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Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a highly heterogeneous disease, which lead to various findings in transcriptomic research. This study addresses these challenges by integrating 34 datasets, including 26 control groups, 6 prognostic datasets and 2 single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) datasets to identify 10,000 AML‐related genes (ARGs). We focused on genes with low variability and high consistency and successfully discovered 191 AML signatures (ASs). Leveraging machine learning techniques, specifically the XGBoost model and our custom framework, we classified AML subtypes with both scRNA‐seq and bulk RNA‐seq data, complementing the ELN2022 classification approach. Our research also identified promising treatments for AML through drug repurposing, with solasonine showing potential efficacy for high‐risk AML patients, supported by molecular docking and transcriptomic analyses. To enhance reproducibility and customizability, we developed CSAMLdb, a user‐friendly database platform. It facilitates the reuse and personalized analysis of nearly all results obtained in this research, including single‐gene prognostics, multi‐gene scoring, enrichment analysis, machine learning risk assessment, drug repositioning analysis and literature abstract named entity recognition. CSAMLdb is available at http://www.csamldb.com. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of ChatGPTin the medical field has sparked debate regarding its accuracy. To address this issue, we present a Multi-Role ChatGPT Framework (MRCF), designed to improve ChatGPT's performance in medical data analysis by optimizing prompt words, integrating real-world data, and implementing quality control protocols. Compared to the singular ChatGPT model, MRCF significantly outperforms traditional manual analysis in interpreting medical data, exhibiting fewer random errors, higher accuracy, and better identification of incorrect information. Notably, MRCF is over 600 times more time-efficient than conventional manual annotation methods and costs only one-tenth as much. Leveraging MRCF, we have established two user-friendly databases for efficient and straightforward drug repositioning analysis. This research not only enhances the accuracy and efficiency of ChatGPT in medical data science applications but also offers valuable insights for data analysis models across various professional domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Acid suppression medications, such as proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine-2 receptor antagonists, are commonly prescribed for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease and other gastrointestinal disorders. However, concerns regarding potential long-term side effects are brought up by the overuse of PPIs. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between PPI usage, allergy, and asthma in the general US population. Methods: Data of individuals aged ≥20 years who had information on PPI use and questionnaires on allergy and asthma in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2006 were analyzed. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the associations between PPI use, prevalent allergy, and asthma. Results: A total of 4,481 participants (representing 198,543,007 US individuals after weighting) were included in the analyses. PPI use was not significantly associated with the presence of allergy or asthma in the general study population after adjustment. However, in females without steroid exposure, PPI use was significantly associated with increased odds of allergy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.69, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.002–2.86), among which esomeprazole use was significantly associated with increased odds of allergy (aOR = 2.68, 95% CI: 1.30–5.54) and lansoprazole with increased odds of asthma (aOR = 3.44, 95% CI: 1.50–7.87) as compared to no PPI use. Duration of PPI use was not significantly associated with allergy or asthma. Conclusions: In US women without steroid exposure, PPI use is associated with increased likelihood of prevalent allergy and asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anhui Province is currently facing an increase in imported malaria cases as a result of globalization and international travel. In response, Anhui Province has implemented a comprehensive adaptive framework to effectively address this threat. Methods: This study collected surveillance data from 2012 to 2022 in Anhui Province. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of imported malaria cases. Additionally, multivariate logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with severe malaria. Documents were reviewed to document the evolution of the adaptive framework designed to combat imported malaria. The effectiveness of the adaptive framework was evaluated based on the rates of timely medical visits, timely diagnosis, and species identification. Results: During the study period, a total of 1008 imported malaria cases were reported across 77 out of 105 counties in Anhui Province, representing a coverage of 73.33%. It was found that 10.52% of imported cases went undiagnosed for more than seven days after onset. The multivariate analysis revealed several potential risk factors for severe malaria, including increasing age (OR = 1.049, 95%CI:1.015–1.083), occupation (waitperson vs. worker, OR = 2.698, 95%CI:1.054–6.906), a longer time interval between onset and the initial medical visit (OR = 1.061, 95%CI:1.011–1.114), and misdiagnosis during the first medical visit (OR = 5.167, 95%CI:2.535–10.533). Following the implementation of the adaptive framework, the rates of timely medical visits, timely diagnosis, and species identification reached 100.00%, 78.57%, and 100.00%, respectively. Conclusions: Anhui Province has successfully developed and implemented an adaptive framework for addressing imported malaria, focusing on robust surveillance, prompt diagnosis, and standardized treatment. The experiences gained from this initiative can serve as a valuable reference for other non-endemic areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a case report on the treatment of severe haemophilia B using a combination therapy of sodium valproate and sirolimus. The patient, an 18-year-old Chinese male, had been diagnosed with severe haemophilia B at a young age and had experienced joint bleeding and deterioration. Through quantitative transcriptome analysis, the researchers predicted and administered the combination therapy, which resulted in improved motor function and quality of life for the patient. However, the study acknowledges the limitation of a small sample size and the need for further validation and investigation of the mechanisms of action of these drugs. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses a case study on the effective management of heparin-resistant thrombosis using rivaroxaban therapy guided by thromboelastography. The study focuses on a 93-year-old man with anterior pituitary gland hypofunction who developed thrombosis while receiving routine anticoagulant therapy with dalteparin. The patient's condition improved after switching to rivaroxaban, indicating the effectiveness of this novel anti-Xa anticoagulant. The article highlights the importance of conducting timely thromboelastography tests in complex coagulation scenarios and tailoring anticoagulant therapy to individual patients based on the test outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

The purpose of this study was to observe the effect of Inonotus obliquus polysaccharide (IOP) on blood lipids and its regulation on the intestinal flora in hyperlipidemia rats, and explore the modern biological connotation of IOP in reducing blood lipids. In this study, we obtained the crude IOP by the water extraction and alcohol precipitation method, and then classified it by DEAE ion‐exchange chromatography to obtain the acidic I. obliquus polysaccharide (IOP‐A). After the administration of the IOP‐A, the serum TC, TG, and LDL‐C levels were significantly lower, while the serum HDL‐C levels were significantly higher. The expression of CYP7A1 protein was considerably increased, whereas the expression of SREBP‐1C protein was considerably decreased in the rat hepatic tissue. In addition, the IOP‐A could significantly alleviate the hepatocyte fatty degeneration in the liver lobule of rats. We believe that the IOP‐A can affect the composition of intestinal flora by reducing the relative abundance of Firmicutes and increasing the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes. These findings indicated that the IOP‐A can regulate the dyslipidemia of hyperlipidemia rats, and its mechanism may be through regulating the CYP7A1 and SREBP‐1C expression in the metabolism of lipids, and correcting the imbalance of intestinal flora structure caused by a high‐fat diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac ischemia, hypoxia, arrhythmias, and heart failure share the common electrophysiological changes featured by the elevation of intracellular Ca2+ (Ca2+ overload) and inhibition of the inward rectifier potassium (IK1) channel. IK1 channel agonists have been considered a new type of anti‐arrhythmia and cardioprotective agents. We predicted using a drug repurposing strategy that tetramisole (Tet), a known anthelminthic agent, was a new IK1 channel agonist. The present study aimed to experimentally identify the above prediction and further demonstrate that Tet has cardioprotective effects. Results of the whole‐cell patch clamp technique showed that Tet at 1–100 μmol/L enhanced IK1 current, hyperpolarized resting potential (RP), and shortened action potential duration (APD) in isolated rat cardiomyocytes, while without effects on other ion channels or transporters. In adult Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats in vivo, Tet showed anti‐arrhythmia and anticardiac remodeling effects, respectively, in the coronary ligation‐induced myocardial infarction model and isoproterenol (Iso, i.p., 3 mg/kg/day, 10 days) infusion‐induced cardiac