Resveratrol Promotes Autophagy to Improve neuronal Injury in Parkinson's Disease by Regulating SNHG1/miR-128-3p/SNCA Axis.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is seriously threatening the health and life quality of the elderly, who have a high incidence and high disability rate. Resveratrol (RES) was reported to play a protective role in PD. However, the functions and potential mechanism of RES in PD remain unclear, which need to be further explored. METHODS: Human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y and SK-N-SH) were subjected to 1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridium (MPP+) induction to construct a cell model of PD. Cell viability was evaluated using CCK-8. The gene expression was evaluated using qRT-PCR and western blot. Luciferase activity assay and RIP were performed to validate interactions among SNHG1, miR-128-3p and SNCA. RESULTS: Our results exhibited that RES reduced SNHG1 and SNCA expression but elevated miR-128-3p expression in human neuroblastoma cells upon MPP+ induction. Functionally, RES resulted in the promotion of cell autophagy in MPP+-induced human neuroblastoma cells, while these influences were abolished by SNHG1 overexpression. Mechanistically, SNHG1 could indirectly elevate SNCA expression via sponging miR-128-3p. Moreover, SNCA overexpression reversed SNHG1 silencing-induced cell autophagy in MPP+-induced human neuroblastoma cells upon RES pre-incubation. CONCLUSIONS: RES prevented MPP+-induced repression of cell autophagy through inhibiting the SNHG1/miR-128-3p/SNCA axis, suggesting that RES might play a preventive effect on PD progression.

Astaxanthin suppresses endoplasmic reticulum stress and protects against neuron damage in Parkinson's disease by regulating miR-7/SNCA axis.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder that featured by the loss of dopaminergic neurons. Astaxanthin (AST), an important antioxidant, is demonstrated to be a neuroprotective agent for PD. However, the underlying mechanisms of AST in PD remain largely unclear. In this study, we found that AST treatment significantly not only abolished the cell viability inhibition and apoptosis promotion induced by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) in SH-SY5Y cells via inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, but also reversed the MPP+ caused dysregulation of miR-7 and SNCA expression. MiR-7 knockdown and SNCA overexpression were achieved by treating SH-SY5Y cells with miR-7 inhibitor and pcDNA3.1-SNCA plasmids, respectively. MiR-7 could bind to and negatively regulate SNCA in SH-SY5Y cells. Treated SH-SY5Y cells with miR-7 inhibitor or pcDNA3.1-SNCA abrogated the protective effects of AST on MPP+ induced cytotoxicity. Knockdown of miR-7 aggravated 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) induced neuron injury in vivo suggested by athletic performance, histopathological morphology, expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and TUNEL positvie cells, however, AST treatment could reverse these effects of miR-7 knockdown. Collectively, AST suppressed ER stress and protected against PD-caused neuron damage by targeting miR-7/SNCA axis, implying that AST might be a potential effective therapeutic agent for PD.

Facile synthesis of rGO-supported AgI-TiO2 mesocrystals with enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity.

Facile synthesis of novel rGO-supported AgI decorated TiO2 mesocrystals (AgI-TMCs-rGO) and their photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation are reported. The catalysts were prepared by combining the hydrothermal reaction process and in situ deposition-precipitation method. The structural features and chemical compositions of the prepared catalysts were investigated by HRTEM (high resolution transmission electron microscopy), XRD (x-ray powder diffraction), Raman spectra, XPS (x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy), UV-vis DRS (UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra), PLS (photoluminescence spectra), and N2 physisorption measurements. The AgI-TMCs-rGO catalysts featured a large surface area, high adsorption capacity, enhanced photo-induced charge separation and strong absorbance of visible light. The intimate contact of various components and the fast transfer of charge carriers effectively suppresses photolysis of AgI and favors the structural stability of AgI-TMCs-rGO. The photocatalytic activity of the catalysts was evaluated by degrading Rhodamine B (RhB) in an aqueous solution under visible light irradiation. The highest photocatalytic activity was observed in the sample 20%Ag-TMCs-rGO, attributed to the synergistic effects of a lower band gap and a lowerrecombination rate of the charge carriers, along with the larger surface area of the fabricated sample.

