Repository of Research and Investigative Information Isfahan University of Medical Sciences
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Thyroid function tests and serum anti-Müllerian hormone in various populations, is there any association? A systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textPurposeThis systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between anti-M & uuml;llerian hormone (AMH) as a biomarker of ovarian reserve and various thyroid function tests, including thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free T3 (FT3), free T4 (FT4), T3, T4, and thyroid autoantibodies, such as thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), in various female populations. MethodsA comprehensive literature search was conducted across six electronic databases and original observational studies examining the correlation between AMH levels and at least one TFT, TPOAb, or TgAb. ResultsForty studies with 14,009 participants were included in the quantitative synthesis. The pooled results showed that AMH levels were not significantly correlated with TSH levels in the overall population or diverse subgroups. However, after adjusting for publication bias, a small, but significant, positive correlation was observed. Meta-regression analyses identified estradiol, FT3, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) as significant moderators of AMH-TSH association in various populations. AMH was significantly positively correlated with FT3 (r = 0.177) and FT4 (r = 058), negatively correlated with T3 (r = - 0.202) and T4 (r = - 0.216) in the overall population, and significantly positively correlated with TPOAb in the normal population (r = 0.348). AMH levels were not significantly correlated with TgAb levels. Meta-regression revealed body mass index and FT4 as moderators in AMH-FT4 and AMH-TPOAb correlations. ConclusionThese findings highlight the complex relationship between AMH and thyroid function markers with potential moderators influencing these associations. Further well-controlled longitudinal studies are required to clarify the underlying mechanisms and clinical implications of these associations across reproductive stages and metabolic profiles
Tea consumption, cardiovascular diseases risk factors, sleep and mental health status among diabetic women
No full textObjectivesTo examine the association between tea consumption, mental health and sleep status in female patients with type 2 diabetes.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 230 women with type 2 diabetes. All participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, a physical activity record, and a food frequency questionnaire to determine dietary intake and tea consumption. To evaluate sleep status and mental health, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale were completed by participants, respectively. Anthropometric measures and biochemical assessments were also recorded.ResultsThe mean age and BMI of participants was 59.9 +/- 9.20 years and 29.31 +/- 4.52 kg/m2, respectively. There was a significant association between sleep duration at night and tertiles of tea intake (P = 0.006). Furthermore, we found a significant association between sleep latency and tertiles of tea intake (P = 0.042). There was a significant positive association between amounts of tea intake and sleep latency in both crude (B; 0.023; SE: 0.009; P-value: 0.015) and adjusted models (highly adjusted model: B; 0.024; SE: 0.009; P-value: 0.011) using linear regression. We found no evidence of an association between tea intakes and sleep status, depression symptoms, anxiety and stress.ConclusionsWe found evidence of a significant association between tea intakes, sleep duration, and sleep quality at night. However, there was no significant association between tea intake and mental health. Future studies evaluating this relationship should consider different types of tea, as well as caffeine and other bioactive components
Serum zinc level and its association with pulmonary tuberculosis
No full textIntroduction: Tuberculosis (TB), a global health problem, affects millions of people annually and has significant mortality rates. Zinc (Zn) plays a crucial role in immune function and may impact the outcomes of TB. Studies have shown that TB patients often have lower serum Zn levels, which improve with treatment and improved nutrition. Combining Zn supplements with anti-TB therapy has shown promise in reducing mortality, especially in those who are co-infected. Objectives: This study aimed to assess serum Zn levels in healthy individuals and those with pulmonary TB, considering various parameters. Patients and Methods: This case-control study focused on individuals aged 16 and older who were diagnosed with active pulmonary TB and referred to the TB clinic laboratory in Arak, Iran. The case group consisted of 32 individuals, and an equal number formed the control group. Diagnosis of active pulmonary TB was based on specific parameters, and patients received treatment with isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide drugs, with the dosage adjusted according to their weight. Results: Regardless of age and gender, pulmonary TB patients with normal and high body mass index (BMI), as well as those with low to moderate income, exhibited lower serum Zn levels in compared to the control group. No significant correlation was observed between the disease stage and serum Zn levels. However, in individuals older than 65 years, particularly women and men with low-BMI, moderate income, and those in the initial disease stage, anti-TB treatment led to a significant increase in serum Zn levels. The findings of the study highlight the decrease in serum Zn levels in patients with pulmonary TB. Conclusion: The present study indicates that, individuals with pulmonary TB, especially those with specific demographic and health characteristics, may have lower serum Zn levels. Treatment for TB may lead to increased Zn levels in specific groups of patients
