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Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer... Mar 2024This review investigated the association of COX-2, TNF-α, TLR4, and IKKα with the survival of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
This review investigated the association of COX-2, TNF-α, TLR4, and IKKα with the survival of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted in the databases PUBMED, Web of Science, LILACS, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. The studies should assess the expression of those proteins in the tumor and survival outcomes.
RESULTS
Twenty-one articles were included. The meta-analysis results leaned towards an association of COX-2 overexpression with a lower overall survival. The estimated hazard ratio was 1.51 (95% CI 0.97, 2.33), but not statistically significant (p=0.07). A low heterogeneity was observed (I2=0%). Regarding TNF-α, TLR4, and IKKα, statistically significant results for the association with survival were presented, but there was not enough data to a meta-analysis.
CONCLUSION
COX-2 overexpression may be associated with a poorer prognosis in oral SCC. The insufficiency of studies about TNF-α, TLR4, and IKKα restrained their validation as predictors of prognosis.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; I-kappa B Kinase; Cyclooxygenase 2; Toll-Like Receptor 4; Mouth Neoplasms; Prognosis; Head and Neck Neoplasms
PubMed: 38546058
DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2024.25.3.757 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024The leading indicator for successful outcomes in fertilization (IVF) is the quality of gametes in oocytes and sperm. Thus, advanced research aims to highlight the... (Review)
Review
Unravelling the role of HAS2, GREM1, and PTGS2 gene expression in cumulus cells: implications for human oocyte development competency - a systematic review and integrated bioinformatic analysis.
The leading indicator for successful outcomes in fertilization (IVF) is the quality of gametes in oocytes and sperm. Thus, advanced research aims to highlight the parameter in assessing these qualities - DNA fragmentation in sperm and oocyte development capacity (ODC) via evaluation of microenvironments involving its maturation process. Regarding oocytes, most evidence reveals the role of cumulus cells as non-invasive methods in assessing their development competency, mainly via gene expression evaluation. Our review aims to consolidate the evidence of GDF-9 derivatives, the HAS2, GREM1, and PTGS2 gene expression in cumulus cells used as ODC markers in relevant publications and tailored to current IVF outcomes. In addition to that, we also added the bioinformatic analysis in our review to strengthen the evidence aiming for a better understanding of the pathways and cluster of the genes of interest - HAS2, GREM1, and PTGS2 in cumulus cell level. Otherwise, the current non-invasive method can be used in exploring various causes of infertility that may affect these gene expressions at the cumulus cell level. Nevertheless, this method can also be used in assessing the ODC in various cohorts of women or as an improvement of markers following targeted tools or procedures by evaluating the advancement of these gene expressions following the targeted intervention.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Cyclooxygenase 2; Cumulus Cells; Semen; Oocytes; Gene Expression; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Hyaluronan Synthases
PubMed: 38524634
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1274376 -
Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases Feb 2024Late-onset multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD) is the most common lipid storage myopathy. There are sex differences in fat metabolism and it is not known... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Late-onset multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD) is the most common lipid storage myopathy. There are sex differences in fat metabolism and it is not known whether late-onset MADD affects men and women equally.
METHODS
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, CBM, and Wanfang databases were searched until 01/08/2023. Studies reporting sex distribution in patients with late-onset MADD were included. Two authors independently screened studies for eligibility, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Pre-specified outcomes of interest were the male-to-female ratio (MFR) of patients with late-onset MADD, the differences of clinical characteristics between the sexes, and factors influencing the MFR.
