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Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024According to the World Health Organization, social isolation, particularly of older adults, is a public health issue endangering the well-being of individuals,... (Review)
Review
According to the World Health Organization, social isolation, particularly of older adults, is a public health issue endangering the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Social isolation affects health through biological, behavioral, and psychological pathways and is associated with physical and psychological/emotional well-being, increases morbidity and mortality rates, and lowers quality of life. This systematic review examined the relationship between social isolation and physical health, including subjective and objective dimensions, and factors that influence this relationship in adults. : This systematic review examined six electronic databases covering the field of health and human services and included results from 1 January 2017 to 10 March 2023 with key terms including adult social connection or social isolation coupled with health, physical, psychological, emotional, mental, or behavioral. The initial search yielded 925 research articles across all databases and was narrowed to 710 when the decision was made to focus on social isolation and physical health. Covidence was used throughout the retrieval and appraisal process, as provided in a PRISMA flow diagram. Twenty-four studies that scored 90 or above in the appraisal process were included in the systematic review. : The studies represented included seven studies conducted in the United States and seventeen studies conducted internationally. Regarding study design, twenty-three studies were quantitative, one was qualitative, and one was mixed methods. The majority of quantitative studies were correlational in design with nine being longitudinal. The majority of studies were based on large national data sets representing in total 298,653 participants aged 50 and older. The results indicate that social isolation is related to increases in inflammatory biomarkers associated with diseases, all-cause mortality, lower expectations of longevity, and frailty. In addition, social isolation was associated with cognitive decline and disruptions in sleep. Poor oral health increased social isolation. The results further indicated that decreased physical performance/function and a decline in physical activity were associated with social isolation, as well as decreased overall physical health, poor health behaviors, and self-care, and decreased health-related quality of life. Further research is warranted to examine the possible bidirectionality of these relationships and possible mediating, moderating, or confounding variables. : Future research is needed to explore the biological and behavioral pathways in which social isolation negatively impacts physical health. Going forward, studies are needed that move beyond descriptive, exploratory methods and integrate data from qualitative and mixed-method designs that will inform the development and testing of a conceptual framework related to social isolation and health. By advancing the science behind social isolation, comprehensive interventions can be identified and tested with implications at the individual, family, community, and societal levels to reduce social isolation, particularly among adults, and improve health and quality of life.
PubMed: 38891210
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12111135 -
Aging Clinical and Experimental Research Jun 2024Osteosarcopenia is a recently recognized geriatric syndrome. The association between osteosarcopenia and mortality risk is still largely underexplored. In this... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND & AIMS
Osteosarcopenia is a recently recognized geriatric syndrome. The association between osteosarcopenia and mortality risk is still largely underexplored. In this systematic review with meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies, we aimed to explore whether osteosarcopenia could be associated with a higher mortality risk.
METHODS
Several databases were searched from the inception to 16th February 2024 for prospective cohort studies dealing with osteosarcopenia and mortality. We calculated the mortality risk in osteosarcopenia vs. controls using the most adjusted estimate available and summarized the data as risk ratios (RRs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A random-effect model was considered for all analyses.
RESULTS
Among 231 studies initially considered, nine articles were included after exclusions for a total of 14,429 participants (mean age: 70 years; 64.5% females). The weighted prevalence of osteosarcopenia was 12.72%. Over a mean follow-up of 6.6 years and after adjusting for a mean of four covariates, osteosarcopenia was associated with approximately 53% increased risk of mortality (RR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.28-1.78). After accounting for publication bias, the re-calculated RR was 1.48 (95%CI: 1.23-1.72). The quality of the studies was generally good, as determined by the Newcastle Ottawa Scale.
CONCLUSIONS
Osteosarcopenia was significantly linked with an increased risk of mortality in older people, indicating the need to consider the presence of osteoporosis in patients with sarcopenia, and vice versa, since the combination of these two conditions typical of older people may lead to further complications, such as mortality.
Topics: Aged; Female; Humans; Observational Studies as Topic; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Sarcopenia; Male
PubMed: 38888670
DOI: 10.1007/s40520-024-02785-9 -
Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Jun 2024The identification of novel, easily measurable disease biomarkers might enhance the diagnosis and management of patients with rheumatic diseases (RDs). We conducted a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
The identification of novel, easily measurable disease biomarkers might enhance the diagnosis and management of patients with rheumatic diseases (RDs). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), a marker of oxidative stress, acidosis, and ischemia, in RD patients and healthy controls.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus from inception to January 15, 2024. The risk of bias and the certainty of evidence were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist and GRADE, respectively.
