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Frontiers in Pharmacology 2022The genus (Schott) G. Don consists of 113 species distributed across Asia, Southeast Asia, and Australia. plants grow in tropical and subtropical forests with humid...
The genus (Schott) G. Don consists of 113 species distributed across Asia, Southeast Asia, and Australia. plants grow in tropical and subtropical forests with humid lowlands. Featuring their large green heart-shaped or arrow-shaped ear leaves and occasionally red-orange fruit, they are very popular ornamental plants and are widely used as traditional medicines to treat various diseases such as jaundice, snake bite, boils, and diabetes. This manuscript critically analysed the distribution, traditional uses, and phytochemical contents of 96 species of The numerous biological activities of species were also presented, which include anti-cancer, antidiabetic and antihyperglycaemic, antioxidant, antidiarrhoea, antimicrobial and antifungal, antiparasitic (antiprotozoal and anthelminthic), antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory, brine shrimp lethality, hepatoprotective, anti-hemagglutinin, anti-constipation and diuretic, and radioprotective activities as well as acute toxicity studies. Research articles were acquired by the accessing three scientific databases comprising PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. For this review, specific information was obtained using the general search term "", followed by the "plant species names" and "phytochemical" or "bioactivity" or "pharmacological activity". The accepted authority of the plant species was referred from theplantlist.org. Scientific studies have revealed that the genus is mainly scattered throughout Asia. It has broad traditional benefits, which have been associated with various biological properties such as cytotoxic, antihyperglycaemic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory. species exhibit diverse biological activities that are very useful for medical treatment. The genus was reported to be able to produce a strong and high-quality anti-cancer compound, namely alocasgenoside B, although information on this compound is currently limited. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to further explore the relevant use of natural compounds present in the genus , particularly as an anti-cancer agent. With only a few species that have been scientifically studied so far, more attention and effort is required to establish the link between traditional uses, active compounds, and pharmacological activities of various species of this genus.
PubMed: 35685633
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.849704 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2014Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects between 4% and 12% of people aged 55 to 70 years, and 20% of people over 70 years. A common complaint is intermittent... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects between 4% and 12% of people aged 55 to 70 years, and 20% of people over 70 years. A common complaint is intermittent claudication, characterised by pain in the legs or buttocks that occurs with exercise and which subsides with rest. Compared with age-matched controls, people with intermittent claudication have a three- to six-fold increase in cardiovascular mortality. Symptoms of intermittent claudication, walking distance, and quality of life can be improved by risk factor modification, smoking cessation, and a structured exercise programme. Antiplatelet treatment is beneficial in patients with intermittent claudication for the reduction of vascular events but has not previously been shown to influence claudication distance. This is an update of a review first published in 2007.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the effect of cilostazol (an antiplatelet treatment) on improving initial and absolute claudication distances, and in reducing mortality and vascular events in patients with stable intermittent claudication.
SEARCH METHODS
For this update, the Cochrane Peripheral Vascular Diseases Group Trials Search Co-ordinator searched the Specialised Register (last searched October 2013) and CENTRAL (2013, Issue 9).
SELECTION CRITERIA
Double-blind, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of cilostazol versus placebo, or versus other antiplatelet agents in patients with stable intermittent claudication.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two authors independently assessed trials for selection and independently extracted data. Disagreements were resolved by discussion. We performed the meta-analysis as a fixed-effect model with weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for continuous data, and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs for dichotomous data.
