-
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024(Willd. ex Schult.) DC. (Rubiaceae) is traditionally used by Amazonian indigenous groups to treat inflammatory diseases. To date, there are no systematic reviews and...
BACKGROUND
(Willd. ex Schult.) DC. (Rubiaceae) is traditionally used by Amazonian indigenous groups to treat inflammatory diseases. To date, there are no systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the use of for inflammation control in animals supporting the traditional knowledge about this species. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of extracts in modulating inflammatory mediators and to determine which types of inflammatory diseases can be treated by this species.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies published before 26 July 2023, identified in PubMed, Embase, and Scopus. Four independent reviewers extracted the data and assessed the risks of bias. The effects of on inflammatory diseases and the inflammatory mediators involved were extracted from the studies. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) of the outcomes were estimated. The meta-analyses were conducted using RevMan 5.4 (Cochrane Collaboration). This protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023450869).
RESULTS
Twenty-four of 523 studies were included. extracts decreased the cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 (SMD: -0.72, 95%CI: -1.15, -0.29, = 0.001) and transcription factor nuclear factor -B (NF-κB) (SMD: -1.19, 95%CI: -1.89, -0.48, = 0.001). However, the extracts did not significantly alter IL-1 (SMD: -0.16, 95%CI: -0.87, +0.56, = 0.67), IL-10 (SMD: -0.05, 95%CI:-0.35, 0.45, = 0.80), or tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-α) levels (SMD: 0.18, 95%CI: -0.25, 0.62, = 0.41).
CONCLUSION
Many extracts of stem bark, roots, and leaves of , mostly aqueous and hydroethanolic, exhibited anti-inflammatory and/or immunomodulatory activities and low toxicity. The extracts decreased NF-κB and IL-6. These findings suggest that this species has the potential to treat inflammatory diseases in which these markers are increased, according to the ethnopharmacological use. These activities are not related to a specific class of compounds.
UNLABELLED
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=450869, Identifier CRD42023450869.
PubMed: 38881881
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1378408 -
Brain Stimulation Jun 2024Low-intensity transcranial ultrasound has surged forward as a non-invasive and disruptive tool for neuromodulation with applications in basic neuroscience research and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Low-intensity transcranial ultrasound has surged forward as a non-invasive and disruptive tool for neuromodulation with applications in basic neuroscience research and the treatment of neurological and psychiatric conditions.
OBJECTIVE
To provide a comprehensive overview and update of preclinical and clinical transcranial low intensity ultrasound for neuromodulation and emphasize the emerging role of functional brain mapping to guide, better understand, and predict responses.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted by searching the Web of Science and Scopus databases for studies on transcranial ultrasound neuromodulation, both in humans and animals.
RESULTS
187 relevant studies were identified and reviewed, including 116 preclinical and 71 clinical reports with subjects belonging to diverse cohorts. Milestones of ultrasound neuromodulation are described within an overview of the broader landscape. General neural readouts and outcome measures are discussed, potential confounds are noted, and the emerging use of functional magnetic resonance imaging is highlighted.
CONCLUSION
Ultrasound neuromodulation has emerged as a powerful tool to study and treat a range of conditions and its combination with various neural readouts has significantly advanced this platform. In particular, the use of functional magnetic resonance imaging has yielded exciting inferences into ultrasound neuromodulation and has the potential to advance our understanding of brain function, neuromodulatory mechanisms, and ultimately clinical outcomes. It is anticipated that these preclinical and clinical trials are the first of many; that transcranial low intensity focused ultrasound, particularly in combination with functional magnetic resonance imaging, has the potential to enhance treatment for a spectrum of neurological conditions.
