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Alternative Therapies in Health and... Sep 2023Turmeric is a well-known herb that has been used in many traditional medicinal systems since ancient times. Turmeric roots contain hydrophobic polyphenols called... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
CONTEXT
Turmeric is a well-known herb that has been used in many traditional medicinal systems since ancient times. Turmeric roots contain hydrophobic polyphenols called curcuminoids, which have proven anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and are shown to be beneficial for the management of musculoskeletal health. Various products containing curcumin or turmeric extract are commercially available.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) is intended to evaluate the effective dose, safety, and efficacy of commercial turmeric extract and curcumin supplements in musculoskeletal health.
DESIGN
The research team performed a systematic literature search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library databases and conducted a meta-analysis according to PRISMA guidelines.
SETTING
Authors from India and USA contributed to this systematic review and meta-analysis.
RESULTS
The research team analyzed 21 prospective, randomized clinical studies, of which seven studies were focused on skeletal muscle health and fourteen on joint health. Statistical heterogeneity was established based on the results of heterogeneity analysis of a Chi-square (χ2) value for Cochran's Q statistic of 29.3765 for musculoskeletal and 3666.80 for joint health studies (P < .0001 for both analyses). Therefore, the random effects model was used. The χ2 value of the random effects model was 216.5545 for skeletal muscle health studies and 1400.65 for joint health studies, which was statistically significant with P < .0001 for both analyses.
CONCLUSIONS
Turmeric extract and curcumin supplements can be effective adjuvants for the management of musculoskeletal health, with a low incidence of AEs. The water-dispersible turmeric extract, WDTE60N, at a dose of 250 mg per day, was found to be more effective than other curcumin products. However, the studies included in the analysis were conducted using diverse doses and treatment durations. Further evaluation using comparisons in future clinical trials can establish the appropriate effective dose of curcumin supplements for the overall maintenance of musculoskeletal health.
Topics: Humans; Curcumin; Curcuma; Plant Extracts; Anti-Inflammatory Agents
PubMed: 37574203
DOI: No ID Found -
Archives of Dermatological Research Oct 2023Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a cicatricial alopecia affecting the frontotemporal hairline. Given that this scarring, immune-mediated follicular destruction most... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a cicatricial alopecia affecting the frontotemporal hairline. Given that this scarring, immune-mediated follicular destruction most commonly affects postmenopausal Caucasian women, researchers have postulated that there are hormonal and genetic components; however, the etiology of FFA is still unknown. Recently, dermatologists have reported cases of FFA as being potentially caused by cosmetic products, such as sunscreen and shampoo. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis intend to be the first to analyze the relationship between FFA and cosmetic/personal care products and treatments, including sunscreen, moisturizer, foundation, shampoo, conditioner, hair mousse, hair gel, hair dye, hair straightening/rebonding, chemical/laser facial resurfacing, aftershave, and facial cleanser.
METHODS
The Cochrane, PubMed, EMBASE, and Medline (Ovid) databases were searched for the relevant studies from the date of inception to August 2022. Case-control, cross-sectional, and cohort studies examining the effects of cosmetic/personal care product use on FFA, available in English full-text, were included. Analyses were performed using Review Manager, version 5.4. Results were reported as an odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI); p values < 0.05 were considered significant.
