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Nutrients Dec 2022Skin exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays in the sun causes premature ageing and may predispose to skin cancers. UV radiation generates excessive free radical species,... (Review)
Review
Skin exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays in the sun causes premature ageing and may predispose to skin cancers. UV radiation generates excessive free radical species, resulting in oxidative stress, which is responsible for cellular and DNA damage. There is growing evidence that phytonutrients such as flavonoids and carotenoids may impede oxidative stress and prevent photodamage. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to explore the effects of certain phytonutrients in preventing skin photodamage. We searched the electronic Medline (Ovid) and Pubmed databases for relevant studies published between 2002 and 2022. The main inclusion criteria were articles written in English, and studies reporting the effects of phytonutrient-containing plants of interest on the skin or skin cells exposed to UV radiation. We focused on tea, blueberries, lemon, carrot, tomato, and grapes, which are rich in flavonoids and/or carotenoids. Out of 434 articles retrieved, 40 were identified as potentially relevant. Based on our inclusion criteria, nine articles were included in the review. The review comprises three combined in vitro and animal studies, four human studies, one in vitro research, and one mixed in vitro and human study. All the studies reported positive effects of flavonoids and carotenoid-containing plant extract on UV-induced skin damage. This evidence-based review highlights the potential use of flavonoids and carotenoids found in plants in preventing the deleterious effects of UV radiation on the skin. These compounds may have a role in clinical and aesthetic applications for the prevention and treatment of sunburn and photoaging, and may potentially be used against UV-related skin cancers.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Ultraviolet Rays; Flavonoids; Carotenoids; Skin; Sunburn; Skin Neoplasms
PubMed: 36615749
DOI: 10.3390/nu15010092 -
Birth Defects Research Oct 2022Congenital anomalies affect over 2% of pregnancies, with congenital heart disease (CHD) the most common. Understanding of causal factors is limited. Micronutrients are... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Congenital anomalies affect over 2% of pregnancies, with congenital heart disease (CHD) the most common. Understanding of causal factors is limited. Micronutrients are essential trace elements with key roles in growth and development. We aimed to investigate whether maternal micronutrient deficiencies increase the risk of fetal CHD through systematic review of published literature.
METHOD
We performed a systematic review registered at PROSPERO as CRD42021276699. Ovid-MEDLINE, Ovid-EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched from their inception until September 7, 2021. Case control trials were included with a population of biological mothers of fetuses with and without CHD. The exposure was maternal micronutrient level measured in pregnancy or the postpartum period. Data extraction was performed by one author and checked by a second. Risk of bias assessment was performed according to the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network guidance. We performed a narrative synthesis for analysis.
RESULTS
726 articles were identified of which 8 met our inclusion criteria. Final analysis incorporated data from 2,427 pregnancies, 1,199 of which were complicated by fetal CHD assessing 8 maternal micronutrients: vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate, vitamin A, zinc, copper, selenium, and ferritin. Studies were heterogenous with limited sample sizes and differing methods and timing of maternal micronutrient sampling. Definitions of deficiency varied and differed from published literature. Published results were contradictory.
CONCLUSION
There is not enough evidence to confidently conclude if maternal micronutrient deficiencies increase the risk of fetal CHD. Further large-scale prospective study is required to answer this question.
Topics: Copper; Female; Ferritins; Folic Acid; Heart Defects, Congenital; Humans; Malnutrition; Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Micronutrients; Observational Studies as Topic; Pregnancy; Selenium; Trace Elements; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin D; Zinc
PubMed: 35979646
DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2072 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jan 2006Chronic palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterised by crops of sterile pustules (yellow pus spots) on the palms and soles which... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Chronic palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterised by crops of sterile pustules (yellow pus spots) on the palms and soles which erupt repeatedly over months or years. The affected areas tend to become red and scaly; cracks may form and these are often painful. Many different treatments have been used for palmoplantar pustulosis but none is generally accepted as being reliably effective.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of treatments for palmoplantar pustulosis, both in reducing disease severity and in maintaining remission once achieved.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched the Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Register (January 2003), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library Issue 1, 2003), MEDLINE (1966 to February 2003), EMBASE (1988 to February 2003). We also cross-checked with the Salford Database of Psoriasis Trials and reference lists of articles. We also contacted authors included trials, members of the Cochrane Skin Group and dermatologists interested in psoriasis.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Any randomised controlled trial in which patients with chronic palmoplantar pustulosis were randomised to receive one or more interventions.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
At least two reviewers independently assessed trial eligibility and quality. Study authors were contacted for additional information. Adverse effects information was collected from the trials.
