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Archives of Razi Institute Oct 2021Platelets are the reservoir of growth factors and play a major role in several physiological processes, such as coagulation, angiogenesis, immune response, and tissue...
Platelets are the reservoir of growth factors and play a major role in several physiological processes, such as coagulation, angiogenesis, immune response, and tissue repair. Platelet concentrates are broadly classified into two groups depending on their fibrin content, namely platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). They are further divided based on their leucocyte contents. The PRP is plasma containing supra-physiological concentrations of the platelets. The growth factors present in the PRP play a crucial role in the promotion of local angiogenesis, regulation of cellular activity, stem cell homing, proliferation and differentiation of different stem cells, and deposition of matrix proteins contributing to tissue regeneration. This review aimed to establish the therapeutic potential of PRP in canine medicine with a particular focus on the applications in ophthalmology, dermatology, and musculoskeletal disorders. A systematic literature review was performed to identify the literature published during the past 20 years (2001-2021) using authentic academic databases, such as PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Scopus. In the initial search, 556 articles were identified and based on the specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, 59 articles were selected for further analysis. The clinical efficacy of PRP depends on the number of platelets and the growth factor concentration. The PRP-based biological therapy has broad clinical applications in musculoskeletal pathologies. It is a simple, safe, and cost-effective method that can be used to treat various diseases and disorders in canine practice. For example, PRP is used for managing corneal ulcers, corneal erosion, alkali burn, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, burn wounds, chronic wounds, cutaneous ulcers, acute traumatic bone fractures, tendinopathies, cartilage pathologies, osteoarthritis, and abdominal wall defects either as monotherapy or as an adjunctive therapeutic agent. In addition, PRP is widely used as a carrier of mesenchymal stem cells for transplanting into bone defects. Therefore, allogeneic PRP therapy can be considered a simple, safe, and cost-effective method for the treatment of various diseases and disorders in canine practice. The therapeutic application of PRP in canine medicine is limited in the present study due to the lack of consensus for collection, characterization, and clinical use. Hence, further studies are required to establish the actual worth of PRP-based regenerative strategies in canine medicine.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Leukocytes; Platelet-Rich Plasma; Wound Healing
PubMed: 35096308
DOI: 10.22092/ari.2021.355953.1749 -
PloS One 2022Atherosclerosis(AS) is widely recognized as a risk factor for incident cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) is the active ingredient of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Atherosclerosis(AS) is widely recognized as a risk factor for incident cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) is the active ingredient of Ligusticum wallichii that possesses a variety of biological activities against atherosclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to study the impact of and mechanism of tetramethylpyrazine for atherosclerosis in animal models.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science database, Chinese Biomedical (CBM) database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang data, and Vip Journal Integration Platform, covering the period from the respective start date of each database to December 2021. We used SYRCLE's 10-item checklist and Rev-Man 5.3 software to analyze the data and the risk of bias.
RESULTS
Twelve studies, including 258 animals, met the inclusion criteria. Compared with the control group, TMP significantly reduced aortic atherosclerotic lesion area, and induced significant decreases in levels of TC (SMD = -2.67, 95% CI -3.68 to -1.67, P < 0.00001), TG (SMD = -2.43, 95% CI -3.39 to -1.47, P < 0.00001), and LDL-C (SMD = -2.87, 95% CI -4.16 to -1.58, P < 0.00001), as well as increasing HDL-C (SMD = 2.04, 95% CI 1.05 to 3.03, P = 0.001). TMP also significantly modulated plasma inflammatory responses and biological signals associated with atherosclerosis. In subgroup analysis, the groups of high-dose TMP (≥50 mg/kg) showed better results than those of the control group. No difference between various durations of treatment groups or various assessing location groups.
