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Andrology Sep 2023Since the 1970s, several studies found that sperm concentration (SC) and total sperm count (TSC) constantly worsened over time, mainly in high-income countries. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Since the 1970s, several studies found that sperm concentration (SC) and total sperm count (TSC) constantly worsened over time, mainly in high-income countries.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate whether the decreasing trend in sperm count is continuing in Western European countries and USA, we performed a systematic review and meta-regression analysis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Embase and Pubmed/Medline were searched papers published in English in the 2000-2020 period limiting the search to data collected in the USA and Western European countries.
RESULTS
We identified 62 articles and pooled information on 24,196 men (range 10-2,523), collected from 1993 to 2018. Considering all the studies, random-effects meta-regression analyses showed no significant trend for SC (slope per year -0.07 mil/mL, p-value = 0.86). Negative trends of SC were detected in Scandinavian countries (slope per year -1.11 mil/mL, 95% CI: -2.40 to +0.19; p-value = 0.09), but the findings were statistically not significant. No significant trends of SC were detected in Central Europe (slope per year +0.23, 95% CI -2.51 to +2.96; p-value = 0.87), the USA (slope per year +1.08, 95% CI -0.42 to +2.57; p-value = 0.16), and Southern Europe (slope per year +0.19, 95% CI -0.99 to +1.37; p-value = 0.75). We have analyzed separately findings from studies including sperm donors, fertile men, young unselected men (unselected men, study mean age < 25 years) and unselected men (unselected men, study mean age ≥ 25 years). No significant trends of SC were observed among sperm donors (slope per year -2.80, 95% CI -6.76 to +1.17; p-value 0.16), unselected men (slope per year -0.23, 95% CI -1.58 to +1.12; p-value 0.73), young unselected men (slope per year -0.49, 95% CI -1.76 to +0.79; p-value 0.45), fertile men (slope per year +0.29, 95% CI -1.09 to +1.67; p-value 0.68).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
The results of this analysis show no significant trends in SC, in USA, and selected Western European countries.
Topics: Humans; Male; Adult; Sperm Count; Semen; Spermatozoa; Semen Analysis; Regression Analysis; Sperm Motility
PubMed: 36709405
DOI: 10.1111/andr.13396 -
Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry :... Mar 2023Trazodone is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor; however, other mechanisms of the drug's anti-depressive properties have also been postulated. Hence, the aim of...
BACKGROUND/AIMS
Trazodone is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor; however, other mechanisms of the drug's anti-depressive properties have also been postulated. Hence, the aim of the study was to perform a systematic review and assess antiglycoxidative properties of trazodone in in vitro models.
METHODS
Trazodone's scavenging and chelating properties were measured with spectrophotometric method. The impact of the drug on carbonyl/oxidative stress was marked in the bovine serum albumin (BSA) model where sugars (glucose, fructose, galactose, ribose) and aldehydes (glyoxal and methylglyoxal) were used as glycation agents. Aminoguanidine and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) were applied as reference glycation/free radical inhibitors. Glycation biomarkers (kynurenine, N-formylkynurenine, dityrosine as well as advanced glycation end products contents) were assessed spectrofluorometrically. Concentrations of oxidation parameters (total thiols (TTs), protein carbonyls (PCs) and also advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) levels) were determined spectrophotometrically.
RESULTS
We demonstrated that trazodone poorly scavenged radicals (hydroxyl radical, nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical) and showed low ferrous ion chelating, unlike aminoguanidine and NAC. Sugars/aldehydes caused enhancement of glycation parameters, as well as a decrease of TTs and an increase of PCs and AOPPs levels compared to BSA incubated alone. Trazodone did not reduce oxidation parameters to the baseline (BSA) and significantly exacerbated glycation markers in comparison with both BSA and BSA+glycators. The content of glycation products was markedly lower in aminoguanidine and NAC than in trazodone. The molecular docking of trazodone to BSA revealed its very low affinity, which may indicate non-specific binding of trazodone, facilitating the attachment of glycation factors.
CONCLUSION
According to our findings, it may be concluded that trazodone poorly counteracts oxidation and intensifies glycation in vitro. A possible mechanism for antiglycoxidative effect of trazodone in vivo may be the enhancement of the body's adaptive response, as indicated by the results of our systematic review.
Topics: Antioxidants; Trazodone; Glycosylation; Advanced Oxidation Protein Products; Molecular Docking Simulation; Glycation End Products, Advanced; Serum Albumin, Bovine; Glyoxal; Glucose
PubMed: 36988041
DOI: 10.33594/000000617 -
Fertility and Sterility Jun 2020To summarize current understanding of the effects of novel and prior coronaviruses on human reproduction, specifically male and female gametes, and in pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
To summarize current understanding of the effects of novel and prior coronaviruses on human reproduction, specifically male and female gametes, and in pregnancy.
