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Cureus Aug 2022Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most prevalent chronic gastrointestinal diseases, which is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain and altered bowel... (Review)
Review
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most prevalent chronic gastrointestinal diseases, which is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. The pathophysiological mechanisms are not completely clear for IBS, multiple factors such as genetic, psychosocial, environmental, visceral hypersensitivity, low-grade inflammation, gastrointestinal motility changes, food components, and intestinal microbiota are thought to play a role in the disease process of IBS. The rapid progression of recent microbiome research using advanced microbiological technologies has shed light on dysbiosis related to the pathophysiology of IBS. We used PubMed, PubMed Central, and Medline as our primary databases to search for articles using keywords and medical subject heading (MeSH) keywords on April 30, 2022, to render a total of 4062 articles. Then, a total of 10 articles were selected following a quality assessment. Despite the variable findings in different studies, most studies have concluded that IBS patients have a reduction in bacterial diversity and an increase in the temporal instability of the microbiota. IBS is known as a and the gut-microbiome-brain axis has been associated with the pathogenesis of the disease. Additionally, the potential of dietary manipulation of gut microbiota and the use of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics in the treatment of IBS has been studied in recent years and shown promising results. We concluded that the gut microbiome plays a substantial role in the pathophysiology of IBS.
PubMed: 36127988
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.28064 -
Nutrients Dec 2021Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of neurodegenerative disorders affecting mostly the elderly. It is characterized by the presence of Aβ and...
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of neurodegenerative disorders affecting mostly the elderly. It is characterized by the presence of Aβ and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT), resulting in cognitive and memory impairment. Research shows that alteration in gut microbial diversity and defects in gut brain axis are linked to AD. Probiotics are known to be one of the best preventative measures against cognitive decline in AD. Numerous in vivo trials and recent clinical trials have proven the effectiveness of selected bacterial strains in slowing down the progression of AD. It is proven that probiotics modulate the inflammatory process, counteract with oxidative stress, and modify gut microbiota. Thus, this review summarizes the current evidence, diversity of bacterial strains, defects of gut brain axis in AD, harmful bacterial for AD, and the mechanism of action of probiotics in preventing AD. A literature search on selected databases such as PubMed, Semantic Scholar, Nature, and Springer link have identified potentially relevant articles to this topic. However, upon consideration of inclusion criteria and the limitation of publication year, only 22 articles have been selected to be further reviewed. The search query includes few sets of keywords as follows. (1) Probiotics OR gut microbiome OR microbes AND (2) Alzheimer OR cognitive OR aging OR dementia AND (3) clinical trial OR in vivo OR animal study. The results evidenced in this study help to clearly illustrate the relationship between probiotic supplementation and AD. Thus, this systematic review will help identify novel therapeutic strategies in the future as probiotics are free from triggering any adverse effects in human body.
Topics: Alzheimer Disease; Brain-Gut Axis; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Probiotics
PubMed: 35010895
DOI: 10.3390/nu14010020 -
North American Spine Society Journal Jun 2023Combined atlas-axis fractures are rare occurrences with substantially higher rates of neurologic deficits compared with isolated injuries. Given the intricate anatomic... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Combined atlas-axis fractures are rare occurrences with substantially higher rates of neurologic deficits compared with isolated injuries. Given the intricate anatomic relationship between the atlas and axis vertebra, variable fracture patterns may occur, warranting special considerations from surgeons.
METHODS
A systematic search of PubMed and EMBASE was performed following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Relevant studies on acute combined atlas-axis fractures that provided data on patient demographics, presentation (injury mechanism, neurologic deficits, fracture type), management, complications, and study conclusions were reviewed.
RESULTS
A total of 22 articles published from 1977 to 2022, comprising 230 patients, were included in the final analysis. Thirty-seven of the 213 patients (17%) presented with neurologic deficits. The most common atlas injuries were posterior arch fractures (54/169 patients; 32%), combined posterior arch/anterior arch fractures (44/169 patients; 26%), and anterior arch fractures (43/169 patients; 25%). The most common axis injuries were type II odontoid fractures (115/175 patients; 66%). Of the 127 patients managed operatively (127/230 patients; 55%), 45 patients (35%) were treated with C1-C2 posterior spinal fusion, 33 patients (26%) were treated with odontoid screw fixation and anterior/posterior C1-C2 trans-articular screws, 16 patients (13%) were treated with occiputocervical fusion and 12 patients (9%) were treated with odontoid screw fixation alone.
