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Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders Jan 2022Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disorder which irreversibly damages axons within brain matter. Blood lactate concentration could be a biomarker of MS onset and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disorder which irreversibly damages axons within brain matter. Blood lactate concentration could be a biomarker of MS onset and progression, but no systematic review has yet sought to confirm or dispute the elevation and biomarker potential of blood lactate in people with MS (PwMS) or to consolidate understanding of lactate production during exercise in PwMS.
OBJECTIVE
To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on blood lactate in PwMS during rest and exertion compared to Healthy Controls (HC) and following chronic exercise intervention.
METHODS
A systematic search of six electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, SPORTDiscus and PEDro) was performed on 10th April 2020. Mean, standard deviation and sample size for lactate measures at rest and during exercise were pooled to determine overall effect size using a random effects model. The 20-point Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies was utilised to assess study quality and inherent risk of bias. To qualify for inclusion, studies had to include human adults (>18 years) with a confirmed clinical diagnosis of MS, be published in English, have undergone peer review, report absolute blood lactate values for data extraction, and if involving testing during/after exercise, to do so during bilateral exercise methods.
RESULTS
18 studies were qualitatively analysed and 15 studies quantitatively analysed. Outcome data was available for 1986 participants (n = 1129). A total of 7 papers tested blood lactate during rest (Lactate), 7 papers tested during sub-maximal intensity exercise (Lactate), and 8 papers tested during maximal intensity exercise (Lactate). Meta analyses showed elevated Lactate and reduced Lactate in PwMS compared to HC, higher Lactate in lower EDSS-scoring PwMS compared to higher EDSS-scoring PwMS, and that Lactate decreases and Lactate increases in PwMS following a chronic exercise intervention. Qualitative analysis reported Lactate to be reduced in PwMS following a chronic exercise intervention.
CONCLUSIONS
Lactate is elevated in PwMS compared to HC. Lactate is lower in PwMS compared to HC and lower still in higher compared to lower EDSS-scoring groups of PwMS. Chronic exercise interventions have the potential to reduce Lacatate for a given power output and increase Lactate in PwMS compared to baseline values. Lactate may be reduced in PwMS following a chronic exercise intervention but more research is required for confirmation. The results of this review were limited by small sample sizes and number of studies available for each testing condition, limited data available for potentially confounding/correlating factors (eg. VO and power output) as well as heterogeneity of methodology adopted across studies, often due to lactate testing being a secondary outcome measure. PLS: Lactate levels in the blood are different during rest and at intense exercise levels in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) compared to healthy counterparts, with people with MS showing a smaller jump in lactate during intense exercise from a higher resting level. After exercising for at least 3 months, blood lactate levels during exercise may become more similar to the levels seen in people without Multiple Sclerosis, but more research is required to give a clearer picture of this. We can hopefully use blood lactate in future to measure the progression of MS in an individual as well as the effectiveness of their exercise programme.
Topics: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Exercise; Exercise Therapy; Humans; Lactic Acid; Multiple Sclerosis
PubMed: 34915317
DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2021.103454 -
Medicine Mar 2024Previous studies on the association between serum uric acid (UA) levels and sarcopenia have yielded contradictory results. This meta-analysis and literature review... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Previous studies on the association between serum uric acid (UA) levels and sarcopenia have yielded contradictory results. This meta-analysis and literature review assessed the association between serum UA levels and sarcopenia. Moreover, we conducted a comparative analysis of the differences in serum UA concentrations between individuals with and without sarcopenia.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted across various medical databases, namely PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wanfang (from the start to August 20, 2023). This search focused on published studies that investigated the relationship between serum UA levels and sarcopenia. The relationship between serum UA concentration and the occurrence of sarcopenia was analyzed, and the differences in serum UA concentrations between individuals with sarcopenia and control groups were reviewed. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA 11.0 and R 4.1.3.
