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Environmental Research Nov 2023This systematic review aimed to evaluate the status of Human Biomonitoring (HBM) in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and provide recommendations for future... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
This systematic review aimed to evaluate the status of Human Biomonitoring (HBM) in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and provide recommendations for future research, considering the increased environmental contaminants that pose a threat to human health in this rapidly industrializing area.
METHODS
A thorough search was performed in PubMed and Web of Science databases up to February 2023 to identify biomonitoring studies on human exposure and levels in the GCC region. Two independent reviewers assessed study eligibility, conducted data extraction and risk of bias assessment. The NIH Quality Assessment Tools and PRISMA guidelines were utilized for quality evaluation and reporting of results.
RESULTS
A total of 38 eligible articles were included in this systematic review out of 662 articles screened. The majority of the publications were from Saudi Arabia (n = 24) and Kuwait (n = 10), while limited representation was found from Qatar (n = 3) and the UAE (n = 1). No articles were identified from Oman and Bahrain. The studies focused on metals, organohalogen compounds, pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and phthalates. The findings revealed elevated levels of metals and established correlations between metal exposure and adverse health effects, including infant neurodevelopmental issues, vitamin D deficiency, and oxidative stress. The presence of organohalogen compounds and pesticides was prevalent in the GCC region, with significant associations between exposure to these compounds and negative health outcomes. Notably, high levels of perchlorate were observed in the Kuwaiti population, and a study from Saudi Arabia found an association between per- and polyfluorinated substances and increased odds of osteoporosis.
CONCLUSIONS
This review emphasizes the need to address environmental health challenges in the GCC region through improved HBM research methods and strategies. Implementing biomonitoring programs, conducting cohort studies, investing in tools and expertise, promoting collaboration, and engaging the community are crucial for reliable HBM data in the GCC.
Topics: Humans; Biological Monitoring; Saudi Arabia; Kuwait; Oman; Pesticides
PubMed: 37479209
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116650 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Dec 2023Glehnia littoralis Fr. Schmidtex Miq. is a well-known perennial herb that is used in traditional medicine in China, Japan and Korea. G. littoralis has the effects of... (Review)
Review
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Glehnia littoralis Fr. Schmidtex Miq. is a well-known perennial herb that is used in traditional medicine in China, Japan and Korea. G. littoralis has the effects of treating the lungs with heat, nourishing yin and blood, and acting as an expectorant. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions containing G. littoralis have various clinical applications, such as clearing heat, relieving coughs, treating hepatic fibrosis, resolving phlegm, and treating esophagitis.
AIM OF THE REVIEW
This paper aims to provide a comprehensive and productive review of G. littoralis, mainly including traditional application, ethnopharmacology, chemical composition, pharmacological activities, and quality control.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Literature search was conducted through the Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Springer Link, PubMed, Baidu Scholar, CNKI, and WanFang DATA by using the keywords "Glehnia littoralis", "Radix Glehniae", "Bei Shashen", "Clinical application", "Chemical composition", "Quality control" and "pharmacological action". In addition, information was collected from relevant ancient books, reviews, and documents (1980-2022).
RESULTS
G. littoralis is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine with great clinical value and rich resources. More than 186 components, including coumarins, lignans, polyacetylenes, organic acids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, have been isolated and identified from G. littoralis. The pharmacological activities of more than half of these chemicals are yet unknown. Polyacetylenes and coumarins are the most important bioactive compounds responsible for pharmacological activities, such as antiproliferative, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antitussive, immune regulation and analgesic. In this study, the progress in chemical analysis of G. littoralis, including thin-layer chromatography (TLC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (MS), and HPLC-MS, were summarized.
CONCLUSION
In this paper reviewed the previous literature regarding ethnopharmacological, phytochemical, pharmacological, and quality evaluation of the processing of G. littoralis was reviewed, providing potential reference information for future investigation and clinical applications. However, research on the relationship between chemical constituents and traditional uses of G. littoralis is lacking, and the comprehensive pharmacological effects and mechanisms of G. littoralis require further detailed exploration. In addition, an efficient method for chemical profiling is still unavailable to obtain potent bioactive markers for quality control. Perfect quality standards, which are also the basis for further drug development of G. littoralis, are urgently needed to ensure its quality and clinical application.