Effects of oleic acid on the corneal permeability of compounds and evaluation of its ocular irritation of rabbit eyes.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the use of oleic acid (OA) in ocular drug delivery. METHODS: Six compounds, namely rhodamine B, sodium-fluorescein, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) dextrans of 4, 10, 20 and 40 kDa were selected as model drugs. The effect of OA on the corneal permeability of drugs was evaluated in vitro, using isolated rabbit corneas by a Franz diffusion cell. The safety of OA was assessed on the basis of corneal hydration level. The ocular irritation of OA was also tested in rabbits in vivo using the Draize eye test. RESULTS: In the presence of OA, at a concentration of 0.02-0.1%, the maximum increase in the apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) was 3.21-, 1.76- and 1.57-fold for rhodamine B, sodium-fluorescein and FITC-dextran of 4 kDa, respectively. However, no significant permeability enhancement of FITC-dextrans of 4, 10, 20 and 40 kDa was found in the presence of OA. It enhanced the corneal penetration of model compounds in a concentration-dependent manner. The Papp values of rhodamine B decreased with increasing concentration of OA, while the Papp values of sodium-fluorescein and FITC-dextrans of 4 kDa increased. The Papp enhanced by 0.1% OA was logarithmically correlated to the molecular weight of model drugs (R(2) = 0.9991). With the 0.02%, 0.05% and 0.1% oleic application, the corneal hydration values were <83%, and Draize scores were <4. CONCLUSION: OA may have potential clinical benefits in improving the ocular drug delivery of both hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds.

[Drug dynamics research of salvia miltiorrhiza in rabbit plasma and aqueous humor after intravenous injection].

OBJECTIVES: To assess the permeability of Danshensu at blood-ocular barrier and its characteristics of pharmacokinetics by respectively measuring the concentrations of Danshensu in blood plasma and aqueous humor of the rabbit with the high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). METHODS: It was an experimental study. Seventy-two white rabbits were split into three groups: control group (6 rabbits), plasma group (6 rabbits) and aqueous humor group (60 rabbits). After 0.85% salt water (control group)or salvia miltiorrhiza (1.0 g/kg) (plasma and aqueous group) was injected into the vein of auris-edge. Samples of blood and aqueous humor were obtained for analysis . The analytical column was a BDS C18 stainless steed column(5 µm, 4.6 mm× 250 mm); Precolumn:YWGC18; the mobile phase consists of acetonitrile and 0.01 mol/L KH2PO4 (8:92, adjusted to pH = 2.8 with phosphoric acid). The UV detector was set at 279 nm; the flow rate was 1.0 ml/min;and the column temperature was ordinary temperature. RESULTS: The plasma concentration-time curves of Salvia miltiorrhiza fitted three-compartment model. t1/2 ß (elimination half time): 5.661 min; Cmax (peak concentration): 727.29 mg/L; Tmax(peak time ): 0 min. The aqueous humor concentration-time curves fitted two-compartment model. t1/2 ß: 147.663 min; Cmax: 38.62 mg/L; Tmax: 25 min. CONCLUSIONS: HPLC is a sensitive, specific and accurate method that can be used in pharmacokinetics research on ocular tissue of rabbit for Danshensu, Salvia miltiorrhiza that is dissolvable in water can pass through the blood-ocular barrier after intravenous injection with a relatively stable concentration of danshensu in aqueous humor resulting from a slow rate of removal.

Early amniotomy and early oxytocin for prevention of, or therapy for, delay in first stage spontaneous labour compared with routine care.

