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Clinical Cardiology Jul 2023Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is the most prevalent type of syncope and its management includes pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions. Recently, studies have... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is the most prevalent type of syncope and its management includes pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions. Recently, studies have investigated vitamin D levels in VVS patients. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aim to review these studies to find possible associations between vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D levels with VVS. International databases including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase were searched with keywords related to "vasovagal syncope" and "vitamin D." Studies were screened and the data were extracted from them. Random-effect meta-analysis was conducted to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for vitamin D levels in comparison to VVS patients and controls. Also, VVS occurrence was measured and the odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI were calculated for comparison of vitamin D deficient cases and nondeficient individuals. Six studies were included with 954 cases investigated. Meta-analysis showed that patients with VVS had significantly lower vitamin D serum levels in comparison to non-VVS cases (SMD -1.05, 95% CI -1.54 to -0.57, p-value < .01). Moreover, VVS occurrence was higher in vitamin D-deficient individuals (OR 5.43, 95% CI 2.40 to 12.27, p-value < .01). Our findings which show lower vitamin D levels in VVS patients can have clinical implications in order for clinicians to pay attention to this when approaching VVS. Further randomized controlled trials are certainly warranted to assess the role of vitamin D supplementation in individuals with VVS.
Topics: Humans; Tilt-Table Test; Syncope, Vasovagal; Syncope; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamin D
PubMed: 37226313
DOI: 10.1002/clc.24035 -
BMJ Open Oct 2023The study intended to assess the pooled prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and its associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
The study intended to assess the pooled prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and its associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
DESIGN
The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were employed to plan and conduct this systematic review and meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct and the Worldwide Science database were searched from their inception to 31 January 2023.
METHODS
Data were extracted using a standardised data extraction format prepared in Microsoft Excel. The inverse variance (I) test was used to evaluate the presence of heterogeneity across the included studies. To identify the possible source of heterogeneity, subgroup analysis was carried out. Funnel plot symmetry, Begg's and Egger's tests were used to evaluate the existence of publication bias. In addition, factors associated with VDD among patients with T2DM were examined. All statistical analyses were carried out with STATA V.14 software.
RESULTS
A total of 54 studies with 38 016 study participants were included in the study. The pooled prevalence of VDD among patients with T2DM was found to be 64.2% (95% CI 60.6% to 67.8%) with a substantial level of heterogeneity (I=98.2%; p<0.001). Results of the subgroup analysis indicated that the pooled prevalence of VDD among patients with T2DM was highest (70.9%) in African nations and lowest (57.1%) in Middle East countries. Being female (pooled OR (POR) 1.60, 95% CI 1.29 to 1.97), having poor glycaemic control (POR 2.50; 95% CI 1.74 to 3.59), hypertension (POR 1.21; 95% CI 1.08 to 1.36), obesity (body mass index ≥25) (POR 1.68; 95% CI 1.16 to 2.44), dyslipidaemia (POR 2.54, 95% CI 1.37 to 4.73), albuminuria (POR 2.22, 95% CI 1.71 to 2.95), nephropathy (POR 1.58; 95% CI 1.08 to 2.31) and retinopathy (POR 1.48: 95% CI 1.17 to 1.89) were predictors of VDD among patients with T2DM.
CONCLUSIONS
More than half of patients with T2DM were suffering from VDD. Being female, having poor glycaemic control, hypertension, obesity, dyslipidaemia, albuminuria, nephropathy and retinopathy were the predictors of VDD among patients with T2DM.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Albuminuria; Obesity; Hypertension; Dyslipidemias; Retinal Diseases; Vitamin D Deficiency; Prevalence; Ethiopia
PubMed: 37798019
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075607 -
Clinical Psychopharmacology and... Nov 2023To conduct the association between vitamin B12 and mental health in children and adolescents. Five databases were searched for observational studies in any language... (Review)
Review
To conduct the association between vitamin B12 and mental health in children and adolescents. Five databases were searched for observational studies in any language reporting on mental health and vitamin B12 levels or intake in children and adolescents from inception to March 18, 2022. Two authors independently extracted data and assessed study quality. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of data were performed. The review was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42022345476). Fifty six studies containing 37,932 participants were identified in the review. Vitamin B12 levels were lower in participants with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) (standardized mean difference [SMD], -1.61; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], -2.44 to -0.79; < 0.001), attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (SMD, -0.39; 95% CI, -0.78 to -0.00; = 0.049) compared with control group. Vitamin B12 intake were lower in participants with ASDs (SMD, -0.86; 95% CI, -1.48 to -0.24; = 0.006) compared with control group, but showed no difference between depression group (SMD, -0.06; 95% CI, -0.15 to 0.03; = 0.17) and the control group. Higher vitamin B12 intake were associated with lower risk of depression (odds ratio [OR], 0.79; 95% CI, 0.63-0.98; = 0.034) and behavioral problems (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.69-0.99; = 0.04). The vast majority of included studies supported potential positive influence of vitamin B12 on mental health, and vitamin B12 deficiency may be a reversible cause for some mental health disorders in children and adolescents.
