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Molecular Autism Jan 2024Gastrointestinal symptoms and inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases exist at higher rates in the autistic population. It is not clear however whether autism is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Gastrointestinal symptoms and inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases exist at higher rates in the autistic population. It is not clear however whether autism is associated with elevated gastrointestinal inflammation as studies examining non-invasive faecal biomarkers report conflicting findings. To understand the research landscape and identify gaps, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies measuring non-invasive markers of gastrointestinal inflammation in autistic and non-autistic samples. Our examination focused on faecal biomarkers as sampling is non-invasive and these markers are a direct reflection of inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract.
METHODS
We extracted data from case-control studies examining faecal markers of gastrointestinal inflammation. We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science Core Collection and Epistemonikos and forward and backwards citations of included studies published up to April 14, 2023 (PROSPERO CRD42022369279).
RESULTS
There were few studies examining faecal markers of gastrointestinal inflammation in the autistic population, and many established markers have not been studied. Meta-analyses of studies examining calprotectin (n = 9) and lactoferrin (n = 3) were carried out. A total of 508 autistic children and adolescents and 397 non-autistic children and adolescents were included in the meta-analysis of calprotectin studies which found no significant group differences (ROM: 1.30 [0.91, 1.86]). Estimated differences in calprotectin were lower in studies with siblings and studies which did not exclude non-autistic controls with gastrointestinal symptoms. A total of 139 autistic participants and 75 non-autistic controls were included in the meta-analysis of lactoferrin studies which found no significant group differences (ROM: 1.27 [0.79, 2.04]).
LIMITATIONS
All studies included in this systematic review and meta-analysis examined children and adolescents. Many studies included non-autistic controls with gastrointestinal symptoms which limit the validity of their findings. The majority of studies of gastrointestinal inflammation focused on children under 12 with few studies including adolescent participants. Most studies that included participants aged four or under did not account for the impact of age on calprotectin levels. Future studies should screen for relevant confounders, include larger samples and explore gastrointestinal inflammation in autistic adolescents and adults.
CONCLUSIONS
There is no evidence to suggest higher levels of gastrointestinal inflammation as measured by calprotectin and lactoferrin are present in autistic children and adolescents at the population level. Preliminary evidence suggests however that higher calprotectin levels may be present in a subset of autistic participants, who may be clinically characterised by more severe gastrointestinal symptoms and higher levels of autistic traits.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Humans; Autistic Disorder; Biomarkers; Gastrointestinal Tract; Inflammation; Lactoferrin; Leukocyte L1 Antigen Complex
PubMed: 38233886
DOI: 10.1186/s13229-023-00575-0 -
The British Journal of Oral &... Jan 2024Currently, there is growing interest in the potential use of lactoferrin (LTF), a member of the transferrin family, for the improvement of tissue healing. In this sense,... (Review)
Review
Currently, there is growing interest in the potential use of lactoferrin (LTF), a member of the transferrin family, for the improvement of tissue healing. In this sense, a literature search was conducted to integrate data published on the effect of LTF on jawbone repair. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, LILACS, and Cochrane databases were retrieved according to the PRISMA 2020 statement. Articles in English, Spanish, and Portuguese were recovered, with no year restriction. In vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies were selected. A total of 742 articles were retrieved, 11 of which met the inclusion criteria (5 in vitro and 5 in vivo studies, and one clinical trial). The included data demonstrated wide variations in study design and LTF therapy protocols. Cell proliferation and viability were the primary outcomes evaluated in the in vitro studies, all of which reported a potential effect of LTF on the repair process. Of three in vivo studies, one reported a reduction in the overall healing rate, whereas the other two showed that LTF inhibited bone resorption and increased bone formation. The clinical trial's findings showed that LTF is a potential promoter of wound repair in patients with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws. Overall, data from the studies support a potential effect of LTF therapy on the process of jawbone repair.
Topics: Humans; Lactoferrin; Osteonecrosis; Jaw
PubMed: 38042716
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2023.10.019 -
Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases Feb 2024Late-onset multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD) is the most common lipid storage myopathy. There are sex differences in fat metabolism and it is not known... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Late-onset multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD) is the most common lipid storage myopathy. There are sex differences in fat metabolism and it is not known whether late-onset MADD affects men and women equally.