Topics: Ethnopharmacology; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Medicine, Traditional; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Phytochemicals
PubMed: 37369334
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116831 -
Nutrients Jul 2023Stevia ( Bertoni) is an aromatic plant known for its high sweetening power ascribed to its glycosides. Stevia also contains several bioactive compounds showing... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Stevia ( Bertoni) is an aromatic plant known for its high sweetening power ascribed to its glycosides. Stevia also contains several bioactive compounds showing antioxidant, antiproliferative, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities. Since inflammation and oxidative stress play critical roles in the pathogenesis of many diseases, stevia emerges as a promising natural product that could support human health. In this study we set out to investigate the way stevia affects oxidative stress markers (e.g., SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH, MDA) in diseased rats administered stevia leaf extracts or glycosides. To this end, we performed an inclusive literature search, following PRISMA guidelines, and recruited multivariate meta-analysis and meta-regression to synthesize all available data on experimental animal models encountering (a) healthy, (b) diseased, and (c) stevia-treated diseased rats. From the 184 articles initially retrieved, 24 satisfied the eligibility criteria, containing 104 studies. Our results demonstrate that regardless of the assay employed, stevia leaf extracts restored all oxidative stress markers to a higher extent compared to pure glycosides. Meta-regression analysis revealed that results from SOD, CAT, GSH, and TAC assays are not statistically significantly different ( = 0.184) and can be combined in meta-analysis. Organic extracts from stevia leaves showed more robust antioxidant properties compared to aqueous or hydroalcoholic ones. The restoration of oxidative markers ranged from 65% to 85% and was exhibited in all tested tissues. Rats with diabetes mellitus were found to have the highest restorative response to stevia leaf extract administration. Our results suggest that stevia leaf extract can act protectively against various diseases through its antioxidant properties. However, which of each of the multitude of stevia compounds contribute to this effect, and to what extent, awaits further investigation.
Topics: Humans; Rats; Animals; Antioxidants; Stevia; Plant Extracts; Glycosides; Superoxide Dismutase; Plant Leaves
PubMed: 37571265
DOI: 10.3390/nu15153325 -
Journal of Controlled Release :... Jan 2024Zeolite imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) is a biomaterial that has been increasingly studied in recent years. It has several applications such as bone regeneration,... (Review)
Review
Zeolite imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) is a biomaterial that has been increasingly studied in recent years. It has several applications such as bone regeneration, promotion of angiogenesis, drug loading, and antibacterial activity, and exerts multiple effects to deal with various problems in the process of bone regeneration. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of the applications and effectiveness of ZIF-8 in bone regeneration. A search of papers published in the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases revealed 532 relevant studies. Title, abstract, and full-text screening resulted in 39 papers being included in the review, including 39 in vitro and 22 animal studies. Appropriate concentrations of nano ZIF-8 can promote cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation by releasing Zn and entering the cell, whereas high doses of ZIF-8 are cytotoxic and inhibit osteogenic differentiation. In addition, five studies confirmed that ZIF-8 exhibits good vasogenic activity. In all in vivo experiments, nano ZIF-8 promoted bone formation. These results indicate that, at appropriate concentrations, materials containing ZIF-8 promote bone regeneration more than materials without ZIF-8, and with characteristics such as promoting angiogenesis, drug loading, and antibacterial activity, it is expected to show promising applications in the field of bone regeneration. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This manuscript reviewed the use of ZIF-8 in bone regeneration, clarified the biocompatibility and effectiveness in promoting bone regeneration of ZIF-8 materials, and discussed the possible mechanisms and factors affecting its promotion of bone regeneration. Overall, this study provides a better understanding of the latest advances in the field of bone regeneration of ZIF-8, serves as a design guide, and contributes to the design of future experimental studies.
Topics: Animals; Osteogenesis; Zeolites; Bone Regeneration; Biocompatible Materials; Anti-Bacterial Agents
PubMed: 38042375
DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.11.049 -
Journal of Environmental Management Sep 2023The use of organic fertilizer for agricultural production can reduce the use of chemical fertilizer (CF), reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and maintain crop production....
The use of organic fertilizer for agricultural production can reduce the use of chemical fertilizer (CF), reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and maintain crop production. However, biogas slurry (BS), a liquid with a high moisture content and a low C/N ratio, differs from commercial organic fertilizer and manure in terms of its impact on the soil N cycle. Replacing CF with BS needs to be reconsidered regarding soil nitrous oxide (NO) emissions and crop production in terms of fertilization, agricultural land type, and soil characteristics. For this systematic review, the results of 92 published studies worldwide were collected. Based on the findings, the combined application of BS and CF can significantly increase soil total N (TN), microbial biomass N (MBN), and soil organic matter (SOM) levels. The Chaol and ACE index values of soil bacteria were increased by 13.58% and 18.53%, whereas those of soil fungi were decreased by 10.45% and 14.53%, respectively. At a replacement ratio (rr) ≤ 70%, crop yield was promoted by 2.20%-12.17%, and soil NO emissions were reduced by 1.94%-21.81%. A small rr (≤30%) was more conducive to growth, and a moderate rr (30% < rr ≤ 70%) was more favorable for NO emission reduction, especially in the dryland crop system. However, at rr = 100%, soil NO emissions in neutral and alkaline dryland soil were increased by 28.56%-32.22%. The importance analysis of the influencing factors showed that the proportion of BS, the N application rate, and the temperature were the factors affecting soil NO emissions. Our results provide a scientific basis for the safe use of BS in agricultural systems.