MAIN RESULTS
We included fifteen double-blind, RCTs comparing cilostazol with placebo, or medications currently known to increase walking distance e.g. pentoxifylline. There were a total of 3718 randomised participants with treatment durations ranging from six to 26 weeks. All participants had intermittent claudication secondary to PAD. Comparisons included cilostazol twice daily, with dosages of 50 mg, 100 mg and 150 mg compared with placebo, and cilostazol 100 mg, twice daily, compared with pentoxifylline 400 mg, three times daily. The methodological quality of the trials was generally low, with the majority being at an unclear risk for selection bias, performance bias, detection bias and other bias. Attrition bias was generally low, but reporting bias was high or unclear in the majority of the studies. For eight studies data were compatible for comparison by meta-analysis, but data for seven studies were too heterogenous to be pooled. For the studies included in the meta-analysis, for initial claudication distance (ICD - the distance walked on a treadmill before the onset of calf pain) there was an improvement in the cilostazol group for the 100 mg and 50 mg twice daily, compared with placebo (WMD 31.41 metres, 95% CI 22.38 to 40.45 metres; P < 0.00001) and WMD 19.89 metres, 95% CI 9.44 to 30.34 metres; P = 0.0002), respectively. ICD was improved in the cilostazol group for the comparison of cilostazol 150 mg versus placebo and cilostazol 100 mg versus pentoxifylline, but only single studies were used for these analyses. Absolute claudication distance (ACD - the maximum distance walked on a treadmill) was significantly increased in participants taking cilostazol 100 mg and 50 mg twice daily, compared with placebo (WMD 43.12 metres, 95% CI 18.28 to 67.96 metres; P = 0.0007) and WMD 32.00 metres, 95% CI 14.17 to 49.83 metres; P = 0.0004), respectively. As with ICD, ACD was increased in participants taking cilostazol 150 mg versus placebo, but with only one study an association cannot be clearly determined. Two studies comparing cilostazol to pentoxifylline had opposing findings, resulting in an imprecise CI (WMD 13.42 metres (95% CI -43.51 to 70.35 metres; P = 0.64). Ankle brachial index (ABI) was lowered in the cilostazol 100 mg group compared with placebo (WMD 0.06, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.08; P < 0.00001). The single study evaluating ABI for the comparison of cilostazol versus pentoxifylline found no change in ABI.There was no association between treatment type and all-cause mortality for any of the treatment comparisons, but there were very few events, and therefore larger, adequately powered studies will be needed to assess if there is a relationship. Only one study evaluated individual cardiovascular events, and from this study there is no clear evidence of a difference between any of the treatment groups and risk of myocardial infarction or stroke. We evaluated adverse side effects, and in general cilostazol was associated with a higher odds of headache, diarrhoea, abnormal stool, dizziness and palpitations. We only reported quality of life measures descriptively as there was insufficient statistical detail within the studies to combine the results, although there was a possible indication in improvement of quality of life in the cilostazol treatment groups.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Cilostazol has been shown to be of benefit in improving walking distance in people with intermittent claudication secondary to PAD. Although there is an increase in adverse side effects, they are generally mild and treatable. There is currently insufficient data on whether taking cilostazol results in a reduction of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events or an improvement in quality of life. Future research into the effect of cilostazol on intermittent claudication should carefully consider comparability, sample size and homogeneity when designing a study.
Topics: Aged; Cilostazol; Humans; Intermittent Claudication; Middle Aged; Myocardial Infarction; Pentoxifylline; Peripheral Vascular Diseases; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Stroke; Tetrazoles; Walking
PubMed: 25358850
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003748.pub4 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jun 2023Mortality and morbidity due to neonatal sepsis and necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) remain high despite the use of potent antimicrobial agents. Agents that modulate... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Mortality and morbidity due to neonatal sepsis and necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) remain high despite the use of potent antimicrobial agents. Agents that modulate inflammation may improve outcomes. Pentoxifylline (PTX), a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, is one such agent. This is an update of a review first published in 2003 and updated in 2011 and 2015.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effectiveness and safety of intravenous PTX as an adjunct to antibiotic therapy on mortality and morbidity in neonates with suspected or confirmed sepsis and neonates with NEC.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and trial registries in July 2022. We also searched the reference lists of identified clinical trials and handsearched conference abstracts. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs assessing the efficacy of PTX with antibiotics (any dose or duration) for treatment of suspected or confirmed sepsis or NEC in neonates. We included three comparisons: (1) PTX with antibiotics compared to placebo or no intervention with antibiotics; (2) PTX with antibiotics compared to PTX with antibiotics and adjunct treatments such as immunoglobulin M-enriched intravenous immunoglobulin (IgM-enriched IVIG); (3) PTX with antibiotics compared to adjunct treatments such as IgM-enriched IVIG with antibiotics.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We reported typical risk ratio (RR) and risk difference (RD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for dichotomous outcomes, and mean difference (MD) for continuous outcomes derived from a fixed-effect model of meta-analysis. We calculated the number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) if there was a statistically significant reduction in RD.
