-
Iranian Journal of Public Health Oct 2022The association between congenital heart defects (CHDs) and selenium (Se) is still unclear. We aimed to systematically review and quantitative analyze the potential... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The association between congenital heart defects (CHDs) and selenium (Se) is still unclear. We aimed to systematically review and quantitative analyze the potential relationship between maternal Se exposure and CHDs in the offspring.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus databases were searched from inception up to August 2021 for relevant studies. Methodological quality of the studies was assessed through Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The Standard mean difference (SMD) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to compare maternal Se levels between CHDs groups and control groups using a random-effects model.
RESULTS
Four articles covering five studies were included in the systematic review, and three articles covering four studies were included in the meta-analysis. One study measured Se concentrations in maternal hair and found a positive correlation between high concentrations and increased risk of CHDs in offspring. However, one study on cord blood, and one on whole blood illustrated that Se exposure was associated with decreased risk of CHDs. There was no significant association found between serum Se levels and CHDs in two studies. Pooled results showed decreased Se levels in the circulation of mothers with CHDs offspring (SMD = -108.27, 95% CI: -192.72, -23.82), with statistically significant heterogeneity ( = 99.8%, < 0.001) but not in hair, as compared with controls.
CONCLUSION
Low maternal Se status may be associated with increased risk of CHDs in offspring. However, further larger-scale studies with strict and consistent design methods are still required to investigate this issue.
PubMed: 36415814
DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v51i10.10974 -
American Journal of Physiology.... Sep 2022Diabetes is the eighth leading cause of death in the world and the prevalence is rising in low-income countries. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death... (Review)
Review
Diabetes is the eighth leading cause of death in the world and the prevalence is rising in low-income countries. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, especially for individuals with diabetes. Although medications exist to treat symptoms of diabetes, lack of availability and high costs may deter their use by individuals with low incomes as well as those in low-income nations. Therefore, this systematic review was performed to determine whether genistein, a phytoestrogen found in soy products, could provide therapeutic benefits for individuals with diabetes. We searched PubMed and SCOPUS using the terms "genistein," "diabetes," and "glucose" and identified 33 peer-reviewed articles that met our inclusion criteria. In general, preclinical studies demonstrated that genistein decreases body weight and circulating glucose and triglycerides concentrations, whereas increasing insulin levels and insulin sensitivity. Genistein also delayed the onset of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In contrast, clinical studies utilizing genistein generally reported no significant relationship between genistein and body mass, circulating glucose, glycated hemoglobin (A1C) concentrations, or onset of type 1 diabetes. However, genistein was found to improve insulin sensitivity and serum triglyceride concentrations and delayed the onset of type 2 diabetes. In summary, preclinical and clinical studies suggest that genistein may help delay the onset of type 2 diabetes and improve several symptoms associated with the disease. Although additional research is required to confirm these findings, the results highlighted in this review provide some evidence that genistein may offer a natural approach to mitigating some of the complications associated with diabetes.
Topics: Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Genistein; Glycated Hemoglobin; Humans; Insulin Resistance
PubMed: 35816719
DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00236.2021 -
Biochemistry and Cell Biology =... Feb 2017Lactoferrin (LF) is a breast milk glycoprotein with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. Its beneficial properties in infants, especially in those born preterm,... (Review)
Review
Lactoferrin (LF) is a breast milk glycoprotein with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. Its beneficial properties in infants, especially in those born preterm, are currently being studied in clinical trials. However, the maternal and nursing infant factors that may affect LF concentration in breast milk are still not clear. We conducted a systematic review to investigate the factors that may affect the concentration of LF in breast milk. We used a 2-step approach to identify the eligible studies according to inclusion/exclusion criteria, and to determine which studies would be considered. We included 70 qualified articles from 29 countries with publication dates ranging from 1976 to 2015. We described the correlation between LF concentration in breast milk and lactation stage; 10 maternal factors, such as race, parity, among others; and 2 infant factors: infections and prematurity. Colostrum has the highest LF levels, but they decrease with days postpartum. No other factor has been consistently associated with LF concentration. A major limitation of the majority of the published studies is the small sample size and the different methods used to measure LF concentration. Therefore, there is a need for large, multicenter studies with standardized study design, sample collection, and LF measurement methods to identify clinically significant factors associated with LF expression in breast milk, which will help promote exclusive breastfeeding in preterm infants.
