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Nutrition Reviews Dec 2023Xanthophyll intake is known to improve eye health; however, its benefits on visual outcomes have not been systematically studied, particularly in a population with eye... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Effect of xanthophyll-rich food and supplement intake on visual outcomes in healthy adults and those with eye disease: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials.
CONTEXT
Xanthophyll intake is known to improve eye health; however, its benefits on visual outcomes have not been systematically studied, particularly in a population with eye diseases.
OBJECTIVE
A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression were conducted to investigate the effect of xanthophyll intake on visual outcomes, and further subgroup analysis was performed on the basis of eye disease status.
DATA SOURCES
The PubMed, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases were searched, and relevant randomized controlled trials were identified.
DATA EXTRACTION
For systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression, 43, 25, and 21 articles were selected, respectively.
DATA ANALYSIS
Xanthophyll intake enhanced macular pigment optical density (MPOD) for both heterochromatic flicker photometry (weighted mean difference [WMD], 0.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.03-0.07) and autofluorescence imaging (WMD, 0.08; 95%CI, 0.05-0.11) measurements and decreased photostress recovery time (WMD, -2.35; 95%CI, -4.49 to -0.20). While enhancement in visual acuity logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution was observed in response to the xanthophyll-rich food and supplement intake only for patients with eye disease (WMD, -0.04; 95%CI, -0.07 to -0.01). Meta-regression showed a positive correlation between change in MPOD (heterochromatic flicker photometry) and the corresponding change in serum lutein levels (regression coefficient = 0.068; P = 0.00).
CONCLUSION
Intake of xanthophyll-rich food or supplements can improve eye health. Additional improvement in visual acuity was observed in patients with eye disease. A positive association between MPOD and serum lutein level, while absent with dietary xanthophyll intake, suggests the importance of bioavailability when examining the effect of xanthophyll on eye health.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO registration no. CRD42021295337.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Lutein; Zeaxanthins; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Xanthophylls; Dietary Supplements; Eye Diseases
PubMed: 37094947
DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuad037 -
Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy Sep 2023To systematically review the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL).
METHODS
PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were searched for articles published by November 16, 2022, with no time restrictions. 'Cutaneous leishmaniasis' and 'photodynamic therapy' were searched using predefined search strings.
INCLUSION CRITERIA
(i) Randomized control trials; (ii) controlled clinical trials; (iii) case series; (iv) case reports; (v) participants were humans; (vi) clinical diagnosis was CL; (vii) treatment method used was PDT; and (viii) articles published in English.
RESULTS
In total, 303 articles were identified, including 14 papers meeting the criteria. The number of patients in each study ranged from 1 to 60 and the age ranged from 1 to 82 years. Aminolevulinic acid and methyl aminolevulinate were used as photosensitizers. Red light and sunlight were used as light sources. All reported satisfactory clinical effects. Side effects of treatment included burning sensation, pain and pigmentation after treatment. However, they were tolerable and temporary. The follow-up time ranged between 9 weeks and 24 months. A total of two patients recurred, but one did not recur after another round of PDT during the follow-up period.
CONCLUSIONS
The present study suggests that PDT is a safe and effective method for the treatment of CL, with tolerable side effects and good efficacy. As an alternative treatment method of CL, PDT has great potential. However, to verify the efficacy and specific mechanism of PDT for the optimal treatment strategy of CL, further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up times are needed.
Topics: Humans; Infant; Child, Preschool; Child; Adolescent; Young Adult; Adult; Middle Aged; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Photosensitizing Agents; Photochemotherapy; Aminolevulinic Acid; Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37245683
DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2023.103627 -
Beyoglu Eye Journal 2024Micro-pulse cyclophotocoagulation (MP-CPC) represents the latest iteration of minimally invasive laser procedures aimed at reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) through... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Micro-pulse cyclophotocoagulation (MP-CPC) represents the latest iteration of minimally invasive laser procedures aimed at reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) through the disruption of pigmented ciliary body epithelium. This systematic review aims to assess the efficacy and safety profile of the MP-CPC procedure in comparison to CW-CPC for the treatment of glaucoma.
METHODS
We initiated a search on PubMed, ScienceDirect, and the Cochrane Library databases for studies that compared micro-pulse and traditional CW-CPC in terms of their efficacy and safety profiles. We employed medical subject headings terms and keywords such as "cyclophotocoagulation," "cyclodestructive," "photocoagulation," "CPC," "micropulse," "micro-pulse," and "glaucoma" within the timeframe from 2015 to 2023. We assessed the success rate, IOP reduction, antiglaucoma medications, and complications of MP-CPC and CW-CPC.
