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Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Aug 2023Event-related potentials (ERPs) represent the cortical processing of sensory, motor or cognitive functions invoked by particular events or stimuli. A current theory... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Event-related potentials (ERPs) represent the cortical processing of sensory, motor or cognitive functions invoked by particular events or stimuli. A current theory posits that the catecholaminergic neurotransmitters dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) modulate a number of endogenous ERPs during various cognitive processes. This manuscript aims to evaluate a leading neurotransmitter hypothesis with a systematic overview and meta-analysis of pharmacologic DA and NE manipulation of specific ERPs in healthy subjects during executive function. Specifically, the frontally-distributed P3a, N2, and N/ERN (or error-related negativity) are supposedly modulated primarily by DA, whereas the parietally-distributed P3b is thought to be modulated by NE. Based on preceding research, we refer to this distinction between frontally-distributed DA-sensitive and parietally-distributed NE-sensitive ERP components as the Extended Neurobiological Polich (ENP) hypothesis. Our systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that this distinction is too simplistic and many factors interact with DA and NE to influence these specific ERPs. These may include genetic factors, the specific cognitive processes engaged, or elements of study design, i.e. session or sequence effects or data-analysis strategies.
Topics: Humans; Dopamine; Evoked Potentials; Cognition; Executive Function; Electroencephalography; Event-Related Potentials, P300
PubMed: 37150485
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105221 -
Environmental Research Nov 2020To identify the association between phenolic chemicals and the risk of earlier puberty based on the available evidence by systematic review and meta-analysis. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To identify the association between phenolic chemicals and the risk of earlier puberty based on the available evidence by systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
Databases PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched and retrieved appropriate journal articles on the association between phenols exposure and earlier puberty in children published before February 14, 2020. Stata software version 12.0 and Excel were used for statistical analysis.
RESULTS
Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis with total subjects of 4737. All the subjects included in our studies were girls. The pooled estimate has shown the association between 2, 5- dichrolophenol exposure, and earlier puberty in children with effect size (ES) 1.13 (95% CI: 1.06, 1.20). Exposed to other types of phenolic chemicals such as bisphenol A, Triclosan, Benzophenone-3 were not statistically significant associated with the risk of earlier puberty in children with the overall pooled estimates of ES of 1.09 (95%CI: 0.88, 1.35), ES 1.05(95% CI: 0.96, 1.15), and ES 0.98 (95% CI: 0.88, 1.10) respectively.
CONCLUSION
Our results portray that phenols particularly 2, 5- dichlorophenol exposure might be associated with the risk of earlier puberty in children. Also, caution should be taken to other type of phenolic chemicals since in subgroup analysis some individual studies have shown a positive relationship between bisphenol A, Triclosan and Benzophenone-3 exposures, and the risk of earlier puberty in children. Future cohort studies should be conducted with more sample sizes to determine the relationship between 2, 5- dichlorophenol, and the risk of earlier puberty in children of all gender.
Topics: Child; Cohort Studies; Female; Humans; Phenols; Puberty; Puberty, Precocious; Triclosan
PubMed: 32805251
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110056 -
Environmental Health Perspectives Oct 2017Early-life exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) has been implicated to play a role in the development of obesity. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Early-life exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) has been implicated to play a role in the development of obesity.
OBJECTIVE
A systematic review with meta-analyses of experimental rodent studies was conducted to answer the following question: does early-life exposure to BPA affect the obesity-related outcomes body weight, fat (pad) weight, and circulating and tissue levels of triglycerides, free fatty acids (FFA), and leptin?
METHODS
The methodology was prespecified in a rigorous protocol using the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) approach. Using PubMed and EMBASE, we identified 61 articles that met the inclusion criteria. The risk of bias and the methodological quality of these articles were assessed using the SYRCLE Risk of Bias tool, and a confidence-rating methodology was used to score the quality of evidence. Meta-analyses were performed using random effect models and standardized mean differences (SMDs), or, where possible, mean differences (MDs) were calculated.
