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Hepatology International Jun 2024The identification of reliable predictors for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance remains controversial. We aimed to summarize potential predictors for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
The identification of reliable predictors for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance remains controversial. We aimed to summarize potential predictors for HBsAg seroclearance by pegylated interferon-α (PegIFNα) in patients with chronic HBV infection.
METHODS
A systematic search of the Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases was conducted from their inception to 28 September 2022. Meta-analyses were performed following the PRISMA statement. Predictors of HBsAg seroclearance were evaluated based on baseline characteristics and on-treatment indicators.
RESULTS
This meta-analysis encompasses 27 studies, including a total of 7913 patients. The findings reveal several factors independently associated with HBsAg seroclearance induced by PegIFNα-based regimens. These factors include age (OR = 0.961), gender (male vs. female, OR = 0.537), genotype (A vs. B/D; OR = 7.472, OR = 10.738), treatment strategy (combination vs. monotherapy, OR = 2.126), baseline HBV DNA (OR = 0.414), baseline HBsAg (OR = 0.373), HBsAg levels at week 12 and 24 (OR = 0.384, OR = 0.294), HBsAg decline from baseline to week 12 and 24 (OR = 6.689, OR = 6.513), HBsAg decline from baseline ≥ 1 log IU/ml and ≥ 0.5 log IU/ml at week 12 (OR = 18.277; OR = 4.530), and ALT elevation at week 12 (OR = 3.622). Notably, subgroup analysis suggests no statistical association between HBsAg levels at week 12 and HBsAg seroclearance for treatment duration exceeding 48 weeks. The remaining results were consistent with the overall analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
This is the first meta-analysis to identify predictors of HBsAg seroclearance with PegIFNα-based regimens, including baseline and on-treatment factors, which is valuable in developing a better integrated predictive model for HBsAg seroclearance to guide individualized treatment and achieve the highest cost-effectiveness of PegIFNα.
Topics: Humans; Interferon-alpha; Hepatitis B, Chronic; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; Antiviral Agents; Polyethylene Glycols; Hepatitis B virus
PubMed: 38461186
DOI: 10.1007/s12072-024-10648-8 -
ESMO Open Mar 2024The incorporation of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) into the management of operable breast cancer (BC) has been hampered by the heterogeneous results from different... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The incorporation of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) into the management of operable breast cancer (BC) has been hampered by the heterogeneous results from different studies. We aimed to assess the prognostic value of ctDNA in patients with operable (non metastatic) BC.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic search of databases (PubMed/Medline, Embase, and CENTRAL) and conference proceedings was conducted to identify studies reporting the association of ctDNA detection with disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with stage I-III BC. Log-hazard ratios (HRs) were pooled at each timepoint of ctDNA assessment (baseline, after neoadjuvant therapy, and follow-up). ctDNA assays were classified as primary tumor-informed and non tumor-informed.
RESULTS
Of the 3174 records identified, 57 studies including 5779 patients were eligible. In univariate analyses, ctDNA detection was associated with worse DFS at baseline [HR 2.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.92-4.63], after neoadjuvant therapy (HR 7.69, 95% CI 4.83-12.24), and during follow-up (HR 14.04, 95% CI 7.55-26.11). Similarly, ctDNA detection at all timepoints was associated with worse OS (at baseline: HR 2.76, 95% CI 1.60-4.77; after neoadjuvant therapy: HR 2.72, 95% CI 1.44-5.14; and during follow-up: HR 9.19, 95% CI 3.26-25.90). Similar DFS and OS results were observed in multivariate analyses. Pooled HRs were numerically higher when ctDNA was detected at the end of neoadjuvant therapy or during follow-up and for primary tumor-informed assays. ctDNA detection sensitivity and specificity for BC recurrence ranged from 0.31 to 1.0 and 0.7 to 1.0, respectively. The mean lead time from ctDNA detection to overt recurrence was 10.81 months (range 0-58.9 months).
CONCLUSIONS
ctDNA detection was associated with worse DFS and OS in patients with operable BC, particularly when detected after treatment and using primary tumor-informed assays. ctDNA detection has a high specificity for anticipating BC relapse.
