The incidence of cardia gastric cancer (CGC) is rising worldwide, particularly in East Asia. There has been a debate over whether Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) constitutes a risk factor for CGC. This study aimed to evaluate the relative risk of H. pylori infection and CGC in Asian countries.

Relevant studies examining H. pylori and CGC were searched in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from their inception to June 30, 2024. Either a random-effect model or a fixed-effect model was used to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Sensitivity analyses and assessments of publication bias were performed. The stability of results was evaluated in cases where publication bias was detected.

A total of 24 studies were included in the meta-analysis. A significant association between H. pylori and CGC was observed (OR = 2.20, 95% CI 1.73–2.80). In a subgroup analysis of different countries, a significant association was observed in East Asian countries, including China (OR = 2.12, 95% CI 1.63–2.77), Japan (OR = 2.21, 95% CI 1.16–4.20), and Korea (OR = 2.36, 95% CI 1.58–3.54), but not in Iran (OR = 1.48, 95% CI 0.77–2.84). The pooled OR from five prospective cohort studies revealed a strong association between H. pylori and CGC (OR = 2.32, 95% CI 1.47–3.66).

East Asia bears a significant burden of H. pylori-related CGC. A clear association between H. pylori infection and CGC was observed in this region.

Hematological malignancies present a complex challenge within oncology, necessitating a thorough understanding of genetic factors for effective detection and management. As we delved into the forefront of cancer research, our focus turned to the emerging field of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) epigenetic approaches. Among RNA modifications, m6A is the most common and thoroughly investigated post-transcriptional alteration in messenger RNA. The m6A modification involves the addition of a methyl group to the adenosine at the N6 position within RNA molecules, a process mediated by proteins collectively referred to as m6A writers, erasers, and readers. The dynamic nature of m6A modifications on RNA molecules presents a promising avenue for enhancing our understanding of gene expression regulation in hematological malignancies. This review explores the potential breakthroughs that m6A epigenetic tools offer in cancer diagnostics and treatment, highlighting their role in enabling more precise interventions. By acknowledging the importance of genetic insights and integrating advancements in m6A epigenetics, this article advocates for a comprehensive approach to managing hematological malignancies.

FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) mutations are among the most common genetic alterations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and play a pivotal role in leukemogenesis. The two primary mutation types, internal tandem duplications (ITDs) and tyrosine kinase domain point mutations, serve as key prognostic markers and therapeutic targets. Advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS) have revolutionized FLT3 mutation detection by providing precise insights into mutation architecture, enhancing risk stratification, and enabling personalized treatment strategies. Additionally, these advancements have facilitated molecular minimal residual disease (MRD) testing, which is instrumental in guiding post-remission management. This review summarizes the molecular characteristics, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic implications of FLT3 mutations in hematologic malignancies.

A narrative review of the current literature on FLT3 mutations was conducted, incorporating data from original research articles, clinical trials, and recent reviews. Relevant studies were identified through a PubMed literature search and manually curated.

FLT3 mutations are detected in approximately 30% of AML cases and occur at lower frequencies in myelodysplastic syndromes, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and mixed phenotype acute leukemia. NGS enables comprehensive mutation profiling, revealing rare variants and subclonal complexity while supporting MRD detection with high analytic sensitivity. FLT3-ITD-based MRD positivity is strongly associated with relapse and poor survival in AML. Clinical trial data support FLT3 inhibitors, including midostaurin, gilteritinib, and quizartinib, in FLT3-mutated AML. Additionally, MRD-guided therapy and combination treatment strategies are promising approaches to overcoming resistance.

FLT3 mutations play a central role in the pathogenesis and treatment of AML and related malignancies. NGS-based testing and MRD monitoring transform clinical decision-making by refining risk stratification and enabling personalized therapeutic interventions. Establishing standardized testing protocols and the broader integration of FLT3-targeted therapies will be essential for optimizing patient outcomes.

Hyperuricemia (HU), characterized by elevated uric acid (UA) levels in the blood, is a global health concern associated with various conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, gout, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, renal dysfunction, and neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies highlight the multifaceted origins of HU, implicating genetic predisposition, dietary patterns, lifestyle choices, and environmental influences. Genetic variations affecting enzymes and transporters involved in purine metabolism and UA excretion have been identified, paving the way for personalized treatment strategies. Advances in diagnostic imaging and omics technologies provide enhanced precision in detecting and evaluating risks. While pharmacological interventions remain central to managing HU, persistent challenges such as treatment resistance necessitate the exploration of novel drug targets and lifestyle modifications. Chinese herbal medicines present a potential alternative with fewer side effects. Emerging research on the impact of gut microbiota on UA metabolism opens new therapeutic avenues. Despite progress, challenges such as optimizing treatment duration and understanding long-term effects remain. Collaborative efforts are essential to address these challenges and advance our comprehension of HU. Integrating precision medicine and holistic patient care approaches holds promise for improving outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with HU. This review provided a contemporary analysis of HU, covering its causes, associated health risks, diagnosis, treatment, and future outlook.

