The Association of Micro-RNA 21 and Hypertension: A Meta-Analysis.

Hypertension is a multifactorial, complex disease with high morbidity and mortality rates. Studies have found that micro-RNA 21 (miR-21) levels are significantly increased in patients with hypertension. However, other studies have reported opposite results. Therefore, the relationship between miR-21 expression and hypertension remains controversial. This meta-analysis was conducted to statistically evaluate the miR-21 levels of patients with hypertension. A literature research was conducted using Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, and CNKI. To search for titles or abstracts, 'hypertension' in combination with the terms 'miR-21,' 'microRNA-21,' or 'miRNA-21' were used as keywords. Standardized mean differences (SMD) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined from the results of the meta-analysis. In total, 12 articles were included in this meta-analysis, involving 546 cases and 436 controls. The results of the meta-analysis showed that miR-21 levels in patients with hypertension were significantly higher than those in the controls (SMD: 1.22; 95% CI [0.35, 2.09]). This meta-analysis is the first to evaluate miR-21 in patients with hypertension. MiR-21 may be a new target for the prediction and treatment of hypertension. Further high-quality studies are needed to better support the association between miR-21 and hypertension.

Association between visfatin and periodontitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by bacterial infection in the periodontal support tissue. Visfatin, a hormone secreted mainly by adipocytes and macrophages, plays an important role in immune regulation and defense. Although studies have indicated that patients with periodontitis have significantly high serum and gingival crevicular fluid levels of visfatin, the relationship between this adipocytokine and periodontal disease remains unclear. Aim: The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the association between visfatin levels and periodontitis. Methods: The PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, EBSCO, and Wiley Online Library databases were searched for potential studies, using "periodontitis" and "visfatin" as the keywords in the title and abstract search fields. Standardized mean difference (SMD) values with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined from the results of this meta-analysis. Results: In total, 22 articles involving 456 patients with periodontitis and 394 healthy individuals (controls) were included in the meta-analysis. Visfatin levels were significantly higher in the patients with periodontitis than in the healthy individuals (SMD: 3.82, 95% CI [3.01-4.63]). Moreover, the visfatin levels were significantly lowered after periodontitis treatment (SMD: -2.29, 95% CI [-3.33 to -1.26]). Conclusion: This first-ever meta-analysis comparing visfatin levels between patients with periodontitis and healthy individuals suggests that this adipocytokine can be a diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker for periodontal disease.

Increased incidence of thyroid disease in patients with sarcoidosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Sarcoidosis is a multiple systemic granulomatous disease, and its main pathological feature is non-caseous necrotic epithelial granuloma. The pathogenesis is not fully understood. The prevalence of thyroid disease is likely higher among individuals with sarcoidosis. However, this association still lacks clinical evidence. Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of thyroid disease in patients with sarcoidosis. Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure literature databases. Fixed- or random-effects models were used for analysis according to heterogeneity. The results were subjected to meta-analysis with odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: In total, six articles were included in this meta-analysis, which involved 2044 sarcoidosis cases and 5652 controls. The studies found that the incidence of thyroid disease in patients with sarcoidosis was significantly increased compared to the controls (OR 3.28, 95% CI 1.83-5.88). Conclusions: This systematic review is the first to evaluate the incidence of thyroid disease in sarcoidosis patients, which was increased compared with the controls, suggesting that sarcoidosis patients should be screened for thyroid disease.

Relationship of Soluble Klotho and Early Stage of Diabetic Nephropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a chronic microvascular complication caused by long-term hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes and an important cause of end-stage renal disease. Although some studies have shown that soluble Klotho(sKlotho) levels of patients with DN are lower than those without DN, in the early stage of patients with DN with normal renal function and albuminuria, the change in sKlotho is still controversial. Aim: This meta-analysis was conducted to statistically evaluate sKlotho levels in patients with DN. Methods: We searched the following electronic databases: Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, Google Scholar, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). The following search terms were used for the title or abstract: "diabetic kidney disease", "diabetic nephropathy", OR "DN" in combination with "Klotho". The meta-analysis results were presented as standardized mean differences (SMDs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Fourteen articles were included in the meta-analysis. In our meta-analysis, we found that the sKlotho level in patients with DN was significantly lower than that in patients without DN (SMD: -1.52, 95% CI [-2.24, -0.80]), and it was also significantly lower in the early stage of DN (SMD: -1.65, 95% CI [-2.60, -0.70]). Conclusions: This systematic review was the first to evaluate the relationship between sKlotho levels and DN. The sKlotho level was significantly lower in the early stages of DN, indicating that sKlotho might be a new biomarker of DN in the future.