BACKGROUND: Caesarean section rates are over 20% in many developed countries. The main diagnosis contributing to the high rate in nulliparae is dystocia or prolonged labour. The present review assesses the effects of a policy of early amniotomy with early oxytocin administration for the prevention of, or the therapy for, delay in labour progress. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the effects of early augmentation with amniotomy and oxytocin for prevention of, or therapy for, delay in labour progress on the caesarean birth rate and on indicators of maternal and neonatal morbidity. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (31 May 2013), MEDLINE (1966 to 4 July 2013), Embase (1980 to 4 July 2013), CINAHL (1982 to 4 July 2013), MIDIRS (1985 to 4 July 2013) and contacted authors for data from unpublished trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials that compared oxytocin and amniotomy with expectant management. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Three review authors extracted data independently. We stratified the analyses into 'Prevention Trials' and 'Therapy Trials' according to the status of the woman at the time of randomization. Participants in the 'Prevention Trials' were unselected women, without slow progress in labour, who were randomized to a policy of early augmentation or to routine care. In 'Treatment Trials' women were eligible if they had an established delay in labour progress. MAIN RESULTS: For the 2013 update, we identified and excluded one new clinical trial. This updated review includes 14 trials, randomizing a total of 8033 women. The unstratified analysis found early intervention with amniotomy and oxytocin to be associated with a modest reduction in the risk of caesarean section; however, the confidence interval (CI) included the null effect (risk ratio (RR) 0.89; 95% CI 0.79 to 1.01; 14 trials; 8033 women). In prevention trials, early augmentation was associated with a modest reduction in the number of caesarean births (RR 0.87; 95% CI 0.77 to 0.99; 11 trials; 7753). A policy of early amniotomy and early oxytocin was associated with a shortened duration of labour (average mean difference (MD) - 1.28 hours; 95% CI -1.97 to -0.59; eight trials; 4816 women). Sensitivity analyses excluding four trials with a full package of active management did not substantially affect the point estimate for risk of caesarean section (RR 0.87; 95% CI 0.73 to 1.05; 10 trials; 5165 women). We found no other significant effects for the other indicators of maternal or neonatal morbidity. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: In prevention trials, early intervention with amniotomy and oxytocin appears to be associated with a modest reduction in the rate of caesarean section over standard care.

In vitro evaluation of enhancing effect of borneol on transcorneal permeation of compounds with different hydrophilicities and molecular sizes.

To investigate the enhancing effect of borneol on transcorneal permeation of compounds with different hydrophilicities and molecular sizes. Six compounds, namely rhodamine B, sodium-fluorescein, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) dextrans of 4, 10, 20 and 40 kDa were selected as model drugs. Permeation studies were performed using excised cornea of rabbits by a Franz-type diffusion apparatus. The safety of borneol was assessed on the basis of corneal hydration level and Draize eye test. The application of 0.2% borneol to the cornea increased the apparent permeability coefficient by 1.82-(P<0.05), 2.49-(P<0.05), 4.18-(P<0.05) and 1.11-fold (not significant) for rhodamine B, sodium-fluorescein, FITC-dextrans of 4 and 10 kDa, respectively. No significant permeability enhancement of FITC dextrans of 10, 20 and 40 kDa with borneol was found compared to control. The permeability coefficient enhanced by 0.2% borneol was linear correlated to the molecular weight of model drugs (R(2)=0.9976). With the 0.05%, 0.1% and 0.2% borneol application, the corneal hydration values were <83% and Draize scores were <4. Borneol may improve the transcorneal penetration of both hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds without causing toxic reactions, especially hydrophilic ones. Furthermore, 0.2% borneol can enhance the permeation of hydrophilic compounds with molecular weight ≤4 kDa. Hence, borneol can be considered as a safe and effective penetration enhancer for ocular drug administration.

