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Molecular Psychiatry Mar 2023Meta-analyses implicate immune dysfunction in depression confirming increased levels of circulating immune proteins (e.g., cytokines) in depression cases compared to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Meta-analyses implicate immune dysfunction in depression confirming increased levels of circulating immune proteins (e.g., cytokines) in depression cases compared to controls. White blood cells (WBC) both produce and are influenced by cytokines, and play key roles in orchestrating innate and adaptive immune responses, but their role in depression remains unclear. Therefore, a systematic review of studies of various WBC subsets in depression is required for a greater understanding of the nature of immune dysfunction in this illness.
METHODS
We searched PubMed and PsycINFO databases (inception to 5 April 2022) and conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of identified studies comparing absolute count and/or relative percentage of flow cytometry-derived WBC subsets between depression cases and controls. Selected studies were quality assessed. Random-effect meta-analysis was performed.
RESULTS
Thirty-three studies were included and 27 studies (n = 2277) were meta-analysed. We report an increase in mean absolute counts of WBC (seven studies; standardised mean difference [SMD] = 1.07; 95% CI, 0.61-1.53; P < 0.01; I = 64%), granulocytes (two studies; SMD = 2.07; 95% CI, 1.45-2.68; P < 0.01; I = 0%), neutrophils (four studies; SMD = 0.91; 95% CI, 0.23-1.58; P < 0.01; I = 82%), monocytes (seven studies; SMD = 0.60; 95% CI, 0.19-1.01; P < 0.01; I = 66%), CD4 helper T cells (11 studies; SMD = 0.30; 95% CI, 0.15-0.45; P < 0.01; I = 0%), natural killer cells (11 studies; SMD = 1.23; 95% CI, 0.38-2.08; P < 0.01; I = 95%), B cells (10 studies; SMD = 0.30; 95% CI, 0.03-0.57; P = 0.03; I = 56%), and activated T cells (eight studies; SMD = 0.45; 95% CI, 0.24-0.66; P < 0.01; I = 0%) in depression, compared to controls. Fewer studies reported relative percentage, indicating increased neutrophils and decreased total lymphocytes, Th1, and Th2 cells in depression.
CONCLUSIONS
Depression is characterised by widespread alterations in circulating myeloid and lymphoid cells, consistent with dysfunction in both innate and adaptive immunity. Immune cells could be useful biomarkers for illness subtyping and patient stratification in future immunotherapy trials of depression, along with cytokines, other biomarkers, and clinical measures.
Topics: Humans; Depression; Biomarkers
PubMed: 36577838
DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01919-7 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Jun 2022Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging tick-borne infectious disease with high case fatality rate. Unfortunately, no vaccine or antiviral... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging tick-borne infectious disease with high case fatality rate. Unfortunately, no vaccine or antiviral specifically targeting SFTS virus (SFTSV) are available for the time being. Our objective was to investigate the association between clinical laboratory parameters and fatality of SFTS patients.
METHODS
The systematic review was conducted in accordance with The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines. We searched (from inception to 24th February 2022) Web of Science, PubMed, National Knowledge Infrastructure databases and Wan Fang Data for relevant researchers on SFTS. Studies were eligible if they reported on laboratory parameters of SFTS patients and were stratified by clinical outcomes. A modified version of Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to evaluate the quality of included studies. Standardized mean difference (SMD) was used to evaluate the association between laboratory parameters and outcomes. The between-study heterogeneity was evaluated quantitatively by standard Chi-square and the index of heterogeneity (I2). Heterogeneity was explored by subgroup and sensitivity analyses, and univariable meta-regression. Publication bias was determined using funnel plots and Egger's test.
RESULTS
We identified 34 relevant studies, with over 3300 participants across three countries. The following factors were strongly (SMD>1 or SMD<-0.5) and significantly (P<0.05) associated mortality: thrombin time (TT) (SMD = 1.53), viral load (SMD = 1.47), activated partial-thromboplastin time (APTT) (SMD = 1.37), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (SMD = 1.19), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (SMD = 1.13), platelet count (PLT) (SMD = -0.47), monocyte percentage (MON%) (SMD = -0.47), lymphocyte percentage (LYM%) (SMD = -0.46) and albumin (ALB) (SMD = -0.43). Alanine aminotransferase, AST, creatin phosphokinase, LDH, PLT, partial-thromboplastin time and viral load contributed to the risk of dying of SFTS patients in each subgroup analyses. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the results above were robust.
CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE
The abnormal levels of viral load, PLT, coagulation function and liver function, significantly increase the risk of SFTS mortality, suggesting that SFTS patients with above symptoms call for special concern.
Topics: Antiviral Agents; Bunyaviridae Infections; Humans; Laboratories, Clinical; Phlebovirus; Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome; Thromboplastin; Viral Load
PubMed: 35714138
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010489 -
Inflammation Research : Official... May 2024γδ T cells are a distinct subset of unconventional T cells, which link innate and adaptive immunity by secreting cytokines and interacting with other immune cells,... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
γδ T cells are a distinct subset of unconventional T cells, which link innate and adaptive immunity by secreting cytokines and interacting with other immune cells, thereby modulating immune responses. As the first line of host defense, γδ T cells are essential for mucosal homeostasis and immune surveillance. When abnormally activated or impaired, γδ T cells can contribute to pathogenic processes. Accumulating evidence has revealed substantial impacts of γδ T cells on the pathogenesis of cancers, infections, and immune-inflammatory diseases. γδ T cells exhibit dual roles in cancers, promoting or inhibiting tumor growth, depending on their phenotypes and the clinical stage of cancers. During infections, γδ T cells exert high cytotoxic activity in infectious diseases, which is essential for combating bacterial and viral infections by recognizing foreign antigens and activating other immune cells. γδ T cells are also implicated in the onset and progression of immune-inflammatory diseases. However, the specific involvement and underlying mechanisms of γδ T cells in oral diseases have not been systematically discussed.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic literature review using the PubMed/MEDLINE databases to identify and analyze relevant literature on the roles of γδ T cells in oral diseases.
RESULTS
The literature review revealed that γδ T cells play a pivotal role in maintaining oral mucosal homeostasis and are involved in the pathogenesis of oral cancers, periodontal diseases, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), oral lichen planus (OLP), and oral candidiasis. γδ T cells mainly influence various pathophysiological processes, such as anti-tumor activity, eradication of infection, and immune response regulation.
CONCLUSION
This review focuses on the involvement of γδ T cells in oral diseases, with a particular emphasis on the main functions and underlying mechanisms by which γδ T cells influence the pathogenesis and progression of these conditions. This review underscores the potential of γδ T cells as therapeutic targets in managing oral health issues.
Topics: Humans; Mouth Diseases; Animals; Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta; Intraepithelial Lymphocytes; Graft vs Host Disease; T-Lymphocytes
PubMed: 38563967
DOI: 10.1007/s00011-024-01870-z -
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 -
Clinical Rheumatology Jan 2022Corticosteroid-sparing disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs are an area of active exploration in large vessel vasculitis (LVV), i.e., Takayasu arteritis (TAK) and... (Review)
Review
Corticosteroid-sparing disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs are an area of active exploration in large vessel vasculitis (LVV), i.e., Takayasu arteritis (TAK) and Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). The role of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors has been recently identified in different inflammatory rheumatic diseases. We conducted a systematic review of the use of JAK inhibitors in LVV across MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, PubMed Central, Cochrane database of controlled trials, clinicaltrials.gov, and major recent international conferences. We identified four cohort studies and ten case reports. The JAK inhibitors used in these studies were tofacitinib, baricitinib, and ruxolitinib. A cohort study in TAK compared 27 patients treated with tofacitinib with 26 others treated with methotrexate, with better clinical outcomes with tofacitinib but similar angiographic stabilization, relapses, corticosteroid-sparing effect, and adverse events in both groups. Most of the other studies favored clinical responses with JAK inhibitors in LVV but with a paucity of data on other outcomes. Most of the included studies were of moderate quality. Evidence from pre-clinical models of LVV as well as limited in vivo data in patients with TAK appears to suggest that JAK inhibition reduces adventitial fibrosis, intimal proliferation, and inflammatory T lymphocyte infiltration in the media as well as reduces resident memory T cells in the vascular wall (which are otherwise resistant to corticosteroids). Ongoing clinical trials of tofacitinib, baricitinib, and upadacitinib in LVV shall help to further clarify the potential promise of JAK inhibitors for LVV (PROSPERO registration number CRD42021273359). KEY POINTS : •Tofacitinib appeared to associate with better clinical outcomes than methotrexate in TAK. •JAKinibs reduce adventitial fibrosis, intimal proliferation, and inflammatory vascular infiltrate in pre-clinical models of LVV. •Tofacitinib downregulates resident memory vascular T lymphocytes in pre-clinical models of LVV.
