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Nutrients Jan 2023Physical activity in general and sports in particular, is a mechanism that produces stress and generates great force in the tendon and in the muscle-tendon unit, which... (Review)
Review
Physical activity in general and sports in particular, is a mechanism that produces stress and generates great force in the tendon and in the muscle-tendon unit, which increases the risk of injury (tendinopathies). Eccentric and repetitive contraction of the muscle precipitates persistent microtraumatism in the tendon unit. In the development of tendinopathies, the cellular process includes inflammation, apoptosis, vascular, and neuronal changes. Currently, treatments with oral supplements are frequently used. Curcumin seems to preserve, and even repair, damaged tendons. In this systematic review, we focus more especially on the benefits of curcumin. The biological actions of curcumin are diverse, but act around three systems: (a) inflammatory, (b) nuclear factor B (NF-κB) related apoptosis pathways, and (c) oxidative stress systems. A bibliographic search is conducted under the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) as a basis for reporting reliable systematic reviews to perform a Scoping review. After analysing the manuscripts, we can conclude that curcumin is a product that demonstrates a significant biological antialgic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant power. Therefore, supplementation has a positive effect on the inflammatory and regenerative response in tendinopathies. In addition, curcumin decreases and modulates the cell infiltration, activation, and maturation of leukocytes, as well as the production of pro-inflammatory mediators at the site of inflammation.
Topics: Humans; Curcumin; Myotendinous Junction; Tendinopathy; Tendons; Inflammation
PubMed: 36678255
DOI: 10.3390/nu15020384 -
Journal of Current Ophthalmology 2022To systematically review the role of antioxidants in management of patients with thyroid eye disease (TED). (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To systematically review the role of antioxidants in management of patients with thyroid eye disease (TED).
METHODS
A literature search of the electronic databases was performed without restrictions on the date of publication till the end of March 2021, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Clinical trials, case-control studies, cohorts, case series, case reports, and experimental (including ) studies in the English language were included. The primary outcome in human studies was improvement in severity, activity scores, and/or quality of life scores. There was a decrease in the level of HO-dependent oxidative stress, Hyaluronic acid release, reactive oxygen species, cell proliferation, or antifibrotic/antiproliferative actions in the studies.
RESULTS
Out of 374 initially screened articles, 157 studies were selected, the full texts of 82 were reviewed, and 14 papers were finally included. There were 4 clinical and 10 studies from 1993 to 2018. While β-carotene, retinol, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, melatonin, resveratrol, N-acetyl-l-cysteine, and quercetin showed some efficacy in studies; allopurinol, nicotinamide, pentoxifylline, and selenium (Se) were effective in both clinical and experimental reports. Se was the only recommended antioxidant based on one high-level randomized controlled trial.
CONCLUSION
While different antioxidants could potentially be effective in the management of TED, no strong recommendation for any or combination of antioxidants could be made to be implemented in the daily practice.
PubMed: 35620378
DOI: 10.4103/joco.joco_266_21 -
Pharmaceutics Dec 2023Ketamine and its enantiomers represent an innovative glutamatergic agent as a treatment for individuals with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and major depressive... (Review)
Review
Ketamine and its enantiomers represent an innovative glutamatergic agent as a treatment for individuals with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal ideation and behavior. Intranasal (IN) formulations could allow for quick onset of action on depressive symptoms as well as a reduction in side effects by bypassing the blood-brain barrier compared with administration via the intravenous route. The aim of this review was to provide an up-to-date analysis of the data on the efficacy and safety of IN ketamine and IN esketamine for the treatment of MDD. A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted. Databases (PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar) were searched to capture articles about IN ketamine or IN esketamine for MDD. This systematic review highlighted the interest in IN routes of ketamine and esketamine for MDD patients with TRD or active suicidal ideation. They provide a rapid onset of antidepressant action within the first hours after administration. Nevertheless, the evidence of efficacy is stronger for IN esketamine than for IN ketamine in MDD patients. The safety profile appears to be acceptable for IN esketamine but requires further studies, and a more accurate IN delivery device is required for ketamine.