RESULTS
Sixteen studies were considered for our analysis. The results indicated a significant association between low serum UA concentration and a higher sarcopenia risk, particularly among male patients (adjusted odds ratio = 0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.49, 0.87, P = .004, I2 = 0%). Individuals with sarcopenia exhibited decreased serum UA concentrations compared with those of the control group (mmol/L: weighted mean difference = -28.25, 95% CI = -40.45, -16.05, P < .001; mg/dL: weighted mean difference = -0.82, 95% CI = -1.05, -0.58, P < .001). Additionally, serum UA concentration was positively correlated with skeletal muscle mass index and handgrip strength (skeletal muscle index: correlation coefficient = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.11, 0.22, P < .001; handgrip strength: common odds ratios = 0.10, 95% CI = 0.06, 0.14, P < .001).
CONCLUSION
Individuals with sarcopenia have relatively low serum UA concentrations. A notable correlation between serum UA concentration and sarcopenia was observed. Hence, monitoring UA levels could aid in the early detection and treatment of sarcopenia, enabling timely intervention to preserve muscle mass and strength.
Topics: Humans; Hand Strength; Muscle, Skeletal; Research Design; Sarcopenia; Uric Acid
PubMed: 38428844
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000037376 -
Nutrition Reviews Aug 2022Dietary carotenoid intake is associated with vitamin A status and healthy visual and cognitive function in early life. To date, however, only limited population-level...
CONTEXT
Dietary carotenoid intake is associated with vitamin A status and healthy visual and cognitive function in early life. To date, however, only limited population-level data on the concentrations of carotenoids in human milk or infant blood have been available to assess the dietary exposure of infants to carotenoids.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review seeks to define worldwide carotenoid concentrations in human milk and infant blood.
DATA SOURCES
The PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched for original research articles published before February 2021.
DATA EXTRACTION
Dietary carotenoid concentrations in human milk and in blood plasma or serum from healthy infants (≤1 year of age), along with study location, infant age, and lactation stage, were extracted. Means and 95%CIs were analyzed within and across variables.
DATA ANALYSIS
Publications on carotenoid concentrations in infant blood (47 publications, n = 4553 unique individuals) and human milk (65 publications, n = 2871 unique individuals) described populations from 22 and 31 countries, respectively. Carotenoid species concentrations ranged from 0.3 to 20 µg/dL in blood and from 0.1 to 30 µg/dL in human milk, with carotenoid concentrations generally decreasing in milk across lactation stages and increasing in blood with infant age.
CONCLUSION
Concentrations of the major dietary carotenoids-β-carotene, lycopene, lutein, β-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, and α-carotene-have been reported in both infant blood and human milk across infant ages and lactation stages, with β-carotene, lutein, and lycopene tending to be more abundant than other carotenoids. Despite heterogeneous amounts of data available for each outcome, infants worldwide are exposed to a variety of dietary carotenoids. The estimates of dietary carotenoids in human milk and infant blood can facilitate the interpretation of future studies and the design of nutritionally relevant experiments on dietary carotenoids and infant health.
Topics: Carotenoids; Female; Humans; Infant; Lutein; Lycopene; Milk, Human; Zeaxanthins; beta Carotene
PubMed: 35389473
DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuac018 -
Medicine Aug 2015Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common illness for aging males. Lycopene has been identified as an antioxidant agent with potential anticancer properties. Studies... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common illness for aging males. Lycopene has been identified as an antioxidant agent with potential anticancer properties. Studies investigating the relation between lycopene and PCa risk have produced inconsistent results. This study aims to determine dietary lycopene consumption/circulating concentration and any potential dose-response associations with the risk of PCa. Eligible studies published in English up to April 10, 2014, were searched and identified from Pubmed, Sciencedirect Online, Wiley online library databases and hand searching. The STATA (version 12.0) was applied to process the dose-response meta-analysis. Random effects models were used to calculate pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and to incorporate variation between studies. The linear and nonlinear dose-response relations were evaluated with data from categories of lycopene consumption/circulating concentrations. Twenty-six studies were included with 17,517 cases of PCa reported from 563,299 participants. Although inverse association between lycopene consumption and PCa risk was not found in all studies, there was a trend that with higher lycopene intake, there was reduced incidence of PCa (P = 0.078). Removal of one Chinese study in sensitivity analysis, or recalculation using data from only high-quality studies for subgroup analysis, indicated that higher lycopene consumption significantly lowered PCa risk. Furthermore, our dose-response meta-analysis demonstrated that higher lycopene consumption was linearly associated with a reduced risk of PCa with a threshold between 9 and 21 mg/day. Consistently, higher circulating lycopene levels significantly reduced the risk of PCa. Interestingly, the concentration of circulating lycopene between 2.17 and 85 μg/dL was linearly inversed with PCa risk whereas there was no linear association >85 μg/dL. In addition, greater efficacy for the circulating lycopene concentration on preventing PCa was found for studies with high quality, follow-up >10 years and where results were adjusted by the age or the body mass index. In conclusion, our novel data demonstrates that higher lycopene consumption/circulating concentration is associated with a lower risk of PCa. However, further studies are required to determine the mechanism by which lycopene reduces the risk of PCa and if there are other factors in tomato products that might potentially decrease PCa risk and progression.
