Circulating Osteoprogenitor Cells Have a Mixed Immune and Mesenchymal Progenitor Function in Humans.

BACKGROUND: Circulating osteoprogenitors (COP) are a population of cells in the peripheral circulation that possess functional and phenotypical characteristics of multipotent stromal cells (MSCs). This population has a solid potential to become an abundant, accessible, and replenishable source of MSCs with multiple potential clinical applications. However, a comprehensive functional characterization of COP cells is still required to test and fully develop their use in clinical settings. METHODS: This study characterized COP cells by comparing them to bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) and adipose-derived MSCs (ASCs) through detailed transcriptomic and proteomic analyses. RESULTS: We demonstrate that COP cells have a distinct gene and protein expression pattern with a significantly stronger immune footprint, likely owing to their hematopoietic lineage. In addition, regarding progenitor cell differentiation and proliferation pathways, COP cells have a similar expression pattern to BM-MSCs and ASCs. CONCLUSION: COP cells are a unique but functionally similar population to BM-MSCs and ASCs, sharing their proliferation and differentiation capacity, thus presenting an accessible source of MSCs with strong potential for translational regenerative medicine strategies.

A methamphetamine vaccine using short monoamine and diamine peptide linkers and poly-mannose.

Methamphetamine (METH) substance use disorder is a long-standing and ever-growing public health concern. Efforts to develop successful immunotherapies are ongoing with vaccines that generate strong antibody responses are an area of significant research interest. Herein, we describe the development of a METH Hapten conjugate vaccine comprised of either two short-length peptides as linkers and mannan as an immunogenic delivery carrier. Initially, Hapten 1 (with a monoamine linker) and Hapten 2 (with a diamine linker) were synthesised. Each step of the Hapten synthesis were characterized by LC-MS and purified by Flash Chromatography and the identity of the purified Haptens were confirmed by 1H NMR. Haptens were conjugated with mannan (a polymannose), and conjugation efficiency was confirmed by LC-MS, TLC, 1H NMR, and 2,4 DNPH tests. The immunogenic potential of the two conjugated vaccines were assessed in mice with a 3-dose regimen. Concentrations of anti-METH antibodies were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All the analytical techniques confirmed the identity of Hapten 1 and 2 during the synthetic phase. Similarly, all the analytical approaches confirmed the conjugation between the Haptens and mannan. Mouse immunogenicity studies confirmed that both vaccine candidates were immunogenic and the vaccine with the monoamine linker plus adjuvants induced the highest antibody response after the second booster.

Carnosine supplementation improves glucose control in adults with pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes: A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Carnosine, a naturally occurring dipeptide, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-glycating effects, with preliminary evidence suggesting it may improve important chronic disease risk factors in adults with cardiometabolic conditions. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this randomised controlled trial, 43 adults (30%F) living with prediabetes or T2DM consumed carnosine (2 g) or a matching placebo daily for 14 weeks to evaluate its effect on glucose metabolism assessed via a 2-h 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. Secondary outcomes included body composition analysis by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), calf muscle density by pQCT, and anthropometry. Carnosine supplementation decreased blood glucose at 90 min (-1.31 mmol/L; p = 0.02) and 120 min (-1.60 mmol/L, p = 0.02) and total glucose area under the curve (-3.30 mmol/L; p = 0.04) following an oral glucose tolerance test. There were no additional changes in secondary outcomes. The carnosine group results remained significant before and after adjustment for age, sex, and change in weight (all>0.05), and in further sensitivity analyses accounting for missing data. There were no significant changes in insulin levels. CONCLUSION: This study provides preliminary support for larger trials evaluating carnosine as a potential treatment for prediabetes and the initial stages of T2DM. Likely mechanisms may include changes to hepatic glucose output explaining the observed reduction in blood glucose without changes in insulin secretion following carnosine supplementation.

Liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 is associated with improved pancreatic insulin secretion in adults with overweight and obesity.

