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Complementary Therapies in Medicine Mar 2024Curcumin has antioxidant properties and has been proposed as a potential treatment for NAFLD. The aim of current systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Curcumin effects on glycaemic indices, lipid profile, blood pressure, inflammatory markers and anthropometric measurements of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
OBJECTIVES
Curcumin has antioxidant properties and has been proposed as a potential treatment for NAFLD. The aim of current systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate previous findings for the effect of curcumin supplementation on glycaemic indices, lipid profile, blood pressure, inflammatory markers, and anthropometric measurements of NAFLD patients.
METHODS
Relevant studies published up to January 2024 were searched systematically using the following databases: PubMed, SCOPUS, WOS, Science Direct, Ovid and Cochrane. The systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the 2020 PRISMA guidelines. The quality of the papers was assessed the using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist. Pooled effect sizes were calculated using a random-effects model and reported as the WMD and 95% CI. Also, subgroup analyses were done to find probable sources of heterogeneity among studies.
RESULTS
Out of 21010 records initially identified, 21 eligible RCTs were selected for inclusion in a meta-analysis. Overall, 1191 participants of both genders, 600 in the intervention and 591 in the control group with NAFLD were included. There are several limitations in the studies that were included, for instance, the results are weakened substantially by potential bias or failure to account for potential adulteration (with pharmaceuticals) or contamination (with other herbs) of the curcumin supplements that were tested. However, previous studies have reported curcumin to be a safe complementary therapy for several conditions. Our study indicated that curcumin supplementation in doses of 50-3000 mg/day was associated with significant change in FBG [WMD: -2.83; 95% CI: -4.61, -1.06), I = 51.3%], HOMA-IR [WMD: -0.52; 95% CI: -0.84, -0.20), I= 82.8%], TG [WMD: -10.31; 95% CI: -20.00, -0.61), I = 84.5%], TC [WMD: -11.81; 95% CI: -19.65, -3.96), I = 94.6%], LDL [WMD: -8.01; 95% CI: -15.79, -0.24), I = 96.1%], weight [WMD: -0.81; 95% CI: -1.28, -0.35), I= 0.0%] and BMI [WMD: -0.35; 95% CI: -0.57, -0.13), I= 0.0%] in adults with NAFLD. There was no significant change in HbA1C, plasma insulin, QUICKI, HDL, SBP, DBP, CRP, TNF-α and WC after curcumin therapy. Subgroup analysis suggested a significant changes in serum FBG, TG, SBP, WC in RCTs for intervention durations of ≥ 8 weeks, and SBP, TG, LDL, HDL, BMI, WC in RCTs with sample size > 55 participants.
CONCLUSION
Curcumin supplementation in doses of 50-3000 mg/day over 8-12 weeks was associated with significant reductions in levels of FBG, HOMA-IR, TG, TC, LDL, weight and BMI in patients with NAFLD. Previous studies have reported curcumin as a safe complementary therapy for several diseases. We would suggest that should curcumin supplements be used clinically in specific conditions, it should be used with caution. Also, difference in grades of NAFLD may effect the evaluated outcomes, so it is suggested that future studies be conducted with an analyses on subgroups according to their NAFLD grade. Furthermore, because of the failure to conduct independent biochemical assessment of the turmeric/curcumin product used in most studies as well as potential sources of bias, results should be interpreted with caution.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Blood Pressure; Curcumin; Dietary Supplements; Glycemic Index; Lipids; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38232906
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2024.103025 -
Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences 2021Currently, lasers are used to treat many diseases and their complications. However, the use of lasers in pregnant patients is still controversial. In this review, the... (Review)
Review
Currently, lasers are used to treat many diseases and their complications. However, the use of lasers in pregnant patients is still controversial. In this review, the application of lasers in the fields of urology, surgery, obstetrics, dermatology, and musculoskeletal disorders is evaluated. The following keywords were used to search through PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus: pregnancy, laser, urolithiasis, endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) or treatment, leg edema, varicose vein, venous insufficiencies, hair removal, pigmentation, telangiectasia, vascular lesions, Q switch laser, diode laser, holmium, holmium-YAG laser, erbium laser and Pulsed dye laser, low-level laser therapy, high-intensity laser therapy, pain, musculoskeletal disorders, twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), amnioreduction, and safety. Totally, 147 articles were found, and their abstracts were evaluated; out of 53 articles extracted, 14 articles were about dermatology, 24 articles were about urology, 12 articles were about obstetrics and gynecology, 10 articles were about musculoskeletal disorders and three articles were related to surgery. Laser therapy can be used as a safe treatment for urolithiasis, skin diseases, TTTS and varicose veins of the lower extremities. However, the use of laser therapy for musculoskeletal disorders during pregnancy is not recommended due to lack of evidence, and also we cannot recommend endovenous ablation.