Topics: Anticarcinogenic Agents; Antioxidants; Carotenoids; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Lycopene; Solanum lycopersicum; Male; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Phytotherapy; Prostatic Neoplasms; Risk Assessment
PubMed: 26287411
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000001260 -
Food and Chemical Toxicology : An... Mar 2018Exposure to heavy metals such as arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) in either the short or the long term can cause cancers in humans. Dietary intake and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Exposure to heavy metals such as arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) in either the short or the long term can cause cancers in humans. Dietary intake and consumption of rice (Oryza sativa L.) is increasing in Iran, and several studies on the concentration of heavy metals in rice have been carried out in this country in recent years. In this perspective, the main objective of the present study was to investigate, even via a meta-analysis of the existing literature, the presence of As and Pb in rice from many geographical areas in Iran, as well as to estimate the carcinogenic risk of these heavy metals in rice consumers. The results of the present ten years-spanning systematic review indicate that 21 reports, collecting a total of 2088 samples, were performed between 2008 and October 2017. The minimum and maximum concentration of As was observed in the Golestan area (0.01 ± 0.01 mg/kg d.w) and the Gillan region (3 mg/kg d.w); and Pb in the Shahrekord (0.07 ± 0.02 mg/kg d.w) and Mazandaran (35 mg/kg d.w). The meta-analysis of data showed that pooled concentration of As in the rice was 0.04 (95%CI: 0.02-0.06 mg/kg d.w), which resulted lower than the National Standard (NS) limits. However, the pooled concentration of Pb in the rice was 0.38 (95%CI: 0.25-0.5 mg/kg d.w), i.e., higher than NS limits. The heterogeneity was significant between As (I = 63%, P value = .003) and Pb (I = 96%, P value < .001) studies. The carcinogenic risk assessment showed that minimum and maximum incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) of As was in the 45-54 (4.53 × 10) and 15-24 (5.50 × 10) year age groups consumers; and Pb, 45-54 (2.442 × 10) and 15-24 (2.96 × 10), respectively. The overall carcinogenesis risk of As (4.864 × 10) was 18.5 times higher than Pb (2.623 × 10). All age groups consumers of rice content of As and Pb are at considerable carcinogenesis risk (ILCR > 10). Therefore a decreased level of heavy metals in rice cultivation should be encouraged and performed in next planning.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Arsenic; Carcinogens; Food Contamination; Humans; Iran; Lead; Middle Aged; Mouth Neoplasms; Oryza; Prevalence; Risk Assessment; Young Adult
PubMed: 29341878
DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.01.018 -
Nicotine & Tobacco Research : Official... Aug 2022Many adult cigarette smokers use electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) to cut down on or quit smoking cigarettes. E-cigarettes with higher abuse potential and appeal...
The Role of Nicotine and Flavor in the Abuse Potential and Appeal of Electronic Cigarettes for Adult Current and Former Cigarette and Electronic Cigarette Users: A Systematic Review.
