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Clinical Nutrition ESPEN Jun 2024Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy in developed countries. Therefore, omega-3 fatty acids (O3FAs) have been suggested as a beneficial... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND & AIMS
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy in developed countries. Therefore, omega-3 fatty acids (O3FAs) have been suggested as a beneficial complementary treatment due to their ability to regulate inflammatory responses and improve nutrition levels.This study aimed to evaluate the effects of O3FAs as a complementary treatment for inflammation, nutrition levels, post-operative infectious complications, and enhancement of recovery in CRC patients.
METHODS
The literature search was carried out through three databases. The outcomes of interest were assessed by measuring pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and CRP levels, serum albumin levels for nutrition assessment, post-operative infectious complications, and length of stay for recovery evaluation. Quality appraisal and meta-analysis were performed using RoB 2.0 and RevMan 5.4, respectively.
RESULTS
The result showed that O3FAs significantly reduced IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α, but did not affect IL-1β. Furthermore, the variable slightly increased serum albumin levels and the supplementation led to a decrease in post-operative infectious complications and shortened hospital stays.
CONCLUSION
O3FAs as a complementary treatment provided advantages for CRC patients, Further clinical trials and experiments should also be made emphasizing the impact and clinical implementation of O3FA in the nutritional status of CRC patients.
Topics: Humans; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Colorectal Neoplasms; Nutritional Status; Dietary Supplements; C-Reactive Protein; Complementary Therapies; Inflammation; Postoperative Complications; Cytokines
PubMed: 38777451
DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2024.04.002 -
Clinical Nutrition ESPEN Jun 2024Advice to monitor and distribute carbohydrate intake is a key recommendation for treatment of gestational diabetes, but fails to consider circadian regulation of glucose...
BACKGROUND & AIMS
Advice to monitor and distribute carbohydrate intake is a key recommendation for treatment of gestational diabetes, but fails to consider circadian regulation of glucose homeostasis. In the non-pregnant state, glucose responses to a meal at night-time are significantly higher than during the day and are associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, the impact of night time eating on postprandial glucose in pregnancy is uncertain. Using a systematic approach we explored postprandial glucose responses to dietary intake at night compared to during the day in pregnant women.
METHODS
Searches were conducted in four databases (Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, CINAHL plus and Scopus), in September 2022 (updated, June 2023). Eligible studies reported on postprandial glucose at a minimum of two times a day, after identical meals or an oral glucose tolerance test, in pregnant women with or without gestational diabetes. Publication bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool.
RESULTS
Four eligible studies were retrieved. Two studies reported within group comparison of two timepoints, and observed reduced glucose tolerance in the afternoon compared to the morning in pregnant women, irrespective of diabetes status. The other two studies meeting inclusion criteria did not report time of day comparisons.
CONCLUSION
It is unclear as to whether the higher (and extended) postprandial glucose levels observed at night in non-pregnant populations are observed in pregnancy. Clinical studies are needed to explore the impact of circadian rhythmicity on glucose metabolism during pregnancy, and the implications of current dietary advice on when and what to eat for management of gestational diabetes.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Blood Glucose; Diabetes, Gestational; Postprandial Period; Circadian Rhythm; Glucose Tolerance Test; Time Factors; Pregnant Women; Adult
PubMed: 38777436
DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2024.03.021 -
Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice Jun 2024Previous studies have assessed how supplementing with policosanol affects blood sugar levels. The outcomes, nevertheless, were not constant. Multiple electronic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Previous studies have assessed how supplementing with policosanol affects blood sugar levels. The outcomes, nevertheless, were not constant. Multiple electronic databases were searched including ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus until February 9, 2023. To assess the effects of policosanol on glucose, we employed a random-effects or fixed-effects meta-analysis approach to examine the weighted mean differences (WMDs) and associated 95 % confidence intervals (CI) before and after policosanol and placebo administration. The final analysis comprised a total of 25 trials with 2680 participants. Compared to the control group, policosanol supplementation significantly reduced blood glucose levels (WMD: -2.24 mg/dl; 95 % CI: -4.05, -0.42, P = 0.01). Findings from subgroup analysis revealed a significant reduction of policosanol supplementation on glucose levels in period of less than 24 weeks, and in individuals below 50 years of age. Additionally, the reduction was statistically significant in dosage of 10 mg/day. Our dose-response analysis indicates no evidence of a non-linear relationship between policosanol dose and duration and changes in glucose levels (P-nonlinearity = 0.52, and P-nonlinearity = 0.52, respectively). Policosanol supplementation might improve blood glucose. Further trials with more complex designs are required to confirm the findings.