remodeling model. Tet also showed anticardiomyocyte remodeling effect in Iso (1 μmol/L) infused adult rat ventricular myocytes or cultured H9c2 (2‐1) cardiomyocytes. Tet at 0.54 mg/kg in vivo or 30 μmol/L in vitro showed promising protections on acute ischemic arrhythmias, myocardial hypertrophy, and fibrosis. Molecular docking was performed and identified the selective binding of Tet with Kir2.1. The cardioprotection of Tet was associated with the facilitation of IK1 channel forward trafficking, deactivation of PKA signaling, and inhibition of intracellular calcium overload. Enhancing IK1 may play dual roles in anti‐arrhythmia and antiventricular remodeling mediated by restoration of Ca2+ homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study decomposes export trade into three dimensions: size, structure, and mode in 1987–2018 China's relevant financial development and export trade. The study applies regression in the corresponding empirical analysis method and finds that excessive financial development reduced the growth of international trade scale, had less effect on the structure of export trade, and reduced the proportion of processing trade. Its marginal contribution lies in a comprehensive and accurate understanding of the impact of financial development on export trade. Financial development should be kept stable; otherwise, it will reduce export trade or even hinder the development of export trade. Therefore, China should maintain the coordinated development of finance and export trade, not excessively pursue the expansion of the scale of financial development, maintain a reasonable financial development structure, and improve the efficiency of financial development. China should pay attention to the phenomenon of diminishing marginal efficiency of financial development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to determine hub genes related to the incidence and prognosis of EGFR-mutant (MT) lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) with weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA). From The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, we used 253 EGFR-MT LUAD samples and 38 normal lung tissue samples. At the same time, GSE19188 was additionally included to verify the accuracy of the predicted gene. To discover differentially expressed genes (DEGs), the R package "limma" was used. The R packages "WGCNA" and "survival" were used to perform WGCNA and survival analyses, respectively. The functional analysis was carried out with the R package "clusterProfiler." In total, 1450 EGFR-MT–specific DEGs were found, and 7 tumor-related modules were marked with WGCNA. We found 6 hub genes in DEGs that overlapped with the tumor-related modules, and the overexpression level of B3GNT3 was significantly associated with the worse OS (overall survival) of the EGFR-MT LUAD patients (p < 0.05). Functional analysis of the hub genes showed the metabolism and protein synthesis–related terms added value. In conclusion, we used WGCNA to identify hub genes in the development of EGFR-MT LUAD. The established prognostic factors could be used as clinical biomarkers. To confirm the mechanism of those genes in EGFR-MT LUAD, further molecular research is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preventive and therapeutic mechanisms of CDBE on osteoporosis were studied by observing the serum bone‐related biochemical indicators, bone trabecular micro‐structure and intestinal flora in ovariectomized osteoporosis model mice, in order to provide a scientific theoretical basis for the further study on the effect of CDBE on osteoporosis, and the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis with clinical traditional Chinese medicines. The components in CDBE were detected by UHPLC‐MS. A mouse osteoporosis model was established by the bilateral ovariectomy in female ICR mice. The biochemical indicators related to osteoporosis were detected, the right proximal tibia was scanned by Micro‐CT, the intestinal microflora in the colon contents were examined, and the changes of microflora were taken as the main target to evaluate the effect of CDBE on the intestinal microflora in the model mice. A total of 16 compounds were obtained by the combined application of UHPLC‐MS. CDBE could significantly increase the contents of E2, Ca2+, CT, HyP, OCN, FOXP3, P1NP and CTX‐II, in the model mice. CDBE could significantly improve the trabecular micro‐structure, Tb.N, Tb.Sp, SMI and Conn.D. CDBE could make the intestinal flora of osteoporosis model mice tend to healthy mice in species and quantity. CDBE can improve the symptoms of postmenopausal osteoporosis in mice, with a positive effect on the intestinal flora of postmenopausal mice. Its mechanism of regulating the symptoms of osteoporosis may be related to the regulation of bone‐related biochemical indicators in the serum of mice. Practical applications: This research has a positive impact on the development of functional food with anti‐osteoporosis in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment mainly optimized the extraction technology