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Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics Jan 2024The immune system is influenced by many factors, including female sex hormones. The extent of this influence, however, is not completely understood so far. This... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
The immune system is influenced by many factors, including female sex hormones. The extent of this influence, however, is not completely understood so far. This systematic literature review aims at giving an overview of the existing concepts on how endogenous progesterone influences the female immune system along the menstrual cycle.
METHODS
The inclusion criteria were healthy female subjects in their reproductive age with a regular menstrual cycle. The exclusion criteria were exogenous progesterone, animal models, nonhealthy study populations and pregnancy. This led to 18 papers covered in this review. The search was performed using the databases EMBASE, Ovid MEDLINE and Epub, and the last search was conducted on September 18, 2020. Our findings were analyzed in four categories: cellular immune defense, humoral immune defense, objective and subjective clinical parameters.
RESULTS
We demonstrated that progesterone acts in an immunosuppressive way, favoring a Th-2-like cytokine profile. Further, we showed that progesterone inhibits mast cell degranulation and relaxes smooth muscle cells. Furthermore, we found supporting evidence for a so-called window of vulnerability after ovulation, where immune functions are lowered and mediated through progesterone.
CONCLUSION
The clinical relevance of these findings is not completely understood yet. As the sample sizes of included studies were rather small and the content of them was broad, further investigations are needed to define to which extent the described changes actually clinically meaningful, whether they are capable of influencing the female health and how these findings can be used to increase well-being.
Topics: Female; Humans; Immune System; Menstrual Cycle; Ovulation; Progesterone; Reproduction
PubMed: 36933040
DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-06996-9 -
Sexual Medicine Apr 2023Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common disease among elderly men, and novel therapy methods are needed for drug-refractory ED. As an extracellular vesicle, stem...
INTRODUCTION
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common disease among elderly men, and novel therapy methods are needed for drug-refractory ED. As an extracellular vesicle, stem cell-derived exosomes displayed erectile function improvement in rat ED models in some preclinical studies. However, the therapeutic efficacy has not been comprehensively evaluated.
AIM
To study the therapeutic effects of stem cell-derived exosomes on ED in preclinical studies and to investigate the potential mechanisms responsible for the efficacy.
METHODS
The systematic literature search was conducted in Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase to retrieve studies utilizing stem cell-derived exosomes for ED treatment. We extracted data of intracavernous pressure/mean artery pressure (ICP/MAP), and cavernosum structural changes in rat ED models before and after stem cell-derived exosome therapy. RevMan 5.3 was used to perform meta-analyses of ICP/MAP and cavernosum microstructural changes. Publication bias was assessed with the Egger test and funnel plot by Stata 15.0 (StataCorp).
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Outcomes included ICP/MAP, smooth muscle, and endothelial markers-such as the ratio of smooth muscle to collagen and the expression of α-SMA (alpha smooth muscle actin), CD31 (cluster of differentiation 31), nNOS and eNOS (neuronal and endothelial nitric oxide synthase), TGF-β1 (transforming growth factor β1), and caspase 3 protein-to evaluate erectile function and microstructural changes. Forest plots of effect sizes were performed.
RESULTS
Of 146 studies retrieved, 11 studies were eligible. Pooled analysis showed that stem cell-derived exosomes ameliorated damaged ICP/MAP (standardized mean difference, 3.68; 95% CI, 2.64-4.72; < .001) and structural changes, including the ratio of smooth muscle to collagen and the expression of α-SMA, CD31, nNOS, eNOS, TGF-β1, and caspase 3 protein. Subgroup analysis indicated that exosome type and ED model type made no difference to curative effects.
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis suggests the therapeutic efficacy of stem cell-derived exosomes for ED. Exosomes may restore erectile function by optimizing cavernosum microstructures.
