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Frontiers in Pharmacology 2022N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is used as an antidote in acetaminophen (APAP) overdose to prevent and mitigate drug-induced liver injury (DILI). Our objective was to...
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is used as an antidote in acetaminophen (APAP) overdose to prevent and mitigate drug-induced liver injury (DILI). Our objective was to systematically review evidence of the use of NAC as a therapeutic option for APAP overdose and APAP-related DILI in order to define the optimal treatment schedule and timing to start treatment. Bibliographic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and MEDLINE) were searched for retrospective and prospective cohort studies, case series, and clinical trials. The prespecified primary outcomes were DILI-related mortality, hepatotoxicity, and adverse events (AEs). In total, 34 studies of NAC usage in APAP-related DILI cases with 19,580 patients were identified, of which 2,376 patients developed hepatotoxicities. The mortality rate across different studies ranged from 0 to 52%. Large variability of NAC regimens was found, i.e., intravenous (I.V.) (100-150 mg/kg) and oral (70-140 mg/kg), and length of treatment varied-12, 24, or 48 h for I.V. regimen and 72 h for oral administration. The timing of initiation of NAC treatment showed different results in terms of occurrence of hepatotoxicity and mortality; if started within 8 h and no more than 24 h from APAP overdose, either intravenously or orally, NAC administration was efficacious in terms of mortality. The most frequent AEs reported were anaphylactic reactions, followed by cutaneous AEs for the IV route and intestinal AEs for the oral one. NAC improves hepatotoxicity and reduces mortality. Timing of treatment, ranging from 8 to 24 h from APAP overdose, regardless of the regimen or route of administration, is important to prevent or minimize liver damage, particularly in children and in elderly and obese patients.
PubMed: 36034775
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.828565 -
European Review For Medical and... Sep 2022Multi-agent regimens such as Folfirinox and gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel have shown significant improvements compared with single-agent gemcitabine as neoadjuvant... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant Folfirinox and Gemcitabine plus Nab-Paclitaxel for borderline resectable and locally advanced pancreatic cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
Multi-agent regimens such as Folfirinox and gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel have shown significant improvements compared with single-agent gemcitabine as neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients with borderline resectable or locally advanced pancreatic cancer. However, the efficacy and safety of Folfirinox and GNP as NAC for BRPC and LAPC is still controversial.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The eligible studies including prospective, retrospective, and randomized controlled trial related to Folfirinox and GNP as NAC for patients with BRPC or LAPC up to March 2022 were searched and assessed. Pooled analysis for chemotherapy response rate, resection rate, R0 resection rate, progress free survival, overall survival, and grade 3/4 events of toxicity were performed in the study.
RESULTS
Eight studies were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with GNP, Folfirinox had higher resection rate (HR=0.82; 95% CI 0.59-1.14) and R0 resection rate (HR=0.77; 95% CI 0.60-0.97), better PFS (HR=0.78; 95% CI 0.55-1.12) and OS (HR=0.68; 95% CI 0.46-0.99), and without increasing severe toxicity rate (HR=0.95; 95% CI 0.71-1.28). There are no differences in rate of stable disease (HR=1.06; 95% CI 0.92-1.22) and partial/complete regression (HR=0.85; 95% CI 0.59-1.23) between two groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Higher resection and R0 resection rate and better PFS and OS results were obtained in Folfirinox group compared with GNP group for patients with BRPC and LAPC. There was no increased severe toxicity rate for Folfirinox compared with GNP.
