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Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue... Mar 2021Certain nutrient supplements (nutraceuticals) may target neurobiological pathways perturbed in bipolar disorder (BD) such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and...
BACKGROUND
Certain nutrient supplements (nutraceuticals) may target neurobiological pathways perturbed in bipolar disorder (BD) such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Nutraceuticals thus may have a potential role as adjunctive treatments for BD.
METHODS
A search of Embase via embase.com, PubMed via PubMed, Cumulated index to nursing and allied health literature (CINAHL) Complete via EBSCO, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials via cochranelibrary.com was conducted to identify published randomized controlled trials assessing the efficacy of nutraceuticals on mood symptomatology in adults with BD. Search terms for BD, nutraceuticals, and clinical trials (total search terms = 75) were used to search from inception to February 20, 2020. The Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing the risk of bias in randomized trials was used to assess the risk of bias.
RESULTS
A total of 1,712 studies were identified through the search. After rigorous screening, 22 studies were included in the review. There was large variability across the studies with 15 different nutraceutical agents assessed and as such insufficient homogeneity for a meta-analysis to be conducted ( > 50%). Studies revealed promising, albeit conflicting, evidence for omega-3 fatty acids and N-acetylcysteine. Isolated positive results were reported for coenzyme Q10.
CONCLUSION
Given nutraceuticals are tolerable and accessible, they may be useful as potential adjunctive treatments for BD. Nutraceuticals targeting neuroinflammation or mitochondrial activity may have the most potential for the depressive phase. However, further studies are required to determine efficacy.
Topics: Adult; Bipolar Disorder; Dietary Supplements; Humans
PubMed: 32966097
DOI: 10.1177/0706743720961734 -
Revista Brasileira de Psiquiatria (Sao... May 2023To summarize evidence-based pharmacological treatments and provide guidance on clinical interventions for adult patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Brazilian Research Consortium on Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders guidelines for the treatment of adult obsessive-compulsive disorder. Part I: pharmacological treatment.
OBJECTIVES
To summarize evidence-based pharmacological treatments and provide guidance on clinical interventions for adult patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
METHODS
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) guidelines for the treatment of OCD (2013) were updated with a systematic review assessing the efficacy of pharmacological treatments for adult OCD, comprising monotherapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), clomipramine, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and augmentation strategies with clomipramine, antipsychotics, and glutamate-modulating agents. We searched for the literature published from 2013-2020 in five databases, considering the design of the study, primary outcome measures, types of publication, and language. Selected articles had their quality assessed with validated tools. Treatment recommendations were classified according to levels of evidence developed by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association (ACC/AHA).
RESULTS
We examined 57 new studies to update the 2013 APA guidelines. High-quality evidence supports SSRIs for first-line pharmacological treatment of OCD. Moreover, augmentation of SSRIs with antipsychotics (risperidone, aripiprazole) is the most evidence-based pharmacological intervention for SSRI-resistant OCD.
CONCLUSION
SSRIs, in the highest recommended or tolerable doses for 8-12 weeks, remain the first-line treatment for adult OCD. Optimal augmentation strategies for SSRI-resistant OCD include low doses of risperidone or aripiprazole. Pharmacological treatments considered ineffective or potentially harmful, such as monotherapy with antipsychotics or augmentation with ketamine, lamotrigine, or N-acetylcysteine, have also been detailed.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Antipsychotic Agents; Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; Clomipramine; Aripiprazole; Risperidone; Brazil; Treatment Outcome; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
PubMed: 36749887
DOI: 10.47626/1516-4446-2022-2891 -
PloS One 2022Chinese herbs for supplementing qi and activating blood circulation (CH) combined with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is widely used for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Clinical efficacy of Chinese herbs for supplementing qi and activating blood circulation combined with N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Chinese herbs for supplementing qi and activating blood circulation (CH) combined with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is widely used for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in China, but there is a lack of literature to evaluate its efficacy and clinical value.
PURPOSE
This study compared CH + NAC with other treatments by network meta-analysis to clarify its clinical value.