PubMed: 38140113
DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15122773 -
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2023species represent a source of bioactive compounds that have been widely used in folk medicine. This study aimed to synthesize the anticancer and anti-proliferative... (Review)
Review
species represent a source of bioactive compounds that have been widely used in folk medicine. This study aimed to synthesize the anticancer and anti-proliferative potential of species through a systematic review. Searches were performed in the electronic databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Scielo and via a manual search. or studies that evaluated the anticancer or anti-proliferative effect of at least one species were included. In total, 942 studies were identified, with 33 articles read in full and 17 studies included for qualitative synthesis. Of these, 14 (82.35%) refer to assays, one (5.88%) was , and two (11.76%) were designed as and assays. Different extracts and isolated compounds from species were evaluated through cytotoxic analysis against various cancer cells lines (especially hepatocellular carcinoma-HepG2; n = 7, 41.18%). was the most evaluated species. The possible cellular mechanism involved in the anticancer activity of some species included the inhibition of enzymatic activities and expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which suggested anti-metastatic effects, anti-melanogenic activity, cell proliferation inhibition pathways, and antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects. The results reinforce the potential of species as a source for the discovery and development of new potential cytotoxic and anticancer agents. However, further studies and improvements in experimental designs are needed to better demonstrate the mechanism of action of all of these compounds.
PubMed: 37259435
DOI: 10.3390/ph16020293 -
BJUI Compass Jan 2023Metformin, the first line pharmacotherapy for type 2 diabetes has demonstrated favourable effects in prostate cancer (PCa) across a range of studies evaluating PCa... (Review)
Review
Metformin, the first line pharmacotherapy for type 2 diabetes has demonstrated favourable effects in prostate cancer (PCa) across a range of studies evaluating PCa patient outcomes amongst metformin users. However, a lack of rigorously conducted prospective studies has stalled clinical use in this setting. Despite multiple studies evaluating the mechanisms underpinning antitumour effects of metformin in PCa, to date, no reviews have compared these findings. This systematic review and meta-analysis consolidates the mechanisms accounting for the antitumour effect of metformin in PCa and evaluates the antitumour efficacy of metformin in preclinical PCa studies. Data were obtained through Medline and EMBASE, extracted by two independent assessors. Risk of bias was assessed using the TOXR tool. Meta-analysis compared in vivo reductions of PCa tumour volume with metformin. In total, 447 articles were identified with 80 duplicates, and 261 articles excluded based on eligibility criteria. The remaining 106 articles were assessed and 71 excluded, with 35 articles included for systematic review, and eight included for meta-analysis. The mechanisms of action of metformin regarding tumour growth, viability, migration, invasion, cell metabolism, and activation of signalling cascades are individually discussed. The mechanisms by which metformin inhibits PCa cell growth are multimodal. Metformin regulates expression of multiple proteins/genes to inhibit cellular proliferation, cell cycle progression, and cellular invasion and migration. Published in vivo studies also conclusively demonstrate that metformin inhibits PCa growth. This highlights the potential of metformin to be repurposed as an anticancer agent, warranting further investigation of metformin in the setting of PCa.
PubMed: 36569495
DOI: 10.1002/bco2.187 -
Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2022Higher education institutions' contributions to environmental conservation are manifested in their commitments to develop Sustainable Campuses. Numerous studies have... (Review)
Review
Higher education institutions' contributions to environmental conservation are manifested in their commitments to develop Sustainable Campuses. Numerous studies have investigated higher education institutions' efforts to create Sustainable Campuses. Many studies on Sustainable Campuses have been completed partially. The analysis is carried out on the basis of practices at various campuses around the world. However, a thorough analysis of Sustainable Campuses has so far not been carried out. This is evidenced by the lack of publications on journal database portals related to Sustainable Campuses which are carried out in a systematic literature review. To address this gap, this study provides a systematic and comprehensive review of the literature on Sustainable Campuses. The purpose of this article is to identify various dimensions of implementing Sustainable Campuses from various countries. We use the qualitative systematic review method with the meta-aggregation approach in this study. The results of this study indicate that Sustainable Campus development activities are classified into three aspects such as behavioral, learning and educational tools, and physical facilities. Further, each dimension has several strategies and programs and actions performed by global higher education institutions. The results are also expected to be a motivator and reference for campuses to contribute to environmental conservation through Sustainable Campus programs. The various dimensions of a Sustainable Campus that are mapped out in this research can be used as a reference for realizing a Sustainable Campus for every university campus in various countries.