Topics: Humans; Female; Circulating Tumor DNA; Breast Neoplasms; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Prognosis; Disease-Free Survival
PubMed: 38460249
DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2024.102390 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024Radiation therapy (RT) not only can directly kill tumor cells by causing DNA double-strand break, but also exerts anti-tumor effects through modulating local and... (Review)
Review
Radiation therapy (RT) not only can directly kill tumor cells by causing DNA double-strand break, but also exerts anti-tumor effects through modulating local and systemic immune responses. The immunomodulatory effects of RT are generally considered as a double-edged sword. On the one hand, RT effectively enhances the immunogenicity of tumor cells, triggers type I interferon response, induces immunogenic cell death to activate immune cell function, increases the release of proinflammatory factors, and reshapes the tumor immune microenvironment, thereby positively promoting anti-tumor immune responses. On the other hand, RT stimulates tumor cells to express immunosuppressive cytokines, upregulates the function of inhibitory immune cells, leads to lymphocytopenia and depletion of immune effector cells, and thus negatively suppresses immune responses. Nonetheless, it is notable that RT has promising abscopal effects and may achieve potent synergistic effects, especially when combined with immunotherapy in the daily clinical practice. This systematic review will provide a comprehensive profile of the latest research progress with respect to the immunomodulatory effects of RT, as well as the abscopal effect of radioimmunotherapy combinations, from the perspective of biological basis and clinical practice.
Topics: Radioimmunotherapy; Immunotherapy; Cytokines; DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded; Immunogenic Cell Death
PubMed: 38449871
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1357101 -
The World Journal of Men's Health Jul 2024Varicocele has been associated with high seminal oxidative stress (OS), impaired semen quality, and reduced male fertility potential. However, the exact mechanism(s)...
PURPOSE
Varicocele has been associated with high seminal oxidative stress (OS), impaired semen quality, and reduced male fertility potential. However, the exact mechanism(s) underlying the development of varicocele-mediated infertility and the cause-effect relationship between varicocele and testicular dysfunction are not fully understood. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis (SRMA) is to investigate the impact of varicocele on testicular OS markers and sperm parameters in experimental animals with varicocele as compared to animals without varicocele.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A literature search was performed using the Scopus and PubMed databases on studies that investigated testicular OS markers and sperm parameters in animals with varicocele. The primary outcomes included malondialdehyde (MDA) (nmol/mg) levels whereas the secondary outcomes included total sperm count (×10), sperm vitality (%), total sperm motility (%), and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) (%). Standardized mean difference (SMD) (95% confidence interval [CI]) was chosen to express the effect size. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Cambridge Quality Checklist.
RESULTS
Out of 76 identified articles, 6 studies on rats were included in the meta-analysis. The analysis showed a significant increase of MDA (SMD: 15.61 [1.93, 29.29]; p=0.03) in rats with varicocele vs. controls. We also observed a significant decrease in total sperm count (SMD: -17.45 [-28.97, -5.93]; p<0.01), sperm vitality (SMD: -16.41 [-26.30, -6.52]; p<0.01), total sperm motility (SMD: -17.67 [-24.90, -10.44]; p<0.01), and a significant increase of SDF (SMD: 7.41 [1.23, 13.59]; p=0.02), in rats with varicocele vs. controls. The quality of the included studies was ranked as high.
CONCLUSIONS
This SRMA indicates a significant increase in levels of testicular MDA and SDF and a reduction of sperm quality in experimental animals with varicocele. These findings support the potential role of testicular OS in the development of varicocele-induced testicular damage.
PubMed: 38449451
DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.230260 -
Archives of Oral Biology May 2024This systematic review summarizes the current knowledge on the association between the oral microbiota and dental caries in adolescents. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review summarizes the current knowledge on the association between the oral microbiota and dental caries in adolescents.
DESIGN
An electronic search was carried out across five databases. Studies were included if they conducted research on generally healthy adolescents, applied molecular-based microbiological analyses and assessed caries status. Data extraction was performed by two reviewers and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was applied for quality assessment.