of Agaricus blazei polypeptide (ABp) and evaluated its protective effect on aging mice. In this study, a novel single component, the M is 3 kD, was isolated and purified from Agaricus blazei. An aging mouse model was established using D‐galactose. After the administration of ABp, the contents of total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and reactive oxygen species were significantly changed. Through immunofluorescence staining, it was observed that ABp can reduce changes in brain tissue. The differential expression of genes was analyzed by RNA‐seq. A total of 295 differentially expressed genes were screened out in the ABp group.RT‐qPCR verified important genes and showed that the mRNA expression levels of Hsph1, Trim32, HK1, Hnrnpa1, and Grik5 were significantly increased, and those of ApoE, Atp1a3, Stxbp1, and Mapk8ip1 was significantly decreased. Western blotting showed that the protein expression levels of Keap1 and p53 were significantly lower, while the protein expression levels of Nrf2, HO‐1, Hsph1, and Trim32 were significantly higher in the ABP group. ABp played an anti‐aging role in an aging mouse model. The specific mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of the expression of the Keap1/Nrf2/P53 signaling pathway and related factors. Practical applications: The research may contribute to the development of ABp as functional foods or dietary supplements for anti‐aging in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a major cause of acute death worldwide. Both innate and adaptive immunity regulate atherosclerosis progression, plaque stability, and thrombus formation. Immune and inflammation dysfunction have been indicated in the pathogenesis of ACS. The imbalance in the proatherogenic and antiatherogenic immune networks promotes the transition of plaques from a stable to unstable state and results in the occurrence of acute coronary events. The residual inflammatory risk (RIR) has received increasing attention in recent years, and lowering RIR has been expected to improve the outcomes of ACS patients. The CANTOS, COLCOT, and LoDoCo trials verified the benefits of reducing cardiovascular events using anti-inflammation therapies; however, most of the other studies focusing on lowering RIR produced negative or contradicting results. Therefore, restoring the balance in autoimmune regulation is essential because proatherogenic and antiatherogenic immunomodulatory effects are equally important in the complex human immune network. In this review, we summarized the recent evidence of the roles of proatherogenic and antiatherogenic immune networks in the pathogenesis of ACS and discussed how immune and inflammation contribute to atherosclerosis progression, plaque instability, and adverse cardiovascular events. We also provide a "from bench to bedside" perspective of a novel and promising personalized strategy in RIR intervention and therapeutic approaches for the treatment of ACS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research envisaged the effects of Agaricus blazei Murrill polysaccharides (ABPs) on blood lipids and its role in regulation of the intestinal microflora in hyperlipidemic rats. The acidic polysaccharide fraction of Agaricus blazei Murrill was obtained by DEAE‐cellulose ion exchange column chromatography. The sugar content of ABP was 75.1%. Compared with the model group (MG), the serum TC, TG, and LDL‐C levels decreased (p <.05 or p <.01) and the HDL‐C levels increased (p <.01) significantly in the ABP group. Expression of CYP7A1 was up‐regulated (p <.01), and that of SREBP‐1C (p <.05) was down‐regulated significantly in the liver tissue of rats in the ABP group. Additionally, the disordered hepatic lobules and the steatosis of hepatocytes were found to be significantly alleviated in the ABP group. We believe that ABP can reduce the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes and reduce the relative abundance of Firmicutes, Ruminococcaceae_unclassified, and Ruminococcaceae, increasing the relative abundance of Proteobacteria, Clostridium_sensu_stricto, Allobaculum, Peptostreptococcaceae, Clostridiaceae_1, and Erysipelotrichaceae as targets to regulate blood lipids. The results showed ABP could regulate the dyslipidemia in rats with hyperlipidemia. The mechanism may be through the regulation of the imbalance of intestinal microflora induced by the high‐fat diet in rats, which may be one of the important ways of its intervention on the dyslipidemia induced by high‐fat diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Our purpose was to investigate the relationship between intake of excess free fructose beverages and allergy among children and adolescents.Methods: We analyzed data of 860 children (aged 6 to 12 years) and 1,142 adolescents (aged 13 to 19 years) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2006. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the associations between consumption of excess free fructose beverages and allergic symptoms or allergic sensitization.Results: The pattern of findings was not entirely consistent, but some analyses supported the hypothesis of an association between intake of excess free fructose beverages and allergy. After controlling for the potential confounders, children who consumed nondiet fruit drinks at least 5 times per week had a nearly 2.5-fold greater odds of allergic sensitization than did those who consumed such drinks only 1 to 3 times per month (OR = 2.446; 95% CI, 1.583-3.780). Adolescents who consumed excess free fructose beverages at least 5 times per week or 1 to 4 times per week had about fivefold greater odds of presence of allergic symptoms than did those who seldom consumed these beverages (OR = 5.164; 95% CI, 1.866-14.297 and OR = 4.112; 95% CI, 1.857-9.107, respectively). Adolescents who consumed apple juice at least 5 times per week had a twofold greater odds of presence of allergic sensitization than did the seldom consumers (OR = 2.215; 95% CI, 1.178-4.164).Conclusions: These findings provide some support for the hypothesis of a link between intake of excess free fructose beverages and allergic symptoms or allergic sensitization in children and adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decitabine is used to treat myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). This meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of different dosing regimens of decitabine in treating intermediate and/or high-risk MDS. Medline, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases were searched up to October 23, 2015. Randomized controlled trials, prospective, cohort, and case series studies were included. Fifteen studies were included with a total of 1378 patients. The decitabine 100 mg/m2/course dosing regimen had a greater overall response rate than the 60-75 mg/m2/course (51 vs. 25%; P = 0.003). It also had higher complete response rate compared with the 135 mg/m2/course regimen (24.2 vs.13.7%; P = 0.016). The three dosing regimens were similar with respect to bone marrow complete response and partial response and hematologic improvement (P values > 0.05). Decitabine 135 mg/m2/course regimen had similar hematologic improvement as best supportive care (P = 0.066). The incidence of neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, infections, and anemia was similar across treatment groups (range, 31 to 38%; P values ≥ 0.899). The 100 mg/m2/course decitabine regimen showed benefit with respect to overall response rate compared with the 60-75 mg/m2/course regimen, as well as greater improvement in complete response rate compared with the 135 mg/m2/course regimen. All three dosing regimens had similar frequency of adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genetic modification and characterization of T-cells with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) allow functionally distinct T-cell subsets to recognize specific tumor cells. The incorporation of costimulatory molecules or cytokines can enable engineered T-cells to eliminate tumor cells. CARs are generated by fusing the antigen-binding region of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) or other ligand to membrane-spanning and intracellular-signaling domains. They have recently shown clinical benefit in patients treated with CD19-directed autologous T-cells. Recent successes suggest that the modification of T-cells with CARs could be a powerful approach for developing safe and effective cancer therapeutics. Here, we briefly review early studies, consider strategies to improve the therapeutic potential and safety, and discuss the challenges and future prospects for CAR T-cells in cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced grades of glioblastoma are highly aggressive, especially in terms of multisite spread within the brain or even to distant sites at the spinal cord. In advanced grades of glioblastoma, glutamate and glutamine are reported to be increased in concentration in the extracellular fluid. It has been reported that glutamate acts as an extracellular signaling molecule for facilitating local spread of advanced grades of glioblastoma. In the present study, we aimed to examine whether glutamate uptake mechanisms is impaired in advanced glioblastoma. The possible downregulated mechanisms of glutamate uptake would facilitate persistence of glutamate in the extracellular environment, rather than intracellular uptake. We obtained biobanked human specimens of glioblastoma and tested expression of proteins belonging to the solute carrier families of proteins that are known to function as membrane-located excitatory amino acid like glutamate transporters. The present study provides preliminary evidence of the downregulation of membrane expression of excitatory amino acid transporters solute carrier family 1 member 3 (SLC1A3) and its palmitoylated form in gliosomes, as well as SLC1A2 in the glio-synaptosomes. Compounds like riluzole used in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and the antibiotic ceftriaxone have the potential to facilitate glutamate uptake. These medications may be examined as adjunct chemotherapy in the massively aggressive tumor glioblastoma