Topics: Soil; Biofuels; Fertilizers; Agriculture; Nitrous Oxide; Nitrogen; China
PubMed: 37315456
DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118339 -
Journal of Environmental Sciences... Oct 2024Electrochemical methods are increasingly favored for remediating polluted environments due to their environmental compatibility and reagent-saving features. However, a...
Electrochemical methods are increasingly favored for remediating polluted environments due to their environmental compatibility and reagent-saving features. However, a comprehensive understanding of recent progress, mechanisms, and trends in these methods is currently lacking. Web of Science (WoS) databases were utilized for searching the primary data to understand the knowledge structure and research trends of publications on electrochemical methods and to unveil certain hotspots and future trends of electrochemical methods research. The original data were sampled from 9080 publications in those databases with the search deadline of June 1, 2022. CiteSpace and VOSviewer software facilitated data visualization and analysis of document quantities, source journals, institutions, authors, and keywords. We discussed principles, influencing factors, and progress related to seven major electrochemical methods. Notably, publications on this subject have experienced significant growth since 2007. The most frequently-investigated areas in electrochemical methods included novel materials development, heavy metal remediation, organic pollutant degradation, and removal mechanism identification. "Advanced oxidation process" and "Nanocomposite" are currently trending topics. The major remediation mechanisms are adsorption, oxidation, and reduction. The efficiency of electrochemical systems is influenced by material properties, system configuration, electron transfer efficiency, and power density. Electro-Fenton exhibits significant advantages in achieving synergistic effects of anodic oxidation and electro-adsorption among the seven techniques. Future research should prioritize the improvement of electron transfer efficiency, the optimization of electrode materials, the exploration of emerging technology coupling, and the reduction in system operation and maintenance costs.
Topics: Environmental Restoration and Remediation; Electrochemical Techniques; Bibliometrics; Environmental Pollutants
PubMed: 38802224
DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2023.08.003 -
Frontiers in Toxicology 2024Pyrethroids are natural organic compounds extracted from flowers of pyrethrums and commonly used as domestic and commercial insecticides. Although it is effective in...
Pyrethroids are natural organic compounds extracted from flowers of pyrethrums and commonly used as domestic and commercial insecticides. Although it is effective in insect and parasitic control, its associated toxicity, including spermotoxicity, remains a challenge globally. Currently, the available reports on the effect of pyrethroids on semen quality are conflicting, hence an evaluation of its detrimental effect is pertinent. This study conducts a detailed systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of pyrethroids on sperm quality. The present study was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Using a pre-defined strategic protocol, an internet search was done using combined text words. The criteria for eligibility were selected based on Population, Exposure, Comparator, Outcome, and Study Designs (PECO) framework, and relevant data were collected. Appraisal was done using The Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) tool for the evaluation of the Risk of Bias and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) Working Group guidelines for the certainty of evidence. A quantitative meta-analysis was conducted with the Review Manager (RevMan). Only 12 out of the 4, 050 studies screened were eligible for inclusion in this study. The eligible studies were from China (4), Japan (3), Poland (3), and United States (2). All the eligible studies were cross-sectional. A total of 2, 050 male subjects were included in the meta-analysis. Pyrethroid exposure significantly reduced sperm motility. Region-stratified subgroup analyses revealed that pyrethroid significantly reduced sperm motility among men in Poland and United States, and decreased sperm count among men in Japan. Pyrethroid exposure also reduced sperm concentration among men in Poland but increased sperm concentration among men in the United States. Although the study revealed inconsistent evidence on the detrimental effect of pyrethroids on semen quality, the findings showed that pyrethroids have deleterious potentials on sperm motility, count, and concentration. Studies focusing on the assessment of semen quality in pyrethroid-exposed men, especially at specific varying levels of exposure, and employing prospective cohort studies or controlled cross-sectional designs are recommended.