PubMed: 34733773
DOI: 10.34172/jlms.2021.50 -
African Health Sciences Jun 2022The use of hair dye for cosmetic purposes appears to be increasing worldwide. As 50-80% of women use hair dye throughout their lifetimes, the possible association... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The use of hair dye for cosmetic purposes appears to be increasing worldwide. As 50-80% of women use hair dye throughout their lifetimes, the possible association between hair dye use and cancer is a public health concern.
METHOD
This systematic review was performed by retrieving studies from PubMed, Scopus, WOS, and ProQuest databases. The inclusion criteria were case-control studies evaluating the association between hair dye use and cancer in women. Women with cancer who have used any hair dye were the focus of our study.
RESULTS
The present study combined 28 studies, to assess the association between hair dye use and cancer. The pooled odds ratio (OR) of hematopoietic system cancers among those who have generally ever used any type of hair dyes was 1.10 (95% CI:1.01-1.20) in 17 studies. In 11 studies investigating hair dye made before and after 1980 as a risk factor for cancer, the pooled OR for cancer was 1.31(95% CI:1.08-1.59). Likewise, in the 13 studies that evaluated the association of light and dark hair dye with cancer, the risk among those using dark hair dye increased by 9%, compared to non-users (OR=1.09; 95% CI:0.95-1.25).
CONCLUSION
The present study suggests that, although the use of hair dye may increase the risk of cancer among users, a more detailed evaluation is required to assess the type of hair dye use in terms of guidelines and metrics.
Topics: Humans; Female; Hair Dyes; Neoplasms; Case-Control Studies; Odds Ratio; Risk Factors
PubMed: 36407347
DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v22i2.36 -
Philosophical Transactions. Series A,... Oct 2023This rapid systematic review of evidence asks whether (i) wearing a face mask, (ii) one type of mask over another and (iii) mandatory mask policies can reduce the... (Review)
Review
This rapid systematic review of evidence asks whether (i) wearing a face mask, (ii) one type of mask over another and (iii) mandatory mask policies can reduce the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection, either in community-based or healthcare settings. A search of studies published 1 January 2020-27 January 2023 yielded 5185 unique records. Due to a paucity of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), observational studies were included in the analysis. We analysed 35 studies in community settings (three RCTs and 32 observational) and 40 in healthcare settings (one RCT and 39 observational). Ninety-five per cent of studies included were conducted before highly transmissible Omicron variants emerged. Ninety-one per cent of observational studies were at 'critical' risk of bias (ROB) in at least one domain, often failing to separate the effects of masks from concurrent interventions. More studies found that masks ( = 39/47; 83%) and mask mandates ( = 16/18; 89%) reduced infection than found no effect ( = 8/65; 12%) or favoured controls ( = 1/65; 2%). Seven observational studies found that respirators were more protective than surgical masks, while five found no statistically significant difference between the two mask types. Despite the ROB, and allowing for uncertain and variable efficacy, we conclude that wearing masks, wearing higher quality masks (respirators), and mask mandates generally reduced SARS-CoV-2 transmission in these study populations. This article is part of the theme issue 'The effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions on the COVID-19 pandemic: the evidence'.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Masks; Policy; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 37611625
DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2023.0133 -
Physiological Reports Mar 2023Radiodermatitis (RD) occurs in 95% of cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. At present, there is no effective treatment for the management of this complication... (Review)
Review
Radiodermatitis (RD) occurs in 95% of cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. At present, there is no effective treatment for the management of this complication of radiotherapy. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a polyphenolic and biologically active natural compound with various pharmacological functions. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the efficacy of curcumin supplementation for reducing RD severity. This review complied with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in Cochrane library, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and MEDLINE databases. A total of seven studies comprising 473 cases and 552 controls were included in this review. Four studies demonstrated that curcumin supplementation had a beneficial effect on RD intensity. These data provide evidence for the potential clinical use of curcumin in supportive cancer care. Further large prospective and well-designed trials are warranted to exactly determine the "real effective extract, supplemental form and dose of curcumin" for RD prevention and treatment of patients receiving radiotherapy.