Topics: Albumins; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Deoxycytidine; Fluorouracil; Humans; Irinotecan; Leucovorin; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Oxaliplatin; Paclitaxel; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Gemcitabine
PubMed: 36111933
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202209_29656 -
International Journal of Environmental... Oct 2022Occupational exposure may involve a variety of toxic compounds. A mutagenicity analysis using the Ames test can provide valuable information regarding the toxicity of... (Review)
Review
Occupational exposure may involve a variety of toxic compounds. A mutagenicity analysis using the Ames test can provide valuable information regarding the toxicity of absorbed xenobiotics. Through a search of relevant databases, this systematic review gathers and critically discusses the published papers (excluding other types of publications) from 2001-2021 that have assessed urinary mutagenicity (Ames test with ) in an occupational exposure context. Due to the heterogeneity of the study methods, a meta-analysis could not be conducted. The characterized occupations were firefighters, traffic policemen, bus drivers, mail carriers, coke oven and charcoal workers, chemical laboratory staff, farmers, pharmacy workers, and professionals from several other industrial sectors. The genetically modified bacterial strains (histidine dependent) TA98, TA100, YG1041, YG1021, YG1024 and YG1042 have been used for the health risk assessment of individual (e.g., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) and mixtures of compounds (e.g., diesel engine exhaust, fire smoke, industrial fumes/dyes) in different contexts. Although comparison of the data between studies is challenging, urinary mutagenicity can be very informative of possible associations between work-related exposure and the respective mutagenic potential. Careful interpretation of results and their direct use for occupational health risk assessment are crucial and yet complex; the use of several strains is highly recommended since individual and/or synergistic effects of complex exposure to xenobiotics can be overlooked. Future studies should improve the methods used to reach a standardized protocol for specific occupational environments to strengthen the applicability of the urinary mutagenicity assay and reduce inter- and intra-individual variability and exposure source confounders.
Topics: Humans; Mutagens; Mutagenicity Tests; Coke; Charcoal; Histidine; Vehicle Emissions; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; Smoke; Coloring Agents
PubMed: 36293654
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013074 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2021Recombinant antibodies such as nanobodies are progressively demonstrating to be a valid alternative to conventional monoclonal antibodies also for clinical applications....
Recombinant antibodies such as nanobodies are progressively demonstrating to be a valid alternative to conventional monoclonal antibodies also for clinical applications. Furthermore, they do not solely represent a substitute for monoclonal antibodies but their unique features allow expanding the applications of biotherapeutics and changes the pattern of disease treatment. Nanobodies possess the double advantage of being small and simple to engineer. This combination has promoted extremely diversified approaches to design nanobody-based constructs suitable for particular applications. Both the format geometry possibilities and the functionalization strategies have been widely explored to provide macromolecules with better efficacy with respect to single nanobodies or their combination. Nanobody multimers and nanobody-derived reagents were developed to image and contrast several cancer diseases and have shown their effectiveness in animal models. Their capacity to block more independent signaling pathways simultaneously is considered a critical advantage to avoid tumor resistance, whereas the mass of these multimeric compounds still remains significantly smaller than that of an IgG, enabling deeper penetration in solid tumors. When applied to CAR-T cell therapy, nanobodies can effectively improve the specificity by targeting multiple epitopes and consequently reduce the side effects. This represents a great potential in treating malignant lymphomas, acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, multiple myeloma and solid tumors. Apart from cancer treatment, multispecific drugs and imaging reagents built with nanobody blocks have demonstrated their value also for detecting and tackling neurodegenerative, autoimmune, metabolic, and infectious diseases and as antidotes for toxins. In particular, multi-paratopic nanobody-based constructs have been developed recently as drugs for passive immunization against SARS-CoV-2 with the goal of impairing variant survival due to resistance to antibodies targeting single epitopes. Given the enormous research activity in the field, it can be expected that more and more multimeric nanobody molecules will undergo late clinical trials in the next future. Systematic Review Registration.
Topics: Animals; Autoimmune Diseases; Communicable Diseases; Humans; Immunomodulation; Molecular Imaging; Molecular Targeted Therapy; Neoplasms; Recombinant Proteins; Single-Domain Antibodies
PubMed: 35116045
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.838082 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology Nov 2021The use of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) is common worldwide, with reports suggesting that they may be overused. Several studies have found that PPI may affect colorectal...
BACKGROUND
The use of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) is common worldwide, with reports suggesting that they may be overused. Several studies have found that PPI may affect colorectal cancer (CRC) risk.
AIM
To summarize current knowledge on the relationship between PPI and CRC from basic research, epidemiological and clinical studies.
METHODS
This systematic review was based on the patients, interventions, comparisons, outcome models and performed according to PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception until May 17, 2021. The initial search returned 2591 articles, of which, 28 studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. The studies were categorized as basic research studies ( = 12), epidemiological studies ( = 11), and CRC treatment studies ( = 5). The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale or Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool depending on the study design.