RESULTS
Overall summary estimates indicated significant positive associations between BPA and fat weight [SMD=0.67 (95% CI: 0.53, 0.81)], triglycerides [SMD=0.97 (95% CI: 0.53, 1.40)], and FFA [SMD=0.86 (95% CI: 0.50, 1.22)], and a nonsignificant positive association with leptin levels [MD=0.37 (95% CI: -0.14, 0.87)] and a significant negative association with body weight were estimated [MD=-0.22 (95% CI: -0.37, -0.06)]. Subgroup analyses revealed stronger positive associations for most outcome measures in males and at doses below the current U.S. reference dose of 50μg/kg/d compared with doses above the reference dose. It should be noted that there was substantial heterogeneity across studies for all outcomes assessed and that there was insufficient information to assess risk of bias for most studies.
CONCLUSIONS
Findings from our systematic review suggest that early-life exposure to BPA may increase adiposity and circulating lipid levels in rodents. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP1233.
Topics: Adipose Tissue; Adiposity; Animals; Benzhydryl Compounds; Body Weight; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Pollutants; Obesity; Phenols; Rats; Triglycerides
PubMed: 28982642
DOI: 10.1289/EHP1233 -
The Pan African Medical Journal 2023Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic and hormonal condition affecting women of a reproductive age. It causes an abnormal menstrual cycle, anovulation,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic and hormonal condition affecting women of a reproductive age. It causes an abnormal menstrual cycle, anovulation, infertility, acne, hirsutism, obesity, hyperlipidemia, and cardiovascular disorders. Because resveratrol decreases testosterone levels, it may be of value in treating PCOS. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of resveratrol in treating women with PCOS. We searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus and Web of Science. With 95% confidence intervals, the data was retrieved and analyzed as a mean difference (MD) or a standardized mean difference (SMD). Four RCTs with 218 women were included in the analysis. Resveratrol significantly reduced testosterone (SMD = -0.40; 95% CI [-0.71, -0.10], P = 0.009), luteinizing hormone (LH) (SMD = -0.32; 95% CI [-0.62, 0.01], P = 0.04), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) (MD = -0.85; 95% CI [-1.25, -0.45], P < 0.0001) compared with the placebo. Resveratrol is effective in treating women with PCOS due to reducing the levels of testosterone, LH, and DHEAS. In combination with other treatments, especially for hyperlipidemia, resveratrol is beneficial for women diagnosed with PCOS.
Topics: Female; Humans; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Resveratrol; Metformin; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Testosterone
PubMed: 37333786
DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2023.44.134.32404 -
Resuscitation Mar 2021To evaluate the optimal timing and doses of epinephrine for Infants and children suffering in-hospital or out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIM
To evaluate the optimal timing and doses of epinephrine for Infants and children suffering in-hospital or out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
METHODS
We searched Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials (CENTRAL) for human randomized clinical trials and observational studies including comparative cohorts. Two investigators reviewed relevance of studies, extracted the data, conducted meta-analyses and assessed the risk of bias using the GRADE and CLARITY frameworks. Authors of the eligible studies were contacted to obtain additional data. Critically important outcomes included return of spontaneous circulation, survival to hospital discharge and survival with good neurological outcome.
RESULTS
We identified 7 observational studies suitable for meta-analysis and no randomized clinical trials. The overall certainty of evidence was very low. For the critically important outcomes, the earlier administration of epinephrine was favorable for both in-hospital and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Because of a limited number of eligible studies and the presence of severe confounding factors, we could not determine the optimal interval of epinephrine administration.
CONCLUSIONS
Earlier administration of the first epinephrine dose could be more favorable in non-shockable pediatric cardiac arrest. The optimal interval for epinephrine administration remains unclear.
