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Life Sciences Apr 2024Emerging evidence highlights the role of COVID-19 in instigating gut dysbiosis, with repercussions on disease severity and bidirectional gut-organ communication... (Review)
Review
AIMS
Emerging evidence highlights the role of COVID-19 in instigating gut dysbiosis, with repercussions on disease severity and bidirectional gut-organ communication involving the lung, heart, brain, and liver. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in addressing gut dysbiosis associated with COVID-19, as well as their impact on related disease severity and clinical outcomes.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We systematically review 27 studies exploring the efficacy of different microbiome-modulating therapies: probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation as potential interventions for COVID-19.
KEY FINDINGS
The probiotics and synbiotics investigated encompassed a spectrum of eight bacterial and fungal genera, namely Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Pediococcus, Bacillus, Saccharomyces, and Kluyveromyces. Noteworthy prebiotics employed in these studies included chestnut tannin, galactooligosaccharides, fructooligosaccharides, xylooligosaccharide, and resistant dextrin. The majority of the investigated biotics exhibited positive effects on COVID-19 patients, manifesting in symptom alleviation, inflammation reduction, and notable decreases in mortality rates. Five studies reported death rates, showing an average mortality ranging from 0 % to 11 % in the intervention groups, as compared to 3 % to 30 % in the control groups. Specifically, probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics demonstrated efficacy in diminishing the duration and severity of symptoms while significantly accelerating viral and symptomatic remission. FMT emerged as a particularly effective strategy, successfully restoring gut microbiota and ameliorating gastrointestinal disorders.
SIGNIFICANCE
The insights gleaned from this review significantly contribute to our broader comprehension of the therapeutic potential of biotics in addressing COVID-19-related gut dysbiosis and mitigating secondary multi-organ complications.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Dysbiosis; Microbiota; Prebiotics; Probiotics
PubMed: 38408636
DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122535 -
BMC Urology Feb 2024Some studies have suggested that hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection had a negative association with semen quality, but the conclusions have been inconsistent. The purpose... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Some studies have suggested that hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection had a negative association with semen quality, but the conclusions have been inconsistent. The purpose of our study was to systematically assess the association between HBV infection and semen parameters.
METHODS
We searched electronic databases for studies published from January 1980 to August 2023. Eleven studies were included in the analysis. Primary outcomes were semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm morphology, sperm motility and sperm progressive motility. We also conducted a subgroup analysis between China and other countries.
RESULT
Compared with the semen quality of HBV-negative men, HBV infection had a negative association with semen volume (MD: -0.20 mL, 95%CI: -0.32 to - 0.09, P = 0.0004), sperm concentration (MD: -4.46 × 10/mL, 95%CI: -7.09 to - 1.84, P = 0.0009), sperm morphology (MD: -2.49%, 95%CI: -4.35 to - 0.64, P = 0.008), sperm motility (MD: -6.85%, 95%CI: -11.53 to - 2.18, P = 0.004), and sperm progressive motility (MD: -6.63%, 95%CI: -10.24 to - 3.02, P = 0.0003). However, HBV infection had no significant association with total sperm count (MD: -31.50 × 10, 95%CI: -74.11 to 11.10, P = 0.15). The association between HBV and semen quality were inconsistent between the subgroups.
CONCLUSION
HBV infection had a negative association with sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and semen volume. However, The association between HBV and total sperm count remain unclear. This metaanalysis suggests that we should pay attention to the adverse effect of HBV on sperm quality, and several studies have reported the relevant mechanisms. But due to the significant heterogeneity among studies on some semen parameters, further large and well-designed researches are needed before introducing clinical management recommendations.
