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Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience 2023Limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMD) constitute a heterogeneous group of neuromuscular disorders in which there are alterations in proteins responsible for the... (Review)
Review
Limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMD) constitute a heterogeneous group of neuromuscular disorders in which there are alterations in proteins responsible for the preservation of muscle architecture and function, leading to proximal and progressive muscle weakness. There is, however, significant phenotypic and genotypic variation, as well as difficulty in establishing biomarkers that help to define pathogenic mechanisms and assess disease severity and progression. In this field, there is special attention to microRNAs, small non-coding RNA molecules related to the regulation of gene expression and, consequently, the production of proteins. Thus, this research aimed to verify the correlation between the expression of microRNAs and the severity, progression, and therapeutic response of LGMD animal models. A search was carried out in the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, and SciELO databases, with articles in English and without a time limit. The PRISMA 2020 checklist was used, and the protocol of this review was submitted to PROSPERO. The bibliographic survey of the 434 records found that 5 original articles met the inclusion criteria. The studies explored myomicroRNAs or miRNA panels with gene expression analysis. The analysis demonstrates that miR-1, 133a, and 206 are differentially expressed in serum and muscle. They change according to the degree of inflammation, fibrosis, muscle regeneration, and progression of the dystrophic process. MicroRNAs are up-regulated in dystrophic muscles, which are reversed after treatment in a dose-dependent manner. The present study inferred that miRs are essential in severity, progression, and therapeutic response in LGMD models and may be a useful biomarker in clinical research and prognosis. However, the practical application of these findings should be further explored.
PubMed: 38130868
DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1233181 -
Journal of Pain Research 2024Cerebral blood flow and vascular structures serve as the fundamental components of brain metabolism and circulation. Acupuncture, an alternative and complementary... (Review)
Review
Understanding the Relationship Between Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Function and the Efficacy of Acupuncture in Treating Cerebral Ischemic Stroke: A Preclinical Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.
BACKGROUND
Cerebral blood flow and vascular structures serve as the fundamental components of brain metabolism and circulation. Acupuncture, an alternative and complementary medical approach, has demonstrated efficacy in treating cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS). Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying the impact of acupuncture on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) function remain uncertain. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the alterations in VSMC function following acupuncture stimulation in CIS models.
METHODS
The databases PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and EMBASE were queried until November 2022 using a predetermined search strategy. The FORMAT BY SYRCLE guidelines were adhered to, and the risk of bias of the included studies was evaluated using the Risk of Bias tool developed by the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation. The random-effects model was employed to estimate the standardized mean difference (SMD).
RESULTS
Eighteen articles are included in this review. Acupuncture showed significant positive effects on the region cerebral blood flow (SMD=8.15 [95% CI, 4.52 to 11.78]) and neurological deficiency (SMD=-3.75 [95% CI, -5.54 to -1.97]). Descriptive analysis showed a probable mechanism of acupuncture stimulation in CIS rats related to VSMC function. Limitations and publication bias were presented in the studies.
CONCLUSION
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, our findings indicate that acupuncture stimulation has the potential to improve regional cerebral blood flow and alleviate neurological deficits, possibly by regulating VSMC function. However, it is important to exercise caution when interpreting these results due to the limitations of animal experimental design and methodological quality.
PubMed: 38746535
DOI: 10.2147/JPR.S449499 -
Cell Journal Aug 2023The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to examine the effects of resistance exercise training on muscle stem cells in older adults. A database...
The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to examine the effects of resistance exercise training on muscle stem cells in older adults. A database search was performed (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar) to identify controlled clinical trials in English language. The mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and overall effect size were calculated for all comparisons. The PEDro scale was used to assess the methodological quality. Nineteen studies were included in the review. The meta-analysis found a significant effect of resistance training (RT) on muscle stem cells in the elderly (difference in means=-0.008, Z=-3.415, P=0.001). Also, muscle stem cells changes were similar in men and women (difference in means=-0.004, Z=-1.558, P=0.119) and significant changes occur in type II muscle fibers (difference in means=-0.017, Z=-7.048, P=0.000). Resistance-type exercise training significantly increased muscle stem cells content in intervention group that this result is similar in men and womenthis increase occurred more in type II muscle fibers.