PubMed: 35621427
DOI: 10.3390/bs12050130 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2020Still circa 25% to 30% of patients with epilepsy cannot be efficiently controlled with available antiepileptic drugs so newer pharmacological treatment options have been...
Still circa 25% to 30% of patients with epilepsy cannot be efficiently controlled with available antiepileptic drugs so newer pharmacological treatment options have been continuously searched for. In this context, a group of endogenous or exogenous neurosteroids allosterically positively modulating GABA-A receptors may offer a promising approach. Among endogenous neurosteroids synthesized in the brain, allopregnanolone or allotetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone have been documented to exert anticonvulsant activity in a number of experimental models of seizures-pentylenetetrazol-, bicuculline- pilocarpine-, or 6 Hz-induced convulsions in rodents. Neurosteroids can also inhibit fully kindled seizures and some of them have been reported to counteract maximal electroshock-induced convulsions. An exogenous neurosteroid, alphaxalone, significantly elevated the threshold for maximal electroconvulsions in mice but it did not potentiate the anticonvulsive action of a number of conventional antiepileptic drugs against maximal electroshock-induced seizures. Androsterone not only elevated the threshold but significantly enhanced the protective action of carbamazepine, gabapentin and phenobarbital against maximal electroshock in mice, as well. Ganaxolone (a 3beta-methylated analog of allopregnanolone) needs special consideration for two reasons. First, it performed better than conventional antiepileptic drugs, diazepam or valproate, in suppressing convulsive and lethal effects of pentylenetetrazol in pentylenetetrazol-kindled mice. Second, ganaxolone has been evaluated in the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial in patients with intractable partial seizures, taking maximally 3 antiepileptic drugs. The initial results indicate that add-on therapy with ganaxolone resulted in reduced seizure frequency with adverse effect being mainly mild to moderate. Possibly, ganaxolone may be also considered against catamenial seizures. Some positive effects of ganaxolone as an adjuvant were also observed in children with refractory seizures and its use may also prove efficient for the management of neonatal seizures associated with hypoxic injury. Neurosteroids positively modulating GABA-A receptor complex exert anticonvulsive activity in many experimental models of seizures. Their interactions with antiepileptic drugs seem ambiguous in mice. Initial clinical data indicate that ganaxolone may provide a better seizure control in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.
Topics: Allosteric Regulation; Animals; Anticonvulsants; Epilepsy; GABA-A Receptor Agonists; Humans; Neurosteroids; Seizures; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33117274
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.541802 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2023Agomelatine is an atypical antidepressant drug enhancing norepinephrine and dopamine liberation; nevertheless, additional mechanisms are considered for the drug's...
INTRODUCTION
Agomelatine is an atypical antidepressant drug enhancing norepinephrine and dopamine liberation; nevertheless, additional mechanisms are considered for the drug's pharmacological action. Since protein glycoxidation plays a crucial role in depression pathogenesis, agomelatine's impact on carbonyl/oxidative stress was the research purpose.
METHODS
Reactive oxygen species scavenging (hydroxyl radical, hydrogen peroxide, and nitrogen oxide) and antioxidant capacity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical and ferrous ion chelating assays) of agomelatine were marked. Agomelatine's antiglycoxidation properties were assayed in sugars (glucose, fructose, and galactose) and aldehydes- (glyoxal and methylglyoxal) glycated bovine serum albumin (BSA). Aminoguanidine and α-lipoic acid were used as standard glycation/oxidation inhibitors.
RESULTS
Agomelatine did not show meaningful scavenging/antioxidant capacity vs. standards. Sugars/aldehydes increased glycation (↑kynurenine, ↑N-formylkynurenine, ↑dityrosine, ↑advanced glycation end products, and ↑β-amyloid) and oxidation (↑protein carbonyls and ↑advanced oxidation protein products) parameters in addition to BSA. Standards restored BSA baselines of glycation and oxidation markers, unlike agomelatine which sometimes even intensifies glycation above BSA + glycators levels. Molecular docking analysis of agomelatine in BSA demonstrated its very weak binding affinity.