Topics: Male; Humans; Semen Analysis; Hepatitis B virus; Semen; Sperm Motility; Sperm Count; Spermatozoa
PubMed: 38389059
DOI: 10.1186/s12894-024-01424-9 -
Stem Cells Translational Medicine Apr 2024In preclinical studies, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), including umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs), demonstrate the ability to modulate numerous... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
In preclinical studies, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), including umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs), demonstrate the ability to modulate numerous pathophysiological processes related to sepsis; however, a systematic synthesis of the literature is needed to assess the efficacy of UC-MSCs for treating sepsis.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effects of UC-MSCs on overall mortality (primary outcome) as well as on organ dysfunction, coagulopathy, endothelial permeability, pathogen clearance, and systemic inflammation (secondary outcomes) at prespecified time intervals in preclinical models of sepsis.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted on Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, and Web of Science up to June 20, 2023. Preclinical controlled studies using in vivo sepsis models with systemic UC-MSC administration were included. Meta-analyses were conducted and expressed as odds ratios (OR) and ratios of the weighted means with 95% CI for categorical and continuous data, respectively. Risk of bias was assessed with the SYRCLE tool.
RESULTS
Twenty-six studies (34 experiments, n = 1258 animals) were included in this review. Overall mortality was significantly reduced with UC-MSC treatment as compared to controls (OR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.18-0.36). At various prespecified time intervals, UC-MSCs reduced surrogate measures of organ dysfunction related to the kidney, liver, and lung; reduced coagulopathy and endothelial permeability; and enhanced pathogen clearance from multiple sites. UC-MSCs also modulated systemic inflammatory mediators. No studies were rated as low risk across all SYCLE domains.
CONCLUSIONS
These results demonstrate the efficacy of UC-MSC treatment in preclinical sepsis models and highlight their potential as a therapeutic intervention for septic shock.
Topics: Animals; Multiple Organ Failure; Umbilical Cord; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Sepsis; Shock, Septic; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation
PubMed: 38381583
DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szae003 -
Cureus Jan 2024Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a malignancy that commonly appears as lesions on the skin or mucosal surfaces but can also develop in other organs. This cancer is usually... (Review)
Review
Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a malignancy that commonly appears as lesions on the skin or mucosal surfaces but can also develop in other organs. This cancer is usually caused by the human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), recently known as Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). KS is rare in the general population but can develop in kidney transplant recipients with varying incidence due to immunocompromised status from immunosuppression. The main aim of the present systematic review was to identify the prevalence and treatment of KS in kidney transplant patients. PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases were searched for studies until October 2023. Full-text studies with similar research objectives were included, while non-English articles, reviews, case reports, ongoing clinical trials, and studies evaluating KS in HIV patients or after other solid organ transplants were excluded. All studies were observational; therefore, methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The statistical analyses were performed with the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software (Biostat, Inc. Englewood, NJ). The pooled analysis from the 15 studies included showed that KS develops in 1.5% of kidney transplant recipients and is more prevalent in African (1.7%) and Middle Eastern (1.7%) recipients than in Western recipients (0.07%). KS was also significantly more prevalent among male recipients than female recipients (OR: 2.36; p < 0.0001). Additionally, cyclosporine-based immunosuppression accounts for most KS incidences (79.6%) compared to azathioprine-based immunosuppression (28.2%). Furthermore, reduction or withdrawal of immunosuppression alone resulted in 47.8% KS complete remissions. Post-kidney transplantation KS is more frequent among males and patients of Middle Eastern and African origin. However, the gender difference may be attributed to most patients undergoing kidney transplants being male. Therefore, if gender balance is considered in future studies, then the difference might be insignificant. Based on our results, we can concur that the mainstay treatment for post-transplant KS is reduction or withdrawal of immunosuppression. However, the patients should be closely monitored to avoid KS recurrence and kidney rejection. Furthermore, there is an increased risk for KS with the use of cyclosporine-based immunosuppression. However, this does not mean that the withdrawal of this immunosuppression agent might result in improved KS outcomes because the withdrawal of azathioprine with or without cyclosporine reduction has also led to improved outcomes.
PubMed: 38371002
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52527 -
Transplantation Reviews (Orlando, Fla.) Apr 2024Frailty, malnutrition and sarcopenia lead to a significant increase in morbidity and mortality before and after liver transplantation (LT). Prehabilitation attempts to... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Frailty, malnutrition and sarcopenia lead to a significant increase in morbidity and mortality before and after liver transplantation (LT). Prehabilitation attempts to optimize physical fitness of individuals before major surgeries. To date, little is known about its impact on patients awaiting LT.