MAIN RESULTS
We identified no new studies for this update. We included six RCTs (416 neonates). All of the included studies examined neonates with sepsis; we identified no studies on neonates with NEC. Four of the six trials had high risk of bias for at least one risk of bias domain. Comparison 1: PTX with antibiotics compared to placebo with antibiotics, or antibiotics alone, in neonates with sepsis may reduce all-cause mortality during hospital stay (typical RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.93; typical RD -0.08, 95% CI -0.14 to -0.01; NNTB 13, 95% CI 7 to 100; 6 studies, 416 participants, low-certainty evidence) and may decrease length of hospital stay (LOS) (MD -7.74, 95% CI -11.72 to -3.76; 2 studies, 157 participants, low-certainty evidence). The evidence is very uncertain that PTX with antibiotics compared to placebo or no intervention results in any change in chronic lung disease (CLD) (RR 1.50, 95% CI 0.45 to 5.05; 1 study, 120 participants, very low-certainty evidence), severe intraventricular haemorrhage (sIVH) (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.28 to 2.03; 1 study, 120 participants, very low-certainty evidence), periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.10 to 2.63; 1 study, 120 participants, very low-certainty evidence), NEC (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.29 to 1.06; 6 studies, 405 participants, very low-certainty evidence), or retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.08 to 1.98; 1 study, 120 participants, very low-certainty evidence) in neonates with sepsis. Comparison 2: the evidence is very uncertain that PTX with antibiotics compared to PTX with antibiotics and IgM-enriched IVIG has any effect on mortality (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.24 to 2.10; 102 participants, 1 study, very low-certainty evidence) or development of NEC in neonates with sepsis (RR 1.33, 95% CI 0.31 to 5.66; 1 study, 102 participants, very low-certainty evidence). The outcomes of CLD, sIVH, PVL, LOS, and ROP were not reported. Comparison 3: the evidence is very uncertain that PTX with antibiotics compared to IgM-enriched IVIG with antibiotics has any effect on mortality (RR 1.25, 95% CI 0.36 to 4.39; 102 participants, 1 study, very low-certainty evidence) or development of NEC (RR 1.33, 95% CI 0.31 to 5.66; 102 participants, 1 study, very low-certainty evidence) in neonates with sepsis. The outcomes of CLD, sIVH, PVL, LOS, and ROP were not reported. All of the included studies evaluated adverse effects due to PTX, but none were reported in the intervention group in any of the comparisons.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Low-certainty evidence suggests that adjunct PTX therapy in neonatal sepsis may decrease mortality and length of hospital stay without any adverse effects. The evidence is very uncertain if PTX with antibiotics compared to PTX with antibiotics and IgM-enriched IVIG, or PTX with antibiotics compared to IgM-enriched IVIG with antibiotics, has any effect on mortality or development of NEC. We encourage researchers to undertake well-designed multicentre trials to confirm or refute the effectiveness and safety of pentoxifylline in reducing mortality and morbidity in neonates with sepsis or NEC.
Topics: Humans; Infant, Newborn; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Enterocolitis, Necrotizing; Immunoglobulin M; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; Infant, Premature; Lung Diseases; Neonatal Sepsis; Pentoxifylline; Retinopathy of Prematurity; Sepsis
PubMed: 37338074
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004205.pub4 -
International Journal of Environmental... Aug 2016Ultraviolet (UV) filters are used widely in cosmetics, plastics, adhesives and other industrial products to protect human skin or products against direct exposure to... (Review)
Review
Ultraviolet (UV) filters are used widely in cosmetics, plastics, adhesives and other industrial products to protect human skin or products against direct exposure to deleterious UV radiation. With growing usage and mis-disposition of UV filters, they currently represent a new class of contaminants of emerging concern with increasingly reported adverse effects to humans and other organisms. Exposure to UV filters induce various endocrine disrupting effects, as revealed by increasing number of toxicological studies performed in recent years. It is necessary to compile a systematic review on the current research status on endocrine disrupting effects of UV filters toward different organisms. We therefore summarized the recent advances on the evaluation of the potential endocrine disruptors and the mechanism of toxicity for many kinds of UV filters such as benzophenones, camphor derivatives and cinnamate derivatives.
