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Nutrients Apr 2019Saffron is a natural compound that has been used for centuries in many parts of the world as a food colorant and additive. It was shown to have the ability to mitigate...
Saffron is a natural compound that has been used for centuries in many parts of the world as a food colorant and additive. It was shown to have the ability to mitigate various disorders through its known anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Several studies have shown the effectiveness of saffron in the treatment of various chronic diseases like inflammatory bowel diseases, Alzheimer's, rheumatoid arthritis as well as common malignancies of the colon, stomach, lung, breast, and skin. Modern day drugs generally have unwanted side effects, which led to the current trend to use naturally occurring products with therapeutic properties. In the present review, the objective is to systematically analyze the wealth of information regarding the potential mechanisms of action and the medical use of saffron, the "golden spice", especially in digestive diseases. We summarized saffron influence on microbiome, molecular pathways, and inflammation in gastric, colon, liver cancers, and associated inflammations.
Topics: Carotenoids; Crocus; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Inflammation; Plant Extracts; Spices
PubMed: 31027364
DOI: 10.3390/nu11050943 -
Clinical Gastroenterology and... Aug 2018Tests to quantify fecal levels of chymotrypsin like elastase family member 3 (CELA3 or elastase-1) in feces are widely used to identify patients with exocrine pancreatic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND & AIMS
Tests to quantify fecal levels of chymotrypsin like elastase family member 3 (CELA3 or elastase-1) in feces are widely used to identify patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). However, the diagnostic accuracy of this test, an ELISA, is not clear. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the accuracy of measurement of fecal elastase-1 in detection of EPI.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Embase, and reference lists for articles through November 2016 describing studies that compared fecal level of elastase-1 with results from a reference standard, direct method (secretin stimulation test), or indirect method (measurement of fecal fat) for detection of EPI. Sensitivity and specificity values were pooled statistically using bivariate diagnostic meta-analysis.
RESULTS
We included total of 428 cases of EPI and 673 individuals without EPI (controls), from 14 studies, in the meta-analysis. The assay for elastase-1, compared to secretin stimulation test, identified patients with pancreatic insufficiency with a pooled sensitivity value of 0.77 (95% CI, 0.58-0.89) and specificity value of 0.88 (95% CI, 0.78-0.93). In an analysis of 345 cases of EPI and 312 controls, from 6 studies, the fecal elastase-1 assay identified patients with EPI with a pooled sensitivity value of 0.96 (95% CI, 0.79-0.99) and specificity value of 0.88 (95% CI, 0.59-0.97), compared to quantitative fecal fat estimation. In patients with low pre-test probability of EPI (5%), the fecal elastase-1 assay would have a false-negative rate of 1.1% and a false-positive rate of 11%, indicating a high yield in ruling out EPI but not in detection of EPI. In contrast, in patients with high pre-test probability of EPI (40%), approximately 10% of patients with EPI would be missed (false negatives).
CONCLUSIONS
In a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that compared fecal level of elastase-1 for detection of EPI, we found that normal level of elastase-1 (above 200 mcg/g) can rule out EPI in patients with a low probability of this disorder (such as those with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea). However, in these patients, an abnormal level of elastase-1 (below 200 mcg/g) has a high false-positive rate.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Child; Child, Preschool; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency; Feces; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Middle Aged; Pancreatic Elastase; Sensitivity and Specificity; Young Adult
PubMed: 29374614
DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2018.01.027 -
Cancers Sep 2023Parenchymal-sparing approaches to pancreatectomy are technically challenging procedures but allow for preserving a normal pancreas and decreasing the rate of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Parenchymal-sparing approaches to pancreatectomy are technically challenging procedures but allow for preserving a normal pancreas and decreasing the rate of postoperative pancreatic insufficiency. The robotic platform is increasingly being used for these procedures. We sought to evaluate robotic parenchymal-sparing pancreatectomy and assess its complication profile and efficacy.
METHODS
This systematic review consisted of all studies on robotic parenchymal-sparing pancreatectomy (central pancreatectomy, duodenum-preserving partial pancreatic head resection, enucleation, and uncinate resection) published between January 2001 and December 2022 in PubMed and Embase.