CONCLUSION
TMP exerts anti-atherosclerosis functions in an animal model of AS mediated by anti-inflammatory action, antioxidant action, ameliorating lipid metabolism disorder, protection of endothelial function, antiplatelet activity, reducing the proliferation and migration of smooth muscle cells, inhibition of angiogenesis, antiplatelet aggregation. Due to the limitations of the quantity and quality of current studies, the above conclusions need to be verified by more high-quality studies.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
PROSPERO registration no.CRD42021288874.
Topics: Animals; Aortic Diseases; Atherosclerosis; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Pyrazines
PubMed: 35500001
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267968 -
Animal Models and Experimental Medicine Feb 2022Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are endogenous RNAs with a covalently closed single-stranded transcript. They are a novel class of genomic regulators that are linked to many... (Review)
Review
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are endogenous RNAs with a covalently closed single-stranded transcript. They are a novel class of genomic regulators that are linked to many important development and disease processes and are being pursued as clinical and therapeutic targets. Using the most powerful RNA sequencing and bioinformatics techniques, a large number of circRNAs have been identified and further functional studies have been performed. It is known that circRNAs act as potential biomarkers, sponges for microRNAs (miRNAs) and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), and regulators of mRNA transcription. They also participate in the translation of peptides or proteins. Many types of circRNAs are dysregulated in plasma or lung tissues, and they may be involved in regulating the proliferation and apoptosis of pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) and pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), leading to pulmonary vascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertension (PH). One possible mechanism is that circRNAs can regulate the function of PAECs and PASMCs by acting as miRNA sponge. However, other potential mechanisms of action of circRNAs are still being actively explored in PH. This paper presents a systematic review of the biogenesis, biological characterization, relevant underlying functions, and future perspectives for studies of circRNAs in the pathogenesis of PH.
Topics: Computational Biology; Endothelial Cells; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; MicroRNAs; RNA, Circular
PubMed: 35229989
DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12208 -
International Wound Journal Apr 2024The primary objective of this study is to examine the efficiency of various regenerative medicine approaches, such as platelet-rich plasma, cell therapy, stromal... (Review)
Review
A systematic review of the efficacy, safety and satisfaction of regenerative medicine treatments, including platelet-rich plasma, stromal vascular fraction and stem cell-conditioned medium for hypertrophic scars and keloids.
The primary objective of this study is to examine the efficiency of various regenerative medicine approaches, such as platelet-rich plasma, cell therapy, stromal vascular fraction, exosomes and stem cell-conditioned medium, in the process of healing hypertrophic and keloid scars. Major databases including PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were systematically searched, and based on the content of the articles and the inclusion and exclusion criteria, eight articles were selected. Out of these eight articles, there were two non-randomized clinical trial studies (25%), one randomized, single-blinded comparative study (12.5%), one retrospective clinical observational study (12.5%) and four randomized clinical trial studies (50%). We employed EndNote X8 and Google Sheets to conduct article reviews and extract relevant data. Following the review phase, the studies underwent analysis and categorization. In all eight reviewed studies, the effectiveness of regenerative medicine in treating hypertrophic scars and keloids has been proven. Out of these studies, five (62.5%) focused on the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma, two study (25%) examined the effectiveness of stromal vascular fraction and one study (12.5%) explored the efficacy of stem cell-conditioned medium. In two studies (25%), the treatment methods were added to standard treatment, while in six studies (75%), regenerative medicine was used as the sole treatment method and compared with standard treatment. The use of these treatment methods did not result in any serious side effects for the patients. Regenerative medicine is an effective method with minimal side effects for the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids. It can be used as a monotherapy or in combination with other treatment methods. However, further studies are needed to thoroughly evaluate the effectiveness of all sub-branches of this method.