AIMS
The aim of our scoping review was to describe whether prehabilitation in patients awaiting LT is feasible and safe, and whether it leads to a change in clinical parameters before or after transplantation.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of the literature from 1946 to November 2023 to identify prospective studies and randomized controlled trials of adult LT candidates who participated in an exercise training program.
RESULTS
Out of 3262 citations initially identified, six studies were included. Studies were heterogeneous in design, patient selection, intervention, duration, and outcomes assessed. All studies were self-described as pilot or feasibility studies and had a sample size ranging from 13 to 33. Two studies were randomized controlled trials. Two study restricted to patients with cirrhosis who were eligible for liver transplantation or on the transplant list. Exercise programs lasted between 6 and 12 weeks. In terms of feasibility, proportion of eligible patients that were recruited was between 54 and 100%. Program completion ranged between 38 and 90%. Interventions appeared safe with 9 (9.2%) adverse events noted. In the intervention group, improvements were generally noted in peak oxygen consumption and workload, 6-min walking distance, and muscle strength. One study suggested a decrease in post-transplant hospital length of stay.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, it appears that prehabilitation with exercise training is feasible, and safe in patients awaiting LT. Higher quality and larger studies are needed to confirm its impact on pre- and post-transplantation-related outcomes.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Liver Transplantation; Preoperative Exercise; Prospective Studies; Exercise; Exercise Therapy; Quality of Life; Preoperative Care; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 38367398
DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2024.100835 -
Transplantation Reviews (Orlando, Fla.) Apr 2024We aimed to identify the condition- and transplant-specific patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) available to measure quality of life (QoL) in solid organ... (Review)
Review
Assessing quality of life in solid organ transplant recipients: A systematic review of the development, content, and quality of available condition- and transplant-specific patient-reported outcome measures.
PURPOSE
We aimed to identify the condition- and transplant-specific patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) available to measure quality of life (QoL) in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients, examine their development and content, and critically appraise the quality of their measurement properties, to inform recommendations for clinical and research use.
METHODS
We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Scopus from inception to 27th January 2023. Search hits were screened for eligibility by two independent reviewers; papers reporting the development and/or validation of condition- and transplant-specific PROMs measuring QoL in adult SOT recipients were considered eligible. We abstracted and synthesised data on PROM characteristics, development (item generation and/or reduction), and content (QoL dimensions). Quality appraisal and synthesis were informed by the Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) guidelines, and included methodological and quality assessment of measurement properties, GRADE levels of evidence, feasibility and interpretability.
RESULTS
We identified 33 papers reporting 26 QoL PROMs validated in SOT recipients (kidney n = 10 PROMs; liver n = 6; lung n = 3; heart n = 2; pancreas n = 1; multiple organs n = 4). Patient discussions (n = 17 PROMs) and factor analysis (n = 11) were the most common item generation and reduction techniques used, respectively. All PROMs measured ≥3 of nine QoL dimensions (all measured emotional functioning); KDQoL-SF and NIDDK-QA measured all nine. Methodological quality was variable; no PROM had low evidence or better for all measurement properties. All PROMs were COSMIN recommendation category 'B', primarily because none had sufficient content validity.