Potential role of thymoquinone to treat gastrointestinal cancers: insights into its molecular mechanisms
No full textGastrointestinal (GI) malignancies, including esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, and colon cancer, are associated with high mortality rates worldwide. Thymoquinone is one of the main bioactive components of Nigella sativa, and it has been documented to have anticancer effects including GI cancer. Thymoquinone inhibits GI cancer progression by inducing cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and oxidative stress and inhibiting inflammation, migration, invasion, metastasis, histone deacetylases, STAT3, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathways. Although the beneficial effects of thymoquinone have been documented, some limitations, including poor bioavailability and hydrophobicity, have hindered its clinical application. Nanotechnology approaches bypass these limitations. In this review article, we outline the different cellular and molecular pathways influenced by thymoquinone and its nanoformulations in GI cancer
The effects of Garcinia cambogia on glycaemic control and liver enzymes in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
No full textPrevious studies have assessed how supplementing with Garcinia cambogia affects glycaemic control and liver enzyme levels; nevertheless, the results were not consistent. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of Garcinia cambogia on glycaemic control and liver enzymes through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Searches were conducted from the beginning through February 2023, using online databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Cochrane Library). Trials examining the impact of Garcinia cambogia on serum levels of fasting blood sugar (FBS), serum level of insulin, alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST) in adults were included. The overall estimates and their 95 confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. This meta-analysis includes nine publications with 444 participants. The results showed that Garcinia cambogia has no significant effect on FBS (weighted mean difference (WMD): 1.02 mg/dl, 95 CI: -1.29, 3.33), insulin (WMD: -0.12 mU/L, 95 CI: -1.50, 1.25), AST (Hedges' g: -0.08, 95 CI: -0.43, 0.26), and ALT (Hedges' g: 0.27, 95 CI: -0.20, 0.73). Subgroup analysis showed that Garcinia cambogia significantly increased insulin levels in females and also increased insulin and FBS levels in those with a BMI >= 30 kg/m2. Nevertheless, the administration of Garcinia cambogia for more than 8 weeks significantly decreased insulin levels. This meta-analysis showed that supplementation with Garcinia cambogia has no significant effect on FBS, insulin, ALT, or AST levels compared with control groups; however, it seems that increasing the duration of the intervention may have a decreasing effect on insulin levels
Unraveling the link between birth order and blood pressure: insights from a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textThe objective of the present systematic review was to incorporate previous studies investigating the association of birth order with the risk of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). We employed random-effects and Bayesian meta-analyses, complemented by subgroup and sensitivity analyses, including funnel plots, Begg's rank correlation test, Egger's linear regression test, Galbraith plots, and leave-one-out meta-analysis. Of the 13 articles analyzed, 92 (12 articles) were published from 2010 onwards. The aggregate sample comprised 466 853 firstborns and 646 786 later-born individuals. Geographically, the studies were primarily conducted in Europe (54), followed by Asia (23), and America (23). The pooled mean difference for systolic blood pressure (SBP) under a random-effects model was 0.28 mm Hg (95 CI: -7.03 to 7.59), and for DBP was 0.33 mm Hg (95 CI: -5.38 to 6.04), neither of which reached statistical significance (SBP: Z = 0.08, P = 0.939; DBP: Z = 0.11, P = 0.910). Sensitivity analyses supported these findings. Bayesian meta-analysis presented a 95 credible interval for SBP and DBP ranging from -7.25 to 7.84 and -5.60 to 6.27, respectively. The investigation found no substantial evidence of a significant difference in SBP and DBP between firstborns and later-born individuals, challenging the hypothesis that birth order significantly impacts blood pressure levels. ID registration number: 567971
Different delivery systems for improving the bioavailability of ginger bioactive compounds: a comprehensive review
No full textGinger has been used as a flavoring agent in foods due to its unique taste and aroma. It is also an herbal medicine because of its potential to mitigate neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and respiratory disorders. However, the application of ginger bioactive compounds (GBCs) as nutraceutical ingredients in foods is often limited because of their poor solubility, stability, and bioavailability. These limitations can often be overcome using suitable encapsulation technologies. In this article, we begin by reviewing the molecular and physicochemical attributes of ginger, as well as the factors that limit its bioavailability. Then, different technologies for encapsulating GBCs have been described including lipid-based, surfactant-based, and biopolymeric carriers. In addition, different equipment available for fabricating carriers of GBCs, including spray drying, spray chilling, electrospinning, homogenization, and crystallization have also been overviewed. Finally, future directions in the encapsulation and delivery of GBCs in foods is discussed
