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Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and... Apr 2024There is no consensus on the optimal endpoint(s) in cancer cachexia trials. Endpoint variation is an obstacle when comparing interventions and their clinical value. The... (Review)
Review
There is no consensus on the optimal endpoint(s) in cancer cachexia trials. Endpoint variation is an obstacle when comparing interventions and their clinical value. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize and evaluate endpoints used to assess appetite and dietary intake in cancer cachexia clinical trials. A search for studies published from 1 January 1990 until 2 June 2021 was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Eligible studies examined cancer cachexia treatment versus a comparator in adults with assessments of appetite and/or dietary intake as study endpoints, a sample size ≥40 and an intervention lasting ≥14 days. Reporting was in line with PRISMA guidance, and a protocol was published in PROSPERO (2022 CRD42022276710). This review is part of a series of systematic reviews examining cachexia endpoints. Of the 5975 articles identified, 116 were eligible for the wider review series and 80 specifically examined endpoints of appetite (65 studies) and/or dietary intake (21 studies). Six trials assessed both appetite and dietary intake. Appetite was the primary outcome in 15 trials and dietary intake in 7 trials. Median sample size was 101 patients (range 40-628). Forty-nine studies included multiple primary tumour sites, while 31 studies involved single primary tumour sites (15 gastrointestinal, 7 lung, 7 head and neck and 2 female reproductive organs). The most frequently reported appetite endpoints were visual analogue scale (VAS) and numerical rating scale (NRS) (40%). The appetite item from the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ) C30/C15 PAL (38%) and the appetite question from North Central Cancer Treatment Group anorexia questionnaire (17%) were also frequently applied. Of the studies that assessed dietary intake, 13 (62%) used food records (prospective registrations) and 10 (48%) used retrospective methods (24-h recall or dietary history). For VAS/NRS, a mean change of 1.3 corresponded to Hedge's g of 0.5 and can be considered a moderate change. For food records, a mean change of 231 kcal/day or 11 g of protein/day corresponded to a moderate change. Choice of endpoint in cachexia trials will depend on factors pertinent to the trial to be conducted. Nevertheless, from trials assessed and available literature, NRS or EORTC QLQ C30/C15 PAL seems suitable for appetite assessments. Appetite and dietary intake endpoints are rarely used as primary outcomes in cancer cachexia. Dietary intake assessments were used mainly to monitor compliance and are not validated in cachexia populations. Given the importance to cachexia studies, dietary intake endpoints must be validated before they are used as endpoints in clinical trials.
Topics: Humans; Appetite; Cachexia; Eating; Neoplasms; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Retrospective Studies; Clinical Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38343065
DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13434 -
BMC Nutrition Feb 2024Over the last decade, the results of several studies have indicated that adults' food preferences, consumption, and dietary choices vary depending on their genotype...
BACKGROUND
Over the last decade, the results of several studies have indicated that adults' food preferences, consumption, and dietary choices vary depending on their genotype characteristics. However, the results of studies related to genes and polymorphisms involved in this phenomenon are contradictory. This study is a systematic review designed to evaluate the genetic determinants of food preferences.
METHODS
This study was conducted following the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Searches were conducted to identify articles testing the impact of genotypes on food choices, preferences, and intake in healthy adults. The search included all relevant keywords, and studies published between 1/1/1994 and October 2022 were considered. We assessed the quality of included studies and evaluated the risk of bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for observational studies.
RESULTS
A total of 8,510 records were identified through our search method, and finally, 50 studies were included in this study. The majority of the studies evaluated the association of genetic variants with preferences for macronutrients, sweet, bitter, and fatty foods. The results of our study suggest a significant correlation between TAS2R38 variants (rs713598, rs1726866, rs10246939) and bitter and sweet taste preferences. Additionally, we found a considerable association between the T102C polymorphism of the 5-HT2A receptor gene and a higher intake of protein, and rs1761667 (CD36) was associated with fat preference.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, this study revealed a significant association between certain genetic variants and food preferences among adults.
PubMed: 38308303
DOI: 10.1186/s40795-024-00828-y -
Clinical Cardiology Jan 2024This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of flaxseed supplementation on weight loss, lipid profiles, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and glucose... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Effects of flaxseed supplementation on weight loss, lipid profiles, glucose, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in patients with coronary artery disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of flaxseed supplementation on weight loss, lipid profiles, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and glucose levels in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). A systematic search was performed using various online databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library, to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) until June 2023. To evaluate heterogeneity among the selected studies, the Q-test and I statistics were employed. Data were combined using either a fixed- or random-effects model and presented as a weighted mean difference (WMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Of the 428 citations, six RCTs were included. The pooled results did not show significant changes in the WMD of lipid factors (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total cholesterol) following flaxseed intake. However, after performing a sensitivity analysis to determine the source of heterogeneity, flaxseed supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in TG levels (WMD = -18.39 mg/dL; 95% CI: -35.02, -1.75). Moreover, no significant differences were observed in either weight or BMI following flaxseed intake. However, the circulating levels of fasting blood glucose (WMD = -8.35 mg/dL; 95% CI: -15.01, -1.69, p = .01) and hs-CRP (WMD = -1.35 mg/L; 95% CI: -1.93, -0.77, p < .01) significantly decreased after the intervention. Flaxseed supplementation was associated with lowering FBS, hs-CRP, and TG levels but did not affect weight loss parameters and other lipid markers in CAD.