Circulating apelin and chemerin levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: A meta-analysis.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common gynecological endocrine disorders. Apelin and chemerin are newly identified adipokines, which are higher in obesity and diabetes. Studies have found that the serum apelin and chemerin levels in patients with PCOS are significantly increased. However, other studies showed the opposite results. Therefore, the relationship between those two adipokines and PCOS is still controversial. Aim: This meta-analysis was conducted to statistically evaluate the apelin and chemerin levels of patients with PCOS. Methods: We searched the Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases for potential studies. "Polycystic ovary syndrome" or "PCOS" in combination with the terms "apelin" or "chemerin" were used as keywords search titles or abstracts. The publication period examined was between 1990 and 2021. Standardized mean differences (SMD) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined as the results of the meta-analysis. Results: A total of 148 articles were initially retrieved, and 18 qualified articles were finally obtained through preliminary screening and quality evaluation. The publications together contain 1,265 cases and 894 controls. The results of the meta-analysis showed that the circulating chemerin levels in patients with PCOS were significantly higher than those in the controls (SMD: 0.79, 95% CI [0.36, 1.23]), and there was no significant difference in circulating apelin between patients with PCOS and controls (SMD: 0.57, 95% CI [-0.21, 1.35]). Conclusions: This meta-analysis is the first to evaluate circulating apelin and chemerin levels in patients with PCOS. Our findings suggest that circulating chemerin levels of patients with PCOS are significantly higher than those of healthy controls. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=218316, identifier CRD42020218316.

Association Between Serum Cystatin C and Thyroid Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Cystatin C (CysC) is often used to diagnose and monitor renal diseases. Although some studies have investigated the association between serum CysC levels and thyroid diseases, their reported results were inconsistent. Therefore, the relationship between CysC levels and thyroid diseases remains controversial. Aim: This meta-analysis aimed to statistically evaluate serum CysC levels in patients with thyroid diseases. Methods: A literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, EBSCO, and Wiley Online Library databases. The following search terms were used for the title or abstract: "Cystatin C" or "CysC" in combination with the terms "thyroid disease", "thyroid function", "hypothyroidism", or "hyperthyroidism". The results of the systematic analysis were presented as standardized mean differences (SMDs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Eleven articles (1,265 cases and 894 controls) were included in the meta-analysis. The results of the meta-analysis showed that the serum CysC levels of patients with hyperthyroidism were significantly higher than those of the controls (SMD: 1.79, 95% CI [1.34, 2.25]), and the serum CysC levels of patients with hypothyroidism were significantly lower than those of the controls (SMD -0.59, 95% CI [-0.82, -0.36]). Moreover, the treatment of thyroid diseases significantly affected serum CysC levels. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this meta-analysis is the first to evaluate serum CysC levels in patients with thyroid diseases. Our findings suggest that thyroid function affects serum CysC levels and that serum CysC may be an effective marker for monitoring thyroid diseases. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=258022], identifier CRD42021258022].

