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Malaria Journal Jun 2024Malaria, a severe health threat, significantly affects total antioxidant status (TAS) levels, leading to considerable oxidative stress. This systematic review and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Malaria, a severe health threat, significantly affects total antioxidant status (TAS) levels, leading to considerable oxidative stress. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to delineate differences in TAS levels between malaria patients and healthy controls, and assess correlations between disease severity and parasite density.
METHODS
The systematic review was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under registration number CRD42023448761. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in databases such as Embase, MEDLINE, Journals@Ovid, PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, and Google Scholar to identify studies reporting data on TAS levels in malaria patients. Data from the included studies were analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Differences in TAS levels between malaria patients and controls were pooled using a random effects model, with Hedges' g as the effect size measure.
RESULTS
Of 1796 identified records, 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. The qualitative synthesis of these studies revealed a marked decrease in TAS levels in patients with malaria compared to non-malaria cases. The meta-analysis results showed a significant decrease in TAS levels in patients with malaria compared to non-malaria cases (P < 0.01, Hedges' g: - 2.75, 95% CI - 3.72 to -1.78, I: 98.16%, 13 studies), suggesting elevated oxidative stress in these patients. Subgroup analyses revealed that TAS level variations were significantly influenced by geographical region, age group, Plasmodium species, and method for measuring TAS. Notably, TAS levels were significantly lower in severe malaria cases and those with high parasite density, indicating a potential relationship between oxidative stress and disease severity.
CONCLUSION
This study highlights the potential utility of TAS as a biomarker for disease risk and severity in malaria. The significant decrease in TAS levels in malaria patients compared to controls implies increased oxidative stress. Further well-designed, large-scale studies are warranted to validate these findings and elucidate the intricate mechanisms linking TAS and malaria.
Topics: Malaria; Antioxidants; Humans; Oxidative Stress
PubMed: 38926807
DOI: 10.1186/s12936-024-05003-z -
Complementary Therapies in Medicine Jun 2024Oxidative stress and inflammation play critical roles in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases. Dark chocolate (DC)/cocoa, as a rich source of polyphenols like... (Review)
Review
Effect of dark chocolate/ cocoa consumption on oxidative stress and inflammation in adults: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of controlled trials.
BACKGROUND
Oxidative stress and inflammation play critical roles in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases. Dark chocolate (DC)/cocoa, as a rich source of polyphenols like flavonoids, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may confer health benefits, but findings in this context are inconsistent.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the controlled trials (CTs) that have examined the effects of DC/cocoa on oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers in adults.
SEARCH METHODS
Databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, were searched for relevant studies through April 2024.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Studies assessed C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), P-selectin, E-selectin and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in adults were included.
DATA ANALYSIS
Based on the random-effects model, we calculated WMDs, SMDs and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). Sensitivity, sub-group, meta-regression and dose-response analyses were also conducted.
RESULTS
Thirty-three eligible CTs with 1379 participants were included. All studies reported the intervention types (cocoa powder, beverages and chocolate bars) and dosage. However, sixteen studies didn't do/report testing for purity and potency by independent groups. Also, none of the studies mentioned the risk of contamination with heavy metals. Another limitation was the lack of blinding assessment in studies. DC/cocoa significantly reduced MDA (SMD: -0.69, 95 %CI: -1.17, -0.2, p = 0.005) and increased NO levels (SMD: 2.43, 95 %CI: 1.11,3.75, p < 0.001); However, it has no significant effects on the other outcomes. Greater anti-inflammatory effects occurred at higher flavonoid doses (>450 mg/day) and for shorter durations (≤4 weeks) in the non-healthy participants. Non-linear dose-response relationships between cocoa dosage and CRP level and also between flavonoid dosage and IL-6 level were observed. Based on the GRADE evaluation, just CRP and MDA results were considered as high certainty evidence and the other outcomes results were categorized as very low to moderate certainty.
CONCLUSIONS
DC/cocoa may improve systemic oxidative status and inflammation in adults. However, further studies should be performed to determine its benefits.
PubMed: 38925412
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2024.103061 -
PloS One 2024Vitamins D, E, A, B, C, and Omega-3 play crucial roles in modulating inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways, both implicated in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)...
BACKGROUND
Vitamins D, E, A, B, C, and Omega-3 play crucial roles in modulating inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways, both implicated in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) development. Recent research has explored the potential impact of dietary supplements on AAA progression. The systematic review aims to assess interventional studies investigating the effects of various dietary supplements on the development and severity of abdominal aortic aneurysms.
METHOD
A systematic search using relevant keywords related to abdominal aortic aneurysm and dietary supplements was conducted across four databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science). Quality assessment for animal studies employed SYRCLE and the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool for randomized control trials. The study protocol is registered in PROSPERO under the registry code CRD42023455958.