METHODS
Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Data, VIP Database, and China Biology Medicine were searched. Outcomes included lung function (DLCO (%), VC (%), FVC (%), FVC (L)), 6-min walking distance (6MWD), score of St George's respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ), blood gas analysis (PaO2, PaCO2). The data were analyzed by Review Manager 5.4, Stata 12.0 and ADDIS 1.16.5.
RESULTS
23 studies including 1390 patients (702 in intervention group and 688 in control group) were collected to compare 8 outcome indicators among different treatments involving CH, CH+NAC, CH+PFD, NAC, PFD and PFD+NAC on IPF. Network meta-analysis showed that CH was better than NAC in terms of DLCO (%) (MD = 5.14, 95%CI: 1.01 to 8.68) and 6MWD (MD = 49.17, 95%CI: 25.97 to 71.36) as well as PFD + NAC was better than NAC in terms of FVC (L) (MD = -0.56, 95%CI: -0.83 to -0.31). In rankings results, CH + NAC is the best in terms of FVC (%), SGRQ, PaO2 and PaCO2; CH is the best in terms of DLCO (%), VC (%) and 6MWD; CH + PFD is the best in terms of FVC (L).
CONCLUSION
CH related treatments may have advantages in the treatment of IPF and CH + NAC may have clinical application value. However, limited by the quality and quantity of researches included, more rational and scientific randomized controlled trials containing large sample sizes need to be conducted to further verify our conclusions.
Topics: Acetylcysteine; Humans; Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis; Network Meta-Analysis; Oxygen; Qi; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35245333
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265006 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2022The effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an antioxidant, on preventing acute kidney injury (AKI) and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) remains controversial. Therefore,...
BACKGROUND
The effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an antioxidant, on preventing acute kidney injury (AKI) and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) remains controversial. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis to evaluate its efficacy on cardiac surgery-related adverse events.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for relevant studies from inception to June 2021. We selected randomized controlled trials comparing NAC with controls in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
RESULTS
Twenty-five studies including 2,444 patients met the inclusion criteria. The pooled results showed that there was no significant difference in the incidence of AKI between the NAC and control groups [relative risk (RR) = 0.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.77, 1.08, P = 0.28], but the trial sequential analysis (TSA) could not confirm this result. No difference was observed in the need for renal replacement therapy (RRT), all-cause mortality, MACE, length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), and length of stay in the hospital. Results of subgroup analysis results showed that intravenous infusion instead of oral NAC could significantly reduce the incidence of AKI and arrhythmia (RR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.71, 0.99, = 0.03, = 3% and RR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.61, 0.91, = 0.004, = 48%, respectively).
CONCLUSION
Intravenous administration of NAC can reduce the incidence of AKI and arrhythmia in patients after cardiac surgery, but cannot reduce all-cause mortality, AMI, cardiac insufficiency, and the number of patients using RRT. Oral NAC has no significant effect on the outcomes of patients after cardiac surgery.
PubMed: 35814787
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.795839 -
BMJ Open Oct 2020Several studies evaluating the preventive effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) among patients with ST segment elevation... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Effect of N-acetylcysteine on prevention of contrast-associated acute kidney injury in patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
OBJECTIVE
Several studies evaluating the preventive effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) among patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) have suggested inconsistent results and that a systematic review and meta-analysis should be performed.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov and the Cochrane Central databases were searched from inception to 15 November 2019.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials assessing use of NAC compared with non-use of NAC (eg, placebo) in preventing CA-AKI in patients with STEMI following PPCI were included.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Relative risks with 95% CIs were pooled using a random-effects model. Evidence level of conclusions was assessed by Cochrane GRADE measure.
RESULTS
Seven trials including 1710 patients were identified. Compared with non-use of NAC, use of NAC significantly reduced the incidence of CA-AKI by 49% (risk ratio (RR) 0.51, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.82, p<0.01) and all-cause in-hospital mortality by 63% (RR 0.37, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.79, p=0.01). The estimated effects on the requirement for dialysis (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.11 to 3.38, p=0.24) were not statistically significant. Trial sequential analysis confirmed the true positive of NAC in reducing risk of CA-AKI. Subgroup analyses suggested that the administration of NAC had greater benefits in patients with renal dysfunction and in those receiving oral administration and higher dosage of NAC.