Topics: Benzophenones; Camphor; Cosmetics; Endocrine Disruptors; Humans; Skin Neoplasms; Sunscreening Agents; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 27527194
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13080782 -
Respiratory Medicine Aug 2016The serum (1 → 3)-β-D-glucan (BG) assay has been approved for diagnosing invasive fungal diseases (IFDs). However, the performance of (1 → 3)-β-D-glucan assay... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The serum (1 → 3)-β-D-glucan (BG) assay has been approved for diagnosing invasive fungal diseases (IFDs). However, the performance of (1 → 3)-β-D-glucan assay in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid is various among studies. The present study aimed to assess the accuracy of (1 → 3)-β-D-glucan assay in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid for the diagnosis of invasive fungal diseases by means of meta-analysis and systematic review of relevant studies.
METHOD
The sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (OR) and a summary receiver-operating characteristic curve of BAL-BG for diagnosing invasive fungal diseases were pooled using meta-analysis. We also performed meta-regression analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 838 patients (138 with proven or probable invasive fungal diseases), included in 6 studies, were analyzed. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR and diagnostic odds ratio were 0.52 (95%CI, 0.38-0.53), 0.58 (95%CI, 0.55-0.61), 1.34 (95%CI, 1.08-1.66), 0.82 (95% CI, 0.63-1.07) and 1.71 (95%CI, 1.01-2.92) respectively. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve, with 95% confidence intervals was 0.61 (95%CI, 0.67-0.55).
CONCLUSION
The accuracy of (1 → 3)-β-D-glucan test in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid is marginal, so that the results should not be interpreted alone but can be used as a part of full assessment with clinical features, image findings and other laboratory results for the diagnosis of invasive fungal diseases.
Topics: Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Humans; Invasive Fungal Infections; Mycoses; Predictive Value of Tests; Proteoglycans; Sensitivity and Specificity; beta-Glucans
PubMed: 27492513
DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2016.05.017 -
Nutrients Mar 2023The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic literature review on the influence of dietary and nutraceutical interventions as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic literature review on the influence of dietary and nutraceutical interventions as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT). A literature search for randomized, controlled clinical trials (RCTs) was performed in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science. Trial inclusion criteria included the application of a defined nutritional intervention (food, beverages, or supplements) adjunctive to NSPT compared to NSPT alone with at least one measured periodontal parameter (pocket probing depths (PPD) or clinical attachment level (CAL)). Of 462 search results, 20 clinical trials relating to periodontitis and nutritional interventions were identified, of which, in total, 14 studies could be included. Eleven studies examined supplements containing lycopene, folate, chicory extract, juice powder, micronutrients and plant extracts, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, or vitamin D. Three studies examined food-based interventions (kiwifruit, green or oolong tea). Due to limited information on within-group differences in the studies, results were descriptively analyzed. A significant positive effect on periodontal parameters (PPD, bleeding on probing) was found for vitamin E, chicory extract, juice powder, green tea, and oolong tea. Heterogeneous effects were found for lycopene, folate, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D. No effects on PPD were found for adjunct kiwifruit (in combination with NSPT). Risk of bias via RoB2 revealed a low risk of bias with some concerns. There was a high heterogeneity in the type of nutritional interventions. The adjunctive use of various supplements and green/oolong tea led to positive and significant effects of the nutritional interventions on clinical periodontal outcome parameters. In the context of non-surgical periodontal therapy, an adjunctive intake of micronutrients, omega-3 fatty acids, green/oolong tea, and polyphenols and flavonoids could be beneficial. Long-term clinical studies with full data reports (especially within-group differences) are needed for conducting a meta-analysis.
