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BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Jul 2022This review was conducted to investigate the association between serum vitamin B12 levels as well as folic acid/vitamin B12 during pregnancy and the risk of gestational... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Vitamin B12 status and folic acid/vitamin B12 related to the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.
BACKGROUND
This review was conducted to investigate the association between serum vitamin B12 levels as well as folic acid/vitamin B12 during pregnancy and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
METHODS
A comprehensive search of electronic databases (Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science) was performed. The odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of GDM risk were summarized using a random effects model. We also performed subgroup analyses to explore the source of heterogeneity.
RESULTS
A total of 10 studies, including 10,595 pregnant women were assessed. Women with vitamin B12 deficiency were at higher risk for developing GDM when compared with those who were vitamin B12 sufficient (OR, 1.46; 95% CI 1.21-1.79; I: 59.0%). Subgroup analysis indicated that this association might differ based on sample size and geographical distribution. Elevated vitamin B12 levels may decrease the risk of GDM by 23%. The role of excess folic acid and low vitamin B12 levels in the occurrence of GDM is also controversial.
CONCLUSION
In summary, vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with increased risk of GDM, it is necessary to pay more attention to the balance of vitamin B12 and folic acid. However, more in-depth studies across multiple populations are needed to verify these results.
Topics: Diabetes, Gestational; Female; Folic Acid; Humans; Pregnancy; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamins
PubMed: 35870897
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04911-9 -
Molecular Imaging and Biology Aug 2020Due to its metabolism via the serotonin and kynurenine pathways, tryptophan plays a key role in multiple disease processes including cancer. Imaging tryptophan uptake...
Due to its metabolism via the serotonin and kynurenine pathways, tryptophan plays a key role in multiple disease processes including cancer. Imaging tryptophan uptake and metabolism in vivo can be achieved with tryptophan derivative positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracers. While human studies with such tracers have been confined to C-11-labeled compounds, preclinical development of F-18-labeled tryptophan-based radiotracers has surged in recent years. We performed a systematic review of studies reporting on such F-18-labeled tryptophan tracers to summarize and compare their biological characteristics and their potential for tumor imaging, with a particular focus on key enzymes of the kynurenine pathway (indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase [IDO] and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase [TDO]), which play an important role in tumoral immune resistance. From a PubMed search, English language articles including data on the preparation and radiochemical and/or biological characteristics of F-18-labeled tryptophan derivative radiotracers were reviewed. A total of 19 original papers included data on 15 unique radiotracers, the majority of which were synthesized with an adequate radiochemical yield. Automated synthesis was reported for 1-(2-[F]fluoroethyl)-L-tryptophan, the most extensively evaluated tracer thus far. Biodistribution studies showed high uptake in the pancreas, while the L-type amino acid transporter was the dominant transport mechanism for most of the reviewed tracers. Tracers tested for tumor uptake showed accumulation in tumor cell lines in vitro and in xenografts in vivo, often with favorable tumor-to-background uptake ratios in comparison with clinically used F-18-labeled radiotracers. Five tracers showed promise for imaging IDO activity, including 1-(2-[F]fluoroethyl)-L-tryptophan and a F-18-labeled analog of alpha-[C]methyl-L-tryptophan tested clinically in previous studies. Two radiotracers were metabolized by TDO but showed defluorination in vivo. In summary, most F-18-labeled tryptophan derivative PET tracers share common transport mechanisms and biodistribution characteristics. Several reported tracers could be candidates for further testing and validation toward PET imaging applications in a variety of human diseases.
Topics: Animals; Biological Transport; Fluorine Radioisotopes; Halogenation; Heterografts; Humans; Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase; Mice; Positron-Emission Tomography; Radiopharmaceuticals; Serotonin; Tissue Distribution; Tryptophan; Tryptophan Oxygenase
PubMed: 31512038
DOI: 10.1007/s11307-019-01430-6 -
IUBMB Life Jan 2022Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent predictor of the risk for cognitive decline and may be a result of low levels of vitamins B , B , and folate. Previous findings...
Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent predictor of the risk for cognitive decline and may be a result of low levels of vitamins B , B , and folate. Previous findings suggest that adequate intake of these vitamins may reduce homocysteine levels. This review aimed to assess the effects of treatment with vitamins B B , and/or folic acid in the homocysteine levels in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A systematic literature review was conducted in EMBASE, MEDLINE®, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The research question was formulated using the Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome (PICO) framework: in patients with MCI (P); what is the efficacy of vitamins B , B , and/or folic acid intake (I); compared with baseline values, and/or compared with controls (C); in reducing homocysteine levels from baseline (O). A total of eight primary studies with a total of 1,140 participants were included in the review. Four were randomized controlled trials, one was a quasi-controlled trial, and three were observational studies. All studies included folic acid in their intervention, seven vitamin B , and four vitamin B . Mean (SD) length of the intervention period was 18.8 (19.3) months, ranging from 1 to 60 months. All studies showed a statistically significant decrease in homocysteine levels in groups treated with vitamins B B , and/or folic acid compared to controls, with a mean decline of homocysteine concentration of 31.9% in the intervention arms whereas it increased by 0.7% in the control arm. This review identified evidence of a reduction of plasma homocysteine levels in MCI patients taking vitamins B B , and/or folic acid supplements, with statistically significant declines being observed after 1 month of supplementation. Findings support that supplementation with these vitamins might be an option to reduce homocysteine levels in people with MCI and elevated plasma homocysteine.
Topics: Cognitive Dysfunction; Dietary Supplements; Folic Acid; Homocysteine; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6; Vitamins
PubMed: 34058062
DOI: 10.1002/iub.2507 -
Medicine Dec 2022Anorexia in children can cause malnutrition, low immunity, growth retardation, and various secondary infections, resulting in a huge burden on society. In East Asia,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Anorexia in children can cause malnutrition, low immunity, growth retardation, and various secondary infections, resulting in a huge burden on society. In East Asia, Chuna manual therapy has been widely used for the treatment of childhood anorexia. We aimed to comprehensively evaluate the effects of Chuna manual therapy for treating childhood anorexia.
METHODS
Twelve databases were comprehensively searched from their inception to September 13, 2022. Only randomized controlled trials assessing Chuna manual therapy for the treatment of childhood anorexia were included. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. The quality of evidence for each main outcome was evaluated using the grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation approach. A meta-analysis was performed, and the pooled data were presented as risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for dichotomous outcomes.
RESULTS
Twenty-five RCTs involving 2230 participants were included. The meta-analysis showed that Chuna manual therapy had a higher total effective rate (TER) based on anorexia symptoms than that of lysine inositol and vitamin B12 (RR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.28-1.84), multi-enzyme and multi-vitamin (RR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.11-1.33), and zinc calcium gluconate (RR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.06-1.39). There was no significant difference in total effective rate between Chuna manual therapy and zinc gluconate plus lysine. No adverse events associated with Chuna manual therapy were reported. Overall, the included studies had an unclear risk of bias, and the quality of evidence was generally moderate to low.
CONCLUSION
Current evidence showed that Chuna manual therapy may be effective and safe for improving anorexia symptoms, especially compared with lysine inositol and vitamin B12, multi-enzyme plus multi-vitamin, and zinc calcium gluconate. However, owing to the low methodological quality of the included studies, more rigorous, high-quality RCTs are required on this topic.
Topics: Humans; Child; Anorexia; Calcium Gluconate; Lysine; Musculoskeletal Manipulations; Vitamins; Vitamin B 12
PubMed: 36550806
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000031746 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jan 2020Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor which blocks cytokine signaling involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases including ulcerative colitis... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor which blocks cytokine signaling involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases including ulcerative colitis (UC). The etiology of UC is poorly understood, however research suggests the development and progression of the disease is due to a dysregulated immune response leading to inflammation of the colonic mucosa in genetically predisposed individuals. Additional medications are currently required since some patients do not respond to the available medications and some medications are associated with serious adverse events (SAEs). JAK inhibitors have been widely studied in diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease and may represent a promising and novel therapeutic option for the treatment of UC.