AIMS: To examine association of liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2), an endogenous ghrelin antagonist with anorexiant effects, to key cardiometabolic risk factors in people with overweight and obesity. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we sought to identify associations between LEAP2 levels and cardiometabolic risk factors, including body composition (dual X-ray absorptiometry), insulin and glucose metabolism (oral and intravenous glucose tolerance tests and hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamps), plasma lipids and inflammation markers (ELISA and multiplex assays). RESULTS: In 65 participants with overweight or obesity (63.1% male, mean age 31.3 ± 8.5 years), LEAP2 levels were associated with total body fat, but not with body mass index or waist-hip ratio in both univariable and age- and sex-adjusted models (P < 0.05). Higher LEAP2 level was also positively associated with higher insulin secretion in univariable (P = 0.047) and multivariable models adjusted for age, sex and body fat (P = 0.03), but not with fasting glucose levels (P ≥ 0.05). Higher LEAP2 levels were associated insulin resistance (P = 0.07) after adjustment for age and sex, but the association disappeared after an additional adjustment for body fat (P = 0.2). There was an inverse association between LEAP2 levels and nuclear factor kappa-B (NFκB) activity in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells in age-, sex- and body fat-adjusted models (P = 0.04). There were no associations with cardiovascular risk factors (lipids, blood pressure) or other inflammation markers. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide important insights into the association between LEAP2 and cardiometabolic health in a high-risk population of individuals with overweight and obesity. This is a first report of an association between LEAP2 and insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity and NFκB activity. LEAP2 may represent an important potential therapeutic target to promote insulin secretion in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Carnosine as a potential therapeutic for the management of peripheral vascular disease.

AIMS: To evaluate the potential role of carnosine in the management of peripheral vascular disease. DATA SYNTHESIS: Peripheral vascular disease is growing in its burden and impact; however it is currently under researched, and there are a lack of strong, non-invasive therapeutic options for the clinicians. Carnosine is a dipeptide stored particularly in muscle and brain tissue, which exhibits a wide range of physiological activities, which may be beneficial as an adjunct treatment for peripheral vascular disease. Carnosine's strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiglycating actions may aid in the prevention of plaque formation, through protective actions on the vascular endothelium, and the inhibition of foam cells. Carnosine may also improve angiogenesis, exercise performance and vasodilatory response, while protecting from ischemic tissue injury. CONCLUSIONS: Carnosine may have a role as an adjunct treatment for peripheral vascular disease alongside typical exercise and surgical interventions, and may be used in high risk individuals to aid in the prevention of atherogenesis. CLINICAL RECOMMENDATION: This review identifies a beneficial role for carnosine supplementation in the management of patients with peripheral vascular disease, in conjunction with exercise and revascularization. Carnosine as a supplement is safe, and associated with a host of beneficial effects in peripheral vascular disease and its key risk factors.

New Advances in Short Peptides: Looking Forward.

It is beyond doubt that short peptides hold significant promise in bio-medicine, as the most versatile molecules, both structurally and functionally [...].

Twelve tips for developing feedback literacy in health professions learners.

Despite feedback being widely-used by health professions educators as a tool to develop clinical competencies, strategies to guide its successful implementation remain limited. In addition, health professions learners are often dissatisfied with the quality and/or volume of feedback they receive. Efforts to better engage learners in feedback processes have resulted in the development of a number of theoretical frameworks to guide educators, one being feedback literacy. Feedback literacy can be conceptualised as a learner's ability to recognise, comprehend, generate, and take action on feedback they encounter during their learning to aid health professions learners' clinical competency development. Here, we draw on both a conceptual framework of feedback literacy and other contemporary feedback literature to provide 12 practical tips by which feedback literacy can be developed in health professions learners.