CONCLUSIONS
NAC intake reduces the risk of CA-AKI and all-cause in-hospital mortality in patients with STEMI undergoing PPCI. The estimated potential benefit of NAC in preventing dialysis was ambiguous, and further high-quality studies are needed.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42020155265.
Topics: Acetylcysteine; Acute Kidney Injury; Humans; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Renal Dialysis; ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction
PubMed: 33067289
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-039009 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2019Airway infection leads to progressive damage of the lungs in cystic fibrosis (CF) and oxidative stress has been implicated in the etiology. Supplementation of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Airway infection leads to progressive damage of the lungs in cystic fibrosis (CF) and oxidative stress has been implicated in the etiology. Supplementation of antioxidant micronutrients (vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene and selenium) or N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as a source of glutathione, may therefore potentially help maintain an oxidant-antioxidant balance. Glutathione or NAC can also be inhaled and if administered in this way can also have a mucolytic effect besides the antioxidant effect. Current literature suggests a relationship between oxidative status and lung function. This is an update of a previously published review.
OBJECTIVES
To synthesise existing knowledge on the effect of antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, selenium and glutathione (or NAC as precursor of glutathione) on lung function through inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in people with CF.
SEARCH METHODS
The Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Cystic Fibrosis Trials Register and PubMed were searched using detailed search strategies. We contacted authors of included studies and checked reference lists of these studies for additional, potentially relevant studies. We also searched online trials registries.Last search of Cystic Fibrosis Trials Register: 08 January 2019.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled studies comparing antioxidants as listed above (individually or in combination) in more than a single administration to placebo or standard care in people with CF.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two authors independently selected studies, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias in the included studies. We contacted study investigators to obtain missing information. If meta-analysed, studies were subgrouped according to supplement, method of administration and the duration of supplementation. We assessed the quality of the evidence using GRADE.
MAIN RESULTS
One quasi-randomised and 19 randomised controlled studies (924 children and adults) were included; 16 studies (n = 639) analysed oral antioxidant supplementation and four analysed inhaled supplements (n = 285). Only one of the 20 included studies was judged to be free of bias.Oral supplements versus controlThe change from baseline in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV) % predicted at three months and six months was only reported for the comparison of NAC to control. Four studies (125 participants) reported at three months; we are uncertain whether NAC improved FEV % predicted as the quality of the evidence was very low, mean difference (MD) 2.83% (95% confidence interval (CI) -2.16 to 7.83). However, at six months two studies (109 participants) showed that NAC probably increased FEV % predicted from baseline (moderate-quality evidence), MD 4.38% (95% CI 0.89 to 7.87). A study of a combined vitamin and selenium supplement (46 participants) reported a greater change from baseline in FEV % predicted in the control group at two months, MD -4.30% (95% CI -5.64 to -2.96). One study (61 participants) found that NAC probably makes little or no difference in the change from baseline in quality of life (QoL) at six months (moderate-quality evidence), standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.03 (95% CI -0.53 to 0.47), but the two-month combined vitamin and selenium study reported a small difference in QoL in favour of the control group, SMD -0.66 (95% CI -1.26 to -0.07). The NAC study reported on the change from baseline in body mass index (BMI) (62 participants) and similarly found that NAC probably made no difference between groups (moderate-quality evidence). One study (69 participants) found that a mixed vitamin and mineral supplement may lead to a slightly lower risk of pulmonary exacerbation at six months than a multivitamin supplement (low-quality evidence). Nine studies (366 participants) provided information on adverse events, but did not find any clear and consistent evidence of differences between treatment or control groups with the quality of the evidence ranging from low to moderate. Studies of β-carotene and vitamin E consistently reported greater plasma levels of the respective antioxidants.Inhaled supplements versus controlTwo studies (258 participants) showed inhaled glutathione probably improves FEV % predicted at three months, MD 3.50% (95% CI 1.38 to 5.62), but not at six months compared to placebo, MD 2.30% (95% CI -0.12 to 4.71) (moderate-quality evidence). The same studies additionally reported an improvement in FEV L in the treated group compared to placebo at both three and six months. One study (153 participants) reported inhaled glutathione probably made little or no difference to the change in QoL from baseline, MD 0.80 (95% CI -1.63 to 3.23) (moderate-quality evidence). No study reported on the change from baseline in BMI at six months, but one study (16 participants) reported at two months and a further study (105 participants) at 12 months; neither study found any difference at either time point. One study (153 participants) reported no difference in the time to the first pulmonary exacerbation at six months. Two studies (223 participants) reported treatment may make little or no difference in adverse events (low-quality evidence), a further study (153 participants) reported that the number of serious adverse events were similar across groups.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