RESULTS
In total, 3935 records were reviewed which resulted in a selection of 20 cross-sectional studies (published 2005-2022) with a sample size ranging from 11 to 614 participants including adolescents between 11 and 19 years. The studies analyzed saliva, dental biofilm or tongue swabs with Checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization, (q)PCR or Next-Generation Sequencing methods. Prevotella denticola, Scardoviae Wiggsiae, Streptococcus sobrinus and Streptococcus mutans were the most frequently reported species presenting higher abundance in adolescents with caries. The majority of the studies reported that the microbial diversity was similar between participants with and without dental caries.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review is the first that shows how the oral microbiota composition in adolescents appears to differ between those with and without dental caries, suggesting certain taxa may be associated with increased caries risk. However, there is a need to replicate and expand these findings in larger, longitudinal studies that also focus on caries severity and take adolescent-specific factors into account.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Dental Caries; Cross-Sectional Studies; Streptococcus mutans; Saliva; Microbiota; DNA
PubMed: 38447351
DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2024.105933 -
Parasites & Vectors Mar 2024The study of parasites provides insight into intricate ecological relationships in ecosystem dynamics, food web structures, and evolution on multiple scales. Hepatozoon... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The study of parasites provides insight into intricate ecological relationships in ecosystem dynamics, food web structures, and evolution on multiple scales. Hepatozoon Eucoccidiorida: Hepatozoidae) is a genus of protozoan hemoparasites with heteroxenous life cycles that switch infections between vertebrates and blood-feeding invertebrates. The most comprehensive review of the genus was published 26 years ago, and currently there are no harmonized data on the epizootiology, diagnostics, genotyping methods, evolutionary relationships, and genetic diversity of Hepatozoon in the Americas.
METHODS
Here, we provide a comprehensive review based on the PRISMA method regarding Hepatozoon in wild mammals within the American continent, in order to generate a framework for future research.
RESULTS
11 out of the 35 countries of the Americas (31.4%) had data on Hepatozoon, with Carnivora and Rodentia orders having the most characterizations. Bats, ungulates, and shrews were the least affected groups. While Hepatozoon americanum, H. americanum-like, H. canis, H. didelphydis, H. felis, H. milleri, H. griseisciuri, and H. procyonis correspond to the identified species, a plethora of genospecies is pending for a formal description combining morphology and genetics. Most of the vectors of Hepatozoon in the Americas are unknown, but some flea, mite, and tick species have been confirmed. The detection of Hepatozoon has relied mostly on conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the implementation of specific real time PCR for the genus needs to be employed to improve its diagnosis in wild animals in the future. From a genetic perspective, the V4 region of the 18S rRNA gene has been widely sequenced for the identification of Hepatozoon in wild animals. However, mitochondrial and apicoplast markers should also be targeted to truly determine different species in the genus. A phylogenetic analysis of herein retrieved 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences showed two main clades of Hepatozoon: Clade I associated with small mammals, birds, and herpetozoa, and Clade II associated with Carnivora. The topology of the tree is also reflected in the haplotype network.
CONCLUSIONS
Finally, our review emphasizes Hepatozoon as a potential disease agent in threatened wild mammals and the role of wild canids as spreaders of Hepatozoon infections in the Americas.
Topics: Animals; Cats; Ecosystem; Phylogeny; Chiroptera; Eucoccidiida; Shrews; Animals, Wild; Canidae
PubMed: 38444020
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06154-3 -
Advances in Hematology 2024Epigenetic regulation has been thoroughly investigated in recent years and has emerged as an important aspect of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) biology.... (Review)
Review
Epigenetic regulation has been thoroughly investigated in recent years and has emerged as an important aspect of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) biology. Characteristic aberrant features such as methylation patterns and global DNA hypomethylation were the early findings of the research during the last decades. The investigation in this field led to the identification of a large number of genes where methylation features correlated with important clinical and laboratory parameters. Gene-specific analyses investigated methylation in the gene body enhancer regions as well as promoter regions. The findings included genes and proteins involved in key pathways that play central roles in the pathophysiology of the disease. Τhe application of these findings beyond the theoretical understanding can not only lead to the creation of prognostic and predictive models and scores but also to the design of novel therapeutic agents. The following is a review focusing on the present knowledge about single gene/gene promoter methylation or mRNA expression in CLL cases as well as records of older data that have been published in past papers.
PubMed: 38435839
DOI: 10.1155/2024/1370364 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2024Essential oils from various plants have diverse therapeutic properties and are researched extensively. They have applications in medicine, aromatherapy, microbiology,... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Essential oils from various plants have diverse therapeutic properties and are researched extensively. They have applications in medicine, aromatherapy, microbiology, agriculture, livestock, and the food industry, benefiting the population.