MAIN RESULTS
Twenty-three trials involving 724 people were included. There is evidence supporting the use of systemic retinoids (improvement rate difference 44%, 95 CI 28 to 59%), oral PUVA (improvement rate difference 44%, 95 CI 26 to 62%). However, a combination of PUVA and retinoids is better than the individual treatments. The use of topical steroid under hydrocolloid occlusion is beneficial. It would also appear that low dose ciclosporin, tetracycline antibiotics and Grenz Ray Therapy may be useful in treating PPP. Colchicine has a lot of side effects and it is unclear if it is effective and neither was topical PUVA (rate difference of 0.00, 95% CI -0.04 to +0.04). There is no evidence to suggest that short-term treatment with hydroxycarbamide (hydroxyurea) is effective.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Many different interventions were reported to produce "improvement" in PPP. There is, however, no standardised method for assessing response to treatment, and reductions in pustule counts or other empirical semi-quantitative scoring systems may be of little relevance to the patient. This review has shown that the ideal treatment for PPP remains elusive and that the standards of study design and reporting need to be improved to inform patients and those treating them of the relative merits of the many treatments available to them.
Topics: Chronic Disease; Combined Modality Therapy; Foot Dermatoses; Hand Dermatoses; Humans; PUVA Therapy; Psoriasis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Remission Induction; Retinoids; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 16437433
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001433.pub2 -
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) Nov 2017To compare the survival of different implant combinations for primary total hip replacement (THR). Systematic review and network meta-analysis. Medline, Embase,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
To compare the survival of different implant combinations for primary total hip replacement (THR). Systematic review and network meta-analysis. Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and the EU Clinical Trials Register. Published randomised controlled trials comparing different implant combinations. Implant combinations were defined by bearing surface materials (metal-on-polyethylene, ceramic-on-polyethylene, ceramic-on-ceramic, or metal-on-metal), head size (large ≥36 mm or small <36 mm), and fixation technique (cemented, uncemented, hybrid, or reverse hybrid). Our reference implant combination was metal-on-polyethylene (not highly cross linked), small head, and cemented. The primary outcome was revision surgery at 0-2 years and 2-10 years after primary THR. The secondary outcome was the Harris hip score reported by clinicians. 77 studies were included in the systematic review, and 15 studies (3177 hips) in the network meta-analysis for revision. There was no evidence that the risk of revision surgery was reduced by other implant combinations compared with the reference implant combination. Although estimates are imprecise, metal-on-metal, small head, cemented implants (hazard ratio 4.4, 95% credible interval 1.6 to 16.6) and resurfacing (12.1, 2.1 to 120.3) increase the risk of revision at 0-2 years after primary THR compared with the reference implant combination. Similar results were observed for the 2-10 years period. 31 studies (2888 patients) were included in the analysis of Harris hip score. No implant combination had a better score than the reference implant combination. Newer implant combinations were not found to be better than the reference implant combination (metal-on-polyethylene (not highly cross linked), small head, cemented) in terms of risk of revision surgery or Harris hip score. Metal-on-metal, small head, cemented implants and resurfacing increased the risk of revision surgery compared with the reference implant combination. The results were consistent with observational evidence and were replicated in sensitivity analysis but were limited by poor reporting across studies. PROSPERO CRD42015019435.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; Ceramics; Female; Hip Prosthesis; Humans; Male; Metal-on-Metal Joint Prostheses; Middle Aged; Network Meta-Analysis; Polyethylenes; Prosthesis Failure; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Reoperation; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 29097396
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.j4651 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Sep 2017Strategies to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) include lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV-positive... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Strategies to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) include lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV-positive women, exclusive breastfeeding from birth for six weeks plus nevirapine or replacement feeding plus nevirapine from birth for four to six weeks, elective Caesarean section delivery, and avoiding giving children chewed food. In some settings, these interventions may not be practical, feasible, or affordable. Simple, inexpensive, and effective interventions (that could potentially be implemented even in the absence of prenatal HIV testing programmes) would be valuable. Vitamin A, which plays a role in immune function, is one low-cost intervention that has been suggested in such settings.
OBJECTIVES
To summarize the effects of giving vitamin A supplements to HIV-positive women during pregnancy and after delivery.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, Embase, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP) up to 25 August 2017, and checked the reference lists of relevant articles for eligible studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomized controlled trials conducted in any setting that compared vitamin A supplements to placebo or no intervention among HIV-positive women during pregnancy or after delivery, or both.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
At least two review authors independently assessed study eligibility and extracted data. We expressed study results as risk ratios (RR) or mean differences (MD) as appropriate, with their 95% confidence intervals (CI), and conducted random-effects meta-analyses. This is an update of a review last published in 2011.
