The effect of green tea supplementation on the anthropometric outcomes in overweight and obese women: a time and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Inconsistencies are evident within the literature regarding the role of Green Tea (GT) supplementation on women living with obesity. To address this, we conducted to determine the impact of GT supplementation on the weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC) in overweight and obese women using time and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). This meta-analysis searched electronic Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and PubMed/Medline databases from inception to December 1st, 2022. Data were reported as weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of 2061 references were identified, and 15 articles with 16 RCT arms on body weight, 17 RCT arms on BMI, and 7 RCT arms on WC were included in the meta-analysis. GT supplementation significantly decreases body weight (WMD: -1.23 kg, 95% CI: -2.13 to -0.33, p = 0.007), BMI (WMD: -0.47 kg/m2, 95% CI: -0.87 to -0.07, p = 0.020) and WC (WMD: -3.46 cm, 95% CI: -6.75 to -0.16, p = 0.040). In subgroup analyses, GT consumption demonstrated lowered body weight with dosaes ≥1000 mg/day (WMD: -1.38 kg), in the RCTs, which lasted ≥8 wk (WMD: -1.24 kg). The non-linear dose-response assessment detected a negative correlation between the changes in body weight and BMI in green tea consumption of more than 1000 (mg/day). The GT supplementation reduced the weight, BMI, and WC in overweight and obese women. In clinical practice, healthcare professionals can recommend using GT with dosages ≥ 1000mg/day and duration ≥ 8 wk in obese women.

The effects of phytosterol and phytostanol supplementation on the lipid profile in postmenopausal women: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Various studies have proven that phytosterols and phytostanols (PS) are lipid-lowering agents. These compounds play a role in regulating high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) metabolism. Although various drugs are available and are currently used to treat dyslipidemia, the management of lipid abnormalities during the postmenopausal period remains a challenge. Thus, scientists are trying to develop new strategies to reduce serum lipids concentrations using natural products. However, the impact of PS administration on serum lipids in postmenopausal women remains unclear. Hence, the purpose of this study was to assess the effect of PS supplementation on the lipid profile in postmenopausal women based on a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science were searched to identify suitable papers published until January 18, 2022. We combined the effect sizes with the DerSimonian and Laird method using a random effects model. PS supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in TC (weighted mean difference [WMD]: -16.73 mg/dl) and LDL-C (WMD: -10.06 mg/dl) levels. No effect of PS supplementation on TG (WMD: -1.14 mg/dl) or HDL-C (WMD: -0.29 mg/dl) concentrations was detected. In the stratified analysis, there was a notable reduction in TC and LDL-C levels when the PS dose was ≥2 g/day (TC: -22.22 mg/dl and LDL-C: -10.14 mg/dl) and when PS were administered to participants with a body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 (TC: -20.22 mg/dl and LDL-C: -14.85 mg/dl). PS administration can decrease TC and LDL-C, particularly if the dose of administration is ≥2 g/day and if the participants are overweight or obese. Further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of PS usage in postmenopausal females.

Bioinformatics analysis identifies TGF-ß signaling pathway-associated molecular subtypes and gene signature in diabetic foot.

The role of transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß) in inflammation and immune response is established, but the mechanism of TGF-ß signaling pathway-related genes (TRGs) in diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is not fully understood. We aimed to investigate the contribution of TRGs in the identification, molecular categorization, and immune infiltration of DFU through bioinformatics analysis. TGF-ß signaling pathway is activated in DFU. 33 TRGs were upregulated. Regression analysis revealed TGFBR1 and TGFB1 as significant differential expression core genes, validated by quantitative real-time PCR. The diagnostic model with core genes had high clinical validity (AUC = 0.909). Core gene expression was associated with immune cell infiltration. A total of 5672 genes showed differential expression in TGF-related patterns, with differences in biological functions and immune infiltration. TGF-ß signaling pathway may be critical in DFU development.