RESULTS
A total of 23 studies were included in this review ( = 788). Robotic parenchymal-sparing pancreatectomy is being performed worldwide for benign or indolent pancreatic lesions. When compared to the open approach, robotic parenchymal-sparing pancreatectomies led to a longer average operative time, shorter length of stay, and higher estimated intraoperative blood loss. Postoperative pancreatic fistula is common, but severe complications requiring intervention are exceedingly rare. Long-term complications such as endocrine and exocrine insufficiency are nearly nonexistent.
CONCLUSIONS
Robotic parenchymal-sparing pancreatectomy appears to have a higher risk of postoperative pancreatic fistula but is rarely associated with severe or long-term complications. Careful patient selection is required to maximize benefits and minimize morbidity.
PubMed: 37686648
DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174369 -
Transplant International : Official... 2022This guideline, from a European Society of Organ Transplantation (ESOT) working group, concerns the management of kidney transplant patients with HLA antibodies....
This guideline, from a European Society of Organ Transplantation (ESOT) working group, concerns the management of kidney transplant patients with HLA antibodies. Sensitization should be defined using a virtual parameter such as calculated Reaction Frequency (cRF), which assesses HLA antibodies derived from the actual organ donor population. Highly sensitized patients should be prioritized in kidney allocation schemes and linking allocation schemes may increase opportunities. The use of the ENGAGE 5 ((Bestard et al., Transpl Int, 2021, 34: 1005-1018) system and online calculators for assessing risk is recommended. The Eurotransplant Acceptable Mismatch program should be extended. If strategies for finding a compatible kidney are very unlikely to yield a transplant, desensitization may be considered and should be performed with plasma exchange or immunoadsorption, supplemented with IViG and/or anti-CD20 antibody. Newer therapies, such as imlifidase, may offer alternatives. Few studies compare HLA incompatible transplantation with remaining on the waiting list, and comparisons of morbidity or quality of life do not exist. Kidney paired exchange programs (KEP) should be more widely used and should include unspecified and deceased donors, as well as compatible living donor pairs. The use of a KEP is preferred to desensitization, but highly sensitized patients should not be left on a KEP list indefinitely if the option of a direct incompatible transplant exists.
Topics: Antibodies; HLA Antigens; Histocompatibility Testing; Humans; Kidney Transplantation; Living Donors; Quality of Life; Waiting Lists
PubMed: 36033645
DOI: 10.3389/ti.2022.10511 -
Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery Aug 2023The systematic review is aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and open distal pancreatectomy and pancreaticoduodenectomy. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The systematic review is aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and open distal pancreatectomy and pancreaticoduodenectomy.
METHOD
The MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, and clinical trial registries were systematically searched using the PRISMA framework. Studies of adults aged ≥ 18 year comparing laparoscopic and/or robotic versus open DP and/or PD that reported cost of operation or index admission, and cost-effectiveness outcomes were included. The risk of bias of non-randomised studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, while the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB2) tool was used for randomised studies. Standardised mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for continuous variables.
RESULTS
Twenty-two studies (152,651 patients) were included in the systematic review and 15 studies in the meta-analysis (3 RCTs; 3 case-controlled; 9 retrospective studies). Of these, 1845 patients underwent MIS (1686 laparoscopic and 159 robotic) and 150,806 patients open surgery. The cost of surgical procedure (SMD 0.89; 95% CI 0.35 to 1.43; I = 91%; P = 0.001), equipment (SMD 3.73; 95% CI 1.55 to 5.91; I = 98%; P = 0.0008), and operating room occupation (SMD 1.17, 95% CI 0.11 to 2.24; I = 95%; P = 0.03) was higher with MIS. However, overall index hospitalisation costs trended lower with MIS (SMD - 0.13; 95% CI - 0.35 to 0.06; I = 80%; P = 0.17). There was significant heterogeneity among the studies.
CONCLUSION
Minimally invasive major pancreatic surgery entailed higher intraoperative but similar overall index hospitalisation costs.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Pancreatectomy; Retrospective Studies; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Pancreas; Pancreaticoduodenectomy; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; Laparoscopy
PubMed: 37572127
DOI: 10.1007/s00423-023-03017-w -
Correlation between pancreatic cancer and metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023Pancreatic cancer is a globally frequent cause of death, which can be caused by many factors. This meta-analysis was performed to assess the correlation between... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Pancreatic cancer is a globally frequent cause of death, which can be caused by many factors. This meta-analysis was performed to assess the correlation between pancreatic cancer and metabolic syndrome (MetS).
