-
Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) Feb 2024Choline is essential for proper liver, muscle, brain, lipid metabolism, cellular membrane composition, and repair. Understanding genetic determinants of circulating... (Review)
Review
The Relationship of Circulating Choline and Choline-Related Metabolite Levels with Health Outcomes: A Scoping Review of Genome-Wide Association Studies and Mendelian Randomization Studies.
Choline is essential for proper liver, muscle, brain, lipid metabolism, cellular membrane composition, and repair. Understanding genetic determinants of circulating choline metabolites can help identify new determinants of choline metabolism, requirements, and their link to disease endpoints. We conducted a scoping review to identify studies assessing the association of genetic polymorphisms on circulating choline and choline-related metabolite concentrations and subsequent associations with health outcomes. This study follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement scoping review extension. Literature was searched to September 28, 2022, in 4 databases: Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and the Biological Science Index. Studies of any duration in humans were considered. Any genome-wide association study (GWAS) investigating genetic variant associations with circulating choline and/or choline-related metabolites and any Mendelian randomization (MR) study investigating the association of genetically predicted circulating choline and/or choline-related metabolites with any health outcome were considered. Qualitative evidence is presented in summary tables. From 1248 total reviewed articles, 53 were included (GWAS = 27; MR = 26). Forty-two circulating choline-related metabolites were tested in association with genetic variants in GWAS studies, primarily trimethylamine N-oxide, betaine, sphingomyelins, lysophosphatidylcholines, and phosphatidylcholines. MR studies investigated associations between 52 total unique choline metabolites and 66 unique health outcomes. Of these, 47 significant associations were reported between 16 metabolites (primarily choline, lysophosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylcholines, betaine, and sphingomyelins) and 27 health outcomes including cancer, cardiovascular, metabolic, bone, and brain-related outcomes. Some articles reported significant associations between multiple choline types and the same health outcome. Genetically predicted circulating choline and choline-related metabolite concentrations are associated with a wide variety of health outcomes. Further research is needed to assess how genetic variability influences choline metabolism and whether individuals with lower genetically predicted circulating choline and choline-related metabolite concentrations would benefit from a dietary intervention or supplementation.
Topics: Humans; Choline; Betaine; Genome-Wide Association Study; Sphingomyelins; Mendelian Randomization Analysis; Lysophosphatidylcholines; Phosphatidylcholines; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
PubMed: 38128611
DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2023.100164 -
CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics Feb 2024Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive motor and extra-motor neurodegenerative disease. This systematic review aimed to examine MRI biomarkers and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive motor and extra-motor neurodegenerative disease. This systematic review aimed to examine MRI biomarkers and neuropsychological assessments of the hippocampal and parahippocampal regions in patients with ALS.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted in the Scopus and PubMed databases for studies published between January 2000 and July 2023. The inclusion criteria were (1) MRI studies to assess hippocampal and parahippocampal regions in ALS patients, and (2) studies reporting neuropsychological data in patients with ALS.
RESULTS
A total of 46 studies were included. Structural MRI revealed hippocampal atrophy, especially in ALS-FTD, involving specific subregions (CA1, dentate gyrus). Disease progression and genetic factors impacted atrophy patterns. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) showed increased mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), radial diffusivity (RD), and decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) in the hippocampal tracts and adjacent regions, indicating loss of neuronal and white matter integrity. Functional MRI (fMRI) revealed reduced functional connectivity (FC) between the hippocampus, parahippocampus, and other regions, suggesting disrupted networks. Perfusion MRI showed hypoperfusion in parahippocampal gyri. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) found changes in the hippocampus, indicating neuronal loss. Neuropsychological tests showed associations between poorer memory and hippocampal atrophy or connectivity changes. CA1-2, dentate gyrus, and fimbria atrophy were correlated with worse memory.
CONCLUSIONS
The hippocampus and the connected regions are involved in ALS. Hippocampal atrophy disrupted connectivity and metabolite changes correlate with cognitive and functional decline. Specific subregions can be particularly affected. The hippocampus is a potential biomarker for disease monitoring and prognosis.
Topics: Humans; Diffusion Tensor Imaging; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Frontotemporal Dementia; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Hippocampus; Biomarkers; Neuropsychological Tests; Atrophy
PubMed: 38334254
DOI: 10.1111/cns.14578 -
Molecular Biology Reports Oct 2022Neurodegenerative disorders are a diverse variety of diseases that can be distinguished from developing degeneration of neurons in the CNS. Several alkaloids have shown... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Neurodegenerative disorders are a diverse variety of diseases that can be distinguished from developing degeneration of neurons in the CNS. Several alkaloids have shown mounting effects in neurodegenerative disorders, and berberine is one of them. Demethyleneberberine is a metabolite of berberine that has better blood-brain barrier crossing capacity. Demethyleneberberine possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and mitochondrial targeting properties. However, neither the pharmacological action nor the molecular mechanism of action of demethyleneberberine on neurodegenerative disorders has been explored yet.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic literature review of PubMed, Medline, Bentham, Scopus, and EMBASE (Elseveier) databases was carried out with the help of keywords like "Demethyleneberberine; neuroinflammation; oxidative stress; Neuroprotective; Neurodegenerative disorders" till date.