Topics: Humans; Blood Glucose; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Fatty Alcohols; Dietary Supplements; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
PubMed: 38768866
DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2024.111709 -
Journal of Controlled Release :... Jul 2024In situ gelling systems represent a burgeoning paradigm in ocular drug administration, addressing intrinsic challenges posed by extant ocular formulations, such as... (Review)
Review
In situ gelling systems represent a burgeoning paradigm in ocular drug administration, addressing intrinsic challenges posed by extant ocular formulations, such as compromised bioavailability and constraints in traversing the corneal barrier. This systematic review endeavours to comprehensively examine the contemporary landscape of research in this domain, focusing on the nuanced capabilities of in situ gelling systems to optimize drug delivery and enhance therapeutic outcomes, without much technological complexity. Employing a meticulous search strategy across diverse databases for publications and patents spanning the years 2015 to 2023 a total of 26 research papers and 14 patents meeting stringent inclusion criteria were identified. Synthesizing the collective insights derived from these investigations, it becomes evident that in situ gelling systems confer an ability to protract the residence time of formulations or active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) within the ocular milieu. This sustained presence engenders extended drug release kinetics, thereby fostering improved patient compliance and mitigating the proclivity for side effects attendant to frequent dosing. These salutary effects extend to diminished systemic drug absorption, augmented ocular bioavailability, and the prospect of reduced dosing frequencies, thereby amplifying patient adherence to therapeutic regimens. Intriguingly, the protective attributes of in situ gelling systems extend to the establishment of an ocular surface barrier, thereby abating the susceptibility to infections and inflammatory responses. In summation, this review underscores the auspicious potential of in situ gelling systems as a transformative approach to advancing ocular drug delivery, warranting sustained research endeavours and developmental initiatives for the betterment of global patient outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Drug Delivery Systems; Administration, Ophthalmic; Gels; Animals; Biological Availability; Eye; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Ophthalmic Solutions
PubMed: 38768662
DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.05.031 -
Progress in Neuro-psychopharmacology &... Jul 2024There are currently no reliable biomarkers to predict clinical response to pharmacological treatments of depressive disorders. Peripheral blood 5-hydroxytryptamine... (Review)
Review
There are currently no reliable biomarkers to predict clinical response to pharmacological treatments of depressive disorders. Peripheral blood 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; serotonin) has been suggested as a biomarker of antidepressant treatment response, but there has not been an attempt to systematically summarize and evaluate the scientific evidence of this hypothesis. In this systematic review we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Twenty-six relevant studies investigating peripheral 5-HT as an antidepressant biomarker were identified. In all, we did not find robust support for an association between baseline 5-HT and treatment response. Several larger studies with lower risk of bias, however, showed that higher baseline 5-HT was associated with a greater antidepressant response to SSRIs, prompting future studies to investigate this hypothesis. Our results also confirm previous reports that SSRI treatment is associated with a decrease in peripheral 5-HT levels; however, we were not able to confirm that larger decreases of 5-HT are associated with better treatment outcome as results were inconclusive.
Topics: Humans; Serotonin; Antidepressive Agents; Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; Biomarkers; Treatment Outcome; Depressive Disorder
PubMed: 38762162
DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111031 -
Water Research Jul 2024Micro/nano-plastics (MNPs), as emerging persistent pollutants, are threatening freshwater ecosystems worldwide. Microalgae are important primary producers at the base of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Meta-analysis for systematic review of global micro/nano-plastics contamination versus various freshwater microalgae: Toxicological effect patterns, taxon-specific response, and potential eco-risks.
Micro/nano-plastics (MNPs), as emerging persistent pollutants, are threatening freshwater ecosystems worldwide. Microalgae are important primary producers at the base of trophic level and susceptible to MNPs contamination, possibly resulting in further contamination in higher trophic levels and water quality. This study conducted a systematic review of 1071 observations from 63 publications, utilizing meta-analysis and subgroup analysis to investigate the toxicological effect patterns of MNPs parameters (size, concentration, and type) on microalgae. We also explored the potential eco-risks of certain specific MNPs parameters and subtle variations in the response of various microalgae taxa to MNPs. Results suggested that microplastics significantly inhibited microalgal photosynthesis, while nano-plastics induced more severe cell membrane damage and promoted toxin-release. Within a certain range of concentrations (0∼50 mg/L), rising MNPs concentration progressively inhibited microalgal growth and chlorophyll-a content, and progressively enhanced toxin-release. Among MNPs types, polyamide caused higher growth inhibition and more severe lipid peroxidation, and polystyrene induced more toxin-release, whereas polyethylene terephthalate and polymethyl methacrylate posed minimal effects on microalgae. Moreover, Bacillariophyta growth was inhibited most significantly, while Chlorophyta displayed strong tolerance and Cyanophyta possessed strong adaptive and exceptional resilience. Particularly, Komvophoron, Microcystis, Nostoc, Scenedesmus, and Gomphonema were more tolerant and might dominate freshwater microalgal communities under MNPs contamination. These results are crucial for acquiring the fate of freshwater microalgae under various MNPs contamination, identifying dominant microalgae, and reasonably assessing and managing involved eco-risks.
