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Cureus Apr 2024Self-treatment with vitamin, mineral, and herbal supplements has become increasingly common among patients for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Magnesium, in... (Review)
Review
Self-treatment with vitamin, mineral, and herbal supplements has become increasingly common among patients for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Magnesium, in particular, is popular on social media for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia. Meanwhile, preclinical studies support associations between magnesium status, sleep quality, and symptoms of anxiety. The extent to which these claims are evidence-based is unclear. Therefore, a systematic review was performed to provide an updated examination of the clinical evidence on the use of magnesium for the treatment of the above conditions given the popularity of such supplements among patients and the public at large. A thorough search of the PubMed database was performed and results were systematically reviewed using PRISMA guidelines. The search was limited to anxiety disorders and sleep disorders and included interventional trials only. Exclusion criteria included insufficient (<50 mg/12.5% of recommended daily allowance (RDA)) or unknown magnesium dose, >3 other potentially active compounds present in the formulation, and articles in languages other than English. This query returned 860 articles of which 15 met full inclusion criteria. Eight measured sleep-related outcomes, seven measured anxiety-related outcomes, and one examined both. Sleep quality was measured most frequently using the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Anxiety measures included self-reported measures such as the Hamilton Anxiety Scale. The majority of included studies demonstrated improvement in at least one sleep- or anxiety-related parameter. Five out of eight sleep-related studies reported improvements in sleep parameters, while two studies reported no improvements, and one reported mixed results. Five out of seven studies measuring anxiety-related outcomes reported improvements in self-reported anxiety. Firm conclusions were limited by the heterogeneity of the data and the small number of participants involved in most of the studies. The dosages, formulations, and durations of the magnesium interventions used also differed across studies. Furthermore, some studies included additional, potentially active ingredients, further complicating interpretations. Given the generally positive results across studies, the preponderance of preclinical evidence, and minimal side effects, however, supplemental magnesium is likely useful in the treatment of mild anxiety and insomnia, particularly in those with low magnesium status at baseline. Notably, both negative anxiety trials featured populations with underlying endocrine factors likely contributing to their symptoms (patients with premenstrual symptoms and post-partum women). Nonetheless, larger, randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy and to establish the most effective forms and dosages of magnesium for the treatment of insomnia and anxiety disorders.
PubMed: 38817505
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59317 -
Biological Psychology May 2024As the older population continues to expand, there is a growing prevalence of individuals who experience subjective cognitive decline (SCD), characterized by... (Review)
Review
As the older population continues to expand, there is a growing prevalence of individuals who experience subjective cognitive decline (SCD), characterized by self-reported failures in cognitive function and an increased risk of cognitive impairment. Recognizing that preventive interventions are typically more effective in preclinical stages, current research endeavors to focus on identifying early biological markers of SCD using resting-state electroencephalogram (rsEEG) methods. To do so, a systematic literature review covering the past 20 years was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, in order to consolidate findings on rsEEG frequency bands in individuals with SCD. Pubmed and Web of Science databases were searched for rsEEG studies of people with SCD. Quality assessments were completed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale. A total of 564 articles published from December 2003 to December 2023 were reviewed, and significant aspects of these papers were analyzed to provide a general overview of the research on this technique. After removing unrelated articles, nine articles were selected for the present study. The review emphasizes patterns in frequency band activity, revealing that individuals classified as SCD exhibited increased theta power than healthy controls, but decreased than MCI. However, findings for the alpha, delta, and beta bands were inconsistent, demonstrating variability across studies and highlighting the need for further research. Although the rsEEG of frequency bands emerges as a promising early biomarker, there is a noteworthy need to establish uniform standards and consistent measurement approaches in order to ensure the reliability and comparability of the results obtained in the research.
