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International Journal of Molecular... Jan 2024Lipids are a large group of natural compounds, together with proteins and carbohydrates, and are essential for various processes in the body. After death, the organism's... (Review)
Review
Lipids are a large group of natural compounds, together with proteins and carbohydrates, and are essential for various processes in the body. After death, the organism's tissues undergo a series of reactions that generate changes in some molecules, including lipids. This means that determining the lipid change profile can be beneficial in estimating the postmortem interval (PMI). These changes can also help determine burial sites and advance the localization of graves. The aim was to explore and analyze the decomposition process of corpses, focusing on the transformation of lipids, especially triglycerides (TGs) and fatty acids (FAs), and the possible application of these compounds as markers to estimate PMI and detect burial sites. A systematic review of 24 scientific articles from the last 23 years (2000-2023) was conducted. The results show that membrane glycerophospholipids (such as phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylglycerol, among others) are the most studied, and the most promising results are obtained, with decreasing patterns as PMI varies. Fatty acids (FAs) are also identified as potential biomarkers owing to the variations in their postmortem concentration. An increase in saturated fatty acids (SFAs), such as stearic acid and palmitic acid, and a decrease in unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), such as oleic acid and linoleic acid, were observed. The importance of intrinsic and extrinsic factors in decomposition is also observed. Finally, as for the burial sites, the presence of fatty acids and some sterols in burial areas of animal and human remains can be verified. In conclusion, glycerophospholipids and fatty acids are good markers for estimating PMI. It has been observed that there are still no equations for estimating the PMI that can be applied to forensic practice, as intrinsic and extrinsic factors are seen to play a vital role in the decomposition process. As for determining burial sites, the importance of soil and textile samples has been demonstrated, showing a direct relationship between saturated fatty acids, hydroxy fatty acids, and some sterols with decomposing remains.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Lipidomics; Fatty Acids; Cadaver; Phytosterols; Sterols; Glycerophospholipids
PubMed: 38256058
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020984 -
Thrombosis Research Jun 2022Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) and thrombotic events. The association of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Prevalence of aPhosphatidylserine/prothrombin antibodies and association with antiphospholipid antibody profiles in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) and thrombotic events. The association of aPLs with thrombotic events depends on the number of positive tests. Besides the three classical tests to classify APS, phosphatidylserine/prothrombin complex autoantibodies (aPS/PT) are increasingly used to better define this condition. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the prevalence of aPS/PT in general and according to antiphospholipid antibody profiles in patients with APS.
METHODS
A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library from January 1990 to September 2021 was carried out according to PRISMA guidelines. Proportions and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects model. Publication biases were evaluated via visualization of funnel plots along with Egger's and Begg's tests.
RESULTS
Twenty-one articles about the prevalence of aPS/PT in 1853 patients with APS were deemed eligible and analyzed according to the inclusion criteria. Pooled prevalence of aPS/PT IgG alone, IgM alone, and IgG/M were 50.0%, 45.0%, and 65.0%, respectively. No significant publication bias was detected from funnel plots or Egger's and Begg's tests. When the prevalence of aPS/PT was calculated in homogeneous aPLs, a much higher rate of pooled prevalence of aPS/PT IgG/M in patients positive for Lupus Anticoagulant (84.5%) and in those with triple positivity (83.4%) was found.
CONCLUSIONS
These data show a high rate of aPS/PT positivity in patients with APS (especially in those positive for LAC) but further studies are needed to ascertain whether this test might be useful in the laboratory classification criteria of APS.
Topics: Antibodies, Antiphospholipid; Antiphospholipid Syndrome; Humans; Immunoglobulin G; Phosphatidylserines; Prevalence; Prothrombin; Thrombosis
PubMed: 35526513
DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2022.04.021 -
Ageing Research Reviews Jul 2021Aging affects the serum levels of various metabolites which may be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases. The aim of this review article is to summarize the...
BACKGROUND
Aging affects the serum levels of various metabolites which may be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases. The aim of this review article is to summarize the relationship between aging and alterations in the plasma phospholipids and sphingomyelins.
METHODS
PRISMA guidelines were employed during all steps. MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, Embase and Web of Sciences databases and Google Scholar were searched up to October 2020. Cohort studies investigating the relationship between aging and within-person changes in sphingomyelin (SM), phosphatidyl choline (PC), lyso PC (LPC) and phosphatidyl ethanolamine (PE) were included. Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess the quality of included studies.
