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Biomolecules Feb 2023Albumin is a highly abundant plasma protein with multiple functions, including the balance of fluid between body compartments and fatty acid trafficking. Humans with... (Review)
Review
Albumin is a highly abundant plasma protein with multiple functions, including the balance of fluid between body compartments and fatty acid trafficking. Humans with congenital analbuminemia (CAA) do not express albumin due to homozygosity for albumin gene mutation. Lessons about physiological control could be learned from CAA. Remarkably, these patients exhibit an apparently normal lifespan, without substantial impairments in physical functionality. There was speculation that tolerance to albumin deficiency would be characterized by significant upregulation of other plasma proteins to compensate for analbuminemia. It is unknown but possible that changes in plasma protein expression observed in CAA are required for the well-documented survival and general wellness. A systematic review of published case reports was performed to assess plasma protein pattern remodeling in CAA patients who were free of other illnesses that would confound interpretation. From a literature search in Pubmed, Scopus, and Purdue Libraries (updated October 2022), concentration of individual plasma proteins and protein classes were assessed. Total plasma protein concentration was below the reference range in the vast majority of CAA patients in the analysis, as upregulation of other proteins was not sufficient to prevent the decline of total plasma protein when albumin was absent. Nonetheless, an impressive level of evidence in the literature indicated upregulated plasma levels of multiple globulin classes and various specific proteins which may have metabolic functions in common with albumin. The potential role of this altered plasma protein expression pattern in CAA is discussed, and the findings may have implications for other populations with hypoalbuminemia.
Topics: Humans; Hypoalbuminemia; Blood Proteins; Albumins; Mutation; Plasma
PubMed: 36979342
DOI: 10.3390/biom13030407 -
Respiratory Care Oct 2020COPD and bronchiectasis frequently coexist, which creates an emerging phenotype with a worse prognosis. However, the impact of bronchiectasis on the natural history of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
COPD and bronchiectasis frequently coexist, which creates an emerging phenotype with a worse prognosis. However, the impact of bronchiectasis on the natural history of COPD has not been fully evaluated and is still controversial. This meta-analysis was performed to clarify the associations of the presence of bronchiectasis with the prognosis and quality of life of patients with COPD.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed following a search of medical databases, and included articles published up to April 2019. The following outcome measures were analyzed: age, sex, smoking history, body mass index, exacerbation rate, lung function, inflammatory biomarkers, albumin, colonization by potentially pathogenic microorganisms, isolates, isolates, hospital admissions, and mortality.
RESULTS
A total of 415,257 subjects with COPD from 18 observational studies were eligible; bronchiectasis was present in 25,929 subjects (6.24%). The coexistence of COPD and bronchiectasis occurred more often in older subjects with lower body mass index. The presence of bronchiectasis in the subjects with COPD increased the risk of daily sputum production (odds ratio [OR] 1.80, 95% CI 1.24-2.61), exacerbation (weighted mean difference [WMD] 0.72 times, 95% CI 0.59-0.85), frequent hospital admissions (WMD 0.35 times, 95% CI 0.21-0.49), and follow-up (>3 years) mortality (OR 2.26, 95% CI 0.95-5.36). The subjects with COPD and bronchiectasis showed poorer pulmonary function (FEV/FVC: WMD -3.37%, 95% CI -5.63 to -1.11), lower albumin (Standardized mean difference [SMD] -0.17, 95% CI -0.26 to -0.08), elevated C-reactive protein (SMD 0.40, 95% CI 0.06-0.74), a greater proportion of chronic colonization by potentially pathogenic microorganisms (OR 6.65, 95% CI 4.44-9.95), and a higher isolation rate of (OR 5.13, 95% CI 4.89-5.38) or (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.29-2.79) than the subjects with COPD without bronchiectasis.
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis confirmed the significant associations of the presence of bronchiectasis with the natural history, disease course, and outcomes in COPD. The COPD-bronchiectasis phenotype had adverse effects on subjects' health condition and prognosis.