PubMed: 38815895
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2024.108823 -
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... Jul 2024Central nervous system (CNS) disorders exhibit exceedingly intricate pathogenic mechanisms. Pragmatic and effective solutions remain elusive, significantly compromising... (Review)
Review
Central nervous system (CNS) disorders exhibit exceedingly intricate pathogenic mechanisms. Pragmatic and effective solutions remain elusive, significantly compromising human life and health. Activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) participates in the regulation of multiple pathophysiological processes, including CNS disorders. Considering the widespread involvement of ATF4 in the pathological process of CNS disorders, the targeted regulation of ATF4 by plant-derived bioactive compounds (PDBCs) may become a viable strategy for the treatment of CNS disorders. However, the regulatory relationship between PDBCs and ATF4 remains incompletely understood. Here, we aimed to comprehensively review the studies on PDBCs targeting ATF4 to ameliorate CNS disorders, thereby offering novel directions and insights for the treatment of CNS disorders. A computerized search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases to identify preclinical experiments related to PDBCs targeting ATF4 for the treatment of CNS disorders. The search timeframe was from the inception of the databases to December 2023. Two assessors conducted searches using the keywords "ATF4," "Central Nervous System," "Neurological," "Alzheimer's disease," "Parkinson's Disease," "Stroke," "Spinal Cord Injury," "Glioblastoma," "Traumatic Brain Injury," and "Spinal Cord Injury." Overall, 31 studies were included, encompassing assessments of 27 PDBCs. Combining results from in vivo and in vitro studies, we observed that these PDBCs, via ATF4 modulation, prevent the deposition of amyloid-like fibers such as Aβ, tau, and α-synuclein. They regulate ERS, reduce the release of inflammatory factors, restore mitochondrial membrane integrity to prevent oxidative stress, regulate synaptic plasticity, modulate autophagy, and engage anti-apoptotic mechanisms. Consequently, they exert neuroprotective effects in CNS disorders. Numerous PDBCs targeting ATF4 have shown potential in facilitating the restoration of CNS functionality, thereby presenting expansive prospects for the treatment of such disorders. However, future endeavors necessitate high-quality, large-scale, and comprehensive preclinical and clinical studies to further validate this therapeutic potential.
Topics: Activating Transcription Factor 4; Humans; Central Nervous System Diseases; Animals; Phytochemicals; Neuroprotective Agents
PubMed: 38795641
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116811 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024Breast cancer, the most invasive cancer in women globally, necessitates novel treatments due to prevailing limitations of therapeutics. Search of news anticancer targets... (Review)
Review
Breast cancer, the most invasive cancer in women globally, necessitates novel treatments due to prevailing limitations of therapeutics. Search of news anticancer targets is more necessary than ever to tackle this pathology. Heat-Shock Protein 90 (HSP90), a chaperone protein, is implicated in breast cancer pathogenesis, rendering it an appealing target. Looking for alternative approach such as Plant-based compounds and natural HSP90 inhibitors offer promising prospects for innovative therapeutic strategies. This study aims to identify plant-based compounds with anticancer effects on breast cancer models and elucidate their mechanism of action in inhibiting the HSP90 protein. A systematic review was conducted and completed in January 2024 and included in vitro, in vivo, and in silico studies that investigated the effectiveness of plant-based HSP90 inhibitors tested on breast cancer models. Eleven studies were included in the review. Six plants and 24 compounds from six different classes were identified and proved to be effective against HSP90 in breast cancer models. The studied plant extracts showed a dose- and time-dependent decrease in cell viability. Variable IC50 values showed antiproliferative effects, with the plant demonstrating the lowest value. Withanolides was the most studied class. Fennel, , and extracts were shown to inhibit tumor growth and angiogenesis and modulate HSP90 expression as well as its cochaperone interactions in breast cancer mouse models. The identified plant extracts and compounds were proven effective against HSP90 in breast cancer models, and this inhibition showed promising effects on breast cancer biology. Collectively, these results urge the need of further studies to better understand the mechanism of action of HSP90 inhibitors using comparable methods for preclinical observations.
Topics: Animals; Female; Humans; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Breast Neoplasms; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Cell Survival; HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins; Plant Extracts; Neoplasms, Experimental
PubMed: 38791506
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105468 -
Biosensors May 2024One of the most common problems many babies encounter is neonatal jaundice. The symptoms are yellowing of the skin or eyes because of bilirubin (from above 2.0 to 2.5... (Review)
Review
One of the most common problems many babies encounter is neonatal jaundice. The symptoms are yellowing of the skin or eyes because of bilirubin (from above 2.0 to 2.5 mg/dL in the blood). If left untreated, it can lead to serious neurological complications. Traditionally, jaundice detection has relied on invasive blood tests, but developing non-invasive biosensors has provided an alternative approach. This systematic review aims to assess the advancement of these biosensors. This review discusses the many known invasive and non-invasive diagnostic modalities for detecting neonatal jaundice and their limitations. It also notes that the recent research and development on non-invasive biosensors for neonatal jaundice diagnosis is still in its early stages, with the majority of investigations being in vitro or at the pre-clinical level. Non-invasive biosensors could revolutionize neonatal jaundice detection; however, a number of issues still need to be solved before this can happen. These consist of in-depth validation studies, affordable and user-friendly gadgets, and regulatory authority approval. To create biosensors that meet regulatory requirements, additional research is required to make them more precise and affordable.