RESULTS
A total of 1425 studies were identified. After removing 610 duplicates and 723 irrelevant studies, full texts of 92 articles were evaluated. Of these 92, 6 studies (including data from 7 independent cohorts) met the inclusion criteria and are included in this review. All study populations were healthy and included both men and women. Results by sex were reported in 3 cohorts for PC, 5 cohorts for LPC, 3 cohorts for SM, and only 1 cohort for PE. In men, PC, SM, PE and LPC decreased with aging, although results for LPC were inconsistent. In women, LPC, SM, and PE increased age, whereas changes in PC were inconsistent.
CONCLUSION
Within-person serum levels of phospholipids and sphingomyelins, decrease during aging in men and increase in women. Notably, however, there were some inconsistencies across studies of LPC in men and of PC in women.
Topics: Aging; Female; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Phosphatidylcholines; Phospholipids; Sphingomyelins
PubMed: 33839333
DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101340 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2021Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease associated with lipid metabolism. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive lipid that plays a key role in the development of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease associated with lipid metabolism. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive lipid that plays a key role in the development of autoimmune diseases. However, there is currently a lack of comprehensive evidence of the effectiveness of S1P on psoriasis.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy and possible mechanism of S1P and its signal modulators in the treatment of psoriasis-like dermatitis.
METHODS
Six databases were searched through May 8, 2021, for studies reporting S1P and its signal modulators. Two reviewers independently extracted information from the enrolled studies. Methodological quality was assessed using SYRCLE's risk of bias tool. RevMan 5.3 software was used to analyze the data. For clinical studies, the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score were the main outcomes. For preclinical studies, we clarified the role of S1P and its regulators in psoriasis in terms of phenotype and mechanism.
RESULTS
One randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial and nine animal studies were included in this study. The pooled results showed that compared with control treatment, S1P receptor agonists [mean difference (MD): -6.80; 95% confidence interval (CI): -8.23 to -5.38; p<0.00001], and sphingosine kinase 2 inhibitors (MD: -0.95; 95% CI: -1.26 to -0.65; p<0.00001) alleviated psoriasis-like dermatitis in mice. The mechanism of S1P receptor agonists in treating psoriasis might be related to a decrease in the number of white blood cells, topical lymph node weight, interleukin-23 mRNA levels, and percentage of CD3 T cells (p<0.05). Sphingosine kinase 2 inhibitors ameliorated psoriasis in mice, possibly by reducing spleen weight and cell numbers (p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
S1P receptor agonists and sphingosine kinase 2 inhibitors could be potential methods for treating psoriasis by decreasing immune responses and inflammatory factors.
Topics: Animals; Enzyme Inhibitors; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Lysophospholipids; Mice; Phosphotransferases (Alcohol Group Acceptor); Psoriasis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Receptors, Lysosphingolipid; Software; Sphingosine
PubMed: 34992595
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.759276 -
Journal of Alzheimer's Disease : JAD 2023Choline alphoscerate (alpha glyceryl phosphorylcholine, α-GPC) is a choline-containing phospholipid used as a medicine or nutraceutical to improve cognitive function... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Choline alphoscerate (alpha glyceryl phosphorylcholine, α-GPC) is a choline-containing phospholipid used as a medicine or nutraceutical to improve cognitive function impairment occurring in neurological conditions including adult-onset dementia disorders. Despite its 1985 marketing authorization, there are still discrepancies between countries regarding its approval as a prescription medicine and discussions about its effectiveness.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the α-GPC compound for treating cognitive impairment in patients with adult-onset neurological disorders.
METHODS
Relevant studies were identified by searching PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase. Studies that evaluated the effects of α-GPC alone or in combination with other compounds on adult-onset cognitive impairment reporting cognition, function, and behavior were considered. We assessed the risk of bias of selected studies using the Cochrane risk of bias tool.
