The effects of visual art therapy on adults with depressive symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Depression constitutes a pervasive global mental health concern and stands as a principal determinant of elevated suicide rates worldwide. Recent empirical investigations have showcased the significant potential of visual art therapy (VAT) in ameliorating symptoms among individuals with depression. Nevertheless, specific studies have yielded findings marked by inconclusiveness, underscoring the imperative need for further research to comprehensively establish its efficacy. This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of extant research, to ascertain the efficacy and effect size of VAT as an intervention for adults with depressive symptoms. A comprehensive search was conducted across 10 databases. The search encompassed articles published from the inception of these databases up until October 18, 2023. Two researchers screened the literature in accordance with inclusion and exclusion criteria and performed a thorough quality assessment. The original data and the data obtained from the literature were extracted for further analysis. The statistical analysis of the data was performed using Stata 17.0 software. fifteen studies were included, encompassing a total of 932 participants. The outcomes of meta-analysis unveiled a statistically significant effect of VAT in diminishing depressive symptoms among adults (SMD = -0.73; 95% CI, -1.07 to -0.39; p < 0.001; 15 randomised controlled trials (RCTs); low-quality evidence). The subgroup analysis indicated that VAT exhibited heightened effectiveness among adults below 65 years of age, with interventions lasting ≤12 weeks demonstrating superior efficacy. Additionally, sensitivity analysis underscored the robustness and reliability of the findings. VAT appears to alleviate depressive symptoms among adults. Existing research indicates that the effectiveness of VAT is influenced by factors, such as intervention population characteristics and intervention duration. However, to comprehensively probe the efficacy of VAT, future studies should strive for larger sample sizes, multicentre collaborations, and long-term follow-ups.

Effects of non-pharmacological interventions on depressive symptoms and risk of major depressive disorder in adults with subthreshold depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Subthreshold depression (StD) is a condition that significantly reduces the quality of life and increases the risk of developing major depressive disorder (MDD). In order to investigate the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) in preventing the onset of MDD and improving depressive symptoms in adults with StD (AStDs), we conducted a systematic search of nine databases and included a total of 15 studies. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated using random effects models. RoB2 tool and GRADEpro software were used to assess the methodological quality and evidence. Funnel plots, Egger's, and Begg's tests were used to analyze publication bias. Sensitivity, subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. The results showed that NPIs had a significant effect in preventing the onset of MDD and improving depressive symptoms. Subgroup analysis revealed that NPIs were particularly effective in general adult populations, during short-term follow-up (FU) periods, among pregnant women, and in universal prevention programs. The results were found to be robust and credible, as they were less sensitive to changes in the analysis method. Timely detection and treatment of StD is feasible and important, as it can effectively delay or prevent the onset of MDD.

Resveratrol inhibits the IL-1ß-induced expression of MMP-13 and IL-6 in human articular chondrocytes via TLR4/MyD88-dependent and -independent signaling cascades.

The natural polyphenolic compound, resveratrol, has been shown to exhibit anti-osteoarthritic activity. Therefore it is hypothesized that resveratrol may serve as a nutritional supplement to counteract osteoarthritis (OA). However, the mechanisms responsible for these anti-osteoarthritic effects have not yet been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to determine whether the biological effects of resveratrol against interleukin (IL)-1ß­induced inflammation in human articular chondrocytes involved both Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)-dependent and -independent signaling pathways. Human articular chondrocytes derived from patients with OA were stimulated with IL-1ß, and then co-treated with resveratrol. Cell viability was subsequently evaluated by MTS assays, and the concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13 and the pro-inflammatory factor, IL-6, were detected in culture supernatants using ELISA. The mRNA and protein levels of downstream mediators of TLR4/MyD88-dependent and -independent signaling pathways were also assayed by RT-qPCR and western blot analysis, respectively. Our results revealed that resveratrol prevented the IL-1ß-induced reduction in cell viability. Furthermore, stimulation of the chondrocytes with IL-1ß resulted in a significant upregulation of TLR4 and downstream targets of both TLR4/MyD88-dependent and -independent signaling pathways that are associated with the synthesis of MMP-13 and IL-6. Correspondingly, IL-1ß-induced catabolic and inflammatory responses were effectively reversed by resveratrol. Taken together, these data suggest that resveratrol exerted protective effects against matrix degradation and inflammation in OA-affected chondrocytes by inhibiting both TLR4/MyD88-dependent and -independent signaling pathways. Thus, resveratrol represents a potential treatment for OA and warrants further investigation.

Protective effect of resveratrol against IL-1ß-induced inflammatory response on human osteoarthritic chondrocytes partly via the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway: an "in vitro study".

Resveratrol is a natural polyphenolic compound that prevents inflammation in chondrocytes and animal models of osteoarthritis (OA) via yet to be defined mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the protective effect of resveratrol on IL-1ß-induced human articular chondrocytes was associated with the TLR4/MyD88/NF-кB signaling pathway by incubating human articular chondrocytes (harvested from osteoarthritis patients) with IL-1ß before treatment with resveratrol. Cell viability was evaluated using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay and TNFα levels in culture supernatants were measured by ELISA(Enzymelinked immunosorbent assay). The levels of TLR4 and its downstream signaling targets (MyD88 and TRAF6) and IL-1ß were assessed by measuring the levels of mRNA and protein expression by real-time RT-PCR and western blot analysis, respectively, in addition to assessing NF-кB activation. In addition, TLR4 siRNA was used to block TLR4 expression in chondrocytes further demonstrating that resveratrol prevented IL-1ß-mediated inflammation by TLR4 inhibition. We found that resveratrol prevented IL-1ß-induced reduction in cell viability. Stimulation of chondrocytes with IL-1ß caused a significant up-regulation of TLR4 and its downstream targets MyD88 and TRAF6 resulting in NF-кB activation associated with the synthesis of IL-1ß and TNFα. These IL-1ß-induced inflammatory responses were all effectively reversed by resveratrol. Furthermore, activation of NF-кB in chondrocytes treated with TLR4 siRNA was significantly attenuated, but not abolished, and exposure to resveratrol further reduced NF-кB translocation. These data suggested that resveratrol prevented IL-1ß-induced inflammation in human articular chondrocytes at least in part by inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88/NF-кB signaling pathway suggesting that resveratrol has the potential to be used as a nutritional supplement to counteract OA symptoms.