RESULTS
Of 3379 identified studies, 34 met inclusion criteria, yielding a total of 609 late-onset MADD patients. The overall pooled percentage of males was 58% (95% CI, 54-63%) with low heterogeneity across studies (I = 2.99%; P = 0.42). The mean onset ages, diagnostic delay, serum creatine kinase (CK), and allelic frequencies of 3 hotspot variants in ETFDH gene were similar between male and female patients (P > 0.05). Meta-regressions revealed that ethnic group was associated with the MFR in late-onset MADD, and subgroup meta-analyses demonstrated that East-Asian patients had a higher percentage of male, lower CK, and higher proportion of hotspot variants in ETFDH gene than non-East-Asian patients (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Male patients with late-onset MADD were more common than female patients. Ethnicity was proved to be a factor influencing the MFR in late-onset MADD. These findings suggest that male sex may be a risk factor for the disease.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Multiple Acyl Coenzyme A Dehydrogenase Deficiency; Mutation; Delayed Diagnosis; Electron-Transferring Flavoproteins; Iron-Sulfur Proteins; Oxidoreductases Acting on CH-NH Group Donors; Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase
PubMed: 38365830
DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03072-6 -
Head & Neck Jul 2024Head and neck paragangliomas (HNPs) have been associated with gene mutations in the succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) complex, but the clinical significance remains unclear.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Head and neck paragangliomas (HNPs) have been associated with gene mutations in the succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) complex, but the clinical significance remains unclear. We sought to explore the demographics, clinical characteristics, treatment methods, and outcomes of SDH-mutated HNPs.
METHODS
Databases were systematically searched. Pooled event ratio and relative 95% confidence intervals were calculated for dichotomous outcomes. Meta-regression was performed. Cochran's Q test and I test assessed heterogeneity. Funnel plot and Egger's regression test assessed publication bias.
RESULTS
Forty-two studies with 8849 patients were included. Meta-regression revealed a significant correlation between multifocality and SDHD mutations (0.03 ± 0.006, p < 0.0001) and between distant metastases and SDHB mutations (0.06 ± 0.023, p = 0.008). There was no correlation between sex, age, tumor size, or familial occurrences and SDH-related mutations.
CONCLUSION
Multifocality of HNPs correlates with the SDHD mutational subtype, and metastases correlate with the SDHB subtype. Knowledge of HNP phenotypes associated with SDH-related mutations has the potential to influence the management approach to such HNPs.
Topics: Humans; Succinate Dehydrogenase; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Paraganglioma; Mutation; Female; Male
PubMed: 38273766
DOI: 10.1002/hed.27652 -
Anti-inflammatory & Anti-allergy Agents... 2023Previous studies have experimentally validated and reported that chemical constituents of marine sponges are a source of natural anti-inflammatory substances with the...
BACKGROUND
Previous studies have experimentally validated and reported that chemical constituents of marine sponges are a source of natural anti-inflammatory substances with the biotechnological potential to develop novel drugs.
AIMS
Therefore, the aim of this study was to perform a systematic review to provide an overview of the anti-inflammatory substances isolated from marine sponges with therapeutic potential.
METHODS
This systematic review was performed on the Embase, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science electronic databases. In total, 613 were found, but 340 duplicate studies were excluded, only 100 manuscripts were eligible, and 83 were included.
RESULTS
The results were based on and assays, and the anti-inflammatory effects of 251 bioactive compounds extracted from marine sponges were investigated. Their anti-inflammatory activities include inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nitrite or nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), phospholipase A2 (PLA2), nuclear transcription factor-kappa B (NF-κB), leukotriene B4 (LTB4), cyclooxygenase- 1 (COX-1), and superoxide radicals.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, data suggest (approximately 98% of articles) that substances obtained from marine sponges may be promising for the development of novel anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of different pathological conditions.
Topics: Animals; NF-kappa B; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Interleukin-6; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Porifera; Lipopolysaccharides; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; Cyclooxygenase 2; Nitric Oxide
PubMed: 38038014
DOI: 10.2174/0118715230272152231106094727 -
Arthroscopy : the Journal of... Mar 2024To determine whether non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors affect healing rate, functional outcomes, and patient... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
To determine whether non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors affect healing rate, functional outcomes, and patient satisfaction after rotator cuff repair.
METHODS
Medline, EMBASE, PsychINFO and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the use of NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Primary outcomes included healing and retear rate, determined by radiological imaging. Secondary outcomes included shoulder-specific outcome measures and the visual analog scale (VAS). Risk of bias was graded using the Cochrane risk-of-bias v2.0 tool. The GRADE framework was used to assess certainty of findings.