RESULTS
We included six articles in this study, comprising two randomized controlled trials, three retrospective, and one prospective cohort, published between 2015 and 2023. Five out of six reported a significant reduction in IOP for both procedures with comparable success rates observed in MP-CPC compared to CW-CPC. One article reported an increase in IOP in MP-CPC. Both groups reported a decrease in the number of antiglaucoma medications, while one study reported an increase in medications in both MP-CPC and CW-CPC groups. Complication rates were lower in the MP-CPC group with two articles reporting a significant decrease compared to the CW-CPC group.
CONCLUSION
MP-CPC has shown promising results in the treatment of glaucoma in the adult population. With comparable results in IOP reduction and fewer instances of serious ocular complications, MP-CPC may open new possibilities for the use of cyclophotocoagulation procedures in the earlier stages of glaucoma. However, its efficacy in the pediatric population and for neovascular glaucoma remains less defined, thus warranting further studies to establish optimal laser parameters for different types of glaucoma and specific populations of glaucoma patients.
PubMed: 38504958
DOI: 10.14744/bej.2024.47123 -
Hematology (Amsterdam, Netherlands) Dec 2024This article conducts a systematic review of eltrombopag combined with immunosuppressive therapy for the treatment of aplastic anemia (AA), to demonstrate the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
This article conducts a systematic review of eltrombopag combined with immunosuppressive therapy for the treatment of aplastic anemia (AA), to demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of eltrombopag.
METHODS
PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, OVID, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang databases were searched. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were collected, ranging from the establishment of the database to August 2023. Two reviewers performed meta-analyses using the Cochrane systematic review method and RevMan 5.3 software.
RESULTS
This meta-analysis enrolled 5 studies with a total of 542 AA patients, including 274 in the experimental group and 268 in the control group. Meta-analyses were performed for efficacy and adverse reactions. The endpoint of effects included 6-month complete response (CR), 6-month partial response (PR), and 6-month overall response (OR). Eltrombopag combined with immunotherapy showed significant improvements in 6-month CR (OR: 2.20; 95% CI;1.54-3.12; < 0.0001) and 6-month OR (OR = 3.66, 95% CI 2.39-5.61, < 0.001)compared to immunosuppressive therapy for AA patients. In terms of safety, eltrombopag combined with immunosuppressive therapy showed significantly increased pigment deposition and abnormal liver function compared to immunosuppressive therapy alone.
CONCLUSION
Compared to immunosuppressive therapy alone, eltrombopag combined with immunosuppressive therapy showed significant improvements in 6-month CR and 6-month OR. However, it also resulted in increased pigment deposition and abnormal liver function in terms of safety.
Topics: Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Anemia, Aplastic; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Immunosuppression Therapy; Benzoates; Hydrazines; Pyrazoles
PubMed: 38553907
DOI: 10.1080/16078454.2024.2335419 -
3 Biotech Oct 2023Drought stress remains one of the most detrimental environmental constraints that hampers plant growth and development resulting in reduced yield and leading to economic... (Review)
Review
Drought stress remains one of the most detrimental environmental constraints that hampers plant growth and development resulting in reduced yield and leading to economic losses. Studies have highlighted the beneficial role of carbon-based nanomaterials (NMs) such as multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), graphene, fullerene, and metal-based nanoparticles (NPs) (Ag, Au, Cu, FeO, TiO, and ZnO) in plants under unfavorable conditions such as drought. NPs help plants cope with drought by improving plant growth indices and enhancing biomass. It improves water and nutrient uptake and utilization. It helps retain water by altering the cell walls and regulating stomatal closure. The photosynthetic parameters in NP-treated plants reportedly improved with the increase in pigment content and rate of photosynthesis. Due to NP exposure, the activation of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants has reportedly improved. These antioxidants play a significant role in the defense system against stress. Studies have reported the accumulation of osmolytes and secondary metabolites. Osmolytes scavenge reactive oxygen species, which can cause oxidative stress in plants. Secondary metabolites are involved in the water retention process, thus improving plant coping strategies with stress. The deleterious effects of drought stress are alleviated by reducing malondialdehyde resulting from lipid peroxidation. Reactive oxygen species accumulation is also controlled with NP treatment. Furthermore, NPs have been reported to regulate the expression of drought-responsive genes and the biosynthesis of phytohormones such as abscisic acid, auxin, gibberellin, and cytokinin, which help plants defend against drought stress. This study reviewed 72 journal articles from 192 Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and PubMed papers. In this review, we have discussed the impact of NP treatment on morphological, physio-biochemical, and molecular responses in monocot and dicot plants under drought conditions with an emphasis on NP uptake, transportation, and localization.