Topics: Biosensing Techniques; Humans; Jaundice, Neonatal; Infant, Newborn; Bilirubin
PubMed: 38785728
DOI: 10.3390/bios14050254 -
Biochemical Pharmacology Jul 2024Epidemiological evidence links chemical exposure with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) risk and prevalence. Chemical exposure may therefore also limit success of weight loss or... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
A systematic review and meta-analysis of environmental contaminant exposure impacts on weight loss and glucose regulation during calorie-restricted diets in preclinical studies: Persistent organic pollutants may impede glycemic control.
Epidemiological evidence links chemical exposure with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) risk and prevalence. Chemical exposure may therefore also limit success of weight loss or restoration of glycemic control during calorie restricted diets. Few human studies examine this hypothesis. This systematic review and clustered meta-analysis examines preclinical evidence that exposure to anthropogenic environmental contaminants impedes weight loss and resumption of glycemic control during calorie restriction. Of five eligible papers from 212 unique citations, four used C57BL/6 mice and one used Sprague Dawley rats. In four the animals received high fat diets to induce obesity and impaired glycemic control. All examined persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) 77 exposure did not affect final mass (standardised mean difference (SMD) = -0.35 [-1.09, 0.39]; n = 5 (experiments); n = 3 (papers)), or response to insulin in insulin tolerance tests (SMD = -1.54 [-3.25, 0.16] n = 3 (experiments); n = 2 (papers)), but impaired glucose control in glucose tolerance tests (SMD = -1.30 [-1.96, -0.63]; n = 6 (experiments); n = 3 (papers)). The impaired glycemic control following perfluoro-octane sulphonic acid (PFOS) exposure and enhanced mass loss following dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) exposure have not been replicated. Animal studies thus suggest some chemical groups, especially PCB and PFOS, could impair glucose control management during calorie restriction, similar to conclusions from limited existing clinical studies. We discuss the research that is urgently required to inform weight management services that are now the mainstay prevention initiative for T2DM.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Blood Glucose; Caloric Restriction; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Pollutants; Glycemic Control; Persistent Organic Pollutants; Weight Loss; Disease Models, Animal; Rats
PubMed: 38782075
DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116300 -
Asian Journal of Surgery May 2024The gut microbiome is the entirety of microorganisms and their genomes residing in the gut, characterised by diversity, stability, and resilience. Disrupted gut... (Review)
Review
The gut microbiome is the entirety of microorganisms and their genomes residing in the gut, characterised by diversity, stability, and resilience. Disrupted gut microbiome has been implicated in multiple disease entities. The aim of this paper is to summarise the rapidly evolving contemporary evidence of gut dysbiosis on the development and progression of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), discuss possible mechanisms, and explore potential microbiota-targeted interventions and prognostic markers for AAA. A systematic literature search was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement, using PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Ovid, Embase. Search terms of "microbiome" OR "dysbiosis" OR "microorganism"; AND "aneurysm" OR "dilatation" OR "aorta" were used. Study endpoints included effects of microbiota on AAA formation, effects of specific type of bacteria and its metabolite on AAA formation, and pre- or post-treatment by novel small-molecules/inhibitors. From May to August 2023, a total of twelve animal studies and eight human studies were included. Akkermansia muciniphila, Lactobacillus acidophilus and species from the Bacteroidetes phylum were associated with lower AAA incidence in both animal and human studies, while Proteobacteria phylum, Campylobacter, Fusobacterium and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii were found to be in abundance in the AAA group and were associated with larger aneurysms. The diversity of gut microbiota was inversely correlated with AAA diameter. Three important mechanisms were identified: including trimethylamine N-oxide pathway, butyric acid pathway, and aberrant tryptophan metabolism. With our expanding knowledge of the downstream pathogenic mechanisms of gut dysbiosis, novel therapeutics such as short-chain fatty acids and spermidine, as well as prognostic biomarkers such as TMAO have yielded promising preclinical results. In conclusion, there is strong evidence corroborating the role of gut dysbiosis in the pathogenesis of AAA, wherein its therapeutic and prognostic potential deserves further exploration.
PubMed: 38772822
DOI: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2024.05.058 -
Cureus Apr 2024Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, poses a significant healthcare challenge worldwide. The accumulation of... (Review)
Review
Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, poses a significant healthcare challenge worldwide. The accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and hyperphosphorylated tau protein drives neuronal degeneration and neuroinflammation, perpetuating disease progression. Despite advancements in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms, treatment hurdles persist, emphasizing the need for innovative intervention strategies. Quantum dots (QDs) emerge as promising nanotechnological tools with unique photo-physical properties, offering advantages over conventional imaging modalities. This systematic review endeavors to elucidate the theranostic potential of QDs in AD by synthesizing preclinical and clinical evidence. A comprehensive search across electronic databases yielded 20 eligible studies investigating the diagnostic, therapeutic, or combined theranostic applications of various QDs in AD. The findings unveil the diverse roles of QDs, including inhibiting Aβ and tau aggregation, modulating amyloidogenesis pathways, restoring membrane fluidity, and enabling simultaneous detection of AD biomarkers. The review highlights the potential of QDs in targeting multiple pathological hallmarks, delivering therapeutic payloads across the blood-brain barrier, and facilitating real-time imaging and high-throughput screening. While promising, challenges such as biocompatibility, surface modifications, and clinical translation warrant further investigation. This systematic review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the theranostic potential of QDs in AD, paving the way for translational research and clinical implementation.