CONCLUSION
This review focus on the neuroprotective potential of demethyleneberberine in neurodegenerative disorders by attenuating different pathways, i.e., NF-κB, MAPK, and AMPK signalling.
Topics: AMP-Activated Protein Kinases; Alkaloids; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antioxidants; Berberine; Humans; NF-kappa B; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Neuroprotective Agents
PubMed: 35657450
DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07594-9 -
Nutrition Journal Jul 2020Several epidemiological studies have examined the association between trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO) and stroke risk; however, the results are still inconclusive. The... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIMS
Several epidemiological studies have examined the association between trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO) and stroke risk; however, the results are still inconclusive. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the relationship between TMAO concentrations and stroke risk.
METHODS
PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane and ProQuest search engines were systematically searched up to 18 June 2019. All of the studies that evaluated the relationship between TMAO and stroke were included in the systematic review and eligible studies were included into the meta-analysis. Meta-regression and subgroup analysis were also employed to find the source of heterogeneity.
RESULTS
Eight studies (two cross-sectional studies, two cohort studies, three case-control studies and one nested case-control study) with a total of 6150 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The overall result showed that being in the highest category of TMAO increased the odds of stroke by 68% (OR: 1.675; CI: 0.866-3.243; P = 0.047) and mean TMAO concentrations was 2.201 μmol/L higher in patients with stroke rather than non-stroke controls (weighted mean difference (WMD): 2.20; CI: 1.213-3.188; P < 0.001). Furthermore, we observed revealed a non-linear association between increased TMAO levels and increased odds of stroke (P- for nonlinearity < 0.001). In addition, visual inspection of the funnel plot revealed a significant asymmetry among studies examining the differences in TMAO in patients with stroke versus control group.
CONCLUSION
This is the first meta-analysis to show positive dose-dependent relations between circulating TMAO concentration and stroke risk. However, further interventional studies and long-term studies are needed to better explain causality.
Topics: Case-Control Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Methylamines; Risk Factors; Stroke
PubMed: 32731904
DOI: 10.1186/s12937-020-00592-2 -
Canadian Urological Association Journal... Mar 2021Fasting is a common cultural practice worldwide for both religious and dietary reasons. However, there is concern that fasting may be a risk factor for the development... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Fasting is a common cultural practice worldwide for both religious and dietary reasons. However, there is concern that fasting may be a risk factor for the development of renal stones. To date, there has not been a systematic assessment of the literature regarding the association between renal stones and fasting.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines of three databases: Medline-OVID, EMBASE, and CINAHL. All screening and extraction was completed in parallel with two independent reviewers.
RESULTS
Of the 1501 database citations, a total of 10 observational studies with a total of 9906 participants were included. Nine of the studies were conducted in the context of Islamic fasting during Ramadan, with the majority (7/9) finding that renal colic incidence was unaffected by the month of fasting. In contrast, two studies noted an increased incidence among fasting populations. Two other studies noted that urine metabolites and density were altered with fasting but did not translate into clinical outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the available evidence, it is unlikely that fasting significantly increases the risk of renal stones. Physicians should counsel higher-risk patients on safe fasting practices.
PubMed: 32807286
DOI: 10.5489/cuaj.6664 -
Biomedical Chromatography : BMC Jul 2023Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is a powerful label-free analysis technique that can provide simultaneous spatial distribution of multiple compounds in a single... (Review)
Review
Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is a powerful label-free analysis technique that can provide simultaneous spatial distribution of multiple compounds in a single experiment. By combining the sensitive and rapid screening of high-throughput MS with spatial chemical information, metabolite analysis and morphological characteristics are presented in a single image. MSI can be used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of metabolic profiles and it can provide visual analysis of spatial distribution information of complex biological and microbial systems. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization, laser ablation electrospray ionization and desorption electrospray ionization are commonly used in MSI. Here, we summarize and compare these three technologies, as well as the applications and prospects of MSI in metabolomics.
Topics: Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization; Metabolomics
PubMed: 36044038
DOI: 10.1002/bmc.5494 -
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County,... Oct 2020The gut microbiota-derived metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) has been regarded as one of the potent risk factors for cardiovascular events and diabetes. In the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The gut microbiota-derived metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) has been regarded as one of the potent risk factors for cardiovascular events and diabetes. In the current meta-analysis we quantitatively summarized and updated the results of studies regarding the association between TMAO and mortality. A systematic search was performed from PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, and Embase. All of the studies that evaluated the association between TMAO and mortality were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were performed to identify the source of heterogeneity. There were 31 230 participants included and the results showed that being in the highest category of TMAO increased the hazard ratio (HR) of mortality by 47%. Moreover, there was a non-linear association between increased TMAO concentrations and HR of mortality. In the current dose-response meta-analysis, we revealed a positive association between TMAO and mortality risk among an adult population.
