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Biomolecules Jul 2020The grass family (Poaceae) is one of the largest families of flowering plants, growing in all climatic zones of all continents, which includes species of exceptional... (Review)
Review
The grass family (Poaceae) is one of the largest families of flowering plants, growing in all climatic zones of all continents, which includes species of exceptional economic importance. The high adaptability of grasses to adverse environmental factors implies the existence of efficient resistance mechanisms that involve the production of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Of plant AMPs, defensins represent one of the largest and best-studied families. Although wheat and barley seed γ-thionins were the first defensins isolated from plants, the functional characterization of grass defensins is still in its infancy. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the characterized defensins from cultivated and selected wild-growing grasses. For each species, isolation of defensins or production by heterologous expression, peptide structure, biological activity, and structure-function relationship are described, along with the gene expression data. We also provide our results on in silico mining of defensin-like sequences in the genomes of all described grass species and discuss their potential functions. The data presented will form the basis for elucidation of the mode of action of grass defensins and high adaptability of grasses to environmental stress and will provide novel potent molecules for practical use in medicine and agriculture.
Topics: Defensins; Disease Resistance; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Models, Molecular; Plant Proteins; Poaceae; Protein Conformation; Structure-Activity Relationship
PubMed: 32664422
DOI: 10.3390/biom10071029 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2023Identifying novel biomarkers that are both specific and sensitive to periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) has the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy and ultimately... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Identifying novel biomarkers that are both specific and sensitive to periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) has the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy and ultimately enhance patient outcomes. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review is to identify and evaluate the effectiveness of novel biomarkers for the diagnosis of PJI.
METHODS
We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases from January 1, 2018, to September 30, 2022, using the search terms "periprosthetic joint infection," "prosthetic joint infection," or "periprosthetic infection" as the diagnosis of interest and the target index, combined with the term "marker." We excluded articles that mentioned established biomarkers such as CRP, ESR, Interleukin 6, Alpha defensin, PCT (procalcitonin), and LC (leucocyte cell count). We used the MSIS, ICM, or EBJS criteria for PJI as the reference standard during quality assessment.
RESULTS
We collected 19 studies that analyzed fourteen different novel biomarkers. Proteins were the most commonly analyzed biomarkers (nine studies), followed by molecules (three studies), exosomes (two studies), DNA (two studies), interleukins (one study), and lysosomes (one study). Calprotectin was a frequently analyzed and promising marker. In the scenario where the threshold was set at ≥50-mg/mL, the calprotectin point-of-care (POC) performance showed a high sensitivity of 98.1% and a specificity of 95.7%.
CONCLUSION
None of the analyzed biomarkers demonstrated outstanding performance compared to the established parameters used for standardized treatment based on established PJI definitions. Further studies are needed to determine the benefit and usefulness of implementing new biomarkers in diagnostic PJI settings.
Topics: Humans; Prosthesis-Related Infections; Arthritis, Infectious; Biomarkers; Procalcitonin; Leukocyte Count; alpha-Defensins; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 37529352
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1210345 -
Children (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2023: Some variants in () and () genes can be associated with oral diseases. Herein, we designed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association of (, ,... (Review)
Review
Evaluation of Beta-Defensin 1 and Mannose-Binding Lectin 2 Polymorphisms in Children with Dental Caries Compared to Caries-Free Controls: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
: Some variants in () and () genes can be associated with oral diseases. Herein, we designed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association of (, , and ) and ( and ) polymorphisms with the susceptibility to dental caries (DC) in children. : A systematic literature search was conducted in the PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases until 3 December 2022, without any restrictions. The odds ratio (OR), along with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of the effect sizes, are reported. Analyses including a subgroup analysis, a sensitivity analysis, and funnel plot analyses were conducted. : A total of 416 records were identified among the databases, and nine articles were entered into the meta-analysis. A significant relationship was found between the T allele of polymorphism and DC susceptibility, and the T allele was related to an elevated risk of DC in children (OR = 1.225; 95%CI: 1.022, 1.469; = 0.028; I = 0%). No other polymorphisms were associated with DC. All articles were of moderate quality. Egger's test in homozygous and dominant models demonstrated a significant publication bias for the association of polymorphism with DC risk. : The results demonstrated that the T allele of polymorphism had an elevated risk for DC in children. However, there were only few studies that evaluated this association.