RESULTS
Data from basic research indicates that PPI do not stimulate CRC development the trophic effect of gastrin but instead may paradoxically inhibit it. These studies also suggest that PPI may have properties beneficial for CRC treatment. PPI appear to have anti-tumor properties (omeprazole, pantoprazole), and are potential T lymphokine-activated killer cell-originated protein kinase inhibitors (pantoprazole, ilaprazole), and chemosensitizing agents (pantoprazole). However, these mechanisms have not been confirmed in human trials. Current epidemiological studies suggest that there is no causal association between PPI use and increased CRC risk. Treatment studies show that concomitant PPI and capecitabine use may reduce the efficacy of chemotherapy resulting in poorer oncological outcomes, while also suggesting that pantoprazole may have a chemosensitizing effect with the fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) regimen.
CONCLUSION
An unexpected inhibitory effect of PPI on CRC carcinogenesis by way of several potential mechanisms is noted. This review identifies that different PPI agents may have differential effects on CRC treatment, with practical implications. Prospective studies are warranted to delineate this relationship and assess the role of individual PPI agents.
Topics: Capecitabine; Colorectal Neoplasms; Fluorouracil; Humans; Leucovorin; Proton Pump Inhibitors
PubMed: 34908809
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i44.7716 -
Journal of Medical Toxicology :... Jul 2023Activated charcoal is a decontaminating agent used for acute intoxication. It can be mixed with taste additives to overcome its poor palatability. Our purpose was to... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Activated charcoal is a decontaminating agent used for acute intoxication. It can be mixed with taste additives to overcome its poor palatability. Our purpose was to evaluate the taste additives used to improve activated charcoal's palatability.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review of comparative studies on taste additives used to improve activated charcoal's palatability. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, and CINAHL. We included controlled trials and observational studies that evaluate the effect of at least one taste additive, compared with activated charcoal alone. Our primary outcome was palatability. Our secondary outcomes included treatment adherence, adsorption efficacy, and adverse events. The risk of bias was assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies.
RESULTS
Among 38 eligible articles, seven observational studies and three crossover clinical trials met our inclusion criteria. The risk of bias was found to be high for seven studies and intermediate for three others. The preferred flavoring agents were cola and chocolate milk for children, and sweetening agents for adults. All taste additives studied seemed to improve activated charcoal's palatability, except for yogurt (n = 1). The addition of bentonite, sorbitol, carboxymethylcellulose, or yogurt showed no impact on the in-vivo adsorption capacity of activated charcoal, whereas the results were inconclusive for chocolate. No meta-analysis was performed due to insufficient data.
CONCLUSION
Strategies to improve activated charcoal's palatability seem to enhance the taste. Descriptive data are in favor of a limited impact on activated charcoal's adsorption capacity when adding binding agents or sweeteners.
TRIAL REGISTRATION ON PROSPERO
This review is registered as PROSPERO CRD42019135092.
Topics: Child; Adult; Humans; Charcoal; Taste; Flavoring Agents; Sorbitol
PubMed: 37000410
DOI: 10.1007/s13181-023-00934-6 -
Clinical Journal of the American... Apr 2022Methotrexate is used in the treatment of many malignancies, rheumatological diseases, and inflammatory bowel disease. Toxicity from use is associated with severe...
Methotrexate is used in the treatment of many malignancies, rheumatological diseases, and inflammatory bowel disease. Toxicity from use is associated with severe morbidity and mortality. Rescue treatments include intravenous hydration, folinic acid, and, in some centers, glucarpidase. We conducted systematic reviews of the literature following published EXtracorporeal TReatments In Poisoning (EXTRIP) methods to determine the utility of extracorporeal treatments in the management of methotrexate toxicity. The quality of the evidence and the strength of recommendations (either "strong" or "weak/conditional") were graded according to the GRADE approach. A formal voting process using a modified Delphi method assessed the level of agreement between panelists on the final recommendations. A total of 92 articles met inclusion criteria. Toxicokinetic data were available on 90 patients (89 with impaired kidney function). Methotrexate was considered to be moderately dialyzable by intermittent hemodialysis. Data were available for clinical analysis on 109 patients (high-dose methotrexate [>0.5 g/m]: 91 patients; low-dose [≤0.5 g/m]: 18). Overall mortality in these publications was 19.5% and 26.7% in those with high-dose and low-dose methotrexate-related toxicity, respectively. Although one observational study reported lower mortality in patients treated with glucarpidase compared with those treated with hemodialysis, there were important limitations in the study. For patients with severe methotrexate toxicity receiving standard care, the EXTRIP workgroup: () suggested against extracorporeal treatments when glucarpidase is not administered; () recommended against extracorporeal treatments when glucarpidase is administered; and () recommended against extracorporeal treatments instead of administering glucarpidase. The quality of evidence for these recommendations was very low. Rationales for these recommendations included: () extracorporeal treatments mainly remove drugs in the intravascular compartment, whereas methotrexate rapidly distributes into cells; () extracorporeal treatments remove folinic acid; () in rare cases where fast removal of methotrexate is required, glucarpidase will outperform any extracorporeal treatment; and () extracorporeal treatments do not appear to reduce the incidence and magnitude of methotrexate toxicity.