PubMed: 37693636
DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03751-4 -
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology Jul 2024Vitiligo, an autoimmune skin disorder linked to hormonal and genetic factors, results in reduced pigmentation due to a gradual decline in melanocyte activity. This... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Vitiligo, an autoimmune skin disorder linked to hormonal and genetic factors, results in reduced pigmentation due to a gradual decline in melanocyte activity. This systematic review delves into the role of dietary intervention and nutrition in managing vitiligo.
METHODS
A comprehensive search on PubMed, Google Scholar, and European PMC identified 214 studies, with 14 meeting inclusion criteria post-screening. The selected studies primarily explored the impact of dietary supplements on disease activity.
RESULTS
Heavy metal exposure, specifically Cd, Pb, and Hg, indicated potential links to heightened reactive oxygen species and vitiligo development. Conflicting evidence emerged regarding the role of trace minerals (Zn and Cu), with some studies suggesting deficiencies and others proposing excesses in vitiligo patients. Vitamins with anti-inflammatory properties like vitamin C, D, and B12, along with antioxidants, were investigated for their potential in repigmentation strategies. Additionally, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially in varying types of fat consumption, were implicated. Emphasizing the need to reduce reliance on pharmacological and phototherapy interventions, the review uncovers novel roles for dietary supplements as adjuncts or flare reducers.
CONCLUSION
While dietary interventions cannot be thought of as a standalone therapy, they still make a case for being used as adjuncts. Large scale clinical trials are warranted to establish strong evidence and protocols, and might also help reduce the dependency on pharmacological methods, which come with their adverse effect profiles.
Topics: Humans; Vitiligo; Dietary Supplements; Diet; Antioxidants; Vitamins; Nutritional Status; Skin Pigmentation; Trace Elements; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated
PubMed: 38465786
DOI: 10.1111/jocd.16277 -
Ophthalmology. Retina Jun 2024To evaluate which OCT prognostic biomarkers best predict the risk of progression from early/intermediate to late age-related macular degeneration (AMD). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
TOPIC
To evaluate which OCT prognostic biomarkers best predict the risk of progression from early/intermediate to late age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Among > 100 OCT prognostic biomarkers for AMD, it is unclear which are the most relevant for clinicians and researchers to focus on. This review evaluated which OCT biomarkers confer the greatest magnitude of prediction for progression to late AMD.
METHODS
Study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023400166). PubMed and Embase were searched from inception to March 2, 2023, and eligible studies assessed following the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. The primary outcome was any quantified risk of progression from treatment-naive early/intermediate AMD to late AMD, including hazard ratios (HRs), odds ratios (ORs), and standardized mean differences (at baseline, between eyes with versus without progression), subgrouped by each OCT biomarker. Further meta-analyses were subgrouped by progression to geographic atrophy or neovascularization.
RESULTS
A total of 114 quantified OCT prognostic biomarkers were identified. With high GRADE certainty of evidence, the greatest magnitudes of prediction to late AMD belonged to: external limiting membrane abnormality (OR, 15.42 [7.63, 31.17]), ellipsoid zone abnormality (OR, 10.8 [4.58, 25.46]), interdigitation zone abnormality (OR, 7.68 [2.57, 23]), concurrent large drusen and reticular pseudodrusen (HR, 6.73 [1.35, 33.65], hyporeflective drusen cores (HR, 2.48 [1.8, 3.4]; OR 1.85 [1.29, 2.66]), intraretinal hyperreflective foci (IHRF; HR, 2.16 [0.92, 5.07]; OR 5.08 [3.26, 7.92]), and large drusen (HR, 2.01 [1.35, 2.99]); OR, 1.98 [1.27, 3.08]). There was greater risk of geographic atrophy for IHRF and hyporeflective drusen cores (P < 0.05), and neovascularization for ellipsoid zone abnormality (P < 0.05). Other OCT biomarkers such as drusenoid pigment epithelium detachment, shallow irregular retinal pigment epithelium elevations, and nascent geographic atrophy exhibited large magnitudes of risk but required further studies for validation.
CONCLUSION
This review synthesizes the 6 most relevant OCT prognostic biomarkers for AMD with greater predictive ability than large drusen alone, for clinicians and researchers to focus on. Further study is required to validate other biomarkers with less than high certainty of evidence, and assess how the copresence of biomarkers may affect risks.
