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Clinical Cardiology Jul 2024Chronic heart failure (CHF) has always posed a significant threat to human survival and health. The efficacy of thiamine supplementation in CHF patients remains... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Chronic heart failure (CHF) has always posed a significant threat to human survival and health. The efficacy of thiamine supplementation in CHF patients remains uncertain.
HYPOTHESIS
Receiving supplementary thiamine may not confer benefits to patients with CHF.
METHODS
A comprehensive search was conducted across the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Web of Science databases up until May 2023 to identify articles investigating the effects of thiamine supplementation in CHF patients. Predefined criteria were utilized for selecting data on study characteristics and results.
RESULTS
Seven randomized, double-blind, controlled trials (five parallel trials and two crossover trials) involving a total of 274 patients were enrolled. The results of the meta-analysis pooling these studies did not reveal any significant effect of thiamine treatment compared with placebo on left ventricular ejection fraction (WMD = 1.653%, 95% CI: -1.098 to 4.405, p = 0.239, I = 61.8%), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (WMD = -6.831 mL, 95% CI: -26.367 to 12.704, p = 0.493, I = 0.0%), 6-min walking test (WMD = 16.526 m, 95% CI: -36.582 to 69.634, p = 0.542, I = 66.3%), N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (WMD = 258.150 pg/mL, 95% CI: -236.406 to 752.707, p = 0.306, I = 21.6%), or New York Heart Association class (WMD = -0.223, 95% CI: -0.781 to 0.335, p = 0.434, I = 87.1%). However, it effectively improved the status of thiamine deficiency (TD).
CONCLUSIONS
Our meta-analysis indicates that thiamine supplementation does not have a direct therapeutic effect on CHF, except for correcting TD.
Topics: Humans; Heart Failure; Thiamine; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Dietary Supplements; Chronic Disease; Ventricular Function, Left; Stroke Volume; Vitamin B Complex; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38940395
DOI: 10.1002/clc.24309 -
Turkish Journal of Ophthalmology Jun 2024Tissue engineering (TE) is a field of science that combines biological, engineering, and medical sciences and allows the development of disease models, drug development... (Review)
Review
Tissue engineering (TE) is a field of science that combines biological, engineering, and medical sciences and allows the development of disease models, drug development and gene therapy studies, and even cellular or tissue-based treatments developed by engineering methods. The eye is an organ that is easily accessible and amenable to engineering applications, paving the way for TE in ophthalmology. TE studies are being conducted on a wide range of topics, including the tear film, eyelids, cornea, optic nerve, glaucoma, and retinal diseases. With the rapid scientific advances in the field, it seems that TE is radically modifying the management of ocular disorders.
Topics: Tissue Engineering; Humans; Ophthalmology; Eye Diseases
PubMed: 38940358
DOI: 10.4274/tjo.galenos.2024.49779 -
The rapidly progressing and fatal outcome of rhombencephalitis by listeriosis in a 61-year-old male.Annals of Agricultural and... Jun 2024Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive facultative anaerobic bacterium that is ubiquitous in the environment and can cause severe infections in immunocompromised...
Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive facultative anaerobic bacterium that is ubiquitous in the environment and can cause severe infections in immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, and newborns. Listeriosis can manifest as meningitis, encephalitis, or sepsis, and its diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion. The case is reported of a rare presentation of rhombencephalitis by listeriosis in a 61-year-old male who initially suffered from subacute gastric disturbances and fever. Neurological consultation showed abnormal functions of cranial nerves and meningeal signs were observed. MRI revealed a poorly demarcated focus of approximately 45 × 16 × 15mm, indicating possible inflammatory processes, necessitating a lumbar puncture. Assessment of the CSF indicated infection with the bacterium- Listeria Monocytogenes, with the final diagnosis of Listeriosis encephalitis. Despite antibiotic therapy of Ceftazidine and Ampicillin, the patient's condition deteriorated, followed by death.
Topics: Humans; Male; Listeriosis; Middle Aged; Fatal Outcome; Listeria monocytogenes; Encephalitis; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Rhombencephalon
PubMed: 38940119
DOI: 10.26444/aaem/178178 -
Annals of Agricultural and... Jun 2024Escherichia coli is one of the most common bacteria isolated from urine samples collected from dogs and cats with urinary tract infection (UTI). Uncomplicated UTIs in...