Topics: Humans; Radiodermatitis; Curcuma; Curcumin; Prospective Studies; Databases, Factual
PubMed: 36872842
DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15624 -
Nutrients Jan 2023Physical activity in general and sports in particular, is a mechanism that produces stress and generates great force in the tendon and in the muscle-tendon unit, which... (Review)
Review
Physical activity in general and sports in particular, is a mechanism that produces stress and generates great force in the tendon and in the muscle-tendon unit, which increases the risk of injury (tendinopathies). Eccentric and repetitive contraction of the muscle precipitates persistent microtraumatism in the tendon unit. In the development of tendinopathies, the cellular process includes inflammation, apoptosis, vascular, and neuronal changes. Currently, treatments with oral supplements are frequently used. Curcumin seems to preserve, and even repair, damaged tendons. In this systematic review, we focus more especially on the benefits of curcumin. The biological actions of curcumin are diverse, but act around three systems: (a) inflammatory, (b) nuclear factor B (NF-κB) related apoptosis pathways, and (c) oxidative stress systems. A bibliographic search is conducted under the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) as a basis for reporting reliable systematic reviews to perform a Scoping review. After analysing the manuscripts, we can conclude that curcumin is a product that demonstrates a significant biological antialgic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant power. Therefore, supplementation has a positive effect on the inflammatory and regenerative response in tendinopathies. In addition, curcumin decreases and modulates the cell infiltration, activation, and maturation of leukocytes, as well as the production of pro-inflammatory mediators at the site of inflammation.
Topics: Humans; Curcumin; Myotendinous Junction; Tendinopathy; Tendons; Inflammation
PubMed: 36678255
DOI: 10.3390/nu15020384 -
Tomography (Ann Arbor, Mich.) Aug 2023Recent advances in tumor visualization have improved the extent of resection (EOR) of primary and secondary tumors of the central nervous system, while limiting the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Intraoperative Fluorophores: An Update on 5-Aminolevulinic Acid and Sodium Fluorescein in Resection of Tumors of the Central Nervous System and Metastatic Lesions-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
INTRODUCTION
Recent advances in tumor visualization have improved the extent of resection (EOR) of primary and secondary tumors of the central nervous system, while limiting the morbidity and mortality of the surgery. One area of recent interest has been the use of intraoperative fluorophores for tumor visualization such as 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ala) and sodium fluorescein. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on the utility of fluorophore administration and EOR with each fluorophore to update the current literature.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the use of intraoperative 5-ala or fluorescein between 2021 and 2023 using the PubMed, SCOPUS, and WOS databases. The initial search yielded 8688 results. After inclusion and exclusion criteria were met, 44 studies remained for review. A meta-analysis was performed to compare the EOR between studies for each fluorophore and to compare the presence of intraoperative fluorescence by tumor type. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated for gross total resection (GTR), and two-way ANOVA tests were performed to compare rates of intraoperative fluorescence by fluorophore and tumor type.
RESULTS
In all groups except low-grade glioma, fluorescence was present after 5-ala administration; fluorescence was present for all groups after fluorescein administration. Two-way ANOVA analysis for both fluorophores demonstrated no statistically significant difference in presence of fluorescence between type of tumor resected. Meta-analysis of EOR did show a higher, but not significant, rate of GTR in the 5-ala group compared to controls (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 0.49; 3.37). In the fluorescein group, there were statistically significant higher odds of GTR compared to the control group (OR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.43; 3.10, I = 0%).