Topics: Bronchiectasis; Disease Progression; Humans; Lung; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Quality of Life; Sputum
PubMed: 32265292
DOI: 10.4187/respcare.07390 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2017When human milk is not available for feeding preterm infants, protein hydrolysate rather than standard cow's milk formulas (with intact proteins) are often used because... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
When human milk is not available for feeding preterm infants, protein hydrolysate rather than standard cow's milk formulas (with intact proteins) are often used because they are perceived as being tolerated better and less likely to lead to complications. However, protein hydrolysate formulas are more expensive than standard formulas, and concern exists that their use in practice is not supported by high-quality evidence.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effect of feeding preterm infants with hydrolysed formula (versus standard cow's milk formulas) on the risk of feed intolerance, necrotising enterocolitis, and other morbidity and mortality in preterm infants.
SEARCH METHODS
We used the standard Cochrane Neonatal search strategy including electronic searches of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2017, Issue 4), Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) (to April 2017), as well as conference proceedings and previous reviews.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials that compared feeding preterm infants with protein hydrolysate versus standard (non-hydrolysed) cow's milk formula.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors assessed trial eligibility and risk of bias and extracted data independently. We analysed treatment effects as described in the individual trials and reported risk ratios and risk differences for dichotomous data, and mean differences for continuous data, with respective 95% confidence intervals (CI). We used a fixed-effect model in meta-analyses and explored potential causes of heterogeneity in sensitivity analyses. We assessed quality of evidence at the outcome level using the GRADE approach.
MAIN RESULTS
We identified 11 trials for inclusion in the review. All trials were small (total participants 665) and had various methodological limitations including uncertainty about methods to ensure allocation concealment and blinding. Most participants were clinically stable preterm infants of gestational age less than about 34 weeks or birth weight less than about 1750 g. Fewer participants were extremely preterm, extremely low birth weight, or growth-restricted. Most trials found no effects on feed intolerance assessed variously as mean prefeed gastric residual volume, incidence of abdominal distention or other concerning gastrointestinal signs, or time taken to achieve full enteral feeds (meta-analysis was limited because studies used different measures). Meta-analysis found no effect on the risk of necrotising enterocolitis (typical risk ratio 1.10, 95% CI 0.36 to 3.34; risk difference 0.00, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.04; 5 trials, 385 infants) (low quality evidence; downgraded for imprecision and design weaknesses).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
The identified trials provide only low quality evidence about the effects of feeding preterm infants with protein hydrolysate versus standard formula. The existing data did not support conclusions that feeding with protein hydrolysate affects the risk of feed intolerance or necrotising enterocolitis. Further large, pragmatic trials are needed to provide more reliable and precise estimates of effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.
Topics: Animals; Enterocolitis, Necrotizing; Food Intolerance; Humans; Infant Formula; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Milk; Protein Hydrolysates; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 28968486
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012412.pub2 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jul 2023Salivary myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a key mediator of the oral immune system, acting as an enzyme that utilises HO to generate molecules with high bactericidal activity.... (Review)
Review
Salivary myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a key mediator of the oral immune system, acting as an enzyme that utilises HO to generate molecules with high bactericidal activity. While MPO determination in plasma is quite common, the use of saliva is still rare. Our systematic review was designed to answer the question "Are salivary levels of myeloperoxidase altered in patients with systemic diseases?". Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we included twenty-six studies. Altered MPO levels in saliva were most commonly found in patients with cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases. Most studies concerned unstimulated whole saliva, and only a few of them stimulated, mainly by chewing paraffin. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was the most common method for determination of MPO concentrations in saliva. Increased salivary MPO levels were more often observed for inflammatory diseases, except patients with inflammatory bowel diseases who were eligible for biologic therapy. In conclusion, MPO could be altered in the saliva of patients with systematic diseases, especially cardiovascular or gastrointestinal diseases. However, further investigations are recommended to validate these outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Hydrogen Peroxide; Peroxidase; Saliva
PubMed: 37569455
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512078 -
Journal of Sport and Health Science Mar 2024This meta-analytical study aimed to explore the effects of resistance training (RT) volume on body adiposity, metabolic risk, and inflammation in postmenopausal and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Effect of resistance training volume on body adiposity, metabolic risk, and inflammation in postmenopausal and older females: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
PURPOSE
This meta-analytical study aimed to explore the effects of resistance training (RT) volume on body adiposity, metabolic risk, and inflammation in postmenopausal and older females.