PubMed: 38880207
DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2024.06.005 -
Acta Biomaterialia Jun 2024Spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with substantial healthcare challenges, frequently resulting in enduring sensory and motor deficits alongside various chronic... (Review)
Review
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with substantial healthcare challenges, frequently resulting in enduring sensory and motor deficits alongside various chronic complications. While advanced regenerative therapies have shown promise in preclinical research, their translation into clinical application has been limited. In response, this study utilized a comprehensive network meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of neural stem/progenitor cell (NSPC) transplantation across animal models of SCI. We analyzed 363 outcomes from 55 distinct studies, categorizing the treatments into NSPCs alone (cell only), NSPCs with scaffolds (cell + scaffold), NSPCs with hydrogels (cell + hydrogel), standalone scaffolds (scaffold), standalone hydrogels (hydrogel), and control groups. Our analysis demonstrated significant enhancements in motor recovery, especially in gait function, within the NSPC treatment groups. Notably, the cell only group showed considerable improvements (standardized mean difference [SMD], 2.05; 95 % credible interval [CrI]: 1.08 to 3.10, p < 0.01), as did the cell + scaffold group (SMD, 3.73; 95 % CrI: 2.26 to 5.22, p < 0.001) and the cell + hydrogel group (SMD, 3.37; 95 % CrI: 1.02 to 5.78, p < 0.05) compared to controls. These therapeutic combinations not only reduced lesion cavity size but also enhanced neuronal regeneration, outperforming the cell only treatments. By integrating NSPCs with supportive biomaterials, our findings pave the way for refining these regenerative strategies to optimize their potential in clinical SCI treatment. Although there is no overall violation of consistency, the comparison of effect sizes between individual treatments should be interpreted in light of the inconsistency. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This study presents a comprehensive network meta-analysis exploring the efficacy of neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation, with and without biomaterials, in animal models of spinal cord injury (SCI). We demonstrate that NSCs, particularly when combined with biomaterials like scaffolds or hydrogels, significantly enhance motor and histological recovery post-SCI. These findings underscore the potential of NSC-based therapies, augmented with biomaterials, to advance SCI treatment, offering new insights into regenerative strategies that could significantly impact clinical practices.
PubMed: 38871200
DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.06.011 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024Liraglutide (Lrg), a novel anti-diabetic drug that mimics the endogenous glucagon-like peptide-1 to potentiate insulin secretion, is observed to be capable of partially... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Liraglutide (Lrg), a novel anti-diabetic drug that mimics the endogenous glucagon-like peptide-1 to potentiate insulin secretion, is observed to be capable of partially reversing osteopenia. The aim of the present study is to further investigate the efficacy and potential anti-osteoporosis mechanisms of Lrg for improving bone pathology, bone- related parameters under imageology, and serum bone metabolism indexes in an animal model of osteoporosis with or without diabetes.
METHODS
Eight databases were searched from their inception dates to April 27, 2024. The risk of bias and data on outcome measures were analyzed by the CAMARADES 10-item checklist and Rev-Man 5.3 software separately.
RESULTS
Seventeen eligible studies were ultimately included in this review. The number of criteria met in each study varied from 4/10 to 8/10 with an average of 5.47. The aspects of blinded induction of the model, blinding assessment of outcome and sample size calculation need to be strengthened with emphasis. The pre-clinical evidence reveals that Lrg is capable of partially improving bone related parameters under imageology, bone pathology, and bone maximum load, increasing serum osteocalcin, N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen, and reducing serum c-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (P<0.05). Lrg reverses osteopenia likely by activating osteoblast proliferation through promoting the Wnt signal pathway, p-AMPK/PGC1α signal pathway, and inhibiting the activation of osteoclasts by inhibiting the OPG/RANKL/RANK signal pathway through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-autophagic pathways. Furthermore, the present study recommends that more reasonable usage methods of streptozotocin, including dosage and injection methods, as well as other types of osteoporosis models, be attempted in future studies.
DISCUSSION
Based on the results, this finding may help to improve the priority of Lrg in the treatment of diabetes patients with osteoporosis.
Topics: Liraglutide; Animals; Osteoporosis; Disease Models, Animal; Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor; Hypoglycemic Agents; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Bone Density
PubMed: 38868747
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1378291 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024This meta-analysis aimed to determine the efficacy of curcumin in preventing liver fibrosis in animal models.
OBJECTIVE
This meta-analysis aimed to determine the efficacy of curcumin in preventing liver fibrosis in animal models.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted on studies published from establishment to November 2023 in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and other databases. The methodological quality was assessed using Sycle's RoB tool. An analysis of sensitivity and subgroups were performed when high heterogeneity was observed. A funnel plot was used to assess publication bias.
RESULTS
This meta-analysis included 24 studies involving 440 animals with methodological quality scores ranging from 4 to 6. The results demonstrated that curcumin treatment significantly improved Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) [standard mean difference (SMD) = -3.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) (-4.96, -2.83), < 0.01, I = 85.9%], Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)[SMD = - 4.40, 95% CI (-5.40, -3.40), < 0.01, I = 81.2%]. Sensitivity analysis of AST and ALT confirmed the stability and reliability of the results obtained. However, the funnel plot exhibited asymmetry. Subgroup analysis based on species and animal models revealed statistically significant differences among subgroups. Furthermore, curcumin therapy improved fibrosis degree, oxidative stress level, inflammation level, and liver synthesis function in animal models of liver fibrosis.