CONCLUSIONS
Management strategies are generally based on the type of axis fracture as well as the condition of the transverse ligament. Patients with stable fractures can be successfully managed nonoperatively with a cervical collar or halo immobilization. Combined atlas-axis fractures with an atlantodental interval >5 mm, C1 lateral mass displacement >7 mm, C2-C3 angulation >11° or an MRI demonstrating a disrupted transverse ligament are suggestive of instability and are often successfully managed with surgical intervention. There is no consensus regarding surgical technique.
PubMed: 37440984
DOI: 10.1016/j.xnsj.2023.100224 -
Requirement of perioperative stress doses of corticosteroids: a systematic review of the literature.Archives of Surgery (Chicago, Ill. :... Dec 2008To determine the requirement for perioperative supplemental (stress) doses of corticosteroids in patients receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy and undergoing a... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To determine the requirement for perioperative supplemental (stress) doses of corticosteroids in patients receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy and undergoing a surgical procedure. Corticosteroids are among the most commonly prescribed medications and will predictably result in suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis with long-term use. Patients receiving therapeutic dosages of corticosteroids frequently require surgery; these patients are almost universally treated with stress doses of corticosteroids during the perioperative period.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, and citation review of relevant primary and review articles.
STUDY SELECTION
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing stress doses of corticosteroids with placebo and cohort studies that followed up patients after surgery in which perioperative stress doses of corticosteroids were not administered.
DATA EXTRACTION
Data were abstracted on the study design, study size, study setting, patient population, dosage and duration of previous corticosteroid therapy, adrenal function testing results, surgical intervention, corticosteroid dosing regimen, intraoperative and postoperative hemodynamic profile, and incidence of adrenal crisis.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Nine studies met our inclusion criteria, including 2 RCTs and 7 cohort studies. These studies enrolled a total of 315 patients who underwent 389 surgical procedures. In the 2 RCTs, there was no difference in the hemodynamic profile between patients receiving stress doses of corticosteroids compared with patients receiving only their usual daily dose of corticosteroid. In the 5 cohort studies in which patients continued to receive their usual daily dose of corticosteroid without the addition of stress doses, no patient developed unexplained hypotension or adrenal crisis. One patient in each of the 2 cohort studies (5% and 1% of the cohort) in which the usual daily dose of corticosteroid was stopped 48 and 36 hours before surgery developed unexplained hypotension; both of these patients responded to hydrocortisone and fluid administration.
CONCLUSIONS
Patients receiving therapeutic doses of corticosteroids who undergo a surgical procedure do not routinely require stress doses of corticosteroids so long as they continue to receive their usual daily dose of corticosteroid. Adrenal function testing is not required in these patients because the test is overly sensitive and does not predict which patient will develop an adrenal crisis. Patients receiving physiologic replacement doses of corticosteroids owing to primary disease of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, however, require supplemental doses of corticosteroids in the perioperative period.
Topics: Adrenal Insufficiency; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Perioperative Care; Stress, Physiological; Surgical Procedures, Operative
PubMed: 19075176
DOI: 10.1001/archsurg.143.12.1222 -
Psychoneuroendocrinology Mar 2014One of the most consistent findings in the biology of depression is an altered activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. However, data concerning this... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
One of the most consistent findings in the biology of depression is an altered activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. However, data concerning this issue have never been examined with a focus on the older population. Here we present a systematic review and meta-analysis, based on studies investigating levels of cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in depressed participants older than 60 and compared with healthy controls. We found 20 studies, for a total of 43 comparisons on different indices of HPA axis functioning. Depression had a significant effect (Hedges' g) on basal cortisol levels measured in the morning (0.89), afternoon (0.83) and night (1.39), but a smaller effect on cortisol measured continuously (0.51). The effect of depression was even higher on post-dexamethasone cortisol levels (3.22), whereas it was non-significant on morning ACTH and CRH levels. Subgroup analyses indicated that various methodological and clinical factors can influence the study results. Overall, older participants suffering from depression show a high degree of dysregulation of HPA axis activity, with differences compared with younger adults. This might depend on several mechanisms, including physical illnesses, alterations in the CNS and immune-endocrinological alterations. Further studies are needed to clarify the implications of altered HPA axis activity in older patients suffering from depression. Novel pharmacological approaches might be effective in targeting this pathophysiological feature, thus improving the clinical outcomes.