Topics: Antirheumatic Agents; Cohort Studies; Giant Cell Arteritis; Humans; Janus Kinase Inhibitors; Memory T Cells; Takayasu Arteritis
PubMed: 34729652
DOI: 10.1007/s10067-021-05973-4 -
Phytomedicine : International Journal... May 2023Sepsis and septic shock are the main causes of mortality and complications in intensive care units all over the world. Luteolin is thought to have a significant role as... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Sepsis and septic shock are the main causes of mortality and complications in intensive care units all over the world. Luteolin is thought to have a significant role as a free radical scavenger, an anti-inflammatory agent, and an immune system modulator. The object of this review is to conduct a systematic review of the effects of luteolin and its mechanisms of action in the treatment of sepsis and its complications.
METHOD
The investigation was carried out in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD42022321023). We searched Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, ProQuest, and Scopus databases up to January 2023 by using the relevant keywords.
RESULTS
Out of 1,395 records screened, 33 articles met the study criteria. In the collected papers, the main reported findings are that luteolin can affect inflammation-initiating pathways such as toll-like receptors and high mobility group box-1 and reduces the expression of genes that produce inflammatory cytokines, such as the Nod receptor protein-3, and nuclear factor kappa-light chain-enhancer of activated B cells. Luteolin also reduces the overactivity of macrophages, neutrophil extracellular traps and lymphocytes by regulating the immune response.
CONCLUSION
Most studies revealed luteolin's positive benefits on sepsis through several pathways. Luteolin showed the capacity to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, control immunological response, and prevent organ damage (in vivo studies) during sepsis. Large-scale in vivo experiments are necessary to elucidate its potential impacts on sepsis.
Topics: Humans; Luteolin; Sepsis; Shock, Septic; Oxidative Stress; Inflammation
PubMed: 36898254
DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154734 -
Health Science Reports Nov 2022Vitamins are bioactive compounds naturally found in many different types of food and required by the human body for many biological functions and enzymatic activities.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Vitamins are bioactive compounds naturally found in many different types of food and required by the human body for many biological functions and enzymatic activities. Due to their antioxidant properties, certain vitamin derivatives have been synthesized for inclusion in many cosmetics, thus leading to an increasing incidence of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) cases. Therefore, the present review may be helpful to provide an insight into the sensitizing role of at least certain vitamins and may also offer possible patch test alternatives for definitive diagnosis.
METHODS
This study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Literature search regarding ACD cases to vitamins was performed using the Medline, PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases from January 1940 up to June 2021.
RESULTS
A total of 4494 articles matched the keywords used for the researched. Records removed before screening included 15 duplicate articles and 3429 not eligible articles (e.g., not written in English, studies on animals, not relevant to the topic). A total of 1050 articles underwent the screening phase and 258 were therefore excluded as they were not primary studies. Subsequentially, 792 articles were considered eligible for the review and 688 of them were finally excluded as they did not report the outcome of interest. Therefore, 104 articles were definitely included in the present review.
CONCLUSION
ACD to vitamins is still probably an underestimated issue in cosmetology, as many vitamins are considered "natural" and therefore "safe" ingredients. On the contrary, according to current literature, almost all vitamins contained in topical products are able to induce allergic reactions, with the exception of vitamin B2 and vitamin B9. Patch tests are not standardized, thus leading to difficulties in diagnosis.
PubMed: 36210883
DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.766 -
Scottish Medical Journal Aug 2023This review aimed to examine if the platelet-lymphocyte ratio and lymphocyte-monocyte ratio can be useful in determining disease activity in patients with inflammatory... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
This review aimed to examine if the platelet-lymphocyte ratio and lymphocyte-monocyte ratio can be useful in determining disease activity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
METHODS
PubMed, CENTRAL, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for studies published up to 9 January 2023. Platelet-lymphocyte ratio and lymphocyte-monocyte ratio values from active and remission inflammatory bowel disease cases were compared to generate a mean difference (MD).
RESULTS
Nine studies were included. Meta-analysis showed that inflammatory bowel disease patients with active disease had significantly higher values of platelet-lymphocyte ratio as compared to those in remission (MD: 63.46 95% CI: 35.74, 91.17, = 89%). The values of platelet-lymphocyte ratio were significantly higher in both active ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease patients. Meta-analysis also showed that lymphocyte-monocyte ratio values were significantly lower in active inflammatory bowel disease patients as compared to those under remission (MD: -1.28 95% CI: -1.42, -1.14, = 4%). Lymphocyte-monocyte ratio values were significantly lower in both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease patients with active disease.