CONCLUSION
Curcumin intervention not only mitigates liver fibrosis but also enhances liver function, while concurrently modulating inflammatory responses and antioxidant capacity in animal models. This result provided a strong basis for further large-scale animal studies as well as clinical trials in humans in the future. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42024502671.
PubMed: 38855740
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1396834 -
Materials Today. Bio Jun 2024Calcium phosphate-based biomaterials (CaP) are the most widely used biomaterials to enhance bone regeneration in the treatment of alveolar bone deficiencies,...
Influence of physicochemical characteristics of calcium phosphate-based biomaterials in cranio-maxillofacial bone regeneration. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of preclinical models.
OBJECTIVES
Calcium phosphate-based biomaterials (CaP) are the most widely used biomaterials to enhance bone regeneration in the treatment of alveolar bone deficiencies, cranio-maxillofacial and periodontal infrabony defects, with positive preclinical and clinical results reported. This systematic review aimed to assess the influence of the physicochemical properties of CaP biomaterials on the performance of bone regeneration in preclinical animal models.
METHODS
The PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases were searched to retrieve the preclinical studies investigating physicochemical characteristics of CaP biomaterials. The studies were screened for inclusion based on intervention (physicochemical characterization and evaluation) and reported measurable outcomes.
RESULTS
A total of 1532 articles were retrieved and 58 studies were ultimately included in the systematic review. A wide range of physicochemical characteristics of CaP biomaterials was found to be assessed in the included studies. Despite a high degree of heterogeneity, the meta-analysis was performed on 39 studies and evidenced significant effects of biomaterial characteristics on their bone regeneration outcomes. The study specifically showed that macropore size, Ca/P ratio, and compressive strength exerted significant influence on the formation of newly regenerated bone. Moreover, factors such as particle size, Ca/P ratio, and surface area were found to impact bone-to-material contact during the regeneration process. In terms of biodegradability, the amount of residual graft was determined by macropore size, particle size, and compressive strength.
CONCLUSION
The systematic review showed that the physicochemical characteristics of CaP biomaterials are highly determining for scaffold's performance, emphasizing its usefulness in designing the next generation of bone scaffolds to target higher rates of regeneration.
PubMed: 38854953
DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101100 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2024L. (Lamiaceae), known in English as 'wild thyme', is primarily found in the Palearctic realm (Eurasia, North Africa) and has been utilized traditionally for culinary,...
L. (Lamiaceae), known in English as 'wild thyme', is primarily found in the Palearctic realm (Eurasia, North Africa) and has been utilized traditionally for culinary, nutritional, medicinal, and aromatic purposes. The essential oil extracted from wild thyme is particularly noteworthy, being used extensively in the food industry as a flavoring agent and preservative. The plant's aerial parts are commonly employed as an element of the diet (e.g., tea)/for culinary uses and in local/traditional medicine (primarily for managing respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions), similar to the use of common thyme. There is practically no information available on the species' nutritional benefits. Pharmacological studies, including and research, alongside a limited number of clinical trials, have investigated extracts of , although these extracts are often phytochemically poorly characterized in different experimental protocols and models. These studies have demonstrated a range of therapeutic effects, such as antimicrobial (notably the essential oil) and anti-inflammatory, as well as its preventative health benefits and nutritional value of wild thyme. Preclinical studies have corroborated the plant's anti-inflammatory potential, particularly in conditions like inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and irritable bowel syndromes (IBS). Additionally, evidence of hepatoprotective activities and benefits in managing metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular health issues, such as lipid metabolism regulation, cholesterol reduction, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and immunomodulatory effects, have been observed predominantly in rodent models. Phytochemical analysis of wild thyme reveals an essential oil fraction below 1%, along with non-volatile compounds predominantly comprising phenolic acids (such as rosmarinic, salvianolic, and caffeic acids) and flavonoids (mainly glucosides of luteolin, apigenin, and their derivatives). These components are believed to contribute significantly to the plant's medicinal, nutritional, and preventive health properties. Despite promising findings, there is a need for more rigorously designed controlled clinical trials using phytochemically characterized wild thyme. The plant has an excellent safety and tolerability record. This review at the interface of nutritional/preventive health properties and as pharmacological activities highlights the current role of wild thyme in nutrition and general healthcare as well as its future potential, and also points to important gaps in the literature.
