Background G-protein coupled receptor 43 (GPR43) mediates the biological effects of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the colon, but its role in colon cancer (CC) remains insufficiently characterized. This pilot study presents in detail a cost-effective and easily reproducible fluorescence immunohistochemistry protocol for staining GPR43 in formaldehyde-fixed, paraffin-embedded human colon tissue.Methods Using samples from patients with colon adenocarcinoma (ACC) and signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC), we optimized staining procedures with generic reagents and a custom 3D-printed slide tray, facilitating minimal reagent usage and consistent sample coverage.Results Confocal microscopy revealed distinct GPR43 localization on the apical and basal membranes of colonocytes and goblet cells in healthy tissue. In contrast, ACC tissue exhibited diffuse, disorganized staining, while SRCC samples showed minimal receptor expression. These findings suggest a link between GPR43 expression patterns and tissue differentiation status. Additionally, we observed autofluorescence at 488 nm of eosinophils without staining, as previously reported in literature.Conclusions These findings may support prognostic assessments based on intratumoral or peritumoral eosinophil counts. The present study shows in detail an easily reproducible IHC staining method for GPR 43 in paraffin embedded tissue samples, using only generic materials and highlights its potential role as a biomarker or therapeutic target in CC.
Background: The Moroccan Good Practice Guide for Laboratory Analyses (GBEA) provides the normative framework ensuring good practices and quality assurance within clinical laboratories. While some laboratories rely solely on the GBEA as their quality assurance framework, others opt for certification or accreditation to strengthen their quality management system. This study aims to explore the status of adherence to the GBEA requirements by private clinical laboratories in the Fez-Meknes region during the second half of 2025. Methods: An exploratory cross-sectional quantitative study assessing compliance, consisting of measuring the degree of compliance of the structures investigated with a predefined regulatory framework (GBEA). The data collection period lasted six months, from July to December 2025, and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 20 software. Results: The participating laboratories (n=30) answered all questions. Laboratories with years of experience seem to have the highest rates, unlike laboratories with less than five years, which have the lowest rates, with p<0.001. Six laboratories had the highest rates, ranging from 92% to 100%, while the lowest compliance rates were between 50% and 54.5%. Challenging aspects for laboratories are quality control, documentation, procedures for recording equipment reagents and consumables, as well as procedures for accessing and using the premises. Conclusions: Although the GBEA is a legislative and regulatory framework covering good practice and quality assurance in Moroccan laboratories, it is intended to be reinforced by an explanatory guide on standardized procedures and processes, staff training and monitoring through scheduled audits, to help laboratories establish a culture of quality and continuous improvement.
Background Ureteral calculi are common in urological practice, and ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy (HLUL) is the preferred minimally invasive treatment. However, postoperative residual fragments and inflammatory responses remain frequent. This study evaluated the efficacy of Sanjin Paishi Decoction (SJPSD) combined with phloroglucinol in promoting stone expulsion and alleviating inflammation and oxidative stress following HLUL. Methods In this prospective randomized controlled trial, 192 patients with ureteral stones were assigned to either phloroglucinol alone (control) or SJPSD plus phloroglucinol (combined). After exclusions, 183 patients (control: 92; combined: 91) were analyzed. Outcomes assessed included stone-free rates at 7 and 14 days, hospital stay, postoperative pain (VAS), inflammatory markers (CRP, TNF-alpha, IL-6), oxidative stress indices (CAT, GSH-Px, MDA, ROS), and complications. Results The combined group achieved higher stone-free rates at 7 and 14 days (87.9% and 98.9%) than the control group (65.2% and 91.3%, p < 0.05) and reduced hospitalization time (p < 0.001). Patients in the combined group reported lower VAS scores and exhibited significantly decreased inflammatory mediators (CRP, TNF-alpha, IL-6) and oxidative stress markers (MDA, ROS) at day 7 (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, the incidence of complications was lower in the combined group (2.2%) than that in the control group (11.96%) (p < 0.05). Conclusions Adjunctive SJPSD with phloroglucinol accelerates stone clearance, shortens recovery, relieves pain, and attenuates inflammation and oxidative stress, while reducing postoperative complications in HLUL patients.
Background: Systemic inflammation and hypercoagulability are key drivers of cancer progression. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of inflammatory and coagulation-related ratios-specifically neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), and ferritin-to-D-dimer ratio (FDR)-in patients with colorectal and pancreatic cancer. Methods: We prospectively enrolled 73 patients with confirmed colorectal (n=57) or pancreatic cancer (n=16). Patients were classified as responders (n=39) or non-responders (n=34) based on radiological evaluation 6 months post-therapy. Baseline complete blood counts, ferritin, and D-dimer levels were compared. Predictive accuracy was assessed using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: Non-responders exhibited significantly higher baseline leukocyte and neutrophil counts (p<0.002). Ferritin levels were 2.5-fold higher in non-responders (p<0.05). ROC analysis identified NLR as a strong predictor of treatment failure (AUC=0.895; Optimal Cut-off >2.68), while LMR was a significant predictor of favorable response (AUC=0.864). Unlike previous reports, FDR was significantly elevated in non-responders (p=0.002). High NLR was moderately correlated with poor functional status (ECOG r=0.44) exclusively in the non-responder group. Conclusions: Baseline NLR and LMR are robust predictors of therapeutic outcome in colorectal and pancreatic cancer.
Background Anemia in adult males is an underrecognized condition that may reflect nutritional deficiencies, chronic disease, or inflammation. Data on the prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among adult males attending healthcare facilities in Saudi Arabia remain limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anemia and identify associated demographic, lifestyle, and clinical factors among adult male patients at a Security Forces Hospital. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 568 adult male patients aged >= 18 years. Blood samples were analyzed using automated hematology analyzers to assess blood count parameters. Anemia was defined according to World Health Organization criteria as hemoglobin <13 g/dL. Demographic, lifestyle, and clinical data were collected. Associations between anemia and independent variables were assessed using chi-square and independent t-tests, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results The prevalence of anemia was 15.8%. Anemia increased significantly with age (p<0.001), with the highest prevalence among participants aged 55-64 years. Physical inactivity, iron supplementation use, and conception of iron-rich food were significantly associated with anemia (p<0.05). Most cases were mild (65.6%), and microcytic hypochromic anemia was the predominant morphological type (52.2%). Iron studies showed low serum iron levels in more than half of the tested participants. Conclusions Anemia is common among adult male patients, particularly in older age groups. Iron deficiency appears to be a major contributor, although multiple etiologies are likely. These findings support routine anemia screening and preventive strategies among adult males in hospital settings.