METHODS
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, CBM, and Wanfang databases were searched until 01/08/2023. Studies reporting sex distribution in patients with late-onset MADD were included. Two authors independently screened studies for eligibility, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Pre-specified outcomes of interest were the male-to-female ratio (MFR) of patients with late-onset MADD, the differences of clinical characteristics between the sexes, and factors influencing the MFR.
RESULTS
Of 3379 identified studies, 34 met inclusion criteria, yielding a total of 609 late-onset MADD patients. The overall pooled percentage of males was 58% (95% CI, 54-63%) with low heterogeneity across studies (I = 2.99%; P = 0.42). The mean onset ages, diagnostic delay, serum creatine kinase (CK), and allelic frequencies of 3 hotspot variants in ETFDH gene were similar between male and female patients (P > 0.05). Meta-regressions revealed that ethnic group was associated with the MFR in late-onset MADD, and subgroup meta-analyses demonstrated that East-Asian patients had a higher percentage of male, lower CK, and higher proportion of hotspot variants in ETFDH gene than non-East-Asian patients (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Male patients with late-onset MADD were more common than female patients. Ethnicity was proved to be a factor influencing the MFR in late-onset MADD. These findings suggest that male sex may be a risk factor for the disease.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Multiple Acyl Coenzyme A Dehydrogenase Deficiency; Mutation; Delayed Diagnosis; Electron-Transferring Flavoproteins; Iron-Sulfur Proteins; Oxidoreductases Acting on CH-NH Group Donors; Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase
PubMed: 38365830
DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03072-6 -
Contraception Jul 2024Inherited bleeding disorders may cause heavy menstrual bleeding in women, impacting quality of life and impairing daily and social activities. The... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
Inherited bleeding disorders may cause heavy menstrual bleeding in women, impacting quality of life and impairing daily and social activities. The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system is a potential treatment for these women, which might reduce menstrual blood loss.
STUDY DESIGN
We performed a systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis to examine the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system in women with inherited bleeding disorders and heavy menstrual bleeding.
RESULTS
A systematic search on PubMed, Embase and Cochrane yielded 583 results, of which six observational studies (n = 156) met inclusion criteria. Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system use in patients with inherited bleeding disorders and heavy menstrual bleeding was associated with amenorrhea in 60% of patients and a significant increase of 1.40 g/dL in hemoglobin and of 19.75 ng/mL in ferritin levels when comparing post- and pre-treatment levels. The post-treatment mean hemoglobin was 13.32 g/dL and the mean ferritin was 43.22 ng/dL. The rate of intrauterine device expulsion or removal due to mal position was low (13%), as was the need for intrauterine device removal due to lack of efficacy (14%).
CONCLUSION
The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system may improve bleeding patterns and quality of life in patients with inherited bleeding disorders and heavy menstrual bleeding.
IMPLICATIONS
Women with inherited bleeding disorders could benefit from levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system, so its use should be an option for this women.
Topics: Female; Humans; Amenorrhea; Blood Coagulation Disorders, Inherited; Contraceptive Agents, Female; Contraceptive Agents, Hormonal; Ferritins; Hemoglobins; Intrauterine Device Expulsion; Intrauterine Devices, Medicated; Levonorgestrel; Menorrhagia; Quality of Life
PubMed: 38614274
DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2024.110450 -
CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics Mar 2024Mitochondrial complex III (CIII) deficiency is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by symptoms such as ataxia, cognitive dysfunction, and spastic paraplegia....
BACKGROUND
Mitochondrial complex III (CIII) deficiency is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by symptoms such as ataxia, cognitive dysfunction, and spastic paraplegia. Multiple genes are associated with complex III defects. Among them, the mutation of TTC19 is a rare subtype.
METHODS
We screened a Chinese boy with weakness of limbs and his non-consanguineous parents by whole exome sequencing and targeted sequencing.
RESULTS
We report a Chinese boy diagnosed with mitochondrial complex III defect type 2 carrying a homozygous variant (c.719-732del, p.Leu240Serfs*17) of the TTC19 gene. According to the genotype analysis of his family members, this is an autosomal recessive inheritance. We provide his clinical manifestation.
CONCLUSIONS
A new type of TTC19 mutation (c.719-732del, p.Leu240Serfs*17) was found, which enriched the TTC19 gene mutation spectrum and provided new data for elucidating the pathogenesis of CIII-deficient diseases.