Topics: Humans; Chronic Periodontitis; Dietary Supplements; Folic Acid; Lycopene; Plant Extracts; Powders; Tea; Vitamin D; Vitamin E
PubMed: 36986267
DOI: 10.3390/nu15061538 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Nov 2014Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common complication in preterm infants. BPD is associated with poor long-term respiratory and neurodevelopmental outcome and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common complication in preterm infants. BPD is associated with poor long-term respiratory and neurodevelopmental outcome and increased mortality. The prophylactic use of agents that modulate inflammation such as pentoxifylline, a synthetic methylxanthine and phosphodiesterase inhibitor, may reduce the incidence of BPD.
OBJECTIVES
The primary objective of this review was to determine the effect of pentoxifylline on the incidence of BPD, death prior to 36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA), and BPD or death prior to 36 weeks PMA in preterm neonates.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group Specialized Register, CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library Issue 9, 2012), EMBASE (January 1974 to September 2012), PubMed (January 1966 to September 2012), and CINAHL (January 1982 to September 2012) in September 2012. We checked references and cross-references from identified studies. We handsearched abstracts from the proceedings of the Pediatric Academic Societies Meetings (from January 1990 to September 2012). We placed no restrictions on language.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised or quasi-randomised clinical trials of systemic or nebulised pentoxifylline in preterm neonates less than 32 weeks gestational age or less than 1500 g birth weight, reporting on at least one outcome of interest, were eligible for inclusion in the review.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used the standard methods of the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group and The Cochrane Collaboration. Two review authors (SMS and SK) independently searched the literature as described above and selected studies. Any disagreements were resolved by discussion involving all review authors.
MAIN RESULTS
We identified one randomised clinical trial eligible for inclusion in this review. This study compared the use of nebulised pentoxifylline versus placebo for prevention of BPD in 100 preterm infants and was at high risk of bias due to lack of blinding of intervention and outcome assessors, and incomplete outcome data. There was no statistically significant effect of nebulised pentoxifylline versus placebo on individual outcomes of BPD at 36 weeks PMA or on death prior to 36 weeks PMA. There was no significant effect of nebulised pentoxifylline on intraventricular haemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, sepsis, or patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) requiring ligation. The study did not report any of the other secondary outcomes considered for this review. Reporting of adverse events was very limited and did not allow for reliable judgement on the incidence of such events. No long-term outcomes were reported.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is insufficient evidence to determine the safety and efficacy of pentoxifylline for prevention of BPD in preterm neonates. We encourage researchers to conduct clinical trials to confirm or refute the role of pentoxifylline for prevention of BPD in preterm neonates. These trials should report on clinically important outcomes and, ideally, on long-term neurodevelopmental outcome.
Topics: Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Infant, Premature, Diseases; Pentoxifylline; Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 25418278
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010018.pub2 -
IET Nanobiotechnology 2024This study followed the PRISMA reporting guidelines to present the results. A comprehensive search was performed on electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of... (Review)
Review
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study followed the PRISMA reporting guidelines to present the results. A comprehensive search was performed on electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, and Science Direct. Initially, 413 articles were retrieved. After removing duplicates and applying specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, 10 articles were finally included in this systematic review.
RESULTS
The reviewed studies showed that selenium nanoparticles had anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They effectively protected the kidneys, liver, and testicles from damage. Furthermore, there was evidence of efficient radioprotection for the organs examined without significant side effects.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review emphasizes the potential advantages of using selenium nanoparticles to prevent the negative effects of ionizing radiation. Importantly, these protective effects were achieved without causing noticeable side effects. These findings suggest the potential role of selenium nanoparticles as radioprotective agents, offering possible therapeutic applications to reduce the risks related to ionizing radiation exposure in medical imaging and radiotherapy procedures.
Topics: Selenium; Radiation-Protective Agents; Animals; Humans; Antioxidants; Nanoparticles; Metal Nanoparticles; Radiation Injuries
PubMed: 38863968
DOI: 10.1049/2024/5538107 -
PloS One 2015Pentoxifylline (PTX) is a promising therapeutic approach for reducing inflammation and improving anemia associated to various systemic disorders. However, whether this... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Pentoxifylline (PTX) is a promising therapeutic approach for reducing inflammation and improving anemia associated to various systemic disorders. However, whether this agent may be helpful for anemia management also in CKD patients is still object of debate.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
POPULATION
Adults with CKD (any KDOQI stage, including ESKD patients on regular dialysis) and anemia (Hb<13 g/dL in men or < 12 g/dL in women).
