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Obesity Reviews : An Official Journal... Jan 2021The present updated systematic review and meta-analysis aims to summarize the evidence from published studies with low risk for any important bias (based on... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The present updated systematic review and meta-analysis aims to summarize the evidence from published studies with low risk for any important bias (based on methodological quality assessment) investigating the potential associations of adiposity with sperm quality and reproductive hormones. We conducted a systematic search of the literature published in MEDLINE-PubMed and EMBASE through June 2019. Based on the criteria in our review, 169 eligible publications were used for data abstraction. Finally, 60 articles were included in the qualitative analysis and 28 in the quantitative analysis. Our systematic review results indicated that overweight and/or obesity were associated with low semen quality parameters (i.e., semen volume, sperm count and concentration, sperm vitality and normal morphology) and some specific reproductive hormones (e.g., inhibin B, total testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin). Overweight and/or obesity were also positively associated with high estradiol concentrations. Meta-analysis indicated that overweight and/or obesity categories were associated with lower sperm quality (i.e., semen volume, sperm count and concentration, sperm vitality, total motility and normal morphology), and underweight category was likewise associated with low sperm normal morphology. In conclusion, our results suggest that maintaining a healthy body weight is important for increasing sperm quality parameters and potentially male fertility.
Topics: Adiposity; Humans; Infertility, Male; Inhibins; Male; Obesity; Semen Analysis; Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin; Spermatozoa; Testosterone
PubMed: 32705766
DOI: 10.1111/obr.13082 -
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Apr 2024Conflicting evidence exists on the relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers. Therefore, we conducted a random-effects... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Conflicting evidence exists on the relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers. Therefore, we conducted a random-effects meta-analysis to evaluate the correlation of glucose metabolism measures (glycated hemoglobin, fasting blood glucose, insulin resistance indices) and DM status with AD biomarkers of amyloid-β and tau measured by positron emission tomography or cerebrospinal fluid. We selected 37 studies from PubMed and Embase, including 11,694 individuals. More impaired glucose metabolism and DM status were associated with higher tau biomarkers (r=0.11[0.03-0.18], p=0.008; I2=68%), but were not associated with amyloid-β biomarkers (r=-0.06[-0.13-0.01], p=0.08; I=81%). Meta-regression revealed that glucose metabolism and DM were specifically associated with tau biomarkers in population settings (p=0.001). Furthermore, more impaired glucose metabolism and DM status were associated with lower amyloid-β biomarkers in memory clinic settings (p=0.004), and in studies with a higher prevalence of dementia (p<0.001) or lower cognitive scores (p=0.04). These findings indicate that DM is associated with biomarkers of tau but not with amyloid-β. This knowledge is valuable for improving dementia and DM diagnostics and treatment.
Topics: Humans; Alzheimer Disease; Amyloid beta-Peptides; Biomarkers; Cognitive Dysfunction; Diabetes Mellitus; Glucose; Peptide Fragments; Positron-Emission Tomography; tau Proteins
PubMed: 38423195
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105604 -
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition May 2022Taurine (Tau) has modulatory effects on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers; however, the results of clinical studies are not comprehensive enough to determine... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Taurine (Tau) has modulatory effects on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers; however, the results of clinical studies are not comprehensive enough to determine the effect of different durations and doses of Tau supplementation on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers. The current study was conducted based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. For this purpose, PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Embase databases were systematically searched to obtain the relevant studies published before 30th March 2021. Meta-analysis was performed on controlled clinical trials by using the random-effects method. Non-linear relationship between variables and effect size was performed using dose-response and time-response analyses. The Cochrane Collaboration's tool was used to evaluate the quality of included studies. Tau supplementation can reduce the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) (SMD = -1.17 µmol/l; 95% CI: -2.08, - 0.26; P = 0.012) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (SMD = -1.95 mg/l; 95% CI: -3.20, - 0.71; P = 0.002). There have been no significant effects of Tau supplementation on the levels of tumor necrosis factors-alpha (TNF-α) (SMD = -0.18 pg/ml; 95% CI: -0.56, 0.21; P = 0.368), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) (SMD = -0.49 pg/ml; 95% CI: -1.13, 0.16; P = 0.141). Besides, Tau has more alleviating effect on oxidative stress and inflammation on 56 days after supplementation (P < 0.05). Tau can decrease the levels of CRP and MDA. Based on the currently available evidence, Tau has no significant effect on the level of TNF-α and IL-6. Eight-week of Tau supplementation has more beneficial effects on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers.
