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PloS One 2024Utilizing the Mendelian randomization technique, this research clarifies the putative causal relationship between body mass index (BMI) andbone mineral density (BMD),...
SUMMARY
Utilizing the Mendelian randomization technique, this research clarifies the putative causal relationship between body mass index (BMI) andbone mineral density (BMD), and the mediating role of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The implications of these findings present promising opportunities for enhancing our understanding of complex bone-related characteristics and disorders, offering potential directions for treatment and intervention.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study is to examine the correlation between BMI and BMD, while exploring the intermediary role of LDL in mediating the causal impact of BMI on BMD outcomes via Mendelian randomization.
METHODS
In this study, we employed genome-wide association study (GWAS) data on BMI, LDL, and BMD to conduct a comparative analysis using both univariate and multivariate Mendelian randomization.
RESULTS
Our study employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization design. Considering BMI as the exposure and BMD as the outcome, our results suggest that BMI may function as a potential protective factor for BMD (β = 0.05, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.09, P = 0.01). However, when treating LDL as the exposure and BMD as the outcome, our findings indicate LDL as a risk factor for BMD (β = -0.04, 95% CI 0.92 to 0.99, P = 0.04). In our multivariate Mendelian randomization (MVMR) model, the combined influence of BMI and LDL was used as the exposure for BMD outcomes. The analysis pointed towards a substantial protective effect of LDL on BMD (β = 0.08, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.97, P = 0.006). In the analysis of mediation effects, LDL was found to mediate the relationship between BMI and BMD, and the effect was calculated at (β = 0.05, 95% CI 1.052 to 1.048, P = 0.04).
CONCLUSION
Our findings suggest that BMI may be considered a protective factor for BMD, while LDL may act as a risk factor. Moreover, LDL appears to play a mediatory role in the causal influence of BMI on BMD.
Topics: Humans; Bone Density; Body Mass Index; Mendelian Randomization Analysis; Lipoproteins, LDL; Genome-Wide Association Study; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Female
PubMed: 38870109
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298610 -
The Journal of Headache and Pain Jun 2024Currently, the treatment and prevention of migraine remain highly challenging. Mendelian randomization (MR) has been widely used to explore novel therapeutic targets....
BACKGROUND
Currently, the treatment and prevention of migraine remain highly challenging. Mendelian randomization (MR) has been widely used to explore novel therapeutic targets. Therefore, we performed a systematic druggable genome-wide MR to explore the potential therapeutic targets for migraine.
METHODS
We obtained data on druggable genes and screened for genes within brain expression quantitative trait locis (eQTLs) and blood eQTLs, which were then subjected to two-sample MR analysis and colocalization analysis with migraine genome-wide association studies data to identify genes highly associated with migraine. In addition, phenome-wide research, enrichment analysis, protein network construction, drug prediction, and molecular docking were performed to provide valuable guidance for the development of more effective and targeted therapeutic drugs.
RESULTS
We identified 21 druggable genes significantly associated with migraine (BRPF3, CBFB, CDK4, CHD4, DDIT4, EP300, EPHA5, FGFRL1, FXN, HMGCR, HVCN1, KCNK5, MRGPRE, NLGN2, NR1D1, PLXNB1, TGFB1, TGFB3, THRA, TLN1 and TP53), two of which were significant in both blood and brain (HMGCR and TGFB3). The results of phenome-wide research showed that HMGCR was highly correlated with low-density lipoprotein, and TGFB3 was primarily associated with insulin-like growth factor 1 levels.
CONCLUSIONS
This study utilized MR and colocalization analysis to identify 21 potential drug targets for migraine, two of which were significant in both blood and brain. These findings provide promising leads for more effective migraine treatments, potentially reducing drug development costs.
Topics: Humans; Migraine Disorders; Mendelian Randomization Analysis; Genome-Wide Association Study; Quantitative Trait Loci; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Brain
PubMed: 38867170
DOI: 10.1186/s10194-024-01805-3 -
BMJ Open Jun 2024Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is one of the most common osteoarthritis, imposing substantial economic and medical burdens on both individuals and society. In China, Tuina...
Tuina on knee pain and functional decline of lower limbs for patients with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis in Shanghai: protocol for a multicentre, assessor-blinded, randomised controlled trial.
INTRODUCTION
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is one of the most common osteoarthritis, imposing substantial economic and medical burdens on both individuals and society. In China, Tuina has been selected as a complementary and alternative therapy to relieve knee pain and dysfunction symptoms. However, the current evidence is insufficient to support the efficacy of Tuina therapy in addressing knee pain and improving physical function. The trial aims to compare the effectiveness of Tuina with celecoxib, which is considered as the standard treatment, and to assess its potential as an alternative therapy through changes in outcome measures.
