Magnesium sulfate for fetal neuroprotection in preterm pregnancy: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Intravenous administration of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) to expectant individuals before childbirth, has been evaluated to reduce the likelihood of mortality and occurrence cerebral palsy in their offspring. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis conducted to determine if were the prophylactic use of magnesium sulfate in women at risk for preterm delivery leads to decrease in the incidence of death or cerebral palsy. METHODS: A comprehensive search of electronic databases was done to identify relevant studies. Selection of eligible studies was based on predetermined inclusion criteria. Data extraction was performed, and the methodological quality of the selected studies was assessed using appropriate evaluative tools. A meta-analysis was carried out to estimate the overall effect of intravenous administration of magnesium sulfate on the incidence of death or cerebral palsy. RESULTS: A total of 7 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. No significant publication bias was observed. The risk of fetal neurological impairment was significantly lower in the MgSO4 group compared to the control group relative risk (RR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.56 to 0.87; I20%). However, neonatal mortality was not significantly associated with MgSO4 injection. (RR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.88 to 1.21; I2 = 42%). Subgroup analysis was done based on the bolus dosage of MgSO4 and the duration of the trial follow-up. revealing a non-significant differences between-group. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that MgSO4 administration can improve fetal neurological impairment and cerebral palsy but is not linked to reducing mortality. Further studies are necessary to strengthen the evidence and clarify the underlying mechanisms.

Incident diabetes in adolescents using antidepressant: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The use of antidepressants has been on the rise among adolescents and young adults, populations also increasingly at risk for type 2 diabetes. However, the relationship between antidepressant uses and diabetes incidence in these age groups remains poorly understood. METHODS: Adhering to PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook, we conducted a comprehensive search in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science up to 21 February 2024, registering our protocol on PROSPERO (CRD42024516272). RESULTS: Six studies, ranging from 16, 470 to 1, 582, 914 participants and spanning 2010 to 2023 across North America, Europe, and Asia, were included. The meta-analysis revealed a significant association between antidepressant use and diabetes onset, with 10 cases per 1, 000 observations (p < 0.01; I2 = 100%). Adolescents using high doses of antidepressants showed a 62% increased risk of developing diabetes compared to non-users or those on low doses (Risk ratio = 1.67; 95% CI 1.19-2.35; I2 = 87%; p < 0.01). The overall quality of the studies was high, with an average Newcastle-Ottawa Scale score of 7.66. Sensitivity analysis highlighted the robustness of these findings, except when removing specific studies, indicating potential sources of heterogeneity. CONCLUSION: Antidepressant use in adolescents is associated with a significantly increased risk of diabetes onset, particularly at higher doses. This finding underscores the necessity for vigilant monitoring of glucose levels in this population and warrants further investigation into the underlying mechanisms and long-term outcomes.

The potential use of therapeutics and prophylactic mRNA vaccines in human papillomavirus (HPV).

Cervical cancer (CC) and other malignant malignancies are acknowledged to be primarily caused by persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Historically, vaccinations against viruses that produce neutralizing antibodies unique to the virus have been an affordable way to manage viral diseases. CC risk is decreased, but not eliminated, by HPV vaccinations. Since vaccinations have been made available globally, almost 90% of HPV infections have been successfully avoided. On the lesions and diseases that are already present, however, no discernible treatment benefit has been shown. As a result, therapeutic vaccines that elicit immune responses mediated by cells are necessary for the treatment of established infections and cancers. mRNA vaccines possess remarkable potential in combating viral diseases and malignancy as a result of their superior industrial production, safety, and efficacy. Furthermore, considering the expeditiousness of production, the mRNA vaccine exhibits promise as a therapeutic approach targeting HPV. Given that the HPV-encoded early proteins, including oncoproteins E6 and E7, are consistently present in HPV-related cancers and pre-cancerous lesions and have crucial functions in the progression and persistence of HPV-related diseases, they serve as ideal targets for therapeutic HPV vaccines. The action mechanism of HPV and HPV-related cancer mRNA vaccines, their recent advancements in clinical trials, and the potential for their therapeutic applications are highlighted in this study, which also offers a quick summary of the present state of mRNA vaccines. Lastly, we highlight a few difficulties with mRNA HPV vaccination clinical practice and provide our thoughts on further advancements in this quickly changing sector. It is expected that mRNA vaccines will soon be produced quickly for clinical HPV prevention and treatment.

Knockdown of circXPO1 inhibits the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells.

BACKGROUND: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have emerged as pivotal regulators of cellular processes in human malignancies, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). METHODS: Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect RNA expression levels of circXPO1, miR-524-5p and cyclin D1 (CCND1). Colony formation assay and 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay were performed to analyze cell proliferation, while transwell assay was carried out to investigate the cell migration and invasion. Cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. Protein expression analysis was implemented by Western blot assay. Additionally, lactate production and glucose consumption were investigated using a lactate assay kit and glucose assay kit, respectively. The in vivo tumorigenic potential of circXPO1 was evaluated using a xenograft mouse model assay. RESULTS: Elevated levels of circXPO1 and CCND1, alongside reduced miR-524-5p expression were decreased in OSCC tissues and cells. Knockdown of circXPO1 in OSCC cells inhibited their proliferative, migratory and invasive capacities, as well as glycolysis, prompting apoptosis. Moreover, circXPO1 silencing hindered tumor growth in vivo. MiR-524-5p could be sequestered by circXPO1, and its inhibition could counteract the beneficial effects of circXPO1 knockdown on OSCC progression. CONCLUSION: Knockdown of circXPO1 inhibited OSCC progression by up-regulating miR-524-5p and down-regulating CCND1 expression, which might provide potential targets for OSCC treatment.

Identification of a novel HEXB Mutation in an Iranian Family with suspected patient to GM2-gangliosidoses.

Sandhoff disease is one of the GM2-gangliosidoses which is caused by a mutation in the HEXB preventing the breakdown of GM2-ganglioside. We report a novel HEXB variant in a family with a history of a dead girl with Sandhoff disease which was not found in controls.