Topics: Humans; Coronary Artery Disease; C-Reactive Protein; Flax; Glucose; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Cholesterol, HDL; Weight Loss; Dietary Supplements
PubMed: 38269632
DOI: 10.1002/clc.24211 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jan 2024Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease which manifests with progressive cognitive impairment, leading to dementia. Considering the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease which manifests with progressive cognitive impairment, leading to dementia. Considering the noninvasive collection of saliva, we designed the systematic review to answer the question "Are salivary biomarkers reliable for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease?" Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 30 studies were included in this systematic review (according to the PRISMA statement guidelines). Potential biomarkers include mainly proteins, metabolites and even miRNAs. Based on meta-analysis, in AD patients, salivary levels of beta-amyloid42 and p-tau levels were significantly increased, and t-tau and lactoferrin were decreased at borderline statistical significance. However, according to pooled AUC, lactoferrin and beta-amyloid42 showed a significant predictive value for salivary-based AD diagnosis. In conclusion, potential markers such as beta-amyloid42, tau and lactoferrin can be detected in the saliva of AD patients, which could reliably support the early diagnosis of this neurodegenerative disease.
Topics: Humans; Alzheimer Disease; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Lactoferrin; MicroRNAs; Biomarkers
PubMed: 38256241
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021168 -
Human Reproduction Update May 2024The last decade has seen increased research on the relationship between diet and male fertility, but there are no clearly defined nutritional recommendations for men in...
BACKGROUND
The last decade has seen increased research on the relationship between diet and male fertility, but there are no clearly defined nutritional recommendations for men in the preconception period to support clinical fertility outcomes.
OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE
The purpose of this scoping review is to examine the extent and range of research undertaken to evaluate the effect(s) of diet in the preconception period on male clinical fertility and reproductive outcomes.
SEARCH METHODS
Four electronic databases (MEDLINE and EMBASE via Ovid, CAB Direct, and CINAHL via EBSCO) were searched from inception to July 2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies (prospective/retrospective, case-control, and cross-sectional). Intervention studies in male participants or couples aiming to achieve dietary or nutritional change, or non-intervention studies examining dietary or nutritional components (whole diets, dietary patterns, food groups or individual foods) in the preconception period were included. Controls were defined as any comparison group for RCTs, and any/no comparison for observational studies. Primary outcomes of interest included the effect(s) of male preconception diet on clinical outcomes such as conception (natural or via ART), pregnancy rates and live birth rates. Secondary outcomes included time to conception and sperm parameters.
OUTCOMES
A total of 37 studies were eligible, including one RCT and 36 observational studies (prospective, cross-sectional, and case-control studies; four studies in non-ART populations) published between 2008 and 2023. Eight reported clinical outcomes, 26 reported on secondary outcomes, and three reported on both. The RCT did not assess clinical outcomes but found that tomato juice may benefit sperm motility. In observational studies, some evidence suggested that increasing fish or reducing sugar-sweetened beverages, processed meat or total fat may improve fecundability. Evidence for other clinical outcomes, such as pregnancy rates or live birth rates, showed no relationship with cereals, soy and dairy, and inconsistent relationships with consuming red meat or a 'healthy diet' pattern. For improved sperm parameters, limited evidence supported increasing fish, fats/fatty acids, carbohydrates and dairy, and reducing processed meat, while the evidence for fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes, eggs, red meat and protein was inconsistent. Healthy diet patterns in general were shown to improve sperm health.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS
Specific dietary recommendations for improving male fertility are precluded by the lack of reporting on clinical pregnancy outcomes, heterogeneity of the available literature and the paucity of RCTs to determine causation or to rule out reverse causation. There may be some benefit from increasing fish, adopting a healthy dietary pattern, and reducing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and processed meat, but it is unclear whether these benefits extend beyond sperm parameters to improve clinical fertility. More studies exploring whole diets rather than singular foods or nutritional components in the context of male fertility are encouraged, particularly by means of RCTs where feasible. Further assessment of core fertility outcomes is warranted and requires careful planning in high-quality prospective studies and RCTs. These studies can lay the groundwork for targeted dietary guidelines and enhance the prospects of successful fertility outcomes for men in the preconception period. Systematic search of preconception diet suggests that increasing fish and reducing sugary drinks, processed meats and total fat may improve male fertility, while consuming healthy diets, fish, fats/fatty acids, carbohydrates and dairy and reducing processed meat can improve sperm health.