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)
The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
Topics: Humans; Disease Progression; Prognosis; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Biomarkers; Macular Degeneration
PubMed: 38154619
DOI: 10.1016/j.oret.2023.12.006 -
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology May 2024To date, a consensus on the relative efficacy and safety of CO fractional laser versus erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) fractional laser treatments for... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
To date, a consensus on the relative efficacy and safety of CO fractional laser versus erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) fractional laser treatments for atrophic acne scars has not been reached. This meta-analysis aims to systematically assess and compare their effectiveness and safety in clinical practice.
METHODS
For this meta-analysis, we conducted comprehensive searches in Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane databases, covering publications from their inception up to August 2023. Our focus was on studies comparing fractional CO laser with Er:YAG fractional laser treatments for atrophic acne scars. We excluded duplicate publications, research lacking full-text access, incomplete data, or cases where data extraction was not feasible. Additionally, animal experiments, reviews, and systematic reviews were not considered. Data analysis was performed using STATA 15.1.
RESULTS
Eight studies (seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and a retrospective study) were included in this meta-analysis. The sample size ranged from 28 to 106 with a total of 418 patients, including 210 in the CO fractional group and 208 in Er:YAG fractional group. The pooled results showed that the effective rate of CO fractional laser in treating atrophic acne scar was significantly higher than that of Er:YAG fractional laser (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.08-3.01) and the downtime of CO fractional laser in treating atrophic acne scar was significantly shorter than that of Er:YAG fractional laser (Weighted Mean Difference (WMD) = -2.11, 95% CI: -3.11 to -1.10). In addition, VAS of CO fractional laser in treating atrophic acne scar was significantly higher than that of Er:YAG fractional laser (WMD = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.32-2.21) and the duration of erythema of CO fractional laser in treating atrophic acne scar was significantly longer than that of Er:YAG fractional laser (WMD = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.63-2.07). However, there was no significant difference in the duration of pain and incidence of PIHbetween CO fractional laser and of Er:YAG fractional laser.
CONCLUSION
When it comes to treating atrophic acne scars, CO fractional laser demonstrates superior efficacy and leads to shorter downtime. However, it is important to note that CO fractional laser treatments tend to result in higher pain intensity and may carry a higher risk of post-treatment pigmentation compared to Er:YAG fractional laser procedures.
PubMed: 38733085
DOI: 10.1111/jocd.16348 -
Critical Reviews in Food Science and... Nov 2023Over the last 30 years, thousands of articles have appeared examining the effects of soaking and germinating brown rice (BR). Variable germination conditions and...
Over the last 30 years, thousands of articles have appeared examining the effects of soaking and germinating brown rice (BR). Variable germination conditions and methods have been employed to measure different health-beneficial parameters in a diverse germplasm of BR. Research results may therefore appear inconsistent with occasional anomalies, and it may be difficult to reach consensus concerning expected trends. Herein, we amassed a comprehensive review on germinated brown rice (GBR), attempting to codify 133 peer-reviewed articles regarding the effects on 164 chemical parameters related to health and nutrition in BR and in value-added food products. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA-2020) approach was used to direct the flow of the literature search. A pair-wise comparison t-test was performed to deliver an overall approach indicating when a given compound has been found to significantly increase or decrease through germination, which was grouped into GABA and polyamines, γ-Oryzanol and phytosterols, phenolic compounds, vitamins, proteins and amino acids, starchy carbohydrates, free sugars, lipids, minerals and phytic acid. This resource will stimulate interest in germinating rice and optimistically help increase both production and consumption of highly nutritious, health-beneficial rice with pigmented bran.
Topics: Oryza; Antioxidants; Food Handling; Minerals; Seeds; Germination
PubMed: 35816149
DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2094887 -
Food Science & Nutrition Nov 2023With the growing awareness of a healthy life, tea pigments (TPGs) are in focus for their health benefits. TPGs not only provide specific color to tea liquor but also... (Review)
Review
With the growing awareness of a healthy life, tea pigments (TPGs) are in focus for their health benefits. TPGs not only provide specific color to tea liquor but also possess health benefits such as anti-obesity, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-oxidative, and bacteriostatic properties. Also, TPGs can benefit bone, liver, kidney, cardiovascular, gut microbiome, and sleep health. Based on previous reports, this review provides a brief introduction to the health benefits of TPGs, focusing on the prevention of human diseases and the protection of organs. Also, the latest research on the functional mechanism(s), practical application, and development strategies of TPGs is discussed.
PubMed: 37970420
DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.3666