Muscle, Bone, and Fat Crosstalk: the Biological Role of Myokines, Osteokines, and Adipokines.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Skeletal muscle and bone are connected anatomically and physiologically, and play a crucial role in human locomotion and metabolism. Historically, the coupling between muscle and bone has been viewed in light of mechanotransduction, which dictates that the mechanical forces applied to muscle are transmitted to the skeleton to initiate bone formation. However, these organs also communicate through the endocrine system, orchestrated by a family of cytokines namely myokines (derived from myocytes) and osteokines (derived from bone cells). A third player in this biochemical crosstalk is adipose tissue and the secretion of adipokines (derived from adipocytes). In this review, we discuss the bidirectional effects of myokines and osteokines on muscle and bone metabolism, and the impact of adipokines on both of these secretory organs. RECENT FINDINGS: Several myokines, notably, IL6, irisin, IGF-1, BDNF, myostatin, and FGF2 exert anabolic/catabolic effects on bone, while the osteokines osteocalcin and sclerostin have shown to induce muscle anabolism and catabolism, respectively. Adipokines, such as leptin, resistin, adiponectin, and TNFα (released from adipose tissue), can also modulate muscle and bone metabolism. Contrarily, exercise-mediated release of lipolytic myokines (IL6, irisin, and LIF) stimulates thermogenesis by promoting the browning of adipocytes. Myokines, osteokines, and adipokines exert autocrine/paracrine effects locally as well as through the endocrine system, to regulate muscle, bone, and fat metabolism. Reductions in physical activity and increases in energy intake, both linked with aging, leads to adipocyte hypertrophy and the recruitment of immunological cells (macrophages). In turn, this releases pro-inflammatory adipokines which induces chronic low-grade inflammation (LGI), a key player in the pathology of several diseases. However, exercise-induced stimulation of bioactive cytokines, through muscle-bone-fat crosstalk, increases muscle anabolism, bone formation, mitochondrial biogenesis, glucose utilization, and fatty acid oxidation, and attenuates chronic LGI.

Running on empty: Exploring stem cell exhaustion in geriatric musculoskeletal disease.

Ageing populations globally are associated with increased musculoskeletal disease, including osteoporosis and sarcopenia. These conditions place a significant burden of disease on the individual, society and the economy. To address this, we need to understand the underpinning biological changes, including stem cell exhaustion, which plays a key role in the ageing of the musculoskeletal system. This review of the recent evidence provides an overview of the associated biological processes. The review utilised the PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases. Mechanisms of ageing identified involve a reaction to the chronic inflammation and oxidative stress associated with ageing, resulting in progenitor cell senescence and adipogenic differentiation, leading to decreased mass and quality of both bone and muscle tissue. Although the mechanisms underpinning stem cell exhaustion are unclear, it remains a promising avenue through which to identify new strategies for prevention, detection and management.

How do we change our approach to COVID with the changing face of disease?

INTRODUCTION: The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 triggered a global health emergency, causing > 7 million deaths thus far. Limited early knowledge spurred swift research, treatment, and vaccine developments. Implementation of public health measures such as, lockdowns and social distancing, disrupted economies and strained healthcare. Viral mutations highlighted the need for flexible strategies and strong public health infrastructure, with global collaboration crucial for pandemic control. AREAS COVERED: (i) Revisiting diagnostic strategies, (ii) adapting to the evolving challenge of the virus, (iii) vaccines against new variants, (iv) vaccine hesitancy in the light of the evolving disease, (v) treatment strategies, (vi) hospital preparedness for changing clinical needs, (vii) global cooperation and data sharing, (viii) economic implications, and (ix) education and awareness- keeping communities informed. EXPERT OPINION: The COVID-19 crisis forced unprecedented adaptation, emphasizing public health readiness, global unity, and scientific advancement. Key lessons highlight the importance of adaptability and resilience against uncertainties. As the pandemic evolves into a 'new normal,' ongoing vigilance, improved understanding, and available vaccines and treatments equip us for future challenges. Priorities now include proactive pandemic strategies, early warnings, supported healthcare, public education, and addressing societal disparities for better health resilience and sustainability.

Assessment of consumer demographics and food safety risks associated with ready-to-eat (RTE) homemade foods purchased online in the UAE.

In the UAE, female entrepreneurs, termed "Tajrat", sell a variety of homemade food products over online social media (OSM) platforms. Some of these food products are prepared and sold outside regulatory channels, with serious public health consequences. The study aimed to identify consumer demographics associated with purchasing of RTE, homemade food sold over in OSM platforms in the UAE and to assess the food quality by evaluating microbiological quality and fat percentage in RTE foods. A representative survey of the population of the UAE (n = 1303) was conducted, covering consumer demographics, frequency of purchase, and respondents' perception towards safety and nutritional value. 66 % of respondents were Emiratis, fifty percent of whom purchased RTE foods online. Moreover, 61 % of participants purchased from "Tajrat" via OSM as opposed to other sources. Convenience (47 %) and taste (41 %) were the main drivers for purchasing RTE homemade foods. Although 76 % of respondents have at least one member of their family considered vulnerable, the safety levels, quality, and nutritional value of such products did not carry the same significance. Microbiological analysis of 35 food samples purchased online from "Tajrat" was conducted. Listeria spp. was isolated from 22 % of the samples, 43 % showed positive Staphylococcus aureus, and 31 % of the samples had coliform bacteria. Total Fat Content of RTE homemade food samples ranged between 2.6 and 30 g/100 g which is considered high and can cause serious health issues if consumed frequently. Recommendations from this study will help policy makers and regulators in the UAE to develop and implement education strategies targeting homemade food handlers.

The Effect of Therapeutic Doses of Culinary Spices in Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) place a significant burden on global health and the healthcare systems which support it. Metabolic syndrome is a major risk factor for a large number of NCDs; however, treatments remain limited. Previous research has shown the protective benefits of edible dietary spices on key components of metabolic syndrome. Therefore we performed a 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, clinical trial to evaluate the effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale), cinnamon (Cinnamomum), and black seed (Nigella sativa) consumption on blood glucose, lipid profiles, and body composition in 120 participants with, or at risk of, metabolic syndrome. Each participant consumed 3 g/day of powder (spice or placebo). Data related to different parameters were collected from participants at the baseline, midpoint, and endpoint of the intervention. Over the 12-week interventions, there was an improvement in a number of biochemical indices of metabolic syndrome, including fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, LCL, and total cholesterol associated with supplementation with the spices when compared to a placebo. This study provides evidence to support the adjunct use of supplementation for those at risk of metabolic syndrome and its sequelae.

Differential Responses to Aging Among the Transcriptome and Proteome of Mesenchymal Progenitor Populations.

The biological aging of stem cells (exhaustion) is proposed to contribute to the development of a variety of age-related conditions. Despite this, little is understood about the specific mechanisms which drive this process. In this study, we assess the transcriptomic and proteomic changes in 3 different populations of mesenchymal progenitor cells from older (50-70 years) and younger (20-40 years) individuals to uncover potential mechanisms driving stem cell exhaustion in mesenchymal tissues. To do this, we harvested primary bone marrow mesenchymal stem and progenitor cells (MPCs), circulating osteoprogenitors (COP), and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) from younger and older donors, with an equal number of samples from men and women. These samples underwent RNA sequencing and label-free proteomic analysis, comparing the younger samples to the older ones. There was a distinct transcriptomic phenotype in the analysis of pooled older stem cells, suggestive of suppressed proliferation and differentiation; however, these changes were not reflected in the proteome of the cells. Analyzed independently, older MPCs had a distinct phenotype in both the transcriptome and proteome consistent with altered differentiation and proliferation with a proinflammatory immune shift in older adults. COP cells showed a transcriptomic shift to proinflammatory signaling but no consistent proteomic phenotype. Similarly, ADSCs displayed transcriptomic shifts in physiologies associated with cell migration, adherence, and immune activation but no proteomic change with age. These results show that there are underlying transcriptomic changes with stem cell aging that may contribute to a decline in tissue regeneration. However, the proteome of the cells was inconsistently regulated.

Carnosine/histidine-containing dipeptide supplementation improves depression and quality of life: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