PubMed: 37859436
DOI: 10.9758/cpn.22.1040 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023This study aimed to investigate the incidence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis through a meta-analysis and to analyze trends and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
This study aimed to investigate the incidence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis through a meta-analysis and to analyze trends and risk factors.
METHODS
Potentially relevant studies were searched using the terms "Vitamin D AND scoliosis." Data on the incidence and risk factors, such as race, curve magnitude, and sex, were extracted from the selected studies. Review Manager 5.4 software was used for the data analysis. Six studies with a total of 1, 428 patients met the inclusion criteria.
RESULTS
The incidence of vitamin D insufficiency in patients with idiopathic scoliosis was 36.19% (95% CI [21.93 to 50.46]. In contrast, the incidence of vitamin D deficiency was 41.43% (95% CI [16.62 66.23]. Vitamin D levels were compared between Caucasian and African patients and it was concluded that Caucasian patients had a lower risk of vitamin D deficiency [RR 0.15, 95% CI (0.03 to 0.82; P = 0.03]. There was also an association between patients with idiopathic scoliosis and lower vitamin D -5.58, 95% CI [-7.10, -4.06]. Finally, no significant differences were observed in terms of curve magnitude assessed with the Cobb angle mean difference (MD) 4.45, 95% CI [-0.55, 9.44], or sex with lower-than-normal levels of vitamin D OR 0.96, 95% CI [0.58 to 1.60].
DISCUSSION
The incidence rates of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were 36.19% and 41.43%, respectively. The Caucasian race was associated with a lower risk of vitamin D deficiency compared to the African race. Vitamin D deficiency was not related to curve magnitude or sex.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Scoliosis; Incidence; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamin D; Kyphosis; Vitamins
PubMed: 37886647
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1250118 -
European Review For Medical and... Sep 2023Hyperhomocysteinemia is a well-known marker that is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis due to its toxic effect on endothelial cells. This, in turn,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Hyperhomocysteinemia is a well-known marker that is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis due to its toxic effect on endothelial cells. This, in turn, leads to cardiovascular injury and increases morbidity. Different studies have shown alterations in the levels of homocysteine with respect to multiple disease states. Whether this non-traditional marker is associated with cardiovascular injury or not is subject to conflicting results. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the role of homocysteine in the formation of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in young adults and children.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This systematic review was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines (PRISMA). A search was done using specific keywords, including "homocysteine", "coronary artery disease", and "atherosclerosis", amongst several others, from the databases of PubMed, COCHRANE, and EBSCO. The data items included the diseased sample population along with the intervention used, or investigations carried out and the findings of the studies. Finally, 35 eligible studies were included.
RESULTS
Young patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease were more likely to have elevated levels of homocysteine compared to elderly patients. Elevated levels of homocysteine have been observed with several genetic, nutritional deficiencies, and autoimmune states such as rheumatoid arthritis. On the other hand, decreased levels of homocysteine have been observed after certain intervention treatments, such as oral contraceptive pills, L-thyroxine, and even the adoption of certain diets. In the majority of studies, whenever homocysteine levels were higher than normal, this was reflected by an increased carotid intima-media thickness.
CONCLUSIONS
Homocysteine has a high correlation with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in young and overweight patients. In addition, the relationship of homocysteine with smoking, genetic polymorphism, specific hormonal and renal disorders, nutritional deficiencies (vitamin B12 and folic acid), and the use of specific medicines are among the other recurring findings. Given that many of these studies focus only on women, the relationship between homocysteine and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases in males is still unclear. Whether males are more prone to hyperhomocysteinemia needs to be assessed. Still, precise processes underlying variations in homocysteine in relation to all influencing factors are unclear and need further studies.
