-
Advances in Experimental Medicine and... 2023Studies analyzing the relationship between microbiota composition and the thyroid have been increasing rapidly in recent years, and evidence has recently come to light... (Review)
Review
Studies analyzing the relationship between microbiota composition and the thyroid have been increasing rapidly in recent years, and evidence has recently come to light about the involvement of the gut microbiota in various aspects of thyroid pathology. Recently, besides studies analyzing the microbiota composition of different biological niches (salivary microbiota or thyroid tumor microenvironment) in patients with thyroid disorders, some studies have been carried out in peculiar subcategories of patients (pregnant women or obese). Other studies added a metabolomic insight into the characterization of fecal microflora in an attempt to enlighten specific metabolic pathways that could be involved in thyroid disorder pathogenesis. Lastly, some studies described the use of probiotics or symbiotic supplementation aimed at modulating gut microbiota composition for therapeutic purposes. The aim of this systematic review is to analyze the last advancements in the relationship between gut microbiota composition and thyroid autoimmunity, extending the analysis also to nonautoimmune thyroid disorders as well as to the characterization of the microbiota belonging to different biological niches in these patients. The overall results of the present review article strengthen the existence of a bidirectional relationship between the intestine, with its microbial set, and thyroid homeostasis, thus supporting the newly recognized entity known as the gut-thyroid axis.
Topics: Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Graves Disease; Thyroid Diseases; Microbiota; Thyroid Neoplasms; Hashimoto Disease; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 36971966
DOI: 10.1007/5584_2023_770 -
Genes & Nutrition 2019Culinary herbs and spices have been used as both food flavoring and food preservative agents for centuries. Moreover, due to their known and presumptive health benefits,... (Review)
Review
Culinary herbs and spices have been used as both food flavoring and food preservative agents for centuries. Moreover, due to their known and presumptive health benefits, herbs and spices have also been used in medical practices since ancient times. Some of the health effects attributed to herbs and spices include antioxidant, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory effects as well as potential protection against cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. While interest in herbs and spices as medicinal agents remains high and their use in foods continues to grow, there have been remarkably few studies that have attempted to track the dietary intake of herbs and spices and even fewer that have tried to find potential biomarkers of food intake (BFIs). The aim of the present review is to systematically survey the global literature on herbs and spices in an effort to identify and evaluate specific intake biomarkers for a representative set of common herbs and spices in humans. A total of 25 herbs and spices were initially chosen, including anise, basil, black pepper, caraway, chili pepper, cinnamon, clove, cumin, curcumin, dill, fennel, fenugreek, ginger, lemongrass, marjoram, nutmeg, oregano, parsley, peppermint and spearmint, rosemary, saffron, sage, tarragon, and thyme. However, only 17 of these herbs and spices had published, peer-reviewed studies describing potential biomarkers of intake. In many studies, the herb or spice of interest was administrated in the form of a capsule or extract and very few studies were performed with actual foods. A systematic assessment of the candidate biomarkers was also performed. Given the limitations in the experimental designs for many of the published studies, further work is needed to better evaluate the identified set of BFIs. Although the daily intake of herbs and spices is very low compared to most other foods, this important set of food seasoning agents should not be underestimated, especially given their potential benefits to human health.
PubMed: 31143299
DOI: 10.1186/s12263-019-0636-8 -
Biomedicines Dec 2023Antipsychotics are an important pharmacotherapy option for the treatment of many mental illnesses. Unfortunately, selecting antipsychotics is often a trial-and-error... (Review)
Review
Antipsychotics are an important pharmacotherapy option for the treatment of many mental illnesses. Unfortunately, selecting antipsychotics is often a trial-and-error process due to a lack of understanding as to which medications an individual patient will find most effective and best tolerated. Metabolomics, or the study of small molecules in a biosample, is an increasingly used omics platform that has the potential to identify biomarkers for medication efficacy and toxicity. This systematic review was conducted to identify metabolites and metabolomic pathways associated with antipsychotic use in humans. Ultimately, 42 studies were identified for inclusion in this review, with all but three studies being performed in blood sources such as plasma or serum. A total of 14 metabolite classes and 12 lipid classes were assessed across studies. Although the studies were highly heterogeneous in approach and mixed in their findings, increases in phosphatidylcholines, decreases in carboxylic acids, and decreases in acylcarnitines were most consistently noted as perturbed in patients exposed to antipsychotics. Furthermore, for the targeted metabolomic and lipidomic studies, seven metabolites and three lipid species had findings that were replicated. The most consistent finding for targeted studies was an identification of a decrease in aspartate with antipsychotic treatment. Studies varied in depth of detail provided for their study participants and in study design. For example, in some cases, there was a lack of detail on specific antipsychotics used or concomitant medications, and the depth of detail on sample handling and analysis varied widely. The conclusions here demonstrate that there is a large foundation of metabolomic work with antipsychotics that requires more complete reporting so that an objective synthesis such as a meta-analysis can take place. This will then allow for validation and clinical application of the most robust findings to move the field forward. Future studies should be carefully controlled to take advantage of the sensitivity of metabolomics while limiting potential confounders that may result from participant heterogeneity and varied analysis approaches.