RESULTS
Seven RCTs with a total of 507 patients were included (298 randomized to NSAID/COX-2 vs 209 randomized to control). NSAIDs use did not yield a difference in retear rate (P = .77). NSAIDs were shown to significantly reduce pain in the perioperative period (P = .01); however, no significant difference was present at a minimum of 6 months (P = .11). COX-2 inhibitors did not significantly reduce pain (P = .15). Quantitative analysis of ASES and UCLA scores showed NSAIDs significantly improved functional outcomes versus control (P = .004). COX-2 inhibitors did not significantly improve functional outcomes (P = .15). Two trials were deemed "low" risk of bias, four trials were graded to have "some concerns", and one trial was graded to have "high" risk of bias. Retear rate and functional PROMs were deemed to have "low" certainty. VAS pain scale was graded to have "moderate" certainty.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review and meta-analysis indicates that NSAIDs do not affect healing rate after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, but they do significantly improve postoperative pain and functional outcomes. No significant difference was seen in pain or functional outcomes with the use of COX-2 inhibitors.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level I, meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Topics: Humans; Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; Rotator Cuff; Cyclooxygenase 2; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Pain; Rotator Cuff Injuries; Treatment Outcome; Arthroscopy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37967731
DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2023.10.048 -
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and... Feb 2024Although significant improvements in assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes have been accomplished, a critical question remains: which embryo is most likely to... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Although significant improvements in assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes have been accomplished, a critical question remains: which embryo is most likely to result in a pregnancy? Embryo selection is currently based on morphological and genetic criteria; however, these criteria do not fully predict good-quality embryos and additional objective criteria are needed. The cumulus cells are critical for oocyte and embryo development. This systematic review assessed biomarkers in cumulus-oocyte complexes and their association with successful IVF outcomes.
METHODS
A comprehensive search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception until November 2022. Only English-language publications were included. Inclusion criteria consisted of papers that evaluated genetic biomarkers associated with the cumulus cells (CCs) in humans and the following three outcomes of interest: oocyte quality, embryo quality, and clinical outcomes, including fertilization, implantation, pregnancy, and live birth rates.
RESULTS
The search revealed 446 studies of which 42 met eligibility criteria. Nineteen studies correlated genetic and biochemical biomarkers in CCs with oocyte quality. A positive correlation was reported between oocyte quality and increased mRNA expression in CCs of genes encoding for calcium homeostasis (CAMK1D), glucose metabolism (PFKP), extracellular matrix (HAS2, VCAN), TGF-β family (GDF9, BMP15), and prostaglandin synthesis (PTGS2). Nineteen studies correlated genetic and biochemical biomarkers in CCs with embryo quality. A positive correlation was reported between embryo quality and increased mRNA expression in CCs of genes encoding for extracellular matrix (HAS2), prostaglandin synthesis (PTGS2), steroidogenesis (GREM1), and decreased expression of gene encoding for hormone receptor (AMHR2). Twenty-two studies assessed genetic and biochemical biomarkers in CCs with clinical outcomes. Increased expression of genes encoding for extracellular matrix (VCAN), and TGF-β family (GDF9, BMP15) were positively correlated with pregnancy rate.
CONCLUSION
Genetic biomarkers from cumulus cells were associated with oocyte quality (CAMK1D, PFKP, HAS2, VCAN, GDF-9, BMP-15, PTGS2), embryo quality (GREM1, PTGS2, HAS2), and pregnancy rate (GDF9, BMP15, VCAN). These results might help guide future studies directed at tests of cumulus cells to devise objective criteria to predict IVF outcomes.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Cumulus Cells; Cyclooxygenase 2; Oocytes; Fertilization in Vitro; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; Genetic Markers; RNA, Messenger; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Prostaglandins
PubMed: 37947940
DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02984-9 -
CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics Mar 2024Mitochondrial complex III (CIII) deficiency is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by symptoms such as ataxia, cognitive dysfunction, and spastic paraplegia....
