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Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) Jan 2024Carotenoids appear to have anticancer effects. Prospective evidence for the relation between serum carotenoids and breast cancer is controversial. The present systematic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Carotenoids appear to have anticancer effects. Prospective evidence for the relation between serum carotenoids and breast cancer is controversial. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the link between circulating carotenoids and the risk of breast cancer. We performed a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to 30 November, 2022. Prospective studies on adults aged ≥18 y that have reported risk estimates for the association between circulating carotenoids and breast cancer risk were considered. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A random-effects model was used for combining studies' risk estimates. Dose-response relations were explored through a 1-stage random-effects model. Fifteen publications (17 nested case-control studies and 1 cohort study) with 20,188 participants and 7608 cases were included. We observed an inverse association between the highest level of circulating total carotenoids (relative risk [RR]: 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.62, 0.93; n = 8), α-carotene (RR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.68, 0.87; n = 13), β-carotene (RR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.65, 0.98; n = 15), β-cryptoxanthin (RR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.74, 0.96; n = 11), lycopene (RR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.76, 0.98; n = 13), and lutein (RR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.52, 0.93; n = 6) and the risk of breast cancer compared with the lowest level. Additionally, each 10 μg/dL of total carotenoids, α-carotene, β-carotene, and β-cryptoxanthin was associated with 2%, 22%, 4%, and 10% lower risk of breast cancer, respectively. This relationship was stronger at lower levels of total carotenoids and β-cryptoxanthin. The certainty of evidence was rated from very low to low. Most studies were performed among Western nations, which should be acknowledged for extrapolation of findings. Total circulating carotenoids, α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and lutein seem to be related to a decreased risk of breast cancer. Our findings could have practical importance for public health. This study was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42023434983.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; beta Carotene; Beta-Cryptoxanthin; Breast Neoplasms; Carotenoids; Lutein; Lycopene
PubMed: 38436219
DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2023.10.007 -
BMJ Open Jan 2016To establish which non-psychotropic medications have been assessed in relation to risk of suicide or attempted suicide in observational studies, document reported... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
To establish which non-psychotropic medications have been assessed in relation to risk of suicide or attempted suicide in observational studies, document reported associations and consider study strengths and limitations.
DESIGN
Systematic review.
METHODS
Four databases (Embase, Medline, PsycINFO and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts) were searched from 1990 to June 2014, and reference lists of included articles were hand-searched. Case-control, cohort and case only studies which reported suicide or attempted suicide in association with any non-psychotropic medication were included.
OUTCOME MEASURES
The outcomes eligible for inclusion were suicide and attempted suicide, as defined by the authors of the included study.
RESULTS
Of 11,792 retrieved articles, 19 were eligible for inclusion. Five studies considered cardiovascular medication and antiepileptics; two considered leukotriene receptor antagonists, isotretinoin and corticosteroids; one assessed antibiotics and another assessed varenicline. An additional study compared multiple medications prescribed to suicide cases versus controls. There was marked heterogeneity in study design, outcome and exposure classification, and control for confounding factors; particularly comorbid mental and physical illness. No increased risk was associated with cardiovascular medications, but associations with other medications remained inconclusive and meta-analysis was inappropriate due to study heterogeneity.
CONCLUSIONS
Whether non-psychotropic medications are associated with increased risk of suicide or attempted suicide remains largely unknown. Robust identification of suicide outcomes and control of comorbidities could improve quantification of risk associated with non-psychotropic medication, beyond that conferred by underlying physical and mental illnesses.