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE
Escherichia coli is one of the most common bacteria isolated from urine samples collected from dogs and cats with urinary tract infection (UTI). Uncomplicated UTIs in dogs and cats can be treated with short courses of first-line antimicrobial drugs, e.g. amoxicillin, amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, or trimethoprim/sulfonamide. Recurrent or complicated UTIs often require long-term treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics. However, the choice of drug should be based on antimicrobial susceptibility.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Between March - September 2022, E. coli isolates cultured from the urine of 66 dogs and 41 cats with UTI symptoms were tested for antimicrobial resistance by using Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested for ampicillin, ampicillin/sulbactam, cefazolin, cefuroxime, aztreonam, gentamycin, amikacin, colistin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol and tetracycline.
RESULTS
The highest prevalence of resistance was documented for ampicillin (68% in dogs, 100% in cats) and ampicillin with sulbactam (59% in dogs, 54% in cats). The most common antimicrobial resistance patterns of E. coli were ampicillin alone (12 isolates, 29.3% in cats) and beta-lactams, including aztreonam (14 isolates, 21.2% in dogs).
CONCLUSIONS
High resistance to aztreonam (61% and 32% of isolates from dogs and cats, respectively), other beta-lactams, and fluoroquinolones should cause be alarm due to zoonotic potential and cross-transmission of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms between animals and humans.
Topics: Dogs; Cats; Animals; Urinary Tract Infections; Cat Diseases; Escherichia coli; Dog Diseases; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; Escherichia coli Infections; Urinary Bladder; Female; Male
PubMed: 38940100
DOI: 10.26444/aaem/176843 -
Annals of Agricultural and... Jun 2024Both periodontitis and non-specific bowel diseases (IBD) are complex chronic diseases, and the elements connecting them are the dysregulated microbiota and abnormal... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE
Both periodontitis and non-specific bowel diseases (IBD) are complex chronic diseases, and the elements connecting them are the dysregulated microbiota and abnormal immune response of the host. In turn, in the etiology of these diseases, the common environmental risk factor is improper mode of nutrition. The aim of the study is to review nutritional interventions and effective nutritional protocols applied in periodontitis and IBD. The result of the review will be identification of dietary recommendations exerting a beneficial effect on the reduction of the risk of development and alleviation of the severity of both diseases. At the same time, non-recommended dietary choices will be indicated.
REVIEW METHODS
A review of literature was carried out using the databases PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. Publications were analyzed by a non-systematic literature review aimed at making a brief synthesis of the collected information.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE
Diets recommended to patients with both periodontitis and IBD included the Mediterranean diet, DASH diet and vegetarian diet; excluding veganism, raw foodism and fruitarianism. For patients with IBD, special dietary recommendations were elaborated on the recommendations of the International Organization for Research into Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IOIBD), and specific diets, i.e. specific carbohydrate diet (SCD), and Groningen anti-inflammatory diet (GrAID). In the process of treatment of oral and intestinal dysbiosis, probiotic therapy is beneficial in both diseases, specified as the Western diet. Non-conventional diets are not recommended.
SUMMARY
Diet therapy for inflammatory periodontal diseases and IBD requires extensive individualization; nevertheless, a universal principle is avoidance of highly processed food, and implementation of easily digestible meals based on natural, ecological products. Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in primary prevention of both diseases analyzed, whereas in secondary prevention, diet therapy is a valuable supplementation of pharmacotherapy.
Topics: Humans; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Periodontitis; Diet; Secondary Prevention; Primary Prevention
PubMed: 38940099
DOI: 10.26444/aaem/190438 -
Annals of Agricultural and... Jun 2024We read with interest the article by Kulesza et al. about a narrative review on the question of whether cannabidiol is really effective in treating lower back pain [1]....