Topics: Biomarkers; C-Reactive Protein; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Inflammation; Interleukin-6; Oxidative Stress; Taurine; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
PubMed: 34584225
DOI: 10.1038/s41430-021-01010-4 -
The British Journal of Surgery Jul 2016Radiation-induced fibrosis (RIF) is a late complication of radiotherapy that results in progressive functional and cosmetic impairment. Autologous fat has emerged as an... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Radiation-induced fibrosis (RIF) is a late complication of radiotherapy that results in progressive functional and cosmetic impairment. Autologous fat has emerged as an option for soft tissue reconstruction. There are also sporadic reports suggesting regression of fibrosis following regional lipotransfer. This systematic review aimed to identify cellular mechanisms driving RIF, and the potential role of lipotransfer in attenuating these processes.
METHODS
PubMed, OVID and Google Scholar databases were searched to identify all original articles regarding lipotransfer for RIF. All articles describing irradiated fibroblast or myofibroblast behaviour were included. Data elucidating the mechanisms of RIF, role of lipotransfer in RIF and methods to quantify fibrosis were extracted.
RESULTS
Ninety-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. A single, definitive model of RIF is yet to be established, but four cellular mechanisms were identified through in vitro studies. Twenty-one studies identified connective tissue growth factor and transforming growth factor β1 cytokines as drivers of fibrotic cascades. Hypoxia was demonstrated to propagate fibrogenesis in three studies. Oxidative stress from the release of reactive oxygen species and free radicals was also linked to RIF in 11 studies. Purified autologous fat grafts contain cellular and non-cellular properties that potentially interact with these processes. Six methods for quantifying fibrotic changes were evaluated including durometry, ultrasound shear wave elastography, thermography, dark field imaging, and laser Doppler and laser speckle flowmetry.
CONCLUSION
Understanding how lipotransfer causes regression of RIF remains unclear; there are a number of new hypotheses for future research.
Topics: Adipose Tissue; Biomechanical Phenomena; Fibrosis; Humans; Hypoxia; Oxidative Stress; Platelet-Derived Growth Factor; Radiotherapy; Skin; Transforming Growth Factor beta1; Transplantation, Autologous; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
PubMed: 27169866
DOI: 10.1002/bjs.10180 -
Heart Failure Reviews Aug 2014B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) levels are increased in persons with heart failure (HF); low levels of these peptides rule out HF. We... (Review)
Review
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) levels are increased in persons with heart failure (HF); low levels of these peptides rule out HF. We systematically reviewed the literature to assess the use of BNP and NT-proBNP in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment for HF. We also examined the biological variation of these peptides in persons with and without HF. We searched Medline, Embase, AMED, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and CINAHL for English-language studies published between January 1989 and June 2012. Supplemental searches involved the gray literature and the reference lists of included studies. Trained reviewers used standardized forms to screen articles for inclusion in the review and to extract data from included papers. We examined the risk of bias with QUADAS-2 for diagnosis studies, the Hayden criteria for prognosis studies, and the Jadad scale for treatment studies. We assessed the strength of evidence in four domains (risk of bias, consistency, directness, and precision) for the diagnosis and treatment studies. Results were reported as narrative syntheses. Additional meta-analyses were conducted for the diagnosis studies. Three hundred ten articles passed through screening and were included in the review. One hundred four articles applied to diagnostic accuracy, 190 papers pertained to prognosis, and nine articles addressed BNP- or NT-proBNP-guided treatment. Each individual paper in this series reports, summarizes, and discusses the evidence regarding diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment.
Topics: Disease Management; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Protein Precursors
PubMed: 24953975
DOI: 10.1007/s10741-014-9440-0 -
The Lancet. Psychiatry Apr 2023Immune system dysfunction is considered to play an aetiological role in schizophrenia spectrum disorders, with substantial alterations in the concentrations of specific... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Alteration patterns of peripheral concentrations of cytokines and associated inflammatory proteins in acute and chronic stages of schizophrenia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Immune system dysfunction is considered to play an aetiological role in schizophrenia spectrum disorders, with substantial alterations in the concentrations of specific peripheral inflammatory proteins, such as cytokines. However, there are inconsistencies in the literature over which inflammatory proteins are altered throughout the course of illness. Through conducting a systematic review and network meta-analysis, this study aimed to investigate the patterns of alteration that peripheral inflammatory proteins undergo in both acute and chronic stages of schizophrenia spectrum disorders, relative to a healthy control population.
