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Drug Development Research Dec 2022Diosgenin, a steroidal saponin, is a natural product found in many plants. Diosgenin has a wide range of pharmacological activities, and has been used to treat cancer,... (Review)
Review
Diosgenin, a steroidal saponin, is a natural product found in many plants. Diosgenin has a wide range of pharmacological activities, and has been used to treat cancer, nervous system diseases, inflammation, and infections. Numerous studies have shown that diosgenin has potential therapeutic value for lipid metabolism diseases via various pathways and mechanisms, such as controlling lipid synthesis, absorption, and inhibition of oxidative stress. These mechanisms and pathways have provided ideas for researchers to develop related drugs. In this review, we focus on data from animal and clinical studies, summarizing the toxicity of diosgenin, its pharmacological mechanism, recent research advances, and the related mechanisms of diosgenin as a drug for the treatment of lipid metabolism, especially in obesity, hyperlipidemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, atherosclerosis, and diabetes. This systematic review will briefly describe the advantages of diosgenin as a potential therapeutic drug and seek to enhance our understanding of the pharmacological mechanism, recipe-construction, and the development of novel therapeutics against lipid metabolism diseases.
Topics: Animals; Diosgenin; Lipid Metabolism; Oxidative Stress; Antioxidants; Inflammation
PubMed: 36126194
DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21991 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023Environmental pollution and infertility are two modern global challenges that agonize personal and public health. The causal relationship between these two deserves... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Protective effects of melatonin against the toxic effects of environmental pollutants and heavy metals on testicular tissue: A systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies.
BACKGROUND
Environmental pollution and infertility are two modern global challenges that agonize personal and public health. The causal relationship between these two deserves scientific efforts to intervene. It is believed that melatonin maintains antioxidant properties and may be utilized to protect the testicular tissue from oxidant effects caused by toxic materials.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify the animal trial studies that evaluated melatonin therapy's effects on rodents' testicular tissue against oxidative stress caused by heavy metal and non-heavy metal environmental pollutants. Data were pooled, and standardized mean difference and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using the random-effect model. Also, the risk of bias was assessed using the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) tool. (PROSPERO: CRD42022369872).
RESULTS
Out of 10039 records, 38 studies were eligible for the review, of which 31 were included in the meta-analysis. Most of them showed beneficial effects of melatonin therapy on testicular tissue histopathology. [20 toxic materials were evaluated in this review, including arsenic, lead, hexavalent chromium, cadmium, potassium dichromate, sodium fluoride, cigarette smoke, formaldehyde, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), 2-Bromopropane, bisphenol A, thioacetamide, bisphenol S, ochratoxin A, nicotine, diazinon, Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), Chlorpyrifos (CPF), nonylphenol, and acetamiprid.] The pooled results showed that melatonin therapy increased sperm count, motility, viability and body and testicular weights, germinal epithelial height, Johnsen's biopsy score, epididymis weight, seminiferous tubular diameter, serum testosterone, and luteinizing hormone levels, testicular tissue Malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione levels. On the other hand, abnormal sperm morphology, apoptotic index, and testicular tissue nitric oxide were lower in the melatonin therapy arms. The included studies presented a high risk of bias in most SYRCLE domains.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, our study demonstrated amelioration of testicular histopathological characteristics, reproductive hormonal panel, and tissue markers of oxidative stress. Melatonin deserves scientific attention as a potential therapeutic agent for male infertility.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42022369872.
Topics: Animals; Male; Melatonin; Environmental Pollutants; Semen; Testis; Antioxidants
PubMed: 36793277
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1119553 -
Critical Reviews in Food Science and... 2023(garlic) certainly is one of the oldest horticultural crops in the world and presents bioactive compounds that are related to the garlic's effects on human health....
(garlic) certainly is one of the oldest horticultural crops in the world and presents bioactive compounds that are related to the garlic's effects on human health. Several authors have shown beneficial effects on diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which are among the most relevant causes of mortality in the world. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effects of garlic in the risk factors of CVD and evaluate its economic importance. MEDLINE-PubMed, COCHRANE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases were searched. The included studies showed that the use of garlic can reduce blood pressure, waist circumference, body mass index, LDL-c, non-HDL-c, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and inflammatory markers. It also can increase the levels of HDL-c and can improve cardiovascular parameters such as coronary artery calcium, microcirculation, epicardial and periaortic adipose tissue, post occlusive reactive hyperemia, low attenuation plaque, carotid intima-media thickness; and carotid intima-media thickness. Due to these reasons, garlic can be considered in the prevention and treatment of CVD risk factors.
