, Rh⁺K⁺ NN; 10. B, Rh^-K⁺ MN; 11. B, Rh^-K⁺ MM; 12. B, Rh^-K⁺ NN; 13. B, Rh^-K^- MN; 14. B, Rh^-K^- MM; 15. B, Rh^-K^- NN; 16. AB, Rh⁺K⁺ MN; 17. AB, Rh⁺K⁺ NN; 18. AB, Rh⁺K^- NN; 19. AB, Rh⁺K^- MM; 20. AB, Rh^-K⁺ MN; 21. AB, Rh^-K⁺ MM; 22. AB, Rh^-K⁺ NN; 23. B, Rh^-K^- NN. The value of χ² in the case is equal to 3221,16. The P-Value is < .00001. The result is significant at P < .05. Out of 1009 studied donors 349 are carriers of phenotypic group A (II), while 19 donors carry AB (IV) group specification. This means that 36.23% of the studied donors have A antigen on the surface of erythrocyte membrane. The majority of them A1 subgroup.

CONCLUSION

As our research showed there is a quit high polymorphism of blood group phenotype combinations in Georgian blood donors in the example of one clinic. This kind of data is very important for the clinics' rational preparation of whole blood or blood components.

Intensified Endoscopic Evaluation for Biliary Complications After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

Background

Biliary complications are common causes of morbidity and mortality after liver transplantation.

Material/Methods

From 2013 to 2018, 102 whole-organ liver transplantations were conducted in our department. Patients were closely monitored for biliary complication development. In all suspected cases, patients underwent either endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage. Patients’ demographic characteristics, preexisting conditions, and perioperative characteristics, as well as morbidity and mortality, were analyzed. Risk factors for 1-year survival were calculated.

Results

Of the 102 patients, 43 (42%) experienced biliary complications. In comparison with patients without biliary complications, patients with biliary complications exhibited the following risk factors: underlying liver disease (viral hepatitis; P=0.009), blood group A (P=0.005), and previous abdominal surgery (P=0.037). Neither perioperative characteristics, especially duration of cold ischemia (P=0.86), nor postoperative course differed between patients with and without biliary complications. Risk factors for mortality within 1 year were cirrhosis caused by entities other than viral hepatitis (P=0.017), cardiac comorbidities (P=0.019), re-transplantation (P=0.032), and reduced organ weight (P=0.002). Biliary complications, postoperative hemorrhage, primary nonfunction, and repeated surgery worsened outcome; moreover, serum bilirubin trough in the first 30 days after transplantation might be prognostic for mortality (P=0.043).

Conclusions

Biliary complications adversely affect outcome after liver transplantation. Neither frequency nor outcome of biliary complications was improved by intensified endoscopic evaluation. Patients on the waiting list for liver transplants should also be closely monitored for cardiac comorbidities.

Risk factors for postpartum depression in Chinese women: A cross-sectional study at 6 weeks postpartum

OBJECTIVE

Postpartum depression (PPD) has received increasing attention due to its harmful impacts and high incidence. PPD is affected by physiological and psychological factors, but the conclusions are not uniform at present, so this study explored the risk factors of postpartum depressive symptoms (PPDS) in Chinese population.

METHODS

A total of 397 women attending the obstetric department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University participated in the questionnaire survey, mainly through a cross sectional study. At 6 weeks postpartum, the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to assess PPDS and sleep quality, respectively.

RESULTS

The incidence of probable PPDS in our study population was 14.6% at 6 weeks postpartum. Women with blood group A had an almost 3-fold greater risk of PPDS than those with blood group B (OR [95% CI], 2.99 [1.43-6.28], p = 0.004). After adjusting for potential confounding variables, the blood group A phenotype was significantly more prevalent in women with PPDS compared to blood group B (OR [95% CI], 2.65 [1.23-5.70], p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to women with blood groups B, AB or O, women with blood group A had high odds of PPDS. If this result can be demonstrated and replicated in other populations, blood group A may be a useful predictor of risk for PPDS in Chinese postpartum women.

ABO blood type, smoking status, other risk factors and prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

The aim of this observational study was to test whether ABO blood type was a prognostic factor for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients and whether other risk factors could influence pancreatic cancer patients' survival. This study included 610 patients who were diagnosed as pancreatic cancer and had undergone radical surgery. Patients' characteristics included age, gender, tumor stage, tumor grade, adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) status, preoperative serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) levels, preoperative serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels, ABO blood type, smoking status, and drinking status were analyzed in this study. Cox proportional hazards regression model and Kaplan-Meier method were used to evaluate the role of prognostic factors. For pancreatic cancer patients undergoing radical surgery, the overall survival was worse for ASC patients than PDAC patients (Log-rank = 11.315, P < .001). Compared with ASC patients (Log-rank < 0.001, P = .996), PDAC patients can benefit from chemotherapy (Log-rank = 17.665, P < .001). For PDAC patients, O blood type had better overall survival than non-O blood type (Log-rank = 4.153, P = .042). Moreover, the group with higher serum levels of CA19-9 had poor prognosis compared to another group with low serum CA19-9 (Log-rank = 4.122, P = .042). Higher CEA levels indicated poor prognosis (Log-rank = 13.618, P < .001). In conclusion, ASC status was associated with overall survival of pancreatic cancer patients and cannot benefit from postoperative chemotherapy. Non-O blood type was a prognostic factor for PDAC patients.

Elevated expression of exosomal microRNA-21 as a potential biomarker for the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer using a tethered cationic lipoplex nanoparticle biochip

Pancreatic cancer (PC) has a poor prognosis due to the lack of effective molecular biomarkers for early diagnosis. Recent studies have investigated the use of exosomal microRNAs (exmiRs) as diagnostic biomarkers in cancer. The present study examined exmiR-21, exmiR-10b and exmiR-212-3p expression in patients with PC and healthy individuals. The expression levels of exmiR-21, exmiR-10b and exmiR-212-3p were examined in the peripheral blood plasma of 36 patients with PC and 65 healthy controls, using tethered cationic lipoplex nanoparticle biochip. The levels of exmiR-21 in the plasma of 34 mice were also evaluated. The expression levels of exmiR-21 and exmiR-10b were significantly greater in patients with PC compared with the control group. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated that exmiR-21 had better diagnostic performance (P=0.0003; AUC, 0.7171) compared with the other two exmiRs. The diagnostic value of exmiR-21 improved when combined with exmiR-10b (P<0.0001; AUC, 0.791). Furthermore, exmiR-21 was capable of distinguishing patients with early-stage PC from controls and advanced-stage PC (P<0.05, early stage vs. healthy; P<0.001, early stage vs. advanced stage). The results of the present study revealed that the plasma levels of exmiR-21 and exmiR-10b were upregulated in patients with PC. The ROC analyses indicated that exmiR-21 had the best diagnostic performance among the three exmiRs. Furthermore, exmiR-21 was capable of discriminating patients with early-stage PC from healthy controls. These findings indicate the potential of determining the expression of exmiR-21 from serum using a tethered cationic lipoplex nanoparticle biochip as a novel non-invasive strategy for the early diagnosis of PC.

Pancreatic Cancer: A Review of Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and Treatment

This review aims to summarize the latest knowledge on factors, diagnosis, and treatment of pancreatic cancer, and aims to promote further research on this under-studied malignant tumor. At present, we urgently need to identify high-risk patients with precancerous diseases through screening approaches, so that medical professionals and the general public may better understand prevention strategies or early detection measures. Pancreatic cancer is a highly invasive malignant tumor with a fatal risk, mainly seen in men and older adults (60-85 years old). Pancreatic cancer is now increasingly observed in young patients. Because the disease has no early symptoms and can quickly invade surrounding tissues and organs, it is one of the deadliest cancers. With a view to identify the important factors for the development of pancreatic cancer, previous studies have found that smoking, alcohol, and chronic pancreatitis are considered high-risk factors. Recent studies have shown that abnormal metabolism of human microorganisms, blood type, and glucose and lipid levels are also important factors in the development of pancreatic cancer. Identifying early diagnosis options is an important way to improve detection and survival rates of pancreatic cancer. None of the many tumor markers associated with pancreatic cancer are highly specific, which also indicates further research is required to improve the early detection rate. Future directions in terms of treatment evaluating the relationship between the microbiology-free system and immunotherapy will bring a major breakthrough and is expected to bring exciting clinical applications in improving the life-cycle of pancreatic cancer patients.