Maternal vitamin D status and adverse pregnancy outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the associations between maternal vitamin D status and adverse pregnancy outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: We searched electronic databases of the human literature in PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library up to October, 2012 using the following keywords: "vitamin D" and "status" or "deficiency" or "insufficiency" and "pregnancy". A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on observational studies that reported the association between maternal blood vitamin D levels and adverse pregnancy outcomes including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preterm birth or small-for-gestational age (SGA). RESULTS: Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. Women with circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level less than 50 nmol/l in pregnancy experienced an increased risk of preeclampsia [odds ratio (OR) 2.09 (95% confidence intervals 1.50-2.90)], GDM [OR 1.38 (1.12-1.70)], preterm birth [OR 1.58 (1.08-2.31)] and SGA [OR 1.52 (1.08-2.15)]. CONCLUSION: Low maternal vitamin D levels in pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia, GDM, preterm birth and SGA.

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphisms and risk of preeclampsia.

Polymorphisms in endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene may affect the risk of preeclampsia. This systematic review aimed to provide an updated review of the literature to better understand the association between the eNOS gene polymorphisms and the risk of preeclampsia. We searched electronic databases of the human literature in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library up to July 2012. A meta-analysis was conducted on the association of eNOS G894T, T786C, and intron 4b/a polymorphisms with preeclampsia using (1) allele contrast, (2) recessive, (3) dominant, and (4) additive models. Thirty-three studies comprising 10,671 participants met the inclusion criteria. There was statistically significant association between the G894T variant and increased risk of preeclampsia (TT versus TG + GG: odds ratio 1.43, 95% confidence interval: 1.13 to 1.82). However, no significant risk of preeclampsia was observed either in the T786C or the intron 4b/a polymorphism. Homozygosity TT in eNOS G894T variant is significantly associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia.

Preventive effect of danshensu on selenite-induced cataractogenesis in cultured rat lens.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the preventive effect of danshensu on the selenite-induced opacification of cultured rat lenses. METHODS: Isolated lens were divided into three groups with eight lenses in each group. Group I: lenses were incubated with M199 medium alone; Group II: incubated in M199 containing 200 µmol/L sodium selenite; Group III: incubated in M199 containing 200 µmol/L sodium selenite and 500 µmol/L danshensu. Selenite was administered on the third day, and danshensu treatment was from the second to the fifth day. Cataracts development was observed using an inverted microscope, and the lenses were analysed for total anti-oxidative capabilities, mean activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione S-transferase; levels of reduced glutathione; malondialdehyde; and total sulfhydryl content. RESULTS: All lenses in Group I were clear, whereas all lenses in Group II developed dense vacuolization and opacification. In Group III, 25% lenses revealed minimal vacuolization, and 75% showed no opacification or vacuolization. Total anti-oxidative capabilities and the mean activities of anti-oxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione S-transferase; levels of glutathione; and total sulfhydryl content were elevated, and the level of malondialdehyde was decreased following treatment with danshensu compared with Group II. CONCLUSION: The anti-oxidative properties of danshensu may play a major role in its contribution to the anticataract effect.

Early amniotomy and early oxytocin for prevention of, or therapy for, delay in first stage spontaneous labour compared with routine care.