METHODS
This systematic review followed the PRISMA verification protocol. The study focused on the anti-inflammatory effects, nutraceutical properties, antioxidant and antibacterial activity of essential oils in lemon, orange, cumin, cinnamon, coriander, rosemary, thyme, and parsley. We also looked at their presence in the diet, their effect, their mechanism of action on health, and the most important active compounds. The search was conducted in the PubMed database for the last 12 years of publications, including , , and online cell model tests.
RESULTS
Essential oils have been shown to have multiple health benefits, primarily due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. The mechanism of action of cinnamon oil alters bacterial membranes, modifies lipid profiles, and inhibits cell division, giving a potential benefit in protection against colitis. On the other hand, a significant improvement was observed in the diastolic pressure of patients with metabolic syndrome when supplementing them with cumin essential oil. The antimicrobial properties of coriander essential oil, especially its application in seafood like tilapia, demonstrate efficacy in improving health and resistance to bacterial infections. Cumin essential oil treats inflammation. Parsley essential oil is an antioxidant. Orange peel oil is antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and pro-oxidative. Lemon essential oil affects mouse intestinal microbiota. Thyme essential oil protects the colon against damage and DNA methylation. Carnosic acid in rosemary oil can reduce prostate cancer cell viability by modifying the endoplasmic reticulum function.
CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION
Essential oils have many therapeutic and antiparasitic properties. They are beneficial to human health in many ways. However, to understand their potential benefits, more research is needed regarding essential oils such as coriander, parsley, rosemary, cumin, and thyme. These research gaps are relevant since they restrict understanding of the possible benefits of these crucial oils for health-related contexts.
PubMed: 38435393
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1337785 -
Diagnostic Pathology Mar 2024Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and fatal motor neuron disease. Due to the limited knowledge about potential biomarkers that help in early diagnosis... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and fatal motor neuron disease. Due to the limited knowledge about potential biomarkers that help in early diagnosis and monitoring disease progression, today's diagnoses are based on ruling out other diseases, neurography, and electromyography examination, which takes a time-consuming procedure.
METHODS
PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science were explored to extract articles published from January 2015 to June 2023. In the searching strategy following keywords were included; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, biomarkers, cerebrospinal fluid, serum, and plama.
RESULTS
A total number of 6 studies describing fluid-based exosomal biomarkers were included in this study. Aggregated proteins including SOD1, TDP-43, pTDP-43, and FUS could be detected in the microvesicles (MVs). Moreover, TDP-43 and NFL extracted from plasma exosomes could be used as prognostic biomarkers. Also, downregulated miR-27a-3p detected through exoEasy Maxi and exoQuick Kit in the plasma could be measured as a diagnostic biomarker. Eventually, the upregulated level of CORO1A could be used to monitor disease progression.
CONCLUSION
Based on the results, each biomarker alone is insufficient to evaluate ALS. CNS-derived exosomes contain multiple ALS-related biomarkers (SOD1, TDP-43, pTDP-43, FUS, and miRNAs) that are detectable in cerebrospinal fluid and blood is a proper alternation. Exosome detecting kits listed as exoEasy, ExoQuick, Exo-spin, ME kit, ExoQuick Plus, and Exo-Flow, are helpful to reach this purpose.
Topics: Humans; Exosomes; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; Superoxide Dismutase-1; Biomarkers; DNA-Binding Proteins; Disease Progression
PubMed: 38429818
DOI: 10.1186/s13000-024-01473-6 -
The Saudi Dental Journal Feb 2024This systematic review aimed to help further elucidate the following question: are endodontics sealers able to induce DNA damage in vitro or in vivo? (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
This systematic review aimed to help further elucidate the following question: are endodontics sealers able to induce DNA damage in vitro or in vivo?
METHODS
This study was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement 2020 criteria. A total of 23 studies were carefully selected by the authors.
RESULTS
Regarding the general characteristics, most studies evaluated, on average, 3-5 types of sealers (resin epoxy, salicylate, salicylate + MTA, zinc oxide-eugenol, bioceramic products, calcium hydroxide), performing comparisons between them. Our results demonstrate that endodontic sealers may be a genotoxic agent since most studies demonstrated positive findings, with the resin-based ones being the most potentially genotoxic.
CONCLUSION
The type of genotoxicity assay, material evaluated, and dilution concentration levels influenced the outcome. This study clarifies whether and to what extent endodontic sealers are capable of inducing DNA injury in oral tissues.
PubMed: 38420001
DOI: 10.1016/j.sdentj.2023.11.019