Topics: Microalgae; Fresh Water; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Microplastics; Plastics; Photosynthesis
PubMed: 38761590
DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121706 -
European Journal of Nutrition May 2024Niacin (nicotinic acid), known for its lipid-modifying effects, has been explored for its potential anti-inflammatory properties and potential to affect adipokines... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Niacin (nicotinic acid), known for its lipid-modifying effects, has been explored for its potential anti-inflammatory properties and potential to affect adipokines secretion from adipose tissue. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the effects of niacin on inflammatory markers and adipokines.
METHODS
A comprehensive search was conducted across five databases: PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Embase, and ISI Web of Science. Randomized controlled trials exploring the effects of niacin on inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, TNF-α) and adipokines (Adiponectin, Leptin) were included. Pooled effect sizes were analysed using a random-effects model, and additional procedures including subgroup analyses, sensitivity analysis and dose-response analysis were also performed.
RESULTS
From an initial 1279 articles, fifteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Niacin administration demonstrated a notable reduction in CRP levels (SMD: -0.88, 95% CI: -1.46 to -0.30, p = 0.003). Subgroup analyses confirmed CRP reductions in trials with intervention durations ≤ 24 weeks, doses ≤ 1000 mg/day, and elevated baseline CRP levels (> 3 mg/l). The meta-analysis of IL-6 and TNF-α revealed significant TNF-α reductions, while IL-6 reduction did not reach statistical significance. Niacin administration also substantially elevated Adiponectin (SMD: 3.52, 95% CI: 0.95 to 6.1, p = 0.007) and Leptin (SMD: 1.90, 95% CI: 0.03 to 3.77, p = 0.04) levels.
CONCLUSION
Niacin treatment is associated with significant reductions in CRP and TNF-α levels, suggesting potential anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, niacin positively influences adipokines, increasing Adiponectin and Leptin levels. These findings provide insights for future research and clinical applications targeting inflammation and metabolic dysregulation.
PubMed: 38761279
DOI: 10.1007/s00394-024-03425-8 -
Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome May 2024This study aimed to clarify the effectiveness of tart cherries on anthropometric, lipid, and glycemic indices. We also aimed to clarify the appropriate dosage for this... (Review)
Review
Dose-dependent effect of tart cherry on selected cardiometabolic risk factors: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
AIMS
This study aimed to clarify the effectiveness of tart cherries on anthropometric, lipid, and glycemic indices. We also aimed to clarify the appropriate dosage for this effect and suggest directions for future studies.
METHODS
PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched until May 2022. Twelve eligible trials were included. The pooled results were reported as weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). The Cochrane risk of bias and GRADE tools were used to assess the risk of bias and certainty of the evidence, respectively.
RESULTS
Tart cherry generally showed no significant effects on cardiometabolic risk factors. But subgroup analysis revealed that tart cherry significantly lowered total cholesterol (WMD: -0.33 mmol/l; 95 % CI: -0.55, -0.10), triglyceride (WMD: -0.19 mmol/l; 95 % CI: -0.26, -0.12), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD: -0.36 mmol/l; 95 % CI: -0.58, -0.14), in unhealthy populations. Additionally, subgroup analysis indicated that the favorable effects of tart cherry were more pronounced in a single dose, longer duration, elderly, and obese individuals. Dose-response analysis revealed that 20 ml concentrate has the greatest effect in reducing total cholesterol (WMD: -0.40 mmol/l; 95 % CI: -0.61, -0.19), triglyceride (WMD: -0.23 mmol/l; 95 % CI: -0.33, -0.13), and elevating high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD: 0.20 mmol/l; 95 % CI: 0.17, 0.22).
CONCLUSIONS
Tart cherry supplementation did not have significant effects on anthropometric and glycemic indices, but can improve lipid profile, especially in a single dose, longer duration, and in elderly, obese, and unhealthy individuals.