DESIGN
Review of English publications in PubMed and Embase to April 6, 2020.
METHOD(S)
Articles were screened for reports including coronavirus, reproduction, pathophysiology, and pregnancy.
INTERVENTION(S)
None.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)
Reproductive outcomes, effects on gametes, pregnancy outcomes, and neonatal complications.
RESULT(S)
Seventy-nine reports formed the basis of the review. Coronavirus binding to cells involves the S1 domain of the spike protein to receptors present in reproductive tissues, including angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2), CD26, Ezrin, and cyclophilins. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 1 (SARS-CoV-1) may cause severe orchitis leading to germ cell destruction in males. Reports indicate decreased sperm concentration and motility for 72-90 days following Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Gonadotropin-dependent expression of ACE2 was found in human ovaries, but it is unclear whether SARS-Coronavirus 2 (CoV-2) adversely affects female gametogenesis. Evidence suggests that COVID-19 infection has a lower maternal case fatality rate than SARS or Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), but anecdotal reports suggest that infected, asymptomatic women may develop respiratory symptoms postpartum. Coronavirus Disease 2019 infections in pregnancy are associated with preterm delivery. Postpartum neonatal transmission from mother to child has been reported.
CONCLUSION(S)
Coronavirus Disease 2019 infection may affect adversely some pregnant women and their offspring. Additional studies are needed to assess effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on male and female fertility.
Topics: Betacoronavirus; COVID-19; Coronavirus Infections; Female; Fertility; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Humans; Infertility, Female; Infertility, Male; Male; Orchitis; Pandemics; Pneumonia, Viral; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Pregnancy Outcome; Reproduction; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; SARS-CoV-2; Sperm Count; Sperm Motility
PubMed: 32482250
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.04.025 -
International Journal of Environmental... Aug 2019Observational studies and randomised controlled studies suggest that vitamin D plays a role in the prevention of acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI); however,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Observational studies and randomised controlled studies suggest that vitamin D plays a role in the prevention of acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI); however, findings are inconsistent and the optimal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration remains unclear. To review the link between 25(OH)D concentration and ARTI, we searched PubMed and EMBASE databases to identify observational studies reporting the association between 25(OH)D concentration and risk or severity of ARTI. We used random-effects meta-analysis to pool findings across studies. Twenty-four studies were included in the review, 14 were included in the meta-analysis of ARTI risk and five in the meta-analysis of severity. Serum 25(OH)D concentration was inversely associated with risk and severity of ARTI; pooled odds ratios (95% confidence interval) were 1.83 (1.42-2.37) and 2.46 (1.65-3.66), respectively, comparing the lowest with the highest 25(OH)D category. For each 10 nmol/L decrease in 25(OH)D concentration, the odds of ARTI increased by 1.02 (0.97-1.07). This was a non-linear trend, with the sharpest increase in risk of ARTI occurring at 25(OH)D concentration < 37.5 nmol/L. In conclusion, there is an inverse non-linear association between 25(OH)D concentration and ARTI.
Topics: Acute Disease; Humans; Observational Studies as Topic; Respiratory Tract Infections; Vitamin D; Vitamins
PubMed: 31438516
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16173020 -
Nutrition Journal Sep 2022Among candidate genes related to type 2 diabetes (T2DM), one of the strongest genes is Transcription factor 7 like 2 (TCF7L2), regarding the Genome-Wide Association... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Among candidate genes related to type 2 diabetes (T2DM), one of the strongest genes is Transcription factor 7 like 2 (TCF7L2), regarding the Genome-Wide Association Studies. We aimed to conduct a systematic review of the literature on the modification effect of TCF7L2 on the relation between glycemic parameters and lifestyle factors.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was done for relevant publications using electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science, from January 1, 2000, to November 2, 2021.
RESULTS
Thirty-eight studies (16 observational studies, six meal test trials, and 16 randomized controlled trials (RCTs)) were included. Most observational studies had been conducted on participants with non-diabetes showing that TCF7L2 modified the association between diet (fatty acids and fiber) and insulin resistance. In addition, findings from meal test trials showed that, compared to non-risk-allele carriers, consumption of meals with different percentages of total dietary fat in healthy risk-allele carriers increased glucose concentrations and impaired insulin sensitivity. However, ten RCTs, with intervention periods of less than ten weeks and more than one year, showed that TCF7L2 did not modify glycemic parameters in response to a dietary intervention involving different macronutrients. However, two weight loss dietary RCTs with more than 1-year duration showed that serum glucose and insulin levels decreased and insulin resistance improved in non-risk allele subjects with overweight/obesity. Regarding artichoke extract supplementation (ALE), two RCTs observed that ALE supplementation significantly decreased insulin concentration and improved insulin resistance in the TT genotype of the rs7903146 variant of TCF7L2. In addition, four studies suggested that physical activity levels and smoking status modified the association between TCF7L2 and glycemic parameters. However, three studies observed no effect of TCF7L2 on glycemic parameters in participants with different levels of physical activity and smoking status.