PubMed: 37641413
DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2023.1986679.1206 -
Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and... Jun 2024Low skeletal muscle mass (LSMM) and/or, function associated with an increased risk of treatment-related toxicities and inferior overall survival (OS) among adults with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Low skeletal muscle mass (LSMM) and/or, function associated with an increased risk of treatment-related toxicities and inferior overall survival (OS) among adults with solid malignancies. However, the association between LSMM and treatment-related toxicities among adults with haematologic malignancies remains unclear.
METHODS
Using a pre-published protocol (CRD42020197814), we searched seven bibliographic databases from inception to 08/2021 for studies reporting the impact of LSMM among adults ≥18 years with a known haematologic malignancy. The primary outcome of interest was OS, and secondary outcomes included progression free survival (PFS) and non-relapse mortality (NRM). These effect sizes were quantified in terms of hazards ratio (HR) along with 95% confidence interval (CI) and pooled across studies using a DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochran's Q and the I statistic. All hypothesis testing was two-sided with an alpha of 0.05.
RESULTS
Of 3791 studies screened, we identified 20 studies involving 3468 patients with a mean age of 60 years; 44% were female and the most common malignancy was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (42%). Most studies measured muscle mass using single slice computed tomography imaging at the L3 level. The presence of LSMM was associated with worse OS (pooled HR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.48-2.22, P < 0.001) with moderate heterogeneity (Cochran's Q, I = 60.4%), PFS (pooled HR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.28-2.02, P < 0.001) with moderate heterogeneity (Cochran's Q, I = 66.0%). Similarly, LSMM was associated with worse NRM (HR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.34-2.22, P < 0.001) with little evidence of heterogeneity (Cochran's Q, I = 0.0%).
CONCLUSIONS
LSMM is associated with worse survival outcomes among adults with haematologic malignancies. Further research into understanding the underlying mechanism of this association and mitigating the negative effects of LSMM among adults with haematologic malignancies is needed.
Topics: Humans; Hematologic Neoplasms; Muscle, Skeletal; Treatment Outcome; Adult; Middle Aged; Female; Male
PubMed: 38558541
DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13446 -
Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and... Apr 2024Cachexia, with weight loss (WL) as a major component, is highly prevalent in patients with cancer and indicates a poor prognosis. The primary objective of this study was... (Review)
Review
Cachexia, with weight loss (WL) as a major component, is highly prevalent in patients with cancer and indicates a poor prognosis. The primary objective of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis to estimate the risk of mortality associated with cachexia (using established WL criteria prior to treatment initiation) in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in studies identified through a systematic literature review. The review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Embase® and PubMed were searched to identify articles on survival outcomes in adult patients with NSCLC (any stage) and cachexia published in English between 1 January 2016 and 10 October 2021. Two independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts and full texts of identified records against predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Following a feasibility assessment, a meta-analysis evaluating the impact of cachexia, defined per the international consensus criteria (ICC), or of pre-treatment WL ≥ 5% without a specified time interval, on overall survival in patients with NSCLC was conducted using a random-effects model that included the identified studies as the base case. The impact of heterogeneity was evaluated through sensitivity and subgroup analyses. The standard measures of statistical heterogeneity were calculated. Of the 40 NSCLC publications identified in the review, 20 studies that used the ICC for cachexia or reported WL ≥ 5% and that performed multivariate analyses with hazard ratios (HRs) or Kaplan-Meier curves were included in the feasibility assessment. Of these, 16 studies (80%; n = 6225 patients; published 2016-2021) met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis: 11 studies (69%) used the ICC and 5 studies (31%) used WL ≥ 5%. Combined criteria (ICC plus WL ≥ 5%) were associated with an 82% higher mortality risk versus no cachexia or WL < 5% (pooled HR [95% confidence interval, CI]: 1.82 [1.47, 2.25]). Although statistical heterogeneity was high (I = 88%), individual study HRs were directionally aligned with the pooled estimate, and there was considerable overlap in CIs across included studies. A subgroup analysis of studies using the ICC (HR [95% CI]: 2.26 [1.80, 2.83]) or WL ≥ 5% (HR [95% CI]: 1.28 [1.12, 1.46]) showed consistent findings. Assessments of methodological, clinical and statistical heterogeneity indicated that the meta-analysis was robust. Overall, this analysis found that ICC-defined cachexia or WL ≥ 5% was associated with inferior survival in patients with NSCLC. Routine assessment of both weight and weight changes in the oncology clinic may help identify patients with NSCLC at risk for worse survival, better inform clinical decision-making and assess eligibility for cachexia clinical trials.