Topics: Drug Overdose; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Humans; Leucovorin; Methotrexate; Observational Studies as Topic; Poisoning; Renal Dialysis
PubMed: 35236714
DOI: 10.2215/CJN.08030621 -
JAMA Network Open Jan 2022Various first-line chemotherapy treatment regimens for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer have been approved in Japan, including gemcitabine (GEM); fluorouracil,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
Various first-line chemotherapy treatment regimens for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer have been approved in Japan, including gemcitabine (GEM); fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin combination (FOLFIRINOX); GEM plus albumin-bound paclitaxel (GEM+NPTX), and S-1 (tegafur + gimeracil + oteracil). However, direct comparisons of these chemotherapy regimens are limited.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the short-term and long-term outcomes associated with first-line chemotherapy regimens for metastatic pancreatic cancer compared with chemotherapy regimens recommended in Japanese guidelines.
DATA SOURCES
In this systematic review and network meta-analysis, the bibliographic databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, as well as medical journals published between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2018, were searched for clinical trials comparing chemotherapy regimens.
STUDY SELECTION
Randomized 2-arm clinical trials evaluating first-line chemotherapy for advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer were included.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) Extension Statement for Reporting of Systematic Reviews Incorporating Network Meta-analyses of Health Care Interventions was followed for data abstractions. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. The SIGN 50 Quality Assessment Instrument was used to assess the risk of bias and overall study quality of the selected trials.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
The primary end point was overall survival (OS), and the secondary end point was progression-free survival (PFS) compared with GEM for first-line chemotherapy for metastatic pancreatic cancer. The Kaplan-Meier curve of GEM from the literature and the estimated hazard ratios (HRs) were used to model the long-term associations to calculate the area under the curve (AUC) (person-months) for OS and PFS of each chemotherapy. Sensitivity analyses with multiple functional models were conducted to confirm the long-term estimations.
RESULTS
A total of 22 regimens (25 studies) for OS and a total of 18 regimens (21 studies) for PFS were identified from literature. The total number of participants was 10 186, with 5856 male (57.5%) and 4330 female (42.5%). The FOLFIRINOX and GEM+NPTX regimens were associated with reduction in the risk of death, with an HR of 0.57 (95% CI, 0.41-0.79) and 0.72 (95% CI, 0.55-0.95) compared with GEM, respectively. The curve estimation also showed that FOLFIRINOX had the largest AUC for survival at 15.49 person-months (range, 13.84-15.51 person-months), followed by GEM+NPTX with 12.36 person-months (range, 10.98-12.59 person-months), GEM+ERLO with 10.84 person-months (range, 9.66-11.23 person-months), S-1 with 8.44 person-months (range, 8.26-9.74 person-months), and GEM with 8.10 person-months (range, 7.93-9.38 person-months).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
The results of this network meta-analysis support the relative short-term and long-term outcomes associated with first-line chemotherapy for metastatic pancreatic cancer used clinically in Japan.
Topics: Albumins; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Comparative Effectiveness Research; Deoxycytidine; Drug Combinations; Fluorouracil; Humans; Irinotecan; Japan; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Leucovorin; Neoplasm Metastasis; Network Meta-Analysis; Oxaliplatin; Oxonic Acid; Paclitaxel; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Progression-Free Survival; Proportional Hazards Models; Pyridines; Survival Rate; Tegafur; Treatment Outcome; Gemcitabine
PubMed: 35099549
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.45515 -
JAMA Network Open Aug 2021Platinum-induced ototoxic effects are a significant issue because platinum-based chemotherapy is one of the most commonly used therapeutic medications. Sodium... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
Platinum-induced ototoxic effects are a significant issue because platinum-based chemotherapy is one of the most commonly used therapeutic medications. Sodium thiosulfate (STS) is considered a potential otoprotectant for the prevention of platinum-induced ototoxic effects that functions by binding the platinum-based agent, but its administration raises concerns regarding the substantial attenuation of the antineoplastic outcome associated with platinum.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the association between concurrent STS and reduced risk of ototoxic effects among patients undergoing platinum-based chemotherapy and to evaluate outcomes, including event-free survival, overall survival, and adverse outcomes.