MAIN RESULTS
Five trials met the inclusion criteria. These were conducted in Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe between 1995 and 2005 and none of the participants received ART. Women allocated to intervention arms received vitamin A supplements at a variety of doses (daily during pregnancy; a single dose immediately after delivery, or daily doses during pregnancy plus a single dose after delivery). Women allocated to comparison arms received identical placebo (6601 women, 4 trials) or no intervention (697 women, 1 trial). Four trials (with 6995 women) had low risk of bias and one trial (with 303 women) had high risk of attrition bias.The trials show that giving vitamin A supplements to HIV-positive women during pregnancy, the immediate postpartum period, or both, probably has little or no effect on mother-to-child transmission of HIV (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.26; 4428 women, 5 trials, moderate certainty evidence) and may have little or no effect on child death by two years of age (RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.22; 3883 women, 3 trials, low certainty evidence). However, giving vitamin A supplements during pregnancy may increase the mean birthweight (MD 34.12 g, 95% CI -12.79 to 81.02; 2181 women, 3 trials, low certainty evidence) and probably reduces the incidence of low birthweight (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.97; 1819 women, 3 trials, moderate certainty evidence); but we do not know whether vitamin A supplements affect the risk of preterm delivery (1577 women, 2 trials), stillbirth (2335 women, 3 trials), or maternal death (1267 women, 2 trials).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Antepartum or postpartum vitamin A supplementation, or both, probably has little or no effect on mother-to-child transmission of HIV in women living with HIV infection and not on antiretroviral drugs. The intervention has largely been superseded by ART which is widely available and effective in preventing vertical transmission.
Topics: Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome; Vitamin A; Vitamin A Deficiency; Vitamins
PubMed: 28880995
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003648.pub4 -
Nutrients Oct 2017A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the status and intake of iron, vitamin A, iodine, folate and zinc in women of reproductive age (WRA) (≥15-49 years) and... (Review)
Review
Micronutrient Status and Dietary Intake of Iron, Vitamin A, Iodine, Folate and Zinc in Women of Reproductive Age and Pregnant Women in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa: A Systematic Review of Data from 2005 to 2015.
A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the status and intake of iron, vitamin A, iodine, folate and zinc in women of reproductive age (WRA) (≥15-49 years) and pregnant women (PW) in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa. National and subnational data published between 2005 and 2015 were searched via Medline, Scopus and national public health websites. Per micronutrient, relevant data were pooled into an average prevalence of deficiency, weighted by sample size (WAVG). Inadequate intakes were estimated from mean (SD) intakes. This review included 65 surveys and studies from Ethiopia (21), Kenya (11), Nigeria (21) and South Africa (12). In WRA, WAVG prevalence of anaemia ranged from 18-51%, iron deficiency 9-18%, and iron deficiency anaemia at 10%. In PW, the prevalence was higher, and ranged from 32-62%, 19-61%, and 9-47%, respectively. In WRA, prevalence of vitamin A, iodine, zinc and folate deficiencies ranged from 4-22%, 22-55%, 34% and 46%, while in PW these ranged from 21-48%, 87%, 46-76% and 3-12% respectively. Inadequate intakes of these micronutrients are high and corresponded with the prevalence figures. Our findings indicate that nationally representative data are needed to guide the development of nutrition interventions and public health programs, such as dietary diversification, micronutrient fortification and supplementation.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency; Ethiopia; Female; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Iodine; Iron, Dietary; Kenya; Maternal Age; Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Middle Aged; Nigeria; Nutritional Status; Pregnancy; Prevalence; Recommended Dietary Allowances; Reproduction; Reproductive Health; South Africa; Vitamin A; Vitamin A Deficiency; Young Adult; Zinc
PubMed: 28981457
DOI: 10.3390/nu9101096 -
PloS One 2015Oxidative stress in preeclampsia and small for gestational age (SGA) birth suggests antioxidant supplementation could prevent these conditions. However, it remains... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Oxidative stress in preeclampsia and small for gestational age (SGA) birth suggests antioxidant supplementation could prevent these conditions. However, it remains unclear whether maternal antioxidant levels are systematically lower in these pregnancies.
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a systematic review of the association between maternal antioxidant levels during pregnancy and preeclampsia or SGA.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Embase, and several other databases from 1970-2013 for observational studies that measured maternal blood levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants (vitamins A, C, E, and carotenoids) during pregnancy or within 72 hours of delivery. The entire review process was done in duplicate. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and additional questions. We pooled the standardized mean difference (SMD) across studies, stratified by outcome and pregnancy trimester, and investigated heterogeneity using meta-regression.