PubMed: 38650388
DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13477 -
PloS One 2024This study aimed to evaluate the intervention effect of curcumin on hepatic fibrosis in rodent models through systematic review and meta-analysis, in order to provide... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to evaluate the intervention effect of curcumin on hepatic fibrosis in rodent models through systematic review and meta-analysis, in order to provide meaningful guidance for clinical practice.
METHODS
A systematic retrieval of relevant studies on curcumin intervention in rats or mice hepatic fibrosis models was conducted, and the data were extracted. The outcome indicators included liver cell structure and function related indicators, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin (ALB), ratio of albumin to globulin (A/G), total bilirubin (TBIL), bax protein, bcl-2 protein and index of liver, as well as the relevant indicators for evaluating the degree of hepatic fibrosis, such as hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), type I collagen (Collagen I), type III collagen (Collagen III), type III procollagen (PCIII), type III procollagen amino terminal peptide (PIIINP), type IV collagen (IV-C), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), α-Smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), hydroxyproline (HYP), platelet derived factor-BB (PDGF-BB), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and oxidative stress-related indicators, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). These results were then analyzed by meta-analysis. Studies were evaluated for methodological quality using the syrcle's bias risk tool.
RESULTS
A total of 59 studies were included in the meta-analysis, and the results showed that curcumin can reduce the levels of ALT, AST, ALP, TBIL, bax protein, and index of liver in hepatic fibrosis models. It can also reduce HA, LN, Collagen I, Collagen III, PCIII, PIIINP, IV-C, TNF-α, α-SMA, HYP, PDGF-BB, CTGF, TGF-β1 and MDA, and increase the levels of ALB, A/G, SOD, and GSH-Px in the hepatic fibrosis models. However, the effects of curcumin on bcl-2 protein, IL-6 in hepatic fibrosis models and index of liver in mice were not statistically significant.
CONCLUSION
The analysis results indicate that curcumin can reduce liver cell apoptosis by maintaining the stability of liver cell membrane, inhibit the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells by reducing inflammatory response, and alleviate tissue peroxidation damage by clearing oxygen free radicals.
Topics: Animals; Liver Cirrhosis; Curcumin; Mice; Rats; Disease Models, Animal; Oxidative Stress; Liver
PubMed: 38781262
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304176 -
Journal of Research in Medical Sciences... 2023Human T-cell lymph tropic virus type 1 (HTLV-I)-related myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP) is a progressive inflammatory process affecting the spinal cord... (Review)
Review
Nonpharmacological interventions and outcomes in the management of complications of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1-related myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis: A systematic review.
