Association of systemic inflammatory biomarkers with the clinical forms of acute cholecystitis

Novruz Hajiyev — 2026-01-23

Introduction: The objective of this study was to conduct a comparative evaluation of systemic inflammatory
markers in various forms of gallbladder inflammation in patients with acute calculous cholecystitis (ACC).
Methods: The article presents information about a scientific study conducted to study the content of peripheral
blood leukocytes, taking into account the form of ACC in 116 patients. The patients were divided into two groups:
Group I consisted of 53 patients with the catarrhal form of ACC, and Group II included 63 patients with the
destructive forms (phlegmonous and gangrenous). Dynamic studies conducted before and after cholecystectomy
in 116 patients showed that the level of leukocytes depended on the form of ACC.
Results: The cell indices evaluated in this study, such as lymphocyte neutrophil ratio (LNR), lymphocyte monocyte
ratio (LMR), neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and systemic inflammation
response index (SIRI), present a more accessible and efficient alternative to assess systemic inflammation in clinical
practice, especially in the context of acute cholecystitis.
Conclusion: Systemic inflammatory cell biomarkers, such as the LNR, LMR, NLR, MLR, LER , and SIRI, are significantly
associated with the clinical forms of ACC and provide useful insights into the intensity of the inflammatory
process in the gallbladder.

Secretory versus non-secretory hepatocellular carcinoma: associations of serum AFP, CEA and CA19-9 levels with clinical presentation, metastatic patterns, and survival

Muhammad Emmamally — 2026-01-29

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a global health challenge, with disproportionately high mortality
rates in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Tumor markers such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) are used for diagnostic purposes and for monitoring treatment results. The relationship between these markers, individually or in combination, with clinical
presentation, metastatic patterns and survival outcomes has not been extensively researched.
Methods: In this South African retrospective study, we assess the association of the tumor marker levels on presentation, diagnosis, and prognosis. Data was analyzed using chi-square tests, t-tests, and Kaplan-Meier survival
analysis.
Results: The study included 501 patients, treated between 2010 and 2024. Elevated AFP levels were associated
with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, hepatomegaly, and pulmonary metastases, while elevated CA19-9
levels were associated with more advanced liver disease. Survival analysis confirmed shorter survival for patients
with elevated AFP and CA19-9 levels compared to normal levels (p < 0.001). Elevated CEA levels were not significantly
associated with survival. Patients with no elevated markers (i.e., “triple-negative” for AFP, CEA, and CA19-
9) had the longest survival, compared to those with multiple elevated markers (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: AFP and CA19-9 elevations were associated with more advanced disease and poorer survival outcomes.
We emphasize the importance of integrating tumor marker levels with imaging and histopathology for a
multimodal diagnostic approach. Further research is needed to validate these associations to better define the
role of biomarkers in HCC management.

Journal of Circulating Biomarkers

Association of systemic inflammatory biomarkers with the clinical forms of acute cholecystitis

Secretory versus non-secretory hepatocellular carcinoma: associations of serum AFP, CEA and CA19-9 levels with clinical presentation, metastatic patterns, and survival