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Physiological Reports Nov 2022Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) commonly experience sex hormone disturbances, which may be associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) commonly experience sex hormone disturbances, which may be associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. This review aimed to systematically evaluate current findings on the association of sex hormone levels with the risk of CVD events and mortality (CVD and all-cause) in the CKD population. Articles were systematically searched in CINAHL, Cochrane, and PubMed. A total of 1739 articles were independently screened by two reviewers and 17 prospective cohort studies were included. The clinical conditions of the patients were those with non-dialysis CKD [mean/median estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between 15-51 ml/min/1.73 m ] and those on chronic dialysis (mean/median vintage between 6-125 months). The sample size ranged from 111 to 2419 and the mean/median age of subjects ranged from 52 to 72 years. The sex hormones studied were testosterone, estradiol, prolactin, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and relaxin. A random-effects model was used to generate a pooled hazard ratio (HR) to evaluate the association of total testosterone levels with the risk of CVD and all-cause mortality. Most studies examined total testosterone levels (11 out of 17 studies) and studied only male patients (12 out of 17 studies). A lower total testosterone level was associated with a higher risk of CVD mortality [HR 4.37 (95% CI 1.40-13.65)] and all-cause mortality [1.96 (1.35-2.83)] in males with CKD. To conclude, there is a strong need for additional studies examining the association of sex hormones with cardiovascular and mortality risk in female patients with CKD.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Aged; Cardiovascular Diseases; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Gonadal Steroid Hormones; Testosterone
PubMed: 36394074
DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15490 -
European Spine Journal : Official... Sep 2012The present systematic review assessed the level of evidence for the association between relaxin levels and pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PPGP) during pregnancy. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
The present systematic review assessed the level of evidence for the association between relaxin levels and pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PPGP) during pregnancy.
METHODS
PRISMA guidelines were followed to conduct this systematic review. Electronic search was carried out using six different databases. Observational cohorts, cross-sectional or case-control studies focused on the association between relaxin levels and PPGP during pregnancy were included. Studies selection was conducted by two reviewers who screened firstly for titles, then for abstracts and finally for full articles. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and the quality of evidence by the guidelines proposed by the Cochrane back review group.
RESULTS
731 references were identified. Six articles met the inclusion criteria and were considered for this systematic review. The main reason for the studies exclusion was PPGP related to gynaecological reasons. Five studies were case-control and one study was a prospective cohort. Four studies were ranked as high while two were ranked as low quality. Among the high quality studies, three found no association between PPGP and relaxin levels.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on these findings, the level of evidence for the association between PPGP and relaxin levels was found to be low. PPGP assessment and controlling for risk factors were found to increase bias leaving uncertainty in interpretation of these findings and a need for further research.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pelvic Girdle Pain; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Relaxin
PubMed: 22310881
DOI: 10.1007/s00586-012-2162-x -
Biology of Sex Differences Jun 2022Relaxin is a hormone which peaks during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, and a known collagenolytic promoter that has been shown to avidly bind tissues... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Relaxin is a hormone which peaks during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, and a known collagenolytic promoter that has been shown to avidly bind tissues supporting the trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint in women. We hypothesize a causal linkage between cyclic binding of relaxin to the supporting tissues of the female TMC joint; and to the earlier onset of more severe TMC osteoarthritis (OA) commonly seen in women.
METHODS
A systematic literature review was performed per PRISMA guidelines, qualitatively and quantitatively assessing papers regarding relaxin-TMC joint stability interactions. The primary outcome variable was TMC joint degeneration/loss of function; the "late stage" consequences of relaxin-induced instability. The secondary outcome variable was presence of early signs of relaxin-induced instability; specifically asymptomatic TMC joint laxity in young women.
RESULTS
In healthy young women, menstrual cycle relaxin peaks corresponded with asymptomatic TMC joint instability. Immunohistochemical studies of TMC arthroplasty patients showed avidly increased relaxin binding to supporting tissues around the TMC joint in women but not men. Demographic analysis of patients from the TMC arthroplasty studies show a predominantly female cohort, who were on average significantly younger than the male surgical patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Each relaxin peak during the menstrual cycle can target receptors on the soft tissues supporting the TMC joint, including-critically-the main stabilizing ligament: the anterior oblique. The cyclic instability is typically asymptomatic for years after menarche, but causes cumulative chondral microtrauma. This likely causes the early-onset, high severity TMC joint OA clinically pervasive among female patients at orthopedic hand clinics. Further research is indicated to develop risk assessment strategies and potential interventional options before and after the onset of hormonal laxity-induced OA.