METHODS AND ANALYSIS
A total of 360 KOA patients aged between 40 and 70 years and classified as Kellgren and Lawrence grades I-II will be recruited from eight subcentral hospitals. The participants will be randomly assigned to either the treatment group (Tuina, Biw) or the control group (celecoxib, Qd), with both groups undergoing a 4-week intervention phase followed by an 8-week follow-up phase. The primary outcome is the change in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain subscale at week 4 compared with baseline. Secondary outcomes including WOMAC stiffness and function subscales, WOMAC total score, 36-item Short-Form Health Survey, Timed Up and Go test, Short Physical Performance Battery, gait analysis parameters and pain medication records will be assessed at weeks 4, 8 and 12. Any adverse events that occur during the trial will be promptly recorded.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION
This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (2023SHL-KY-16-01, 2023SHL-KY-16-02). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Study results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
ChiCTR2300069416.
Topics: Humans; Osteoarthritis, Knee; China; Middle Aged; Aged; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Male; Pain Measurement; Female; Celecoxib; Multicenter Studies as Topic; Adult; Treatment Outcome; Arthralgia
PubMed: 38866576
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-083440 -
Toxicology Jun 2024Acrolein (ACR), an unsaturated, highly reactive aldehyde, is a widespread environmental toxin. ACR exerts permanent and irreversible side effects on ovarian functions....
Acrolein (ACR), an unsaturated, highly reactive aldehyde, is a widespread environmental toxin. ACR exerts permanent and irreversible side effects on ovarian functions. Granulosa cells play a crucial role in supporting ovarian function. Thus, in this study, we investigated the toxicity effects of granulosa cells induced by ACR. Following treatment with varying ACR concentrations (0, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100μM), we observed that ACR exposure induced reactive oxygen species accumulation, mitochondrial energy metabolism disorder, and apoptosis in KGN cells (a human ovarian granulosa cell line) in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, mitochondrial biogenesis in KGN cells displayed biphasic changes after ACR exposure, with activation at a low ACR dose (12.5μM), but inhibition at higher ACR doses (≥50μM). SIRT1/PGC-1α-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis is crucial for maintaining intracellular mitochondrial homeostasis and cellular function. The inhibition/activation of the SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway in KGN cells validated its role in ACR-induced damage. The results indicated that the inhibition of the SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway aggravated ACR-induced cell damage, whereas its activation partially counteracted ACR-induced cell damage. This study attempted to uncover a novel mechanism of ACR-induced ovarian toxicity so as to provide an effective treatment option for safeguarding female reproductive health from the adverse effects of ACR.
PubMed: 38866128
DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153861 -
PloS One 2024Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common disorder among middle and older individuals. Electroacupuncture and exercise are present as two popular physical therapies for the... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
PURPOSE
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common disorder among middle and older individuals. Electroacupuncture and exercise are present as two popular physical therapies for the management of KOA, and both were demonstrated to produce considerable results. However, the clinical decision-making process between these therapeutic interventions remains challenging due to the limited evidence of distinctions in their respective effects. This study aims to evaluate the clinical effect and cost effectiveness of electroacupuncture versus exercise in patients with KOA.
STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS
This is a randomized controlled trial in which 196 symptomatic KOA patients will be randomly assigned 1:1 either to the electroacupuncture group (n = 98) and the exercise group (n = 98). Patients in the electroacupuncture group will receive acupuncture with electric stimulation 3 times a week for 8 weeks, whereas patients in the exercise group will receive neuromuscular training twice a week for 8 weeks. Education concerning KOA management will be provided in both therapies. Co-primary outcomes include changes in numerical rating scale (NRS) and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) Activities of Daily Living (ADL) subscale from baseline at week 8. Secondary outcomes include KOOS Pain subscale, KOOS knee-related Quality of Life (QOL) subscale, Short Form 6 Dimensions (SF-6D), five-level EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L), Credibility/ Expectancy Questionnaire, Patient's global assessment (PGA), 30-second Chair Stand Test (30s-CST), 40m (4*10m) Fast Paced Walk Test (40m FPWT), and Daily Physical Activity level (DPA).
DISCUSSION
The results of this study will provide evidence regarding differences between these 2 physical therapies in multiple aspects and will provide specific guidance for the development of treatments based on the needs of individual patients.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ChiCTR2300070376.