CONCLUSION
The modification effects of TCF7L2 on the relation between the lifestyle factors (diet, physical activity, and smoking status) and glycemic parameters were contradictory.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42020196327.
Topics: Blood Glucose; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Dietary Fats; Fatty Acids; Humans; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Life Style; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; T Cell Transcription Factor 1; Transcription Factor 7-Like 2 Protein
PubMed: 36155628
DOI: 10.1186/s12937-022-00813-w -
Cardiology Research and Practice 2022Coronary heart disease is a major cause of mortality in developed and developing countries. Changes in the trace element concentration in the human body are one of the...
AIM
Coronary heart disease is a major cause of mortality in developed and developing countries. Changes in the trace element concentration in the human body are one of the main reasons for the transition of the human body from a healthy to a diseased state. In this meta-analysis, we have studied the relationship between the reduction in serum zinc ion concentration and coronary heart disease.
METHODS
We used PubMed and Cochrane (as of June 30, 2021) databases for the literature search. Per the requirements of this systematic review, case-control studies involving serum zinc ion concentration and coronary heart disease were searched, and the quality of the included studies was evaluated before the meta-analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 3,981 cases were found across seven articles. The standard mean deviation (SMD) of serum zinc ion concentration was -0.22 [-0.28, -0.15], = 6.52, and < 0.05 indicated that the difference was statistically significant. The forest plot results show that = 34% < 50%, and the test showed =0.17 > 0.1. These results suggest a lack of heterogeneity among the selected articles. Results from the funnel chart indicated that this study was free from publication bias.
CONCLUSION
The results of this meta-analysis reveal that a decrease in serum zinc ion concentration is related to the occurrence of coronary heart disease. Clinically, monitoring the serum zinc ion levels is proven to be of great significance for patients with coronary heart disease.
PubMed: 36247185
DOI: 10.1155/2022/4352484 -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Sep 2021Zearalenone (ZEA) is an oestrogen-like mycotoxin produced by Fusarium fungi, which has a considerable impact on human and animal health and results in substantial... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Zearalenone (ZEA) is an oestrogen-like mycotoxin produced by Fusarium fungi, which has a considerable impact on human and animal health and results in substantial economic losses worldwide. This study aimed to demonstrate the reproductive injury induced by ZEA in rodents. We conducted a rigorous meta-analysis of the related literature via PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. The scope of the study includes the following: development of reproductive organs, serum testosterone, oestradiol, and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels; parameters of Leydig cells; and parameters of semen. In total, 19 articles were reviewed. Compared with the control group, the increased relative epididymis weight, increased serum oestradiol level, and decreased LH levels in the prenatally exposed group were observed. In pubertal and adult rodents, the relative testicular weight, serum oestradiol level, Leydig cell number, and percentage of ST (+) Leydig cells decreased under ZEA exposure. In rodents at all ages, decreased serum testosterone level, sperm concentration, sperm motility rate, and increased serum deformity rate were observed in exposed groups compared with control groups. Although subgroup analysis failed to identify a clear dose-response relationship between ZEA exposure and reproductive system damage in male rodents, we still managed to confirm that zearalenone could decrease the serum testosterone level at the dosage of 50 mg/kg*day, 1.4 mg/kg*day, and 84 mg/kg*day, of prenatal, pubertal, and mature rodents respectively; pubertal zearalenone exposure impairs the quality and quantity of sperms of rodents at the dosage of 1.4 mg/kg*day and mature zearalenone exposure has the same effect at the dosage of 84 mg/kg*day. In conclusion, we found that ZEA exposure can cause considerable damage to the reproductive system of rodents of all ages. While the exact underlying mechanism of ZEA-induced toxicity in the reproductive system remains largely unknown, the theories of oestrogen-like effects and oxidative stress damage are promising.