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anticonvulsants; Cardiovascular Agents; Humans; Isotretinoin; Leukotriene Antagonists; Observational Studies as Topic; Prescription Drugs; Risk; Risk Factors; Suicide; Suicide, Attempted; Varenicline
PubMed: 26769782
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-009074 -
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment Dec 2023Isotretinoin is frequently used for treatment of severe nodulocystic and papulopustular acne, however use is limited by mucocutaneous, ocular, and systemic side... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Isotretinoin is frequently used for treatment of severe nodulocystic and papulopustular acne, however use is limited by mucocutaneous, ocular, and systemic side effects. (1) provide a systematic meta-analysis of ocular side effects during isotretinoin use and their corresponding incidences; (2) provide a narrative summary of ocular side effects during isotretinoin use reported in case reports. A systematic database search using predefined search terms was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus from inception to 5 March, 2021. Predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to select included studies. In total, 53 original studies qualified for meta-analysis, and 41 case reports/series qualified for narrative results. The studies included in the meta-analysis reported incidences of various ocular side effects including dry eye, eye sensitivity, vision changes, and ocular inflammatory conditions. Incidences across studies did vary, leading to considerable heterogeneity. The narrative results summarize more uncommon, but equally important, ocular side effects. Dry eye is the most commonly reported ocular side effect. Other less common, but more serious, ocular side effects including vision changes can occur. We recommend that isotretinoin prescribers monitor for dry eye. Limitations include the heterogeneity of reported incidences of ocular side effects between studies.
Topics: Humans; Acne Vulgaris; Dermatologic Agents; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Dry Eye Syndromes; Eye; Face; Isotretinoin
PubMed: 37248700
DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2023.2213364 -
Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology,... Sep 2022Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has experienced exponential growth over the last decade, including increasingly younger patients with high functional demands. Highly... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Comparable results between crosslinked polyethylene and conventional ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene implanted in total knee arthroplasty: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials.
PURPOSE
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has experienced exponential growth over the last decade, including increasingly younger patients with high functional demands. Highly crosslinked polyethylene (HXLPE) has been proven effective in reducing osteolysis and loosening revisions while improving long-term survival and performance in total hip arthroplasty; nevertheless, this superiority is not demonstrated in TKA. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine whether HXLPE improved overall survival and postoperative functional and radiological outcomes compared to conventional polyethylene (CPE) in TKA.
METHODS
According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline, a literature search of five databases (PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Science Direct and Embase) was made. A PICOS model was performed. The initial screening identified 2541 studies. Each eligible clinical article was analysed according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 Levels of Evidence (LoE). Only randomised clinical trials (RCTs) of LoE 1 and 2 were included. The methodological quality of the articles was assessed using the Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool.
RESULTS
Six clinical studies were included in the final study. This systematic review and meta-analysis were registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). A total of 2285 knees were included. Eight outcomes (total reoperations, reoperations for prosthesis loosening and infections, radiolucent lines, osteolysis, mechanical failure, postoperative KSS knee score and function score) were analysed. For none of them, a statistically significant difference was found about the superiority of HXLPE over CPE (p > 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
There were no statistically significant differences between HXLPE and CPE for TKA concerning clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes; nevertheless, HXLPE did not show higher failure rates or complications and can be safely used for TKA.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
II.
Topics: Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; Humans; Knee Prosthesis; Osteolysis; Polyethylene; Polyethylenes; Prosthesis Design; Prosthesis Failure; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 35182171
DOI: 10.1007/s00167-022-06879-7 -
Cancer Reports (Hoboken, N.J.) Mar 2024Recent advances in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APML) have seen unprecedented improvements in patient outcomes. However, such rapid growth in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Recent advances in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APML) have seen unprecedented improvements in patient outcomes. However, such rapid growth in understanding often leads to uncertainty regarding superiority among candidate treatment regimens, especially when further scrutinized from an epidemiological perspective.
AIMS
The aim of this systematic review with epidemiological analysis was to identify and compare commonly utilized protocols for standard-risk APML with a particular focus on complete remission (CR), overall/disease-free survival (DFS), and reported adverse events.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Medline, Scopus, and CINAHL were interrogated to identify studies utilizing all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) in addition to arsenic trioxide (ATO) and/or anthracyclines such as idarubicin (IDA) in the treatment of de-novo APML. After collation of studies, an epidemiological analysis was subsequently performed to compare protocols with regards to outcomes of interest using number needed to benefit (NNB) and number needed to harm (NNH) measures. Seventeen articles, describing 12 distinct trials, were included in the analysis. These trials made use of three unique protocols; CR rates were 94%-100% for ATO/ATRA regimens, 95%-96% for ATO/ATRA/anthracycline regimens, and 89%-94% for ATRA/anthracycline regimens. Epidemiological analysis demonstrated NNB for CR was 9.09 (ATO/ATRA vs. ATRA/IDA) and 20.00 (ATO/ATRA vs. ATO/ATRA/IDA), NNH for neutropenia was -3.45 (ATO/ATRA vs. ATRA/IDA), and NNH for infection was -3.13 (ATO/ATRA vs. ATRA/IDA) and -1.89 (ATO/ATRA vs. ATO/ATRA/IDA).
