Homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folate circulating levels in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Some studies have reported that homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folic acid levels are associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), whereas other studies yielded controversial results. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to systematize the available evidence of homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folate levels in women with and without PCOS. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES AND METHODS: A systematic search without language restrictions was performed on PubMed, Ovid/Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science. In addition, the reference lists of the selected studies were reviewed. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was employed to evaluate the quality of studies. The means and standard deviations of the outcomes were pooled as standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Furthermore, the DerSimonian and Laird method was employed for the quantitative synthesis. RESULTS: A total of 75 studies met the eligibility criteria for at least one outcome. Patients with PCOS had higher circulating homocysteine levels than those without (SMD: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.62-1.02, n = 70 studies, p < 0.001). This trend remained in the sensitivity and subgroup analyses by world regions of studies, assay methods, and insulin resistance. No significant differences were observed in circulating vitamin B12 (SMD: -0.11; 95% CI: -0.25 to 0.03; n = 17 studies, p = 0.13) and folate levels (SMD: -0.2; 95% CI: -0.68 to 0.27; n = 17 studies, p = 0.41) between patients with and without PCOS. CONCLUSIONS: (i) Patients with PCOS exhibited significantly higher homocysteine levels than those without, and (ii) no significant differences were observed in both vitamin B12 and folate levels in women with and without PCOS. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO ID (CRD42023432883).

Asprosin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome and obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Asprosin is a promising candidate for novel treatments for metabolic-endocrine disorders. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to consolidate the existing evidence regarding asprosin levels in patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D), metabolic syndrome (MetS), and obesity. METHODS: Scopus, Embase, PubMed, Ovid/Medline, and Web of Science were systematically searched without restrictions. We only used the standardized mean differences (SMD) with their 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI) as the effect measure. A random-effects model (DerSimonian and Laird method) was used for the meta-analysis. Risk of bias was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for Cross-Sectional Studies. RESULTS: Twenty-six studies (n = 3,787) were included in the meta-analysis. Participants with T2D had higher asprosin values than those without T2D (SMD: 1.64; 95 % CI: 1.08-2.21; I2 = 97 %). Patients with MetS had higher asprosin levels compared to those without MetS (SMD: 0.99; 95 % CI: 0.34-1.64; I2 = 96 %). Patients with obesity had higher asprosin levels than participants without obesity (SMD: 1.49; 95 % CI: 0.23-2.76; I2 = 98 %). CONCLUSIONS: Asprosin is significantly higher in patients with either T2D, MetS, or obesity, compared with controls.

Serological and molecular detection of dengue virus in animals: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Dengue is a vector-borne disease, especially important in tropical and subtropical areas. The first presentation of many arboviral diseases occurred mainly in animals, including multiple Alphaviruses and Flaviviruses, such as dengue. Objective: To determine the serological and molecular frequency of the dengue virus in animals. Methods: A systematic literature review was carried out in five databases for the proportion of animals infected with dengue, defined by molecular and serological tests. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model to calculate the pooled prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Cochran?s Q test and the I2 statistic were used to assess the heterogeneity between the two studies. Results: The presence of dengue in bats, primates, birds, sheep, horses, cattle, pigs, rodents and buffaloes, according to serological methods, had a prevalence of 10%, 29%, 8%, 1%, 11%, 0%, 49%, 2%, 7%, respectively. According to molecular methods, the presence of dengue in bats had a seroprevalence of 6.0%. Conclusion: The present study confirms the presence of the Dengue virus in a large group of animal species, with potential implications as possible reservoirs of this virus, raising the possibility of zoonotic transmission.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) in animals: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Avian influenza A H5N1 is a significant global public health threat. Although relevant, systematic reviews about its prevalence in animals are lacking. Methods: We performed a systematic literature review in bibliographic databases to assess the prevalence of H5N1 in animals. A meta-analysis with a random-effects model was performed to calculate the pooled prevalence and 95 % confidence intervals (95%CI). In addition, measures of heterogeneity (Cochran's Q statistic and I2 test) were reported. Results: The literature search yielded 1359 articles, of which 33 studies were fully valid for analysis, including 96,909 animals. The pooled prevalence for H5N1 in birds (n = 90,045, 24 studies) was 5.0 % (95%CI: 4.0-6.0 %; I2 = 99.21); in pigs (n = 3,178, 4 studies) was 1.0 % (95%CI: 0.0-1.0 %); in cats (n = 2,911, 4 studies) was 0.0 % (95%CI: 0.0-1.0 %); and in dogs (n = 479, 3 studies) was 0.0 % (95%CI: 0.0-2.0 %). Conclusions: While the occurrence of H5N1 in animals might be comparatively limited compared to other influenza viruses, its impact on public health can be substantial when it transmits to humans. This virus can potentially induce severe illness and has been linked to previous outbreaks. Therefore, it is essential to closely monitor and comprehend the factors influencing the prevalence of H5N1 in both avian and human populations to develop effective disease control and prevention strategies.