BACKGROUND: Caesarean section rates are over 20% in many developed countries. The main diagnosis contributing to the high rate in nulliparae is dystocia or prolonged labour. The present review assesses the effects of a policy of early amniotomy with early oxytocin administration for the prevention of, or the therapy for, delay in labour progress. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the effects of early augmentation with amniotomy and oxytocin for prevention of, or therapy for, delay in labour progress on the caesarean birth rate and on indicators of maternal and neonatal morbidity. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (15 February 2012), MEDLINE (1966 to 15 February 2012), EMBASE (1980 to 15 February 2012), CINAHL (1982 to 15 February 2012), MIDIRS (1985 to February 2012) and contacted authors for data from unpublished trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials that compared oxytocin and amniotomy with expectant management. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Three review authors extracted data independently. We stratified the analyses into 'Prevention Trials' and 'Therapy Trials' according to the status of the woman at the time of randomization. Participants in the 'Prevention Trials' were unselected women, without slow progress in labour, who were randomized to a policy of early augmentation or to routine care. In 'Treatment Trials' women were eligible if they had an established delay in labour progress. MAIN RESULTS: For this update, we have included a further two new clinical trials. This updated review includes 14 trials, randomizing a total of 8033 women. The unstratified analysis found early intervention with amniotomy and oxytocin to be associated with a modest reduction in the risk of caesarean section; however, the confidence interval (CI) included the null effect (risk ratio (RR) 0.89; 95% CI 0.79 to 1.01; 14 trials; 8033 women). In prevention trials, early augmentation was associated with a modest reduction in the number of caesarean births (RR 0.87; 95% CI 0.77 to 0.99; 11 trials; 7753). A policy of early amniotomy and early oxytocin was associated with a shortened duration of labour (average mean difference (MD) - 1.28 hours; 95% CI -1.97 to -0.59; eight trials; 4816 women). Sensitivity analyses excluding four trials with a full package of active management did not substantially affect the point estimate for risk of caesarean section (RR 0.87; 95% CI 0.73 to 1.05; 10 trials; 5165 women). We found no other significant effects for the other indicators of maternal or neonatal morbidity. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: In prevention trials, early intervention with amniotomy and oxytocin appears to be associated with a modest reduction in the rate of caesarean section over standard care.

Intravitreal versus subtenon triamcinolone acetonide injection for diabetic macular edema: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of intravitreal (IV) triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) versus subtenon (ST) triamcinolone acetonide (STTA) injection for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). METHODS: Searches for randomized clinical trials published between 1 January 1950 and 15 March 2011 were conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library included in the present meta-analysis are five randomized controlled trials, each with a minimum follow-up of 3 mo. All included studies evaluated the efficacy of TA for the treatment of refractory DME, and compared IVTA with STTA by measuring visual acuity (VA), central macular thickness (CMT), and intraocular pressure (IOP). RESULTS: One mo post-injection, treatment with IVTA had significantly improved VA (MD, -0.14 logMAR; 95% CI = -0.16 to -0.13) and reduced CMT (MD = -174.02 µm; 95% CI = -249.97 to -98.08) compared with STTA. At 3 mo post-injection, treatment with IVTA had significantly improved VA (MD = -0.07 logMAR; 95% CI = -0.09 to -0.05) and reduced CMT (MD = -119.46 µm; 95% CI = -176.55 to -62.36) compared with STTA. The benefits of either treatment were no longer significant at 6 mo, and patients had to be retreated. Compared with STTA, IVTA injections produced no difference in IOPs at 1 mo, higher IOPs at 3 mo, and lower IOP values at 6 months CONCLUSIONS: Within 3 mo, IVTA is more effective than is STTA in improving VA and reducing CMT in patients with refractory DME. However, the benefits of either regimen were no longer evident at 6 mo.

IL-6-174 G/C and -572 C/G polymorphisms and risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Associations between interleukin 6 (IL-6) polymorphisms and Alzheimer's disease (AD) remain controversial and ambiguous. The aim of this meta-analysis is to explore more precise estimations for the relationship between IL-6-174 G/C and -572 C/G polymorphisms and risk for AD. Electronic searches for all publications in databases PubMed and EMBASE were conducted on the associations between IL-6 polymorphisms and risk for AD until January 2012. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using fixed and random effects models. Twenty-seven studies were included with a total of 19,135 individuals, involving 6,632 AD patients and 12,503 controls. For IL-6-174 G/C polymorphism, the combined results showed significant differences in recessive model (CC vs. CG+GG: OR = 0.65, 95%CI = 0.52-0.82). As regards IL-6-572 C/G polymorphism, significant associations were shown in dominant model (CG+GG vs. CC: OR= 0.73, 95% CI = 0.62-0.86) and in additive model (GG vs. CC, OR= 0.66, 95% CI = 0.46-0.96). In conclusion, genotype CC of IL-6-174 G/C and genotype GG plus GC of IL-6-572 C/G could decrease the risk of AD.