Topics: Humans; Cicatrix, Hypertrophic; Culture Media, Conditioned; Keloid; Personal Satisfaction; Platelet-Rich Plasma; Regenerative Medicine; Stromal Vascular Fraction; Treatment Outcome; Clinical Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38126221
DOI: 10.1111/iwj.14557 -
Sleep Medicine Reviews Aug 2022Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) has been recognized as a major health concern worldwide, given its increasing prevalence, difficulties in diagnosis and treatment, and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) has been recognized as a major health concern worldwide, given its increasing prevalence, difficulties in diagnosis and treatment, and impact on health, economy, and society. Clinical guidelines highlight the need of biomarkers to guide OSA clinical decision-making, but so far, without success. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews database (ID CRD42020132556), we proposed to gather and further explore candidates identified in the literature as potential OSA biomarkers.
METHODS
Search strategies for eight different databases (PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, Biblioteca Virtual da Saúde, Web of Science, EMBASE, World Intellectual Property Organization database, and bioRxiV and medRxiV Preprint Servers) were developed. We identified studies exploring potential biomarkers of OSA, in peripheral samples of adults, with and without OSA, with no comorbidities defined in study inclusion criteria, published after the last systematic review and meta-analysis conducted on OSA biomarkers, until May 31st, 2020. Risk of bias was assessed through the 14-item Quality Assessment Tool for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies. Demographic, clinical, and candidate biomarkers' data were collected and analyzed via random effects meta-analyses.
FINDINGS
Among the 1512 unique studies screened, 120 met the inclusion criteria and 16 studies with low risk of bias were selected for meta-analyses. The selected 16 studies enrolled a total of 2156 participants, from which 1369 were diagnosed with OSA and 787 were disease-free controls. The assessed variables showed high heterogeneity. From the 38 biomarker candidates evaluated, only two were evaluated in more than one study. Most studies pinpointed candidates with more potential for OSA prognosis. ADAM29, FLRT2 and SLC18A3 mRNA levels in PBMCs, Endocan and YKL-40 levels in serum, and IL-6 and Vimentin levels in plasma revealed the most promising candidates for OSA diagnosis.
INTERPRETATION
Although the current systematic review and meta-analysis allowed us to identify candidates to further explore as potential biomarkers in future studies, it is evident that OSA biomarkers research is still at an early stage. Most findings derive from small-size single-center study cohorts and single-candidate studies. We point several gaps in current OSA biomarker research that may guide into new directions and approaches towards the identification of OSA biomarkers.
Topics: Adult; Biomarkers; Humans; Polysomnography; Prevalence; Prognosis; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive
PubMed: 35753150
DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2022.101659 -
Journal of Clinical and Translational... Jun 2022Lymph node transfer surgery (LNTS) is indicated in secondary lymphedema (LE) patients who do not respond to conservative therapy. Animal models are the spearhead of LE... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Lymph node transfer surgery (LNTS) is indicated in secondary lymphedema (LE) patients who do not respond to conservative therapy. Animal models are the spearhead of LE research and were used to pioneer most of the surgical interventions currently in practice. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to explore animal models dedicated to LNTS to compare different species, techniques, and outcomes.
METHODS
Four databases were searched: PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scopus, and Web of Science. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis as our basis of organization.
RESULTS
Avascular lymph node graft (ALNG) and vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) effectively treated LE and lead to better outcomes than controls. Whole ALNGs are superior to fragmented ALNGs. Larger fragments are more likely to be reintegrated into the lymphatic system than small fragments. VLNT was superior to whole and fragmented ALNG. Increasing the number of VLNT resulted in better outcomes. Adipose-derived stem cells improved outcomes of VLNT; vascular endothelial growth factor C and D and platelet-rich plasma improved outcomes for ALNG. Cryopreservation of lymph nodes (LNs) did not affect outcomes for ALNG. The critical ischemia and venous occlusion time for LN flaps were 4-5 and 4 h, respectively. The critical time for reperfusion injury was 2 h. Some of the novel models included venous LNT, and cervical adipocutaneous flap to groin.
CONCLUSION
Current evidence from animals favors VLNT over other surgical interventions. Several pharmacological therapies significantly improved outcomes of ALNG and VLNT.