CONCLUSION
The ATO/ATRA regimen is superior to chemotherapy-containing protocols at inducing remission and promoting survival in patients with APML. The regimen is better tolerated than the proposed alternatives with fewer adverse events. Future research opportunities include quantifying APML epidemiology and pursuing oral arsenic as an option for simplification of therapeutic protocols.
Topics: Humans; Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute; Anthracyclines; Arsenicals; Oxides; Treatment Outcome; Tretinoin; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Pathologic Complete Response
PubMed: 38507294
DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.2035 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jun 2015This review has been withdrawn because a review author contravenes Cochrane's Commercial Sponsorship Policy. This policy ensures the independence of Cochrane reviews by... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
This review has been withdrawn because a review author contravenes Cochrane's Commercial Sponsorship Policy. This policy ensures the independence of Cochrane reviews by making sure that there is no bias associated with commercial conflicts of interest in the conduct of Cochrane reviews. The author was employed by the biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca and cannot say with certainty that the company did not produce or have any financial interest in the interventions in this review. The editorial group responsible for this previously published document have withdrawn it from publication.
Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Dermatologic Agents; Humans; Isotretinoin; Keratosis; Laser Therapy; Nicotinic Acids; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Skin Aging; Skin Diseases; Sunlight; Tretinoin
PubMed: 26035235
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001782.pub3 -
Nutrition and Cancer 2013Prostate cancer is the most common noncutaneous cancer in men in the United States. Several studies have examined the relationship between prostate cancer and... (Review)
Review
Prostate cancer is the most common noncutaneous cancer in men in the United States. Several studies have examined the relationship between prostate cancer and antioxidants; however, the results of these studies are inconsistent. This article provides a systematic review of studies on prostate cancer and antioxidant intake from diet and supplements. Tea and coffee appear to offer protection against advanced prostate cancer. Different forms of vitamin E appear to exert different effects on prostate cancer, with alpha-tocopherol potentially increasing and gamma-tocopherol potentially decreasing risk of the disease. There is no strong evidence for a beneficial effect of selenium, vitamin C, or beta-carotene, whereas lycopene appears to be negatively associated with risk of the disease. The effect of dietary antioxidants on prostate cancer remains undefined and inconclusive, with different antioxidants affecting prostate cancer risk differentially. Further studies are needed to clarify the relationship between antioxidants and prostate cancer risk and to delineate the underlying mechanisms.
Topics: Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Carotenoids; Coffee; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Lycopene; Male; Polyphenols; Prostatic Neoplasms; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Risk Factors; Selenium; Tea; United States; alpha-Tocopherol; beta Carotene; gamma-Tocopherol
PubMed: 23909722
DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2013.806672 -
Nutrients Oct 2023Cataract, defined as the opacification of the lens that prevents clear vision, is a leading cause of vision loss and impairment worldwide. Elderly people comprise the... (Review)
Review
Cataract, defined as the opacification of the lens that prevents clear vision, is a leading cause of vision loss and impairment worldwide. Elderly people comprise the highest proportion of those suffering from this eye disease. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), the risk of developing aged-related cataract (ARC) increases with every decade of life, starting from the age of 40. Despite progress in surgical treatment methods, life-style modifications may be beneficial in prevention or slowing down the progression of ARC. This systematic review aims to summarize studies on the significance of specific nutritional patterns, dietary products, vitamins, minerals, and carotenoids intake in the onset or progression of ARC. In this context, the presented paper thoroughly analyzes 24 articles, following the PRISMA guidelines. The results indicate significant protective effects of various dietary patterns, including the Korean balanced diet, vegetarian diet, "dairy products and vegetables", "traditional", "antioxidant", and "omega-3" patterns. Additionally, the consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, skimmed yoghurt, fish, coffee, and vitamins has shown positive effects on cataract incidence. Therefore, further research seems to be essential to gain a better understanding of these associations and to create uniform dietary recommendations for both the vulnerable population and ARC patients.