Topics: Animals; Estrogens; Male; Reproduction; Zearalenone
PubMed: 34175827
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112457 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2022Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory dermatosis characterized by the appearance of erythematous plaques, covered by white scales, occasionally... (Review)
Review
Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory dermatosis characterized by the appearance of erythematous plaques, covered by white scales, occasionally pruritogenic, and distributed mainly on the extensor areas. Oxidative stress is defined as an imbalance or a transient or chronic increase in the levels of free oxygen/nitrogen radicals, either as a result of the exaggerated elevation in their production or the decrease in their ability to be eliminated by antioxidant systems. Although the pathogenesis of psoriasis remains far from elucidated, there are studies that delineate an involvement of oxidative stress in this skin disorder. Thus, a systematic search was computed in PubMed/Medline, Web of Science and SCOPUS and, in total, 1293 potentially eligible articles exploring this research question were detected. Following the removal of duplicates and the exclusion of irrelevant manuscripts based on the screening of their titles and abstracts (n = 995), 298 original articles were selected for full-text review. Finally, after we applied the exclusion and inclusion criteria, 79 original articles were included in this systematic review. Overall, the data analyzed in this systematic review point out that oxidative stress markers are elevated in psoriasis and share an association with the duration and severity of the disease. The concentrations of these biomarkers are impacted on by anti-psoriasis therapy. In addition, the crosstalk between psoriasis and oxidative stress is influenced by several polymorphisms that arise in genes encoding markers or enzymes related to the redox balance. Although the involvement of oxidative stress in psoriasis remains undisputable, future research is needed to explore the utility of assessing circulating serum, plasma, urinary and/or skin biomarkers of oxidative stress and of studying polymorphisms in genes regulating the redox balance, as well as how can these findings be translated into the management of psoriasis, as well in understanding its pathogenesis and evolution.
PubMed: 35204165
DOI: 10.3390/antiox11020282 -
Annali Di Igiene : Medicina Preventiva... 2023The aim of the present systematic review was to evaluate the correlation between the exposure to environmental and/or occupational pollutants and possible alteration of...
BACKGROUND
The aim of the present systematic review was to evaluate the correlation between the exposure to environmental and/or occupational pollutants and possible alteration of semen quality, focalizing the attention on the studies performed using a biomonitoring approach.
METHODS
The review was conducted from inception to May 11 2023, according to the PRISMA Statement 2020 and using the following databases: Scopus, Pubmed and Web of Science. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023405607). Studies were considered eligible if they reported data about the association between exposure to environmental pollutants and alteration of semen quality using human biomonitoring. The quality assessment was carried out by the use of the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale.
RESULTS
In total, 21 articles were included, conducted in several countries. The main matrices used for biomonitoring were urine and blood and the most sought-after contaminants were bisphenols, phthalates, pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals and other inorganic trace elements. The results of the studies demonstrated a significant positive correlation between the increase of the pollutants' levels in the biological matrices examined and some alterations of the semen quality indicators, such as a decrease in motility, concentration and morphology of the spermatozoa.
CONCLUSIONS
Male fertility can be negatively affected by the exposure to environmental and/or occupational pollutants. Human biomonitoring programs may be considered a useful tool for specific surveillance programs devoted to early highlight subjects who are more exposed to environmental pollutants in order to reduce risk exposure.
Topics: Humans; Male; Environmental Pollutants; Semen Analysis; Occupational Exposure; Semen; Spermatozoa; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Monitoring
PubMed: 37796470
DOI: 10.7416/ai.2023.2581 -
Journal of Periodontal Research Apr 2022One of the most important families of proteases associated with periodontal disease is the family of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Their activity is regulated by... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
One of the most important families of proteases associated with periodontal disease is the family of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Their activity is regulated by tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), and an imbalance between MMP activity and regulation by TIMPs has been associated with the progression of periodontal disease. This strong interaction between TIMPs and MMPs might be an indication that TIMPs can be used as a biomarker to monitor periodontal disease progression in oral fluids. In particular, TIMP-1 is a frequently studied biomarker for periodontal diseases. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the scientific literature regarding TIMP-1 concentrations in oral fluids of patients suffering from periodontitis or gingivitis in comparison to healthy individuals.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
PubMed/ MedLine and Web of Science databases were searched electronically. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were systematically evaluated and assessed for eligibility and risk of bias. Meta-analysis was performed through the random effects model to assess the association between periodontitis/gingivitis and TIMP-1 concentration in stimulated saliva, unstimulated saliva, and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF).
RESULTS
The search strategy provided a total of 322 studies of which 10 studies met all inclusion criteria. Two studies investigated TIMP-1 concentrations in GCF, three studies in unstimulated saliva, and five studies investigated TIMP-1 concentrations in stimulated saliva. Three studies revealed that TIMP-1 levels in oral fluids were significantly decreased in periodontal disease. Meta-analysis revealed that there is no statistically significant difference between TIMP-1 concentration in oral fluids of periodontitis/gingivitis patients in comparison to healthy individuals.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review with meta-analysis shows that periodontal diseases are not associated with a statistically significant change in TIMP-1 concentration in oral fluids.
Topics: Biomarkers; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Gingivitis; Humans; Matrix Metalloproteinase 8; Periodontal Diseases; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1
PubMed: 34850390
DOI: 10.1111/jre.12957