-
Neurological Sciences : Official... Oct 2023The study aims to increase understanding of edaravone's efficacy and safety as an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) treatment and provide significant insights... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIM
The study aims to increase understanding of edaravone's efficacy and safety as an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) treatment and provide significant insights regarding this field's future research.
METHODS
We conducted a comprehensive search of the Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus databases for randomized controlled trials and observational studies up until September 2022. We evaluated the studies' quality using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and the National Institutes of Health tool.
RESULTS
We included 11 studies with 2845 ALS patients. We found that edaravone improved the survival rate at 18, 24, and 30 months (risk ratio (RR) = 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.02 to 1.24], P = 0.02), (RR = 1.22, 95% CI [1.06 to 1.41], P = 0.007), and (RR = 1.17, 95% CI [1.01 to 1.34], P = 0.03), respectively. However, the administration of edaravone did not result in any significant difference in adverse effects or efficacy outcomes between the two groups, as indicated by a P value greater than 0.05.
CONCLUSION
Edaravone improves survival rates of ALS patients at 18, 24, and 30 months with no adverse effects. However, edaravone does not affect functional outcomes. In order to ensure the validity of our findings and assess the results in accordance with the disease stage, it is essential to carry out additional prospective, rigorous, and high-quality clinical trials. The current study offers preliminary indications regarding the effectiveness and safety of edaravone. However, further comprehensive research is required to establish the generalizability and sustainability of the findings.
Topics: United States; Humans; Edaravone; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Severity of Illness Index
PubMed: 37249667
DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-06869-8 -
Phytomedicine : International Journal... Jul 2024Sulforaphane (SFN) is a dietary isothiocyanate, derived from glucoraphanin, present in cruciferous vegetables belonging to the Brassica genus. It is a biologically... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Sulforaphane (SFN) is a dietary isothiocyanate, derived from glucoraphanin, present in cruciferous vegetables belonging to the Brassica genus. It is a biologically active phytochemical that acts as a nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) inducer. Thus, it has been reported to have multiple protective functions including anticancer responses and protection against a toxic agent's action.
PURPOSE
The present work systematically reviewed and synthesised the protective properties of sulforaphane against a toxic agent. This review reveals the mechanism of the action of SFN in each organ or system.
METHODS
The PRISMA guideline was followed in this sequence: researched literature, organised retrieved documents, abstracted relevant information, assessed study quality and bias, synthesised data, and prepared a comprehensive report. Searches were conducted on Science Direct and PubMed using the keywords "Sulforaphane" AND ("protective effects" OR "protection against").
RESULTS
Reports showed that liver and the nervous system are the target organs on which attention was focused, and this might be due to the key role of oxidative stress in liver and neurodegenerative diseases. However, protective activities have also been demonstrated in the lungs, heart, immune system, kidneys, and endocrine system. SFN exerts its protective effects by activating the Nrf2 pathway, which enhances antioxidant defenses and reduces oxidative stress. It also suppresses inflammation by decreasing interleukin production. Moreover, SFN inhibits apoptosis by preventing caspase 3 cleavage and increasing Bcl2 levels. Overall, SFN demonstrates multifaceted mechanisms to counteract the adverse effects of toxic agents.
CONCLUSION
SFN has potential clinical applications as a chemoprotective agent. Nevertheless, more studies are necessary to set the safe doses of SFN in humans.
Topics: Isothiocyanates; Sulfoxides; Humans; Animals; Brassica; Oxidative Stress; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; Protective Agents
PubMed: 38824824
DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155731 -
Journal of the American Heart... Dec 2023Cardiovascular calcification, characterized by deposition of calcium phosphate in the arterial wall and heart valves, is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and...
BACKGROUND
Cardiovascular calcification, characterized by deposition of calcium phosphate in the arterial wall and heart valves, is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and is commonly seen in aging, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Whether evidence-based interventions could significantly attenuate cardiovascular calcification progression remains uncertain.