Growth-Associated Protein 43 Levels in the Cerebrospinal Fluid Correspond to the Cerebral Blood Flow Alterations in Alzheimer's Dementia Continuum: An Original Study
No full textBackground and Aims Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a widespread neurodegenerative condition that has a growing impact on a global scale. This study aims to examine the relationship between cerebral blood flow (CBF) and the synaptic biomarker growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43) through the utilization of arterial spin labeling (ASL). The research identified noteworthy correlations between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) GAP-43 levels, CBF, and cognitive composite scores, especially among participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) who possess the APOE-epsilon 4 gene. Methods The study examined 92 participants from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database, including 36 cognitively normal (CN) and 56 MCI. The cognitive status of 42 participants was evaluated using ADNI composite scores. Independent t-tests and Mann-Whitney tests were used for the comparison of continuous variables between groups, and multiple linear regression analysis with adjustments for confounding factors was used to assess the relationship between GAP-43 and CBF values. Results Significant positive correlations were observed between GAP-43 levels and (A) the executive function composite score (ADNIEF) in CN individuals, as well as (B) the language composite score (ADNILAN) in individuals with MCI. CSF biomarkers and ASL regions did not show statistical significance between diagnostic groups after correction for multiple comparisons. No significant differences in baseline characteristics were found between diagnostic groups. However, associations were observed between ROI CBF and Mini Mental State Examination in various subgroups. Conclusion The findings indicate a potential function for ASL perfusion in identifying early AD-related alterations and gaining insight into the pathophysiology of AD and mild cognitive impairment. The study revealed associations between CBF, cognitive scores, and APOE-epsilon 4 gene status. This study contributes to the comprehension of the correlation between CSF biomarkers, regional brain perfusion, and cognitive function in individuals with AD using ASL as a noninvasive approach
Image-guided cryoablation for palliation of painful bone metastases: a systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textObjective To assess the efficacy of cryoablation in controlling pain from metastatic bone lesions. Materials and methods A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane library, and Web of Science was conducted from inception to April 2024, focusing on cryoablation for palliation of painful bone metastases. The inclusion criteria were as follows: studies involving patients over 18 years of age who were affected by bone metastases; bone metastases treated with stand-alone cryoablation; studies reporting patients' pain levels before and at least at one time point after cryoablation; and studies published in English. Results A total of 844 articles were initially screened, resulting in 12 articles involving 309 patients included. Pain assessments were conducted at various time points ranging from 1 day to 6 months after the cryoablation procedure. Included studies reported significant improvements in pain scores based on the visual analog scale (VAS), the numeric rating scale (NRS) and brief pain inventory-short form (BPI-SF) following treatment at 1, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. The most notable mean difference between pre- and post-procedure pain scores was observed at 12 weeks, with a standardized mean difference of -3.71 (95 confidence interval CI: -5.29 to -2.00; p < 0.001). Regarding pain relief outcomes, by the fourth week, the proportion of patients experiencing pain relief was 0.69 (95% CI: 0.62 to 0.75; p < 0.001). Conclusions Cryoablation could be an effective method for palliation of painful bone metastases. Further studies are needed to compare its efficacy with other palliative methods and to define its role in cancer management
DOCK2 Deficiency and GATA2 Haploinsufficiency Can Underlie Critical Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pneumonia
No full textThe life-threatening coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affects about 1 in 1,000 healthy people under 50 without underlying conditions. Among patients with critical COVID-19 pneumonia, rare germline variants at genes controlling type I IFN immunity have been reported in up to 5 of patients. Causal etiologies in 80-85 of cases are still unknown. We analyzed two families with hypoxemic COVID-19 pneumonia for known single-gene inborn errors of immunity. In Family 1, two siblings with critical COVID-19 were homozygous for a DOCK2 variant, c.3624+5G>A. DOCK2 deficiency is a known T-cell disorder underlying severe viral diseases. The variant resulted in skipping exon 35, which was predicted to produce a frameshift truncated protein (p.L1157Ifs*12). The proband showed markedly decreased blood CD4 T-helper cell counts, impaired T lymphocyte transformation test, and increased serum IgG, IgA, and IgE levels, as documented in other DOCK2-deficient patients. In Family 2, the proband had lethal COVID-19 and HPV-2-associated multiple recalcitrant warts. She was heterozygous for a deletion in GATA2:c.10751102del28, p.W360Sfs*18. GATA2 haploinsufficiency is a known cause of severe viral diseases due to a lack of plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) development. The proband had monocytopenia and a lack of circulating pDCs, as reported in other patients with GATA2 haploinsufficiency. Overall, both DOCK2 deficiency and GATA2 haploinsufficiency are associated with critical and often fatal COVID-19 pneumonia