Association of vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine with COVID-19 severity and mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: We aimed to review the available evidence on the association between vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine levels with worse outcomes among COVID-19 patients. Methods: The search was carried out in ten databases simultaneously run on 10 May 2023, without language restrictions. We included cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies. The random-effects meta-analysis was performed using the Sidik-Jonkman method and corrected 95% confidence intervals using the truncated Knapp-Hartung standard errors. Standardized mean difference and 95% CI was used as the measure effect size. Results: Thirteen articles were included in this review (n = 2134). Patients with COVID-19 who did not survive had the highest serum vitamin B12 values (SMD: 1.05; 95% CI: 0.31-1.78; p = 0.01, I2 = 91.22%). In contrast, low serum folate values were associated with patients with severe COVID-19 (SMD: -0.77; 95% CI: -1.35 to -0.19; p = 0.02, I2 = 59.09%). The remaining tested differences did not yield significant results. Conclusion: Elevated serum levels of vitamin B12 were associated with higher mortality in patients with COVID-19. Severe cases of COVID-19 were associated with low serum folate levels. Future studies should incorporate a larger sample size.

Fungal infections in patients after recovering from COVID-19: a systematic review.

Background and aims: The presence of fungal infections has been described in patients after recovering from COVID-19. This study aims to conduct a systematic review of studies that reported fungal infections (Mucor spp., Pneumocystis jirovecii, or Aspergillus spp.) in adults after recovering from COVID-19. Methods: We performed a systematic review through PubMed, Web of Science, OVID-Medline, Embase, and Scopus. The study selection process was performed independently and by at least two authors. We performed a risk of bias assessment using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cohort and case-control studies, and the Joanna Briggs Institute's Checklists for Case Series and Case Reports. Results: The systematic search found 33 studies meeting all inclusion criteria. There was a total population of 774 participants, ranging from 21 to 87 years. From them, 746 developed a fungal infection. In 19 studies, Mucor spp. was reported as the main mycosis. In 10 studies, P. jirovecii was reported as the main mycosis. In seven studies, Aspergillus spp. was reported as the main mycosis. Regarding the quality assessment, 12 studies were classified as low risk of bias and the remaining studies as high risk of bias. Conclusion: Patients' clinical presentation and prognosis after recovering from COVID-19 with fungal infection differ from those reported patients with acute COVID-19 infection and those without COVID-19 infection.

Vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine in metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background & aims: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with life-threatening conditions. Several studies have reported an association of vitamin B12, folic acid, or homocysteine (Hcy) levels with MetS. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the association of vitamin B12, folic acid, and Hcy levels with MetS. Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Ovid/Medline, and Web of Science were searched up to February 13, 2023. Cross-sectional, case-control, or cohort studies were included. A random-effects model was performed using the DerSimonian and Laird method to estimate the between-study variance. Effect measures were expressed as odds ratios (OR) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Between-study heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochran's Q test and the I2 statistic. Results: Sixty-six articles (n = 87,988 patients) were included. Higher vitamin B12 levels were inversely associated with MetS (OR = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.81-0.93; p < 0.01; I2 = 90%). Higher Hcy levels were associated with MetS (OR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.14-1.24; p < 0.01; I2 = 90%). Folate levels were not associated with MetS (OR = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.66-1.03; p = 0.09; I2 = 90%). Conclusion: Higher vitamin B12 levels were inversely associated with MetS, whereas higher Hcy levels were associated with MetS. Studies assessing the pathways underlying this association are required.

Virulence Factors of the Entomopathogenic Genus Metarhizium.

The fungal genus Metarhizium has been used as an entomopathogen worldwide for approximately 140 years, and its mechanism of infection and its virulence factors have been studied. The present review is a compilation of virulence factors described in the literature to date and their participation in specific stages of the infection process.

Methylation on RNA: A Potential Mechanism Related to Immune Priming within But Not across Generations.

Invertebrate immune priming is a growing field in immunology. This phenomenon refers to the ability of invertebrates to generate a more vigorous immune response to a second encounter with a specific pathogen and can occur within and across generations. Although the precise mechanism has not been elucidated, it has been suggested that methylation of DNA is a cornerstone for this phenomenon. Here, using a novel method of analytical chemistry (a reversed-phase liquid chromatography procedure) and the beetle Tenebrio molitor as a model system, we did not find evidence to support this hypothesis taking into account the percentage of methylated cytosine entities in DNA (5mdC) within or across generations. However, we found a lower percentage of methylated cytosine entities in RNA (5mC) within but not across generations in immune priming experiments with adults against the bacteria Micrococcus lysodeikticus and larvae against the fungus Metarhizium anisopliae. To our knowledge, this is the first report suggesting a role of differential methylation on RNA during immune priming within generations.