PubMed: 38770476
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58677 -
Frontiers in Bioengineering and... 2024Diabetic neuropathy affects nearly half of all diabetics and poses a significant threat to public health. Recent preclinical studies suggest that mesenchymal stem cells...
Diabetic neuropathy affects nearly half of all diabetics and poses a significant threat to public health. Recent preclinical studies suggest that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may represent a promising solution for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. However, an objective assessment of the preclinical effectiveness of MSCs is still pending. We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane library to identify preclinical studies that investigate the effects of MSCs on diabetic neuropathy up until 15 September 2023. Outcome indicators consisted of motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities, intra-epidermal nerve fiber density, sciatic nerve blood flow, capillary-to-muscle fiber ratio, neurotrophic factors, angiogenic factors and inflammatory cytokines. The literature review and meta-analysis were conducted independently by two researchers. 23 studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in this system review for qualitative and quantitative analysis. Pooled analyses indicated that MSCs exhibited an evident benefit in diabetic neuropathy in terms of motor (SMD = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.71-2.61) and sensory nerve conduction velocities (SMD = 2.93, 95% CI: 1.78-4.07), intra-epidermal nerve fiber density (SMD = 3.17, 95% CI: 2.28-4.07), sciatic nerve blood flow (SMD = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.37-2.66), and capillary-to-muscle fiber ratio (SMD = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.55 to 3.01, < 0.00001). Furthermore, after MSC therapy, the expressions of neurotrophic and angiogenic factors increased significantly in most studies, while the levels of inflammatory cytokines were significantly reduced. The relevance of this review relies on the fact that summarizes an extensive body of work entailing substantial preclinical evidence that supports the efficacy of MSCs in mitigating diabetic neuropathy. While MSCs emerge as a promising potential treatment for diabetic neuropathy, further research is essential to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and the best administration strategy for MSCs.
PubMed: 38770273
DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1349050 -
European Review For Medical and... May 2024Endometriosis means the presence of tissue similar to normal endometrium outside the uterus. Although surgical, hormonal, and analgesic treatment relieves symptoms and...
OBJECTIVE
Endometriosis means the presence of tissue similar to normal endometrium outside the uterus. Although surgical, hormonal, and analgesic treatment relieves symptoms and improves fertility, it is associated with side effects and a high recurrence rate. Alternative medicines like medicinal plants have been used for the treatment of chronic diseases. Given the global importance of endometriosis as a chronic disease affecting over 15% of all women in their fertile period, this systematic review aimed to give a comprehensive view of research on medicinal plants.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Comprehensive searches were performed on three databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science Core Collection (Indexes = SCI-EXPANDED, SSCI, A, and HCI Timespan), and Scopus, to identify papers published until June 2023. Keywords, such as "Endometriosis" and "Herbal Medicine", were used to search. A manual search of valid journals followed by a manual search of the references of the retrieved full-text articles was performed. All retrieved articles were imported into a database into Endnote X9. Articles that did not meet the inclusion criteria were excluded from the study, and the full texts of all the articles that met the inclusion criteria were assessed. Studies that evaluated the effects of herbal compounds on various aspects of endometriosis treatment were included in the review.
RESULTS
In total, 11 studies were included in the present study. The evidence showed that in addition to safety, drugs available alongside treatments could play an effective role in improving the symptoms associated with endometriosis. In this study, the positive results of using Chinese treatments were reported in aspects such as fertility rate, pain, endometriosis recurrence rate, quality of life, sexual function, CA-125 level, and menopause symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS
A wide range of preclinical and clinical studies evaluated the effectiveness and safety of medicinal plants in the treatment of endometriosis symptoms. Thus, alternative treatments for endometriosis with no or low side effects should be included in the holistic treatment of endometriosis upfront. However, there is still a need for well-designed trials to investigate standard interventions and specific and safe doses of herbal medicines.
Topics: Endometriosis; Humans; Female; Plants, Medicinal; Phytotherapy; Plant Preparations
PubMed: 38766794
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202405_36182