PubMed: 38846542
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1380962 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2024Migraines affect one billion individuals globally, with a higher occurrence among young adults and women. A significant survey in the United States indicated that 17.1%...
BACKGROUND
Migraines affect one billion individuals globally, with a higher occurrence among young adults and women. A significant survey in the United States indicated that 17.1% of women and 5.6% of men suffer from migraines. This study seeks to investigate the potential connection between NLRP3 and MMP9 in migraine pathology.
METHODS
The research involved searching databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Proquest, with the search concluding on March 31, 2024. Following PRISMA guidelines, PICO data were collected, focusing exclusively on animal models induced by Nitroglycerine (10 mg/kg), while excluding clinical studies.
RESULTS
The study, originally registered in Prospero Reg. No. CRD42022355893, conducted bias analysis using SYRCLE's RoB tool and evaluated author consensus using GraphPad v9.5.1. Out of 7,359 search results, 22 papers met the inclusion criteria. Inter-rater reliability among reviewers was assessed using Cohen's kappa statistics.
CONCLUSION
This review summarizes 22 preclinical studies on Nitroglycerin (NTG), NLRP3, MMP9, and related biomarkers in migraine. They reveal that NTG, especially at 10 mg/kg, consistently induces migraine-like symptoms in rodents by activating NLRP3 inflammasome and stimulating proinflammatory molecule production.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, CRD42022355893.
PubMed: 38836002
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1307319 -
Pharmacological Research Jul 2024Fibrosis is a common pathological process that can affect virtually all the organs, but there are hardly any effective therapeutic options. This has led to an intense... (Review)
Review
Fibrosis is a common pathological process that can affect virtually all the organs, but there are hardly any effective therapeutic options. This has led to an intense search for antifibrotic therapies over the last decades, with a great number of clinical assays currently underway. We have systematically reviewed all current and recently finished clinical trials involved in the development of new antifibrotic drugs, and the preclinical studies analyzing the relevance of each of these pharmacological strategies in fibrotic processes affecting tissues beyond those being clinically studied. We analyze and discuss this information with the aim of determining the most promising options and the feasibility of extending their therapeutic value as antifibrotic agents to other fibrotic conditions.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Fibrosis; Antifibrotic Agents
PubMed: 38821150
DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107245 -
Umbilical cord blood-derived therapy for preterm lung injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Stem Cells Translational Medicine May 2024Lung injuries, such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), remain a major complication of preterm birth, with limited therapeutic options. One potential emerging therapy...
INTRODUCTION
Lung injuries, such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), remain a major complication of preterm birth, with limited therapeutic options. One potential emerging therapy is umbilical cord blood (UCB)-derived therapy.
OBJECTIVES
To systematically assess the safety and efficacy of UCB-derived therapy for preterm lung injury in preclinical and clinical studies.
METHODS
A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov, and WHO International Trials Registry Platform was performed. A meta-analysis was conducted with Review Manager (5.4.1) using a random effects model. Data was expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD) for preclinical data and pooled relative risk (RR) for clinical data, with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Potential effect modifiers were investigated via subgroup analysis. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE system.
RESULTS
Twenty-three preclinical studies and six clinical studies met eligibility criteria. Statistically significant improvements were seen across several preclinical outcomes, including alveolarization (SMD, 1.32, 95%CI [0.99, 1.65]), angiogenesis (SMD, 1.53, 95%CI [0.87, 2.18]), and anti-inflammatory cytokines (SMD, 1.68, 95%CI [1.03, 2.34]). In clinical studies, 103 preterm infants have received UCB-derived therapy for preterm lung injury and no significant difference was observed in the development of BPD (RR, 0.93, 95%CI [0.73, 1.18]). Across both preclinical and clinical studies, administration of UCB-derived therapy appeared safe. Certainty of evidence was assessed as "low."
CONCLUSIONS
Administration of UCB-derived therapy was associated with statistically significant improvements across several lung injury markers in preclinical studies. Early clinical studies demonstrated the administration of UCB-derived therapy as safe and feasible but lacked data regarding efficacy.
PubMed: 38819251
DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szae033