Topics: Male; Child; Humans; Female; Aged; Cardiovascular Diseases; Carotid Intima-Media Thickness; Prognosis; Hyperhomocysteinemia; Homocysteine; Endothelial Cells; Atherosclerosis; Folic Acid; Vitamin B 12; Risk Factors
PubMed: 37782175
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202309_33784 -
Iranian Journal of Psychiatry Oct 2023Research findings on the relationship between vitamin D and suicide are not consistent; therefore, the objective of the present paper is to assess the relationship... (Review)
Review
Research findings on the relationship between vitamin D and suicide are not consistent; therefore, the objective of the present paper is to assess the relationship between vitamin D and suicide behaviors using a systematic review and meta-analysis. A search strategy was developed using keywords including "Vitamin D", "Vitamin D deficiency", "suicide" "attempted suicide", "completed suicide", "Suicide, Attempted", "Suicidal Ideation." We searched databases including Scopus, Medline, Web of Science, and Google Scholar by July 7, 2022. We examined the titles, abstracts, and full texts of the articles to select eligible ones. To pool the results of the selected studies, we used the random-effect method and mean difference as the effect size. The quality of the articles was evaluated by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Moreover, heterogeneity and bias of reporting were evaluated by the I statistic and Egger's and Begg's tests, respectively. Out of 149 studies retrieved in the databases, 11 studies were included in the final phase. Among these, the pooled findings of seven studies included in the meta-analysis phase showed that low levels of vitamin D are related to increased probability for suicide behaviors (P < 0.05). Moreover, subgroup analysis showed a significant relationship between vitamin D and suicide ideation and suicide attempt (P < 0.05). In addition, the I statistic indicated moderate heterogeneity (58%) and Egger's and Begg's tests did not show any evidence of publication bias (P > 0.05). This study provides evidence in favor of the relationship between vitamin D and suicide behaviors. It suggests that insufficient levels of vitamin D play a role in suicidal behaviors. However, it should be noted that further and stronger evidence is needed to establish this role. Finally, incorporating vitamin D-rich foods into the diet or taking vitamin D supplements is recommended to reduce the risk of suicide.
PubMed: 37881417
DOI: 10.18502/ijps.v18i4.13635 -
Food & Nutrition Research 2023To systematically review the evidence for whether habitual or different levels of experimental intake of vitamin B12 from diet and supplements is sufficient to ensure... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review the evidence for whether habitual or different levels of experimental intake of vitamin B12 from diet and supplements is sufficient to ensure adequate B12 status in groups most susceptible to vitamin B12 deficiency.
METHODS
We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Scopus up to 21 May 2021, for intervention studies, prospective cohort studies and case-control studies assessing B12 intake from diet and/or supplements in relation to B12 status (s/p-B12, holotranscobalamin, methylmalonic acid, homocysteine or breastmilk B12). Cross-sectional studies were eligible for studies conducted during pregnancy and lactation. Included populations were children (0-18 years), young adults (18-35 years), pregnant or lactating women, older adults (≥65 years) and vegans or vegetarians. Study selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment were conducted by two assessors independently. The evidence was synthesized qualitatively and classified according to the World Cancer Research Fund.
RESULTS
The searches yielded 4855 articles of which 89 were assessed in full text and 18 included. Three studies were conducted during pregnancy and three during lactation or infancy - all observational. Eight studies were conducted among older adults; most were interventions among B12-deficient participants. Four studies were eligible for vegetarian and vegans, all interventions. The strength of evidence that habitual B12 intake or an intake in line with the current Nordic recommended intake (RI) is sufficient to ensure adequate status was considered for all included populations.
CONCLUSION
Evidence is insufficient to assess if or which level of B12 intake is sufficient to maintain adequate status for all included populations. Population-based cohort studies and low-to-moderate dose interventions that address this question are highly warranted.
PubMed: 37441514
DOI: 10.29219/fnr.v67.8626 -
International Health Nov 2023Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) during pregnancy is a public health challenge in low-income countries. There are inconsistent findings that can affect policy in planning... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) during pregnancy is a public health challenge in low-income countries. There are inconsistent findings that can affect policy in planning appropriate intervention. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to summarize the evidence in order to identify existing gaps and propose strategies to reduce VAD during pregnancy in Ethiopia.