PubMed: 38919453
DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2024.1395010 -
Amino Acids Dec 2023Bioactive peptides consist of small protein fragments, which are inactive in their original conformation, and they become active when released from these through... (Review)
Review
Bioactive peptides consist of small protein fragments, which are inactive in their original conformation, and they become active when released from these through enzymatic hydrolysis or fermentation processes. The bioactivity of such peptides has been extensively reported in the literature as contributors to organic homeostasis processes, as well as in immunomodulation, organism defense against oxidative processes, among others. In this study, reports of the activity of BPs isolated from milk with the potential glycemic control, antihypertensive activity, and inhibitors of uric acid formation were compiled. A systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis were conducted, using the PICO strategy for the research. The temporal analysis of publications revealed a growing interest in the investigation of bioactive peptides with potential antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities, using dairy sources as products for their extraction. The literature analysis also revealed an increase in research involving non-bovine dairy products for bioactive peptide extraction. The collaboration network among authors exhibited weaknesses in scientific cooperation. Regarding the analysis of keywords, the usage of terms such as "bioactive peptides", "antioxidant", "antihypertensive", and "diabetes" was evident, constituting the main research clusters. Peptides with low molecular weight, typically < 10 kDa, of hydrophobic nature with aliphatic and aromatic chains, have significant implications in molecular interactions for the required activities. Although there is a growing interest in the industry regarding the utilization of bioactive peptides as potential drugs, there is a need to address gaps related to elucidating their interactions with cellular targets and their use in human therapy.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Antihypertensive Agents; Milk; Xanthine Oxidase; Hypoglycemic Agents; Peptides; Enzyme Inhibitors
PubMed: 37938416
DOI: 10.1007/s00726-023-03351-9 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Bertoni, a no-calorie natural sweetener, contains a plethora of polyphenols that exert antioxidant properties with potential medicinal significance. Due to the variety... (Review)
Review
Bertoni, a no-calorie natural sweetener, contains a plethora of polyphenols that exert antioxidant properties with potential medicinal significance. Due to the variety of functional groups, polyphenols exhibit varying solubility depending on the nature of the extraction solvents (water, organic, or their mixtures, defined further on as hydroalcoholic extracts). In the present study, we performed a systematic review, following PRISMA guidelines, and meta-analysis, synthesizing all available data from 45 articles encompassing 250 different studies. Our results showed that the total phenolic content (TPC) of hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts presents higher values (64.77 and 63.73 mg GAE/g) compared to organic extracts (33.39). Total flavonoid content (TFC) was also higher in aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts; meta-regression analysis revealed that outcomes in different measuring units (mg QE/g, mg CE/g, and mg RUE/g) do not present statistically significant differences and can be synthesized in meta-analysis. Using meta-regression analysis, we showed that outcomes from the chemical-based ABTS, FRAP, and ORAC antioxidant assays for the same extract type can be combined in meta-analysis because they do not differ statistically significantly. Meta-analysis of ABTS, FRAP, and ORAC assays outcomes revealed that the antioxidant activity profile of various extract types follows that of their phenolic and flavonoid content. Using regression meta-analysis, we also presented that outcomes from SOD, CAT, and POX enzymatic antioxidant assays are independent of the assay type (-value = 0.905) and can be combined. Our study constitutes the first effort to quantitatively and statistically synthesize the research results of individual studies using all methods measuring the antioxidant activity of stevia leaf extracts. Our results, in light of evidence-based practice, uncover the need for a broadly accepted, unified, methodological strategy to perform antioxidant tests, and offer documentation that the use of ethanol:water 1:1 mixtures or pure water can more efficiently extract stevia antioxidant compounds.
PubMed: 38929131
DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060692 -
Nutrition Reviews Jan 2024Kefir consumption has been associated with immune response modulation, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects.
CONTEXT
Kefir consumption has been associated with immune response modulation, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this systematic review was to investigate the role of kefir against inflammation and the main response mechanisms involved in this process in a murine model.
DATA SOURCES
The searches were searched in the PubMed, Science Direct, and LILACS databases. Only murine model studies, according to PRISMA guidelines, published in the past 10 years were included.
STUDY SELECTION
Only articles about original and placebo-controlled experiments in murine models used to investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of kefir were considered. Of the articles found, 349 were excluded according to the following criteria: duplicate articles (n = 99), off-topic title and abstract (n = 157), reviews (n = 47), studies in vitro (n = 29), and studies with humans (n = 17). In total, 23 studies were included in this review.
DATA EXTRACTION
Two independently working authors assessed the risk of bias and extracted data from the included studies.
RESULTS
Kefir consumption had positive effects on inflammation modulation. The main mechanisms involved were the reduction of pro-inflammatory and molecular markers; reduction in inflammatory infiltrate in tissues, serum biomarkers, risk factors for chronic diseases, and parasitic infection; composition and metabolic activity change of intestinal microbiota and mycobiota; activation of humoral and cellular immunity; and modulation of oxidative stress.
CONCLUSIONS
Kefir modulates the immune system in different experimental models, among other secondary outcomes, to improve overall health. The beverage reduces inflammation through the alternation between innate, Th1, and Th2 responses, reducing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines while increasing those of anti-inflammatory ones. In addition, it also mediates immunomodulatory and protective effects through the numerous molecular biomarkers and organic acids produced and secreted by kefir in the intestinal microbiota. The health-promoting effects attributed to kefir may help in the different treatments of inflammatory, chronic, and infectious diseases in the population.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Biomarkers; Disease Models, Animal; Inflammation; Kefir
PubMed: 37203423
DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuad052