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Frontiers in Nutrition 2023Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disease, often accompanied by metabolic disorders. Metformin, as an insulin sensitizer, is widely used to improve...
OBJECTIVES
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disease, often accompanied by metabolic disorders. Metformin, as an insulin sensitizer, is widely used to improve the metabolic function of PCOS, but may have gastrointestinal side effects. Emerging evidence suggests that N-acetylcysteine (NAC) improves metabolic parameters in PCOS and may be a potential alternative to metformin.
METHODS
We searched four online databases, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, from inception to April 1, 2023. The statistic and Cochrane's Q test were employed to determine heterogeneity between studies, with an value >50% or < 0.1 considered significant. The data were expressed as standardized mean differences and corresponding 95% confidence intervals.
RESULTS
A total of 11 randomized controlled trials were included in the final analysis, including 869 women with PCOS. The results showed that NAC caused more changes in body mass index (SMD: -0.16, 95% CI: -0.40 to 0.08), body weight (SMD: -0.25, 95% CI: -0.50 to 0.00), fasting insulin (SMD: -0.24, 95% CI: -0.53 to 0.06), ratio of fasting blood glucose to fasting insulin (SMD: 0.38, 95% CI: -0.33 to 1.08), total cholesterol (SMD: -0.11, 95% CI: -0.39 to 0.17), triglycerides (SMD: -0.18, 95% CI: -0.63 to 0.28), and low-density lipoprotein (SMD: -0.09, 95% CI: -0.51 to 0.33) compared with metformin. Compared with metformin or placebo, NAC significantly reduced fasting blood-glucose levels (SMD: -0.23, 95% CI: -0.43 to -0.04; SMD: -0.54, 95% CI: -1.03 to -0.05, respectively). In addition, NAC significantly reduced total cholesterol (SMD: -0.74, 95% CI: -1.37 to -0.12), and this effect was observed when NAC was compared with placebo. However, NAC reduced HDL levels in women with PCOS compared with metformin (SMD: -0.14, 95% CI: -0.42 to 0.14).
CONCLUSION
This study suggests that NAC is effective in improving metabolic parameters in PCOS and may be a promising nutritional supplement for the treatment of PCOS.https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=415172, identifier CRD42022339171.
PubMed: 37841396
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1209614 -
Cureus May 2021Renal and hepatic functions are often mingled through both the existence of associated primary organ diseases and hemodynamic co-relationship. The primary objective of... (Review)
Review
Renal and hepatic functions are often mingled through both the existence of associated primary organ diseases and hemodynamic co-relationship. The primary objective of this study was to sum up the relationship between autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) on renal tubular acidosis (RTA) and the stages of the disease. A systematic review was performed for 24 trials. A total of 3687 patients were included. The incidence of RTA occurring and short-term mortality reduction was seen in two groups; for an overall effect: Z = 2.85 (P = 0.004) a total 95% CI of 0.53 [0.34, 0.82]. Only one patient with alcoholic liver cirrhosis was found to have an incomplete type of RTA. Test for overall effect: Z = 2.28 (P = 0.02) 95% CI of 2.83 [1.16, 6.95]. A reduction in fatal infections with dual therapy of corticosteroid plus N-acetylcysteine (NAC) test for overall effect: Z = 3.07 (P = 0.002) with 95% CI of 0.45 [0.27, 0.75]. Autoimmune diseases are the most frequent underlying cause of secondary RTA in adults. The primary renal disease must be actively excluded in all patients with hepatic failure by aggressive clinical and laboratory evaluations.
PubMed: 34079685
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.15287 -
Kidney International Reports Feb 2021N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant that can regenerate glutathione and is primarily used for acetaminophen overdose. NAC has been tested and used for preventing...
INTRODUCTION
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant that can regenerate glutathione and is primarily used for acetaminophen overdose. NAC has been tested and used for preventing iatrogenic acute kidney injury or slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease, with mixed results. There are conflicting reports that NAC may artificially lower measured serum creatinine without improving kidney function, potentially by assay interference. Given these mixed results, we conducted a systematic review of the literature to determine whether there is an effect of NAC on kidney function as measured with serum creatinine and cystatin C.
METHODS
A literature search was conducted to identify all study types reporting a change in serum creatinine after NAC administration. The primary outcome was change in serum creatinine after NAC administration. The secondary outcome was a change in cystatin C after NAC administration. Subgroup analyses were conducted to assess effect of creatinine assay (Jaffe vs. non-Jaffe and intravenous vs. oral).
RESULTS
Six studies with a total of 199 participants were eligible for the systematic review and meta-analysis. There was a small but significant decrease in serum creatinine after NAC administration overall (weighted mean difference [WMD], -2.80 μmol/L [95% confidence interval {CI} -5.6 to 0.0]; = 0.05). This was greater with non-Jaffe methods (WMD, -3.24 μmol/L [95% CI -6.29 to -0.28]; = 0.04) than Jaffe (WMD, -0.51 μmol/L [95% CI -7.56 to 6.53]; = 0.89) and in particular with intravenous (WMD, -31.10 μmol/L [95% CI -58.37 to -3.83]; = 0.03) compared with oral NAC (WMD, -2.5 μmol/L [95% CI -5.32 to 0.32]; = 0.08). There was no change in cystatin C after NAC administration.
DISCUSSION
NAC causes a decrease in serum creatinine but not in cystatin C, suggesting analytic interference rather than an effect on kidney function. Supporting this, the effect was greater with non-Jaffe methods of creatinine estimation. Future studies of NAC should use the Jaffe method of creatinine estimation when kidney outcomes are being reported. Even in clinical settings, the use of an enzymatic assay when high doses of intravenous NAC are being used may result in underdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of acute kidney injury.
PubMed: 33615065
DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2020.11.018 -
BMC Pulmonary Medicine May 2020While antifibrotic drugs significantly decrease lung function decline in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), there is still an unmet need to halt disease progression.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
While antifibrotic drugs significantly decrease lung function decline in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), there is still an unmet need to halt disease progression. Antioxidative therapy with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is considered a potential additional therapy that can be combined with antifibrotics in some patients in clinical practice. However, data on the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of this combination are scarce. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to appraise the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of the combination compared to treatment with pirfenidone alone.
METHODS
We systematically reviewed all the published studies with combined pirfenidone (PFD) and NAC (PFD + NAC) treatment in IPF patients. The primary outcomes referred to decline in pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and the rates of IPF patients with side effects.
RESULTS
In the meta-analysis, 6 studies with 319 total IPF patients were included. The PFD + NAC group was comparable to the PFD alone group in terms of the predicted forced vital capacity (FVC%) and predicted diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco%) from treatment start to week 24. Side effects and treatment discontinuation rates were also comparable in both groups.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that combination with NAC does not alter the efficacy, safety, or tolerability of PFD in comparison to PFD alone in IPF patients.
Topics: Humans; Acetylcysteine; Administration, Inhalation; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Carbon Monoxide; Drug Therapy, Combination; Free Radical Scavengers; Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis; Pyridones; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome; Vital Capacity
PubMed: 32380989
DOI: 10.1186/s12890-020-1121-2 -
A Systematic Review and Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis of Medical Therapies for Lichen Planopilaris.Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland) 2024Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a primary chronic lymphocytic cutaneous disorder that selectively destroys the hair follicles, resulting in scarring alopecia.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a primary chronic lymphocytic cutaneous disorder that selectively destroys the hair follicles, resulting in scarring alopecia. Unfortunately, current available treatments are not fully effective to stop hair loss, and the level of evidence for medical interventions is weak.
OBJECTIVES
The present article aimed to determine the efficacy of the different medical interventions in LPP through a network meta-analysis (NMA).
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed including randomized trials that report the outcomes of lichen planopilaris activity index (LPPAI). These articles were pooled and a NMA was conducted.
RESULTS
A total of seven studies were identified and included in meta-analysis, comprising 251 LPP patients. The NMA showed the mean difference in LLPAI was significantly superior with the combination of clobetasol plus N-acetylcysteine (mean difference: -2.0, 95% CI = -3.43 to -0.51) and the combination of clobetasol plus pentoxifylline (mean difference: -1.62, 95% CI = -3.0 to -0.25) compared to the treatment of reference (clobetasol). The NMA showed cyclosporine (mean difference: 2.05 95% CI = 0.68-3.49), methotrexate (mean difference: 1.95 95% CI = 1.23-3.17), the combination of methotrexate plus prednisolone (mean difference: 1.56 95% CI = 0.25-2.96) were significantly worse than hydroxychloroquine according to the differences in LLPAI.
CONCLUSION
This work is the first NMA in LPP and hence, it can be helpful in serving as an initial step toward better evidence-based decisions in the treatment of this challenging condition. We propose a triple-combined approach consisting of topical clobetasol, hydroxychloroquine, and N-acetylcysteine as resulted in the most effective approach. Considering the poor outcomes observed with pioglitazone, mycophenolate mofetil, and cyclosporine, it is advisable to contemplate the use of these medications in patients who have not responded adequately to more efficacious alternatives.
Topics: Humans; Clobetasol; Methotrexate; Network Meta-Analysis; Acetylcysteine; Bayes Theorem; Hydroxychloroquine; Lichen Planus; Cyclosporine; Alopecia; Chronic Disease
PubMed: 37852211
DOI: 10.1159/000534364 -
Critical Reviews in Toxicology Dec 2023Metal phosphides are highly toxic pesticides that result in high morbidities and mortalities worldwide. This systematic review included 350 studies that fulfilled the... (Review)
Review
Metal phosphides are highly toxic pesticides that result in high morbidities and mortalities worldwide. This systematic review included 350 studies that fulfilled the eligibility criteria. There were significant rising trends of studies on acute aluminum phosphide (AlP) and zinc phosphide (ZnP) poisoning (-values = <.001), pointing to an increased number of phosphide-intoxicated patients. Acute AlP poisoning studies represented 81%, 89.3%, and 97.7% of all descriptive, analytical, and experimental interventional studies included in this review, respectively. High AlP poisoning mortality explains great research interest in AlP poisoning. Thus, after 2016, nearly half (49.7%) of studies on acute AlP poisoning were issued. Also, 78.82% of experimental interventional studies on AlP poisoning were published after 2016. The trends of in-vitro, animal, and clinical studies on AlP poisoning significantly increased with -values equal to .021, <.001, and <.001, respectively. Seventy-nine treatment modalities for acute AlP poisoning were pooled from 124 studies; 39 management-related case reports, 12 in-vitro studies, 39 animal studies, and 34 clinical studies. All therapeutic modalities were summarized to formulate an integrated and comprehensive overview. For clinicians, therapeutic modalities significantly decreased mortality of acute AlP poisoning in clinical trials included extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), vitamin E, glucose-insulin-potassium (GIK) infusion, fresh packed RBCs infusion, and GIT decontamination using oils. However, meta-analyses are needed to provide solid evidence regarding their efficacies. To date, there is no effective antidote nor evidence-based standardized protocol for managing acute AlP poisoning. This article outlined the potential research gaps in phosphide poisoning that might promote and direct future medical research in this context.
Topics: Animals; Pesticides; Evidence Gaps; Antidotes; Acetylcysteine; Aluminum Compounds
PubMed: 37387512
DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2023.2225539 -
Heliyon Feb 2024The association between N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and COVID-19 remains undetermined; therefore, this meta-analysis assessed the clinical efficacy of NAC in the treatment of...
BACKGROUND
The association between N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and COVID-19 remains undetermined; therefore, this meta-analysis assessed the clinical efficacy of NAC in the treatment of patients with COVID-19.
METHODS
This study searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov for studies published from their inception to December 17, 2022. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the clinical efficacy of NAC for patients with COVID-19 were included.
RESULTS
Five RCTs involving 651 patients were included. There was no significant difference in mortality between the study group receiving NAC and the control group (15.6 % [50/320] vs. 32.3 %, [107/331]; risk ratio [RR]: 0.58; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.24-1.40). In addition, the two groups did not differ with respect to the incidence of invasive mechanical ventilation (RR: 0.93; 95 % CI: 0.65-1.33), the risk of intensive care unit (ICU) admission (RR: 0.86; 95 % CI: 0.62-1.21), the length of hospital stay (mean difference [MD]: 0.17 days; 95 % CI: -0.67-1.01), and the length of ICU stay (MD: -0.77 days; 95 % CI: -2.97-1.42).
CONCLUSIONS
The administration of NAC did not improve the clinical outcomes of patients with COVID-19; its routine use is not recommended for patients with SARS-CoV-2 infections.
PubMed: 38318025
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25179 -
Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica Apr 2021Hyperoxia during anesthesia can increase cellular oxidative stress, and perioperative antioxidant treatment may reduce the resulting damage. The aim of this review was... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Hyperoxia during anesthesia can increase cellular oxidative stress, and perioperative antioxidant treatment may reduce the resulting damage. The aim of this review was to evaluate risks and benefits of antioxidant treatment in surgical patients. We hypothesized that antioxidant treatment reduced mortality compared to placebo/no intervention.
METHODS
This systematic review with meta-analyses and trial sequential analysis (TSA) was conducted using Cochrane standards and GRADE methodology. Randomized clinical trials comparing perioperative antioxidant treatment vs. placebo/no intervention in adults were included. Primary outcome was mortality at longest follow-up.
RESULTS
Ninety-seven trials with 8156 patients were included. The most common interventions were N-Acetylcysteine (36 trials) and vitamin C (29 trials). Trials were primarily performed during cardiac surgery (53 trials). Fifty-six trials with 4890 patients reported information on mortality (243 events). The meta-analysis of mortality at longest follow-up showed a reduced mortality in antioxidant treated patients (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.59; 0.94, I 0%), however, TSA-adjusted CI was broadened (0.55-1.02) and only 31% of the required information size was reached. Furthermore, in the subgroup of three trials with overall low risk of bias the RR for mortality was 1.18 (95% CI 0.39, 3.63). Based on GRADE, our findings are of low quality of evidence due to high risk of bias, imprecision, and indirectness.