Topics: Female; Humans; Lactation; Lactoferrin; Milk, Human
PubMed: 28075610
DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2016-0060 -
Andrology Oct 2022The environment plays a key role in male infertility, changing the incidence in various populations, and pesticides are one of the most studied hazards. The use of the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The environment plays a key role in male infertility, changing the incidence in various populations, and pesticides are one of the most studied hazards. The use of the latter has never decreased, jeopardizing the safety of workers and the general population.
OBJECTIVE
Our purpose was to summarize the results of studies discussing the association between pesticides and male fertility.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was performed through MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Only human studies were considered. Semen parameters and DNA integrity were considered to evaluate the effect of pesticides on men.
RESULTS
A total of 64 studies that investigated their impact in terms of semen parameters (51 studies) and chromatin and DNA integrity (25 studies) were included. The most frequently affected parameters were total sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology, although a reduction in ejaculate volume and concentration occur in several cases. A tangible worsening of semen quality was associated with organochlorines and organophosphates. Furthermore, pesticide exposure, especially pyrethroids, was related to a higher DNA fragmentation index and chromosome aneuploidy in most articles.
CONCLUSION
The epidemiological evidence supports the association between pesticides and male fertility for workers and the exposed population in terms of semen quality, DNA fragmentation, and chromosome aneuploidy.
Topics: Aneuploidy; Chromatin; DNA; Fertility; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Occupational Exposure; Organophosphates; Pesticides; Pyrethrins; Semen; Semen Analysis; Sperm Count; Sperm Motility; Spermatozoa
PubMed: 35793270
DOI: 10.1111/andr.13228 -
Andrology Sep 2023Since the 1970s, several studies found that sperm concentration (SC) and total sperm count (TSC) constantly worsened over time, mainly in high-income countries. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Since the 1970s, several studies found that sperm concentration (SC) and total sperm count (TSC) constantly worsened over time, mainly in high-income countries.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate whether the decreasing trend in sperm count is continuing in Western European countries and USA, we performed a systematic review and meta-regression analysis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Embase and Pubmed/Medline were searched papers published in English in the 2000-2020 period limiting the search to data collected in the USA and Western European countries.
RESULTS
We identified 62 articles and pooled information on 24,196 men (range 10-2,523), collected from 1993 to 2018. Considering all the studies, random-effects meta-regression analyses showed no significant trend for SC (slope per year -0.07 mil/mL, p-value = 0.86). Negative trends of SC were detected in Scandinavian countries (slope per year -1.11 mil/mL, 95% CI: -2.40 to +0.19; p-value = 0.09), but the findings were statistically not significant. No significant trends of SC were detected in Central Europe (slope per year +0.23, 95% CI -2.51 to +2.96; p-value = 0.87), the USA (slope per year +1.08, 95% CI -0.42 to +2.57; p-value = 0.16), and Southern Europe (slope per year +0.19, 95% CI -0.99 to +1.37; p-value = 0.75). We have analyzed separately findings from studies including sperm donors, fertile men, young unselected men (unselected men, study mean age < 25 years) and unselected men (unselected men, study mean age ≥ 25 years). No significant trends of SC were observed among sperm donors (slope per year -2.80, 95% CI -6.76 to +1.17; p-value 0.16), unselected men (slope per year -0.23, 95% CI -1.58 to +1.12; p-value 0.73), young unselected men (slope per year -0.49, 95% CI -1.76 to +0.79; p-value 0.45), fertile men (slope per year +0.29, 95% CI -1.09 to +1.67; p-value 0.68).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
The results of this analysis show no significant trends in SC, in USA, and selected Western European countries.