METHODS
A systematic search was performed for randomized controlled trials in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and SciELO. Randomized controlled trials with postmenopausal and older females that compared RT effects on body adiposity, metabolic risk, and inflammation with a control group (CG) were included. Independent reviewers selected the studies, extracted the data, and performed the risk of bias and certainty of the evidence (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE)) evaluations. Total body and abdominal adiposity, blood lipids, glucose, and C-reactive protein were included for meta-analysis. A random-effects model, standardized mean difference (Hedges' g), and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were used for meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Twenty randomized controlled trials (overall risk of bias: some concerns; GRADE: low to very low) with overweight/obese postmenopausal and older females were included. RT groups were divided into low-volume RT (LVRT, ∼44 sets/week) and high-volume RT (HVRT, ∼77 sets/week). Both RT groups presented improved body adiposity, metabolic risk, and inflammation when compared to CG. However, HVRT demonstrated higher effect sizes than LVRT for glucose (HVRT = -1.19; 95%CI: -1.63 to -0.74; LVRT = -0.78; 95%CI:-1.15 to -0.41) and C-reactive protein (HVRT = -1.00; 95%CI: -1.32 to -0.67; LVRT = -0.34; 95%CI, -0.63 to -0.04)) when compared to CG.
CONCLUSION
Compared to CG, HVRT protocols elicit greater improvements in metabolic risk and inflammation outcomes than LVRT in overweight/obese postmenopausal and older females.
Topics: Female; Humans; Adiposity; C-Reactive Protein; Glucose; Inflammation; Obesity; Overweight; Postmenopause; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Resistance Training
PubMed: 37788790
DOI: 10.1016/j.jshs.2023.09.012 -
Nutrition, Metabolism, and... Jul 2023Previously, no relationship between milk consumption and the risk of type 2 diabetes has been found in prospective cohorts. However, Mendelian randomization allows...
AIMS
Previously, no relationship between milk consumption and the risk of type 2 diabetes has been found in prospective cohorts. However, Mendelian randomization allows researchers to almost bypass much residual confounding, providing a more precise effect estimate. This systematic review aims to investigate the risk of type 2 diabetes and levels of HbA1c by assessing all Mendelian Randomization studies investigating this subject matter.
DATA SYNTHESIS
PubMed and EMBASE were searched from October 2021 through February 2023. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were formulated to filter out irrelevant studies. Studies were qualitatively assessed with STROBE-MR together with a list of five MR criteria. Six studies were identified, containing several thousand participants. All studies used the SNP rs4988235 as the main exposure and type 2 diabetes and/or HbA1c as the main outcome. Five studies were graded as "good" with STROBE-MR, with one graded as "fair". For the six MR criteria, five studies were graded "good" in four criteria, while two studies were graded "good" in two criteria. Overall, genetically predicted milk consumption did not seem to be associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review found that genetically predicted milk consumption did not seem to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Future Mendelian randomization studies concerning this topic should consider conducting two-sample Mendelian Randomization studies, in order to derive a more valid effect estimate.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Milk; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Glycated Hemoglobin; Mendelian Randomization Analysis; Prospective Studies; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Genome-Wide Association Study
PubMed: 37246077
DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2023.04.013 -
International Journal of Environmental... May 2023(1) Background: Immunological laboratory testing is known to be complex, and it is usually performed in tertiary referral centers. Many criticalities affect diagnostic... (Review)
Review