RESULTS
We reviewed 1,882 unique citations and 64 studies were included. Most studies were small with important risk of bias. Among studies that addressed preeclampsia (n = 58) and SGA (n = 9), 16% and 66%, respectively, measured levels prior to diagnosis. The SMDs for vitamins A, C, and E were significantly negative for overall preeclampsia, but not for mild or severe preeclampsia subtypes. Significant heterogeneity was observed in all meta-analyses and most could not be explained. Evidence for lower carotenoid antioxidants in preeclampsia and SGA was limited and inconclusive. Publication bias appears likely.
CONCLUSIONS
Small, low-quality studies limit conclusions that can be drawn from the available literature. Observational studies inconsistently show that vitamins C and E or other antioxidants are lower in women who develop preeclampsia or SGA. Reverse causality remains a possible explanation for associations observed. New clinical trials are not warranted in light of this evidence; however, additional rigorous observational studies measuring antioxidant levels before clinical detection of preeclampsia and SGA may clarify whether levels are altered at a causally-relevant time of pregnancy.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Antioxidants; Carotenoids; Dietary Supplements; Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy; Publication Bias; Risk; Vitamins
PubMed: 26247870
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135192 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Mar 2016In areas where vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a public health concern, the maternal dietary intake of vitamin A may be not sufficient to meet either the maternal... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
In areas where vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a public health concern, the maternal dietary intake of vitamin A may be not sufficient to meet either the maternal nutritional requirements, or those of the breastfed infant, due the low retinol concentrations in breast milk.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the effects of vitamin A supplementation for postpartum women on maternal and infant health.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (8 February 2016), LILACS (1982 to December 2015), Web of Science (1945 to December 2015), and the reference lists of retrieved studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or cluster-randomised trials that assessed the effects of vitamin A supplementation for postpartum women on maternal and infant health (morbidity, mortality and vitamin A nutritional status).
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion, conducted data extraction, assessed risk of bias and checked for accuracy. We assessed the quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach.
MAIN RESULTS
Fourteen trials of mainly low or unclear risk of bias, enrolling 25,758 women and infant pairs were included. The supplementation schemes included high, single or double doses of vitamin A (200,000 to 400,000 internation units (IU)), or 7.8 mg daily beta-carotene compared with placebo, no treatment, other (iron); or higher (400,000 IU) versus lower dose (200,000 IU). In all trials, a considerable proportion of infants were at least partially breastfed until six months. Supplement (vitamin A as retinyl, water-miscible or beta-carotene) 200,000 to 400,000 IU versus control (placebo or no treatment) Maternal: We did not find evidence that vitamin A supplementation reduced maternal mortality at 12 months (hazard ratio (HR) 1.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.44 to 2.21; 8577 participants; 1 RCT, moderate-quality evidence). Effects were less certain at six months (risk ratio (RR) 0.50, 95% CI 0.09 to 2.71; 564 participants; 1 RCT; low-quality evidence). The effect on maternal morbidity (diarrhoea, respiratory infections, fever) was uncertain because the quality of evidence was very low (50 participants, 1 RCT). We found insufficient evidence that vitamin A increases abdominal pain (RR 1.28, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.73; 786 participants; 1 RCT; low-quality evidence). We found low-quality evidence that vitamin A supplementation increased breast milk retinol concentrations by 0.20 µmol/L at three to three and a half months (mean difference (MD) 0.20 µmol/L, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.31; 837 participants; 6 RCTs). Infant: We did not find evidence that vitamin A supplementation reduced infant mortality at two to 12 months (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.52; 6090 participants; 5 RCTs; low-quality evidence). Effects on morbidity (gastroenteritis at three months) was uncertain (RR 6.03, 95% CI 0.30 to 121.82; 84 participants; 1 RCT; very low-quality evidence). There was low-quality evidence for the effect on infant adverse outcomes (bulging fontanelle at 24 to 48 hours) (RR 2.00, 95% CI 0.61 to 6.55; 444 participants; 1 RCT). Supplement (vitamin A as retinyl) 400,000 IU versus 200,000 IUThree studies (1312 participants) were included in this comparison. None of the studies assessed maternal mortality, maternal morbidity or infant mortality. Findings from one study showed that there may be little or no difference in infant morbidity between the doses (diarrhoea, respiratory illnesses, and febrile illnesses) (312 participants, data not pooled). No firm conclusion could be drawn on the impact on maternal and infant adverse outcomes (limited data available).The effect on breast milk retinol was also uncertain due to the small amount of information available.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There was no evidence of benefit from different doses of vitamin A supplementation for postpartum women on maternal and infant mortality and morbidity, compared with other doses or placebo. Although maternal breast milk retinol concentrations improved with supplementation, this did not translate to health benefits for either women or infants. Few studies reported on maternal and infant mortality and morbidity. Future studies should include these important outcomes.