OBJECTIVES
The primary objective was to assess the efficacy and safety of oral JAK inhibitors for the maintenance of remission in participants with quiescent UC.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the following databases from inception to 20 September 2019: MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, and the Cochrane IBD Group Specialized Register, WHO trials registry and clinicaltrials.gov. References and conference abstracts were searched to identify additional studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized control trial (RCTs) in which an oral JAK inhibitor was compared with placebo or active comparator in the treatment of quiescent UC were eligible for inclusion.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently screened studies for inclusion and extraction. Bias was assessed using the Cochrane 'Risk of bias' tool. The primary outcome was the proportion of participants who failed to maintain remission as defined by any included studies. Secondary outcomes included failure to maintain clinical response, failure to maintain endoscopic remission, failure to maintain endoscopic response, disease-specific quality of life, adverse events (AEs), withdrawal due to AEs and SAEs. We calculated the risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for each dichotomous outcome. Data were analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis. The overall certainty of the evidence supporting the outcomes was evaluated using the GRADE criteria.
MAIN RESULTS
One RCT (593 participants) including patients with moderately to severely active UC met the inclusion criteria. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive maintenance therapy with tofacitinib at 5 mg twice daily, 10 mg twice daily or placebo for 52 weeks. The primary endpoint was remission at 52 weeks and the secondary endpoints included mucosal healing at 52 weeks, sustained remission at 24 and 52 weeks and glucocorticosteroid-free remission. This study was rated as low risk of bias. The study reported on most of the pre-specified primary and secondary outcomes for this review including clinical remission, clinical response, endoscopic remission, AEs, SAEs and withdrawal due to AEs. However, the included study did not report on endoscopic response or disease-specific quality of life. Sixty-three per cent (247/395) of tofacitinib participants failed to maintain clinical remission at 52 weeks compared to 89% (176/198) of placebo participants (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.77; high-certainty evidence). Forty-three per cent (171/395) of tofacitinib participants failed to maintain clinical response at 52 weeks compared to 80% (158/198) of placebo participants (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.62; high-certainty evidence). Eighty-four per cent (333/395) of tofacitinib participants failed to maintain endoscopic remission at 52 weeks compared to 96% (190/198) of placebo participants (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.92; high-certainty evidence). AEs were reported in 76% (299/394) of tofacitinib participants compared with 75% (149/198) of placebo participants (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.11; high-certainty evidence). Commonly reported AEs included worsening UC, nasopharyngitis, arthralgia (joint pain)and headache. SAEs were reported in 5% (21/394) of tofacitinib participants compared with 7% (13/198) of placebo participants (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.42 to 1.59; low-certainty evidence). SAEs included non-melanoma skin cancers, cardiovascular events, cancer other than non-melanoma skin cancer, Bowen's disease, skin papilloma and uterine leiomyoma (a tumour in the uterus). There was a higher proportion of participants who withdrew due to an AE in the placebo group compared to the tofacitinib group. Nine per cent (37/394) of participants taking tofacitinib withdrew due to an AE compared to 19% (37/198) of participants taking placebo (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.77; moderate-certainty evidence). The most common reason for withdrawal due to an AE was worsening UC. The included study did not report on endoscopic response or on mean disease-specific quality of life scores.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
High-certainty evidence suggests that tofacitinib is superior to placebo for maintenance of clinical and endoscopic remission at 52 weeks in participants with moderate-to-severe UC in remission. The optimal dose of tofacitinib for maintenance therapy is unknown. High-certainty evidence suggests that there is no increased risk of AEs with tofacitinib compared to placebo. However, we are uncertain about the effect of tofacitinib on SAEs due to the low number of events. Further studies are required to look at the long-term effectiveness and safety of using tofacitinib and other oral JAK inhibitors as maintenance therapy in participants with moderate-to-severe UC in remission.
