Effect of statins on the plasma/serum levels of inflammatory markers in patients with cardiovascular disease; a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: The anti-inflammatory properties of statins have been suggested by several researches. However, clinical trials have reported incongruous findings regarding the effect of statins on the levels of inflammatory markers other than high-sensitive C-reactive protein. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials were conducted to illuminate the effect of statins on serum levels of TNF-α, MCP-1, VCAM1, and IL-6 in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). METHODS: To find eligible studies, a systematic literature search of the main databases were conducted up to July 2021. The calculation of the effect sizes was conducted by standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: The pooled analyses revealed that statins significantly reduced the TNF-α concentration (SMD = - 0.99 pg/mL; 95% CI - 1.43 to - 0.55 pg/mL; P < 0.001). Regarding dosage, high intensity (SMD = - 0.65 pg/mL; 95% CI - 1.19 to - 0.10, P = 0.02) and moderate/low (SMD = - 1.16 pg/mL; 95% CI - 1.84 to - 0.47, P = 0.001) intensity statins significantly decreased TNF-α levels. Moderate/low intensity statins administration in < 10 weeks treatment duration decreased serum level of TNF-α (SMD = - 0.91 pg/mL; 95% CI - 1.38 to - 0.44, P < 0.001). Lipophilic statins with high intensity dosage significantly decreased level of TNF-α (SMD = - 0.73 pg/mL; 95% CI - 1.43 to - 0.03, P = 0.04). Statins did not change serum levels of MCP-1, VCAM1, and IL-6 in CVD patients. CONCLUSIONS: The analyses indicated that statins have beneficial effects in decreasing serum levels of TNF-α in patients with CVDs.

Administering an additional prostaglandin F2α injection to Bos indicus beef cows during a treatment regimen for fixed-time artificial insemination.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate if an additional prostaglandin F2α (PG) injection during an estradiol-based estrous synchronization treatment regimen affects pregnancy rates resulting from fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) in Nelore cows. In Experiment 1, 1039 cows were administered estradiol benzoate and an intravaginal progesterone releasing device (CIDR) on d -11, an injection of PG on d -4, with CIDR removal and administration of estradiol cypionate and eCG occurring on d -2, and FTAI on d 0. Cows were administered an additional injection of PG (PG2) or saline (PG1) on d -2. Percentage pregnancy per FTAI on d 30 was greater (P = 0.01) in cows of the PG2 than PG1 group (54.5 % and 46.6 %, respectively). In Experiment 2, there was use of the same treatment regimen for estrous synchronization of 934 cows as that for Experiment 1 followed by FTAI, with there being diagnosis of whether cows had or did not have a corpus luteum on d -4. Response to estrous synchronization, largest follicle diameter at FTAI, and pregnancy per FTAI were greater (P ≤ 0.05) in cows of the PG2 than PG1 group with a body condition score (BCS) < 5.0 at FTAI (81.2 % and 72.6 %, 11.9 and 11.2 mm, 55.5 and 45.6 %; respectively). These treatment responses did not differ (P ≥ 0.18) in cows with BCS ≥ 5.0. Collectively, results indicate that treatment with PG2 increased pregnancy per FTAI in B. indicus cows deficient in body energy reserves, by enhancing follicle development and estrous synchronization response.

[Distomatosis of the bile ducts, value of ultrasonics (apropos of a new case)]. / Distomatoses des voies biliaires, intérêt de l'échotomographie. (A propos d'un nouveau cas).

The authors report on a new case of distomatosis localized in the main biliary duct. It has been revealed by a repeated angiocholitis, diagnosed only by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. They draw attention on the difficulties to diagnose this clinical form of distomatosis, and underline the interest of ultrasonography in the diagnosis and the selection of therapeutic means.