PubMed: 38137517
DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123295 -
Schizophrenia Research May 2018Current diagnosis of schizophrenia relies exclusively on the potentially subjective interpretation of clinical symptoms and social functioning as more objective... (Review)
Review
Current diagnosis of schizophrenia relies exclusively on the potentially subjective interpretation of clinical symptoms and social functioning as more objective biological measurement and medical diagnostic tests are not presently available. The use of metabolomics in the discovery of disease biomarkers has grown in recent years. Metabolomic methods could aid in the discovery of diagnostic biomarkers of schizophrenia. This systematic review focuses on biofluid metabolites associated with schizophrenia. A systematic search of Web of Science and Ovid Medline databases was conducted and 63 studies investigating metabolite biomarkers of schizophrenia were included. A review of these studies revealed several potential metabolite signatures of schizophrenia including reduced levels of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (EPUFAs), vitamin E and creatinine; and elevated levels of lipid peroxidation metabolites and glutamate. Further research is needed to validate these biomarkers and would benefit from large cohort studies and more homogeneous and well-defined subject groups.
Topics: Biomarkers; Databases, Bibliographic; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; Humans; Lipid Peroxidation; Metabolomics; Schizophrenia; Vitamin E
PubMed: 28947341
DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2017.09.021 -
Metabolomics : Official Journal of the... Aug 2023Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the fifth most common cancer globally. Diagnosis at early stages are critical to reduce mortality and improve functional and esthetic... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the fifth most common cancer globally. Diagnosis at early stages are critical to reduce mortality and improve functional and esthetic outcomes associated with HNC. Metabolomics is a promising approach for discovery of biomarkers and metabolic pathways for risk assessment and early detection of HNC.
OBJECTIVES
To summarize and consolidate the available evidence on metabolomics and HNC in plasma/serum, saliva, and urine.
METHODS
A systematic search of experimental research was executed using PubMed and Web of Science. Available data on areas under the curve was extracted. Metabolic pathway enrichment analysis were performed to identify metabolic pathways altered in HNC. Fifty-four studies were eligible for data extraction (33 performed in plasma/serum, 15 in saliva and 6 in urine).
RESULTS
Metabolites with high discriminatory performance for detection of HNC included single metabolites and combination panels of several lysoPCs, pyroglutamate, glutamic acid, glucose, tartronic acid, arachidonic acid, norvaline, linoleic acid, propionate, acetone, acetate, choline, glutamate and others. The glucose-alanine cycle and the urea cycle were the most altered pathways in HNC, among other pathways (i.e. gluconeogenesis, glycine and serine metabolism, alanine metabolism, etc.). Specific metabolites that can potentially serve as complementary less- or non-invasive biomarkers, as well as metabolic pathways integrating the data from the available studies, are presented.
CONCLUSION
The present work highlights utility of metabolite-based biomarkers for risk assessment, early detection, and prognostication of HNC, as well as facilitates incorporation of available metabolomics studies into multi-omics data integration and big data analytics for personalized health.
Topics: Humans; Alanine; Body Fluids; Glucose; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Metabolomics
PubMed: 37644353
DOI: 10.1007/s11306-023-02038-2 -
EClinicalMedicine Dec 2021Comparative effectiveness of 7 glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agents on weight loss (WL) in obesity remains unknown.
BACKGROUND
Comparative effectiveness of 7 glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agents on weight loss (WL) in obesity remains unknown.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review, network meta-analysis (NMA) utilizing the following data sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane Central and clinical trial registries, from inception to March 2, 2021. The prespecified criteria for study inclusion were randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of ≥12 weeks' duration. The data appraisal and extraction were performed by two investigators independently, using the published reports. The main outcomes and statistical methods were weight loss over placebo (WLOP) and adverse events (AEs) among GLP-1 agents using random-effects NMA (frequentist approach); relative ranking using surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) method and certainty of evidence using grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluations (GRADE).
