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Nutrition Reviews Aug 2020Recent evidence suggests that modulation of the gut microbiota may help prevent colorectal cancer.
CONTEXT
Recent evidence suggests that modulation of the gut microbiota may help prevent colorectal cancer.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the role of probiotics and synbiotics in the prevention of colorectal cancer and to clarify potential mechanisms involved.
DATA SOURCES
The PubMed, ScienceDirect, and LILACS databases were searched for studies conducted in humans or animal models and published up to August 15, 2018.
STUDY SELECTION
Clinical trials and placebo-controlled experimental studies that evaluated the effects of probiotics and synbiotics in colorectal cancer and cancer associated with inflammatory bowel disease were included. Of 247 articles identified, 31 remained after exclusion criteria were applied. A search of reference lists identified 5 additional studies, for a total of 36 included studies.
DATA EXTRACTION
Two authors independently assessed risk of bias of included studies and extracted data. Data were pooled by type of study, ie, preclinical or clinical.
RESULTS
The results showed positive effects of probiotics and synbiotics in preventing colorectal cancer. The main mechanisms identified were alterations in the composition and metabolic activity of the intestinal microbiota; reduction of inflammation; induction of apoptosis and inhibition of tumor growth; modulation of immune responses and cell proliferation; enhanced function of the intestinal barrier; production of compounds with anticarcinogenic activity; and modulation of oxidative stress.
CONCLUSIONS
Probiotics or synbiotics may help prevent colorectal cancer, but additional studies in humans are required to better inform clinical practice.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Animals; Carcinogenesis; Colorectal Neoplasms; Female; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Inflammation; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Intestines; Male; Mice; Middle Aged; Probiotics; Rats; Synbiotics
PubMed: 31917829
DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuz087 -
The British Journal of Nutrition Aug 2015The objective of the present study was to conduct the first systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies investigating the associations between total... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The objective of the present study was to conduct the first systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies investigating the associations between total cholesterol (TC), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and the risk of breast cancer. Relevant studies were identified in PubMed (up to January 2014). Inclusion criteria were original peer-reviewed publications with a prospective design. Random-effects models were used to estimate summary hazard ratios (HR) and 95% CI. Distinction was made between studies that did or did not exclude cancer cases diagnosed during the first years of follow-up, thereby eliminating potential preclinical bias. Overall, the summary HR for the association between TC and breast cancer risk was 0.97 (95% CI 0.94, 1.00; dose-response per 1 mmol/l increment, thirteen studies), and that between HDL-C and breast cancer risk was 0.86 (95% CI 0.69, 1.09; dose-response per 1 mmol/l increment, six studies), with high heterogeneity (I2= 67 and 47%, respectively). For studies that eliminated preclinical bias, an inverse association was observed between the risk of breast cancer and TC (dose-response HR 0.94 (95% CI 0.89, 0.99), seven studies, I2= 78%; highest v. lowest HR 0.82 (95% CI 0.66, 1.02), nine studies, I2= 81%) and HDL-C (dose-response HR 0.81 (95% CI 0.65, 1.02), five studies, I2= 30 %; highest v. lowest HR 0.82 (95% CI 0.69, 0.98), five studies, I2= 0%). There was no association observed between LDL-C and the risk of breast cancer (four studies). The present meta-analysis confirms the evidence of a modest but statistically significant inverse association between TC and more specifically HDL-C and the risk of breast cancer, supported by mechanistic plausibility from experimental studies. Further large prospective studies that adequately control for preclinical bias are needed to confirm the results on the role of cholesterol level and its fractions in the aetiology of breast cancer.
Topics: Apolipoprotein A-I; Apolipoproteins B; Biomarkers, Tumor; Breast Neoplasms; Cholesterol; Cholesterol, HDL; Cholesterol, LDL; Female; Humans; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors
PubMed: 26173770
DOI: 10.1017/S000711451500183X -
Arthroscopy : the Journal of... May 2015The purpose of this review was to evaluate the role of biological augmentation and tissue engineering strategies in meniscus surgery. Although clinical (human),... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
The purpose of this review was to evaluate the role of biological augmentation and tissue engineering strategies in meniscus surgery. Although clinical (human), preclinical (animal), and in vitro tissue engineering studies are included here, we have placed additional focus on addressing preclinical and clinical studies reported during the 5-year period used in this review in a systematic fashion while also providing a summary review of some important in vitro tissue engineering findings in the field over the past decade.