Topics: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Aging; Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; Depression; Dexamethasone; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Pituitary-Adrenal Function Tests; Pituitary-Adrenal System
PubMed: 24495607
DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2013.12.004 -
Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology Jul 2022Alterations in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and its effector hormone cortisol have been proposed as one possible mechanism linking child maltreatment... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Alterations in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and its effector hormone cortisol have been proposed as one possible mechanism linking child maltreatment experiences to health disparities. In this series of meta-analyses, we aimed to quantify the existing evidence on the effect of child maltreatment on various measures of HPA axis activity. The systematic literature search yielded 1,858 records, of which 87 studies (k = 132) were included. Using random-effects models, we found evidence for blunted cortisol stress reactivity in individuals exposed to child maltreatment. In contrast, no overall differences were found in any of the other HPA axis activity measures (including measures of daily activity, cortisol assessed in the context of pharmacological challenges and cumulative measures of cortisol secretion). The impact of several moderators (e.g., sex, psychopathology, study quality), the role of methodological shortcomings of existing studies, as well as potential directions for future research are discussed.
Topics: Child; Child Abuse; Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Pituitary-Adrenal System
PubMed: 35202606
DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.100987 -
Brain and Behavior Jun 2023Bipolar disorder (BD) is a mood disorder that affects millions worldwide. Up to half of the diagnosed patients are reported to not receive adequate treatment. This study... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a mood disorder that affects millions worldwide. Up to half of the diagnosed patients are reported to not receive adequate treatment. This study aims to assess the relationship between the gut-brain axis and BD and to discuss and compare the efficacy of varying methods of balancing gut microbiotas in BD.
METHODS
Using PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar from November 2021 to February 2022, we found 5310 studies on gut microbiota and its relation to BD. Using our inclusion criteria, 5283 studies were excluded. A total of 27 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. Also, 12 articles that met our criteria and eligibility criteria reported on 613 BD patients.
RESULTS
Most studies analyzed found an overall difference in gut microbiota composition in bipolar patients compared to healthy controls, though the alterations found were not consistent. Differences in Lactobacillus, Faecalibacterium, and Ruminococcus abundance in BD compared to controls were found to be the most consistent across a few of the studies, but their effects on the gut-brain axis conflicted. Probiotic supplementation was found to lower patient rehospitalizations and significantly improve depressive symptoms and cognitive impairments among patients with BD.
CONCLUSIONS
Multiple studies included in this review point toward a possible link between BD and the gut microbiota. Probiotic supplements and other gut-balancing therapies could serve as effective adjunctive methods for the treatment of BD. Notable limitations of the studies included for analysis were small sample sizes and majority observational study designs. Furthermore, the microbiota aberrations found in patients with BD were not consistent across multiple studies. Despite these limitations, our findings demonstrate the need for further research regarding the relationship between aberrant gut microbiota profiles and BD, as well as the effectiveness of gut balancing methods as adjunctive treatments.
Topics: Humans; Bipolar Disorder; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Brain-Gut Axis; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 37127945
DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3037 -
Neurobiology of Stress Nov 2019There is inconsistency in the literature regarding the nature of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functionality in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
There is inconsistency in the literature regarding the nature of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functionality in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
PURPOSE
The review aimed to investigate HPA axis functionality via the diurnal profile of cortisol as it relates to PTSD.
METHODS
The authors conducted a systematic review of the literature from June 2017 - March 2019 in accordance with The PRISMA Statement in the following four databases: PubMed, MEDLINE, ScienceDirect and PsycINFO with Full Text. The search strategy was limited to articles in English language, published in peer-reviewed journals within the last decade and human studies. Search terms included "post-traumatic stress disorder" OR "PTSD", AND "hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis" OR "HPA axis" AND "diurnal cortisol" OR "cortisol". PTSD sufferers of all trauma types, genders and socioeconomic statuses were included provided there was a "healthy" control group and an inclusion of reporting on inter-group measurements of diurnal cortisol profiles as a portrayal of HPA axis functionality.