PubMed: 36832361
DOI: 10.3390/children10020232 -
International Journal of Molecular... Sep 2023Periodontitis is one of the primary causes of tooth loss, and is also related to various systemic diseases. Early detection of this condition is crucial when it comes to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Periodontitis is one of the primary causes of tooth loss, and is also related to various systemic diseases. Early detection of this condition is crucial when it comes to preventing further oral damage and the associated health complications. This study offers a systematic review of the literature published up to April 2023, and aims to clearly explain the role of proteomics in identifying salivary biomarkers for periodontitis. Comprehensive searches were conducted on PubMed and Web of Science to shortlist pertinent studies. The inclusion criterion was those that reported on mass spectrometry-driven proteomic analyses of saliva samples from periodontitis cohorts, while those on gingivitis or other oral diseases were excluded. An assessment for risk of bias was carried out using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies or the NIH quality assessment tool, and a meta-analysis was performed for replicable candidate biomarkers, i.e., consistently reported candidate biomarkers (in specific saliva samples, and periodontitis subgroups, reported in ≥2 independent cohorts/reports) were identified. A Gene Ontology enrichment analysis was conducted using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery bioinformatics resources, which consistently expressed candidate biomarkers, to explore the predominant pathway wherein salivary biomarkers consistently manifested. Of the 15 studies included, 13 were case-control studies targeting diagnostic biomarkers for periodontitis participants (periodontally healthy/diseased, = 342/432), while two focused on biomarkers responsive to periodontal treatment ( = 26 participants). The case-control studies were considered to have a low risk of bias, while the periodontitis treatment studies were deemed fair. Summary estimate and confidence/credible interval, etc. determination for the identified putative salivary biomarkers could not be ascertained due to the low number of studies in each case. The results from the included case-control studies identified nine consistently expressed candidate biomarkers (from nine studies with 230/297 periodontally healthy/diseased participants): (i) those that were upregulated: alpha-amylase, serum albumin, complement C3, neutrophil defensin, profilin-1, and S100-P; and (ii) those that were downregulated: carbonic anhydrase 6, immunoglobulin J chain, and lactoferrin. All putative biomarkers exhibited consistent regulation patterns. The implications of the current putative marker proteins identified were reviewed, with a focus on their potential roles in periodontitis diagnosis and pathogenesis, and as putative therapeutic targets. Although in its early stages, mass spectrometry-based salivary periodontal disease biomarker proteomics detection appeared promising. More mass spectrometry-based proteomics studies, with or without the aid of already available clinical biochemical approaches, are warranted to aid the discovery, identification, and validation of periodontal health/disease indicator molecule(s). Protocol registration number: CRD42023447722; supported by RD-02-202410 and GRF17119917.
Topics: Humans; Proteomics; Periodontitis; Mass Spectrometry; Biomarkers; Proteins; Periodontal Diseases; Saliva
PubMed: 37834046
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914599 -
Orthopaedic Surgery Nov 2022The current diagnostic criteria for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) are diverse and controversial, leading to delayed diagnosis. This study aimed to evaluate and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
The current diagnostic criteria for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) are diverse and controversial, leading to delayed diagnosis. This study aimed to evaluate and unify their diagnostic accuracy and the threshold selection of serum and synovial routine tests for PJI at an early stage.
METHODS
We searched the MEDLINE and Embase databases for retrospective or prospective studies which reported preoperative-available assays (serum, synovial, or culture tests) for the diagnosis of chronic PJI among inflammatory arthritis (IA) or non-IA populations from January 1, 2000 to June 30, 2022. Threshold effective analysis was performed on synovial polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN%), synovial white blood cell (WBC), serum C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) to find the relevant cut-offs.