Topics: Child; Epinephrine; Humans; Infant; Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest; Patient Discharge
PubMed: 33529645
DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2021.01.015 -
International Journal of Biometeorology Jan 2024Spa therapy consists of multiple techniques based on the healing effects of water, including hydrotherapy, balneotherapy, and mud therapy, often combined with... (Review)
Review
Spa therapy consists of multiple techniques based on the healing effects of water, including hydrotherapy, balneotherapy, and mud therapy, often combined with therapeutic exercises, massage, or physical therapy. Balneotherapy is a clinically effective complementary approach in the treatment of low-grade inflammation- and stress-related pathologies, especially rheumatic conditions due to its anti-inflammatory properties. The main objective of this investigation was to conduct a systematic review analyzing the available evidence on the effect of spa therapy on serotonin and dopamine function. The databases PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were used from June to July 2023. Exclusion criteria were (1) articles not written in English, (2) full text not available, (3) article not related to the objective of the review. JADAD scale was used for methodological quality evaluation. Four studies were included in the systematic review. Two studies were related to serotonin in healthy individuals, one to serotonin in fibromyalgia, and one to dopamine in healthy individuals. One of the studies evaluated hydrotherapy, another one balneotherapy and mud-bath therapy, and the other two assessed balneotherapy interventions. Studies were very heterogeneous, and their methodological quality was low, making it difficult to draw clear conclusions regarding the effect of spa therapy on peripheral serotonin and dopamine function. The findings of this review highlight the lack of studies evaluating these neurotransmitters and hormones in the context of spa therapy. Further research is needed to evaluate the potential effects of these therapies on serotonin or dopamine function.
Topics: Humans; Dopamine; Serotonin; Balneology; Mud Therapy; Hydrotherapy
PubMed: 37950094
DOI: 10.1007/s00484-023-02579-0 -
Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism:... Jul 2021The development of progressive osteopenia and osteoporosis (OP) is due to the imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation, determining a lower bone resistance,...
The development of progressive osteopenia and osteoporosis (OP) is due to the imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation, determining a lower bone resistance, major risks of fractures, with consequent pain and functional limitations. Flavonoids, a class of polyphenols, have been extensively studied for their therapeutic activities against bone resorption, but less attention has been given to a whole series of molecules belonging to the polyphenolic compounds. However, these classes have begun to be studied for the treatment of OP. In this systematic review, comprehensive information is provided on non-flavonoid polyphenolic compounds, and we highlight pathways implicated in the action of these molecules that act often epigenetically, and their possible use for OP treatment and prevention.
Topics: Bone Resorption; Flavonoids; Humans; Osteogenesis; Osteoporosis; Polyphenols
PubMed: 33895073
DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2021.03.008 -
Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine :... Jan 2017Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) contributes globally to a great number of deaths and morbidity, in spite of new therapeutic strategies. There is a great... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) contributes globally to a great number of deaths and morbidity, in spite of new therapeutic strategies. There is a great need of new drugs that are significantly effective and less deleterious to the patients' general health. In this sense, phytotherapy is a tendency, with results pointing to its use as a chemo-preventive and adjuvant therapy. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review was to investigate the effects of curcumin on proliferation and survival of HNSCC.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The search was conducted on six databases: Cochrane, LILACS, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Web of Science. In vitro and in vivo studies that evaluated the effects of curcumin on cell viability, tumor growth, cell cycle and/or cell death pattern in HNSCC cell lines or animal models were selected.
RESULTS
Of the 525 initially gathered studies, 30 met the inclusion criteria. These studies demonstrated that curcumin induces cytotoxicity, apoptosis (via intrinsic pathway), and cell cycle arrest in G /M phase in HSNCC cell lines. It also reduces tumor measurements in animal models. These events were mostly studied through MTT assay, flow cytometry, and cell cycle- and apoptosis-related proteins expression.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review demonstrated that curcumin is effective on HNSCC cell proliferation and survival, reinforcing the currently available evidence that curcumin could be an adjuvant drug in HNSCC treatment.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Apoptosis; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cell Cycle Checkpoints; Cell Survival; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Curcumin; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Humans; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck
PubMed: 27219631
DOI: 10.1111/jop.12455 -
Supportive Care in Cancer : Official... Mar 2023This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the available literature describing the efficacy of natural and miscellaneous agents in preventing acute... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the available literature describing the efficacy of natural and miscellaneous agents in preventing acute radiation dermatitis (RD) in cancer patients.