RESULTS
Supplementation with Omega-3, Vitamins A, C, D, E, and the Vitamin B family exhibited positive effects in AAA progression. These supplements contributed to a reduction in AAA diameter, elastin degradation, inflammatory responses, and reactive oxygen species. Additional supplements such as Zinc, methionine, and phytoestrogen also played roles in mitigating AAA progression.
CONCLUSION
The findings of this study underscore the potential role of dietary supplements in the progression of AAA. Predominantly based on animal studies, the results indicate that these supplements can limit AAA progression, primarily evidenced by their ability to mitigate inflammatory processes and oxidative stress pathways.
Topics: Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Disease Progression; Animals; Vitamins; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Oxidative Stress
PubMed: 38923975
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305265 -
Frontiers in Toxicology 2024Pyrethroids are natural organic compounds extracted from flowers of pyrethrums and commonly used as domestic and commercial insecticides. Although it is effective in...
Pyrethroids are natural organic compounds extracted from flowers of pyrethrums and commonly used as domestic and commercial insecticides. Although it is effective in insect and parasitic control, its associated toxicity, including spermotoxicity, remains a challenge globally. Currently, the available reports on the effect of pyrethroids on semen quality are conflicting, hence an evaluation of its detrimental effect is pertinent. This study conducts a detailed systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of pyrethroids on sperm quality. The present study was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Using a pre-defined strategic protocol, an internet search was done using combined text words. The criteria for eligibility were selected based on Population, Exposure, Comparator, Outcome, and Study Designs (PECO) framework, and relevant data were collected. Appraisal was done using The Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) tool for the evaluation of the Risk of Bias and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) Working Group guidelines for the certainty of evidence. A quantitative meta-analysis was conducted with the Review Manager (RevMan). Only 12 out of the 4, 050 studies screened were eligible for inclusion in this study. The eligible studies were from China (4), Japan (3), Poland (3), and United States (2). All the eligible studies were cross-sectional. A total of 2, 050 male subjects were included in the meta-analysis. Pyrethroid exposure significantly reduced sperm motility. Region-stratified subgroup analyses revealed that pyrethroid significantly reduced sperm motility among men in Poland and United States, and decreased sperm count among men in Japan. Pyrethroid exposure also reduced sperm concentration among men in Poland but increased sperm concentration among men in the United States. Although the study revealed inconsistent evidence on the detrimental effect of pyrethroids on semen quality, the findings showed that pyrethroids have deleterious potentials on sperm motility, count, and concentration. Studies focusing on the assessment of semen quality in pyrethroid-exposed men, especially at specific varying levels of exposure, and employing prospective cohort studies or controlled cross-sectional designs are recommended.
PubMed: 38919453
DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2024.1395010 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2024Excessive calorie intake poses a significant threat to female fertility, leading to hormonal imbalances and reproductive challenges. Overconsumption of unhealthy fats...
INTRODUCTION
Excessive calorie intake poses a significant threat to female fertility, leading to hormonal imbalances and reproductive challenges. Overconsumption of unhealthy fats exacerbates ovarian dysfunction, with an overproduction of reactive oxygen species causing oxidative stress, impairing ovarian follicle development and leading to irregular ovulation and premature ovarian failure. Interest in biological matrices with high antioxidant properties to combat diet-related oxidative stress has grown, as they contain various bioactive factors crucial for neutralizing free radicals potentially preventing female reproductive health. This systematic review evaluates the female reproductive impact of biological matrices in mitigating oxidative damages induced by over calory habits and, in particular, high fat diets.
METHODS
A comparative approach among mammalian models was utilized to interpret literature available data. This approach specifically investigates the antioxidant mechanisms of biological matrices on early and late ovarian folliculogenesis, under physiological and hormone-induced female reproductive cycle. Adhering to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, only English-language publications from peer-reviewed international indexes were considered.
RESULTS
The analysis of 121 publications meeting the inclusion criteria facilitated the identification of crucial components of biological matrices. These components, including carbocyclic sugars, phytonutrients, organosulfur compounds, and vitamins, were evaluated for their impact on ovarian follicle resilience, oocyte quality, and reproductive lifespan. The detrimental effects of oxidative stress on female fertility, particularly exacerbated by high saturated fat diets, are well-documented. studies across mammalian preclinical models have underscored the potential of antioxidants derived from biological matrices to mitigate diet-induced conditions. These antioxidants enhance steroidogenesis and ovarian follicle development, thereby improving oocyte quality. Additionally, discussions within these publications emphasized the clinical significance of these biological matrices, translating research findings into practical applications for female health.