METHODS
This study included published and unpublished observational studies searched from different databases (PubMed, CINHAL [EBSCO], Embase, Google Scholar, Directory of Open Access Journals, Web of Sciences, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Google Search and MedNar). Statistical analysis was conducted using Stata version 14 software. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed. Forest plots were used to present the pooled prevalence using the random effects model.
RESULTS
A total of 37 618 pregnant women from 15 studies were included. The overall pooled prevalence of VAD was 29% (95% confidence interval 21 to 36) with I2=99.67% and p<0.001. Socio-economic and sociodemographic factors were identified as affecting vitamin A deficiencies among pregnant women.
CONCLUSIONS
Nearly one-third of pregnant women in Ethiopia had VAD. Strengthening intervention modalities that aimed to increase the uptake of vitamin A-rich foods can avert VAD among pregnant women in Ethiopia.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Humans; Pregnant Women; Vitamin A Deficiency; Ethiopia; Vitamin A; Prevalence; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 37264928
DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihad038 -
Nutrients Oct 2023Vitamin D deficiency, prevalent worldwide, is linked to muscle weakness, sarcopenia, and falls. Muscle regeneration is a vital process that allows for skeletal muscle... (Review)
Review
Vitamin D deficiency, prevalent worldwide, is linked to muscle weakness, sarcopenia, and falls. Muscle regeneration is a vital process that allows for skeletal muscle tissue maintenance and repair after injury. PubMed and Web of Science were used to search for studies published prior to May 2023. We assessed eligible studies that discussed the relationship between vitamin D, muscle regeneration in this review. Overall, the literature reports strong associations between vitamin D and skeletal myocyte size, and muscle regeneration. In vitro studies in skeletal muscle cells derived from mice and humans showed vitamin D played a role in regulating myoblast growth, size, and gene expression. Animal studies, primarily in mice, demonstrate vitamin D's positive effects on skeletal muscle function, such as improved grip strength and endurance. These studies encompass vitamin D diet research, genetically modified models, and disease-related mouse models. Relatively few studies looked at muscle function after injury, but these also support a role for vitamin D in muscle recovery. The human studies have also reported that vitamin D deficiency decreases muscle grip strength and gait speed, especially in the elderly population. Finally, human studies reported the benefits of vitamin D supplementation and achieving optimal serum vitamin D levels in muscle recovery after eccentric exercise and surgery. However, there were no benefits in rotator cuff injury studies, suggesting that repair mechanisms for muscle/ligament tears may be less reliant on vitamin D. In summary, vitamin D plays a crucial role in skeletal muscle function, structural integrity, and regeneration, potentially offering therapeutic benefits to patients with musculoskeletal diseases and in post-operative recovery.
Topics: Aged; Humans; Animals; Mice; Vitamin D; Muscle, Skeletal; Vitamins; Vitamin D Deficiency; Muscular Diseases; Models, Animal; Regeneration
PubMed: 37892452
DOI: 10.3390/nu15204377 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023This study aimed to evaluate the association between blood heavy metal (zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd)) concentrations and spontaneous abortion (SA)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to evaluate the association between blood heavy metal (zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd)) concentrations and spontaneous abortion (SA) and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and explore the possible endocrine dysfunction associated with it.
METHODS
A literature search was performed in the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases up to April 2023. The overall effects were expressed as the standard mean difference (SMD). Subgroup analysis was performed according to the type of abortion (SA or RPL). Stata 16.0 was utilized for data analysis.
RESULTS
Based on the integrated findings, abortion women showed significantly lower Zn (SMD = -1.05, 95% CI: -1.74 to -0.36, = 0.003) and Cu concentrations (SMD = -1.42, 95% CI: -1.97 to -0.87, 0.001) and higher Pb (SMD = 1.47, 95% CI: 0.89-2.05, 0.001) and Cd concentrations (SMD = 1.15, 95% CI: 0.45-1.85, = 0.001) than normal pregnant women. Subgroup analysis showed that Zn and Cu deficiency and Cd and Pb exposure were significantly (0.05) associated with RPL, whereas Cu deficiency and Cd and Pb exposure were significantly (0.05) associated with SA.
CONCLUSION
Zn and Cu deficiencies and Pb and Cd exposure were associated with abortion. Endocrine dysfunction, such as insulin resistance, vitamin D insufficiency, and abnormal thyroid and sex hormone concentrations, is thought to be involved in heavy metal-related abortion.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Abortion, Spontaneous; Cadmium; Lead; Metals, Heavy; Zinc
PubMed: 37711903
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1216507