Topics: Humans; Garlic; Cardiovascular Diseases; Carotid Intima-Media Thickness; Triglycerides; Hypertension; Risk Factors; Antioxidants
PubMed: 35193446
DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2043821 -
Free Radical Biology & Medicine Mar 2020Oxidative stress (OS) has been previously linked to the aging process, as have some diseases and geriatric syndromes as frailty and sarcopenia. The aim of the present... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Oxidative stress (OS) has been previously linked to the aging process, as have some diseases and geriatric syndromes as frailty and sarcopenia. The aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review on oxidative stress activity and extreme longevity in humans.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic literature review following the PRISMA guidelines. Observational studies assessing OS-biomarkers and/or antioxidants in long-lived individuals (97 years old or over) comparing them to those of one or more age groups, (at least one of which from comprising elderly subjects) were considered for inclusion. A narrative synthesis was planned. Quality of selected studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale (NOS).
RESULTS
After screening and eligibility phases, 12 articles were finally selected, with 646 long-lived participants and 1052 controls, 447 adults (20-60 years old) and 605 elderly individuals (over 60 years old). The average score on NOS scale of studies was 4,8 out of 9. Centenarians showed significantly less (p<0,05) oxidative damage to lipids in different samples, lower levels of oxidized proteins in plasma and lower superoxide anion levels in neutrophils than elderly groups. Centenarian presented significantly lower superoxide dismutase and higher glutathione reductase activities, higher levels of vitamins A and E, lower of coenzyme Q10, and lower susceptibility to lipid peroxidation than elderly controls.
CONCLUSION
Based on studies of medium-low quality, available evidence suggests that long-lived individuals display less oxidative damage, particularly lower plasma lipid peroxidation biomarkers, than controls. More studies with better experimental designs are needed.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging; Antioxidants; Humans; Lipid Peroxidation; Longevity; Middle Aged; Oxidative Stress; Superoxide Dismutase; Young Adult
PubMed: 31550529
DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2019.09.019 -
Cryobiology Dec 2021Studies on the cryopreservation of ovarian tissue usually compare slow freezing versus vitrification and aim to optimize protocols, evaluate combinations or... (Review)
Review
Studies on the cryopreservation of ovarian tissue usually compare slow freezing versus vitrification and aim to optimize protocols, evaluate combinations or concentrations of cryoprotectant agents (CPAs), exposure time, and the addition of synthetic polymers. This systematic review aimed to identify the different CPAs used for the vitrification of human or primate ovarian tissue and to compare their results in terms of follicular survival and functional preservation. We searched Pubmed and EMBASE for randomized clinical trials or cohort studies comparing CPAs for human and/or primate ovarian vitrification. The highest rate of morphologically normal follicles after cryopreservation was 98% and was obtained with a combination of 27% ethylene glycol (EG) plus 27% glycerol, in addition to non-permeable synthetic polymers. The use of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in relatively low concentrations combined with EG and other CPAs yielded more than 90% of intact follicles after vitrification. The methods and outcomes varied largely among studies, making it difficult to combine their results. While there is no definite answer to what is the best combination of CPAs for vitrification of human ovarian tissue, the data reviewed here suggest that current vitrification techniques are able to preserve the integrity of most follicles.
Topics: Animals; Cryopreservation; Cryoprotective Agents; Dimethyl Sulfoxide; Ethylene Glycol; Female; Vitrification
PubMed: 34370991
DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2021.08.001 -
Medicine Nov 2023This systematic review explores the most current evidence regarding the mechanisms of neuropathic pain in patients with different types of diabetes and how this pain... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
This systematic review explores the most current evidence regarding the mechanisms of neuropathic pain in patients with different types of diabetes and how this pain affects different functional and structural components of the neuroanatomical pain pathways. The review also seeks to provide guidelines for the best approach and treatment for patients experiencing this type of pain. The objective is to determine the effectiveness of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) in improving functional and symptomatic outcomes in patients with diabetes mellitus type I and type II.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effectiveness of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) in improving functional and symptomatic outcomes in patients with diabetes mellitus type I and type II.