RESULTS
Nine studies were included in our quantitative analyses, totaling 1,248 FFA patients and 1,459 controls. There were significant positive associations found for FFA and sunscreen (OR 3.02, 95% CI 1.67-5.47; p = 0.0003) and facial moisturizer (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.51-3.20; p < 0.0001) use. Gender sub-analyses demonstrated a positive association for FFA and facial moisturizer in men (OR 5.07, 95% CI 1.40-18.32; p = 0.01), but not in women (OR 1.58, 95% CI 0.83-2.98; p = 0.16). Both gender sub-analyses were significantly positive for the association with facial sunscreen (Male OR 4.61, 95% CI 1.54-13.78, p = 0.006; Female OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.32-5.70, p = 0.007). There was no association found for a facial cleanser (OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.33-1.52; p = 0.51), foundation (OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.83-1.55; p = 0.21), shampoo (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.22-1.10; p = 0.08), hair conditioner (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.52-1.26; p = 0.35), hair mousse (OR 1.37, 95% CI 0.75-2.51; p = 0.31), and hair gel (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.48-1.69; p = 0.74), hair dye (OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.69-1.64; p = 0.77), hair straightening/rebonding (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.08-9.32; p = 0.92), hair perming (OR 1.41, 95% CI 0.89-2.23; p = 0.14), facial toner (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.12-2.21; p = 0.37), or aftershave (OR 1.64, 95% CI 0.28-9.49; p = 0.58).
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis strongly suggests that leave-on facial products, facial sunscreen and moisturizer, are associated with FFA. While the association with facial moisturizer did not persist when stratifying for female populations, gender sub-analyses remained significant for a facial sunscreen. There was no significant relationship found with hair products or treatments. These findings suggest a potential environmental etiology in the development of FFA, particularly UV-protecting chemicals.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Sunscreening Agents; Cross-Sectional Studies; Forehead; Alopecia; Cosmetics; Dermatologic Agents; Cicatrix; Hair Dyes; Lichen Planus
PubMed: 37014396
DOI: 10.1007/s00403-023-02604-7 -
Recent Advances in Food, Nutrition &... 2024Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive degenerative joint disease. It basically impairs the structural integrity of articulate cartilage and imbalances the catabolic and... (Review)
Review
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive degenerative joint disease. It basically impairs the structural integrity of articulate cartilage and imbalances the catabolic and anabolic signals in the joint. A degenerative disease is characterized by swelling, pain, and joint stiffness. The treatment and management of osteoarthritis are based on analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents, whereas the exact cause of OA is not known yet. The negative effects of synthetic medications have led to a daily rise in the usage of nutraceuticals and dietary supplements. Clinicians are aware of these treatments, and they also recommend nutraceuticals in addition to the currently preferred therapy. Many and experiments have been performed in past years to evaluate the function of these on osteoarthritis. The collection of articles was published on search engines like PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and ScienceDirect. The evaluation covers every potential nutraceutical utilized in osteoarthritis, together with its supporting data and mode of action. The present review discusses nutraceuticals, including devil's claw, vitamin D, boswellic acid, capsaicin, ginger, curcumin, krill oil, ginger, and avocado/soybean unsaponifiable.
Topics: Dietary Supplements; Osteoarthritis; Humans; Capsaicin; Animals; Curcumin; Zingiber officinale; Vitamin D; Persea; Triterpenes
PubMed: 38258782
DOI: 10.2174/012772574X270405231102054920 -
Archives of Dermatological Research Sep 2023Exaggerated healing and remodeling after skin injury may cause hypertrophic and keloidal scars, which are associated with functional and quality of life impairment.... (Review)
Review
Exaggerated healing and remodeling after skin injury may cause hypertrophic and keloidal scars, which are associated with functional and quality of life impairment. There is limited guidance available regarding the relative effectiveness of therapies for hypertrophic scars and keloids. In this review, we aim to compare the effectiveness of treatments for hypertrophic scars and keloids. MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Collaboration database were searched from inception to March 2019 for randomized control trials of treatments for hypertrophic and keloid scars that included 20 or more patients. Outcomes evaluated included the standardized mean reduction in scarring and adverse events. The type of scar and the demographic features were analyzed for their effect on clinical outcome. Based on 25 included clinical trials, intralesional injection (64.1% [95% CI 60.8-67.5%]) may be more effective than physical (29.9% [95% CI 28.9-30.9%]) or topical treatments (34% [95% CI 31.8-36.8%]). Combination of 5-fluorouracil and triamcinolone (9:1 dilution) appeared superior among intralesional treatments for keloids. Ablative laser and pulsed-dye laser were the most useful laser treatments. Regression modeling showed laser treatment response was linked to Fitzpatrick skin type (p = 0.002). Adverse events were uncommon for all treatments and mostly transient. Intralesional treatments for keloid and hypertrophic scars may be the most reliable treatment option to improve pathologic scars, while laser treatment may have specific benefits for Fitzpatrick skin types I-III over types IV-VI. Management of pathological scars is an area of critical need, where appropriate treatment can have a significant impact on quality of life.