PubMed: 36910707
DOI: 10.1093/sexmed/qfac019 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2023Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), such as myocardial infarction (MI), constitute one of the world's leading causes of annual deaths. This cardiomyopathy generates a tissue... (Review)
Review
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), such as myocardial infarction (MI), constitute one of the world's leading causes of annual deaths. This cardiomyopathy generates a tissue scar with poor anatomical properties and cell necrosis that can lead to heart failure. Necrotic tissue repair is required through pharmaceutical or surgical treatments to avoid such loss, which has associated adverse collateral effects. However, to recover the infarcted myocardial tissue, biopolymer-based scaffolds are used as safer alternative treatments with fewer side effects due to their biocompatibility, chemical adaptability and biodegradability. For this reason, a systematic review of the literature from the last five years on the production and application of chitosan scaffolds for the reconstructive engineering of myocardial tissue was carried out. Seventy-five records were included for review using the "preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses" data collection strategy. It was observed that the chitosan scaffolds have a remarkable capacity for restoring the essential functions of the heart through the mimicry of its physiological environment and with a controlled porosity that allows for the exchange of nutrients, the improvement of the electrical conductivity and the stimulation of cell differentiation of the stem cells. In addition, the chitosan scaffolds can significantly improve angiogenesis in the infarcted tissue by stimulating the production of the glycoprotein receptors of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family. Therefore, the possible mechanisms of action of the chitosan scaffolds on cardiomyocytes and stem cells were analyzed. For all the advantages observed, it is considered that the treatment of MI with the chitosan scaffolds is promising, showing multiple advantages within the regenerative therapies of CVD.
Topics: Humans; Chitosan; Tissue Scaffolds; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Myocardial Infarction; Myocytes, Cardiac; Tissue Engineering
PubMed: 36838907
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041920 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Feb 2023Critically sized nerve defects cause devastating life-long disabilities and require interposition for reconstruction. Additional local application of mesenchymal stem...
Critically sized nerve defects cause devastating life-long disabilities and require interposition for reconstruction. Additional local application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is considered promising to enhance peripheral nerve regeneration. To better understand the role of MSCs in peripheral nerve reconstruction, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of MSCs on critically sized segment nerve defects in preclinical studies. 5146 articles were screened following PRISMA guidelines using PubMed and Web of Science. A total of 27 preclinical studies (n = 722 rats) were included in the meta-analysis. The mean difference or the standardized mean difference with 95% confidence intervals for motor function, conduction velocity, and histomorphological parameters of nerve regeneration, as well as the degree of muscle atrophy, was compared in rats with critically sized defects and autologous nerve reconstruction treated with or without MSCs. The co-transplantation of MSCs increased the sciatic functional index (3.93, 95% CI 2.62 to 5.24, < 0.00001) and nerve conduction velocity recovery (1.49, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.84, = 0.009), decreased the atrophy of targeted muscles (gastrocnemius: 0.63, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.97 = 0.004; triceps surae: 0.08, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.10 = 0.71), and promoted the regeneration of injured axons (axon number: 1.10, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.42, < 0.00001; myelin sheath thickness: 0.15, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.17, = 0.28). Reconstruction of critically sized peripheral nerve defects is often hindered by impaired postoperative regeneration, especially in defects that require an autologous nerve graft. This meta-analysis indicates that additional application of MSC can enhance postoperative peripheral nerve regeneration in rats. Based on the promising results in vivo experiments, further studies are needed to demonstrate potential clinical benefits.
PubMed: 36835844
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12041306 -
International Journal of Molecular... Feb 2023Among the most common muscular dystrophies in adults is Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 (DM1), an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by myotonia, muscle wasting and... (Review)
Review
Among the most common muscular dystrophies in adults is Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 (DM1), an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by myotonia, muscle wasting and weakness, and multisystemic dysfunctions. This disorder is caused by an abnormal expansion of the CTG triplet at the gene that, when transcribed to expanded mRNA, can lead to RNA toxic gain of function, alternative splicing impairments, and dysfunction of different signaling pathways, many regulated by protein phosphorylation. In order to deeply characterize the protein phosphorylation alterations in DM1, a systematic review was conducted through PubMed and Web of Science databases. From a total of 962 articles screened, 41 were included for qualitative analysis, where we retrieved information about total and phosphorylated levels of protein kinases, protein phosphatases, and phosphoproteins in DM1 human samples and animal and cell models. Twenty-nine kinases, 3 phosphatases, and 17 phosphoproteins were reported altered in DM1. Signaling pathways that regulate cell functions such as glucose metabolism, cell cycle, myogenesis, and apoptosis were impaired, as seen by significant alterations to pathways such as AKT/mTOR, MEK/ERK, PKC/CUGBP1, AMPK, and others in DM1 samples. This explains the complexity of DM1 and its different manifestations and symptoms, such as increased insulin resistance and cancer risk. Further studies can be done to complement and explore in detail specific pathways and how their regulation is altered in DM1, to find what key phosphorylation alterations are responsible for these manifestations, and ultimately to find therapeutic targets for future treatments.