Topics: Humans; Osteoarthritis, Knee; Electroacupuncture; Exercise Therapy; Female; Male; Quality of Life; Middle Aged; Treatment Outcome; Aged; Activities of Daily Living; Adult; Exercise
PubMed: 38861546
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305105 -
Cephalalgia : An International Journal... Jun 2024Acupuncture has been used for the treatment of chronic migraine, but high-quality evidence is scarce. We aimed to evaluate acupuncture's efficacy and safety compared to... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Acupuncture plus topiramate placebo versus topiramate plus sham acupuncture for the preventive treatment of chronic migraine: A single-blind, double-dummy, randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
Acupuncture has been used for the treatment of chronic migraine, but high-quality evidence is scarce. We aimed to evaluate acupuncture's efficacy and safety compared to topiramate for chronic migraine.
METHODS
This double-dummy randomized controlled trial included participants aged 18-65 years diagnosed with chronic migraine. They were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive acupuncture (three sessions/week) plus topiramate placebo (acupuncture group) or topiramate (50-100 mg/day) plus sham acupuncture (topiramate group) over 12 weeks, with the primary outcome being the mean change in monthly migraine days during weeks 1-12.
RESULTS
Of 123 screened patients, 60 (mean age 45.8, 81.7% female) were randomly assigned to acupuncture or topiramate groups. Acupuncture demonstrated significantly greater reductions in monthly migraine days than topiramate (weeks 1-12: -2.79 [95% CI: -4.65 to -0.94, = 0.004]; weeks 13-24: -3.25 [95% CI: -5.57 to -0.92, = 0.007]). No severe adverse events were reported.
CONCLUSIONS
Acupuncture may be safe and effective for treating chronic migraine. The efficacy of 12 weeks of acupuncture was sustained for 24 weeks and superior to that of topiramate. Acupuncture can be used as an optional preventive therapy for chronic migraine.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ISRCTN.org Identifier 13563102.
Topics: Humans; Topiramate; Migraine Disorders; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Adult; Acupuncture Therapy; Chronic Disease; Treatment Outcome; Single-Blind Method; Young Adult; Combined Modality Therapy; Adolescent; Aged
PubMed: 38860524
DOI: 10.1177/03331024241261080 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2024Studies have revealed a relationship between dietary potassium intake and albuminuria, despite the fact that the human body needs a lot of potassium. Our study...
BACKGROUND
Studies have revealed a relationship between dietary potassium intake and albuminuria, despite the fact that the human body needs a lot of potassium. Our study concentrated on the link between dietary potassium intake and albuminuria.
METHODS
This study used subgroup analysis and weighted multivariate regression analysis. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were examined to determine the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) and participant age (20 years or older). ACR >30 mg/g was the threshold for albuminuria.
RESULTS
7,564 individuals in all were included in the study. The link between the two was significant in both our original model (OR = 0.99; 95% CI, 0.98-0.99, < 0.0001) and the minimum adjusted model (OR = 0.99; 95% CI, 0.98-0.99, < 0.0001). A fully adjusted model did not change the significance of the negative correlation between potassium consumption and albuminuria (OR = 0.99; 95% CI, 0.98-1.00, = 0.0005), indicating that each unit increase in potassium intake was related with a 1% decrease in the chance of developing albuminuria. The negative correlation between potassium intake and albuminuria was not significantly influenced by sex, age, BMI, hypertension, diabetes, or smoking, according to interaction tests ( for interaction >0.05).
CONCLUSION
Reduced risk of albuminuria was linked to higher dietary potassium intake. The particular mechanism linking the two still has to be explained by several inventive and prospective studies.
PubMed: 38860157
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1375010 -
European Journal of Medical Research Jun 2024Migraine, as a prevalent neurologic disorder, involves intricate and yet incompletely elucidated pathophysiological mechanisms. A plethora of research findings... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Migraine, as a prevalent neurologic disorder, involves intricate and yet incompletely elucidated pathophysiological mechanisms. A plethora of research findings underscores the pivotal role played by astrocytes in the progression of migraines. In order to elucidate the current advances and directions in research pertaining to astrocytes in migraines, we conducted bibliometric analysis of relevant literature and visualized the results. Subsequently, we expound upon these findings to contribute to the evolving understanding of the role of astrocytes in migraine pathophysiology.
METHODS
On November 21, 2023, we conducted a search on Web of Science (WOS), restricting the document type to articles or reviews and language to English. Following a meticulous selection process involving three researchers, we identified the literature to be included in our analysis. Subsequently, we employed Microsoft Office Excel programs, R, VOSviewer, Scimago Graphica, and CiteSpace software to conduct visualization analysis of basic information and trends regarding journals, countries/regions, and influential authors, institutions, keywords, and papers.