SEARCH STRATEGY AND SOURCES
Cochrane CENTRAL, EMBASE, Ovid-MEDLINE and PubMed were searched for studies providing data on the effects of PTX on anemia parameters in CKD patients without design or follow-up restriction.
INTERVENTION
PTX derivatives at any dose regimen.
OUTCOMES
Hemoglobin, hematocrit, ESAs dosage and resistance (ERI), iron indexes (ferritin, serum iron, TIBC, transferrin and serum hepcidin) and adverse events.
RESULTS
We retrieved 11 studies (377 patients) including seven randomized controlled trials (all comparing PTX to placebo or standard therapy) one retrospective case-control study and three prospective uncontrolled studies. Overall, PTX increased hemoglobin in three uncontrolled studies but such improvement was not confirmed in a meta-analysis of seven studies (299 patients) (MD 0.12 g/dL, 95% CI -0.22 to 0.47). Similarly, there were no conclusive effects of PTX on hematocrit, ESAs dose, ferritin and TSAT in pooled analyses. Data on serum iron, ERI, TIBC and hepcidin were based on single studies. No evidence of increased rate of adverse events was also noticed.
LIMITATIONS
Small sample size and limited number of studies. High heterogeneity among studies with respect to CKD and anemia severity, duration of intervention and responsiveness/current therapy with iron or ESAs.
CONCLUSIONS
There is currently no conclusive evidence supporting the utility of pentoxifylline for improving anemia control in CKD patients. Future trials designed on hard, patient-centered outcomes with larger sample size and longer follow-up are advocated.
Topics: Adult; Anemia; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Female; Humans; Male; Pentoxifylline; Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 26237421
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0134104 -
Medicine Aug 2015Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common illness for aging males. Lycopene has been identified as an antioxidant agent with potential anticancer properties. Studies... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common illness for aging males. Lycopene has been identified as an antioxidant agent with potential anticancer properties. Studies investigating the relation between lycopene and PCa risk have produced inconsistent results. This study aims to determine dietary lycopene consumption/circulating concentration and any potential dose-response associations with the risk of PCa. Eligible studies published in English up to April 10, 2014, were searched and identified from Pubmed, Sciencedirect Online, Wiley online library databases and hand searching. The STATA (version 12.0) was applied to process the dose-response meta-analysis. Random effects models were used to calculate pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and to incorporate variation between studies. The linear and nonlinear dose-response relations were evaluated with data from categories of lycopene consumption/circulating concentrations. Twenty-six studies were included with 17,517 cases of PCa reported from 563,299 participants. Although inverse association between lycopene consumption and PCa risk was not found in all studies, there was a trend that with higher lycopene intake, there was reduced incidence of PCa (P = 0.078). Removal of one Chinese study in sensitivity analysis, or recalculation using data from only high-quality studies for subgroup analysis, indicated that higher lycopene consumption significantly lowered PCa risk. Furthermore, our dose-response meta-analysis demonstrated that higher lycopene consumption was linearly associated with a reduced risk of PCa with a threshold between 9 and 21 mg/day. Consistently, higher circulating lycopene levels significantly reduced the risk of PCa. Interestingly, the concentration of circulating lycopene between 2.17 and 85 μg/dL was linearly inversed with PCa risk whereas there was no linear association >85 μg/dL. In addition, greater efficacy for the circulating lycopene concentration on preventing PCa was found for studies with high quality, follow-up >10 years and where results were adjusted by the age or the body mass index. In conclusion, our novel data demonstrates that higher lycopene consumption/circulating concentration is associated with a lower risk of PCa. However, further studies are required to determine the mechanism by which lycopene reduces the risk of PCa and if there are other factors in tomato products that might potentially decrease PCa risk and progression.
Topics: Anticarcinogenic Agents; Antioxidants; Carotenoids; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Lycopene; Solanum lycopersicum; Male; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Phytotherapy; Prostatic Neoplasms; Risk Assessment
PubMed: 26287411
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000001260