METHODS
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to March 31, 2022, for published studies reporting peripheral inflammatory protein concentrations in cases of people with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders and healthy controls. Inclusion criteria were: (1) observational or experimental design; (2) a population consisting of adults diagnosed with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders with a specified indicator of acute or chronic stage of illness; (3) a comparable healthy control population without mental illness; (4) a study outcome measuring the peripheral protein concentration of a cytokine, associated inflammatory marker, or C-reactive protein. We excluded studies that did not measure cytokine proteins or associated biomarkers in blood. Mean and SDs of inflammatory marker concentrations were extracted directly from full-text publshed articles; articles that did not report data as results or supplementary results were excluded (ie, authors were not contacted) and grey literature and unpublished studies were not sought. Pairwise and network meta-analyses were done to measure the standardised mean difference in peripheral protein concentrations between three groups: individuals with acute schizophrenia-spectrum disorder, individuals with chronic schizophrenia-spectrum disorder, and healthy controls. This protocol was registered on PROSPERO, CRD42022320305.
FINDINGS
Of 13 617 records identified in the database searches, 4492 duplicates were removed, 9125 were screened for eligibility, 8560 were excluded after title and abstract screening, and three were excluded due to limited access to the full-text article. 324 full-text articles were then excluded due to inappropriate outcomes, mixed or undefined schizophrenia cohorts, or duplicate study populations, five were removed due to concerns over data integrity, and 215 studies were included in the meta-analysis. 24 921 participants were included, with 13 952 adult cases of schizophrenia-spectrum disorder and 10 969 adult healthy controls (descriptive data for the entire cohort were not available for age, numbers of males and females, and ethnicity). Concentration of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R), IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and C-reactive protein were consistently elevated in both individuals with acute schizophrenia-spectrum disorder and chronic schizophrenia-spectrum disorder, relative to healthy controls. IL-2 and interferon (IFN)-γ were significantly elevated in acute schizophrenia-spectrum disorder, while IL-4, IL-12, and IFN-γ were significantly decreased in chronic schizophrenia-spectrum disorder. Sensitivity and meta-regression analyses revealed that study quality and a majority of the evaluated methodological, demographic, and diagnostic factors had no significant impact on the observed results for most of the inflammatory markers. Specific exceptions to this included: methodological factors of assay source (for IL-2 and IL-8), assay validity (for IL-1β), and study quality (for transforming growth factor-β1); demographic factors of age (for IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-12), sex (for IFN-γ and IL-12), smoking (for IL-4), and BMI (for IL-4); and diagnostic factors including diagnostic composition of schizophrenia-spectrum cohort (for IL-1β IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α), antipsychotic-free cases (for IL-4 and IL-1RA), illness duration (for IL-4), symptom severity (for IL-4), and subgroup composition (for IL-4).
INTERPRETATION
Results suggest that people with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders have a baseline level of inflammatory protein alteration throughout the illness, as reflected by consistently elevated pro-inflammatory proteins, hypothesised here as trait markers (eg, IL-6), while those with acute psychotic illness might have superimposed immune activity with increased concentrations of hypothesised state markers (eg, IFN-γ). Further research is required to determine whether these peripheral alterations are reflected within the central nervous system. This research facilitates an entry point in understanding how clinically relevant inflammatory biomarkers might one day be useful to the diagnosis and prognostication of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders.
FUNDING
None.
Topics: Male; Adult; Female; Humans; Cytokines; Schizophrenia; Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein; Network Meta-Analysis; Interleukin-6; C-Reactive Protein; Interleukin-2; Interleukin-4; Interleukin-8; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Interleukin-12; Biomarkers
PubMed: 36863384
DOI: 10.1016/S2215-0366(23)00025-1 -
Neurology India 2018Sepsis is a leading cause of death in medical and surgical intensive care units (ICUs). Disturbance of consciousness of varying severity is an early warning sign of... (Review)
Review
Sepsis is a leading cause of death in medical and surgical intensive care units (ICUs). Disturbance of consciousness of varying severity is an early warning sign of developing sepsis in the majority of cases. Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is the most frequent type of encephalopathy in the ICU and is defined as a state of diffuse cerebral dysfunction caused by the inflammatory response of the body to various infections, where the inflammatory process does not affect the central nervous system (CNS) directly and the primary symptom is a disturbed level of consciousness. The aim of this comprehensive review was to collect the latest scientific knowledge regarding the epidemiology, clinical aspects, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and possible prevention strategies related to SAE.