Ursodeoxycholic acid prevents selenite-induced oxidative stress and alleviates cataract formation: In vitro and in vivo studies.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the antioxidative and anticataractogenic potential effect of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on selenite-induced cataract in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: Enucleated rat lenses were incubated in M199 medium alone (Group I), with 200 µM selenite (Group II), or with 200 µM selenite and 500 µM UDCA (Group III). Selenite was administered on the third day and UDCA treatment was from the second to the fifth day. The development of cataracts was observed under an inverted microscope. Total antioxidative capabilities (T-AOC), mean activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione S-transferase (GST), levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total sulfhydryl content were analyzed in lenticular samples. In vivo, cataracts were induced in 12-day-old pups by single subcutaneous injections of sodium selenite. The test groups received 180 mg/kg bodyweight/day of UDCA intraperitoneally on postpartum days 11-16 or 0.5% UDCA drops four times daily on postpartum days 11-25. RESULTS: In vitro, morphological examination of the lenses revealed dense vacuolization and opacification in Group II, minimal vacuolization in 12.5% of Group III, and no opacification in 87.5% of Group III. In Group I, all lenses were clear. UDCA significantly (p<0.05) restored GSH and total sulfhydryl, and decreased MDA levels. T-AOC and the mean activities of the antioxidant enzymes were elevated following treatment with UDCA. In vivo, 0.5% UDCA drops resulted in only 20% nuclear cataract development and 180 mg/kg of UDCA intraperitoneally led to 50% development, compared to 100% in the control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: UDCA prevents selenite toxicity and cataractogenesis by maintaining antioxidant status and GSH, protecting the sulfhydryl group, and inhibiting lipid peroxidation in lenses.

Expression of δNp73 in hippocampus of APP/PS1 transgenic mice following GFP-BMSCs transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of hippocampal bone marrow stromal cells (GFP-BMSCs) transplantation on spatial memory and DeltaNp73 expression in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. METHODS: Twelve APP/PS1 transgenic mice randomly received either 10 µl GFP-BMSCs suspension in medium (GFP-BMSCs transplantation group) or 10 µl complete medium (sham-operated group). Learning and memory function of mice in both groups were observed and tested in Morris water maze experiment at 2 weeks after surgery. Senile plaques and DeltaNp73 protein in hippocampuses were determined by immunohistochemistry and western blot at 3 weeks after surgery, respectively. RESULTS: APP/PS1 mice treated with BMSCs performed significantly better on the water maze test than those in sham-operated group (P<0·05). Immunohistochemistry showed that GFP-BMSCs distributed uniformly and the number of Alzheimer's senile plaques reduced after transplantation. Western blot showed that quantified DeltaNp73 protein expression was significantly higher in BMSCs transplantation group when compared with sham-operated group (P<0·01). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that BMSCs transplatation could retard Alzheimer's disease (AD) like pathology and upregulate DeltaNp73 expression in hippocampuses of APP/PS1 transgenic mice. GFP-BMSCs transplantation will be a potential treatment for AD.

High-dose vs low-dose oxytocin for labor augmentation: a systematic review.

The objective of this systematic review was to estimate the efficacy and safety of high-dose vs low-dose oxytocin for labor augmentation on the risk of cesarean section and on indicators of maternal and neonatal morbidity. We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for randomized clinical trials published until January 2010. Ten randomized clinical trials, including 5423 women, met the inclusion criteria. High-dose oxytocin was associated with a moderate decrease in the risk of cesarean section (relative risk [RR], 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75-0.97), a small increase in spontaneous vaginal delivery (RR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02-1.12), and a decrease in labor duration (mean difference: -1.54 hours, 95% CI, -2.44 to -0.64). While hyperstimulation was increased with high-dose oxytocin (RR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.49-2.45), there was no evidence of an increase in maternal or neonatal morbidity. We conclude that high-dose oxytocin for labor augmentation is associated with a decrease in cesarean section and shortened labor.