METHODS AND RESULTS
We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials involving interventions, compared with placebo, another comparator, or standard of care, to attenuate cardiovascular calcification. Included clinical trials involved participants without chronic kidney disease, and the outcome was cardiovascular calcification measured using radiological methods. Quality of evidence was determined by the Cochrane risk of bias and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations assessment. Forty-nine randomized controlled trials involving 9901 participants (median participants 104, median duration 12 months) were eligible for inclusion. Trials involving aged garlic extract (n=6 studies) consistently showed attenuation of cardiovascular calcification. Trials involving 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (n=14), other lipid-lowering agents (n=2), hormone replacement therapies (n=3), vitamin K (n=5), lifestyle measures (n=4), and omega-3 fatty acids (n=2) consistently showed no attenuation of cardiovascular calcification with these therapies. Trials involving antiresorptive (n=2), antihypertensive (n=2), antithrombotic (n=4), and hypoglycemic agents (n=3) showed mixed results. Singleton studies involving salsalate, folate with vitamin B6 and 12, and dalcetrapib showed no attenuation of cardiovascular calcification. Overall, Cochrane risk of bias was moderate, and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations assessment for a majority of analyses was moderate certainty of evidence.
CONCLUSIONS
Currently, there are insufficient or conflicting data for interventions evaluated in clinical trials for mitigation of cardiovascular calcification. Therapy involving aged garlic extract appears most promising, but evaluable studies were small and of short duration.
Topics: Humans; Antioxidants; Diabetes Mellitus; Disease Progression; Hypoglycemic Agents; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Vascular Calcification; Garlic; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 38014685
DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.123.031676 -
European Review For Medical and... Oct 2023There is an abundance of information on facelifts, blepharoplasties, rhinoplasty, and other cosmetic surgical procedures for the upper third of the face, but little is...
OBJECTIVE
There is an abundance of information on facelifts, blepharoplasties, rhinoplasty, and other cosmetic surgical procedures for the upper third of the face, but little is known about perioral lip rejuvenation. The aim of this article is to examine the existing literature on lip rejuvenation and perioral procedures related to lip rejuvenation. Additionally, this article aims to highlight the importance of addressing perioral areas alongside lip rejuvenation procedures, rather than solely focusing on lip rejuvenation. We also discussed the extensive procedures and materials used for lip rejuvenation, such as hyaluronic acid, botulinum toxin A, abobotulinum, onabotulinum, incobotulinum, prabobotulinum, fat grafts, silicone fillers, human collagen, collagen stimulating procedures such as derma pens and derma rolls, radiation frequency, stem cells, and plasma therapy, as well as the underlying factors that contribute to varying success rates.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A thorough literature search was done using PubMed, Cochrane, Ebsco search, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science for the articles pertaining to facial and lip cosmetic surgeries 1995-2020. Keywords for the search included anatomy of the face, facial aging, perioral areas, lip rejuvenation, botox, grafts, facelift, plastic surgery, stem cell therapy, plasma treatment, and cosmetic surgery.
RESULTS
37 articles met the study criteria. 14 out of 37 studies included procedures for lip and perioral region rejuvenation. The remaining 23 studies either involved lip procedures alone or lip procedures in conjunction with facial cosmetic procedures. Lip rejuvenation with perioral enhancement with hyaluronic acid gel demonstrated a 94.3% improvement on the lip fullness scale (LFS) one month after re-treatment. The amalgamation of lip and perioral region rejuvenation produces a synergistic effect. Whereas, sole lip rejuvenation procedures showed short-term results with less patient satisfaction, calling for secondary lip rejuvenation procedures. It was also observed that hyaluronic acid was the most commonly used agent for lip rejuvenation procedures with minimal or no side effects.
CONCLUSIONS
In conjunction with perioral rejuvenation, lip rejuvenation procedures produce more aesthetically appealing results. However, any cosmetic surgical or non-surgical procedure is limited by the nature and composition of the products used. The use of FDA-approved products for rejuvenation is strongly advised to avoid undesirable side effects. Further extensive research is required on the long-term outcomes and adverse effects of stem cell transplants, such as tumor development.