METHODS
We systematically search MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, SCOPUS, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Web of Science databases.
RESULTS
The findings of this review show that different forms of ALA do not present statistically significant changes for any of the scales included, including total symptom score (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -3.59, confidence interval [CI] = -4.16 to -3.02, and P < .00001), neuropathy impairment score (SMD = -1.42, CI = -3.68 to 0.84, and P = .22), and neuropathy symptom checklist (SMD = -0.09, CI = -0.15 to -0.02, and P = .01).
CONCLUSION
In comparison to the use of a placebo, the findings suggest that ALA does not exhibit significant differences in terms of pain reduction and different functional scales. Moreover, no specific dosages are identified to support the use of ALA for the reduction of neuropathic pain.
Topics: Humans; Thioctic Acid; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Neuralgia; Antioxidants; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1
PubMed: 37933068
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000035368 -
Nutrients Aug 2023Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) represents a significant burden for individuals, economies, and healthcare systems worldwide. Recovery protocols focus on medication... (Review)
Review
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) represents a significant burden for individuals, economies, and healthcare systems worldwide. Recovery protocols focus on medication and physiotherapy-based interventions. Animal studies have shown that antioxidants, branched-chain amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids may improve neurophysiological outcomes after TBI. However, there appears to be a paucity of nutritional interventions in humans with chronic (≥1 month) symptomology post-mTBI. This systematic literature review aimed to consolidate evidence for nutrition and dietary-related interventions in humans with chronic mTBI. The review was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD42021277780) and conducted following the Preferred Reporting for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Three reviewers searched five databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL Complete and Cochrane), which yielded 6164 studies. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. The main finding was the lack of interventions conducted to date, and a quality assessment of the included studies was found to be fair to good. Due to heterogeneity, a meta-analysis was not feasible. The six nutrition areas identified (omega-3 fatty acids, melatonin, Enzogenol, MLC901, ketogenic diet and phytocannabinoids) were safe and well-tolerated. It was found that these nutritional interventions may improve cognitive failures, sleep disturbances, anxiety, physical disability, systolic blood pressure volume and sport concussion assessment tool scores following mTBI. Potential areas of improvement identified for future studies included blinding, reporting compliance, and controlling for confounders. In conclusion, further research of higher quality is needed to investigate the role of nutrition in recovery from mTBI to reduce the burden of chronic outcomes following mTBI.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Brain Concussion; Amino Acids, Branched-Chain; Antioxidants; Anxiety; Anxiety Disorders
PubMed: 37686758
DOI: 10.3390/nu15173726 -
Stroke Sep 2022Lithium has neuroprotective effects in animal models of stroke, but benefits in humans remain uncertain. This article aims to systematically review the available... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Lithium has neuroprotective effects in animal models of stroke, but benefits in humans remain uncertain. This article aims to systematically review the available evidence of the neuroprotective and regenerative effects of lithium in animal models of stroke, as well as in observational and trial stroke studies in humans.
METHODS
This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We searched Medline, Embase, and PsycINFO for preclinical and clinical studies published between January 2000 and September 2021. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted from observational studies.
RESULTS
From 1625 retrieved studies, 42 were included in the systematic review. Of those, we identified 36 rodent models of stroke using preinsult or postinsult treatment with lithium, and 6 studies were conducted in human samples, of which 4 could be meta-analyzed. The review of animal models was stratified according to the type of stroke and outcomes. Human data were subdivided into observational and intervention studies. Treatment of rodents with lithium was associated with smaller stroke volumes, decreased apoptosis, and improved poststroke function. In humans, exposure to lithium was associated with a lower risk of stroke among adults with bipolar disorder in 2 of 4 studies. Two small trials showed equivocal clinical benefits of lithium poststroke.
CONCLUSIONS
Animal models of stroke show consistent biological and functional evidence of benefits associated with lithium treatment, whereas human evidence remains sparse and inconclusive. The potential role of lithium in poststroke recovery is yet to be adequately tested in humans.