RESULTS
In 20 studies investigating a total of 1188 RD patients (mean age 45 years, 64% females) and 981 healthy controls (mean age 44 years, 66% females), RD patients had significantly higher IMA concentrations when compared to controls (standard mean difference, SMD = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.18-0.83, p = .003; I = 92.4%, p < .001; low certainty of evidence). In subgroup analysis, the pooled SMD was significantly different in studies investigating ankylosing spondylitis (p < .001), Behçet's disease (p < .001), and rheumatoid arthritis (p = .033), but not familial Mediterranean fever (p = .48). Further associations were observed between the pooled SMD and the broad classification of autoimmune and/or autoinflammatory diseases, the study country, and the method used to measure IMA.
CONCLUSION
Our study suggests that IMA is a promising biomarker of oxidative stress, acidosis, and ischemia, as it can effectively discriminate between patients with different types of RDs and healthy controls. Our results warrant confirmation in longitudinal studies of patients with different types of RDs and different ethnicities (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42024509126).
Topics: Humans; Rheumatic Diseases; Biomarkers; Serum Albumin, Human; Oxidative Stress; Female; Ischemia; Male; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38888377
DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1324 -
Archives of Oral Biology Sep 2024Exosomes are extracellular vesicles found in saliva and other body fluids. These vesicles range in size from 30 to 150 nm and play a crucial role in intercellular... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Exosomes are extracellular vesicles found in saliva and other body fluids. These vesicles range in size from 30 to 150 nm and play a crucial role in intercellular communication, transporting different biomolecules, actively targeting cells. These vesicles regulate both physiological and pathological processes within recipient cells. MicroRNAs (miRs) are transported within exosomes and are delivered to target cells where they influence signaling pathways, taking on a crucial regulatory role in oncogenesis; for example, they are implicated in progression and infiltration of various cancers, such as head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A systematic literature search based on specific keywords, according to the PRISMA guidelines, was carried out on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Only original articles were selected during this review. The risk of bias was assessed by QUADAS-2.
RESULTS
At the end of the selection process 9 articles were included. In these studies, 41 miRs showed differential expression between healthy subjects and patient with HNSCC. The techniques varied among studies for the extraction and analysis of exosomal miRs. We presented also salivary exosomal miRs pathways, to give insights about pathogenetic mechanisms.
CONCLUSIONS
Exosomal microRNA are promising biomarkers for HNSCC detection. MiR-10b-5p, miR-486-5p, miR-24-3p, miR-412-3p, and miR-512-3p are the most promising markers applicable to diagnostics, while miR-1307-5p and miR-519c-3p resulted overexpressed and correlated to worse survival outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Exosomes; MicroRNAs; Saliva; Biomarkers, Tumor; Prognosis; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck
PubMed: 38879952
DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2024.106012 -
Progress in Neuro-psychopharmacology &... Jun 2024The various pharmacological interventions, ranging from mood stabilizers and antipsychotics to antidepressants, reflect the diff/iculty of treating depressive/manic... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The various pharmacological interventions, ranging from mood stabilizers and antipsychotics to antidepressants, reflect the diff/iculty of treating depressive/manic symptomatology of bipolar disorder (BD). Among a broad range of mechanisms implicated, immune dysregulation may contribute to the increased inflammation that influences the course of BD. Inflammatory, neurotrophic and oxidative stress factors may be identified as promising peripheral biomarkers in brain functioning, perhaps serving as predictors of an effective response to treatment for BD. The present systematic review aimed to examine the evidence supporting the pharmacotherapeutic value of inflammatory and neurotrophic biomarkers in BD.
METHODS
PubMed, PsychINFO, Scopus and Web of Science were searched from inception to May 2024 by two independent reviewers. A total of 40 studies with 3371 patients with diagnosis and intervention of BD were selected.
RESULTS
Inconsistencies in the effects of pharmacological treatments on the connection between the expected anti-inflammatory response and symptomatologic improvement were identified. Mood stabilizers (lithium), antipsychotics (quetiapine), antidepressants (ketamine) or their combination were described to increase both pro-inflammatory (TNFα, IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4, IL-8) factors. Other medications, such as memantine and dextromethorphan, autoimmune (infliximab) non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (aspirin, celecoxib) drugs, antidiabetics (pioglitazone), and even dietary supplementation (omega-3), or their combination, clearly decrease inflammatory factors (TNFα, IL-6, IL-1β, C-reactive protein) and/or increase the neurotrophic factor BDNF in BD patients.
CONCLUSION
Inflammation in BD requires further investigation to understand the underlying immunologic mechanism, to identify predictors of treatment response, and to make informed decisions about the use and development of more effective pharmacological interventions for BD.