Topics: Humans; Male; Adult; Sperm Count; Semen; Spermatozoa; Semen Analysis; Regression Analysis; Sperm Motility
PubMed: 36709405
DOI: 10.1111/andr.13396 -
International Journal of Environmental... Aug 2019Observational studies and randomised controlled studies suggest that vitamin D plays a role in the prevention of acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI); however,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Observational studies and randomised controlled studies suggest that vitamin D plays a role in the prevention of acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI); however, findings are inconsistent and the optimal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration remains unclear. To review the link between 25(OH)D concentration and ARTI, we searched PubMed and EMBASE databases to identify observational studies reporting the association between 25(OH)D concentration and risk or severity of ARTI. We used random-effects meta-analysis to pool findings across studies. Twenty-four studies were included in the review, 14 were included in the meta-analysis of ARTI risk and five in the meta-analysis of severity. Serum 25(OH)D concentration was inversely associated with risk and severity of ARTI; pooled odds ratios (95% confidence interval) were 1.83 (1.42-2.37) and 2.46 (1.65-3.66), respectively, comparing the lowest with the highest 25(OH)D category. For each 10 nmol/L decrease in 25(OH)D concentration, the odds of ARTI increased by 1.02 (0.97-1.07). This was a non-linear trend, with the sharpest increase in risk of ARTI occurring at 25(OH)D concentration < 37.5 nmol/L. In conclusion, there is an inverse non-linear association between 25(OH)D concentration and ARTI.
Topics: Acute Disease; Humans; Observational Studies as Topic; Respiratory Tract Infections; Vitamin D; Vitamins
PubMed: 31438516
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16173020 -
Nutrition Journal Sep 2022Among candidate genes related to type 2 diabetes (T2DM), one of the strongest genes is Transcription factor 7 like 2 (TCF7L2), regarding the Genome-Wide Association... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Among candidate genes related to type 2 diabetes (T2DM), one of the strongest genes is Transcription factor 7 like 2 (TCF7L2), regarding the Genome-Wide Association Studies. We aimed to conduct a systematic review of the literature on the modification effect of TCF7L2 on the relation between glycemic parameters and lifestyle factors.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was done for relevant publications using electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science, from January 1, 2000, to November 2, 2021.
RESULTS
Thirty-eight studies (16 observational studies, six meal test trials, and 16 randomized controlled trials (RCTs)) were included. Most observational studies had been conducted on participants with non-diabetes showing that TCF7L2 modified the association between diet (fatty acids and fiber) and insulin resistance. In addition, findings from meal test trials showed that, compared to non-risk-allele carriers, consumption of meals with different percentages of total dietary fat in healthy risk-allele carriers increased glucose concentrations and impaired insulin sensitivity. However, ten RCTs, with intervention periods of less than ten weeks and more than one year, showed that TCF7L2 did not modify glycemic parameters in response to a dietary intervention involving different macronutrients. However, two weight loss dietary RCTs with more than 1-year duration showed that serum glucose and insulin levels decreased and insulin resistance improved in non-risk allele subjects with overweight/obesity. Regarding artichoke extract supplementation (ALE), two RCTs observed that ALE supplementation significantly decreased insulin concentration and improved insulin resistance in the TT genotype of the rs7903146 variant of TCF7L2. In addition, four studies suggested that physical activity levels and smoking status modified the association between TCF7L2 and glycemic parameters. However, three studies observed no effect of TCF7L2 on glycemic parameters in participants with different levels of physical activity and smoking status.
CONCLUSION
The modification effects of TCF7L2 on the relation between the lifestyle factors (diet, physical activity, and smoking status) and glycemic parameters were contradictory.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42020196327.
Topics: Blood Glucose; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Dietary Fats; Fatty Acids; Humans; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Life Style; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; T Cell Transcription Factor 1; Transcription Factor 7-Like 2 Protein
PubMed: 36155628
DOI: 10.1186/s12937-022-00813-w -
Cardiology Research and Practice 2022Coronary heart disease is a major cause of mortality in developed and developing countries. Changes in the trace element concentration in the human body are one of the...
AIM
Coronary heart disease is a major cause of mortality in developed and developing countries. Changes in the trace element concentration in the human body are one of the main reasons for the transition of the human body from a healthy to a diseased state. In this meta-analysis, we have studied the relationship between the reduction in serum zinc ion concentration and coronary heart disease.
METHODS
We used PubMed and Cochrane (as of June 30, 2021) databases for the literature search. Per the requirements of this systematic review, case-control studies involving serum zinc ion concentration and coronary heart disease were searched, and the quality of the included studies was evaluated before the meta-analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 3,981 cases were found across seven articles. The standard mean deviation (SMD) of serum zinc ion concentration was -0.22 [-0.28, -0.15], = 6.52, and < 0.05 indicated that the difference was statistically significant. The forest plot results show that = 34% < 50%, and the test showed =0.17 > 0.1. These results suggest a lack of heterogeneity among the selected articles. Results from the funnel chart indicated that this study was free from publication bias.