METHODS
A search was performed on PubMed for original works published from 2009 to March 31, 2014 using the term "meniscus" with all the following terms: "scaffolds," "constructs," "cells," "growth factors," "implant," "tissue engineering," and "regenerative medicine." Inclusion criteria were the following: English-language articles and original clinical, preclinical (in vivo), and in vitro studies of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine application in knee meniscus lesions published from 2009 to March 31, 2014.
RESULTS
Three clinical studies and 18 preclinical studies were identified along with 68 tissue engineering in vitro studies. These reports show the increasing promise of biological augmentation and tissue engineering strategies in meniscus surgery. The role of stem cell and growth factor therapy appears to be particularly useful. A review of in vitro tissue engineering studies found a large number of scaffold types to be of promise for meniscus replacement. Limitations include a relatively low number of clinical or preclinical in vivo studies, in addition to the fact there is as yet no report in the literature of a tissue-engineered meniscus construct used clinically. Neither does the literature provide clarity on the optimal meniscus scaffold type or biological augmentation with which meniscus repair or replacement would be best addressed in the future. There is increasing focus on the role of mechanobiology and biomechanical and biochemical cues in this process, however, and it is hoped that this may lead to improvements in this strategy.
CONCLUSIONS
There appears to be significant potential for biological augmentation and tissue engineering strategies in meniscus surgery to enhance options for repair and replacement. However, there are still relatively few clinical studies being reported in this regard. There is a strong need for improved translational activities and infrastructure to link the large amounts of in vitro and preclinical biological and tissue engineering data to clinical application.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level IV, systematic review of Level I-IV studies.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Menisci, Tibial; Regeneration; Regenerative Medicine; Tissue Engineering
PubMed: 25687715
DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2014.11.044 -
Translational Stroke Research Oct 2023Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM), either sporadic or familial, is a devastating vascular malformation affecting the central nervous system that can present with... (Review)
Review
Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM), either sporadic or familial, is a devastating vascular malformation affecting the central nervous system that can present with intracerebral hemorrhage, seizure, and new focal neurologic deficits resulting in substantial morbidity and mortality. To date, there is no effective evidence-based preventive regimen. There have been several preclinical and clinical studies investigating the potential mechanisms and benefits of beta-blockers, especially on propranolol. We aimed to conduct a systematic review on the published literature investigating the use of beta-blockers in the treatment of CCM, including both preclinical and clinical studies between 2008 and 2023 using public databases. A total of 2 preclinical studies and 6 clinical studies met the inclusion/exclusion criteria and were included. Data was extracted and synthesized from 5 clinical studies for meta-analysis. The meta-analysis failed to demonstrate a statistically significant protective effect of beta-blockers in preventing intracerebral hemorrhage or developing focal neurologic deficits in subjects with CCM (overall effect = 0.78 (0.20, 3.11), p = 0.73). Overall, there was a paucity of high quality clinical trials, partially due to limited cases of CCM. Addressing this gap may require collaborative efforts at a national or international level. In this review, we summarized all barriers and opportunities on this topic. Additionally, we proposed establishing an evidence-based approach on the use of beta-blockers in preventing recurrent hemorrhage and focal neurological deficits in patients with CCM.
PubMed: 37857790
DOI: 10.1007/s12975-023-01199-5 -
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Sep 2016Clinical and pre-clinical evidence has implicated neuregulin 1 (NRG1) as a critical component in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. However, the arrival of the... (Review)
Review
Clinical and pre-clinical evidence has implicated neuregulin 1 (NRG1) as a critical component in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. However, the arrival of the genome-wide association study (GWAS) era has yielded results that challenge the relevance of NRG1 in schizophrenia due to the absence of a genome-wide significant NRG1 variant associated with schizophrenia. To assess NRG1's relevance to schizophrenia in the GWAS era, we provide a targeted review of recent preclinical evidence on NRG1's role in regulating several aspects of excitatory/inhibitory neurotransmission and in turn schizophrenia risk. We also present a systematic review of the last decade of clinical research examining NRG1 in the context of schizophrenia. We include concise summaries of genotypic variation, gene-expression, protein expression, structural and functional neuroimaging as well as cognitive studies conducted during this time period. We conclude with recommendations for future clinical and preclinical work that we hope will help prioritize a strategy forward to further advance our understanding of the relationship between NRG1 and schizophrenia.
Topics: Gene Expression; Genome-Wide Association Study; Genotype; Humans; Neuregulin-1; Schizophrenia
PubMed: 27283360
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.06.001 -
Brain Stimulation Jun 2024Low-intensity transcranial ultrasound has surged forward as a non-invasive and disruptive tool for neuromodulation with applications in basic neuroscience research and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Low-intensity transcranial ultrasound has surged forward as a non-invasive and disruptive tool for neuromodulation with applications in basic neuroscience research and the treatment of neurological and psychiatric conditions.