Topics: Humans; Lip; Hyaluronic Acid; Cosmetic Techniques; Rejuvenation; Skin Aging; Collagen
PubMed: 37843317
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202310_33929 -
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 -
Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins Aug 2023Heart failure (HF) is a global pandemic with increasing prevalence and mortality rates annually. Its main cause is myocardial infarction (MI), followed by rapid cardiac... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, Metabolic and Gut Microbiota Modulation Activities of Probiotic in Cardiac Remodeling Condition: Evidence from Systematic Study and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Heart failure (HF) is a global pandemic with increasing prevalence and mortality rates annually. Its main cause is myocardial infarction (MI), followed by rapid cardiac remodeling. Several clinical studies have shown that probiotics can improve the quality of life and reduce cardiovascular risk factors. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effectiveness of probiotics in preventing HF caused by a MI according to a prospectively registered protocol (PROSPERO: CRD42023388870). Four independent evaluators independently extracted the data using predefined extraction forms and evaluated the eligibility and accuracy of the studies. A total of six studies consisting of 366 participants were included in the systematic review. Probiotics are not significant in intervening left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) when compared between the intervention group and the control group due to inadequate studies supporting its efficacy. Among sarcopenia indexes, hand grip strength (HGS) showed robust correlations with the Wnt biomarkers (p < 0.05), improved short physical performance battery (SPPB) scores were also strongly correlated with Dickkopf-related protein (Dkk)-3, followed by Dkk-1, and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP-1) (p < 0.05). The probiotic group showed improvement in total cholesterol (p = 0.01) and uric acid (p = 0.014) compared to the baseline. Finally, probiotic supplements may be an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, metabolic, and intestinal microbiota modulator in cardiac remodeling conditions. Probiotics have great potential to attenuate cardiac remodeling in HF or post-MI patients while also enhancing the Wnt signaling pathway which can improve sarcopenia under such conditions.
Topics: Humans; Antioxidants; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Quality of Life; Stroke Volume; Hand Strength; Sarcopenia; Ventricular Remodeling; Ventricular Function, Left; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Probiotics; Anti-Inflammatory Agents
PubMed: 37349622
DOI: 10.1007/s12602-023-10105-2 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023Male testicular dysfunction is a considerable complication of anti-cancer therapies, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, partly due to the increased oxidative... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Protective effects of exogenous melatonin therapy against oxidative stress to male reproductive tissue caused by anti-cancer chemical and radiation therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies.
BACKGROUND
Male testicular dysfunction is a considerable complication of anti-cancer therapies, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, partly due to the increased oxidative stress caused by these treatments. Melatonin is an effective antioxidant agent that protects testicles against physical and toxic chemical stressors in animal models. This study aims to systematically review the melatonin's protective effects against anti-cancer stressors on rodential testicular tissue.
MATERIALS AND METHOD
An extensive search was conducted in Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed for animal studies investigating exogenous melatonin's protective effects on rodent testicles exposed to anti-cancer chemicals and radiotherapeutic agents. Using the DerSimonian and Laird random-effect model, standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were estimated from the pooled data. The protocol was prospectively registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42022355293).
RESULTS
The meta-analysis included 38 studies from 43 studies that were eligible for the review. Rats and mice were exposed to radiotherapy (ionizing radiations such as gamma- and roentgen radiation and radioactive iodine) or chemotherapy (methotrexate, paclitaxel, busulfan, cisplatin, doxorubicin, vinblastine, bleomycin, cyclophosphamide, etoposide, Taxol, procarbazine, docetaxel, and chlorambucil). According to our meta-analysis, all outcomes were significantly improved by melatonin therapy, including sperm quantity and quality (count, motility, viability, normal morphology, number of spermatogonia, Johnsen's testicular biopsy score, seminiferous tubular diameter, and seminiferous epithelial height), serum level of reproductive hormones (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone and testosterone), tissue markers of oxidative stress (testicular tissue malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, glutathione, caspase-3, and total antioxidant capacity), and weight-related characteristics (absolute body, epididymis, testis, and relative testis to body weights). Most SYRCLE domains exhibited a high risk of bias in the included studies. Also, significant heterogeneity and small-study effects were detected.
CONCLUSION
In male rodents, melatonin therapy was related to improved testicular histopathology, reproductive hormones, testis and body weights, and reduced levels of oxidative markers in testicular tissues of male rodents. Future meticulous studies are recommended to provide a robust scientific backbone for human applications.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022355293, identifier CRD42022355293.
Topics: Humans; Male; Animals; Rats; Mice; Melatonin; Antioxidants; Iodine Radioisotopes; Semen; Thyroid Neoplasms; Oxidative Stress; Body Weight
PubMed: 37701901
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1184745 -
BMC Oral Health Dec 2023We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesize all studies that reported the level of oxidative and antioxidative markers in recurrent aphthous... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesize all studies that reported the level of oxidative and antioxidative markers in recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) patients compared to controls.
METHODS
We registered our study in PROSPERO (CRD42023431310). PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Web of Science were searched to find relevant publications up to June 5, 2023. The standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. We included 30 articles after multiple stags of screening.