Topics: Humans; Keloid; Cicatrix, Hypertrophic; Quality of Life; Hypertrophy; Fluorouracil; Treatment Outcome; Injections, Intralesional
PubMed: 36781457
DOI: 10.1007/s00403-023-02535-3 -
Archives of Dermatological Research Dec 2023There is increasing demand for natural and sustainable products for the treatment of dermatologic conditions. This systematic review aims to critically analyze published... (Review)
Review
There is increasing demand for natural and sustainable products for the treatment of dermatologic conditions. This systematic review aims to critically analyze published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and provide evidence-based recommendations on the therapeutic use of curcumin for a variety of dermatological diseases. A systematic search of published literature was performed on July 18, 2023 using PRISMA guidelines for turmeric or curcumin for the treatment of skin diseases. Clinical recommendations were made based on the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine guidelines. We identified 18 original randomized controlled trials for use of turmeric or curcumin for psoriasis, radiation dermatitis, oral lichen planus, pruritis, vitiligo, tinea capitis, facial erythema, and scarring. Psoriasis, cesarean section scar, and pruritus received grade of recommendation B. Radiation dermatitis, oral lichen planus, vitiligo, tinea capitis, and facial redness received grade of recommendation C or D. Curcumin was demonstrated to have an excellent safety profile in all clinical trials analyzed. Further research is required to determine optimal dosing and treatment parameters of turmeric. Additional, larger, RCTs and non-RCTs should be conducted to further investigate the safety and efficacy of curcumin as a treatment option for dermatological diseases.
Topics: Humans; Curcumin; Lichen Planus, Oral; Vitiligo; Psoriasis; Tinea Capitis; Dermatitis
PubMed: 38085369
DOI: 10.1007/s00403-023-02754-8 -
Expert Review of Clinical Immunology 2023Phototherapy has been one of the first and still frequently used treatment modality for psoriasis. In the last decades, different types of lasers have been used for the...
INTRODUCTION
Phototherapy has been one of the first and still frequently used treatment modality for psoriasis. In the last decades, different types of lasers have been used for the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin diseases with variable success.
AREAS COVERED
Efficacy and safety of laser devices and intense pulsed light for the treatment of psoriasis. The literature search was conducted using the bibliographic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane. Search terms included 'laser' AND 'psoriasis,' 'IPL' AND 'psoriasis,' 'intense pulsed light' AND 'psoriasis.'
EXPERT OPINION
Due to its high efficacy and safety profile, 308-nm Excimer laser retains its specific place in the treatment of plaque psoriasis as a first- or second-line therapy in mild disease or as an adjuvant treatment in case of partial response to systemic treatments in moderate-to-severe disease. Vascular lasers remain a last line therapy that can be tried in patients with recalcitrant limited plaques or nail affection. They are easy to apply and have a very good safety profile and tolerability, but the efficacy is limited. Fractional ablative lasers for application of laser-assisted drug delivery appear interesting and a topic for further research. When using lasers for psoriasis, a good pre-treatment is mandatory.
Topics: Humans; Phototherapy; Psoriasis; Dermatitis; Administration, Cutaneous; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37079360
DOI: 10.1080/1744666X.2023.2205640 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023The aim was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis for assessing the effectiveness and safety of dietary polyphenol curcumin supplement on metabolic,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Effects of dietary polyphenol curcumin supplementation on metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress indices in patients with metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
OBJECTIVE
The aim was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis for assessing the effectiveness and safety of dietary polyphenol curcumin supplement on metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress indices in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS).