Topics: Adult; Animals; Humans; Lithium; Neuroprotective Agents; Observational Studies as Topic; Rodentia; Stroke
PubMed: 35968702
DOI: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.122.039203 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2023Autophagy in osteoarthritis (OA) has become an active area of research with substantial value and potential. Nevertheless, few bibliometric studies have systematically...
BACKGROUND
Autophagy in osteoarthritis (OA) has become an active area of research with substantial value and potential. Nevertheless, few bibliometric studies have systematically analyzed the available research in the field. The main goal of this study was to map the available literature on the role of autophagy in OA and identify global research hotspots and trends.
METHODS
The Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus databases were interrogated for studies of autophagy in OA published between 2004 and 2022. Microsoft Excel, VOSviewer and CiteSpace software were used to analyze and visualize the number of publications and associated citations, and reveal global research hotspots and trends in the autophagy in OA field.
RESULTS
732 outputs published by 329 institutions from 55 countries/regions were included in this study. From 2004 to 2022, the number of publications increased. China produced the most publications (n=456), prior to the USA (n=115), South Korea (n=33), and Japan (n=27). Scripps Research Institute (n=26) was the most productive institution. Martin Lotz (n=30) was the highest output author, while Caramés B (n=302) was the highest output author. was the most prolific and most co-cited journal. Currently, the autophagy in OA research hotspots include chondrocyte, transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), inflammatory response, stress, and mitophagy. The emerging research trends in this field are AMPK, macrophage, senescence, apoptosis, tougu xiaotong capsule (TXC), green tea extract, rapamycin, and dexamethasone. Novel drugs targeting specific molecule such as TGF-β and AMPK have shown therapeutic potential but are still in the preclinical stage of development.
CONCLUSIONS
Research on the role of autophagy in OA is flourishing. Martin Lotz, Beatriz Caramés, and have made outstanding contributions to the field. Prior studies of OA autophagy mainly focused on mechanisms underlying OA and autophagy, including AMPK, macrophages, TGF-β1, inflammatory response, stress, and mitophagy. Emerging research trends, however, are centered around the relationship between autophagy, apoptosis, and senescence, as well as drug candidates such as TXC and green tea extract. The development of new targeted drugs that enhance or restore autophagic activity is a promising strategy for the treatment of OA.
Topics: Transforming Growth Factor beta1; AMP-Activated Protein Kinases; Autophagy; Antioxidants; Bibliometrics; Biological Products; Tea
PubMed: 36969240
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1063018 -
BMC Cancer Nov 2023The oxidative balance score (OBS) has been utilized to assess the overall pro- and antioxidant exposure status in various chronic diseases. The current meta-analysis was... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The oxidative balance score (OBS) has been utilized to assess the overall pro- and antioxidant exposure status in various chronic diseases. The current meta-analysis was carried out to pool the association between OBS and the risk of cancer.
METHODS
We systematically searched the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar up to August 2023. All observational studies which evaluated the association of OBS with the risk of cancers were included. There was no time of publication or language restrictions. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the Chi-square-based Q-test and the I. A random-effects model meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the pooled effect sizes. Possible sources of heterogeneity were explored by subgroup and meta-regression analysis.
RESULTS
Totally, 15 studies (9 case-control and 6 cohorts) were eligible for meta-analysis. Random effect model meta-analysis of case-control studies showed that higher OBS significantly decreases the odds of cancers (pooled OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.54, 0.74). In the cohort studies, the association of OBS with the risk of cancers was not significant (pooled HR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.80,1.18). The subgroup analysis showed that cancer type and gender were the potential sources of heterogeneity.
CONCLUSION
Our results show an inverse and significant association between higher OBS and odds of colorectal cancers in case-control and cohort studies. In the case of prostate cancer in cohort studies, our results did not align with the hypothesis. Considering the importance of diet and antioxidant balance in the conditions of malignancy, it is suggested to conduct more comprehensive studies with standard measurement methods to obtain conclusive results.
Topics: Humans; Male; Antioxidants; Case-Control Studies; Cohort Studies; Oxidative Stress; Prostatic Neoplasms; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 38001409
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11657-w