CONCLUSION
Platelet-lymphocyte ratio and lymphocyte-monocyte ratio can be useful blood-based markers in differentiating active disease in inflammatory bowel disease patients. Active cases of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease have high platelet-lymphocyte ratio and low lymphocyte-monocyte ratio as compared to those in remission. Further studies with a larger sample size are needed to strengthen conclusions.
Topics: Humans; Colitis, Ulcerative; Crohn Disease; Monocytes; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Lymphocytes
PubMed: 37489108
DOI: 10.1177/00369330231188962 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jan 2023Chemokines are known to be immunoregulatory proteins involved not only in lymphocyte chemotaxis to the site of inflammation, but also in neuromodulation, neurogenesis,... (Review)
Review
Chemokines are known to be immunoregulatory proteins involved not only in lymphocyte chemotaxis to the site of inflammation, but also in neuromodulation, neurogenesis, and neurotransmission. Multiple lines of evidence suggest a peripheral proinflammatory state and neuroinflammation in at least a third of patients with schizophrenia. Therefore, chemokines can be active players in these processes. In this systematic review, we analyzed the available data on chemokine dysregulation in schizophrenia and the association of chemokines with neuroinflammation. It has been shown that there is a genetic association of chemokine and chemokine receptor gene polymorphisms in schizophrenia. Besides, the most reliable data confirmed by the results of meta-analyses showed an increase in CXCL8/IL-8, CCL2/MCP-1, CCL4/MIP-1β, CCL11/eotaxin-1 in the blood of patients with schizophrenia. An increase in CXCL8 has been found in cerebrospinal fluid, but other chemokines have been less well studied. Increased/decreased expression of genes of chemokine and their receptors have been found in different areas of the brain and peripheral immune cells. The peripheral proinflammatory state may influence the expression of chemokines since their expression is regulated by pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Mouse models have shown an association of schizophrenia with dysregulation of the CX3CL1-CX3CR1 and CXCL12-CXCR4 axes. Altogether, dysregulation in chemokine expression may contribute to neuroinflammation in schizophrenia. In conclusion, this evidence indicates the involvement of chemokines in the neurobiological processes associated with schizophrenia.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Schizophrenia; Neuroinflammatory Diseases; Chemokines; Cytokines; Chemokine CCL2; Chemokine CCL4; Chemotaxis, Leukocyte; Chemokine CCL5
PubMed: 36768537
DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032215 -
Health Science Reports May 2022Older people have higher rates of comorbidities and may experience more severe inflammatory responses; therefore, are at higher risk of death. Herein, we aimed to... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Older people have higher rates of comorbidities and may experience more severe inflammatory responses; therefore, are at higher risk of death. Herein, we aimed to systematically review the mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients and its predictors in this age group.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct using relevant keywords. Retrieved records underwent a two-step screening process consisting of title/abstract and full-text screenings to identify the eligible studies.
RESULTS
Summarizing findings of 35 studies demonstrated that older patients have higher mortality rates compared to the younger population. A review of articles revealed that increasing age, body mass index, a male gender, dementia, impairment or dependency in daily activities, presence of consolidations on chest X-ray, hypoxemic respiratory failure, and lower oxygen saturation at admission were risk factors for death. High d-dimer levels, 25-hydroxy vitamin D serum deficiencies, high C-reactive protein (≥5 mg/L) levels plus any other abnormalities of lymphocyte, higher blood urea nitrogen or lactate dehydrogenase, and higher platelet count were predictors of poor prognosis and mortality in the elderly. Studies have also shown that previous treatment with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors, pharmacological treatments of respiratory disorders, antibiotics, corticosteroids, vitamin K antagonist, antihistamines, azithromycin, Itolizumab (an anti-CD6 monoclonal antibody) in combination with other antivirals reduces COVID-19 worsening and mortality. Vaccination against seasonal influenza might also reduce COVID-19 mortality.
CONCLUSION
Overall, a critical consideration is necessary for the care and management of COVID-19 in the aged population considering the drastic contrasts in manifestation and prognosis compared to other age groups. Mortality from COVID-19 is independently associated with the patient's age. Elderly patients with COVID-19 are more vulnerable to poor outcomes. Thus, strict preventive measures, timely diagnosis, and aggressive therapeutic/nontherapeutic care are of great importance to reduce acute respiratory distress syndrome and severe complications in older people.
PubMed: 35620541
DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.657