RESULTS
We found that erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and Glutathione peroxidase activity were significantly lower in patients with RAS compared to healthy controls (SMD = - 1.00, 95%CI = -1.79 to -0.21, p = 0.013, and SMD = - 1.90, 95%CI = -3.43 to -0.38, p = 0.01, Respectively). However, there was not any difference between patients with RAS and healthy controls in erythrocyte Catalase (SMD = - 0.71, 95%CI = -1.56-0.14, p = 0.10). The total antioxidant status (TAS) level, in serum was significantly lower in patients than healthy controls (SMD = - 0.98, 95%CI = -1.57 to -0.39, p = 0.001). In addition, RAS patients had higher levels of serum Malondialdehyde (MDA), Serum total oxidant status, and serum oxidative stress index than healthy controls (SMD = 2.11, 95%CI = 1.43-2.79, p < 0.001, SMD = 1.53, 95%CI = 0.34-2.72, p = 0.01, and SMD = 1.25, 95%CI = 0.25-2.25, p = 0.014, Respectively); However, salivary MDA and TAS, and serum uric acid, vitamin E and C, and reduced glutathione levels of patients with RAS were not different from that of healthy controls.
CONCLUSIONS
The relationship between oxidative stress and RAS is well established in this meta-analysis. Although the molecular processes underlying the etiology of this pathology remain unknown, evidence indicating oxidative stress has a significant role in the pathogenesis of RAS has been revealed.
Topics: Humans; Antioxidants; Uric Acid; Stomatitis, Aphthous; Oxidative Stress
PubMed: 38042793
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03636-1 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023The objective of this meta-analysis was to review clinical trials of the combination of Pycnogenol ® and L-arginine (PAL) in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The objective of this meta-analysis was to review clinical trials of the combination of Pycnogenol ® and L-arginine (PAL) in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men and to observe the effect of PAL combined therapy on sexual function in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED), and we hope to provide more choices of drugs for treating patients with ED.
METHODS AND ANALYSIS
The study was constructed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. We searched seven databases from inception to 15 February 2023, for a comprehensive search of clinical trials using relevant keywords. Continuous variables in this meta-analysis were calculated using the mean difference and 95% confidence interval. All relevant statistical analyses were performed using RevMan v. 5.4 software.
RESULTS
Three studies with 184 patients were included in the present meta-analysis. There were no significant differences in the basic characteristics of the included studies. The results of the current meta-analysis showed that there were significant differences in the international index of erectile function scores (erectile domain), intercourse satisfaction scores, orgasmic function scores, overall satisfaction scores, and sexual desire scores between the combination treatment group and the control group. There was no significant difference in improving the testosterone levels between the two groups.
CONCLUSION
These results indicate that the combination of PAL may have a significant effect on improving sexual function in patients with mild to moderate ED. This study will provide clinicians with more options for treating patients with ED. More randomized controlled trials are needed in the future to further demonstrate the effect of combination therapy on sexual function in patients with ED.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#myprosperoUnique, Identifier: CRD42023411781.
Topics: Humans; Male; Erectile Dysfunction; Plant Extracts; Flavonoids; Arginine
PubMed: 37908749
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1211720 -
Nutrients Jul 2023(1) Background: Many studies have attempted to explore potential biomarkers for the early detection of gout, but consistent and high levels of evidence are lacking. In... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
(1) Background: Many studies have attempted to explore potential biomarkers for the early detection of gout, but consistent and high levels of evidence are lacking. In this study, metabolomics was used to summarize the changes of metabolites in the literature and explore the potential value of metabolites in predicting the occurrence and development of gout. (2) Methods: We searched the databases including the EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, VIP Date, Wanfang Data, and CNKI, and the screening was fulfilled on 30 July 2022. The records were screened according to the inclusion criteria and the risk of bias was assessed. Qualitative analysis was performed for all metabolites, and meta-analysis was performed for metabolite concentrations using random effects to calculate the Std mean difference and 95% confidence interval. (3) Results: A total of 2738 records were identified, 33 studies with 3422 participants were included, and 701 metabolites were identified. The qualitative analysis results showed that compared with the healthy control group, the concentration of 56 metabolites increased, and 22 metabolites decreased. The results of the meta-analysis indicated that 17 metabolites were statistically significant. (4) Conclusions: Metabolites are associated with gout. Some specific metabolites such as uric acid, hypoxanthine, xanthine, KYNA, guanosine, adenosine, creatinine, LB4, and DL-2-Aminoadipic acid have been highlighted in the development of gout.
Topics: Humans; Gout; Uric Acid; Xanthine; Hypoxanthine; Creatinine
PubMed: 37513561
DOI: 10.3390/nu15143143