DATA SOURCES
From inception through November 7, 2020, databases, including the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus, were searched.
STUDY SELECTION
Studies enrolling patients with cancer who were undergoing platinum-based chemotherapy that compared ototoxic effects development between patients who received STS and patients who did not and provided adequate information for meta-analysis were regarded as eligible. This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
The data were extracted by 2 reviewers independently. A random-effects model was used to explore objectives.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Relative risks (RRs) for ototoxic effects development and hemopoietic event development comparing the experimental group and the control group were estimated. Secondary outcomes were hazard ratios (HRs) for event-free survival and overall survival. Sensitivity analysis and trial sequential analysis were conducted to further consolidate pooled results.
RESULTS
Among 4 eligible studies that were included, there were 3 randomized clinical trials and 1 controlled study. A total of 278 patients were allocated to the experimental group (ie, platinum-based chemotherapy plus STS; 158 patients, including 13 patients using contralatral ears of the control group as samples) or the control group (ie, chemotherapy; 133 patients, including 13 patients using contralateral ears of the experimental group as samples). Overall, patients who received STS had a statistically significantly decreased risk of ototoxic effects during the course of platinum-based chemotherapy (RR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.49-0.77; P < .001; I2 = 5.0%) without a statistically significant increase in the risk of poor event-free survival (HR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.70-1.82; P = .61; I2 = 0%) or overall survival (HR, 1.90; 95% CI, 0.90-4.03; P = .09; I2 = 0%). In the trial sequential analysis of event-free survival (z = -0.52) and overall survival (z = -1.68), although the cumulative z curves did not surpass the traditional significance boundary (-1.96 to 1.96 for both) or sequential monitoring boundary (event-free survival: -8.0 to 8.0; overall survival boundary not renderable in the analysis because the information size was too small) of the adjusted CI, they did not reach the required information size.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
This meta-analysis found that concurrent STS delivery was associated with a decreased risk of platinum-induced ototoxic effects among patients treated with platinum-induced chemotherapy. These findings suggest that concurrent STS for protection against ototoxic effects should be considered for patients indicated for platinum-based chemotherapy.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Antineoplastic Agents; Child; Clinical Trials as Topic; Female; Humans; Male; Ototoxicity; Platinum Compounds; Protective Agents; Thiosulfates; Young Adult
PubMed: 34338793
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.18895 -
Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation :... Feb 2023Vascular calcification (VC) is a common comorbidity among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), indicating major cardiovascular events. This study aimed to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Vascular calcification (VC) is a common comorbidity among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), indicating major cardiovascular events. This study aimed to evaluate the effects and safety of intravenous sodium thiosulphate (STS) for VC in CKD patients.
METHODS
Electronic databases were searched for clinical trials that provided data comparing outcomes among patients treated with and without STS. The PRISMA guidelines were followed. Efficacy was assessed using calcification scores and arterial stiffness. Safety was examined by analyzing adverse symptoms, electrolytes and bone mineral density (BMD). Random-effects models were performed. Meta-regression and sensitivity analysis were done. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tools.
RESULTS
Among the 5601 publications, 6 studies involving 305 participants (mean age: 56 years, male: 56.6%) with all participants on maintenance hemodialysis met eligibility criteria. For efficacy, the progression in Agatston scores in the coronary arteries [107 patients, mean difference (MD): -241.27, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): -421.50 to -61.03] and iliac arteries (55 patients, MD: -382.00, 95% CI: -751.07 to -12.93) was lower in the STS treated group compared with controls. The increase in pulse wave velocity was lower in the STS group (104 patients, MD: -1.29 m/s, 95% CI: -2.24 to -0.34 m/s). No association was found between the change in calcification scores and STS regimen. For safety, gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g. nausea) and increased anion gap acidosis were noted. No reduction in BMD by STS was observed.
CONCLUSIONS
Intravenous STS may attenuate the progression of VC and arterial stiffness in hemodialysis patients. Large and well-designed randomized controlled trials are warranted.
Topics: Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pulse Wave Analysis; Vascular Calcification; Renal Dialysis; Vascular Stiffness; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic
PubMed: 35521751
DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfac171