Is γ-glutamyl transferase activity a potential marker of left ventricular function during early postmyocardial infarction period?

Deciphering a Prognostic Signature Based on Soluble Mediators Defines the Immune Landscape and Predicts Prognosis in HNSCC

BACKGROUND

The study on Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC), a prevalent and aggressive form of head and neck cancer, focuses on the often-overlooked role of soluble mediators. The objective is to leverage a transcriptome-based risk analysis utilizing soluble mediator-related genes (SMRGs) to provide novel insights into prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy in HNSCC patients.

METHODS

We analyzed the expression and prognostic significance of 10,859 SMRGs using 502 HNSCC and 44 normal samples from the TCGA-HNSC cohort in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The samples were divided into training and test sets in a 7:3 ratio, with an additional external validation using 40 tumor samples from the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC). Key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with prognostic significance were identified through univariate and Lasso-Cox regression analyses. A prognostic model based on 20 SMRGs was developed using Lasso and multivariate Cox regression. We assessed the clinical outcomes and immune status in high-risk (HR) and low-risk (LR) HNSCC patients utilizing the BEST databases and single-sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA).

RESULTS

The 20 SMRGs were crucial in predicting the prognosis of HNSCC, with the SMRG signature emerging as an independent prognostic indicator. Patients classified in the HR group exhibited poorer outcomes compared to those in the LR group. A nomogram, integrating clinical characteristics and risk scores, demonstrated substantial prognostic value. Immunotherapy appeared to be more effective in the LR group, possibly attributed to enhanced immune infiltration and expression of immune checkpoints.

CONCLUSIONS

The model based on soluble mediator-associated genes offers a fresh perspective for assessing the pre-immune efficacy and showcases robust predictive capabilities. This innovative approach holds significant promise in advancing the field of precision immuno-oncology research, providing valuable insights for personalized treatment strategies in HNSCC.

The value of gamma glutamyltransferase in predicting myocardial infarction in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Aim: To assess the utility of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in predicting troponin elevation in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Patients: The total of 119 patients were divided into troponin-positive (n = 61) and troponin-negative (n = 58) patients. Results: CRP cut-off value ≥13.4 mg/l had the sensitivity of 68.1% and specificity of 62.5%, while the GGT cut-off value ≥61.5 IU/l had the sensitivity of 66.0% and specificity of 62.0% and combined use of both CRP and GGT had 71.4% sensitivity and 69.6% specificity in predicting troponin increase in acute coronary syndrome patients. Conclusion: GGT might be used as an adjuvant marker for risk assessment patients who present with chest pain and are suspected to have acute coronary syndrome.