Prevalence of sarcopenia in older Chinese adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the overall prevalence of sarcopenia in older Chinese adults. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. PARTICIPANTS: A literature research was conducted using the PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, CQVIP and Wanfang databases. The following search terms in the abstract were used: "sarcopenia" in combination with the terms "prevalence," "epidemiology" and "China." All studies published from January 2010 to November 2020 were included. The random-effect model was used to estimate the prevalence of sarcopenia. The sex-specific prevalence of sarcopenia at a 95% CI was also calculated using different criteria for defining sarcopenia. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The overall prevalence of sarcopenia in older Chinese adults. RESULTS: In total, 23 articles were included in this meta-analysis involving 21 564 participants. On the basis of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criterion, the overall prevalence of sarcopenia among the elderly in China was 14% (95% CI 11% to 18%); the prevalence was higher in Chinese women than in men (15% vs 14%). CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review is the first estimation of the pooled prevalence of sarcopenia in older Chinese adults. Our results suggest that China has a large number of patients with sarcopenia. These findings would be useful for sarcopenia prevention in China. There is a high degree of heterogeneity, and although there are a large number of cases and could be an emerging public health issue, more research is required to make these claims. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020223405.

Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Patients: A Meta-Analysis.

Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a disease that causes lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), which are the most common urological problem in approximately one-third of the male population aged over 50 years. Some studies have suggested that diabetes may be a risk factor for the development of BPH. However, whether diabetes aggravates the LUTS of BPH patients is still controversial. Aim: To investigate the impact of diabetes mellitus on LUTS in BPH patients. Methods: A literature search was conducted using Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure literature databases. This meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO (registration number: CRD 42020200794). Fixed- or random-effects models were used for analysis according to heterogeneity. The results of the systematic analysis are presented as weighted mean difference (WMD) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: In total, 1308 studies were retrieved from databases and 18 articles comprising 1685 cases and 4653 controls were selected for meta-analysis. The results of the meta-analysis showed that the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) value and prostate volume of BPH patients with diabetes was significantly higher than that of BPH patients without diabetes. Conclusions: This systematic review is the first to evaluate the impact of diabetes mellitus on LUTS in BPH patients. The results of our meta-analysis support the hypothesis that LUTS in BPH patients is increased in patients with diabetes mellitus compared with controls, which suggests that physicians should pay more attention to BPH patients with diabetes mellitus. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=200794], identifier CRD 42020200794.

Characterization of Odontogenic Differentiation from Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells Using TMT-Based Proteomic Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The repair of dental pulp injury relies on the odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). To better understand the odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs and identify proteins involved in this process, tandem mass tags (TMTs) coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were applied to compare the proteomic profiles of induced and control DPSCs. METHODS: The proteins expressed during osteogenic differentiation of human DPSCs were profiled using the TMT method combined with LC-MS/MS analysis. The identified proteins were subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. Then, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. Two selected proteins were confirmed by western blotting (WB) analysis. RESULTS: A total of 223 proteins that were differentially expressed were identified. Among them, 152 proteins were significantly upregulated and 71 were downregulated in the odontogenic differentiation group compared with the control group. On the basis of biological processes in GO, the identified proteins were mainly involved in cellular processes, metabolic processes, and biological regulation, which are connected with the signaling pathways highlighted by KEGG pathway analysis. PPI networks showed that most of the differentially expressed proteins were implicated in physical or functional interaction. The protein expression levels of FBN1 and TGF-ß2 validated by WB were consistent with the proteomic analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first proteomic analysis of human DPSC odontogenesis using a TMT method. We identified many new differentially expressed proteins that are potential targets for pulp-dentin complex regeneration and repair.

Increased Incidence of Thyroid Disease in Patients with Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata (AA) is a common, clinically heterogeneous, immune-mediated, nonscarring hair loss disease with a pathogenesis that is not fully understood. The prevalence of thyroid disease is likely increased among individuals with AA. However, this association remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the risk of thyroid disease in patients with AA. METHODS: We performed a systematic review by searching both English and Chinese literature databases. Random- or fixed-effects models were used to summarize the association between thyroid disease and AA. RESULTS: In total, 17 articles were included in this meta-analysis, with 2,850 AA cases and 4,667 controls. Overall, the prevalence of thyroid disease in patients with AA was significantly increased compared with that in controls (odds ratios 3.66, 95% confidence intervals 2.90-4.61). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that AA patients should be screened for thyroid disease.