Topics: Colitis, Ulcerative; Humans; Janus Kinase Inhibitors; Maintenance Chemotherapy; Piperidines; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 31984480
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012381.pub2 -
Journal of Occupational Health Jan 2021Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) due to industrial, military, and other job -related noise exposure can cause harmful health issues to occupied workers,...
OBJECTIVES
Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) due to industrial, military, and other job -related noise exposure can cause harmful health issues to occupied workers, but may also be potentially preventable. Vitamins/antioxidant have been studied as therapeutic strategies to prevent and/or delay the risks of human diseases as well as NIHL .So, this study was conducted to systematically review the protective effects of vitamins/antioxidants on occupational NIHL.
METHODS
Online databases including PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were systematically searched up to 12 January 2021. Based on 6336 potentially relevant records identified through the initial search in the databases, 12 full-text publications were retrieved, one of which can be viewed as two separate trials, because it has studied the effects of two different antioxidants (ginseng and NAC) on NIHL, separately.
RESULTS
A review of the studies shows that vitamin B12, folic acid, and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) have a considerable protective effect on NIHL. However, these protective effects are not yet specified in different frequencies. The findings regarding the protective effects of other antioxidants are inconsistent in this field.
CONCLUSION
Vitamin B12, folic acid, and NAC may have a protective effect as an antioxidant on reducing occupational hearing loss. For a conclusive evidence of vitamin/antioxidant protective therapies, future studies with precise criteria for noise exposure and similar outcome parameters are required.
Topics: Acetylcysteine; Adult; Antioxidants; Female; Folic Acid; Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Noise, Occupational; Occupational Diseases; Occupational Exposure; Protective Agents; Vitamin B 12; Vitamins
PubMed: 33788342
DOI: 10.1002/1348-9585.12217 -
Medicine Mar 2020To evaluate the safety and efficiency of sunitinib and sorafenib in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC).Databases were searched up till February 28, 2018. Two... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
To evaluate the safety and efficiency of sunitinib and sorafenib in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC).Databases were searched up till February 28, 2018. Two reviewers independently assessed trials for eligibility, quality, and extracted relevant data. Results are expressed as risk ratio (RR) or hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Six studies including 3112 patients were accessed. Sorafenib group exhibited higher median progression-free survival (mPFS) compared to sunitinib group (MD, -1.30; 95% CI, -2.56 to -0.03), especially in the first-line treatment (MD, -1.33; 95% CI, -2.61 to -0.04). However, sunitinib significantly reduced the risk of progression-free survival (PFS) compared to sorafenib (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.6-0.82). Sunitinib also significantly reduced risk of overall survival (OS) compared to sorafenib (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.65-0.92), while median OS was similar in both groups (MD, -0.48; 95% CI, -3.40-2.43). With regards to safety, the risk of rash (RR, 0.31, 95% CI, 0.12-0.79) was greater in sunitinib than sorafenib group, while the risk of decreased appetite (RR 2.10, 95% CI: 1.33-3.30) and dehydration (RR 2.73, 95% CI: 1.14-6.56) was smaller in contrast.Based on risk of PFS and OS, sunitinib was a better treatment option for RCC treatment while patients faced with severe skin reaction. And for those Asian patients classified under MSKCC moderate risk, whether in first or second-line treatment, had difficulty in feeding, sorafenib is a better choice for prolong mPFS.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Carcinoma, Renal Cell; Disease-Free Survival; Humans; Kidney Neoplasms; Proportional Hazards Models; Sorafenib; Sunitinib
PubMed: 32221075
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000019570 -
International Journal of Molecular... Apr 2020Stroke is one of the largest problems and clinical-social challenges within neurology and, in general, pathology. Here, we briefly reviewed the main pathophysiological...
BACKGROUND
Stroke is one of the largest problems and clinical-social challenges within neurology and, in general, pathology. Here, we briefly reviewed the main pathophysiological mechanisms of ischemic stroke, which represent targets for medical interventions, including for a calf blood deproteinized hemodialysate/ultrafiltrate.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review of current related literature concerning the effects of Actovegin, of mainly the pleiotropic type, applied to the injury pathways of ischemic stroke.