Topics: Female; Humans; Infant; Infant Mortality; Infant, Newborn; Maternal Mortality; Milk, Human; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Vitamin A; Vitamin A Deficiency; Vitamins
PubMed: 27012320
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005944.pub3 -
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) Aug 2011To determine if vitamin A supplementation is associated with reductions in mortality and morbidity in children aged 6 months to 5 years. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To determine if vitamin A supplementation is associated with reductions in mortality and morbidity in children aged 6 months to 5 years.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis. Two reviewers independently assessed studies for inclusion. Data were double extracted; discrepancies were resolved by discussion. Meta-analyses were performed for mortality, illness, vision, and side effects.
DATA SOURCES
Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in the Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase, Global Health, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences, metaRegister of Controlled Trials, and African Index Medicus. Databases were searched to April 2010 without restriction by language or publication status.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES
Randomised trials of synthetic oral vitamin A supplements in children aged 6 months to 5 years. Studies of children with current illness (such as diarrhoea, measles, and HIV), studies of children in hospital, and studies of food fortification or β carotene were excluded.
RESULTS
43 trials with about 215,633 children were included. Seventeen trials including 194,483 participants reported a 24% reduction in all cause mortality (rate ratio=0.76, 95% confidence interval 0.69 to 0.83). Seven trials reported a 28% reduction in mortality associated with diarrhoea (0.72, 0.57 to 0.91). Vitamin A supplementation was associated with a reduced incidence of diarrhoea (0.85, 0.82 to 0.87) and measles (0.50, 0.37 to 0.67) and a reduced prevalence of vision problems, including night blindness (0.32, 0.21 to 0.50) and xerophthalmia (0.31, 0.22 to 0.45). Three trials reported an increased risk of vomiting within the first 48 hours of supplementation (2.75, 1.81 to 4.19).
CONCLUSIONS
Vitamin A supplementation is associated with large reductions in mortality, morbidity, and vision problems in a range of settings, and these results cannot be explained by bias. Further placebo controlled trials of vitamin A supplementation in children between 6 and 59 months of age are not required. However, there is a need for further studies comparing different doses and delivery mechanisms (for example, fortification). Until other sources are available, vitamin A supplements should be given to all children at risk of deficiency, particularly in low and middle income countries.
Topics: Bias; Child Mortality; Child, Preschool; Developing Countries; Diarrhea; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant Mortality; MEDLINE; Male; Measles; Morbidity; Mortality; Night Blindness; Primary Prevention; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Respiratory Tract Infections; Vitamin A; Vitamin A Deficiency; Vomiting; Xerophthalmia
PubMed: 21868478
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.d5094 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2021The blockade of the progression or onset of pathological events is essential for the homeostasis of an organism. Some common pathological mechanisms involving a wide... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The blockade of the progression or onset of pathological events is essential for the homeostasis of an organism. Some common pathological mechanisms involving a wide range of diseases are the uncontrolled inflammatory reactions that promote fibrosis, oxidative reactions, and other alterations. Natural plant compounds (NPCs) are bioactive elements obtained from natural sources that can regulate physiological processes. Inflammation is recognized as an important factor in the development and evolution of chronic renal damage. Consequently, any compound able to modulate inflammation or inflammation-related processes can be thought of as a renal protective agent and/or a potential treatment tool for controlling renal damage. The objective of this research was to review the beneficial effects of bioactive natural compounds on kidney damage to reveal their efficacy as demonstrated in clinical studies.
METHODS
This systematic review is based on relevant studies focused on the impact of NPCs with therapeutic potential for kidney disease treatment in humans.
RESULTS
Clinical studies have evaluated NPCs as a different way to treat or prevent renal damage and appear to show some benefits in improving OS, inflammation, and antioxidant capacity, therefore making them promising therapeutic tools to reduce or prevent the onset and progression of KD pathogenesis.
CONCLUSIONS
This review shows the promising clinical properties of NPC in KD therapy. However, more robust clinical trials are needed to establish their safety and therapeutic effects in the area of renal damage.
Topics: Antioxidants; Berberine; Beta vulgaris; Betalains; Biological Products; Catechin; Curcumin; Disulfides; Flavonoids; Humans; Isothiocyanates; Kidney; Kidney Diseases; Plant Extracts; Pomegranate; Protective Agents; Resveratrol; Sulfinic Acids; Sulfoxides; Xanthophylls
PubMed: 34684678
DOI: 10.3390/molecules26206096