Topics: Aged; Animals; Humans; Vitamins; Diet; Cataract; Antioxidants; Vitamin A; Vegetables; Vitamin K
PubMed: 37960238
DOI: 10.3390/nu15214585 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Nov 2010Vitamin A supplements have been recommended in pregnancy to improve outcomes that include maternal mortality and morbidity. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Vitamin A supplements have been recommended in pregnancy to improve outcomes that include maternal mortality and morbidity.
OBJECTIVES
To review the effectiveness of vitamin A supplementation during pregnancy, alone or in combination with other supplements, on maternal and newborn clinical and laboratory outcomes.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's specialised register of controlled trials (April 2002) and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (The Cochrane Library Issue 1, 2002).
SELECTION CRITERIA
All randomised or quasi-randomised trials evaluating the effect of vitamin A supplementation in pregnant women. The types of intervention included vitamin A supplementation alone or in combination with other micro-nutrients.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We assessed trials for methodological quality using the standard Cochrane criteria of adequacy of concealment. At least two review authors independently assessed the trials for inclusion and extracted data. We collected information on blinding, loss to follow-up, setting, number of women, exclusion after randomisation and follow-up as well as supplementation type, dose and frequency. The outcomes we sought included maternal and neonatal clinical and laboratory outcomes.
MAIN RESULTS
Five trials involving 23,426 women were included. Because the trials were heterogeneous with regard to type of supplement given, duration of supplement use and outcomes measured, pooled results using meta analysis could not be performed. One large population based trial in Nepal showed a possible beneficial effect on maternal mortality after weekly vitamin A supplements. In this study a reduction was noted in all cause maternal mortality up to 12 weeks postpartum with Vitamin A supplementation (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.37-0.97). Night-blindness was assessed in a nested case-control study within this trial and found to be reduced but not eliminated. Three trials examined the effect of vitamin A supplementation on haemoglobin levels. The trial from Indonesia showed a beneficial effect in women who were anaemic ([Hb] <11.0 g/dl). After supplementation, the proportion of women who became non-anaemic was 35% in the Vitamin A supplemented group, 68% in the iron-supplemented group, 97% in the group supplemented with both Vitamin A and iron and 16% in the placebo group. The two trials from Malawi did not corroborate these positive findings.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Although the two trials from Nepal and Indonesia suggested beneficial effects of vitamin A supplementation, further trials are needed to determine whether vitamin A supplements can reduce maternal mortality and morbidity and by what mechanism.
Topics: Dietary Supplements; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Vitamin A
PubMed: 21069669
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001996.pub2 -
Physiology & Behavior Oct 2022Lutein and zeaxanthin-xanthophyll carotenoids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics-are present in the retina and the brain. High concentrations of... (Review)
Review
Lutein and zeaxanthin-xanthophyll carotenoids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics-are present in the retina and the brain. High concentrations of these carotenoids have been positively related to cognitive performance. Therefore, this systematic review analyses the relationship between macular pigment density and cognitive functions. Most relevant databases were scoured for studies on healthy people relating cognitive functions to macular pigment optical density (MPOD). There were no age, sex, or race limitations. PROSPERO registration: CRD42021254833. Nineteen studies were included, seven randomized controlled trials (RCT) and eleven observational studies. The general aim of the studies was to examine the association between carotenoids (lutein, meso‑zeaxanthin and zeaxanthin) and cognitive function. Most observational studies correlates MPOD levels with cognitive function or brain activity. Besides, RCTs compared the cognitive function and/or brain activity after increasing lutein and zeaxanthin intake though dietary supplementation or avocado consumption. Dietary lutein and zeaxanthin intake increased MPOD in six of the seven clinical trials and significantly improved most of the cognitive functions studied. A wide variety of test and methodologies for measuring cognitive functions were observed. Memory, processing speed, attention and reasoning were the cognitive function significantly related to MPOD levels in adults. Brain activity also was related to MPOD, but the results were inconsistent. Only four of the eleven observational studies were based on young people and all studies showed a significant relationship between MPOD and cognitive functions. This systematic review showed a direct relationship among cognitive functions, macular pigment and the intake of lutein and zeaxanthin.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Cognition; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Lutein; Macular Pigment; Zeaxanthins
PubMed: 35752349
DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113891