Endothelial function in patients with migraine during the interictal period.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate endothelial function in migraineurs subjects during the asymptomatic period. BACKGROUND: Migraine has been proposed as a risk factor for cerebrovascular events. The underlying mechanisms that relate these 2 pathologies are unknown. Nitric oxide (NO) has been proposed as the final causative molecule of migraine. Increased NO metabolites concentrations have been reported in migraineurs subjects during acute migraine attacks, but there is no evidence indicating alterations in endothelial NO release during the symptom free period in theses subjects. DESIGN AND METHODS: Fifty migraineurs subjects and 25 healthy subjects matched by gender and age were included. Every subject underwent a complete examination that included medical history, physical examination, resting electrocardiogram, forearm flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), blood determinations of fasting nitrates and nitrites (NO(2) (-)+ NO(3) (-)), glucose, lipid profile, creatinine, C-reactive protein, and blood cell count. RESULTS: No differences in FMD or NO(2) (-)+ NO(3) (-) were detected among groups. The only difference between migraineurs and control subjects was a higher mean blood pressure 92.1 (8.8) mmHg versus 86.7 (8.2) mmHg P= .01. CONCLUSION: The endothelial function is not altered during the interictal period in migraineurs subjects.

Efectos de la terapia de reemplazo hormonal sobre la función autonómica en mujeres postmenopáusicas / Effects of estrogen replacement therapy on autonomic function of post-menopausal women

Antecedentes: el déficit de estrógenos propio de la etapa postmenopáusica, puede contribuir al desarrollo de un disbalance autonómico con la reducción del reflejo cardiovagal, lo que a su vez puede incrementar el riesgo cardiovascular. Aún no se han aclarado en su totalidad los mecanismos fisiopatológicos subyacentes de esta alteración. En este artículo se discute el efecto de la terapia hormonal de reemplazo sobre la función autonómica en mujeres sometidas a histerectomía.Métodos: en este ensayo clínico cruzado, placebo-controlado, doble ciego, se incluyeron mujeres con histerectomía y amenorrea al menos un año antes de la cirugía. De forma aleatoria, recibieron estrógenos conjugados 0,625 mg/dL o placebo durante doce semanas, con un período intermedio sin medicación de dos semanas. Se evaluó la función autonómica cardiovagal y vascular mediante técnicas convencionales y a tráves de pletismografía por oclusión venosa para calcular el flujo sanguíneo en el antebrazo y la resistencia vascular periférica en condiciones basales, durante la prueba de mesa basculante y en la prueba de presión negativa en miembros inferiores...

Background: estrogen deficit during menopause may be related to cardiac autonomic function imbalance, reducing the cardiovagal reflex response that could potentially increase cardiovascular risk. The physiological mechanisms that lead to this alteration in postmenopausal women remain unclear. In this article, the effect of hormonal replacement therapy on autonomic function in women submitted to hysterectomy is discussed.Methods: Fifty women with a previous hysterectomy and amenorrhea for 1 year prior to surgery were enrolled in a prospective randomized crossover double-blind placebo controlled trial. Either oral estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) conjugated estrogens 0.625 mg once a day or placebo, were randomly administered in a crossover design during 12 weeks with a 2 week washout period. Cardiovagal autonomic function was assessed by conventional techniques and through venous occlusion plethysmography in order to evaluate vascular autonomic function calculating forearm blood flow (FBF) and peripheral vascular resistance (PVR) at baseline, and during head-up tilt (HUT) and a non-hypotensive stimuli (-10mmHg) lower-body negative pressure (LBNP).Results: No differences were found in cardiovagal autonomic function comparing ERT vs. placebo at baseline resting conditions, nor during HUT and LBNP. A significant difference was identified in supine FBF [1.9(0.5) vs. 1.5(0.5), p=0.02] as well as in PVR [53.5(18.2) vs. 68.6(34), p=0.02] comparing ERT vs. placebo interventions.Conclusions: Short term ERT did not improve cardiovascular autonomic reflex responses in postmenopausal women, but increased vascular relaxation primarily by reducing peripheral vascular resistance. Hormone replacement therapy can be used under adequate supervision in order to improve menopausal symptoms during a short period of time, mainly in young non-hypertensive post-menopausal women.