RESULTS
The bibliographic resources regarding the use of Actovegin in ischemic stroke are scarce. The main Actovegin actions refer to the ischemic stroke lesion items' ensemble, targeting tissue oxidation, energy metabolism, and glucose availability through their augmentation, combating ischemic processes and oxidative stress, and decreasing inflammation (including with modulatory connotations, by the nuclear factor-κB pathway) and apoptosis-like processes, counteracting them by mitigating the caspase-3 activation induced by amyloid β-peptides.
CONCLUSION
Since no available therapeutic agents are capable of curing the central nervous system's lesions, any contribution, such as that of Actovegin (with consideration of a positive balance between benefits and risks), is worthy of further study and periodic reappraisal, including investigation into further connected aspects.
Topics: Amyloid beta-Peptides; Animals; Antioxidants; Brain Ischemia; Heme; Humans; Stroke
PubMed: 32365943
DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093181 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2021The immunomodulatory enzyme, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) facilitates tryptophan catabolism at the rate-limiting step of the kynurenine (Kyn) pathway. IDO...
The immunomodulatory enzyme, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) facilitates tryptophan catabolism at the rate-limiting step of the kynurenine (Kyn) pathway. IDO expression and elevations in Kyn metabolites are associated with immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment including T cell proliferative arrest and generation of regulatory T cells (Tregs) which can favor tumor progression. However, the extent of the role of IDO in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is currently ill-defined. This study reviews the role of IDO-driven Treg function in AML and evaluates the current body of evidence implicating IDO in AML pathogenesis. Studies related to IDO in AML were identified through a systematic review of PubMed and Scopus. Data extracted described sample analysis, IDO expression, IDO in prognosis, techniques used in Treg phenotypic studies, and the effect of IDO inhibitors. Twenty studies were included in the systematic review. Expression of IDO was identified in a range of cells in AML, both inducible and constitutive. Seven studies indicated an association between elevated expression and poor clinical prognosis. Six studies suggested a positive correlation between IDO expression and Treg induction, with FoxP3 being the prominent Treg phenotypic marker. Of eight studies investigating IDO inhibition, some reported reductions in Treg frequency and enhanced effector T cell proliferation. This review highlights that IDO expression in AML is associated with poor prognosis and measurement of IDO and its Kyn metabolites may offer utility as prospective prognostic markers. Pharmacological inhibition of IDO using novel drugs may hold promise for the treatment of AML.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Cell Proliferation; Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic; Humans; Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase; Kynurenine; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute; Prognosis; Progression-Free Survival; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Tryptophan; Tumor Escape; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 33777052
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.651687 -
Rheumatology (Oxford, England) Nov 2019Fatigue is a common and debilitating symptom in patients with RA. Since 2007, fatigue has been included as one of the core outcome measures in RA. Clinical trials of...
Fatigue is a common and debilitating symptom in patients with RA. Since 2007, fatigue has been included as one of the core outcome measures in RA. Clinical trials of biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs) and targeted synthetic DMARDs (tsDMARDs) have included fatigue as a secondary endpoint. A Cochrane review in 2016 concluded that the bDMARDs have a moderate effect on improving fatigue in RA. More recent clinical trials of the new biologic agent sarilumab and the Janus kinase inhibitors tofacitinib and baricitinib showed similar benefits. It remains unclear whether the effect of bDMARDs and tsDMARDs on fatigue is mediated by direct effects or through a reduction in inflammation. As fatigue was a secondary endpoint, many analyses did not adjust for potential confounding factors, including pain, mood and anaemia, which is a significant limitation.
Topics: Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Antirheumatic Agents; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Azetidines; Biological Products; Fatigue; Humans; Piperidines; Purines; Pyrazoles; Pyrimidines; Pyrroles; Sulfonamides
PubMed: 31682274
DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kez389