PubMed: 38879067
DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111056 -
BMC Oral Health Jun 2024Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in the world. Patients with periodontitis have a higher risk of CVD, although a causal relationship... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in the world. Patients with periodontitis have a higher risk of CVD, although a causal relationship between these conditions remains unclear. Non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) is able to control inflammation at local and systemic levels. This study aimed to analyze the effect of NSPT on CVD risk markers.
METHODS
Four electronic databases were searched from their inception to April 1, 2023, to identify and select articles without any language restrictions. Eleven CVD-related markers (e.g., C-reactive protein [CRP], Interleukin-6 [IL-6]) were selected. Meta-analyses were performed using random and fixed effect models. The differences were expressed as weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI).
RESULTS
From 1353 studies, twenty-one randomized controlled clinical trials were included in the meta-analysis. Results showed a significant decrease in CRP, IL-6, and systolic blood pressure (SBP) after NSPT.
CONCLUSION
Moderate certainty evidence shows that NSPT has a positive effect on the reduction of IL-6 and SBP in patients with periodontitis, while low certainty evidence shows that NSPT is effective for reduction of CRP. Moderate certainty evidence showed that NSPT did not show a positive effect on low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG), and low certainty evidence showed that NSPT did not show a positive effect on Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and flow-mediated dilatation (FMD).
PROTOCOL REGISTRATION
The protocol was registered in the PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews), number CRD42022377565.
Topics: Humans; Cardiovascular Diseases; C-Reactive Protein; Biomarkers; Interleukin-6; Periodontitis; Blood Pressure; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Heart Disease Risk Factors; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38877442
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04433-0 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024To elucidate the correlation of HIF1A with clinicopathologic characteristics in patients with gastric cancer (GC), we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. We... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
To elucidate the correlation of HIF1A with clinicopathologic characteristics in patients with gastric cancer (GC), we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched PubMed, Embase and Web of Science for studies on GC and HIF1A, covering studies published until January 31st, 2022. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for clinical characteristics based on high and low HIF1A protein levels. We used random-effects and fixed-effects meta-analysis methods to determine mean effect sizes of ORs and evaluated publication heterogeneity with τ, I, and Q values. Additionally, we generated funnel plots to inspect publication bias. Our meta-analysis included 20 publications with 3416 GC patients to estimate the association between high or low HIF1A expression and clinical characteristics. Positive HIF1A expression was significantly associated with T stage progression (OR: 2.46; 95% CI 1.81-3.36; P < 0.01), TNM stage progression (OR: 2.50; 95% CI 1.61-3.87; P < 0.01), lymph node metastasis (OR: 2.06; 95% CI 1.44-2.94; P < 0.01), undifferentiated status (OR: 1.83; 95% CI 1.45-2.32; P < 0.01), M stage progression (OR: 2.34; 95% CI 1.46-3.77; P < 0.01), Borrmann stage progression (OR: 1.48; 95% CI 1.02-2.15; P = 0.04), larger tumor size (OR: 1.27; 95% CI 1.06-1.52; P < 0.01), vascular invasion (OR: 1.94; 95% CI 1.38-2.72; P < 0.01), and higher vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein expression (OR: 2.61; 95% CI 1.79-3.80; P < 0.01) in our meta-analysis. GC Patients highly expressing HIF1A protein might be prone to tumor progression, poorly differentiated GC cell types, and a high VEGF expression.
Topics: Stomach Neoplasms; Humans; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit; Lymphatic Metastasis; Biomarkers, Tumor; Neoplasm Staging; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
PubMed: 38877062
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63019-6 -
Environmental Research Jun 2024Nature-based interventions (NBIs) are activities, strategies, or programs taking place in natural settings, such as exercising in greenspaces, to improve the health and... (Review)
Review
Nature-based interventions (NBIs) are activities, strategies, or programs taking place in natural settings, such as exercising in greenspaces, to improve the health and well-being of people by integrating the benefits of nature exposure with healthy behaviours. Current reviews on NBIs do not report the effects on different groups of physical health conditions. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to identify and synthesize the evidence of the effect of NBIs on physical health outcomes and biomarkers of physical health conditions. Overall, 20,201 studies were identified through searching MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and CENTRAL databases up to June 7, 2024. Inclusion criteria were: 1) randomized controlled intervention studies; 2) population with a physical health condition; 3) NBIs vs. different intervention or no intervention; and 4) measuring physical health outcomes and/or biomarkers. Twenty-six studies were included in the review, 15 of which contributed to the meta-analysis. Compared to control groups, NBIs groups showed significant improvements in: diastolic blood pressure (MD -3.73 mmHg [-7.46 to -0.00], I = 62%) and heart rate (MD -7.44 bpm [-14.81 to -0.06], I = 0%) for cardiovascular conditions, fatigue (SMD -0.50 [-0.82 to -0.18], I = 16%) for central nervous system conditions, and body fat percentage (MD -3.61% [-5.05 to -2.17], I = 0%) for endocrine conditions. High effect heterogeneity was found in several analyses and the included studies had moderate-to-high risk of bias (RoB). The non-significant outcomes showed a direction of effect in favour of NBI groups for cardiovascular, central nervous system, endocrine, musculoskeletal, and respiratory conditions. This review found some beneficial effects in favour of NBIs for health outcomes in at least three condition groups though RoB and inconsistent effects limited some interpretations. NBIs are promising therapies that healthcare professionals can consider integrating into clinical practice.