DISCUSSION
Agomelatine's very low affinity to the BSA could proclaim non-specific bonding and simplify attachment of glycation factors. Thereby, the drug may stimulate brain adaptation to carbonyl/oxidative stress as the systematic review indicates. Moreover, the drug's active metabolites could exert an antiglycoxidative effect.
PubMed: 37181902
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1164459 -
The International Journal of Behavioral... Nov 2023Physical activity referral schemes (PARS) are complex multicomponent interventions that represent a promising healthcare-based concept for physical activity (PA)... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Physical activity referral schemes (PARS) are complex multicomponent interventions that represent a promising healthcare-based concept for physical activity (PA) promotion. This systematic review and narrative synthesis aimed to identify the constitutive components of PARS and provide an overview of their effectiveness.
METHODS
Following a published protocol, we conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, HTA, Wiley Online Library, SAGE Journals, Taylor & Francis, Google Scholar, OpenGrey, and CORE from 1990 to January 2023. We included experimental, quasi-experimental, and observational studies that targeted adults participating in PARS and reported PA outcomes, scheme uptake, or adherence rates. We performed an intervention components analysis using the PARS taxonomy to identify scheme components and extracted data related to uptake, adherence, and PA behavior change. We combined these to provide a narrative summary of PARS effectiveness.
RESULTS
We included 57 studies reporting on 36 PARS models from twelve countries. We identified 19 PARS components: a patient-centered approach, individualized content, behavior change theory and techniques, screening, brief advice, written materials, a written prescription, referral, baseline and exit consultation, counselling support session(s), PA sessions, education session(s), action for non-attendance, structured follow-up, a PA network, feedback for the referrer, and exit strategies/routes. The PARS models contained a mean of 7 ± 2.9 components (range = 2-13). Forty-five studies reported PA outcome data, 28 reported uptake, and 34 reported adherence rates. Of these, approximately two-thirds of studies reported a positive effect on participant PA levels, with a wide range of uptake (5.7-100.0%) and adherence rates (8.5-95.0%).
CONCLUSIONS
Physical activity referral scheme components are an important source of complexity. Despite the heterogeneous nature of scheme designs, our synthesis was able to identify 19 components. Further research is required to determine the influence of these components on PARS uptake, adherence, and PA behavior change. To facilitate this, researchers and scheme providers must report PARS designs in more detail. Process evaluations are also needed to examine implementation and increase our understanding of what components lead to which outcomes. This will facilitate future comparisons between PARS and enable the development of models to maximize impact.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Exercise; Motor Activity; Prescriptions; Referral and Consultation
PubMed: 38012688
DOI: 10.1186/s12966-023-01518-x -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2023Neurological disorders have been considered the major contributors to global long-term disability and lower quality of life. Lifestyle factors, such as dietary patterns,... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Neurological disorders have been considered the major contributors to global long-term disability and lower quality of life. Lifestyle factors, such as dietary patterns, are increasingly recognized as important determinants of neurological function. Some dietary behaviors, such as Nordic diet (ND) were likely to have protective effects on brain function. However, an understanding of the effectiveness of the ND pattern to improve neurological function and brain health is not fully understood. We review the current evidence that supports the ND pattern in various aspects of neurological function and addresses both proven and less established mechanisms of action based on its food ingredients and biochemical compounds.
METHODS
In this systematic review, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched from inception to February 2023. Observational and intervention studies were included.
RESULTS
Of the 627 screened studies, 5 observational studies (including three cohorts and two cross-sectional studies) and 3 intervention studies investigating the association between ND and neurological function. Observational studies investigated the association of ND with the following neurological functions: cognition, stroke, and neuropsychological function. Intervention studies investigated the effects of ND on cognition and depression.
DISCUSSION
Despite the limited literature on ND and its association with neurological function, several aspects of ND may lead to some health benefits suggesting neuroprotective effects. The current state of knowledge attributes the possible effects of characteristic components of the ND to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, lipid-lowering, gut-brain-axis modulating, and ligand activities in cell signaling pathways. Based on existing evidence, the ND may be considered a recommended dietary approach for the improvement of neurological function and brain health.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/], identifier [CRD2023451117].
PubMed: 37645628
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1215358