INTRODUCTION
Many adult cigarette smokers use electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) to cut down on or quit smoking cigarettes. E-cigarettes with higher abuse potential and appeal might facilitate complete switching. E-liquid nicotine concentration and flavor are two of the characteristics that may affect the abuse potential and appeal of e-cigarettes. The objective of this systematic review was to compile results from survey, animal, human laboratory, and clinical studies to understand the possible effects of nicotine concentration and flavor on abuse potential and appeal of e-cigarettes in adult current and former cigarette and e-cigarette users.
AIMS AND METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was conducted in Ovid Medline and PsycINFO followed by citation tracking in Web of Science Core Collection. Peer-reviewed studies published in English between 2007 and August 2020 were selected that analyzed differences between e-liquid nicotine concentration and/or flavors, had outcome measures related to abuse potential and/or appeal, and included adult humans (18+) or animals. A total of 1624 studies were identified and screened. A qualitative synthesis of results was performed.
RESULTS
Results from 104 studies included in this review suggest that higher nicotine concentration and access to a variety of flavors are likely to be associated with higher abuse potential and appeal of e-cigarettes for adult current and former cigarette and e-cigarette users.
CONCLUSIONS
Higher nicotine concentrations and the availability of a variety of flavors in e-cigarettes might facilitate complete substitution for cigarettes. Future e-cigarette regulations should take into account their impact on smokers, for whom e-cigarettes may be a cessation tool or reduced-harm alternative.
IMPLICATIONS
E-cigarettes may provide a reduced-harm alternative to cigarettes for smokers unwilling/unable to quit or serve as a path for quitting all nicotine products. Higher nicotine concentrations and flavor variety are associated with higher abuse potential and appeal of e-cigarettes. Higher abuse potential and appeal products may help facilitate complete switching from cigarettes to e-cigarettes. Regulation of nicotine concentration and flavors aimed at decreasing naïve uptake may inadvertently decrease uptake and complete switching among smokers, reducing the harm reduction potential of e-cigarettes. Evidence-based effects of regulating nicotine concentration and flavors must be considered for the population as a whole, including smokers.
Topics: Adult; Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems; Humans; Nicotine; Smokers; Nicotiana; Tobacco Products; Vaping
PubMed: 35305014
DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntac073 -
The Science of the Total Environment Sep 2021In laboratory studies, microplastics and/or nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) have been shown to cause a variety of ecotoxicological effects on soil invertebrates. Existing data on... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
In laboratory studies, microplastics and/or nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) have been shown to cause a variety of ecotoxicological effects on soil invertebrates. Existing data on the effects of these plastic debris on biological functions and physiological systems, showed a great variability among studies. Thus, how soil invertebrates respond to different types, shapes, sizes and concentrations of pristine MPs/NPs remains to be further characterized. The present work is an up-to-date review on quantitative and qualitative data on the effects of pristine MPs/NPs on soil invertebrates in laboratory conditions. Research priorities are also discussed. Out of a total of 1061 biological endpoints investigated in 56 studies, 49% were significantly affected after exposed to pristine MPs/NPs. The polymers with chloro and phenyl groups had more negative impacts on soil invertebrates than other polymers. Most studies used earthworm and nematode species as model organisms. For nematodes, the impact of MPs/NPs seemed to be concentration-dependent and higher concentrations of pristine MPs/NPs appeared to have more adverse impacts on biological functions and physiological systems, but this trend was not confirmed in earthworms. Meta-analysis revealed that pristine MP/NP concentrations higher than 1 g kg (in soil) may decrease growth and survival of earthworms, while a concentration higher than 1 μg L (in water) may affect nematode reproductive fitness.