CONTEXT: Mental ill-health is a common and growing issue, affecting 1 in 8 individuals or 970 million people worldwide in 2019. Histidine-containing dipeptides (HCDs) have been suggested to mitigate some aspects of mental ill-health, but a quantitative synthesis of the evidence is lacking. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted. OBJECTIVE: To summarize the evidence on the effects of HCDs on mental health outcomes. DATA SOURCE: A systematic literature search was performed using electronic databases (Medline via Ovid, Embase via Ovid, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane) from inception to October, 2022. DATA EXTRACTION: Two authors independently extracted data using a structured extraction format. DATA ANALYSIS: Data analysis was performed using STATA version 17. Random-effects models were used, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test. Quality appraisal was performed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias 2.0 tool and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. CONCLUSION: 5507 studies were identified, with 20 studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Eighteen studies comprising 776 participants were included in the meta-analysis. HCD supplementation (anserine/carnosine, l-carnosine, ß-alanine) caused a significant reduction in depression scores measured with the Becks Depression Inventory (-0.79; 95% CI: -1.24, -0.35; moderate certainty on GRADE) when compared with placebo. An increase in quality-of-life scores measured with the 36-item Short-Form survey (SF-36) (0.65; 95% CI: 0.00, 1.30) and low certainty on GRADE in HCDs (anserine/carnosine, l-carnosine, ß-alanine) when compared with placebo were found. However, the rest of the outcomes did not show a significant change between HCD supplementation and placebo. Although the number of studies included in the meta-analysis was modest, a significant mean reduction was observed in depression score as well as an increase in quality-of-life score for the HCD group when compared with placebo. Most of the studies included had small sample sizes with short follow-up periods and moderate to high risk of bias, highlighting the need for further, well-designed studies to improve the evidence base. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration no. CRD42017075354.

The impact of carnosine on biological ageing - A geroscience approach.

Biological ageing involves a gradual decline in physiological function and resilience, marked by molecular, cellular, and systemic changes across organ systems. Geroscience, an interdisciplinary field, studies these mechanisms and their role in age-related diseases. Genomic instability, inflammation, telomere attrition, and other indicators contribute to conditions like cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration. Geroscience identifies geroprotectors, such as resveratrol and metformin, targeting ageing pathways to extend the healthspan. Carnosine, a naturally occurring dipeptide (b-alanine and l-histidine), has emerged as a potential geroprotector with antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-glycating properties. Carnosine's benefits extend to muscle function, exercise performance, and cognitive health, making it a promising therapeutic intervention for healthy ageing and oxidative stress-related pathologies. In this review, we summarize the evidence describing carnosine's effects in promoting healthy ageing, providing new insights into improving geroscience.

The protective role of carnosine against type 2 diabetes-induced cognitive impairment.

The morbidity and mortality associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have grown exponentially over the last 30 years. Together with its associated complications, the mortality rates have increased. One important complication in those living with T2DM is the acceleration of age-related cognitive decline. T2DM-induced cognitive impairment seriously affects memory, executive function, and quality of life. However, there is a lack of effective treatment for both diabetes and cognitive decline. Thus, finding novel treatments which are cheap, effective in both diabetes and cognitive impairment, are easily accessible, are needed to reduce impact on patients with diabetes and health-care systems. Carnosine, a histidine containing dipeptide, plays a protective role in cognitive diseases due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and anti-glycation properties, all of which may slow the development of neurodegenerative diseases and ischemic injury. Furthermore, carnosine is also involved in regulating glucose and insulin in diabetes. Herein, we discuss the neuroprotective role of carnosine and its mechanisms in T2DM-induced cognitive impairment, which may provide a theoretical basis and evidence base to evaluate whether carnosine has therapeutic effects in alleviating cognitive dysfunction in T2DM patients.

Infant feeding practices and risk of preschool obesity in AlAin, UAE: A cross-sectional study.

Early childhood obesity is serious public health problem, and poses a risk of obesity in later life. The study aimed to investigate whether infant feeding affects risk of overweight and obesity in preschool children in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A cross-sectional study was carried out. Data was collected in a kindergarten in Al Ain, UAE. One hundred and fifty parents and preschool children aged 2 to 6 years participated in the study. Univariate and multivariate linear regression were used to investigate associations. A longer duration of breastfeeding and later introduction of complementary foods were associated with a lower BMI z-score in preschool children. Each month of any breastfeeding was associated with a lower BMI z-score in the unadjusted model (ß = -0.03; 95% CI -0.05, -0.01; p = 0.01), and each month increase in the age of introducing complementary foods was associated with a lower BMI z-score in the unadjusted model (ß = -0.43; 95% CI: -0.60 to-0.027; p<0.001). These associations remained after adjustment for potential confounding factors (age, sex, maternal BMI, maternal education level, mother's age, social class, father's BMI) for duration of breastfeedinig (ß = -0.02; 95% CI: -0.05 to 0.00; p<0.001) and age of complementary feeding (ß = -0.39; 95% CI: -0.57 to-0.21; p<0.001). Poor infant feeding practices (shorter duration of breastfeedinig and early introduction of complementary foods) were found to be associated with higher BMI in preschool children. Promoting appropriate proper infant feeding practices in line with recommendations could be one strategy to help prevent childhood obesity in the UAE.