BACKGROUND
Human T-cell lymph tropic virus type 1 (HTLV-I)-related myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP) is a progressive inflammatory process affecting the spinal cord that occurs as a result of HTLV 1. The use of nonpharmacological approaches has always been one of the treatment strategies in these patients, but disagreement about these interventions and their results has led to their limited use. Therefore, this study aimed to identify nonpharmacological interventions and their consequences in these patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We followed the Cochrane Handbook for systematic reviews of interventions. The present report is organized according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. This study was conducted at PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus, among all published studies by December 30, 2021. Keywords were: HTLV-1, Human T-lymph tropic virus 1, HTLV-I-associated myelopathy, HAM/TSP, tropical spastic paraparesis, nonpharmacological intervention, nonpharmacological treatment, massage, physiotherapy, acupuncture, acupressure, and exercise. The quality of the studies was assessed using JADAD.
RESULTS
Of 288 articles, 11 were eligible for data extraction published between 2014 and 2021. 90/9% of studies were randomized clinical trials. 81/8% of articles were of high quality. The total sample size was 253 people, of which 137 (54/15%) were women. Approaches such as exercise and motion therapy, electrotherapy, behavioral therapy, and virtual reality can be used for these patients. With these interventions, results such as improved mobility and balance, physical condition, pain, quality of life, muscle spasticity, maximum inspiratory pressure, and urinary symptoms can be achieved.
CONCLUSION
The most common physical therapy method used in studies was active and passive body movements, which are associated with positive results for patients. Due to the small sample size in this group of studies, it is necessary to conduct more clinical trials for more accurate conclusions. Furthermore, due to the limited number of studies that have used electrical stimulation or combined intervention packages, it is not possible to say with certainty what effect these methods have on patients. It is necessary to conduct more clinical trials.
PubMed: 38510783
DOI: 10.4103/jrms.jrms_300_22 -
Journal of Translational Medicine May 2024The appropriate use of predictive equations in estimating body composition through bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) depends on the device used and the subject's... (Review)
Review
The appropriate use of predictive equations in estimating body composition through bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) depends on the device used and the subject's age, geographical ancestry, healthy status, physical activity level and sex. However, the presence of many isolated predictive equations in the literature makes the correct choice challenging, since the user may not distinguish its appropriateness. Therefore, the present systematic review aimed to classify each predictive equation in accordance with the independent parameters used. Sixty-four studies published between 1988 and 2023 were identified through a systematic search of international electronic databases. We included studies providing predictive equations derived from criterion methods, such as multi-compartment models for fat, fat-free and lean soft mass, dilution techniques for total-body water and extracellular water, total-body potassium for body cell mass, and magnetic resonance imaging or computerized tomography for skeletal muscle mass. The studies were excluded if non-criterion methods were employed or if the developed predictive equations involved mixed populations without specific codes or variables in the regression model. A total of 106 predictive equations were retrieved; 86 predictive equations were based on foot-to-hand and 20 on segmental technology, with no equations used the hand-to-hand and leg-to-leg. Classifying the subject's characteristics, 19 were for underaged, 26 for adults, 19 for athletes, 26 for elderly and 16 for individuals with diseases, encompassing both sexes. Practitioners now have an updated list of predictive equations for assessing body composition using BIA. Researchers are encouraged to generate novel predictive equations for scenarios not covered by the current literature.Registration code in PROSPERO: CRD42023467894.
Topics: Electric Impedance; Humans; Body Composition; Male; Female; Reference Standards; Adult; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38812005
DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05272-x -
Frontiers in Immunology 2023This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitors or PD-L1 inhibitors [PD-(L)1 inhibitors] for muscle-invasive bladder carcinoma... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitors or PD-L1 inhibitors [PD-(L)1 inhibitors] for muscle-invasive bladder carcinoma (MIBC).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Four databases (Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and 21 CENTRAL) were searched for articles studying neoadjuvant PD-(L)1 inhibitors for MIBC. The search time period was from the establishment of each database to 21 July 2023. Meta-analyses of pCR, pPR, Grade≥ 3 irAEs rate, RFS, and OS were performed.