Topics: Case-Control Studies; Female; Humans; Joint Instability; Male; Menstrual Cycle; Osteoarthritis; Relaxin; Thumb
PubMed: 35725646
DOI: 10.1186/s13293-022-00438-y -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2022The aim of this review is to assess the current evidence regarding the impact of relaxin on incidence of soft tissue hip injuries in women.
PURPOSE
The aim of this review is to assess the current evidence regarding the impact of relaxin on incidence of soft tissue hip injuries in women.
METHODS
A trained research librarian assisted with searches of PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus, with a preset English language filter. The review was completed per the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Manual for Evidence Synthesis methodology. Included studies required assessment of relaxin effects on musculoskeletal health, pelvic girdle stability, or hip joint structures in human subjects. Letters, texts, and opinion papers were excluded.
RESULTS
Our screen yielded 82 studies. Molecularly, relaxin activates matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) including collagenases MMP-1/-13 and gelatinases MMP-2/-9 to loosen pelvic ligaments for parturition. However, relaxin receptors have also been detected in female periarticular tissues, such as the anterior cruciate ligament, which tears significantly more often during the menstrual cycle peak of relaxin. Recently, high concentrations of relaxin-activated MMP-9 receptors have been found on the acetabular labrum; their expression upregulated by estrogen.
CONCLUSIONS
Menstrual cycle peaks of relaxin activate MMPs, which locally degrade collagen and gelatine. Women have relaxin receptors in multiple joints including the hip and knee, and increased relaxin correlates with increased musculoskeletal injuries. Relaxin has paracrine effects in the female pelvis on ligaments adjacent to hip structures, such as acetabular labral cells which express high levels of relaxin-targeted MMPs. Therefore, it is imperative to investigate the effect of relaxin on the hip to determine if increased levels of relaxin are associated with an increased risk of acetabular labral tears.
Topics: Female; Hip Injuries; Humans; Incidence; Knee Joint; Menstrual Cycle; Relaxin
PubMed: 35185802
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.827512 -
Journal of Anatomy Nov 2010The pubic symphysis is a unique joint consisting of a fibrocartilaginous disc sandwiched between the articular surfaces of the pubic bones. It resists tensile, shearing... (Review)
Review
The pubic symphysis is a unique joint consisting of a fibrocartilaginous disc sandwiched between the articular surfaces of the pubic bones. It resists tensile, shearing and compressive forces and is capable of a small amount of movement under physiological conditions in most adults (up to 2 mm shift and 1° rotation). During pregnancy, circulating hormones such as relaxin induce resorption of the symphyseal margins and structural changes in the fibrocartilaginous disc, increasing symphyseal width and mobility. This systematic review of the English, German and French literature focuses on the normal anatomy of the adult human pubic symphysis. Although scientific studies of the joint have yielded useful descriptive data, comparison of results is hampered by imprecise methodology and/or poorly controlled studies. Several aspects of the anatomy of the pubic symphysis remain unknown or unclear: the precise attachments of surrounding ligaments and muscles; the arrangement of connective tissue fibres within the interpubic disc and the origin, structure and function of its associated interpubic cleft; the biomechanical consequences of sexual dimorphism; potential ethnic variations in morphology; and its precise innervation and blood supply. These deficiencies hinder our understanding of the normal form and function of the joint, which is particularly relevant when attempting to understand the mechanisms underlying pregnancy-related pubic symphyseal pain, a neglected and relatively common cause of pubic pain. A better understanding of the normal anatomy of the human pubic symphysis should improve our understanding of such problems and contribute to better treatments for patients suffering from symphyseal pain and dysfunction.
Topics: Adult; Biomechanical Phenomena; Connective Tissue; Female; Humans; Ligaments; Pregnancy; Pubic Symphysis
PubMed: 20840351
DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2010.01300.x -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... 2001Relaxin is a protein hormone composed of two amino acid chains. The role played by relaxin in human pregnancy and parturition is unclear. Its use and involvement as a... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Relaxin is a protein hormone composed of two amino acid chains. The role played by relaxin in human pregnancy and parturition is unclear. Its use and involvement as a cervical ripening agent has been debated since the 1950s. Because the main source of human relaxin is the corpus luteum of pregnancy much of the early work on induction of labour has focused on porcine or bovine preparations. With the advent of DNA recombinant technology human relaxin has become available for evaluation. Relaxin is thought to have a promoting effect on cervical ripening. Due to a possible inhibitory effect on human myometrial activity, relaxin may not be associated with the concomitant increase in the rate of uterine hyperstimulation seen with other induction agents. This is one of a series of reviews of methods of cervical ripening and labour induction using a standardised methodology.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the effects of relaxin (both purified porcine and recombinant human) for third trimester cervical ripening or induction of labour in comparison with other methods of induction.