METHODS
A comprehensive search for clinical trials was conducted in the following scientific databases: PubMed, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, and China Biological Medicine. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy and safety of curcumin supplement for MetS were identified. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed using inverse variance, and efficacy was expressed as mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). The metabolic syndrome markers that were evaluated in the present study included waist circumference (WC), fasting blood sugar (FBS), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), interleukin 6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), ultrasensitive c-reactive protein (hsCRP), and malondialdehyde (MDA). By employing the Cochrane tool, RCTs were assessed for bias risk.
RESULTS
A total of 785 participants from 13 RCTs were included, with intervention durations ranging from 4 to 12 weeks. Compared with the control group, the curcumin group had positive effects on WC (MD = -2.16, 95% CI: -3.78 to -0.54, = 0.009, seven studies), FBS (MD = -8.6, 95% CI: -15.45 to -1.75, = 0.01, nine studies), DBP (MD = -2.8, 95% CI: -4.53 to - 1.06, = 0.002, five studies), HDL-C (MD = 4.98, 95% CI: 2.58 to 7.38, < 0.0001, eight studies), TNF-a (MD = -12.97, 95% CI: -18.37 to -7.57, < 0.00001, two studies), CRP (MD = - 1.24, 95% CI: -1.71 to -0.77, < 0.00001, two studies), and MDA (MD = -2.35, 95% CI: -4.47 to -0.24, = 0.03, three studies). These improvements were statistically significant. Meanwhile, there was no significant improvement in SBP (MD = -4.82, 95% CI: -9.98 to 0.35, = 0.07, six studies), TG (MD = 1.28, 95% CI: -3.75 to 6.30, = 0.62, eight studies), IL-6 (MD = -1.5, 95% CI: -3.97 to 0.97, = 0.23, two studies), or hsCRP (MD = -1.10, 95% CI: -4.35 to 2.16, < 0.51, two studies). FBS, SBP, HDL-C, IL-6, CRP, hsCRP, and MDA had a relatively high heterogeneity.
CONCLUSION
Curcumin exhibited promising potential in enhancing markers associated with metabolic syndrome, including inflammation. However, additional studies are required to confirm such findings since the included evidence is limited and has a relatively high heterogeneity.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD42022362553.
Topics: Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Curcumin; Dietary Supplements; Metabolic Syndrome; Oxidative Stress; Polyphenols; Inflammation; Humans; Curcuma
PubMed: 37522129
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1216708 -
Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) Nov 2023Accumulation of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage diminishes cellular health, increases risk of developmental and degenerative diseases, and accelerates aging.... (Review)
Review
Protective Effects of Micronutrient Supplements, Phytochemicals and Phytochemical-Rich Beverages and Foods Against DNA Damage in Humans: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials and Prospective Studies.
Accumulation of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage diminishes cellular health, increases risk of developmental and degenerative diseases, and accelerates aging. Optimizing nutrient intake can minimize accrual of DNA damage. The objectives of this review are to: 1) assemble and systematically analyze high-level evidence for the effect of supplementation with micronutrients and phytochemicals on baseline levels of DNA damage in humans, and 2) use this knowledge to identify which of these essential micronutrients or nonessential phytochemicals promote DNA integrity in vivo in humans. We conducted systematic literature searches of the PubMed database to identify interventional, prospective, cross-sectional, or in vitro studies that explored the association between nutrients and established biomarkers of DNA damage associated with developmental and degenerative disease risk. Biomarkers included lymphocyte chromosome aberrations, lymphocyte and buccal cell micronuclei, DNA methylation, lymphocyte/leukocyte DNA strand breaks, DNA oxidation, telomere length, telomerase activity, and mitochondrial DNA mutations. Only randomized, controlled interventions and uncontrolled longitudinal intervention studies conducted in humans were selected for evaluation and data extraction. These studies were ranked for the quality of their study design. In all, 96 of the 124 articles identified reported studies that achieved a quality assessment score ≥ 5 (from a maximum score of 7) and were included in the final review. Based on these studies, nutrients associated with protective effects included vitamin A and its precursor β-carotene, vitamins C, E, B1, B12, folate, minerals selenium and zinc, and phytochemicals such as curcumin (with piperine), lycopene, and proanthocyanidins. These findings highlight the importance of nutrients involved in (i) DNA metabolism and repair (folate, vitamin B, and zinc) and (ii) prevention of oxidative stress and inflammation (vitamins A, C, E, lycopene, curcumin, proanthocyanidins, selenium, and zinc). Supplementation with certain micronutrients and their combinations may reduce DNA damage and promote cellular health by improving the maintenance of genome integrity.