With regards to micronutrients, there does not appear to be a positive treatment effect of antioxidant micronutrients on clinical end-points; however, oral supplementation with glutathione showed some benefit to lung function and nutritional status. Based on the available evidence, inhaled and oral glutathione appear to improve lung function, while oral administration decreases oxidative stress; however, due to the very intensive antibiotic treatment and other concurrent treatments that people with CF take, the beneficial effect of antioxidants remains difficult to assess in those with chronic infection without a very large population sample and a long-term study period. Further studies, especially in very young children, using outcome measures such as lung clearance index and the bronchiectasis scores derived from chest scans, with improved focus on study design variables (such as dose levels and timing), and elucidating clear biological pathways by which oxidative stress is involved in CF, are necessary before a firm conclusion regarding effects of antioxidants supplementation can be drawn. The benefit of antioxidants in people with CF who receive CFTR modulators therapies should also be assessed in the future.
PubMed: 31580490
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007020.pub4 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) Sep 2023Approximately 5-20% of HNSCC patients experience second primary cancers within the first 5 years of treatment, contributing to high mortality rates. Epidemiological... (Review)
Review
Antioxidant Use after Diagnosis of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC): A Systematic Review of Application during Radiotherapy and in Second Primary Cancer Prevention.
Approximately 5-20% of HNSCC patients experience second primary cancers within the first 5 years of treatment, contributing to high mortality rates. Epidemiological evidence has linked a low dietary intake of antioxidants to an increased risk of cancer, especially squamous cell carcinoma, prompting research into their potential in neoplasm chemoprevention. Cigarette smoking is the primary risk factor for HNSCC, and a diet rich in antioxidants offers protective effects against head and neck cancer. Paradoxically, smokers, who are at the highest risk, tend to consume fewer antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. This has led to the hypothesis that integrating antioxidants into the diet could play a role in both primary and secondary prevention for at-risk individuals. Furthermore, some HNSCC patients use antioxidant supplements during chemotherapy or radiotherapy to manage side effects, but their impact on cancer outcomes remains uncertain. This systematic review explores the evidence for the potential use of antioxidants in preventing second primary cancers in HNSCC patients. In conclusion, none of the antioxidants tested so far (α-tocopherol, β-carotene, JP, Isotretinoin, interferon α-2a, vitamin E, retinyl palmitate, N-acetylcysteine) was effective in preventing second primary tumors in HNSCC patients, and they could only be used in reducing the side effects of radiotherapy. Further research is needed to better understand the interplay between antioxidants and cancer outcomes in this context.
PubMed: 37760056
DOI: 10.3390/antiox12091753 -
European Journal of Radiology Aug 2022Iodinated radiographic contrast media has been associated with an acute deterioration in renal function, termed contrast induced nephropathy (CIN). This review aims to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
Iodinated radiographic contrast media has been associated with an acute deterioration in renal function, termed contrast induced nephropathy (CIN). This review aims to establish the efficacy of prophylaxis interventions used in adult patients prior to intravenous exposure to iodinated contrast to reduce the risk of CIN.
METHODS
An electronic search for published peer-reviewed articles was performed, supplemented with manual review of references from previous systematic reviews and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias. Random-effect meta-analyses were used to assess CIN incidence, need for kidney replacement therapy (KRT), mortality, fluid overload and persistent kidney dysfunction.
RESULTS
22 studies assessing a range of interventions were included in the qualitative analysis. The incidence of CIN was reduced by the use of N-acetylcysteine compared to a control group of saline (risk difference = -0.07, 95% CI -0.13 to -0.01) but not by sodium bicarbonate compared to control group of saline (risk difference = -0.02, 95% CI -0.04 to 0.01). Published studies give no indication that prophylactic interventions have significant impact on the need for KRT, mortality or persistent renal impairment.