FINDINGS
64 RCTs (from 2004 to 2021) included 27018 patients (median of age, 55.1 years old; 57.4% women; baseline weight 94.8kg and BMI 33.0kg/m; trial duration 26 weeks). Direct meta-analysis showed significant WLOP with: -1.44kg (95% CI, -2.14 to -0.74) with dulaglutide ≥1.5 mg; -1.82kg (-2.42 to -1.23) with exenatide immediate release (IR); -2.20kg (-4.31 to -0.08) with exenatide extended release (ER); -3.20kg (-6.53 to 0.15) with efpeglenatide; -2.72kg (-3.35 to -2.09) with liraglutide ≤1.8mg; -4.49kg (-5.26 to -3.72) with liraglutide >1.8mg; -0.62kg (-1.22 to -0.02) with lixisenatide; -4.33kg (-5.71 to -3.00) with semaglutide SQ <2.4mg; -9.88kg (-13.17 to -6.59) with semaglutide SQ 2.4mg; -2.73kg (-4.81 to -0.65) with semaglutide oral; and -1.71kg (-2.64 to -0.78) with taspoglutide. Highest WLOP were with semaglutide SQ 2.4mg and <2.4mg, and liraglutide >1.8mg (SUCRAs 100, 86.1, 82.8 respectively). Highest SUCRAs for discontinuation due to AEs were with taspoglutide and liraglutide >1.8mg. Risk of bias was high or unclear for random sequence generation (29.7%), allocation concealment (26.6%), and incomplete outcome data (26.6%). Heterogeneity (I >50%) in WL and AEs reflected magnitude, not direction of effect.
PubMed: 34877513
DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.101213 -
Fertility and Sterility Aug 2022To identify the most robust molecular biomarkers in sperm and seminal plasma for the diagnosis of male infertility, and to evaluate their clinical use. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To identify the most robust molecular biomarkers in sperm and seminal plasma for the diagnosis of male infertility, and to evaluate their clinical use.
DESIGN
Systematic review.
SETTING
Not applicable.
PATIENT(S)
Accessible studies reporting well-defined (in)fertile populations and semen molecular biomarkers were included in this review.
INTERVENTION(S)
A systematic search of the literature published in MEDLINE-PubMed and EMBASE databases was performed, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)
The primary outcome was the content, expression, or activity of molecular biomarkers in human semen samples. Only studies reporting a receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis values were included.
RESULT(S)
Eighty-nine studies were included. Direct evaluation of sperm DNA damage has high potential as a diagnostic biomarker of fertility and assisted reproductive technology outcomes (area under the curve [AUCs] median = 0.67). Regarding strand break-associated chromatin modifications, γH2AX levels show good predictive value for the diagnosis of male infertility (AUCs median = 0.93). Some noncoding ribonucleic acid (RNA) exhibit excellent predictive values; miR-34c-5p in semen is the most well-characterized and robust transcriptomic biomarker (AUCs median = 0.78). While many proteins in semen show fair diagnostic value for sperm quality and fertilizing capacity, the levels of some, such as TEX101, in seminal plasma have an excellent diagnostic potential (AUCs median = 0.69). Although individual metabolites and metabolomic profiles in seminal plasma present good predictive value, the latter seem to be better than the former when inferring sperm quality and fertilizing capacity.
CONCLUSION(S)
The current review supports that some Omics (e.g., DNA structure and integrity, genomics and epigenomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics) could be considered relevant molecular biomarkers that may help identify infertility etiologies and fertilization prognosis with cost-effective, simple, and accurate diagnosis.
Topics: Biomarkers; Fertility; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Semen; Semen Analysis; Spermatozoa
PubMed: 35718545
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.04.028 -
Journal of Investigative Medicine : the... Aug 2023The therapeutic response heterogeneity in acromegaly persists, despite the medical-surgical advances of recent years. Thus, personalized medicine implementation, which... (Review)
Review
The therapeutic response heterogeneity in acromegaly persists, despite the medical-surgical advances of recent years. Thus, personalized medicine implementation, which focuses on each patient, is justified. Metabolomics would decipher the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic response heterogeneity. Identification of altered metabolic pathways would open new horizons in the therapeutic management of acromegaly. This research aimed to evaluate the metabolomic profile in acromegaly and metabolomics' contributions to understanding disease pathogenesis. A systematic review was carried out by querying four electronic databases and evaluating patients with acromegaly through metabolomic techniques. In all, 21 studies containing 362 patients were eligible. Choline, the ubiquitous metabolite identified in growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary adenomas (Pas) by in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), negatively correlated with somatostatin receptors type 2 expression and positively correlated with magnetic resonance imaging T2 signal and Ki-67 index. Moreover, elevated choline and choline/creatine ratio differentiated between sparsely and densely granulated GH-secreting PAs. MRS detected low hepatic lipid content in active acromegaly, which increased after disease control. The panel of metabolites of acromegaly deciphered by mass spectrometry (MS)-based techniques mainly included amino acids (especially branched-chain amino acids and taurine), glyceric acid, and lipids. The most altered pathways in acromegaly were the metabolism of glucose (particularly the downregulation of the pentose phosphate pathway), linoleic acid, sphingolipids, glycerophospholipids, arginine/proline, and taurine/hypotaurine. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization coupled with MS imaging confirmed the functional nature of GH-secreting PAs and accurately discriminated PAs from healthy pituitary tissue.