multiforme. © 2015 IUBMB Life, 67(4):306-311, 2015 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different user groups will tend to value different third-party mobile payment offerings differently, and so make different adoption decisions. Millennials are regarded as creative, socially conscious and more willing to provide opinions on the advantages and disadvantages of new technologies. Therefore, it is important to investigate the key factors that affect Chinese Millennials' adoption behavior of third-party mobile payments as they grow in popularity in China. This study establishes a new conceptual model based on the Technology Acceptance Model incorporating additional variables such as perceived risk, personal innovativeness, compatibility, and social influence. This research collected quantitative data by questionnaire (N=380). The data was analyzed by SPSS. This study suggests that social influence and attitude directly affect adoption intention towards third-party mobile payments, whereas perceived usefulness, compatibility, perceived ease of use and personal innovativeness only indirectly affect adoption intention towards third-party mobile payments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the case of an 86-year-old patient who was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and was treated with low dose arsenic trioxide and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). It relates the complete remission rate of APL in elderly patients. It discusses the ATO and ATRA administration and the side effects observed in the patient.

Aberrant DNA methylation is one of the main drivers of tumor initiation and progression. The reversibility of methylation modulation makes it an attractive target for novel anticancer therapies. Clinical studies have demonstrated that high-dose decitabine, a hypomethylating agent, results in some clinical benefits in patients with refractory advanced tumors; however, they are extremely toxic. Low doses of decitabine minimize toxicity while potentially improving the targeted effects of DNA hypomethylation. Based on these mechanisms, low-dose decitabine combined with chemoimmunotherapy may be a new treatment option for patients with refractory advanced tumors. We proposed the regimen of low-dose decitabine-based chemoimmunotherapy for patients with refractory advanced solid tumors. A favorable adverse event profile was observed in our trial that was highlighted by the finding that most of these adverse events were grades 1-2. Besides, the activity of our cohort was optimistic and the clinical benefit rate was up to 60%, and the median PFS was prolonged compared with PFS to previous treatment. We also identified a significant correlation between the PFS to previous treatment and clinical response. The low-dose DAC decitabine-based chemoimmunotherapy might be a promising protocol for improving the specificity and efficiency of patients with refractory advanced solid tumors. This trial is registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov database (identifier NCT01799083). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Some cardiovascular risk factors have been confirmed to be positively correlated with arterial stiffness. However, it is unclear whether HDL-C, a well-established anti-risk factor, has an independent association with arterial stiffness. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between HDL-C levels and arterial stiffness and the possible role of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in this potential correlation in apparently healthy adults undergoing a general health examination in China. Materials and Methods:This was a cross-sectional survey. In total, 15,302 participants (age range, 18–82 years; mean, 43.88±8.44 years) were recruited during routine health status examinations. A questionnaire was used and we measured the body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and fasting glucose, and serum lipid, uric acid, hs-CRP, and serum creatinine levels of each participant. Central arterial stiffness was assessed by carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV). Results:HDL-C levels decreased as cf-PWV increased. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed that HDL-C levels were associated with cf-PWV (r=−0.18, P<0.001). hs-CRP levels were positively associated with cf-PWV (r=0.13). After adjustment for all confounders, HDL-C was inversely independently associated with all quartiles of cf-PWV. Furthermore, HDL-C was associated with cf-PWV in different quartiles of hs-CRP, and the correlation coefficients (r) gradually decreased with increasing hs-CRP levels (quartiles 1–4). Conclusions:HDL-C is inversely independently associated with central arterial stiffness. The anti-inflammatory activity of HDL-C may mediate its relationship with cf-PWV. Further, long-term follow-up studies are needed to evaluate whether high HDL-C levels are protective against central artery stiffening through the anti-inflammatory activity of HDL-C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]