SEARCH STRATEGY
The Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register, the Cochrane Controlled trials register and bibliographies of relevant papers. Last searched: November 2000.
SELECTION CRITERIA
(1) clinical trials comparing relaxin used for third trimester cervical ripening or labour induction with placebo/no treatment or other methods listed above it on a predefined list of labour induction methods; (2) random allocation to the treatment or control group; (3) adequate allocation concealment; (4) violations of allocated management not sufficient to materially affect conclusions; (5) clinically meaningful outcome measures reported; (6) data available for analysis according to the random allocation; (7) missing data insufficient to materially affect the conclusion.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
A strategy has been developed to deal with the large volume and complexity of trial data relating to labour induction. This involves a two-stage method of data extraction.
MAIN RESULTS
In total, nine studies were considered; five have been excluded and four included examining a total of 267 women. There were no reported cases of uterine hyperstimulation with fetal heart rate changes in any of the studies. The rate of caesarean section was not different in those women given relaxin compared with placebo (15.3% versus 14.2%; relative risk (RR) 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.42,1.50). There was a reduction in the risk of the cervix remaining unfavourable or unchanged with induction with relaxin (21.9% versus 49.3%; RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.28,0.72). There were no reported cases of uterine hyperstimulation without FHR changes.
REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS
The place of relaxin, either purified porcine or recombinant human, as an induction or cervical priming agent is unclear. Further trials are needed to estimate the true effect of relaxin within current clinical practice.
Topics: Animals; Cervical Ripening; Female; Humans; Labor, Induced; Oxytocics; Placebo Effect; Pregnancy; Recombinant Proteins; Relaxin; Swine
PubMed: 11406079
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003103 -
Medicine Jun 2018Serelaxin, recombinant human relaxin-2, is a hormone with vasodilatory and end-organ protective effects. Recently, it has been licensed to treat acute decompensated... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Serelaxin, recombinant human relaxin-2, is a hormone with vasodilatory and end-organ protective effects. Recently, it has been licensed to treat acute decompensated heart failure. Here, a systematic review and meta-analysis on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to assess the effect of serelaxin on mortality and dyspnea improvement in patients with heart failure.
METHODS
RCTs comparing serelaxin treatment to other heart failure treatments were searched in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov. The main endpoints were mortality and dyspnea improvement. Pooled data were assessed by using a random effects model.
RESULTS
A total of 451 studies were identified, of which 8 studies (8477 participants) were eligible and included in our analysis. Compared with other heart failure treatment group, serelaxin group had no effect on 30-day, 60-day, and 180-day mortality (OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.65-0.96). Compared with control group, there was no effect on dyspnea improvement.
CONCLUSION
Serelaxin treatment is irrelevant with the mortality, and it cannot improve dyspnea of heart failure patients.
Topics: Acute Disease; Cardiotonic Agents; Heart Failure; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Recombinant Proteins; Relaxin; Treatment Outcome; Vasodilator Agents
PubMed: 29923986
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000011010 -
Open Access Macedonian Journal of... Mar 2019Acceleration of orthodontic tooth movement has gained a massive interest to decrease the total treatment time. Local pharmacological agents might be used for that... (Review)
Review
AIM
Acceleration of orthodontic tooth movement has gained a massive interest to decrease the total treatment time. Local pharmacological agents might be used for that purpose as a practical, effective and inexpensive alternative. A systematic review was achieved to evaluate the evidence in that topic.
METHODS
A search was conducted on electronic databases including PubMed, Lilacs, Web of Science (Thompson Reuters), EMBASE (OvidSP), and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (Wiley) in addition to hand searching of relevant journals till June 2018. Only studies written in English were utilised. Publications were selected, assessed systematically and graded by two observers according to Bondemark grading system.
RESULTS
Only two human studies were found investigating the effect of Relaxin and Prostaglandins in the rate of orthodontic tooth movement. No obvious side effects were reported. Relaxin showed no increase in the rate of tooth movement while prostaglandin showed a marked increase in the rate of orthodontic tooth movement.