Topics: Humans; Prospective Studies; Selenium; Lycopene; Cross-Sectional Studies; Curcumin; Proanthocyanidins; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Vitamins; Vitamin A; Micronutrients; Folic Acid; Zinc; Beverages; Phytochemicals; DNA; DNA Damage; Biomarkers; Dietary Supplements
PubMed: 37573943
DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2023.08.004 -
European Journal of Obstetrics,... Apr 2024Hair products often contain chemicals like para-phenylenediamine (PPD) and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs); giving rise to concerns about the possible adverse... (Review)
Review
Hair products often contain chemicals like para-phenylenediamine (PPD) and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs); giving rise to concerns about the possible adverse effects such as hormonal disturbances and carcinogenicity. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the association between the use of different hair products and benign and malignant gynecological conditions. Studies were identified from three databases including PubMed, Embase, and Scopus, and evaluated in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A total of 17 English-language studies met the inclusion criteria. Associations of hair relaxer or hair dye use with breast and ovarian cancer were observed in at least one well-designed study, but these findings were not consistent across studies. Further sub-analysis showed 1.08 times (95 % CI: 1.01-1.15) increased risk of breast cancer in females with permanent hair dye use. Chang et al. reported strong association between uterine cancer risk and hair relaxer use (HR 1.8, 95 % CI: 1.12-2.88), with no observed association with hair dye use. Studies conducted by Wise et al. and James-Todd et al. for benign gynecological conditions; including uterine leiomyoma (IRR 1.17, 95 % CI: 1.06-1.30), early onset of menarche (RR 1.4, 95 % CI: 1.1-1.9), and decreased fecundability (FR 0.89, 95 % CI: 0.81-0.98) revealed positive associations with hair relaxer use, but these findings were based on small sample sizes. In summary, the available evidence regarding personal use of hair products and gynecological conditions is insufficient to determine whether a positive association exists.
Topics: Female; Humans; Hair Dyes; Risk; Breast Neoplasms; Uterine Neoplasms; Leiomyoma; Genital Diseases, Female
PubMed: 38364603
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2024.02.012 -
Obesity Surgery Nov 2023Indocyanine green (ICG) is a fluorescent dye that can be used intraoperatively to assess tissue perfusion, as well as perform leak testing. This study aims to summarize... (Review)
Review
Indocyanine green (ICG) is a fluorescent dye that can be used intraoperatively to assess tissue perfusion, as well as perform leak testing. This study aims to summarize published manuscripts on outcomes of ICG use and reduction of complications compared to traditional leak test and tissue perfusion evaluation. A PubMed search using "ICG and bariatric surgery," "ICG and gastric sleeve," "ICG and gastric bypass," and "ICG and revisional bariatric surgery" was performed. The proportion of patients who underwent an intraoperative decision change due to ICG was 3.8% (95% CI: 2.0 to 7.2%). ICG fluorescent imaging in bariatric surgery is a valuable tool, and further studies are needed to confirm its utility for routine use in both standard or complex cases (PROSPERO #418126).
Topics: Humans; Indocyanine Green; Anastomotic Leak; Anastomosis, Surgical; Obesity, Morbid; Coloring Agents; Gastric Bypass
PubMed: 37713041
DOI: 10.1007/s11695-023-06801-1