Topics: Blood-Brain Barrier; Critical Care; Cytokines; Humans; Incidence; Mitochondrial Diseases; Oxidative Stress; Sepsis-Associated Encephalopathy
PubMed: 29547154
DOI: 10.4103/0028-3886.227299 -
Biochemical Pharmacology Dec 2023Adiponectin replacement therapy holds the potential to benefit numerous human diseases, and ongoing research applies particular interest in how adiponectin acts against... (Review)
Review
Adiponectin replacement therapy holds the potential to benefit numerous human diseases, and ongoing research applies particular interest in how adiponectin acts against Metabolic-associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). However, the pharmacological limitations of the intact protein have prompted a focus on alternative options, specifically peptidic and small molecule agonists targeting the adiponectin receptor. AdipoRon is an extensively researched non-peptidic drug candidate in adiponectin replacement therapy. In turn, ADP355 is an adiponectin-based active short peptide. They have garnered significant attention due to their potential as substitutes for adiponectin. Researchers have studied AdipoRon's and ADP355's efficacy and therapeutic applications in various disease conditions. However, the effects of AdipoRon and ADP355 against NAFLD and NASH models advanced more, and no systematic review explored this area before. This systematic review was conceived to address the deficiency mentioned above and consider the lack of clinical evidence. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were utilized. To assess the risk of bias in systematic review, The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist was employed. Results from pre-clinical evidence show that AdipoRon and ADP355 represent promising effects in NAFLD and NASH-related models, including reducing hepatic steatosis, modulating inflammation, improving insulin sensitivity, enhancing mitochondrial function, and protecting against liver fibrosis. While AdipoRon and ADP355 exhibit promise in pre-clinical studies and experimental models, additional clinical trials are necessary to assess their effectiveness, safety, and potential translational therapeutic potential uses in NAFLD and NASH human cases.
Topics: Humans; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Receptors, Adiponectin; Adiponectin
PubMed: 37866803
DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115871 -
Value in Health : the Journal of the... Jul 2018Acromegaly results from the hypersecretion of growth hormone. Because of the low incidence rates of this disease worldwide, few clinical trials evaluating drug... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Acromegaly results from the hypersecretion of growth hormone. Because of the low incidence rates of this disease worldwide, few clinical trials evaluating drug treatments have been conducted.
OBJECTIVES
To conduct the first network meta-analysis simultaneously comparing all available drugs used in acromegaly treatment so as to provide more robust evidence in this field.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and Cochrane Collaboration recommendations (PROSPERO database under the registration number CRD42017059880). The electronic searches were conducted in PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Randomized controlled trials comparing any drug for the treatment of acromegaly head-to-head or versus placebo were included. Outcomes concerning the efficacy and safety of treatments were evaluated. The statistical analyses were performed using Aggregate Data Drug Information System version 1.16.8 (drugis.org, Groningen, The Netherlands).
RESULTS
The initial search retrieved 2059 articles. Of these, 10 randomized controlled trials were included in a qualitative analysis and 7 in a quantitative analysis. The network meta-analysis for the efficacy outcome (number of patients achieving insulinlike growth factor 1 control) showed that pegvisomant and lanreotide autogel were statistically superior to placebo (odds ratio [95% credible interval] 0.06 [0.00-0.55] and 0.09 [0.01-0.88]). No further differences were found. The probability rank indicated that pegvisomant and pasireotide have the highest probabilities (33% and 34%, respectively) of being the best therapeutic options. No major side effects were noted.
CONCLUSIONS
Pegvisomant is still a good option for acromegaly treatment, but pasireotide seems to be a promising alternative. Nevertheless, other important key factors such as drug costs and effectiveness (real-world results) should be taken into account when selecting acromegaly treatment.
Topics: Acromegaly; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Hormone Antagonists; Human Growth Hormone; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Peptides, Cyclic; Receptors, Somatotropin; Somatostatin; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
PubMed: 30005760
DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2017.12.014 -
Journal of Agricultural and Food... Nov 2023Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system that occurs in old age and pre-aging, characterized by progressive cognitive... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system that occurs in old age and pre-aging, characterized by progressive cognitive dysfunction and behavioral impairment. Salidroside (Sal) is a phenylpropanoid mainly isolated from species with various pharmacological effects. However, the exact anti-AD mechanism of Sal has not been clearly elucidated. This meta-analysis aims to investigate the possible mechanisms by which Sal exerts its anti-AD effects by evaluating behavioral indicators and biochemical characteristics. A total of 20 studies were included, and the results showed that the Sal treatment significantly improved behavior abnormalities in AD animal models. With regard to neurobiochemical indicators, Sal treatment could effectively increase the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase, decrease the oxidative stress indicator malondialdehyde, and decrease the inflammatory indicators interleukin 1β, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor α. Sal treatment was effective in reducing neuropathological indicators, such as amyloid-β levels and the number of apoptotic cells. When the relevant literature on the treatment of rodent AD models is combined with Sal, the therapeutic potential of Sal through multiple mechanisms was confirmed. However, further confirmation by higher quality studies, larger sample sizes, and more comprehensive outcome evaluations in clinical trials is needed in the future.
Topics: Animals; Alzheimer Disease; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Oxidative Stress; Amyloid beta-Peptides; Neuroprotective Agents
PubMed: 37934032
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c06672