CONCLUSION
We found a 26% relative risk reduction of mortality in surgical patients treated with antioxidants but the quality of evidence supporting our findings is low and influenced by clinical heterogeneity and high risk of systematic- and random errors.
PubMed: 33236343
DOI: 10.1111/aas.13752 -
Nutrition Reviews Oct 2022Nutritional interventions for newborns with brain injury are scarce, and there are gaps in the knowledge of their mechanisms of action in preventing the occurrence of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
CONTEXT
Nutritional interventions for newborns with brain injury are scarce, and there are gaps in the knowledge of their mechanisms of action in preventing the occurrence of cerebral palsy (CP) or the incidence of other developmental disabilities.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this review was to assess the effect of nutritional interventions in preventing nonprogressive congenital or perinatal brain injuries, or in improving outcomes related to neurological development.
DATA SOURCES
Randomized trials on any nutritional intervention for pregnant women at risk of preterm delivery, or for children with low birth weight, preterm, or with confirmed or suspected microcephaly, CP, or fetal alcohol syndrome disorders (FASDs) were retrieved from MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, and CENTRAL databases from inception to September 17, 2020.
DATA EXTRACTION
Data extraction, risk of bias (Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2), and quality of evidence (GRADE approach) were assessed by 2 authors.
DATA ANALYSIS
Pooled risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using a random-effects meta-analysis. Seventeen studies were included on intravenous interventions (magnesium sulfate [n = 5], amino acids [n = 4], vitamin A [n = 1], and N-acetylcysteine [n = 1]); enteral interventions (vitamin D [n = 1], prebiotic [n = 1], nutrient-enriched formula [n = 1], and speed of increasing milk feeds [n = 1]); and oral interventions (choline [n = 1] and docosahexaenoic acid, choline, and uridine monophosphate [n = 1]). All studies assessed CP, except 1 on FASDs. Eight studies were judged as having high risk of bias. Five studies (7413 babies) with high-quality evidence demonstrated decreased risk of childhood CP (RR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.52-0.88) with magnesium sulfate. Interventions with amino acids had no effect on CP prevention or other outcomes. Except for 1 study, no other intervention decreased the risk of CP or FASDs.
CONCLUSION
Although different types of nutritional interventions were found, only those with antenatal magnesium sulfate were effective in decreasing CP risk in preterm infants. Well-designed, adequately powered randomized clinical trials are required.
Topics: Acetylcysteine; Brain Injuries; Cerebral Palsy; Child; Choline; Docosahexaenoic Acids; Female; Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Magnesium Sulfate; Pregnancy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Uridine Monophosphate; Vitamin A; Vitamin D
PubMed: 35568996
DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuac028 -
Dermatologic Therapy May 2021Acne vulgaris is one of the most common dermatologic disorders affects people of all races and ethnicities and has many adverse effects on the quality of life. The... (Review)
Review
Acne vulgaris is one of the most common dermatologic disorders affects people of all races and ethnicities and has many adverse effects on the quality of life. The increased bacterial resistance to antibiotics has reduced the effectiveness of treatment with these agents. There is an increasing focus on the involvement of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of acne. This study investigates the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as an antioxidant in the treatment of acne vulgaris. This systematic review was conducted through a search in databases such as Science Direct, PubMed, Scielo, and Medline using keywords including acne vulgaris, anti and NAC, and all the keywords associated with each of the subtitles. The factors affecting the occurrence and expansion of acne include increased sebum synthesis, hyperkeratinization of pilosebaceous units, colonization with Propionibacterium acnes, and increased release of inflammatory mediators and ROS. Studies have shown that glutathione stimulation following the administration of NAC increases glutathione levels for the detoxification of oxygen-free radicals. Moreover, NAC prevents the synthesis and release of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-8, IL-6, MP9, and IL-1β and has shown antibacterial activities against important bacteria including E. coli, S. epidermidis, Pseudomonas, and Klebsiella. This medication has anti-proliferative effects and is also used for excoriation and PCOD. The results of the present study showed the beneficial effects of using NAC in patients with acne vulgaris in terms of the disease complications and comorbidities. Given its diverse functional mechanisms, this medication can be used to treat acne and its consequences.
Topics: Acetylcysteine; Acne Vulgaris; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Escherichia coli; Humans; Propionibacterium acnes; Quality of Life
PubMed: 33629414
DOI: 10.1111/dth.14915