We read with interest the article by Kulesza et al. about a narrative review on the question of whether cannabidiol is really effective in treating lower back pain [1]. After a literature search using suitable search terms and application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, the authors included 10 studies in the analysis [1]. One of the articles included was an editorial and four papers were reviews [1]. Cannabidiol has been found to be ineffective in treating lower back pain and further studies are needed to answer the question of interest. The review is impressive, but several points require discussion.
Topics: Cannabidiol; Humans; Low Back Pain
PubMed: 38940097
DOI: 10.26444/aaem/186635 -
Journal of Integrative Neuroscience Jun 2024root, cataloged as "" in the Korean Pharmacopeia, is rich in various anthraquinones known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Formulations...
BACKGROUND
root, cataloged as "" in the Korean Pharmacopeia, is rich in various anthraquinones known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Formulations containing are traditionally employed for treating neurological conditions. This study aimed to substantiate the antiepileptic and neuroprotective efficacy of root extract (RTE) against trimethyltin (TMT)-induced epileptic seizures and hippocampal neurodegeneration.
METHODS
The constituents of RTE were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). Experimental animals were grouped into the following five categories: control, TMT, and three TMT+RTE groups with dosages of 10, 30, and 100 mg/kg. Seizure severity was assessed daily for comparison between the groups. Brain tissue samples were examined to determine the extent of neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation using histological and molecular biology techniques. Network pharmacology analysis involved extracting herbal targets for and disease targets for epilepsy from multiple databases. A protein-protein interaction network was built using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) database, and pivotal targets were determined by topological analysis. Enrichment analysis was performed using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) tool to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
RESULTS
The RTE formulation was found to contain sennoside A, sennoside B, chrysophanol, emodin, physcion, (+)-catechin, and quercetin-3-O-glucuronoid. RTE effectively inhibited TMT-induced seizures at 10, 30, and 100 mg/kg dosages and attenuated hippocampal neuronal decay and neuroinflammation at 30 and 100 mg/kg dosages. Furthermore, RTE significantly reduced mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor (), glial fibrillary acidic protein (), and in hippocampal tissues. Network analysis revealed TNF, Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Protein c-fos (FOS), RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT1), and Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) as the core targets. Enrichment analysis demonstrated significant involvement of components in neurodegeneration ( = 4.35 × 10-5) and TNF signaling pathway ( = 9.94 × 10-5).
CONCLUSIONS
The and analyses performed in this study suggests that RTE can potentially modulate TMT-induced epileptic seizures and neurodegeneration. Therefore, root is a promising herbal treatment option for antiepileptic and neuroprotective applications.
Topics: Animals; Neuroprotective Agents; Trimethyltin Compounds; Plant Extracts; Rheum; Plant Roots; Male; Anticonvulsants; Epilepsy; Hippocampus; Disease Models, Animal; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Computer Simulation; Network Pharmacology; Protein Interaction Maps; Rats
PubMed: 38940090
DOI: 10.31083/j.jin2306122 -
Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark... Jun 2024Persistent hyperuricemia can lead to the generation and deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals. This can trigger gouty arthritis (GA), which in turn induces...
BACKGROUND
Persistent hyperuricemia can lead to the generation and deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals. This can trigger gouty arthritis (GA), which in turn induces inflammation. Activation of the Nod-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays a critical role in the onset and progression of GA. Autophagy may have a dual effect on GA with regard to the NLRP3 inflammasome. Therefore, the present study aimed to gain a deeper comprehension of the interaction between autophagy and NLRP3 inflammasome activation is imperative for developing more efficacious treatments for GA.
METHODS
Peripheral blood monocytes (PBMCs) were first isolated from GA patients and healthy controls and underwent bulk RNA sequencing analysis. Overexpression and knockdown of dual specificity phosphatase 1 (DUSP1) was performed in THP-1 monocytes to investigate its role in the immune response and mitochondrial damage. The luciferase assay and Western blot analysis were used to study the interaction between autophagy and NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
RESULTS
Bulk RNA sequencing analysis showed significant upregulation of DUSP1 expression in PBMCs from GA patients compared to healthy controls. This result was subsequently verified by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). DUSP1 expression in human THP-1 monocytes was also shown to increase after MSU treatment. Downregulation of DUSP1 expression increased the secretion of inflammatory cytokines after MSU treatment, whereas the overexpression of DUSP1 decreased the secretion levels. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) combined with adenosine-triphosphate (ATP) led to mitochondrial damage, which was rescued by overexpressing DUSP1. DUSP1 overexpression further increased the level of autophagy following MSU treatment, whereas downregulation of DUSP1 decreased autophagy. Treatment with the autophagy inhibitor 3-Methyladenine (3-MA) restored inflammatory cytokine secretion levels in the DUSP1 overexpression group. MSU caused pronounced pathological ankle swelling . However, DUSP1 overexpression significantly mitigated this phenotype, accompanied by significant downregulation of inflammatory cytokine secretion levels in the joint tissues.