Topics: Animals; Microplastics; Oligochaeta; Plastics; Soil; Soil Pollutants
PubMed: 34029821
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147784 -
Journal of Anesthesia Feb 2022Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) technology provides potential for cardiac surgery, but it is followed by myocardial injury and inflammation related to ischemia-reperfusion.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Myocardial protective and anti-inflammatory effects of dexmedetomidine in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) technology provides potential for cardiac surgery, but it is followed by myocardial injury and inflammation related to ischemia-reperfusion. This meta-analysis aimed to systematically evaluate the cardioprotective effect of dexmedetomidine on cardiac surgery under CPB and its effect on accompanied inflammation. PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE and Web of Science databases were comprehensively searched for all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published before April 1st, 2021 that explored the application of dexmedetomidine in cardiac surgery. Compared with the control group (group C), the concentrations of CK-MB in the perioperative period and cTn-I at 12 h and 24 h after operation in dexmedetomidine group (group D) were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). In addition, in group D, the levels of interleukin-6 at 24 h after operation, tumor necrosis factor-a at the 12 h and 24 h after operation were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). At the same time, the length of Intensive Care Unit stay in group D was significantly shorter than group C (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in interleukin-10 level, C reactive protein level, the time on ventilator and length of hospital stay between the two groups (P > 0.05). The application of dexmedetomidine in cardiac surgery with CPB can reduce CK-MB and cTn-I concentration and interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α levels to a certain extent and shorten the length of Intensive Care Unit stay, but it has no significant effect on IL-10 level, C reactive protein level, the time on ventilator and length of hospital stay.
Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Cardiopulmonary Bypass; Dexmedetomidine; Humans; Length of Stay
PubMed: 34342722
DOI: 10.1007/s00540-021-02982-0 -
Evidence-based Complementary and... 2019Previous studies have reported the use of complementary therapies to reduce the risk of gout attacks. In this study, we assessed the effectiveness of cherries in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Previous studies have reported the use of complementary therapies to reduce the risk of gout attacks. In this study, we assessed the effectiveness of cherries in reducing uric acid levels associated with gout.
METHODS
We searched for relevant studies on PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library without restrictions on language from inception until August 15, 2019. The risk of bias was evaluated using the PRISMA statement and checklist, and the methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool.
RESULTS
The six studies included in this systematic review reported decreases in the incidence and severity of gout following the ingestion of cherries. Gout patients regularly ingesting cherry extract/juice reported fewer gout flare ups than those patients who did not supplement their diets with cherry products. Overall, we observed a positive correlation between the consumption of tart cherry juice and a decrease in serum uric acid concentration.
CONCLUSIONS
Current evidence supports an association between cherry intake and a reduced risk of gout attacks. Note however that we were unable to conduct effective meta-analysis due to a lack of relevant studies and a high degree of variation in the methodologies and metrics used in previous studies. Further comprehensive trials or long-term follow-up studies will be required to evaluate the efficacy of cherry intake in treating patients with gout or hyperuricemia.
PubMed: 31885677
DOI: 10.1155/2019/9896757 -
ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science Jul 2023Methamphetamine exists as two stereoisomers: -(+)-methamphetamine ((+)-MAMP) and -(-)-methamphetamine ((-)-MAMP). The (+)-MAMP stereoisomer is a well-known central... (Review)
Review
Methamphetamine exists as two stereoisomers: -(+)-methamphetamine ((+)-MAMP) and -(-)-methamphetamine ((-)-MAMP). The (+)-MAMP stereoisomer is a well-known central nervous system stimulant, available as a pharmaceutical and clandestine drug of abuse. However, the (-)-MAMP stereoisomer is less well understood despite commercial availability for over 30 years as an over-the-counter (OTC) nasal decongestant in the Vicks Vapor Inhaler (a product of Procter & Gamble). Recently, several generic versions have become available, decreasing the cost and increasing the availability of (-)-MAMP-containing nasal sprays to consumers. Despite widespread commercial availability and use in the United States, a paucity of literature exists on the pharmacology of (-)-MAMP in humans. This knowledge gap is problematic, given the difficulty in separating (-)-MAMP and (+)-MAMP isomers in laboratory assays for workplace drug testing, suspected impaired drivers, post-mortem investigations, and assessment of drug involvement in crimes. In response, this systematic review of the literature coalesces and summarizes available knowledge of (-)-MAMP pharmacology in humans. It was found that available knowledge relies heavily on urine drug and metabolite concentrations, systematic pharmacokinetics studies are lacking, and existing knowledge has been derived from a total of 99 unique participants. The impacts of highlighted gaps in the literature are discussed, focusing on forensic toxicology and law enforcement, and future research directions are suggested.
PubMed: 37470013
DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00019