RESULTS
A total of 10 studies met the criteria for inclusion in this review. The association between HPA axis functionality and PTSD was evaluated by the measurement of salivary and/or plasma cortisol concentrations. Only two studies demonstrated an association between PTSD and diurnal cortisol when compared with respective control groups while three studies found no associations. The remaining five studies found partial, mostly negative associations between PTSD and diurnal cortisol.
CONCLUSION
Despite some indications of an association between PTSD and dysregulated HPA axis functionality as demonstrated by diurnal cortisol output, the current review has revealed mixed findings. As such, a complete understanding of HPA axis dysregulation as it relates to PTSD remains unestablished. Given the findings, further investigation into the relationship between PTSD trauma-exposed and non-PTSD trauma-exposed individuals and diurnal cortisol is warranted.
PubMed: 31236437
DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2019.100180 -
Psychoneuroendocrinology Jan 2016To provide a quantitative and qualitative synthesis of the available evidence on the role of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis in the pathophysiology of Bipolar... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
To provide a quantitative and qualitative synthesis of the available evidence on the role of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis in the pathophysiology of Bipolar Disorder (BD).
METHODS
Meta-analysis and meta-regression of case-control studies examining the levels of cortisol, ACTH, CRH levels. Systematic review of stress reactivity, genetic, molecular and neuroimaging studies related to HPA axis activity in BD.
RESULTS
Forty-one studies were included in the meta-analyses. BD was associated with significantly increased levels of cortisol (basal and post-dexamethasone) and ACTH, but not of CRH. In the meta-regression, case-control differences in cortisol levels were positively associated with the manic phase (p=0.005) and participants' age (p=0.08), and negatively with antipsychotics use (p=0.001). Reviewed studies suggest that BD is associated with abnormalities of stress-related molecular pathways in several brain areas. Variants of HPA axis-related genes seem not associated with a direct risk of developing BD, but with different clinical presentations. Also, studies on unaffected relatives suggest that HPA axis dysregulation is not an endophenotype of BD, but seems related to environmental risk factors, such as childhood trauma. Progressive HPA axis dysfunction is a putative mechanism that might underlie the clinical and cognitive deterioration of patients with BD.
CONCLUSIONS
BD is associated with dysfunction of HPA axis activity, with important pathophysiological implications. Targeting HPA axis dysfunctions might be a novel strategy to improve the outcomes of BD.
Topics: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Bipolar Disorder; Case-Control Studies; Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Pituitary-Adrenal System
PubMed: 26547798
DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.10.014 -
Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders Dec 2023Persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) engage in less physical activity than the general population, and the disease manifestations and comorbidity conditions might... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) engage in less physical activity than the general population, and the disease manifestations and comorbidity conditions might further predispose them toward sedentary behavior (SB) among this population. We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis of studies that compared SB in persons with MS and non-MS controls, and examined factors that may moderate the difference in SB between the two groups.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic search using PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and CINAHL from inception up to August 2022, and identified studies that involved group comparison of SB outcomes between MS and non-MS controls. Effect sizes were calculated as standardized mean differences (SMDs) using Hedge's g. We generated a multilevel random-effects model for estimating an overall effect, and performed moderator analyses. Methodological quality was assessed using the Appraisal Tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS tool).
RESULTS
Eleven studies were included (1403 MS vs. 449 controls) and yielded 17 effects for meta-analysis. Results indicated an overall small, but significant effect (SMD [95% CI] = 0.27 [0.02, 0.53], p = 0.03) with significant heterogeneity (Q = 72.2, p < 0.01; I = 75.8%). There were larger effects when the MS sample had a higher proportion of females, or when SB was reported as percent sedentary time per day compared with other SB outcomes (p = 0.03 and 0.05, respectively). The included studies achieved fairly good quality (91.4%) using the AXIS tool.
CONCLUSIONS
The cumulative evidence supports that persons with MS engage in more SB than non-MS controls. Our findings may support the design of targeted behavioral change interventions for reducing SB and improving health and function in the MS population.
Topics: Female; Humans; Sedentary Behavior; Multiple Sclerosis; Cross-Sectional Studies; Exercise
PubMed: 37956522
DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.105124