(1) Background: Immunological laboratory testing is known to be complex, and it is usually performed in tertiary referral centers. Many criticalities affect diagnostic immunological testing, such as limited availability, the need for specifically trained laboratory staff, and potential difficulties in collecting blood samples, especially in the most vulnerable patients, i.e., the elderly and children. For this reason, the identification of a new feasible and reliable methodology for autoantibody detection is urgently needed. (2) Methods: We designed a systematic review to investigate the available literature on the utilization of saliva samples for immunological testing. (3) Results: A total of 170 articles were identified. Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria, accounting for 1059 patients and 671 controls. The saliva collection method was mostly represented by passive drooling (11/18, 61%), and the most frequently described methodology for antibody detection was ELISA (12/18, 67%). The analysis included 392 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 161 with systemic lupus erythematosus, 131 with type 1 diabetes mellitus, 116 with primary biliary cholangitis, 100 with pemphigus vulgaris, 50 with bullous pemphigoids, 49 with Sjogren syndrome, 39 with celiac disease, 10 with primary antiphospholipid syndromes, 8 with undifferentiated connective tissue disease, 2 with systemic sclerosis, and 1 with autoimmune thyroiditis. The majority of the reviewed studies involved adequate controls, and saliva testing allowed for a clear distinction of patients (10/12 studies, 83%). More than half of the papers showed a correlation between saliva and serum results (10/18, 55%) for autoantibody detection, with varying rates of correlation, sensitivity, and specificity. Interestingly, many papers showed a correlation between saliva antibody results and clinical manifestations. (4) Conclusions: Saliva testing might represent an appealing alternative to serum-based testing for autoantibody detection, considering the correspondence with serum testing results and the correlation with clinical manifestations. Nonetheless, standardization of sample collection processing, maintenance, and detection methodology has yet to be fully addressed.
Topics: Child; Humans; Aged; Saliva; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Sjogren's Syndrome; Autoantibodies; Arthritis, Rheumatoid
PubMed: 37239511
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20105782 -
International Journal of Environmental... Feb 2021Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic. Early identification of high-risk groups will allow for the development of prevention strategies. Cord blood adipocytokines have... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic. Early identification of high-risk groups will allow for the development of prevention strategies. Cord blood adipocytokines have been previously examined as biomarkers predicting future obesity. We conducted a systematic review looking at the association between cord blood leptin and adiponectin with adiposity up to 5 years of age. A literature review was performed between January 1994 and August 2020 using two bibliographic databases (Medline/Pubmed and EMBASE) and was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42017069024). Studies using skinfold thickness and direct methods of assessing body composition in full term neonates were considered. Partial correlation and multiple regression models were used to present the results. Meta-analysis was performed, were possible, using a random effects model. Cochran's Q test was used to assess heterogeneity and I statistics to calculate the percentage of variation across studies. The potential for publication bias was assessed using funnel plots. Data from 22 studies were retrieved and reviewed by two independent reviewers. Cord blood leptin was positively associated with adiposity at birth ( = 0.487; 95% CI: 0.444, 0.531) but was inversely related to adiposity up to 3 years of age. The association was not sustained at 5 years. There was a weak positive association between adiponectin in cord blood and adiposity at birth ( = 0.201; 95% CI: 0.125, 0.277). No correlation was found between cord blood adiponectin in young children, but data were limited. This review supports that cord blood leptin and adiponectin are associated with adiposity at birth. The results of this study provide insight into the role of adipocytokines at birth on future metabolic health and their potential use as risk stratification tools.