CONCLUSION
Further research is essential to fully exploit the potential of these matrices in enhancing female reproduction and mitigating the effects of diets rich in fatty acids. This requires intensified studies and comprehensive collection of data before clinical trials. The promotion of ovarian resilience offers promising avenues for enhancing understanding and advancing female reproductive health world-wide.
PubMed: 38915855
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1415455 -
Exposure to Mercury in the Air and Its Effect on Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD): A Systematic Review.Iranian Journal of Public Health May 2024We aimed to verify the exposure to mercury in the air and its effect on cardiovascular disorders. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
We aimed to verify the exposure to mercury in the air and its effect on cardiovascular disorders.
METHODS
The review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and national databases (such as SID) from 1995-2022.
RESULTS
Mercury exposure can cause many disorders in humans, including neurodevelopmental disorders in fetuses and children, adverse cardiovascular outcomes, hypertension, and diabetes. Mercury is a human neurotoxin, and in recent years its potentially harmful effects on cardiovascular disease (CVD) have raised concerns, mainly due to mercury's role in reducing oxidative stress.
CONCLUSION
Possible mechanisms of mercury toxicity in CVD include mercury-selenium interaction, increased lipid peroxidation, and oxidative stress. In this article, we review studies that have investigated the relationship between mercury and CVD.
PubMed: 38912156
DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v53i5.15583 -
International Journal of Nanomedicine 2024Due to their ability to replicate the in vivo microenvironment through cell interaction and induce cells to stimulate cell function, three-dimensional cell culture... (Review)
Review
Due to their ability to replicate the in vivo microenvironment through cell interaction and induce cells to stimulate cell function, three-dimensional cell culture models can overcome the limitations of two-dimensional models. Organoids are 3D models that demonstrate the ability to replicate the natural structure of an organ. In most organoid tissue cultures, matrigel made of a mouse tumor extracellular matrix protein mixture is an essential ingredient. However, its tumor-derived origin, batch-to-batch variation, high cost, and safety concerns have limited the usefulness of organoid drug development and regenerative medicine. Its clinical application has also been hindered by the fact that organoid generation is dependent on the use of poorly defined matrices. Therefore, matrix optimization is a crucial step in developing organoid culture that introduces alternatives as different materials. Recently, a variety of substitute materials has reportedly replaced matrigel. The purpose of this study is to review the significance of the latest advances in materials for cell culture applications and how they enhance build network systems by generating proper cell behavior. Excellence in cell behavior is evaluated from their cell characteristics, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and even gene expression. As a result, graphene oxide as a matrix optimization demonstrated high potency in developing organoid models. Graphene oxide can promote good cell behavior and is well known for having good biocompatibility. Hence, advances in matrix optimization of graphene oxide provide opportunities for the future development of advanced organoid models.
Topics: Organoids; Animals; Graphite; Humans; Cell Proliferation; Cell Differentiation; Drug Combinations; Cell Culture Techniques; Cell Culture Techniques, Three Dimensional; Mice; Laminin; Collagen; Proteoglycans
PubMed: 38911499
DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S455940 -
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2024This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Allisartan Isoproxil in the management of hypertension.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Allisartan Isoproxil in the management of hypertension.
METHODS
A comprehensive search was conducted across both English and Chinese databases, including the Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Chinese Journal Full Text Database (CNKI), Wanfang Digital Periodical Full Text Database, and VIP Chinese Periodical Database (VIP), up to March 24, 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating alisartan axetil for hypertension management were selected. Literature quality was assessed, and data were extracted for meta-analysis using Stata 15.1 software. The quality of evidence for outcome indicators was evaluated using the GRADE system level.
RESULTS
Six RCTs involving 767 participants were included. Meta-analysis revealed that, compared to placebo, the Allisartan Isoproxil group exhibited a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) [WMD = -8.08, 95% CI (-11.81, 4.10), = 0.000] and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) [SMD = -0.69, 95% CI (-1.17, 0.20), = 0.006]. However, the reduction in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was not statistically significant [WMD = -5.48, 95% CI (-11.07, 0.10), = 0.054]. Additionally, compared to calcium channel blockers (CCB) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB), Allisartan Isoproxil did not significantly affect SBP [WMD = 0.20, 95% CI (-3.71, 4.10), = 0.921] or DBP [WMD = 0.16, 95% CI (-2.11, 2.43), = 0.891]. Allisartan Isoproxil demonstrated superior effects in increasing nitric oxide (NO) levels and decreasing endothelin (ET) levels compared to control groups [WMD = 9.56, 95% CI (6.42, 12.71), = 0.000], [WMD = -7.42, 95% CI (-11.13, -3.71), = 0.000], and showed a higher effective control rate of blood pressure [RR = 1.26, 95% CI (1.13, 1.41), = 0.000]. Subgroup analysis did not reveal significant differences. Regarding safety, there were no statistically significant differences in adverse events between the Allisartan Isoproxil group and the control groups [RR = 0.99, 95% CI (0.74, 1.32), = 0.928], and no fatal adverse events were reported.
CONCLUSION
Allisartan Isoproxil is effective in reducing SBP and baPWV, increasing NO, decreasing ET, and achieving a higher control rate of blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension. These benefits are achieved with minimal adverse reactions.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023467869, identifier PROSPERO CRD42023467869.
PubMed: 38903964
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1355014 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2024Physical exertion during exercise often leads to increased oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, significantly affecting physical performance. Current strategies...
BACKGROUND
Physical exertion during exercise often leads to increased oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, significantly affecting physical performance. Current strategies to mitigate these effects are limited by their effectiveness and potential side effects. Molecular hydrogen (H₂) has gained attention for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have suggested that H supplementation contributes to antioxidant potential and anti-fatigue during exercise, but the variance in the observations and study protocols is presented across those studies.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively characterize the effects of H₂ supplementation on physical performance (i.e., endurance, muscular strength, and explosive power), providing knowledge that can inform strategies using H for enhancing physical performance.
METHODS
We conducted a literature search of six databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, Sport-Discus, Embase, and PsycINFO) according to the PRISMA guidelines. The data were extracted from the included studies and converted into the standardized mean difference (SMD). After that, we performed random-effects meta-analyses and used the statistic to evaluate heterogeneity. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to assess the quality of the evidence obtained from this meta-analysis.
RESULTS
In total, 27 publications consisting of 597 participants were included. The search finally included aerobic endurance, anaerobic endurance, muscular strength, lower limb explosive power, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), blood lactate (BLA), and average heart rate (HR) in the effect size (ES) synthesis. The ES of H on aerobic endurance, including V̇O (SMD = 0.09, = 0.394; = 0%) and aerobic endurance exercise (SMD = 0.04, = 0.687; = 0%), were not significant and trivial; the ES of H on 30 s maximal anaerobic endurance (SMD = 0.19, = 0.239; = 0%) was not significant and trivial; the ES of H on muscular strength (SMD = 0.19, = 0.265; = 0%) was not significant and trivial; but the ES of H on lower limb explosive power (SMD = 0.30, = 0.018; = 0%) was significant and small. In addition, H reduces RPE (SMD = -0.37, = 0.009; = 58.0%) and BLA (SMD = -0.37, = 0.001; = 22.0%) during exercise, but not HR (SMD = -0.27, = 0.094; = 0%).
CONCLUSION
These findings suggest that H supplementation is favorable in healthy adults to improve lower limb explosive power, alleviate fatigue, and boost BLA clearance, but may not be effectively improving aerobic and anaerobic endurance and muscular strength. Future studies with more rigorous designs are thus needed to examine and confirm the effects of H on these important functionalities in humans.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO.
PubMed: 38903627
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1387657 -
BMC Oral Health Jun 2024Dental fluorosis (DF) is caused by excessive exposure to fluoride during odontogenesis and leads to various changes in the development of tooth enamel. Some regions in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Dental fluorosis (DF) is caused by excessive exposure to fluoride during odontogenesis and leads to various changes in the development of tooth enamel. Some regions in Mexico are considered endemic fluorosis zones due to the high fluoride content in drinking water. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify the association between the concentration of fluoride in drinking water and the severity of dental fluorosis in northern and western Mexico.
METHODS
This protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (ID: CRD42023401519). The search for information was carried out in the PubMed/Medline, Scopus, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar databases between January 2015 and October 2023. The overall relative risk was calculated using the inverse of variance approach with the random effects method. The RoB 2.0 tool was used to construct risk plots.
RESULTS
Eleven articles were analyzed qualitatively, and most of the included studies presented at least one level of DF severity; six articles were analyzed quantitatively, dividing them into two regions. In North region it was observed a higher prevalence of severe TF cases, corresponding to ≥ TF 5 category (4.78) [3.55, 6.42]. In the West region, most of the included studies presented a higher prevalence of less severe cases, corresponding to ≤ TF 4, in comparison with the North region (0.01) [0.00, 0.52], interpreted as a protective effect.
CONCLUSION
The concentrations of fluorides in drinking water are reportedly high in these regions and are directly related to the severity of dental fluorosis experienced by the inhabitants. In the Northern region exists a major concentration of fluoride in drinking water compared with the Western region as well as a prevalence of higher severity cases of dental fluorosis.
Topics: Fluorosis, Dental; Humans; Mexico; Fluorides; Drinking Water; Severity of Illness Index; Prevalence
PubMed: 38898439
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04472-7