BACKGROUND
Mitochondrial complex III (CIII) deficiency is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by symptoms such as ataxia, cognitive dysfunction, and spastic paraplegia. Multiple genes are associated with complex III defects. Among them, the mutation of TTC19 is a rare subtype.
METHODS
We screened a Chinese boy with weakness of limbs and his non-consanguineous parents by whole exome sequencing and targeted sequencing.
RESULTS
We report a Chinese boy diagnosed with mitochondrial complex III defect type 2 carrying a homozygous variant (c.719-732del, p.Leu240Serfs*17) of the TTC19 gene. According to the genotype analysis of his family members, this is an autosomal recessive inheritance. We provide his clinical manifestation.
CONCLUSIONS
A new type of TTC19 mutation (c.719-732del, p.Leu240Serfs*17) was found, which enriched the TTC19 gene mutation spectrum and provided new data for elucidating the pathogenesis of CIII-deficient diseases.
Topics: Male; Humans; Electron Transport Complex III; Membrane Proteins; Mutation; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Movement Disorders; Pedigree; Mitochondrial Diseases
PubMed: 37927170
DOI: 10.1111/cns.14425 -
European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry Dec 2023Targeted protein degradation (TPD) has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach with potential advantages over traditional occupancy-based inhibitors in terms of... (Review)
Review
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach with potential advantages over traditional occupancy-based inhibitors in terms of dosing, side effects and targeting "undruggable" proteins. Targeted degraders can theoretically bind any nook or cranny of targeted proteins to drive degradation. This offers convenience versus the small-molecule inhibitors that must function in a well-defined pocket. The degradation process depends mainly on two cell self-destruction mechanisms, namely the ubiquitin-proteasome system and the lysosomal degradation pathway. Various TPD strategies (e.g., proteolytic-targeting chimeras, molecular glues, lysosome-targeting chimeras, and autophagy-targeting chimeras) have been developed. These approaches hold great potential for targeting dysregulated proteins, potentially offering therapeutic benefits. In this article, we systematically review the mechanisms of various TPD strategies, potential applications to drug discovery, and recent advances. We also discuss the benefits and challenges associated with these TPD strategies, aiming to provide insight into the targeting of dysregulated proteins and facilitate their clinical applications.
Topics: Proteolysis; Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex; Autophagy; Drug Discovery; Lysosomes
PubMed: 37778240
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115839 -
Arquivos de Neuro-psiquiatria Jan 2023Pharmacogenetics promises better control of diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). Acetylsalicylic acid, aspirin, prevents the formation of an activating agent...
BACKGROUND
Pharmacogenetics promises better control of diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). Acetylsalicylic acid, aspirin, prevents the formation of an activating agent of platelet aggregation and vasoconstriction, and it is used to prevent CVD. Nevertheless, patients may have treatment failure due to genetic variants that modify the metabolism of the drug causing aspirin resistance (AR).
OBJECTIVES
To realize a systematic literature review to determine the impact of genetic variants on AR.
METHODS
Articles published in the MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, LILACS, and SCIELO databases were systematically screened. A total of 290 articles were identified and 269 articles were excluded because they did not comply with the previously established inclusion criteria. A total of 20 case-control studies and 1 cohort was included.
RESULTS
The genetic variants rs1126643 (), rs3842787 (), rs20417 (), and rs5918 () were the most studied. As for relevance, of the 64 genetic variants evaluated by the articles, 14 had statistical significance ( < 0.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]) in at least one article. Among them, the following have had unanimous results: rs1371097 (), rs1045642 (), rs1051931 and rs7756935 (), rs2071746 (), rs1131882 and rs4523 (), rs434473 (), rs9315042 (), and rs662 (), while these differ in real interference in AR: rs5918 (), rs2243093 (), rs1330344 (), and rs20417 (). As study limitations, we highlight the nonuniform methodologies of the analyzed articles and population differences.
CONCLUSION
It is noteworthy that pharmacogenetics is an expanding area. Therefore, further studies are needed to better understand the association between genetic variants and AR.
Topics: Humans; Aspirin; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cyclooxygenase 2; Pharmacogenetics; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Drug Resistance
PubMed: 36918009
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1758445