Topics: Animals; Adult; Humans; Myotonic Dystrophy; Phosphorylation; Alternative Splicing; RNA, Messenger; Muscular Atrophy; Muscle, Skeletal
PubMed: 36834509
DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043091 -
International Journal of Sports... Mar 2023The aim of this systematic review was to (1) determine the muscle fiber-type composition (or muscle fiber typology [MFT]) of team-sport athletes and (2) examine...
PURPOSE
The aim of this systematic review was to (1) determine the muscle fiber-type composition (or muscle fiber typology [MFT]) of team-sport athletes and (2) examine associations between MFT and the physical characteristics and performance tasks in team-sport athletes.
METHODS
Searches were conducted across numerous databases-PubMed, SPORTDiscus, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar-using consistent search terms. Studies were included if they examined the MFT of team-sport athletes. Included studies underwent critical appraisal using the McMasters University critical appraisal tool for quantitative research.
RESULTS
A total of 10 studies were included in the present review, wherein the MFT of athletes was measured from 5 different team sports (soccer, rugby union, rugby league, handball, and volleyball). There was large variability in the MFT of team-sport athletes both within (up to 27.5%) and between sports (24.0% relative difference). Male football players with a higher proportion of type II fibers had faster 10- and 30-m sprint times, achieved a greater total distance sprinting (distance at >6.67 m·s-1), and a greater peak 1-minute sprint distance.
CONCLUSIONS
MFT varies considerably between athletes both within and between different team sports. The results from some studies suggest that variation in MFT is associated with high-intensity running performance in a football match, as well as 10- and 30-m sprint times. Further experimental studies should focus on how determination of the MFT of team-sport athletes could be utilized to influence talent identification, team selection, and the individualization of training.
Topics: Humans; Male; Athletes; Athletic Performance; Muscle Fibers, Skeletal; Team Sports; Australia; Rugby; Soccer; Volleyball; Muscle Fibers, Fast-Twitch; Muscle Fibers, Slow-Twitch
PubMed: 36750118
DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2022-0235 -
The International Journal of Angiology... Mar 2023Moderate intensity exercise is considered as a primary step to prevent coronary artery diseases (CADs) by stimulated FSTL-1 secretion as a novel myokines to improve... (Review)
Review
Moderate intensity exercise is considered as a primary step to prevent coronary artery diseases (CADs) by stimulated FSTL-1 secretion as a novel myokines to improve endothelial cell function, prevent arterial stiffness, or vascular inflammation. This review aims to provide the current evident role of FSTL-1 as a novel myokine secreted during exercise to prevent atherosclerosis progression. A systematic review using databases from (PubMed), ScienceDirect, and The Cochrane Library, was conducted up to October 2021 to identify all the eligible experimental and observational studies that assess how moderate intensity exercises stimulate FSTL-1 secretion to prevent atherosclerosis. Results were described through narrative synthesis of the evidence. From 84 retrieved references, 15 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The overall results suggest that exercise or physical activity can stimulate myokines secretion, especially in FSTL-1. FSTL-1 is a myokine or adipokine that plays a potential role in preventing atherosclerosis by various mechanisms such as via improvement of endothelial functions, suppression of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) proliferation, and reduction of arterial thickening. FSTL-1 is a relatively new and less known myokine, but probably holds a key role in assessing how moderate intensity aerobic exercise prevents atherosclerosis progression by preventing endothelial dysfunction, arterial stiffness, or vascular inflammation.
PubMed: 36727145
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1750184 -
Journal of Advanced Research Dec 2023Crush syndrome (CS) is a kind of traumatic and ischemic injury that seriously threatens life after prolonged compression. It is characterized by systemic inflammatory... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Crush syndrome (CS) is a kind of traumatic and ischemic injury that seriously threatens life after prolonged compression. It is characterized by systemic inflammatory reaction, myoglobinuria, hyperkalemia and acute kidney injury (AKI). Especially AKI, it is the leading cause of death from CS. There are various cell death forms in AKI, among which ferroptosis is a typical form of cell death. However, the role of ferroptosis has not been fully revealed in CS-AKI.
AIM OF REVIEW
This review aimed to summarize the evidence of ferroptosis in CS-AKI and its related molecular mechanism, discuss the therapeutic significance of ferroptosis in CS-AKI, and open up new ideas for the treatment of CS-AKI.
KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW
One of the main pathological manifestations of CS-AKI is renal tubular epithelial cell dysfunction and cell death, which has been attributed to massive deposition of myoglobin. Large amounts of myoglobin released from damaged muscle deposited in the renal tubules, impeding the normal renal tubules function and directly damaging the tubules with oxidative stress and elevated iron levels. Lipid peroxidation damage and iron overload are the distinguishing features of ferroptosis. Moreover, high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and damage-associated molecule pattern molecules (HMGB1, double-strand DNA, and macrophage extracellular trap) in renal tissue have been shown to promote ferroptosis. However, how ferroptosis occurs in CS-AKI and whether it can be a therapeutic target remains unclear. In our current work, we systematically reviewed the occurrence and underlying mechanism of ferroptosis in CS-AKI.
Topics: Humans; Acute Kidney Injury; Cell Death; Crush Syndrome; Ferroptosis; Myoglobin
PubMed: 36702249
DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.01.016 -
Nutrients Jan 2023Physical activity in general and sports in particular, is a mechanism that produces stress and generates great force in the tendon and in the muscle-tendon unit, which... (Review)
Review
Physical activity in general and sports in particular, is a mechanism that produces stress and generates great force in the tendon and in the muscle-tendon unit, which increases the risk of injury (tendinopathies). Eccentric and repetitive contraction of the muscle precipitates persistent microtraumatism in the tendon unit. In the development of tendinopathies, the cellular process includes inflammation, apoptosis, vascular, and neuronal changes. Currently, treatments with oral supplements are frequently used. Curcumin seems to preserve, and even repair, damaged tendons. In this systematic review, we focus more especially on the benefits of curcumin. The biological actions of curcumin are diverse, but act around three systems: (a) inflammatory, (b) nuclear factor B (NF-κB) related apoptosis pathways, and (c) oxidative stress systems. A bibliographic search is conducted under the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) as a basis for reporting reliable systematic reviews to perform a Scoping review. After analysing the manuscripts, we can conclude that curcumin is a product that demonstrates a significant biological antialgic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant power. Therefore, supplementation has a positive effect on the inflammatory and regenerative response in tendinopathies. In addition, curcumin decreases and modulates the cell infiltration, activation, and maturation of leukocytes, as well as the production of pro-inflammatory mediators at the site of inflammation.
Topics: Humans; Curcumin; Myotendinous Junction; Tendinopathy; Tendons; Inflammation
PubMed: 36678255
DOI: 10.3390/nu15020384 -
Open Heart Jan 2023Coronary artery vasospasm is an abnormal spasm of coronary arteries that cause transient or complete occlusion without exertion. It causes stable angina to ACS. However,...
BACKGROUND
Coronary artery vasospasm is an abnormal spasm of coronary arteries that cause transient or complete occlusion without exertion. It causes stable angina to ACS. However, this can be prevented by calcium channel blockers (CCBs) which suppress Ca influx into the vascular muscle cells. Nevertheless, several CCBs adverse effects are harmful for these patients. Selecting the right CCBs would give the best clinical practice.
METHOD
The studies were obtained from four major medical databases by various keywords. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were implemented as adult >18 years, observational study, English language and drug of interest. Duplicates were eliminated, and the remaining studies were reviewed. Final full-texts assessment was conducted independently by Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Revised Cochrane.
RESULTS
The search found 1378 articles. However, six studies were selected after implementing the study criteria. Diltiazem was found to decrease angina and increase quality of life until 12th week of treatment; however, some adverse effects include atrioventricular block and recurrent angina up till 4th week were found. Meanwhile, nifedipine was found to decrease vasospastic angina (VSA) by the fourth and eighth weeks of treatment. Nevertheless, it caused excessive drop in BP and increase heart rate by eighth week. In addition, slow-release preparation of both CCBs were found to increase efficacy and compliance. Lastly amlodipine was also found to decrease VSA by 17%±140% and 33% after 6 weeks, but further studies needed.
CONCLUSION
Diltiazem, nifedipine and amlodipine are potent in decreasing VSA, however, tailoring specific CCBs adverse reactions to patient condition and the drug preparation would be substantially beneficial for the outcome.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Calcium Channel Blockers; Diltiazem; Coronary Vasospasm; Nifedipine; Calcium; Quality of Life; Amlodipine; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 36634997
DOI: 10.1136/openhrt-2022-002179