Topics: Adult; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Methylamines; Proportional Hazards Models; Risk Factors
PubMed: 32592979
DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2020.110856 -
Frontiers in Pediatrics 2022Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious condition related to prematurity and the initiation of enteral feeding. In this article, we review the evidence published in...
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious condition related to prematurity and the initiation of enteral feeding. In this article, we review the evidence published in recent years on necrotizing enterocolitis risk factors (prematurity, feeding with low-weight formula, existence of intestinal dysbiosis) and protective factors (human milk or donated milk supply, supplementation of human milk with oligosaccharides, probiotics administration, and the determination of disease predictive biomarkers). A systematic review was conducted of preventive, risk and predictive factors for necrotizing enterocolitis in neonates prior to 37 weeks' gestational age, based on a literature search for clinical trials, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews published between January 2018 and October 2021. For this purpose, the PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases were consulted. The literature search obtained 113 articles, of which 19 were selected for further analysis after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The conclusions drawn from this analysis were that adequate knowledge of risk factors that can be prevented or modified (such as alteration of the intestinal microbiota, oxidative stress, metabolic dysfunction at birth, or alteration of the immunity modulation) can reduce the incidence of NEC in premature infants. These factors include the supplementation of enteral nutrition with human milk oligosaccharides (with prebiotic and immunomodulatory effects), the combined administration of probiotics (especially the spp and spp combination, which inhibits bacterial adhesion effects, improves the intestinal mucosa barrier function, strengthens the innate and adaptive immune system and increases the secretion of bioactive metabolites), the supplementation of human milk with lactoferrin and the use of donated milk fortified in accordance with the characteristics of the premature newborn. The determination of factors that can predict the existence of NEC, such as fecal calprotectin, increased TLR4 activity, and IL6 receptor, can lead to an early diagnosis of NEC. Although further studies should be conducted to determine the values of predictive biomarkers of NEC, and/or the recommended doses and strains of probiotics, lactoferrin or oligosaccharides, the knowledge acquired in recent years is encouraging.
PubMed: 35656377
DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.874976 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Aug 2023Acrylamide is widely found in a variety of fried foods and cigarettes and is not only neurotoxic and carcinogenic, but also has many potential toxic effects. The current... (Review)
Review
Acrylamide is widely found in a variety of fried foods and cigarettes and is not only neurotoxic and carcinogenic, but also has many potential toxic effects. The current assessment of acrylamide intake through dietary questionnaires is confounded by a variety of factors, which poses limitations to safety assessment. In this review, we focus on the levels of AAMA, the urinary metabolite of acrylamide in humans, and its association with other diseases, and discuss the current research gaps in AAMA and the future needs. We reviewed a total of 25 studies from eight countries. In the general population, urinary AAMA levels were higher in smokers than in non-smokers, and higher in children than in adults; the highest levels of AAMA were found in the population from Spain, compared with the general population from other countries. In addition, AAMA is associated with several diseases, especially cardiovascular system diseases. Therefore, AAMA, as a biomarker of internal human exposure, can reflect acrylamide intake in the short term, which is of great significance for tracing acrylamide-containing foods and setting the allowable intake of acrylamide in foods.
Topics: Adult; Child; Humans; Acetylcysteine; Acrylamide; Biomarkers; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 37458885
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28714-3 -
A Systematic Review on the Continuous Cropping Obstacles and Control Strategies in Medicinal Plants.International Journal of Molecular... Aug 2023Continuous cropping (CC) is a common practice in agriculture, and usually causes serious economic losses due to soil degeneration, decreased crop yield and quality, and... (Review)
Review
Continuous cropping (CC) is a common practice in agriculture, and usually causes serious economic losses due to soil degeneration, decreased crop yield and quality, and increased disease incidence, especially in medicinal plants. Continuous cropping obstacles (CCOs) are mainly due to changes in soil microbial communities, nutrient availability, and allelopathic effects. Recently, progressive studies have illustrated the molecular mechanisms of CCOs, and valid strategies to overcome them. Transcriptomic and metabolomics analyses revealed that identified DEGs (differently expressed genes) and metabolites involved in the response to CCOs are involved in various biological processes, including photosynthesis, carbon metabolism, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, and bioactive compounds. Soil improvement is an effective strategy to overcome this problem. Soil amendments can improve the microbial community by increasing the abundance of beneficial microorganisms, soil fertility, and nutrient availability. In this review, we sum up the recent status of the research on CCOs in medicinal plants, the combination of transcriptomic and metabolomics studies, and related control strategies, including uses of soil amendments, crop rotation, and intercropping. Finally, we propose future research trends for understanding CCOs, and strategies to overcome these obstacles and promote sustainable agriculture practices in medicinal plants.
Topics: Plants, Medicinal; Soil Microbiology; Agriculture; Soil; Carbon
PubMed: 37569843
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512470