ABSTRACT
CONTEXT: Although some research suggests that vitamin B12 (hereafter, B12) supplements can lower homocysteine (Hcy) levels and treat hyperhomocysteinemia, these results are still ambiguous when B12 is taken as an isolated supplement. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to determine how existing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) could be used to examine the effects of B12 supplementation on Hcy. DATA SOURCES: To find pertinent RCTs up to June 2022, databases, including PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Embase, were searched. DATA EXTRACTION: All selected RCTs investigated the impact of B12 supplements on Hcy. A meta-analysis of the eligible studies was performed using the random-effects model. DATA ANALYSIS: This review included a total of 21 RCTs (N = 1625 participants). Hcy levels were significantly lower after B12 supplementation compared with the control group (pooled weighted mean difference, -4.15 µmol/L; 95% confidence interval, -4.86, -3.45; P < 0.001), and this reduction was even greater with intervention durations ≥12 weeks and doses >500 µg/d. Furthermore, the effect of B12 supplementation in the form of hydroxocobalamin on the reduction of Hcy level was greater compared with other forms. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this meta-analysis shows that B12 supplementation has a positive impact on lowering blood Hcy levels, particularly when administered for a longer period and at a larger dose. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration no. CRD42022364066.
ABSTRACT
Because of abnormal lipid profiles, the risk of patients living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) developing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is much greater than in the general population. Statins are known effective medications for reducing the risk of CVDs by influencing inflammatory mediators, endothelial function, angiogenesis, and thrombosis. However, their role in PLHIV has not been well confirmed. In this article, we aim to provide more clarity about the effects of statin in lowering CVDs in PLHIV. Cochrane Library, PubMed, PubMed Central (PMC), and Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) were screened and searched for articles that contained relevant data to our study. In this article, three clinical trials and five observational studies, including eight abstracts, were obtained and analyzed. We included articles that examined the efficacy of statins in reducing CVDs in those with PLHIV. Two reviewers independently abstracted and collected the data. We infer that the cardiovascular events in PLHIV were reduced by the potent effects of statins.