RESULTS
Two hundred and sixteen studies and information from 45,316 individuals were included in the final analysis. Synovial laboratory-based α-defensin and calprotectin had the best comprehensive sensitivity (0.91 [0.86-0.94], 0.95 [0.88-0.98]) and specificity (0.96 [0.94-0.97], 0.95 [0.89-0.98]) values. According to the threshold effect analysis, the recommended cut-offs are 70% (sensitivity 0.89 [0.85-0.92], specificity 0.90 [0.87-0.93]), 4100/μL (sensitivity 0.90 [0.87-0.93], specificity 0.97 [0.93-0.98]), 13.5 mg/L (sensitivity 0.84 [0.78-0.89], specificity 0.83 [0.73-0.89]), and 30 mm/h (sensitivity 0.79 [0.74-0.83], specificity 0.78 [0.72-0.83]) for synovial PMN%, synovial WBC, serum CRP, and ESR, respectively, and tests seem to be more reliable among non-IA patients.
CONCLUSIONS
The laboratory-based synovial α-defensin and synovial calprotectin are the two best independent preoperative diagnostic tests for PJI. A cut off of 70% for synovial PMN% and tighter cut-offs for synovial WBC and serum CRP could have a better diagnostic accuracy for non-IA patients with chronic PJI.
Topics: Humans; alpha-Defensins; Arthritis, Infectious; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; C-Reactive Protein; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Leukocyte L1 Antigen Complex; Prospective Studies; Prosthesis-Related Infections; Retrospective Studies; Synovial Fluid
PubMed: 36181336
DOI: 10.1111/os.13500 -
BMC Medicine Oct 2022Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle play a key role in shaping immunity in the cervicovaginal tract. Cervicovaginal fluid contains cytokines, chemokines,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle play a key role in shaping immunity in the cervicovaginal tract. Cervicovaginal fluid contains cytokines, chemokines, immunoglobulins, and other immune mediators. Many studies have shown that the concentrations of these immune mediators change throughout the menstrual cycle, but the studies have often shown inconsistent results. Our understanding of immunological correlates of the menstrual cycle remains limited and could be improved by meta-analysis of the available evidence.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of cervicovaginal immune mediator concentrations throughout the menstrual cycle using individual participant data. Study eligibility included strict definitions of the cycle phase (by progesterone or days since the last menstrual period) and no use of hormonal contraception or intrauterine devices. We performed random-effects meta-analyses using inverse-variance pooling to estimate concentration differences between the follicular and luteal phases. In addition, we performed a new laboratory study, measuring select immune mediators in cervicovaginal lavage samples.
RESULTS
We screened 1570 abstracts and identified 71 eligible studies. We analyzed data from 31 studies, encompassing 39,589 concentration measurements of 77 immune mediators made on 2112 samples from 871 participants. Meta-analyses were performed on 53 immune mediators. Antibodies, CC-type chemokines, MMPs, IL-6, IL-16, IL-1RA, G-CSF, GNLY, and ICAM1 were lower in the luteal phase than the follicular phase. Only IL-1α, HBD-2, and HBD-3 were elevated in the luteal phase. There was minimal change between the phases for CXCL8, 9, and 10, interferons, TNF, SLPI, elafin, lysozyme, lactoferrin, and interleukins 1β, 2, 10, 12, 13, and 17A. The GRADE strength of evidence was moderate to high for all immune mediators listed here.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite the variability of cervicovaginal immune mediator measurements, our meta-analyses show clear and consistent changes during the menstrual cycle. Many immune mediators were lower in the luteal phase, including chemokines, antibodies, matrix metalloproteinases, and several interleukins. Only interleukin-1α and beta-defensins were higher in the luteal phase. These cyclical differences may have consequences for immunity, susceptibility to infection, and fertility. Our study emphasizes the need to control for the effect of the menstrual cycle on immune mediators in future studies.
Topics: Elafin; Female; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor; Humans; Immunoglobulins; Immunologic Factors; Interferons; Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein; Interleukin-16; Interleukin-1alpha; Interleukin-6; Interleukins; Lactoferrin; Menstrual Cycle; Muramidase; Progesterone; beta-Defensins
PubMed: 36195867
DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02532-9 -
Journal of Orthopaedics 2021The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature regarding accurate shoulder prosthetic joint infection (PJI) diagnosis.