Topics: Male; Humans; Electron Transport Complex III; Membrane Proteins; Mutation; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Movement Disorders; Pedigree; Mitochondrial Diseases
PubMed: 37927170
DOI: 10.1111/cns.14425 -
The Journal of International Medical... Mar 2024This study was performed to examine the possible association of iron overload with infectious complications and survival among liver transplant recipients. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
This study was performed to examine the possible association of iron overload with infectious complications and survival among liver transplant recipients.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published in the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases up to September 2022. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted to estimate the association of iron overload with infectious outcomes and overall survival after liver transplantation.
RESULTS
Eight studies involving 2817 recipients met the inclusion criteria. Iron overload was strongly associated with an increased risk of infection after liver transplantation (HR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.03-2.68). An increase in the serum ferritin level was associated with an increased risk of infection after liver transplantation (HR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.09-1.91). Iron overload was a significant predictor of worse overall survival (HR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.11-1.64). In addition, a high serum ferritin level was significantly associated with an increased risk of death (HR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.10-1.64).
CONCLUSION
Iron overload may be associated with a higher risk of infectious complications and a worse prognosis among liver transplant recipients.
Topics: Humans; Iron; Liver Transplantation; Iron Overload; Prognosis; Ferritins
PubMed: 38518199
DOI: 10.1177/03000605241232920 -
International Forum of Allergy &... Jun 2024Beta-2 transferrin (B2-Tf) gel electrophoresis (GE) is the preferred non-invasive diagnostic modality for confirming cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in body fluids. While...
BACKGROUND
Beta-2 transferrin (B2-Tf) gel electrophoresis (GE) is the preferred non-invasive diagnostic modality for confirming cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in body fluids. While B2-Tf GE testing is highly sensitive and specific for CSF, false-positive (FP) and false-negative (FN) results can lead to diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas. Several series have demonstrated potential causes of false B2-Tf GE results, but few studies have reported reasons for these errors. The purpose of this systematic review was to describe sources of B2-Tf GE errors.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed by searching OVID, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases for B2-Tf GE studies. After applying exclusion criteria, original research studies directly addressing erroneous B2-Tf GE results underwent qualitative analysis.
RESULTS
Of the 243 abstracts screened, 71 underwent full-text review and 18 studies reporting B2-Tf GE errors were included for analysis. There were 15 potential FPs, 12 actual FPs, 12 potential FNs, 19 actual FNs, and 14 indeterminate results. There were also 246 potentially indeterminate results from in vitro studies. Reasons for B2-Tf GE errors included serum transferrin alterations (n = 17; all potential), infection related (n = 13; 9 potential), orbital or salivary contamination (n = 2; 1 potential), and collection related (n = 255; 246 potential). There were 31 false or indeterminate results with unspecified reasons. There were no reported errors due to laboratory processing.
CONCLUSIONS
Multiple potential or actual reasons for false or indeterminate results have been reported for B2-Tf GE testing of rhinorrhea and otorrhea. Future studies should explore reasons for B2-Tf testing errors and how these may affect clinical decision making.
Topics: Humans; Transferrin; Diagnostic Errors; Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea; Electrophoresis; Cerebrospinal Fluid Otorrhea
PubMed: 37864574
DOI: 10.1002/alr.23293 -
Obesity Surgery Jun 2024Bariatric surgery (BS) is the most effective treatment for severe obesity and it has beneficial effects on glycemic control and metabolism outcomes. However, the effects... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Bariatric surgery (BS) is the most effective treatment for severe obesity and it has beneficial effects on glycemic control and metabolism outcomes. However, the effects of BS on nutritional outcomes are controversial. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the changes in several nutritional outcomes after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).
METHODS
A comprehensive search was performed using the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, WanFang and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure. The following outcomes were evaluated: vitamin A, 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], calcium, phosphorus, parathormone (PTH), iron, ferritin, vitamin B12, folate, and zinc. The pooled outcomes were expressed as standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) using a random effects model.