Topics: Adipokines; Adiponectin; Adiposity; Body Composition; Child; Child, Preschool; Fetal Blood; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Leptin
PubMed: 33669328
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041897 -
Journal of Cellular and Molecular... Feb 2022Fracture non-union represents a common complication, seen in 5%-10% of all acute fractures. Despite the enhancement in scientific understanding and treatment methods,... (Review)
Review
Fracture non-union represents a common complication, seen in 5%-10% of all acute fractures. Despite the enhancement in scientific understanding and treatment methods, rates of fracture non-union remain largely unchanged over the years. This systematic review investigates the biological, molecular and genetic profiles of both (i) non-union tissue and (ii) non-union-related tissues, and the genetic predisposition to fracture non-union. This is crucially important as it could facilitate earlier identification and targeted treatment of high-risk patients, along with improving our understanding on pathophysiology of fracture non-union. Since this is an update on our previous systematic review, we searched the literature indexed in PubMed Medline; Ovid Medline; Embase; Scopus; Google Scholar; and the Cochrane Library using Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) or Title/Abstract words (non-union(s), non-union(s), human, tissue, bone morphogenic protein(s) (BMPs) and MSCs) from August 2014 (date of our previous publication) to 2 October 2021 for non-union tissue studies, whereas no date restrictions imposed on non-union-related tissue studies. Inclusion criteria of this systematic review are human studies investigating the characteristics and properties of non-union tissue and non-union-related tissues, available in full-text English language. Limitations of this systematic review are exclusion of animal studies, the heterogeneity in the definition of non-union and timing of tissue harvest seen in the included studies, and the search term MSC which may result in the exclusion of studies using historical terms such as 'osteoprogenitors' and 'skeletal stem cells'. A total of 24 studies (non-union tissue: n = 10; non-union-related tissues: n = 14) met the inclusion criteria. Soft tissue interposition, bony sclerosis of fracture ends and complete obliteration of medullary canal are commonest macroscopic appearances of non-unions. Non-union tissue colour and surrounding fluid are two important characteristics that could be used clinically to distinguish between septic and aseptic non-unions. Atrophic non-unions had a predominance of endochondral bone formation and lower cellular density, when compared against hypertrophic non-unions. Vascular tissues were present in both atrophic and hypertrophic non-unions, with no difference in vessel density between the two. Studies have found non-union tissue to contain biologically active MSCs with potential for osteoblastic, chondrogenic and adipogenic differentiation. Proliferative capacity of non-union tissue MSCs was comparable to that of bone marrow MSCs. Rates of cell senescence of non-union tissue remain inconclusive and require further investigation. There was a lower BMP expression in non-union site and absent in the extracellular matrix, with no difference observed between atrophic and hypertrophic non-unions. The reduced BMP-7 gene expression and elevated levels of its inhibitors (Chordin, Noggin and Gremlin) could potentially explain impaired bone healing observed in non-union MSCs. Expression of Dkk-1 in osteogenic medium was higher in non-union MSCs. Numerous genetic polymorphisms associated with fracture non-union have been identified, with some involving the BMP and MMP pathways. Further research is required on determining the sensitivity and specificity of molecular and genetic profiling of relevant tissues as a potential screening biomarker for fracture non-unions.
Topics: Animals; Bone Morphogenetic Proteins; Fracture Healing; Fractures, Bone; Fractures, Ununited; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Humans; Osteogenesis
PubMed: 34984803
DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17096 -
Peritoneal Dialysis International :... 2015Outcomes for peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients are affected by the characteristics of the peritoneal membrane, which may be determined by genetic variants. We carried... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Outcomes for peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients are affected by the characteristics of the peritoneal membrane, which may be determined by genetic variants. We carried out a systematic review of the literature to identify studies which assessed the association between genetic polymorphisms, peritoneal membrane solute transport, and clinical outcomes for PD patients.
METHODS
The National Library of Medicine was searched using a variety of strategies. Studies which met our inclusion criteria were reviewed and data abstracted. Our outcomes of interest included: high transport status peritoneal membrane, risk for peritonitis, encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS), patient and technique survival. We combined data from studies which evaluated the same genetic polymorphism and the same outcome.
RESULTS
We evaluated 18 relevant studies. All studies used a candidate gene approach. Gene polymorphisms in the interleukin (IL)-6 gene were associated with peritoneal membrane solute transport in several studies in different ethnic populations. Associations with solute transport and polymorphisms in endothelial nitric oxide synthase and receptor for advanced glycation end product genes were also identified. There was evidence of a genetic predisposition for peritonitis found in 2 studies, and for EPS in 1 study. Survival was found to be associated with a polymorphism in vascular endothelial growth factor and technique failure was associated with a polymorphism in the IL-1 receptor antagonist.
CONCLUSIONS
There is evidence that characteristics of the peritoneal membrane and clinical outcomes for PD patients have genetic determinants. The most consistent association was between IL-6 gene polymorphisms and peritoneal membrane solute transport.
Topics: Biological Transport; Carrier Proteins; Dialysis Solutions; Humans; Interleukin-6; Peritoneal Dialysis; Peritoneum; Polymorphism, Genetic
PubMed: 25395500
DOI: 10.3747/pdi.2014.00049