RELEVANCE TO PATIENTS
LE is a chronic condition affecting millions of patients worldwide. LNTS is becoming more popular as a LE treatment. Animal models have led the LE research for decades and developing new models for LE are essential for LE research. This systematic review aims to summarize the existing animal models dedicated to LNTS. We believe that this review is critical to guide researchers in the selection of the model that is best fit for their hypothesis-driven experiments.
PubMed: 35813893
DOI: No ID Found -
Arthroscopy, Sports Medicine, and... Aug 2022To examine the efficacy of biologic agents in the treatment of cartilage defects associated with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). (Review)
Review
PRP Is Not Associated With Improved Outcomes Following Hip Femoroacetabular Impingement Surgery: Very Low-Quality Evidence Suggests Hyaluronic Acid and Cell-Based Therapies May Be Beneficial-A Systematic Review of Biological Treatments.
PURPOSE
To examine the efficacy of biologic agents in the treatment of cartilage defects associated with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).
METHODS
PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were reviewed by 2 independent reviewers for eligible studies. We included randomized and nonrandomized control trials as well as uncontrolled case series and retrospective studies. Studies were excluded if they included injections of corticosteroids, papers that described technique only, review papers, and those not in the English language. Demographics, treatment type, outcome of treatment, and complications were extracted, whereas risk of bias and study quality were assessed independently using the risk of bias tool (ROB2) and effective public health practice project tool. A narrative synthesis was performed, and standardized mean differences were reported. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach.
RESULTS
Eighteen studies consisting of 1,024 patients met the inclusion criteria. Three studies involved the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as an adjuvant to surgery and were included in the meta-analysis. Three studies administered hyaluronic acid (HA) as a primary treatment. Twelve involved various cell-based methods of chondrocyte stimulation for cartilage defects associated with FAI, but heterogeneity did not allow for pooling. Low-quality evidence indicates PRP is not associated with improved outcomes following surgery (mean difference -1.42, 95% confidence interval -3.95 to 1.11, = .27). Very-low-quality evidence suggests HA (standardized mean difference 1.15, 95% confidence interval 0.64-1.66, < .001, Z = 4.39) and cell-based therapies may improve function and pain in patients with FAI.
CONCLUSIONS
Low-quality evidence indicates PRP is not associated with improved outcomes following hip FAI surgery, and very-low-quality evidence suggests HA and cell-based therapies may improve outcomes.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
systematic review of Level I-V studies.
PubMed: 36033174
DOI: 10.1016/j.asmr.2022.05.002 -
ERJ Open Research Jan 2021Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is currently diagnosed by the Berlin definition, which does not include a direct measure of pulmonary oedema, endothelial... (Review)
Review
RATIONALE
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is currently diagnosed by the Berlin definition, which does not include a direct measure of pulmonary oedema, endothelial permeability or pulmonary inflammation. We hypothesised that biomarkers of these processes have good diagnostic accuracy for ARDS.
METHODS
Medline and Scopus were searched for original diagnostic studies using minimally invasive testing. Primary outcome was the diagnostic accuracy per test and was categorised by control group. The methodological quality was assessed with QUADAS-2 tool. Biomarkers that had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROCC) of >0.75 and were studied with minimal bias against an unselected control group were considered to be promising.
RESULTS
Forty-four articles were included. The median AUROCC for all evaluated tests was 0.80 (25th to 75th percentile: 0.72-0.88). The type of control group influenced the diagnostic accuracy (p=0.0095). Higher risk of bias was associated with higher diagnostic accuracy (AUROCC 0.75 for low-bias, 0.77 for intermediate-bias and 0.84 for high-bias studies; p=0.0023). Club cell protein 16 and soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products in plasma and two panels with biomarkers of oxidative stress in breath showed good diagnostic accuracy in low-bias studies that compared ARDS patients to an unselected intensive care unit (ICU) population.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review revealed only four diagnostic tests fulfilling stringent criteria for a promising biomarker in a low-bias setting. For implementation into the clinical setting, prospective studies in a general unselected ICU population with good methodological quality are needed.