OBJECTIVE
To provide a comprehensive overview and update of preclinical and clinical transcranial low intensity ultrasound for neuromodulation and emphasize the emerging role of functional brain mapping to guide, better understand, and predict responses.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted by searching the Web of Science and Scopus databases for studies on transcranial ultrasound neuromodulation, both in humans and animals.
RESULTS
187 relevant studies were identified and reviewed, including 116 preclinical and 71 clinical reports with subjects belonging to diverse cohorts. Milestones of ultrasound neuromodulation are described within an overview of the broader landscape. General neural readouts and outcome measures are discussed, potential confounds are noted, and the emerging use of functional magnetic resonance imaging is highlighted.
CONCLUSION
Ultrasound neuromodulation has emerged as a powerful tool to study and treat a range of conditions and its combination with various neural readouts has significantly advanced this platform. In particular, the use of functional magnetic resonance imaging has yielded exciting inferences into ultrasound neuromodulation and has the potential to advance our understanding of brain function, neuromodulatory mechanisms, and ultimately clinical outcomes. It is anticipated that these preclinical and clinical trials are the first of many; that transcranial low intensity focused ultrasound, particularly in combination with functional magnetic resonance imaging, has the potential to enhance treatment for a spectrum of neurological conditions.
PubMed: 38880207
DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2024.06.005 -
Sexual Medicine Reviews Sep 2023There has been tremendous growth in regenerative medicine during the last decade. For erectile dysfunction (ED), after the inclusion of low-intensity shockwave therapy...
INTRODUCTION
There has been tremendous growth in regenerative medicine during the last decade. For erectile dysfunction (ED), after the inclusion of low-intensity shockwave therapy as a treatment modality for ED management by the European Association of Urology sexual health guidelines, intracavernosal injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has gained popularity between urologists and patients as a novel ED therapeutic modality with initial promising results. However, limited clinical data exist regarding efficacy and safety in patients with ED. Furthermore, despite numerous preclinical studies in other tissues and organs, the mechanism of action for restoring erectile function remains undetermined.
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review aims to present the current status of preclinical and clinical evidence regarding the use of PRP as treatment option for ED.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane, and ScienceDirect databases, until February 2023 for studies exploring the effect of PRP on ED.
RESULTS
We identified 517 articles, 23 of which were included in this review. These were 7 preclinical (of which 1 was a comparative trial and 6 were placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials) and 16 clinical studies (of which 1 was a comparative trial, 5 were randomized trials, and 2 were placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials). Preclinical data support the regenerative role of PRP in erectile tissue, in accordance with existing evidence in other tissues. Randomized clinical studies, as well as the first 2 available randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials, showed promising efficacy and a lack of any adverse events.
CONCLUSION
As PRP for ED is widely used worldwide, there is an urgent need for high-quality studies with long-term follow-up. Standardization of research protocols, especially on the quality of PRP preparation, is also needed.
Topics: Male; Humans; Erectile Dysfunction; Platelet-Rich Plasma; Penile Erection; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37528499
DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qead027 -
Nutrients Aug 2023This paper presents a systematic review of studies investigating the effects of fatty acid supplementation in potentially preventing and treating sarcopenia. PubMed,... (Review)
Review
This paper presents a systematic review of studies investigating the effects of fatty acid supplementation in potentially preventing and treating sarcopenia. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched using the keywords 'fatty acid' and 'sarcopenia'. Results: A total of 14 clinical and 11 pre-clinical (including cell and animal studies) studies were included. Of the 14 clinical studies, 12 used omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) as supplements, 1 study used ALA and 1 study used CLA. Seven studies combined the use of fatty acid with resistant exercises. Fatty acids were found to have a positive effect in eight studies and they had no significant outcome in six studies. The seven studies that incorporated exercise found that fatty acids had a better impact on elderlies. Four animal studies used novel fatty acids including eicosapentaenoic acid, trans-fatty acid, and olive leaf extraction as interventions. Three animal and four cell experiment studies revealed the possible mechanisms of how fatty acids affect muscles by improving regenerative capacity, reducing oxidative stress, mitochondrial and peroxisomal dysfunctions, and attenuating cell death. Conclusion: Fatty acids have proven their value in improving sarcopenia in pre-clinical experiments. However, current clinical studies show controversial results for its role on muscle, and thus the mechanisms need to be studied further. In the future, more well-designed randomized controlled trials are required to assess the effectiveness of using fatty acids in humans.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Muscles; Cell Death; Databases, Factual; Dietary Supplements; Eicosapentaenoic Acid; Fatty Acids; Sarcopenia
PubMed: 37630803
DOI: 10.3390/nu15163613 -
Neurophysiologie Clinique = Clinical... Mar 2021Cortical spreading depolarization (SD) describes pathological waves characterized by an almost complete sustained depolarization of neurons and astrocytes that spreads... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Cortical spreading depolarization (SD) describes pathological waves characterized by an almost complete sustained depolarization of neurons and astrocytes that spreads throughout the cortex. In this study, we carried out a qualitative review of all available evidence, clinical and preclinical, on the use of ketamine in SD.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of Medline, with no restrictions regarding publishing date or language, in search of articles reporting the use of ketamine in SD. The search string was composed of "ketamine," "spreading," "depolarization," and "depression" in both (AND) and (OR) combinations.