CONCLUSION
Evidence for prophylaxis against CIN in patients receiving intravenous iodinated contrast is limited. There was an association with the use of NAC with reduced incidence of CIN following intravenous contrast but there was no impact on other clinical outcomes assessed. The clinical significance of these findings remains unclear and further research focusing on these clinical outcomes is required.
Topics: Acetylcysteine; Adult; Contrast Media; Humans; Kidney Diseases; Renal Insufficiency; Sodium Bicarbonate
PubMed: 35636024
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2022.110368 -
BMC Psychiatry Mar 2020This paper is a systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of available medications for the treatment of restricted/repetitive behavior (RRBs) in Autism... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
This paper is a systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of available medications for the treatment of restricted/repetitive behavior (RRBs) in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
METHOD
We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, The Cochrane Library (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDRS), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE)), Scopus, Epistimonikos, Clinicaltrials.gov, and included all randomized controlled trials published after 1993 that were directed at RRBs in patients with ASD of all ages. We extracted the relevant data from the published studies with a predefined data extraction form and assessed the risk of bias. The primary outcomes were change in restricted/repetitive behavior. We performed a meta-analysis using the random effect model and included studies with given mean and standard deviation. This study is registered with PROSPERO number CRD42018092660).
RESULTS
We identified 14 randomized controlled trials that met initial inclusion criteria. After closer inspection, nine trials - involving 552 patients in total - were included in the final analysis. The meta-analysis found no significant difference between medications (including fluvoxamine, risperidone, fluoxetine, citalopram, oxytocin, N-Acetylcysteine, buspirone) and placebo in the treatment of RRBs in ASD (P = 0.20). Similarly, the sub-group meta-analysis also showed no significant difference between Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRIs) and placebo in the treatment of RRBs in ASD (P = 0.68). There was no evidence of publication bias.
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis finds little support for the routine use of medications to treat restricted/repetitive behaviors in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Further research of large, balanced trials with precise assessment tools and long-term follow-up are needed.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
The study protocol is registered in PROSPERO (Reference number: CRD42018092660).
Topics: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Behavior; Humans; Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
PubMed: 32164636
DOI: 10.1186/s12888-020-2477-9 -
Clinical and Experimental Hepatology Jun 2021N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is the treatment of choice for acetaminophen-induced liver injury. However, recent years have witnessed growing interest in its role in the...
AIM OF THE STUDY
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is the treatment of choice for acetaminophen-induced liver injury. However, recent years have witnessed growing interest in its role in the treatment of acute liver failure (ALF) due to other aetiologies. This study aims to determine both its safety and efficacy by pooling data from multiple studies.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A search was conducted for all controlled randomized/non-randomized studies that measured the efficacy and safety of NAC in adult patients with non-acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure (NAI-ALF). Transplant-free survival (TFS) was considered the primary endpoint, while secondary endpoints such as length of hospital stay, and incidence of adverse events during treatment, were included in our analysis. Data were pooled via a random-effects model, was used as a measure of heterogeneity, and publication bias was assessed via a funnel plot.
RESULTS
A total of 3 studies [2 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 1 non-randomized cohort] were pooled in this meta-analysis. TFS was significantly higher in patients given NAC, when compared to the placebo/control (PBO) group (RR = 1.54, CI = 1.19-1.98, = 0.01, = 0.0%). No secondary endpoint was observed to have improved significantly in patients prescribed NAC: length of hospital stay (SMD = -0.405, CI = -1.44-0.63, = 0.445, = 91.1%), renal failure (RR = 1.01, CI = 0.65-1.57, = 0.967, = 21.3%), infections (RR = 1.18, CI = 0.91-1.52, = 0.208, = 2.3%), pulmonary failure (RR = 1.19, CI = 0.57-2.49, = 0.649, = 84.6%). Minimal side effects were reported in around 10-14% of the patients prescribed NAC.
CONCLUSIONS
NAC was shown to significantly improve TFS in adult patients with NAI-ALF, while no significant benefit was observed concerning the secondary endpoints of length of hospital stay and incidence of adverse effects.
PubMed: 34295982
DOI: 10.5114/ceh.2021.107171