Topics: Humans; Acromegaly; Growth Hormone-Secreting Pituitary Adenoma; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Metabolomics; Adenoma
PubMed: 37139720
DOI: 10.1177/10815589231169452 -
Nutrients Dec 2020Stress is a natural response of the body, induced by factors of a physical (hunger, thirst, and infection) and/or psychological (perceived threat, anxiety, or concern)...
BACKGROUND
Stress is a natural response of the body, induced by factors of a physical (hunger, thirst, and infection) and/or psychological (perceived threat, anxiety, or concern) nature. Chronic, long-term stress may cause problems with sleep, concentration, and memory, as well as affective disorders. The passionflower () is a perennial plant with documented therapeutic properties. The literature data suggest that the passionflower itself, as well as its preparations, helps reduce stress and can therefore be helpful in the treatment of insomnia, anxiety, and depression. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate in terms of its neuropsychiatric effects.
METHODS
The scientific databases PubMed, ClinTrials.gov, and Embase were searched up to 22 October 2019. The search identified randomized clinical trials describing the effects of in neuropsychiatric disorders.
RESULTS
The systematic review included nine clinical trials. The duration of the studies included in the analysis varied widely, from one day up to 30 days. Study participants were no less than 18 years old. In each of the papers, the effects of passionflower were measured by using a number of different tests and scales. The majority of studies reported reduced anxiety levels following the administration of preparations, with the effect less evident in people with mild anxiety symptoms. No adverse effects, including memory loss or collapse of psychometric functions, were observed.
CONCLUSION
may be helpful in treating some symptoms in neuropsychiatric patients.
Topics: Adult; Anti-Anxiety Agents; Anxiety Disorders; Female; Humans; Male; Memory; Passiflora; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sleep; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders; Stress, Physiological; Young Adult
PubMed: 33352740
DOI: 10.3390/nu12123894 -
International Journal of Environmental... Oct 2020The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of hydrocolloid dressings in the treatment of grade I, II, III, and IV pressure ulcers in adult patients. We... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of hydrocolloid dressings in the treatment of grade I, II, III, and IV pressure ulcers in adult patients. We compared the therapeutic effects of hydrocolloids and alternative dressings in pressure ulcer treatment. We conducted a systematic review, using a literature search only in English, from database inception until 20 April 2020, to identify randomized trials comparing various types of dressings applied in the healing of pressure ulcers. The databases were PubMed, Embase, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). The study selection was performed independently by two reviewers. Data were extracted based on the guidelines included in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using a standardized critical appraisal instrument developed by the Cochrane Collaboration. Random-effect meta-analysis of data from three or more studies was performed using meta-analysis software (Comprehensive Meta-Analysis V3, Biostat, New Jersey, USA). A total of 1145 records were identified, of which 223 were qualified after further verification, of which eight were finally included in further analysis. Hydrocolloid dressings were not superior to control therapeutics ( = 0.839; Z = 0.203; CI 95%: 0.791-1.334). They were not associated with higher healing rates ( = 0.718; Z = 0.361; OR: 0.067; CI 95%: 0.297-0.431), nor did they decrease the incidence of adverse events compared with control therapeutics ( = 0.300; Z = -1.036; OR: 0.067; CI 95%: 0.394-1.333). In the above cases, Egger's test also did not indicate publication bias (t value = 0.779, = 0.465; t value = 1.198, = 0.442; t value = 0.834, = 0.465, respectively). The present meta-analysis shows that hydrocolloid dressings are not significantly better than alternative ones in the healing of pressure ulcers in adult patients.
Topics: Adult; Bandages, Hydrocolloid; Humans; Incidence; Pressure Ulcer; Wound Healing
PubMed: 33121151
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17217881