RESULTS
Twenty studies were included in the final synthesis. Many studies showed that ketamine effectively blocks SD in rats, swine, and humans. The first prospective randomized trial was published in 2018. Ten patients with severe traumatic brain injury or subarachnoid hemorrhage were enrolled, and ketamine showed a significant, dose-dependent effect on the reduction of SD.
CONCLUSION
The available evidence from preclinical studies is helping to translate the role of ketamine in blocking spreading depolarizations to clinical practice, in the settings of migraine with aura, traumatic brain injury, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. More randomized controlled trials are needed to determine whether interrupting the ketamine-blockable SDs effectively leads to an improvement in outcome and to assess the real occurrence of adverse effects.
Topics: Animals; Cortical Spreading Depression; Humans; Ketamine; Migraine Disorders; Prospective Studies; Rats; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage; Swine
PubMed: 33610431
DOI: 10.1016/j.neucli.2021.01.004 -
Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Sep 2023Despite advancements in the surgical techniques of rotator cuff repair (RCR), there remains a high retear rate. Biological augmentation of repairs with overlaying grafts... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Scaffold- and graft-based biological augmentation of rotator cuff repair: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical and clinical studies for 2010-2022.
BACKGROUND
Despite advancements in the surgical techniques of rotator cuff repair (RCR), there remains a high retear rate. Biological augmentation of repairs with overlaying grafts and scaffolds may enhance healing and strengthen the repair construct. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of scaffold-based (nonstructural) and overlay graft-based (structural) biological augmentation in RCR (excluding superior capsule reconstruction and bridging techniques) in both preclinical and clinical studies.
METHODS
This systematic review was performed in adherence to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, as well as guidelines outlined by The Cochrane Collaboration. A search of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases from 2010 until 2022 was conducted to identify studies reporting the clinical, functional, and/or patient-reported outcomes of ≥1 biological augmentation method in either animal models or humans. The methodologic quality of included primary studies was appraised using the Checklist to Evaluate a Report of a Non-pharmacological Trial (CLEAR-NPT) for randomized controlled trials and using the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS) for nonrandomized studies.
RESULTS
A total of 62 studies (Level I-IV evidence) were included, comprising 47 studies reporting outcomes in animal models and 15 clinical studies. Of the 47 animal-model studies, 41 (87.2%) demonstrated biomechanical and histologic enhancement with improved RCR load to failure, stiffness, and strength. Of the 15 clinical studies, 10 (66.7%) illustrated improvement in postoperative clinical, functional, and patient-reported outcomes (eg, retear rate, radiographic thickness and footprint, and patient functional scores). No study reported a significant detriment to repair with augmentation, and all studies endorsed low complication rates. A meta-analysis of pooled retear rates demonstrated significantly lower odds of retear after treatment with biological augmentation of RCR compared with treatment with non-augmented RCR (odds ratio, 0.28; P < .00001), with low heterogeneity (I = 0.11).
CONCLUSIONS
Graft and scaffold augmentations have shown favorable results in both preclinical and clinical studies. Of the investigated clinical grafts and scaffolds, acellular human dermal allograft and bovine collagen demonstrate the most promising preliminary evidence in the graft and scaffold categories, respectively. With a low risk of bias, meta-analysis revealed that biological augmentation significantly lowered the odds of retear. Although further investigation is warranted, these findings suggest graft and scaffold biological augmentation of RCR to be safe.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Humans; Arthroplasty; Arthroscopy; Rotator Cuff; Rotator Cuff Injuries; Treatment Outcome; Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37178960
DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2023.03.031