PubMed: 38876421
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119421 -
Frontiers in Oral Health 2024The association between chronic oral diseases and other major systemic health conditions, commonly referred to as the oral-systemic health connection, has been...
BACKGROUND
The association between chronic oral diseases and other major systemic health conditions, commonly referred to as the oral-systemic health connection, has been previously studied with several underlying common risk factors and pathways linking both groups of diseases. Psychosocial factors contribute to an increased susceptibility to chronic oral and non-oral diseases. The aim of this review is to summarize the current state of knowledge on the role of psychosocial stress in chronic oral and systemic diseases.
METHODS
A search strategy was built and a literature search was conducted using four databases (CINAHL, Embase, Medline, PsycINFO). A combination of search terms related to psychosocial stress, systemic disease, and oral conditions were used. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they included human adults (aged 18 years and older), included psychosocial factors as an exposure measure, and outcome measures of both an oral and systemic condition. Only English-language articles were considered. Pilot testing of the data extraction form and calibration were conducted and data were extracted independently by one researcher.
RESULTS
A total of fifteen articles out of eighty full-text articles screened were determined to be eligible for inclusion in this review. Periodontal disease was the most commonly studied oral disease, measured in 53% of included articles, with the most commonly studied systemic diseases being of mental health conditions (40%) and diabetes (47%). Psychosocial stress was measured using a range of psychometric indicators and/or biomarkers, including perceived stress, individual behaviours, childhood adversity, and cortisol. In total, fourteen studies found a positive association between measures of psychosocial stress and oral-systemic health.
CONCLUSION
Psychosocial stress may be a common contributor to both chronic oral and non-oral diseases.
PubMed: 38872985
DOI: 10.3389/froh.2024.1378467 -
European Stroke Journal Jun 2024There are limited data regarding cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma biomarkers among patients with Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (CAA). We sought to investigate the...
INTRODUCTION
There are limited data regarding cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma biomarkers among patients with Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (CAA). We sought to investigate the levels of four biomarkers [β-amyloids (Aβ42 and Aβ40), total tau (tau) and phosphorylated tau (p-tau)] in CAA patients compared to healthy controls (HC) and patients with Alzheimer Disease (AD).
PATIENTS AND METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies, including also a 5 year single-center cohort study, with available data on CSF and plasma biomarkers in symptomatic sporadic CAA versus HC and AD was conducted. Biomarkers' comparisons were investigated using random-effects models based on the ratio of mean (RoM) biomarker concentrations. RoM < 1 and RoM > 1 indicate lower and higher biomarker concentration in CAA compared to another population, respectively.
RESULTS
We identified nine cohorts, comprising 327 CAA patients (mean age: 71 ± 5 years; women: 45%) versus 336 HC (mean age: 65 ± 5 years; women: 45%) and 384 AD patients (mean age: 68 ± 3 years; women: 53%) with available data on CSF biomarkers. CSF Aβ42 levels [RoM: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.36-0.62; < 0.0001], Aβ40 levels [RoM: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.63-0.79; < 0.0001] and the ratio Aβ42/Aβ40 [RoM: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.39-0.98; = 0.0438] differentiated CAA from HC. CSF Aβ40 levels [RoM: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.64-0.83; = 0.0003] differentiated CAA from AD. CSF tau and p-tau levels differentiated CAA from HC [RoM: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.41-2.09; = 0.0002 and RoM: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.20-1.73; = 0.0014, respectively] and from AD [RoM: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.58-0.72; < 0.0001 and RoM: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.57-0.71; < 0.0001, respectively]. Plasma Aβ42 [RoM: 1.14; 95% CI: 0.89-1.45; = 0.2079] and Aβ40 [RoM: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.91-1.25; = 0.3306] levels were comparable between CAA and HC.
CONCLUSIONS
CAA is characterized by a distinct CSF biomarker pattern compared to HC and AD. CSF Aβ40 levels are lower in CAA compared to HC and AD, while tau and p-tau levels are higher in CAA compared to HC, but lower in comparison to AD patients.
PubMed: 38869035
DOI: 10.1177/23969873241260538