METHODS
Publications were identified by searching PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for studies published until November 2022. Case-control and cohort studies published in English that provided information on the odds ratio (OR), relative risk (RR), or hazard ratio (HR) of metabolic syndrome and pancreatic cancer were included in the meta-analysis. Two researchers separately retrieved the core data from the included Random effects meta-analysis was conducted to summarize the findings. Results were presented as relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).
RESULTS
MetS showed a strong association with an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer (RR1.34, 95% CI1.23-1.46, <0.001), and gender differences were also observed (men: RR 1.26, 95% CI 1.03-1.54, =0.022; women: RR 1.64, 95% CI 1.41-1.90, < 0.001). Moreover, an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer was strongly linked to hypertension, poor high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and hyperglycemia (hypertension: RR 1.10 CI 1.01-1.19, =0.027; low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol: RR 1.24 CI 1.11-1.38, <0.001; hyperglycemia: RR 1.55, CI 1.42-1.70, < 0.001). However, pancreatic cancer was independent of obesity and hypertriglyceridemia (obesity: RR 1.13 CI 0.96-1.32, =0.151, hypertriglyceridemia: RR 0.96, CI 0.87-1.07, =0.486).
CONCLUSIONS
Although further prospective studies are required for confirmation, this meta-analysis indicated a strong relationship between MetS and pancreatic cancer. Regardless of gender, a greater risk of pancreatic cancer existed in people with MetS. Patients with MetS were more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, regardless of gender. Hypertension, hyperglycemia, and low HDL-c levels may largely account for this association. Further, the prevalence of pancreatic cancer was independent of obesity and hypertriglyceridemia.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42022368980.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Metabolic Syndrome; Obesity; Hyperglycemia; Hypertension; Hyperlipidemias; Hypertriglyceridemia; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Lipoproteins, HDL; Cholesterol
PubMed: 37113491
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1116582 -
Cell Proliferation Oct 2023The liver is a common secondary metastasis site of many malignant tumours, such as the colorectum, pancreas, stomach, breast, prostate, and lung cancer. The clinical... (Review)
Review
The liver is a common secondary metastasis site of many malignant tumours, such as the colorectum, pancreas, stomach, breast, prostate, and lung cancer. The clinical management of liver metastases is challenging because of their strong heterogeneity, rapid progression, and poor prognosis. Now, exosomes, small membrane vesicles that are 40-160 nm in size, are released by tumour cells, namely, tumour-derived exosomes (TDEs), and are being increasingly studied because they can retain the original characteristics of tumour cells. Cell-cell communication via TDEs is pivotal for liver pre-metastatic niche (PMN) formation and liver metastasis; thus, TDEs can provide a theoretical basis to intensively study the potential mechanisms of liver metastasis and new insights into the diagnosis and treatment of liver metastasis. Here, we systematically review current research progress about the roles and possible regulatory mechanisms of TDE cargos in liver metastasis, focusing on the functions of TDEs in liver PMN formation. In addition, we discuss the clinical utility of TDEs in liver metastasis, including TDEs as potential biomarkers, and therapeutic approaches for future research reference in this field.
Topics: Humans; Exosomes; Liver Neoplasms; Cell Communication; Pancreas; Biomarkers, Tumor; Tumor Microenvironment; Neoplasm Metastasis
PubMed: 36941028
DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13452 -
HPB : the Official Journal of the... Feb 2022Central pancreatectomy is usually performed to excise lesions of the neck or proximal body of the pancreas. In the last decade, thanks to the advent of novel... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Central pancreatectomy is usually performed to excise lesions of the neck or proximal body of the pancreas. In the last decade, thanks to the advent of novel technologies, surgeons have started to perform this procedure robotically. This review aims to appraise the results and outcomes of robotic central pancreatectomies (RCP) through a systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, and Web Of Science identified studies reporting outcomes of RCP. Pooled prevalence rates of postoperative complications and mortality were computed using random-effect modelling.