RESULTS
In total, 22 studies were included for meta-analysis. The overall pooled pCR of neoadjuvant PD-(L)1 inhibitors was 0.36 (95%CI=0.30-0.42, p=0.00). In subgroup meta-analysis, the pooled PCR of PD-(L)1 inhibitors alone, PD-(L)1 inhibitors plus other ICI, and PD-(L)1 inhibitors plus chemotherapy was 0.27 (95%CI=0.19-0.35, p=0.1), 0.41 (95%CI=0.21-0.62, p=0.01), 0.43 (95%CI=0.35-0.50, p=0.06), respectively. The overall pooled pPR of neoadjuvant PD-(L)1 inhibitors was 0.53 (95%CI=0.46-0.60, p=0.00). In subgroup meta-analysis, the pooled pPR of PD-(L)1 inhibitors alone, PD-(L)1 inhibitors plus other ICI, and PD-(L)1 inhibitors plus chemotherapy was 0.36 (95%CI=0.22-0.51, p=0.01), 0.51 (95%CI=0.39-0.62, p=0.43), and 0.61 (95%CI=0.53-0.69, p=0.01), respectively. Kaplan-Meier curves for OS and RFS were reconstructed, but there was no significant difference among three groups in terms of OS or RFS. The pooled result of Grade≥ 3 irAEs rate for neoadjuvant PD-(L)1 inhibitors was 0.15 (95%CI=0.09-0.22, p=0.00%). In subgroup analysis, the pooled result of Grade≥ 3 irAEs rate for PD-(L)1 inhibitors alone, PD-(L)1 inhibitors plus other ICI, and PD-(L)1 inhibitors plus chemotherapy was 0.07 (95%CI=0.04-0.11, p=0.84), 0.31 (95%CI=0.16-0.47, p=0.06), and 0.17 (95%CI=0.06-0.31, I = 71.27%, p=0.01), respectively.
CONCLUSION
Neoadjuvant PD-(L)1 inhibitors were feasible and safe for muscle invasive bladder cancer. Compared with PD-(L)1 inhibitors alone, PD-(L)1 inhibitors plus other ICI and PD-(L)1 inhibitors plus chemotherapy were associated with higher pCR and pPR, but higher Grade≥3 irAEs. Kaplan-Meier curves for OS and RFS indicated that neoadjuvant PD-(L)1 inhibitors had an acceptable long-term prognostic, but it was not possible to discern statistical differences between the three neoadjuvant subgroups.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023452437, identifier PROSPERO (CRD42023452437).
Topics: Humans; Databases, Factual; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Muscles; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms
PubMed: 38264649
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1332213 -
Cancer Treatment and Research... 2024The management of periocular basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is challenging due to its proximity to the eyeball. Vismodegib, a Hedgehog pathway inhibitor, has emerged as a... (Review)
Review
The management of periocular basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is challenging due to its proximity to the eyeball. Vismodegib, a Hedgehog pathway inhibitor, has emerged as a therapeutic option for locally advanced and metastatic BCC. To critically appraise the relevant evidence, we conducted a systematic review of observational and experimental studies assessing the efficacy and safety of vismodegib for periocular BCC. Thirty-seven trials, including 435 patients, were eligible. No randomized trials were retrieved. Complete and overall clinical response rates were 20-88 % and 68-100 %, respectively. Disease progression was observed at a maximum rate of 14 %. Recurrence rates varied between 0 % and 31 %. The most common side effects were muscle cramps, dysgeusia, weight loss and alopecia. Treatment with vismodegib improved health-related quality of life. In conclusion, vismodegib represents an important novel treatment for advanced periocular BCC, with good response rates and acceptable tolerability profile. Nevertheless, its full potential needs clarification through randomized controlled trials.
Topics: Humans; Anilides; Antineoplastic Agents; Carcinoma, Basal Cell; Pyridines; Quality of Life; Skin Neoplasms
PubMed: 38367414
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2024.100796