The introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) represents a key shift in the management strategy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, there is a paucity of predictive biomarkers that facilitate the identification of patients that would respond to ICI therapy. Although several researchers have attempted to resolve the issue, the data is insufficient to alter daily clinical practice. The use of minimally invasive procedures to obtain patient-derived specimen, such as using blood-based samples, is increasingly preferred. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) can be isolated from the blood of cancer patients, and liquid biopsies can provide sufficient material to enable ongoing monitoring of HCC. This is particularly significant for patients for whom surgery is not indicated, including those with advanced HCC. In this review, we summarize the current state of understanding of blood-based biomarkers for ICI-based therapy in advanced HCC, which is promising despite there is still a long way to go.

Background: Aging is a complex biological process that is associated with a decline in physiological functions and an increased risk of age-related diseases. Despite advances in molecular biology and genetics, the underlying mechanisms of aging remain largely unknown. Study: The identification of biomarkers of aging would provide a powerful tool for monitoring the effects of aging and for developing interventions to improve healthspan. Aging is associated with alterations in genetics, epigenetic marks, telomere shortening, cell senescence, and changes in the expression of genes involved in metabolism, inflammation, and DNA damage repair. Epigenetic changes, including modifications to DNA methylation and histone acetylation patterns, play a critical role in the aging process. As we age, these changes can lead to altered gene expression and contribute to the development of age-related diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Conclusion: The discovery of aging biomarkers that are sensitive to these epigenetic changes has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the aging process and inform the development of interventions to improve healthspan and extend lifespan.

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With over 10 million points of genetic variation from person to person, every individual's genome is unique and provides a highly reliable form of identification. This is because the genetic code is specific to each individual and does not change over time. Genetic information has been used to identify individuals in a variety of contexts, such as criminal investigations, paternity tests, and medical research. In this study, each individual's genetic makeup has been formatted to create a secure, unique code that incorporates various elements, such as species, gender, and the genetic identification code itself. The combinations of markers required for this code have been derived from common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), points of variation found in the human genome. The final output is in the form of a 24 numerical code with each number having three possible combinations. The custom code can then be utilized to create various modes of identification on the decentralized blockchain network as well as personalized services and products that offer users a novel way to uniquely identify themselves in ways that were not possible before.