CONCLUSIONS
This study revealed a novel function and mechanism for DUSP1 in promoting autophagy to mitigate the MSU-induced immune response in GA. This finding suggests potential diagnostic biomarkers and anti-inflammatory targets for more effective GA therapy.
Topics: Humans; Autophagy; Dual Specificity Phosphatase 1; Arthritis, Gouty; Uric Acid; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein; Inflammasomes; THP-1 Cells; Male; Monocytes; Case-Control Studies; Female; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38940057
DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2906222 -
Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark... Jun 2024Although umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (UCMSC) infusion has been proposed as a promising strategy for the treatment of acute lung injury (ALI), the parameters of... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
Although umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (UCMSC) infusion has been proposed as a promising strategy for the treatment of acute lung injury (ALI), the parameters of UCMSC transplantation, such as infusion routes and doses, need to be further optimized.
METHODS
In this study, we compared the therapeutic effects of UCMSCs transplanted via intravenous injection and intratracheal instillation on lipopolysaccharide-induced ALI using a rat model. Following transplantation, levels of inflammatory factors in serum; neutrophils, total white blood cells, and lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF); and lung damage levels were analyzed.
RESULTS
The results indicated that UCMSCs administered via both intravenous and intratracheal routes were effective in alleviating ALI, as determined by analyses of arterial blood gas, lung histopathology, BALF contents, and levels of inflammatory factors. Comparatively, the intratracheal instillation of UCMSCs was found to result in lower levels of lymphocytes and total proteins in BALF, whereas greater reductions in the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) were detected in rats receiving intravenously injected stem cells.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings in this study provide convincing evidence to indicate the efficacy of UCMSC therapy in the treatment of ALI mediated via different delivery routes, thereby providing a reliable theoretical basis for further clinical studies. Moreover, these findings imply that the effects obtained using the two assessed delivery routes for UCMSC transplantation are mediated via different mechanisms, which could be attributable to different cellular or molecular targets.
Topics: Animals; Acute Lung Injury; Lipopolysaccharides; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation; Umbilical Cord; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Rats; Male; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Injections, Intravenous
PubMed: 38940047
DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2906217 -
Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark... Jun 2024The inhibitors of mammalian target of rapapmycin (mTOR), everolimus, temsirolimus and rapamycin, have a wide range of clinical utility; however, as is inevitably the... (Review)
Review
The inhibitors of mammalian target of rapapmycin (mTOR), everolimus, temsirolimus and rapamycin, have a wide range of clinical utility; however, as is inevitably the case with other chemotherapeutic agents, resistance development constrains their effectiveness. One putative mechanism of resistance is the promotion of autophagy, which is a direct consequence of the inhibition of the mTOR signaling pathway. Autophagy is primarily considered to be a cytoprotective survival mechanism, whereby cytoplasmic components are recycled to generate energy and metabolic intermediates. The autophagy induced by everolimus and temsirolimus appears to play a largely protective function, whereas a cytotoxic function appears to predominate in the case of rapamycin. In this review we provide an overview of the autophagy induced in response to mTOR inhibitors in different tumor models in an effort to determine whether autophagy targeting could be of clinical utility as adjuvant therapy in association with mTOR inhibition.
Topics: Humans; Autophagy; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; MTOR Inhibitors; Animals; Neoplasms; Signal Transduction; Antineoplastic Agents; Cytoprotection; Sirolimus
PubMed: 38940039
DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2906231