RESULTS
Fifty-six studies including 5645 individuals with obesity met the inclusion criteria. Serum 25(OH)D (SMD = 0.78, 95%CI 0.38 to 1.20, P < 0.001), phosphorus (SMD = 0.48, 95%CI 0.22 to 0.74, P < 0.001), PTH (SMD = 0.35, 95%CI 0.11 to 0.59, P = 0.005), vitamin B12 (SMD = 1.11, 95%CI 0.41 to 1.80, P = 0.002), and folate (SMD = 1.53, 95%CI 0.77 to 2.28, P < 0.001) significantly increased after RYGB compared with the baseline. Serum ferritin (SMD = - 1.67, 95%CI - 2.57 to - 0.77, P < 0.001), vitamin A (SMD = - 0.64, 95%CI - 0.99 to - 0.29, P < 0.001), and plasma zinc (SMD = - 0.58, 95%CI - 1.09 to - 0.06, P = 0.027) significantly decreased after RYGB. No significant changes in serum calcium (SMD = - 0.14, 95%CI - 0.40 to 0.11, P = 0.219) and iron (SMD = 0.26, 95%CI - 0.11 to 0.64, P = 0.165) were observed after RYGB.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite the increased levels of 25(OH)D, phosphorus, vitamin B12 and folate, this meta-analysis revealed the unfavorable nutritional consequences after RYGB.
Topics: Humans; Gastric Bypass; Obesity, Morbid; Vitamin D; Treatment Outcome; Nutritional Status; Calcium; Vitamin B 12; Parathyroid Hormone; Female; Phosphorus; Folic Acid; Vitamin A; Weight Loss; Male; Zinc; Ferritins; Adult
PubMed: 38662252
DOI: 10.1007/s11695-024-07232-2 -
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) May 2024Iron deficiency in athletes is initially treated with a nutritional intervention. If negative iron balance persists, oral iron supplementation (OIS) can be used. Despite... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Iron deficiency in athletes is initially treated with a nutritional intervention. If negative iron balance persists, oral iron supplementation (OIS) can be used. Despite the recent proposal for a refinement of treatment strategies for iron-deficient athletes, there is no general consensus regarding the actual efficiency, dosage, or optimal regimen of OIS.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate to what extent OIS affects blood iron parameters and physical performance in healthy adult athletes.
METHODS
PubMed, Web of Science, PEDro, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane were searched from inception to 2 November 2022. Articles were eligible if they satisfied the following criteria: recruited subjects were healthy, adult and physically active individuals, who used exclusively OIS, irrespective of sex and sports discipline.
EXCLUSION CRITERIA
simultaneous supplementation with iron and any other micronutrient(s), intravenous iron supplementation or recent exposure to altitude acclimatisation. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed with the PEDro scale, the completeness of intervention reporting with the TIDieR scale, while the GRADE scale was used for quality of evidence synthesis. The present study was prospectively registered in PROSPERO online registry (ID: CRD42022330230).
RESULTS
From 638 articles identified through the search, 13 studies (n = 449) were included in the quantitative synthesis. When compared to the control group, the results demonstrated that OIS increases serum ferritin (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 1.27, 95% CI 0.44-2.10, p = 0.006), whereas blood haemoglobin (SMD = 1.31, 95% CI - 0.29 to 2.93, p = 0.099), serum transferrin receptor concentration (SMD = - 0.74, 95% CI - 1.89 to 0.41, p = 0.133), and transferrin saturation (SMD = 0.69, 95% CI - 0.84 to 2.22, p = 0.330) remained unaltered. Following OIS, a trend of small positive effect on VO (SMD = 0.49, 95% CI - 0.09 to 1.07, p = 0.086) was observed in young healthy athletes. The quality of evidence for all outcomes ranged from moderate to low.
CONCLUSIONS
Increase in serum ferritin concentration after OIS was evident in subjects with initial pre-supplementation serum ferritin concentration ≤ 12 µg/l, while only minimal, if any effect, was observed in subjects with higher pre-supplementation serum ferritin concentration. The doses of OIS, that induced a beneficial effect on hematological parameters differed from 16 to 100 mg of elementary iron daily, over the period between 6 and 8 weeks. Shorter supplementation protocols have been shown to be ineffective.
Topics: Humans; Dietary Supplements; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Iron; Athletes; Ferritins; Administration, Oral; Athletic Performance; Hemoglobins; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency
PubMed: 38407751
DOI: 10.1007/s40279-024-01992-8