PubMed: 38759306
DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2024.103026 -
Critical Reviews in Oncology/hematology Jul 2024Cancer cachexia is a clinical condition characterized by recognizable "sickness behaviors" accompanied by loss of lean body tissue. The Global Leadership on Malnutrition... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Cancer cachexia is a clinical condition characterized by recognizable "sickness behaviors" accompanied by loss of lean body tissue. The Global Leadership on Malnutrition (GLIM) has proposed phenotypic (unintentional weight loss, low body mass index and low muscle mass) and aetiologic (reduced food intake and inflammation or disease burden) diagnostic criteria. Recent work has suggested serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) might represent a 3rd aetiologic criteria. Little is known of its relationship with GLIM. A systematic review and meta-analysis of their comparative prognostic value and association was performed.
METHODS
A search of electronic databases (PubMed, Medline, Ovid, Cochrane) up to February 2023 was used to identify studies that compared the prognostic value of LDH and components of the GLIM criteria in cancer. An analysis of the relationship between LDH and the components of GLIM was undertaken where this data was available. RevMan 5.4.1 was used to perform a meta-analysis for each diagnostic criteria that had 3 or more studies which reported hazard ratios with a 95 per cent confidence interval for overall survival (OS).
RESULTS
A total of 119 studies were reviewed. Advanced lung cancer was the most studied population. Included in the meta-analysis were 6 studies (n=2165) on LDH and weight loss, 17 studies (n=7540) on LDH and low BMI, 5 studies (n=758) on LDH and low muscle mass, 0 studies on LDH and food intake and 93 studies (n=32,190) on LDH and inflammation. There was a significant association between elevated serum LDH and each of low BMI (OR 1.39, 1.09 - 1.77; p=0.008), elevated NLR (OR 2.04, 1.57 - 2.65; p<0.00001) and elevated CRP (OR 2.58, 1.81 - 3.67; p<0.00001). There was no association between elevated serum LDH and low muscle mass. Only one study presented data on the association between LDH and unintentional weight loss. Elevated LDH showed a comparative OS (HR 1.86, 1.57 - 2.07; p<0.00001) to unintentional weight loss (HR 1.57, 1.23 - 1.99; p=0.0002) and had a similar OS (HR 2.00, 1.70 - 2.34; p<0.00001) to low BMI (HR 1.57, 1.29-2.90; p<0.0001). LDH also showed an OS (HR 2.25, 1.76 - 2.87; p<0.00001) congruous with low muscle mass (HR 1.93, 1.14 - 3.27; p=0.01) and again, LDH conferred as poor an OS (HR 1.77, 1.64-1.90; p<0.00001) as elevated NLR (HR 1.61, 1.48 - 1.77; p<0.00001) or CRP (HR 1.55, 1.43 - 1.69; p<0.00001).
CONCLUSION
Current literature suggests elevated serum LDH is associated with inflammation in cancer (an aetiologic GLIM criterion), however more work is required to establish the relationship between LDH and the phenotypic components of GLIM. Additionally, elevated serum LDH appears to be a comparative prognosticator of overall survival in cancer when compared to the GLIM criteria.
Topics: Humans; Body Mass Index; Cachexia; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Neoplasms; Prognosis
PubMed: 38754770
DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104378 -
EJNMMI Reports Feb 2024PET/MRI is a hybrid imaging modality that boasts the simultaneous acquisition of high-resolution anatomical data and metabolic information. Having these exceptional... (Review)
Review
PET/MRI is a hybrid imaging modality that boasts the simultaneous acquisition of high-resolution anatomical data and metabolic information. Having these exceptional capabilities, it is often implicated in clinical research for diagnosing and grading, as well as tracking disease progression and response to interventions. Despite this, its low level of clinical widespread use is questioned. This is especially the case with Parkinson's disease (PD), the fastest progressively disabling and neurodegenerative cause of death. To optimise the clinical applicability of PET/MRI for diagnosing, differentiating, and tracking PD progression, the emerging novel uses, and current challenges must be identified. This systematic review aimed to present the specific challenges of PET/MRI use in PD. Further, this review aimed to highlight the possible resolution of these challenges, the emerging applications and future direction of PET/MRI use in PD. EBSCOHost (indexing CINAHL Plus, PsycINFO) Ovid (Medline, EMBASE) PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus from 2006 (the year of first integrated PET/MRI hybrid system) to 30 September 2022 were used to search for relevant primary articles. A total of 933 studies were retrieved and following the screening procedure, 18 peer-reviewed articles were included in this review. This present study is of great clinical relevance and significance, as it informs the reasoning behind hindered widespread clinical use of PET/MRI for PD. Despite this, the emerging applications of image reconstruction developed by PET/MRI research data to the use of fully automated systems show promising and desirable utility. Furthermore, many of the current challenges and limitations can be resolved by using much larger-sampled and longitudinal studies. Meanwhile, the development of new fast-binding tracers that have specific affinity to PD pathological processes is warranted.
PubMed: 38748251
DOI: 10.1186/s41824-024-00194-9