[Multi-center clinical trial of FLAMIGEL (hydrogel dressing) for the treatment of residual burn wound].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of FLAMIGEL (hydrogel dressing) on the repair of residual burn wound. METHODS: Sixty burn patients with residual wounds hospitalized in 6 burn units from November 2011 to May 2012 were enrolled in the multi-center, randomized, and self-control clinical trial. Two residual wounds of each patient were divided into groups T (treated with FLAMIGEL) and C (treated with iodophor gauze) according to the random number table. On post treatment day (PTD) 7 and 14, wound healing rate was calculated, with the number of completely healed wound counted. The degree of pain patient felt during dressing change was evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS). The mean numbers of wounds with score equal to zero, more than zero and less than or equal to 3, more than 3 and less than or equal to 6, more than 6 and less than or equal to 10 were recorded respectively. Wound secretion or exudate samples were collected for bacterial culture, and the side effect was observed. Data were processed with repeated measure analysis of variance, t test, chi-square test, and nonparametric rank sum test. RESULTS: Wound healing rate of groups T, C on PTD 7 was respectively (67 ± 24)%, (45 ± 25)%, and it was respectively (92 ± 16)%, (72 ± 23)% on PTD 14. There was statistically significant difference in wound healing rate on PTD 7, 14 between group T and group C (F = 32.388, P < 0.01). Ten wounds in group T and four wounds in group C were healed completely on PTD 7, with no significant difference between them (χ(2) = 0, P > 0.05). Forty-two wounds in group T and seven wounds in group C healed completely on PTD 14, with statistically significant difference between them (χ(2) = 42.254, P < 0.01). Patients in group T felt mild pain during dressing change for 37 wounds, with VAS score higher than zero and lower than or equal to 3. Evident pain was observed in patients of group C during dressing change for 43 wounds, and it scored higher than 3 and less than or equal to 6 by VAS evaluation. There was statistically significant difference in mean number of wounds with different grade of VAS score between group T and group C (Z = -4.638, P < 0.01). Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, E. coli, Baumanii, and Staphylococcus epidermidis were all detected in both groups, but there was no statistical difference between group T and group C (χ(2) = 0.051, P > 0.05). No side effect was observed in either of the two groups during the whole trial. CONCLUSIONS: FLAMIGEL can accelerate the healing of residual burn wounds and obviously relieve painful sensation during dressing change.

[Effect of calcium on the activity and expression of integrin beta1 promoter in HaCaT cells and cell migration].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of calcium on the activity and protein expression of integrin beta1 promoter in human immortal keratinocyte colony HaCaT cell and cell migration. METHODS: (1) HaCaT cells were cultured in vitro (12-slot plate) and divided into 5 groups according to the random number table, with 18 slots in each group: reporter plasmid pGL3 promoter (positive control group, PC), pGL3 empty vector (negative control group, NC), pGL3-1756 bp (total length promoter group, TL), pGL3-1442 bp (distal promoter group, D), and pGL3-261 bp (proximal promoter group, P) was respectively used to transfect HaCaT cells in non-serum RPMI 1640 culture medium with 0.00, 0.03, 0.09, 0.30, 0.80, or 1.20 mmol/L calcium (3 slots in each group with each concentration). Luciferase activity was detected with dual-luciferase reporter assay system 24 hours after transfection. (2) HaCaT cells steadily transfected with small interfering RNA-integrin beta1 vector (steadily transfected in brief) constructed in our laboratory were normally cultured and divided into 6 parts according to the random number table. And then they were treated with former 6 different concentrations of calcium, with 3 samples for each concentration. Expression level of integrin beta1 protein was determined with Western blot. (3) Normal and steadily transfected HaCaT cells were cultured in 6-slot plate, 18 slots for each kind of cells. They were cultured with former 6 kinds of calcium culture media (divided according to the random number table, with 3 slots of cells for each concentration) for 12 hours after scratch test. Cell migration rate was observed and determined. (4) Data were processed with one-way analysis of variance and independent samples t test. RESULTS: (1) The luciferase activity of cells in TL group increased from 0.16+/-0.09 to 0.39+/-0.09 and 0.35+/-0.05 (with t value respectively 3.143, 3.140, P values all below 0.05) as calcium concentration increasing from 0.00 mmol/L to 0.09 and 0.30 mmol/L, and it decreased as calcium concentration increased to 0.80 and 1.20 mmol/L. The change pattern of luciferase activity of cells along with calcium concentration in D group was similar to that in TL group, but its activity (0.56+/-0.32, 0.64+/-0.06) at the concentration of 0.09, 0.30 mmol/L was respectively higher than that in TL group (with t value respectively 0.887, 6.122, P values all below 0.05). There was no obvious influence of calcium in either concentration on the luciferase activity of cells in P group. (2) The expression amount of integrin beta1 of steadily transfected HaCaT cells cultured with 0.03, 0.09, 0.30, 0.80, 1.20 mmol/L calcium (0.58+/-0.09, 1.40+/-0.29, 1.41+/-0.09, 0.99+/-0.10, 1.16+/-0.15) were all increased as compared with that cultured with 0.00 mmol/L calcium (0.53+/-0.10, with t value respectively 0.687, 4.880, 11.210, 5.578, 6.199, P values all below 0.05). (3) Migration speed of normal HaCaT cells cultured with 0.09, 0.30 mmol/L calcium increased obviously as compared with that cultured with 0.00 mmol/L calcium, and it slowed down when cultured with 0.80, 1.20 mmol/L calcium. There was no obvious difference of migration rate among steadily transfected HaCaT cells treated with different concentration of calcium. CONCLUSIONS: Distal promoter region of integrin beta1 plays a vital role in regulating integrin beta1 transcription in human epidermal cells. And calcium regulates activity, protein expression of integrin beta1 promoter and cell migration.