Topics: Humans; Male; Diet; Pregnancy; Female; Fertility; Preconception Care; Pregnancy Rate
PubMed: 38237150
DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad035 -
Molecular Autism Jan 2024Gastrointestinal symptoms and inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases exist at higher rates in the autistic population. It is not clear however whether autism is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Gastrointestinal symptoms and inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases exist at higher rates in the autistic population. It is not clear however whether autism is associated with elevated gastrointestinal inflammation as studies examining non-invasive faecal biomarkers report conflicting findings. To understand the research landscape and identify gaps, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies measuring non-invasive markers of gastrointestinal inflammation in autistic and non-autistic samples. Our examination focused on faecal biomarkers as sampling is non-invasive and these markers are a direct reflection of inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract.
METHODS
We extracted data from case-control studies examining faecal markers of gastrointestinal inflammation. We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science Core Collection and Epistemonikos and forward and backwards citations of included studies published up to April 14, 2023 (PROSPERO CRD42022369279).
RESULTS
There were few studies examining faecal markers of gastrointestinal inflammation in the autistic population, and many established markers have not been studied. Meta-analyses of studies examining calprotectin (n = 9) and lactoferrin (n = 3) were carried out. A total of 508 autistic children and adolescents and 397 non-autistic children and adolescents were included in the meta-analysis of calprotectin studies which found no significant group differences (ROM: 1.30 [0.91, 1.86]). Estimated differences in calprotectin were lower in studies with siblings and studies which did not exclude non-autistic controls with gastrointestinal symptoms. A total of 139 autistic participants and 75 non-autistic controls were included in the meta-analysis of lactoferrin studies which found no significant group differences (ROM: 1.27 [0.79, 2.04]).
LIMITATIONS
All studies included in this systematic review and meta-analysis examined children and adolescents. Many studies included non-autistic controls with gastrointestinal symptoms which limit the validity of their findings. The majority of studies of gastrointestinal inflammation focused on children under 12 with few studies including adolescent participants. Most studies that included participants aged four or under did not account for the impact of age on calprotectin levels. Future studies should screen for relevant confounders, include larger samples and explore gastrointestinal inflammation in autistic adolescents and adults.
CONCLUSIONS
There is no evidence to suggest higher levels of gastrointestinal inflammation as measured by calprotectin and lactoferrin are present in autistic children and adolescents at the population level. Preliminary evidence suggests however that higher calprotectin levels may be present in a subset of autistic participants, who may be clinically characterised by more severe gastrointestinal symptoms and higher levels of autistic traits.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Humans; Autistic Disorder; Biomarkers; Gastrointestinal Tract; Inflammation; Lactoferrin; Leukocyte L1 Antigen Complex
PubMed: 38233886
DOI: 10.1186/s13229-023-00575-0 -
Nutrients Jan 2024Many epidemiological studies have evaluated the intake of macronutrients and the risk of mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, current evidence is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Many epidemiological studies have evaluated the intake of macronutrients and the risk of mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, current evidence is conflicting and warrants further investigation. Therefore, we carried out an umbrella review to examine and quantify the potential dose-response association of dietary macronutrient intake with CVD morbidity and mortality. Prospective cohort studies from PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL were reviewed, which reported associations of macronutrients (protein, fat, and carbohydrate) with all-cause, CVD, cancer mortality, or CVD events. Multivariable relative risks (RR) were pooled, and heterogeneity was assessed. The results of 124 prospective cohort studies were included in the systematic review and 101 in the meta-analysis. During the follow-up period from 2.2 to 30 years, 506,086 deaths and 79,585 CVD events occurred among 5,107,821 participants. High total protein intake was associated with low CVD morbidity (RR 0.88, 95% confidence interval 0.82-0.94), while high total carbohydrate intake was associated with high CVD morbidity (1.08, 1.02-1.13). For fats, a high intake of total fat was associated with a decreased all-cause mortality risk (0.92, 0.85-0.99). Saturated fatty acid intake was only associated with cancer mortality (1.10, 1.06-1.14); Both monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) intake was associated with all-cause mortality (MUFA: 0.92, 0.86-0.98; PUFA: 0.91, 0.86-0.96). This meta-analysis supports that protein intake is associated with a decreased risk of CVD morbidity, while carbohydrate intake is associated with an increased risk of CVD morbidity. High total fat intake is associated with a low risk of all-cause mortality, and this effect was different in an analysis stratified by the type of fat.