CONCLUSIONS
There are many condition- and transplant-specific QoL PROMs validated in SOT recipients, particularly kidney. These findings can help inform PROM selection for clinicians and researchers. However, caution is required when adopting measures, due to the substantial heterogeneity in development, content, and quality. Each PROM has potential but requires further research to be recommendable. Greater consideration of patient and professional involvement in PROM development in this setting is needed to ensure sufficient content validity.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Quality of Life; Patient Reported Outcome Measures; Consensus; Pancreas; Organ Transplantation
PubMed: 38359538
DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2024.100836 -
International Journal of Surgery... May 2024
Topics: Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Hepatectomy; Liver; Meta-Analysis as Topic
PubMed: 38349203
DOI: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000001154 -
Transplantation Reviews (Orlando, Fla.) Apr 2024Delayed graft function (DGF) is a common post-operative complication with potential long-term sequelae for many kidney transplant recipients, and hemodynamic factors and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Delayed graft function (DGF) is a common post-operative complication with potential long-term sequelae for many kidney transplant recipients, and hemodynamic factors and fluid status play a role. Fixed perioperative fluid infusions are the standard of care, but more recent evidence in the non-transplant population has suggested benefit with goal-directed fluid strategies based on hemodynamic targets. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Controlled Trials Registry and Google Scholar through December 2022 for randomized controlled trials comparing risk of DGF between goal-directed and conventional fluid therapy in adults receiving a living or deceased donor kidney transplant. Effect estimates were reported with odds ratios (OR) and pooled using random effects meta-analysis. We identified 4 studies (205 participants) that met the inclusion criteria. The use of goal-directed fluid therapy had no significant effect on DGF (OR 1.37 95% CI, 0.34-5.6; p = 0.52; I = 0.11). Subgroup analysis examining effects among deceased and living kidney donation did not reveal significant differences in the effects of fluid strategy on DGF between subgroups. Overall, the strength of the evidence for goal-directed versus conventional fluid therapy to reduce DGF was of low certainty. Our findings highlight the need for larger trials to determine the effect of goal-directed fluid therapy on this patient-centered outcome.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Delayed Graft Function; Kidney Transplantation; Graft Survival; Goals; Tissue Donors; Fluid Therapy; Risk Factors; Transplant Recipients
PubMed: 38335896
DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2024.100834 -
PloS One 2024Machine perfusion (MP) is often referred to as one of the most promising advancements in liver transplantation research of the last few decades, with various techniques...
Machine perfusion (MP) is often referred to as one of the most promising advancements in liver transplantation research of the last few decades, with various techniques and modalities being evaluated in preclinical studies using animal models. However, low scientific rigor and subpar reporting standards lead to limited reproducibility and translational potential, hindering progress. This pre-registered systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42021234667) aimed to provide a thematic overview of the preclinical research landscape on MP in liver transplantation using in vivo transplantation models and to explore methodological and reporting standards, using the ARRIVE (Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments) score. In total 56 articles were included. Studies were evenly distributed across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Porcine models were used in 57.1% of the studies, followed by rats (39.3%) and dogs (3.6%). In terms of graft type, 55.4% of the studies used donation after cardiac death grafts, while donation after brain death grafts accounted for 37.5%. Regarding MP modalities, the distribution was as follows: 41.5% of articles utilized hypothermic MP, 21.5% normothermic MP, 13.8% subnormothermic MP, and 16.9% utilized hypothermic oxygenated MP. The stringent documentation of ARRIVE elements concerning precise experimental execution, group size and selection, the choice of statistical methods, as well as adherence to the principles of the 3Rs, was notably lacking in the majority of publications, with less than 30% providing comprehensive details. Postoperative analgesia and antibiotics treatment were not documented in 82.1% of all included studies. None of the analyzed studies fully adhered to the ARRIVE Guidelines. In conclusion, the present study emphasizes the importance of adhering to reporting standards to promote reproducibility and adequate animal welfare in preclinical studies in machine perfusion. At the same time, it highlights a clear deficiency in this field, underscoring the need for further investigations into animal welfare-related topics.
Topics: Swine; Animals; Dogs; Rats; Reproducibility of Results; Organ Preservation; Liver; Perfusion; Liver Transplantation
PubMed: 38329986
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297942 -
Transplant International : Official... 2024thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a rare and challenging condition in kidney transplant recipients, with limited research on its incidence and impact on graft... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a rare and challenging condition in kidney transplant recipients, with limited research on its incidence and impact on graft survival. This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 28 cohorts/single-arm studies and 46 case series/reports from database inception to June 2022. In meta-analysis, among 14,410 kidney allograft recipients, TMA occurred in 3.20% [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.93-4.77], with systemic and renal-limited TMA rates of 1.38% (95% CI: 06.5-2.39) and 2.80% (95% CI: 1.27-4.91), respectively. The overall graft loss rate of TMA was 33.79% (95% CI: 26.14-41.88) in meta-analysis. This study provides valuable insights into the incidence and graft outcomes of TMA in kidney transplant recipients.
Topics: Humans; Graft Survival; Incidence; Kidney; Kidney Transplantation; Thrombotic Microangiopathies
PubMed: 38323071
DOI: 10.3389/ti.2024.12168