Over the past decade, significant progress has been made in managing acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, refractory disease and relapse continue to pose major challenges. These issues highlight the need for innovative therapeutic options to achieve deeper remission and effectively treat refractory and relapsed diseases, thereby improving survival rates. Natural killer (NK) cell-based therapies have emerged as a promising option. NK cells, a specialized population of innate lymphoid cells, exhibit inherent anti-viral and anti-cancer capabilities. Unlike T cells, NK cells do not require prior antigen sensitization to eliminate their target cells, enhancing their potential as immunotherapeutic agents. However, NK cells often exhibit dysfunction in patients with hematological malignancies. Revitalizing these cells represent another immunotherapeutic strategy. Various NK cell-based therapies have been explored in recent decades, particularly in managing AML. These therapies include chimeric antigen receptor-NK cell therapy, bispecific and trispecific NK cell engagers (bi-specific killer cell engager (BiKEs) and tri-specific killer cell engager (TriKEs), and cytokine-induced memory-like NK cells. These therapies are also associated with fewer adverse events, such as neurotoxicity. Despite their potential for clinical cancer management, challenges such as the in vivo expansion of NK cells remain unresolved. This review summarizes the biology of NK cells and the diverse NK cell-based therapies being developed for the potential management of AML, as evidenced in preclinical studies and clinical trials.

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs), originating from primary neoplastic tissues, infiltrate blood vessels, migrate through the bloodstream, and establish secondary tumor foci. The detection of CTCs holds significant promise for early-stage identification, diagnostic precision, therapeutic monitoring, and prognostic evaluation. It offers a non-invasive approach and has broad clinical relevance in cancer management. This comprehensive review primarily focused on CTCs as biomarkers in the diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic surveillance of hepatocellular carcinoma, compared their correlation with key clinical parameters and the identification of gene characteristics. It also highlighted current methodologies in CTC detection. Despite approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for select malignancies, the comprehensive integration of CTCs into routine clinical practice requires procedural standardization and a deeper understanding of the underlying molecular intricacies. The challenges in CTC detection, including limited quantity, technical impediments, and cellular heterogeneity, call for concerted and further investigational efforts to advance precision in cancer diagnostics and prognostication, thus realizing the objectives of precise and personalized medicine.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent yet complex metabolic disorder that has shown a rising incidence over the past few decades. Recent research has identified flavonoids as compounds capable of both preventing and managing T2DM through various mechanisms. These mechanisms include enhancing insulin sensitivity, stimulating insulin secretion, modulating intestinal microbiota, inhibiting glucose absorption, and reducing gluconeogenesis. Moreover, numerous studies have suggested that flavonoids may influence gut hormones. Therefore, we propose that flavonoids could serve as effective therapeutic agents for T2DM by modulating intestinal hormone levels. This review aimed to elucidate the potential pathways through which flavonoids may impact T2DM, with a particular emphasis on their role in regulating the enteroendocrine system.

Several studies have suggested that rose hip extracts have anti-obesity potential. Conventional medicines treating obesity are followed by multiple adverse side effects and is very cost full to society. This makes the investigation of herbal remedies with anti-obesity effects potential highly relevant. This systematic review aims to shed light on the results of existing literature reports on the correlation between the intake of rose hip extracts and anti-obesity effects.

A systematic literature search of PubMed and Web of Science was made to localize relevant experimental literature. Nine articles met the inclusion criteria, including one in vitro study, seven in vivo animal studies, and one human trial with pre-obese subjects. All nine articles are objectively reviewed in this systematic review.

Eight out of nine articles, including the article on humans, presented significant anti-obesity effects. Though some limitations of the studies were found, including the human trial, seven possible metabolic mechanisms are suggested as the underlying cause of the significant effects.

Based on the findings of this review, rose hip extracts containing tiliroside found in the seeds have the potential to become a new herbal remedy with anti-obesity effects. Nevertheless, more research is needed to assess the effectiveness and optimal dosage of the rose hip treatment and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the effects.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Multiple treatment modalities are available for the management of HCC, depending on its stage as determined by the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging system. Because liver transplantation (LT) theoretically removes the cancer and replaces the organ at risk for future malignancy, LT is often considered the most definitive and one of the most efficacious treatment options for HCC. Nevertheless, the success and efficacy of liver transplantation depend on various tumor characteristics. As a result, multiple criteria have been developed to assess the appropriateness of a case of HCC for LT, with the pioneering Milan Criteria established in 1996. Over the past 20 to 30 years, these criteria have been critically evaluated, expanded, and often liberalized to make LT for patients with HCC a more universally applicable option. Furthermore, the development of other treatment modalities has enabled downstaging and bridging strategies for HCC prior to LT. In this narrative and comprehensive review, we provided an update on recent trends in the epidemiology of HCC, selection criteria for LT, implementation of LT across different regions, treatment modalities available as bridges, downstaging strategies, alternatives to LT, and, finally, post-LT surveillance.

Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs), characterized by a wide variety of types and diverse clinical manifestations, have always been difficult to diagnose and differentiate. All of them carry a risk of malignant transformation. In addition to pathological examination, which remains the gold standard, various auxiliary diagnostic tests are used in clinical practice. Deep learning, a branch of artificial intelligence, has been applied to medical image analysis. Among deep learning techniques, convolutional neural networks are commonly used for image segmentation, detection, classification, and computer-aided diagnosis. We reviewed several image analysis methods based on deep learning neural networks for the diagnosis and prognosis of OPMDs, including photographic images, autofluorescence images, exfoliative cytology images, histopathological images, and optical coherence tomography images. Additionally, we assessed the current limitations and challenges in applying deep learning to the diagnosis of OPMDs.