Topics: Humans; Cardiovascular Diseases; Prospective Studies; Eating; Nutrients; Dietary Carbohydrates; Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated; Neoplasms
PubMed: 38201983
DOI: 10.3390/nu16010152 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Dec 2023Soybean use has been low in pet foods, even though they are an excellent source of protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and gut fermentable fibers. The purpose of this... (Review)
Review
Soybean use has been low in pet foods, even though they are an excellent source of protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and gut fermentable fibers. The purpose of this evaluation was to conduct a systematic review of the public literature to explore how soybeans have been researched for pet food applications since 2000 and to provide strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for soybeans in the pet food industry. The review covered a total of 44 articles related to soybean ingredients and their potential value in the pet food arena. The articles were categorized by their research contents and narratively summarized to demonstrate useful information to both the pet and soybean industries. When soybean-based products have been adequately processed to reduce the antinutritive factors, they are comparable to processed animal proteins in nutritional value, palatability, and functionality in pet food processing. We conclude that various food processing technologies and the versatility of soybean ingredients allow soybean to have considerable inclusion potential in pet foods. More research on dietary soybean ingredients regarding pet food processing, fermentation benefits on health, and consumer acceptance will be needed to understand soybean's position in the future pet food industry.
PubMed: 38200747
DOI: 10.3390/ani14010016 -
BMC Oral Health Jan 2024White spot lesions represent the first stage of caries and their prevalence has been increasing in recent years, particularly in patients undergoing orthodontic...
BACKGROUND
White spot lesions represent the first stage of caries and their prevalence has been increasing in recent years, particularly in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. DIferential diagnosis and lesion activity are essential to decide on the clinical approaches to treatment. The aim of this study is to understand if the new diagnostic tools such as fluorescence, microradiography and computed microtomography have the potential to change the conventional treatment of white spots".
METHODS
A systematic search of available studies in the literature was carried out, using PRISMA guidelines, in Pubmed and Scopus electronic databases and manually to identify relevant articles to answer the PICO question: "Do the new diagnostic tools have the potential to change the conventional treatment of white spots?". This systematic review included randomized controlled trials (RCT), cross-sectional and longitudinal studies complying with the following inclusion criteria: (i) studies in humans, (ii) studies about white spot lesions, (iii) studies published between 2012 and 2023, (iv) studies having both diagnosis and treatment and (v) studies with full text available. In this review we excluded other systematic reviews of clinical trials and in vitro studies. The RoB tool was used to assess the risk of bias.
RESULTS
The systematic literature search identified 143 potentially relevant references, which after applying the exclusion criteria, resulted in 20 articles. Regarding diagnostic methods, most articles found were based on conventional methods of visual examination (n:10) or fluorescence (n:7). The least referenced diagnostic techniques were based on the use of clinical photographs (n:2), cross-sectional microradiography (n:1) and computed microtomography (n:1). The use of DIAGNOdent was reported by 3 in vitro studies. With regard to therapies, most studies reported the use of infiltrating resin (n:7) and fluoride-based products (n:5). Other studies have reported the use of self-assembling peptide P11-4 (n:1), home care (n:1), casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (n:2) and hydrochloric acid (n:1). Combination therapies were also considered.
CONCLUSION
Diagnostic tool does not have the potential to change the form of treatment, whether it is a conventional method or a more differentiated one.
Topics: Humans; Combined Modality Therapy; Dental Care; Caseins; Databases, Factual; Dental Caries; Fluorides
PubMed: 38195439
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03720-6 -
Nature Food Jan 2024The protein transition, aiming to rebalance protein intake between animal and alternative proteins, is gaining momentum in scientific and policy discussions on food...
The protein transition, aiming to rebalance protein intake between animal and alternative proteins, is gaining momentum in scientific and policy discussions on food system transformation. Here, using a systematic review approach, we identified 33 articles that address challenges in reducing the environmental impacts of protein production and consumption, providing healthy diets for a growing population and preventing adverse effects of industrial livestock production systems. We found unclear definitions of the protein transition, conflicting views on reduction or replacement of dietary protein and a lack of attention to systemic change by reducing protein to its macronutrient function. Three narratives were identified, namely, the consumer narrative focusing on consumption-based solutions targeting dietary changes; the techno-centred narrative developing new, more resource-efficient protein production systems; and the socio-technological narrative that intends to transition the agri-food system from an animal-dominated regime to an alternative protein regime. We conclude that solutions should consider factors such as scale, initiating actors and expected impact to support complementary protein transition approaches.
Topics: Animals; Developed Countries; Diet, Healthy; Environment; Nutrients; Dietary Proteins; Humans
PubMed: 38172295
DOI: 10.1038/s43016-023-00906-7