RESULTS
A total of 1,326 studies and 300 full-text articles were screened. We included seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one prospective cohort study that met our eligibility criteria. We found significant effects of α-GPC in combination with donepezil on cognition [4 RCTs, mean difference (MD):1.72, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.20 to 3.25], functional outcomes [3 RCTs, MD:0.79, 95% CI: 0.34 to 1.23], and behavioral outcomes [4 RCTs; MD: -7.61, 95% CI: -10.31 to -4.91]. We also observed that patients who received α-GPC had significantly better cognition than those who received either placebo or other medications [MD: 3.50, 95% CI: 0.36 to 6.63].
CONCLUSION
α-GPC alone or in combination with donepezil improved cognition, behavior, and functional outcomes among patients with neurological conditions associated with cerebrovascular injury.
Topics: Humans; Donepezil; Glycerylphosphorylcholine; Cognitive Dysfunction; Cognition Disorders; Cognition; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 36683513
DOI: 10.3233/JAD-221189 -
Nutrition Reviews May 2022Atherosclerosis is a disease of chronic inflammation. Recent research has identified 2 novel inflammatory biomarkers: platelet-activating factor (PAF) and...
CONTEXT
Atherosclerosis is a disease of chronic inflammation. Recent research has identified 2 novel inflammatory biomarkers: platelet-activating factor (PAF) and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2). Diet has been proposed as a mediator of inflammation, but to date, the focus for these novel biomarkers has been on individual foods and nutrients rather than overall dietary patterns.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review the literature on the association between dietary patterns and PAF and Lp-PLA2.
DATA SOURCES
The PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane CENTRAL literature databases were searched.
DATA ANALYSIS
Study quality was evaluated using the Quality Criteria Checklist. Sixteen studies (n = 4 observational and n = 12 interventional) were included and assessed for associations between dietary patterns and PAF and Lp-PLA2.
CONCLUSION
Study quality varied from neutral (n = 10) to positive (n = 6). Mediterranean, heart healthy, and vegetarian dietary patterns were associated with improved levels of PAF and Lp-PLA2. Conversely, Western dietary patterns were less favorable. A range of well-established, healthier dietary patterns may lower inflammation and the risk of atherosclerosis. More well-designed studies are needed to confirm these findings and identify other dietary patterns that improve inflammation.
Topics: 1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase; Atherosclerosis; Biomarkers; Humans; Inflammation; Platelet Activating Factor
PubMed: 34651191
DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuab051 -
Cells May 2021Fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs), usually found and isolated from the T cell zone of lymph nodes, have recently been described as much more than simple structural...
Fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs), usually found and isolated from the T cell zone of lymph nodes, have recently been described as much more than simple structural cells. Originally, these cells were described to form a conduit system called the "reticular fiber network" and for being responsible for transferring the lymph fluid drained from tissues through afferent lymphatic vessels to the T cell zone. However, nowadays, these cells are described as being capable of secreting several cytokines and chemokines and possessing the ability to interfere with the immune response, improving it, and also controlling lymphocyte proliferation. Here, we performed a systematic review of the several methods employed to investigate the mechanisms used by fibroblastic reticular cells to control the immune response, as well as their ability in determining the fate of T cells. We searched articles indexed and published in the last five years, between 2016 and 2020, in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane, following the PRISMA guidelines. We found 175 articles published in the literature using our searching strategies, but only 24 articles fulfilled our inclusion criteria and are discussed here. Other articles important in the built knowledge of FRCs were included in the introduction and discussion. The studies selected for this review used different strategies in order to access the contribution of FRCs to different mechanisms involved in the immune response: 21% evaluated viral infection in this context, 13% used a model of autoimmunity, 8% used a model of GvHD or cancer, 4% used a model of Ischemic-reperfusion injury (IRI). Another four studies just targeted a particular signaling pathway, such as MHC II expression, FRC microvesicles, FRC secretion of IL-15, FRC network, or ablation of the lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)-producing ectoenzyme autotaxin. In conclusion, our review shows the strategies used by several studies to isolate and culture fibroblastic reticular cells, the models chosen by each one, and dissects their main findings and implications in homeostasis and disease.