CONCLUSIONS
Both 5-ala and sodium fluorescein demonstrated intraoperative fluorescence among various tumor types in both cranial and spinal tumors, as well as efficacy in improving EOR. Both fluorophores merit further investigation for use in surgery of CNS tumors.
Topics: Humans; Fluorescein; Aminolevulinic Acid; Levulinic Acids; Glioma
PubMed: 37736977
DOI: 10.3390/tomography9050124 -
The British Journal of Surgery Aug 2023Anastomotic leak is one of the most feared complications of colorectal surgery, and probably linked to poor blood supply to the anastomotic site. Several technologies... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Anastomotic leak is one of the most feared complications of colorectal surgery, and probably linked to poor blood supply to the anastomotic site. Several technologies have been described for intraoperative assessment of bowel perfusion. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the most frequently used bowel perfusion assessment modalities in elective colorectal procedures, and to assess their associated risk of anastomotic leak. Technologies included indocyanine green fluorescence angiography, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, laser speckle contrast imaging, and hyperspectral imaging.
METHODS
The review was preregistered with PROSPERO (CRD42021297299). A comprehensive literature search was performed using Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science. The final search was undertaken on 29 July 2022. Data were extracted by two reviewers and the MINORS criteria were applied to assess the risk of bias.
RESULTS
Some 66 eligible studies involving 11 560 participants were included. Indocyanine green fluorescence angiography was most used with 10 789 participants, followed by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy with 321, hyperspectral imaging with 265, and laser speckle contrast imaging with 185. In the meta-analysis, the total pooled effect of an intervention on anastomotic leak was 0.05 (95 per cent c.i. 0.04 to 0.07) in comparison with 0.10 (0.08 to 0.12) without. Use of indocyanine green fluorescence angiography, hyperspectral imaging, or laser speckle contrast imaging was associated with a significant reduction in anastomotic leak.
CONCLUSION
Bowel perfusion assessment reduced the incidence of anastomotic leak, with intraoperative indocyanine green fluorescence angiography, hyperspectral imaging, and laser speckle contrast imaging all demonstrating comparable results.
Topics: Humans; Anastomotic Leak; Indocyanine Green; Anastomosis, Surgical; Digestive System Surgical Procedures; Perfusion
PubMed: 37253021
DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znad154 -
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Jan 2017
Review
Topics: Anemia, Hemolytic; Asymptomatic Diseases; Food; Food Coloring Agents; Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency; Humans; Menthol; Naphthalenes; Pollen; Prunus persica; Trigonella; Vicia faba
PubMed: 27650490
DOI: 10.1111/bcp.13091 -
Acta Dermato-venereologica Apr 2018Sarcoidosis is a systemic non-caseating granulomatous disease of unknown aetiology. Cutaneous manifestations are present in approximately 10-30% of the patients with the... (Review)
Review
Sarcoidosis is a systemic non-caseating granulomatous disease of unknown aetiology. Cutaneous manifestations are present in approximately 10-30% of the patients with the systemic form. Therapy is indicated in case of disabling symptoms, organ dysfunction or cosmetically distressing manifestation. Despite different therapeutic possibilities, cutaneous sarcoidosis remains exceptionally difficult to treat. Light and laser therapy may be a promising alternative. In this systematic review, we summarised the available treatments according to the literature concerning light and laser therapy for cutaneous sarcoidosis. Publications written in English and German, published between January 1990 and July 2016 in the database PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus were analysed. Light therapy with intense pulsed light, photodynamic therapy, and ultraviolet A light therapy, as well as laser therapy with pulsed dye laser, YAG laser, and Q-switched ruby laser were described. The results are based on individual case reports and small case series. Randomised controlled studies are lacking.
Topics: Humans; Low-Level Light Therapy; Phototherapy; Remission Induction; Sarcoidosis; Skin; Skin Diseases; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 29242948
DOI: 10.2340/00015555-2864