PubMed: 33532455
DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00504-2020 -
Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics Apr 2022The aim of this systematic review is to explore the current available knowledge about tendon disorders and orthobiologics derived by preclinical experiments to evaluate... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
The aim of this systematic review is to explore the current available knowledge about tendon disorders and orthobiologics derived by preclinical experiments to evaluate their role and efficacy in the different stages and conditions related to the tendon healing processes.
METHODS
The systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Different electronic databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE) were searched for studies investigating orthobiologics (PRP and cell-based products from adipose tissue or bone marrow) in animal models or veterinary clinical trials for tendon pathologies (complete/partial tendon ruptures, rotator cuff tears, tendinopathy, enthesis-related injuries). Data regarding the specific product used, the treatment site/pathology, the host and the model were collected. The results were classified into the following categories: histological, biomechanical, molecular and imaging.
RESULTS
A large pool of preclinical studies on tendon disorders have been found on platelet-rich plasma (PRP), while data about stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and bone marrow concentrate (BMAC) are still limited and frequently focused on expanded cells, rather than orthobiologics prepared at the point of care. The effect of PRP is related to an acceleration of the healing process, without improvements in the final structure and properties of repaired tendon. Cell-based products have been reported to produce more durable results, but the level of evidence is currently insufficient to draw clear indications.
CONCLUSIONS
The preclinical results about orthobiologics applications to tendon pathologies would support the rationale of their clinical use and encourage the performance of clinical trials aimed to confirm these data in human subjects.
PubMed: 35394237
DOI: 10.1186/s40634-022-00468-w -
Oxidative Medicine and Cellular... 2022Artemisinin and its derivatives have potential antidiabetic effects. There is no evaluation of reported studies in the literature on the treatment of diabetic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Artemisinin and its derivatives have potential antidiabetic effects. There is no evaluation of reported studies in the literature on the treatment of diabetic nephropathy (DN), one of the commonest diabetic microangiopathies, with artemisinins. Here, we aimed to evaluate preclinical evidence for the efficacy and possible mechanisms of artemisinins in reducing diabetic renal injury.
METHODS
We conducted an electronic literature search in fourteen databases from their inception to November 2021. All animal studies assessing the efficacy and safety of artemisinins in DN were included, regardless of publication or language. Overall, 178 articles were screened according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Finally, 18 eligible articles were included in this systematic review. The SYstematic Review Center for Laboratory animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) risk-of-bias tool was used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. The primary outcomes were kidney function, proteinuria, and renal pathology. Secondary endpoints included changes in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels, body weight, and relevant mechanisms.
RESULTS
Of the 18 included articles involving 418 animal models of DN, 1, 2, 6, and 9 used dihydroartemisinin, artemether, artesunate, and artemisinin, respectively. Overall, artemisinins reduced indicators of renal function, including blood urea nitrogen ( < 0.00001), serum creatinine ( < 0.00001), and kidney index ( = 0.0001) compared with control group treatment. Measurements of proteinuria ( < 0.00001), microalbuminuria ( < 0.05), and protein excretion ( = 0.0002) suggested that treatment with artemisinins reduced protein loss in animals with DN. Artemisinins may lower blood glucose levels ( = 0.01), but there is a risk of weight gain ( < 0.00001). Possible mechanisms of action of artemisinins include delaying renal fibrosis, reducing oxidative stress, and exerting antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects.
CONCLUSION
Available evidence suggests that artemisinins may be protective against renal injury secondary to diabetes in preclinical studies; however, high-quality and long-term trials are needed to reliably determine the balance of benefits and harms.
Topics: Animals; Artemisinins; Diabetes Mellitus; Diabetic Nephropathies; Female; Humans; Male; Models, Animal; Proteinuria
PubMed: 35528521
DOI: 10.1155/2022/5401760