CONCLUSION
There is below moderate evidence showing no effect of relaxin on orthodontic tooth movement, while inconclusive evidence was found regarding Prostaglandin in the acceleration of orthodontic tooth movement. More prospective well-conducted clinical trials are needed to reach a proper conclusion regarding the local pharmacological agents which can be safely used to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement.
PubMed: 30962855
DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2019.203 -
Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine Mar 2019Female patients are more likely than male patients to experience various musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries. Because MSK tissues are sensitive to the female hormones... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Female patients are more likely than male patients to experience various musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries. Because MSK tissues are sensitive to the female hormones relaxin, estrogen, and progesterone, studies have examined whether hormonal contraceptives, which change female hormone levels, can alter the female MSK injury risk. These studies have reached contradictory conclusions, leaving unclear the influence of hormonal contraception on female MSK injury risk.
HYPOTHESIS
Hormonal contraceptives act to decrease female soft tissue injury risk and soft tissue laxity.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3.
METHODS
Reviewers searched for clinically relevant studies evaluating the relationship between hormonal contraceptive use and soft tissue injuries, soft tissue laxity, muscle injuries, and muscle strength in the PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, CINAHL, and Embase databases. Studies meeting inclusion criteria were scored by 2 independent researchers for risk of bias, imprecision, inconsistency, and indirectness with a template designed using the GRADE (Grades of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation) scoring system and GRADEPro guidelines. Scores were uploaded into the GRADEPro scoring system software, which calculated each study's final GRADE score (, , , or quality).
RESULTS
A total of 29 studies met inclusion criteria. Of the 7 studies evaluating oral contraceptive (OC) use and soft tissue injury risk, only 2 received a high quality-of-evidence score; all other studies received a very low score. The high-quality studies concluded that OC use decreases anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk. Only 1 of the 10 studies evaluating OC use and soft tissue laxity was found to have a high quality of evidence; this study determined that OC use decreases ACL laxity.
CONCLUSION
Higher quality studies suggest that OCs decrease a female patient's risk of ACL injuries and ACL laxity. The strength of these findings, however, is weak. Female patients are up to 8 times more likely to tear their ACLs than male patients. OCs may serve a therapeutic role in decreasing the sex disparity in ACL injury rates.
PubMed: 30923726
DOI: 10.1177/2325967119831061 -
The Journal of Clinical Pediatric... 2017Several experimental studies in the literature have tested different biology-based methods for inhibiting or decreasing orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) in humans. This... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Several experimental studies in the literature have tested different biology-based methods for inhibiting or decreasing orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) in humans. This systematic review investigated the effects of these interventions on the rate of tooth movement.
STUDY DESIGN
Electronic [MedLine; SCOPUS; Cochrane Library; OpenGrey;Web of Science] and manual searches were conducted up to January 26th, 2016 in order to identify publications of clinical trials that compared the decreasing or inhibiting effects of different biology-based methods over OTM in humans. A primary outcome (rate of OTM deceleration/inhibition) and a number of secondary outcomes were examined (clinical applicability, orthodontic force used, possible side effects). Two reviewers selected the studies complying with the eligibility criteria (PICO format) and assessed risk of bias [Cochrane Collaboration's tool]. Data collection and analysis were performed following the Cochrane recommendations.
RESULTS
From the initial electronic search, 3726 articles were retrieved and 5 studies were finally included. Two types of biology-based techniques used to reduce the rate of OTM in humans were described: pharmacological and low-level laser therapy. In the first group, human Relaxin was compared to a placebo and administered orally. It was described as having no effect on the inhibition of OTM in humans after 32 days, while the drug tenoxicam, injected locally, inhibited the rate of OTM by up to 10% in humans after 42 days. In the second group, no statistically significant differences were reported, compared to placebo, for the rate of inhibition of OTM in humans after 90 days of observation when a 860 nm continuous wave GaAlA slow-level laser was used.
CONCLUSIONS
The currently available data do not allow us to draw definitive conclusions about the use of various pharmacological substances and biology-based therapies in humans able to inhibit or decrease the OTM rate. There is an urgent need for more sound well-designed randomized clinical trials in the field.
Topics: Humans; Tooth; Tooth Mobility; Tooth Movement Techniques
PubMed: 28937886
DOI: 10.17796/1053-4628-41.6.14