RESULTS
Thirteen series involving 265 patients were included. In all cases but one, RCP was performed to excise benign or low-grade tumours. Clinically relevant post-operative pancreatic fistula (POPF) occurred in 42.3% of patients. While overall complications were reported in 57.5% of patients, only 9.4% had a Clavien-Dindo score ≥ III. Re-operation was necessary in 0.7% of the patients. New-onset diabetes occurred postoperatively in 0.3% of patients and negligible mortality and open conversion rates were observed.
CONCLUSION
RCP is safe and associated with low perioperative mortality and well preserved postoperative pancreatic function, although burdened by high overall morbidity and POPF rates.
Topics: Humans; Pancreas; Pancreatectomy; Pancreatic Fistula; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Postoperative Complications; Robotic Surgical Procedures
PubMed: 34625342
DOI: 10.1016/j.hpb.2021.09.014 -
Journal of Ovarian Research Jun 2016Melatonin is an indolamine produced by the pineal gland and it can exert a potent antioxidant effect. Its free radical scavenger properties have been used to advantage... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Melatonin is an indolamine produced by the pineal gland and it can exert a potent antioxidant effect. Its free radical scavenger properties have been used to advantage in different organ transplants in animal experiments. Several concentrations and administration pathways have been tested and melatonin has shown encouraging beneficial results in many transplants of organs such as the liver, lungs, heart, pancreas, and kidneys. The objective of the present study was to review the scientific literature regarding the use of melatonin in ovary transplantation. A systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was carried out using the Cochrane and Pubmed databases and employing the terms 'melatonin' AND 'ovary' AND 'transplantation.' After analysis, 5 articles were extracted addressing melatonin use in ovary transplants and involving 503 animals. Melatonin enhanced various graft aspects like morphology, apoptosis, immunological reaction, revascularization, oxidative stress, and survival rate. Melatonin's antioxidative and antiapoptotic properties seemingly produce positive effects on ovarian graft activity. Despite the promising results, further studies in humans need to be conducted to consolidate its use, as ovary transplantation for fertility preservation is gradually being moved from the experimental stage to a clinical setting.
Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Apoptosis; Female; Graft Survival; Humans; Melatonin; Neovascularization, Physiologic; Organ Transplantation; Ovary; Oxidative Stress
PubMed: 27287621
DOI: 10.1186/s13048-016-0245-8 -
Annals of Surgery Oct 2023Examine the potential benefit of total pancreatectomy (TP) as an alternative to pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) in patients at high risk for postoperative pancreatic fistula... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Role of Total Pancreatectomy as an Alternative to Pancreatoduodenectomy in Patients at High Risk for Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula: Is it a Justifiable Indication?
OBJECTIVE
Examine the potential benefit of total pancreatectomy (TP) as an alternative to pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) in patients at high risk for postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF).
SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA
TP is mentioned as an alternative to PD in patients at high risk for POPF, but a systematic review is lacking.
METHODS
Systematic review and meta-analyses using Pubmed, Embase (Ovid), and Cochrane Library to identify studies published up to October 2022, comparing elective single-stage TP for any indication versus PD in patients at high risk for POPF. The primary endpoint was short-term mortality. Secondary endpoints were major morbidity (i.e., Clavien-Dindo grade ≥IIIa) on the short-term and quality of life.
RESULTS
After screening 1212 unique records, five studies with 707 patients (334 TP and 373 high-risk PD) met the eligibility criteria, comprising one randomized controlled trial and four observational studies. The 90-day mortality after TP and PD did not differ (6.3% vs. 6.2%; RR=1.04 [95%CI 0.56-1.93]). Major morbidity rate was lower after TP compared to PD (26.7% vs. 38.3%; RR=0.65 [95%CI 0.48-0.89]), but no significance was seen in matched/randomized studies (29.0% vs. 36.9%; RR = 0.73 [95%CI 0.48-1.10]). Two studies investigated quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30) at a median of 30-52 months, demonstrating comparable global health status after TP and PD (77% [±15] vs. 76% [±20]; P =0.857).
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review and meta-analysis found no reduction in short-term mortality and major morbidity after TP as compared to PD in patients at high risk for POPF. However, if TP is used as a bail-out procedure, the comparable long-term quality of life is reassuring.
Topics: Humans; Pancreatectomy; Pancreaticoduodenectomy; Pancreatic Fistula; Quality of Life; Pancreas; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 37161977
DOI: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000005895