METHODS
OVID MedLine, Embase, and Cochrane literature databases were searched from 1946 to January 2023 for randomized controlled trials studying the use of natural and miscellaneous agents to prevent RD. RevMan 5.4 was used for the meta-analysis to calculate the pooled effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using the random effects analysis.
RESULTS
For the systematic review and meta-analysis, 19 and 16 studies were included, respectively. Of the five studied natural products (aloe vera, oral enzymes, olive oil, calendula, and curcumin), only oral enzymes and olive oil significantly reduced the incidence of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group grade 2 (RR: 0.42, 95%CI 0.30-0.58, p < 0.00001, RR: 0.66, 95% CI 0.51-0.85, p = 0.001, resp.). The oral enzymes also reduced the grade 3 RD incidence (RR: 0.18, 95%CI 0.06-0.55, p = 0.003). The other agents demonstrated no significant effect.
CONCLUSION
This review and meta-analysis on natural and miscellaneous agents in preventing RD in cancer patients demonstrated that oral enzymes and olive oil prevented RD severity. However, evidence supporting natural agents to prevent RD is inconsistent, mainly because of low studies numbers, low-quality study designs, and small sample sizes. Therefore, concrete conclusions cannot be made. Research on (new) natural or miscellaneous agents should focus on a randomized controlled double-blinded study design with a large patient population, a higher consistency in research methods, and clinician- and patient-reported outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Olive Oil; Curcumin; Databases, Factual; Patient Reported Outcome Measures; Dermatitis
PubMed: 36859690
DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07656-z -
Phytomedicine : International Journal... Aug 2018Radiotherapy is a mainstay of cancer treatment since decades. Ionizing radiation (IR) is used for destruction of cancer cells and shrinkage of tumors. However, the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Radiotherapy is a mainstay of cancer treatment since decades. Ionizing radiation (IR) is used for destruction of cancer cells and shrinkage of tumors. However, the increase of radioresistance in cancer cells and radiation toxicity to normal tissues are severe concerns. The exposure to radiation generates intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), which leads to DNA damage by lipid peroxidation, removal of thiol groups from cellular and membrane proteins, strand breaks and base alterations.
HYPOTHESIS
Plants have to deal with radiation-induced damage (UV-light of sun, other natural radiation sources). Therefore, it is worth speculating that radioprotective mechanisms have evolved during evolution of life. We hypothesize that natural products from plants may also protect from radiation damage caused as adverse side effects of cancer radiotherapy.
METHODS
The basis of this systematic review, we searched the relevant literature in the PubMed database.
RESULTS
Flavonoids, such as genistein, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, epicatechin, apigenin and silibinin mainly act as antioxidant, free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory compounds, thus, providing cytoprotection in addition to downregulation of several pro-inflammatory cytokines. Comparable effects have been found in phenylpropanoids, especially caffeic acid phenylethylester, curcumin, thymol and zingerone. Besides, resveratrol and quercetin are the most important cytoprotective polyphenols. Their radioprotective effects are mediated by a wide range of mechanisms mainly leading to direct or indirect reduction of cellular stress. Ascorbic acid is broadly used as antioxidant, but it has also shown activity in reducing cellular damage after irradiation mainly due to its antioxidant capabilities. The metal ion chelator, gallic acid, represents another natural product attenuating cellular damage caused by radiation.
CONCLUSIONS
Some secondary metabolites from plants reveal radioprotective features against cellular damage caused by irradiation. These results warrant further analysis to develop phytochemicals as radioprotectors for clinical use.
Topics: Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Curcumin; DNA Damage; Flavonoids; Humans; Lipid Peroxidation; Neoplasms; Phytochemicals; Plants; Polyphenols; Radiation Injuries; Radiation-Protective Agents; Radiotherapy; Reactive Oxygen Species; Resveratrol; Stilbenes
PubMed: 30166104
DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2017.11.005