CONCLUSION
The results of this meta-analysis reveal that a decrease in serum zinc ion concentration is related to the occurrence of coronary heart disease. Clinically, monitoring the serum zinc ion levels is proven to be of great significance for patients with coronary heart disease.
PubMed: 36247185
DOI: 10.1155/2022/4352484 -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Sep 2021Zearalenone (ZEA) is an oestrogen-like mycotoxin produced by Fusarium fungi, which has a considerable impact on human and animal health and results in substantial... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Zearalenone (ZEA) is an oestrogen-like mycotoxin produced by Fusarium fungi, which has a considerable impact on human and animal health and results in substantial economic losses worldwide. This study aimed to demonstrate the reproductive injury induced by ZEA in rodents. We conducted a rigorous meta-analysis of the related literature via PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. The scope of the study includes the following: development of reproductive organs, serum testosterone, oestradiol, and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels; parameters of Leydig cells; and parameters of semen. In total, 19 articles were reviewed. Compared with the control group, the increased relative epididymis weight, increased serum oestradiol level, and decreased LH levels in the prenatally exposed group were observed. In pubertal and adult rodents, the relative testicular weight, serum oestradiol level, Leydig cell number, and percentage of ST (+) Leydig cells decreased under ZEA exposure. In rodents at all ages, decreased serum testosterone level, sperm concentration, sperm motility rate, and increased serum deformity rate were observed in exposed groups compared with control groups. Although subgroup analysis failed to identify a clear dose-response relationship between ZEA exposure and reproductive system damage in male rodents, we still managed to confirm that zearalenone could decrease the serum testosterone level at the dosage of 50 mg/kg*day, 1.4 mg/kg*day, and 84 mg/kg*day, of prenatal, pubertal, and mature rodents respectively; pubertal zearalenone exposure impairs the quality and quantity of sperms of rodents at the dosage of 1.4 mg/kg*day and mature zearalenone exposure has the same effect at the dosage of 84 mg/kg*day. In conclusion, we found that ZEA exposure can cause considerable damage to the reproductive system of rodents of all ages. While the exact underlying mechanism of ZEA-induced toxicity in the reproductive system remains largely unknown, the theories of oestrogen-like effects and oxidative stress damage are promising.
Topics: Animals; Estrogens; Male; Reproduction; Zearalenone
PubMed: 34175827
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112457 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2022Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory dermatosis characterized by the appearance of erythematous plaques, covered by white scales, occasionally... (Review)
Review
Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory dermatosis characterized by the appearance of erythematous plaques, covered by white scales, occasionally pruritogenic, and distributed mainly on the extensor areas. Oxidative stress is defined as an imbalance or a transient or chronic increase in the levels of free oxygen/nitrogen radicals, either as a result of the exaggerated elevation in their production or the decrease in their ability to be eliminated by antioxidant systems. Although the pathogenesis of psoriasis remains far from elucidated, there are studies that delineate an involvement of oxidative stress in this skin disorder. Thus, a systematic search was computed in PubMed/Medline, Web of Science and SCOPUS and, in total, 1293 potentially eligible articles exploring this research question were detected. Following the removal of duplicates and the exclusion of irrelevant manuscripts based on the screening of their titles and abstracts (n = 995), 298 original articles were selected for full-text review. Finally, after we applied the exclusion and inclusion criteria, 79 original articles were included in this systematic review. Overall, the data analyzed in this systematic review point out that oxidative stress markers are elevated in psoriasis and share an association with the duration and severity of the disease. The concentrations of these biomarkers are impacted on by anti-psoriasis therapy. In addition, the crosstalk between psoriasis and oxidative stress is influenced by several polymorphisms that arise in genes encoding markers or enzymes related to the redox balance. Although the involvement of oxidative stress in psoriasis remains undisputable, future research is needed to explore the utility of assessing circulating serum, plasma, urinary and/or skin biomarkers of oxidative stress and of studying polymorphisms in genes regulating the redox balance, as well as how can these findings be translated into the management of psoriasis, as well in understanding its pathogenesis and evolution.
PubMed: 35204165
DOI: 10.3390/antiox11020282