Transcriptome analysis of the effects of polarized photobiomodulation on human dermal fibroblasts.

BACKGROUND: Photobiomodulation (PBM), the therapeutic use of light, is used to treat a myriad of conditions, including the management of acute and chronic wounds. Despite the presence of clinical evidence surrounding PBM, the fundamental mechanisms underpinning its efficacy remain unclear. There are several properties of light that can be altered in the application of PBM, of these, polarization-the filtering of light into specified plane(s)-is an attractive variable to investigate. AIMS: To evaluate transcriptomic changes in human dermal fibroblasts in response to polarized PBM. RESULTS: A total of 71 Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) are described. All DEGs were found in the polarized PBM group (P-PBM), relative to the control group (PC). Of the 71 DEGs, 10 genes were upregulated and 61 were downregulated. Most DEGs were either mitochondrial or extracellular matrix (ECM)-related. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis was then performed using the DEGs from the P-PBM vs. PC group. Within biological processes there were 95 terms found (p < 0.05); in the molecular function there were 18 terms found (p < 0.05); while in the cellular component there were 32 terms enriched (p < 0.05). A KEGG pathways analysis was performed for the DEGs found in the P-PBM vs. PC group. This revealed 21 significantly enriched pathways (p < 0.05). Finally, there were 24 significantly enriched reactome pathways when comparing the DEGs of the P-PBM vs. PC groups (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The P-PBM DEGs were almost always down regulated compared to the comparator groups. This may be explained by the P-PBM treatment conditions decreasing the amount of cellular stress, hence causing a decreased mitochondria and ECM protective response. Alternatively, it could point to an alternate mechanism, outside the mitochondria, by which PBM exerts its effects. Additionally, PBM appears to have a more widespread effect on the mitochondria than previously thought, opening up many new avenues of investigation in the process.

The impact of motivational interviewing on behavioural change and health outcomes in cancer patients and survivors. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cancer patients and survivors commonly have poorer health behaviours and subsequent outcomes, often as a result of negative impacts of diagnosis and treatment. Motivational interviewing is reported to be an effective psychological tool to produce a shift in one's behaviour resulting in improved outcomes. However, there is a lack of analyses investigating this tool's impact on healthy behaviours and health outcomes in cancer populations. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of motivational interviewing on behaviours and health outcomes in cancer populations. METHODS: The studies were identified from four databases using variations of the terms "cancer" and "motivational interviewing". Randomised trials, non-randomised trials and quasi-experimental studies which contained control (or usual care) comparators were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Version 5.1.0 and the Risk of Bias In Non-Randomised Studies of Interventions tools. The quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE framework. Means difference and standardised mean differences and 95 % confidence intervals were used to report the pooled effects using a random effects model. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies were included in the review and 17 studies were included in the meta-analysis. A total of 1752 cancer patients and survivors received MI as an intervention (or part thereof). Quality of life, anxiety, depression, functional tasks (6-minute walk test), body mass index and body weight (BMI/BW), physical activity (PA), self-efficacy and fatigue were outcomes measured in the selected studies. Effects were seen in functional tasks, physical activity, BMI/BW, depression and self-efficacy. All of these outcomes were from studies that were classed as very low-quality evidence except for BMI/BW and PA, which were from moderate-quality evidence. CONCLUSION: Motivational interviewing had positive effects on functional tasks, PA, BMI/BW, depression and self-efficacy in people diagnosed with cancer. However, more higher-quality studies need to be conducted to further ascertain the effect of this intervention.