Topics: Animals; Autoimmunity; Cell Proliferation; Cytokines; Fibroblasts; Homeostasis; Humans; Immunophenotyping; Lymph; Lymph Nodes; Lymphatic Vessels; Lymphocytes; Lysophospholipids; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Inbred NOD; Neoplasms; Reticulin; T-Lymphocytes
PubMed: 34068712
DOI: 10.3390/cells10051150 -
Journal of Periodontal Research Aug 2023The purpose of this meta-analysis was to look at the differences in oxidative stress (OS) biomarkers between type 2 diabetes mellitus with chronic periodontitis (DMCP)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this meta-analysis was to look at the differences in oxidative stress (OS) biomarkers between type 2 diabetes mellitus with chronic periodontitis (DMCP) and chronic periodontitis (CP) patients.
BACKGROUND
Oxidative stress has been shown to be a key pathogenic component in DMCP. However, it is unclear whether oxidative stress levels differ in periodontitis patients with or without diabetes.
METHOD
A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases. Studies of DMCP participants were used as the experimental group and CP participants were used as the control group. Results are expressed as mean effects.
RESULTS
Of a total of 1989 articles, 19 met the inclusion criteria. We found the levels of catalase (CAT) levels were reduced in the DMCP group compared with the CP group. However, there was no significant difference in the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) between the two groups. And high heterogeneity was observed in some of the studies evaluated.
CONCLUSION
Despite the limitations of this study, our results support the theory that there is an association between T2DM and the levels of OS-related biomarkers, especially CAT, in CP subjects, suggesting that OS plays an important role in the pathogenesis and development of DMCP.
Topics: Humans; Chronic Periodontitis; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine; Oxidative Stress; Antioxidants; Superoxide Dismutase; Biomarkers; Glutathione; Malondialdehyde
PubMed: 37282784
DOI: 10.1111/jre.13136 -
Thrombosis Research Oct 2022
Meta-Analysis
Role of anti-phosphatidylserine/prothrombin antibodies in antiphospholipid syndrome: Still matter of debate. Comment on: "Prevalence of aPhosphatidylserine/prothrombin antibodies and association with antiphospholipid antibody profiles in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome: A systematic review...
Topics: Antibodies, Antiphospholipid; Antiphospholipid Syndrome; Humans; Lupus Coagulation Inhibitor; Phosphatidylserines; Prevalence; Prothrombin
PubMed: 36057166
DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2022.08.012 -
The British Journal of Nutrition Dec 2019Little is known about the association between dietary choline intake and mortality. We evaluated the link between choline consumption and overall as well as... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Dietary choline is positively related to overall and cause-specific mortality: results from individuals of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and pooling prospective data.
Little is known about the association between dietary choline intake and mortality. We evaluated the link between choline consumption and overall as well as cause-specific mortality by using both individual data and pooling prospective studies by meta-analysis and systematic review. Furthermore, adjusted means of cardiometabolic risk factors across choline intake quartiles were calculated. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2010) were collected. Adjusted Cox regression was performed to determine the risk ratio (RR) and 95 % CI, as well as random-effects models and generic inverse variance methods to synthesise quantitative and pooling data, followed by a leave-one-out method for sensitivity analysis. After adjustments, we found that individuals consuming more choline had worse lipid profile and glucose homeostasis, but lower C-reactive protein levels (P < 0·001 for all comparisons) with no significant differences in anthropometric parameters and blood pressure. Multivariable Cox regression models revealed that individuals in the highest quartile (Q4) of choline consumption had a greater risk of total (23 %), CVD (33 %) and stroke (30 %) mortality compared with the first quartile (Q1) (P < 0·001 for all comparison). These results were confirmed in a meta-analysis, showing that choline intake was positively and significantly associated with overall (RR 1·12, 95 % CI 1·08, 1·17, I2 = 2·9) and CVD (RR 1·28, 95 % CI 1·17, 1·39, I2 = 9·6) mortality risk. In contrast, the positive association between choline consumption and stroke mortality became non-significant (RR 1·18, 95 % CI 0·97, 1·43, P = 0·092, I2 = 1·1). Our findings shed light on the potential adverse effects of choline intake on selected cardiometabolic risk factors and mortality risk.
Topics: Adult; Blood Glucose; C-Reactive Protein; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cholesterol; Choline; Diet; Ethnicity; Female; Glycerophospholipids; Humans; Lipids; Male; Middle Aged; Mortality; Nutrition Surveys; Odds Ratio; Socioeconomic Factors; Stroke
PubMed: 31288869
DOI: 10.1017/S0007114519001065