INTRODUCTION
The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature regarding accurate shoulder prosthetic joint infection (PJI) diagnosis.
METHODS
Using PRISMA guidelines, we analyzed 25 studies reporting on 5535 patients and 646 infections.
RESULTS
cultures were positive in 60% of patients. Serum markers WBC, CRP, ESR, and IL-6 appear to lack diagnostic reliability. Synovial IL-6 and alpha-defensin may be more accurate in detecting infections.
CONCLUSION
Synovial IL-6 and alpha-defensin appear to have greater utility than serum markers. These may be incorporated into new criteria to accurately diagnose shoulder PJI.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
IV.
PubMed: 34305349
DOI: 10.1016/j.jor.2021.07.012 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery (Hong... 2020Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is the most common complication after artificial joint replacement as previously reported. However, the main problem at present is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is the most common complication after artificial joint replacement as previously reported. However, the main problem at present is its difficulty in diagnosis. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of -defensin, D-dimer, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in clinical practice.
METHOD
Online databases were systematically searched until June 18th, 2020 with keywords and medical sub-headings terms. Studies mentioned the sensitivity and specificity of biological markers in detecting PJI were included in our study. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratios (DORs) were obtained after integration.
RESULTS
A total of 34 studies with 1036 patients diagnosing as PJI were included for comparing -defensin, D-dimer, and IL-6. The sensitivity and specificity of -defensin for PJI were 0.88 and 0.96, and the DOR was 189 (95% CI 72-496), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of D-dimer (0.82 and 0.72) and IL-6 (0.80 and 0.89) were lower than -defensin.
CONCLUSION
The detection of -defensin is a promising biomarker for diagnosing PJI. The optional cut-off needs to be curtained when using other biomarkers.
Topics: Biomarkers; Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; Humans; Interleukin-6; Prosthesis-Related Infections; Synovial Fluid; alpha-Defensins
PubMed: 33225796
DOI: 10.1177/2309499020971861 -
Postepy Dermatologii I Alergologii Jun 2023Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer in humans, occurring in more than 50% of Caucasians during their lifetime, with a frequency rate that is... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer in humans, occurring in more than 50% of Caucasians during their lifetime, with a frequency rate that is continually increasing.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
We present a systematic review summarizing the role of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), cathelicidin, and human β-defensins (HBDs) in the pathogenesis of BCC. The major online databases including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were searched to extract studies regarding the levels of TGF-β, HBD, and cathelicidin in BCC.
RESULTS
A total of 14 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review. There were 6 studies that included initially established levels of TGF-β in BCCs. A total of 87 BCCs were analysed, and a common result was that the TGF-β levels increase in the BCCs compared to the control groups. Analogously, 2 studies contained numerical data on HBD levels but with a different in methodology. The level of cathelicidin was established in 108 BCCs and was significantly higher in the BCC group than in the control group.
CONCLUSIONS
The presented review shows evidence that proteins like TGF-β, HBD, and cathelicidin play a role in developing BCC. Protein levels or their expression are elevated in patients with BCC. Furthermore, a critical review of the literature was presented and discussed, highlighting its shortcomings.
PubMed: 37545828
DOI: 10.5114/ada.2023.124747 -
JID Innovations : Skin Science From... Jul 2022As solid organ transplantation becomes more prevalent, more individuals are living as members of the immunosuppressed population with an elevated risk for cutaneous... (Review)
Review
As solid organ transplantation becomes more prevalent, more individuals are living as members of the immunosuppressed population with an elevated risk for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Although great progress has been made in understanding the pathogenesis of cSCC in general, little is known about the drivers of tumorigenesis in immunosuppressed patients and organ-transplant recipients, specifically. This systematic review sought to synthesize information regarding the genetic and epigenetic alterations as well as changes in protein and mRNA expression that place this growing population at risk for cSCC, influence treatment response, and promote tumor aggressiveness. This review will provide investigators with a framework to identify future areas of investigation and clinicians with additional insight into how to best manage these patients.
PubMed: 35620703
DOI: 10.1016/j.xjidi.2022.100126