RESULTS
As of November 21, 2023, relevant literature has been published in 71 journals across 27 countries/regions. This corpus comprises contributions from 576 authors affiliated with 220 institutions, encompassing 865 keywords and referencing 6065 scholarly articles. CEPHALALGIA stands out as the most influential journal in this field, while authors PIETROBON D and DALKARA T have significant impact. The United States is highly influential, with CNR and UNIV PADUA emerging as highly influential institutions. The predominant category is Neurosciences.
CONCLUSIONS
Future investigators may continue to focus on migraines with aura, familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM), and the crucial calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) system. Employing advanced observational techniques, such as imaging, researchers should pay attention to cellular and tissue structures, such as microglia and the trigeminal ganglion, as well as mechanisms involving inflammation and central sensitization. Moreover, animal models are paramount in obtaining high-quality evidence.
Topics: Humans; Migraine Disorders; Bibliometrics; Astrocytes
PubMed: 38858735
DOI: 10.1186/s40001-024-01919-z -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024Enteric glia are essential components of the enteric nervous system. Previously believed to have a passive structural function, mounting evidence now suggests that these...
BACKGROUND
Enteric glia are essential components of the enteric nervous system. Previously believed to have a passive structural function, mounting evidence now suggests that these cells are indispensable for maintaining gastrointestinal homeostasis and exert pivotal influences on both wellbeing and pathological conditions. This study aimed to investigate the global status, research hotspots, and future directions of enteric glia.
METHODS
The literature on enteric glia research was acquired from the Web of Science Core Collection. VOSviewer software (v1.6.19) was employed to visually represent co-operation networks among countries, institutions, and authors. The co-occurrence analysis of keywords and co-citation analysis of references were conducted using CiteSpace (v6.1.R6). Simultaneously, cluster analysis and burst detection of keywords and references were performed.
RESULTS
A total of 514 publications from 36 countries were reviewed. The United States was identified as the most influential country. The top-ranked institutions were University of Nantes and Michigan State University. Michel Neunlist was the most cited author. "Purinergic signaling" was the largest co-cited reference cluster, while "enteric glial cells (EGCs)" was the cluster with the highest number of co-occurring keywords. As the keyword with the highest burst strength, Crohns disease was a hot topic in the early research on enteric glia. The burst detection of keywords revealed that inflammation, intestinal motility, and gut microbiota may be the research frontiers.
CONCLUSION
This study provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of enteric glia research. EGCs have emerged as a crucial link between neurons and immune cells, attracting significant research attention in neurogastroenterology. Their fundamental and translational studies on inflammation, intestinal motility, and gut microbiota may promote the treatment of some gastrointestinal and parenteral disorders.
PubMed: 38855748
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1403767 -
Medical Science Monitor : International... Jun 2024BACKGROUND This study embarked on an innovative exploration to elucidate the effects of integrating electroacupuncture (EA) with motor training (MT) on enhancing...
BACKGROUND This study embarked on an innovative exploration to elucidate the effects of integrating electroacupuncture (EA) with motor training (MT) on enhancing corticospinal excitability and motor learning. Central to this investigation is the interplay between homeostatic and non-homeostatic metaplasticity processes, providing insights into how these combined interventions may influence neural plasticity and motor skill acquisition. MATERIAL AND METHODS The investigation enrolled 20 healthy volunteers, subjecting them to 4 distinct interventions to parse out the individual and combined effects of EA and MT. These interventions were EA alone, MT alone, EA-priming followed by MT, and MT-priming followed by EA. The assessment of changes in primary motor cortex (M1) excitability was conducted through motor-evoked potentials (MEPs), while the grooved pegboard test (GPT) was used to evaluate alterations in motor performance. RESULTS The findings revealed that EA and MT independently contributed to enhanced M1 excitability and motor performance. However, the additional priming with EA or MT did not yield further modulation in MEPs amplitudes. Notably, EA-priming was associated with improved GPT completion times, underscoring its potential in facilitating motor learning. CONCLUSIONS The study underscores that while EA and MT individually augment motor cortex excitability and performance, their synergistic application does not further enhance or inhibit cortical excitability. This points to the involvement of non-homeostatic metaplasticity mechanisms. Nonetheless, EA emerges as a critical tool in preventing M1 overstimulation, thereby continuously fostering motor learning. The findings call for further research into the strategic application of EA, whether in isolation or with MT, within clinical settings to optimize rehabilitation outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Electroacupuncture; Male; Motor Cortex; Learning; Female; Evoked Potentials, Motor; Adult; Healthy Volunteers; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation; Neuronal Plasticity; Young Adult; Motor Skills; Pyramidal Tracts
PubMed: 38853414
DOI: 10.12659/MSM.943748