Neck circumference in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and bootstrapped meta-analysis with GRADE approach.

INTRODUCTION: Our aim was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis for the association of neck circumference (NC) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients as compared to non-PCOS controls. METHODS: Primarily the PubMed/MEDLINE database, and others such as SCOPUS, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, up to November 15, 2023 for observational studies comparing NC in PCOS versus non-PCOS women. The mean and SD values of NC and other covariates in PCOS and control groups were extracted by two independent reviewers, and the quality and risk of bias assessment was done using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale of the studies. The meta-analysis employed combined standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) to compare NC between PCOS patients and controls. The heterogeneity and validity were addressed by sub-group, meta-regression, and sensitivity analyses. We conducted a Bootstrapped meta-analysis using 1000 and 10000 simulations to test the accuracy of the obtained results. The certainty of evidence was assessed by GRADE approach. RESULTS: Our meta-analysis included 9 observational studies. The PCOS patients showed a significantly higher NC values than the non-PCOS controls (SMD 0.66, 95% CI 0.41-0.91, p<0.0001). In the bootstrap meta-analysis, the accuracy of the observed findings was proved (SMD=0.66, CI=0.42 to 0.91) for the NC outcome. No publication bias was detected in the funnel plot analysis using Begg's and Egger's tests. The 95% prediction interval of 0.036 to 1.28, suggest that the true outcomes of the studies are generally in the same direction as the estimated average outcome. The sensitivity analysis provided the robustness of the outcome, and no single study was overly influential on the pooled estimate. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis provides accurate evidence for significantly higher NC in PCOS as compared to non-PCOS controls. There is no sufficient evidence on the diagnostic accuracy measures for NC in PCOS. Hence, further research on its diagnostic utility in PCOS is needed.

Effectiveness of Stem Cell Therapy for Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Systematic Review and GRADE Compliant Bootstrapped Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Diabetic foot (DF) represents a severe complication of diabetes mellitus, imposing substantial psychological and economic burdens on affected individuals. This investigation sought to assess the therapeutic efficacy of stem cell interventions in the management of DF complications. A comprehensive systematic search across PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, and the Cochrane library databases was conducted to identify pertinent studies for meta-analysis. Outcome measures encompassed ulcer or wound healing rates, amputation rates, angiogenesis, ankle-brachial index (ABI), and pain-free walking distance. Dichotomous outcomes were expressed as risk differences (RDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), while continuous data were articulated as standardized mean differences (SMDs) with corresponding 95% CIs. Statistical analyses were executed using RevMan 5.3 and Open Meta, with bootstrapped meta-analysis conducted through OpenMEE software. A total of 20 studies, comprising 24 arms and involving 1304 participants, were incorporated into the meta-analysis. The findings revealed that stem cell therapy exhibited superior efficacy compared to conventional interventions in terms of ulcer or wound healing rate [RD = 0.36 (0.28, 0.43)], pain-free walking distance [SMD = 1.27 (0.89, 1.65)], ABI [SMD = 0.61 (0.33, 0.88)], and new vessel development [RD = 0.48 (0.23, 0.78)], while concurrently reducing the amputation rate significantly [RD = -0.19 (-0.25, -0.12)]. Furthermore, no statistically significant difference in adverse events was observed [RD -0.07 (-0.16, 0.02)]. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation assessment indicated varying levels of evidence certainty, ranging from very low to moderate, for different outcomes. Bootstrapping analysis substantiated the precision of the results. The meta-analysis underscores the significant superiority of stem cell therapy over conventional approaches in treating DF complications. Future investigations should prioritize large-scale, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trials, incorporating rigorous long-term follow-up protocols. These studies are essential for elucidating the optimal cell types and therapeutic parameters that contribute to the most effective treatment strategies for DF management.

Nucleobindin-2 derived nesfatin-1 in polycystic ovary syndrome: a PRISMA and GRADE-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis with diagnostic test accuracy.

INTRODUCTION: Nesfatin-1 is a satiety peptide secreted by central, peripheral nervous system and some peripheral tissues. This meta-analysis was conducted to explore the associations with diagnostic accuracy of circulatory nesfatin-1 in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Relevant studies were retrieved by online database and manual searching. The standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained by a random-effects meta-analysis. The subgroup analysis based on the Body Mass Index (BMI), fasting insulin (F-INS), and the homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was conducted. Meta-analysis of correlations and meta-regression were performed for the associations of nesfatin-1 with metabolic and hormonal covariates. The diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) meta-analysis was conducted for the utility of nesfatin-1 in PCOS. The publication bias was tested with Egger's and Begg's regression tests. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The combined effect size including a total of 14 studies showed a significantly higher nesfatin-1 level in PCOS as compared to controls (SMD=0.93, Z=2.17, P=0.03). The nesfatin-1 was found to be significantly higher in a subgroup of studies with mean BMI>25 kg/m2 (SMD=1.35, Z=2.06, P=0.04), F-INS <13 mIU/mL (SMD=2.74, Z=3.59, P=0.0003), and HOMA-IR >2.7 (SMD=1.58, Z=2.65, P=0.008). The DTA meta-analysis produced a pooled diagnostic odds ratio of 19.58 and area under curve were of 0.888 for nesfatin-1 in PCOS. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate a multifactorial involvement such as endocrine and metabolic alterations in the form of BMI, insulin and HOMA-IR status with the higher nesfatin-1 levels in PCOS. The promising results of DTA meta-analysis warrants further research into the clinical and prognostic utility of nesfatin-1 in PCOS.

Maternal and cord blood betatrophin (angiopoietin-like protein 8) in pregnant women with gestational diabetes and normoglycemic controls: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression.

AIMS: This systematic review and meta-analysis examined maternal and cord blood betatrophin levels in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and normoglycemic controls. MATERIAL AND METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, LILACS, WangFang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched for literature from inception until May 2022. The primary outcomes were maternal and cord blood betatrophin levels. A random-effect meta-analysis was used to estimate the pooled results. The mean differences (MDs) or standardised MDs (SMD) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. I2 tests were used to evaluate the heterogeneity. The quality of studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: Betatrophin levels were reported in 22 studies with a total of 3034 pregnant women, and in seven studies including cord blood from 456 infants. Women with GDM display higher betatrophin levels than the normoglycemic controls (SMD = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.38-1.31) during the second half of the pregnancy. The sensitivity analysis indicated that no single study had significantly influenced the betatrophin overall outcomes. There was heterogeneity between the studies as evidenced by high I2 values. Meta-regression analysis indicated a significant regression coefficient for maternal betatrophin and glycosilated haemoglobin. There was no significant difference in cord blood betatrophin in infants from women with and without GDM (SMD = 0.34, 95% CI: -0.15-0.83). Women with GDM also had significantly higher insulin, glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin, HOMA-IR, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and body mass index compared with the normoglycemic controls. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal betatrophin levels were higher in women with GDM than in the normoglycemic controls. There was no difference in cord blood betatrophin. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42022311372.

Asprosin levels in women with and without the polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at summarizing the evidence concerning circulating asprosin, and related endocrine and metabolites in women with and without the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Method: We performed a comprehensive literature search in Pubmed, Web of Science, Scielo, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure for studies published until May 20, 2022, that evaluated circulating asprosin levels in women with and without PCOS, regardless of language. The quality of studies was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Random-effects models were used to estimate mean differences (MD) or standardized MD (SMD) and their 95% confidence interval (CI).Results: We evaluated eight studies reporting 1,050 PCOS cases and 796 controls of reproductive age. Participants with PCOS were younger (MD = -2.40 years, 95% CI -2.46 to -2.33), with higher values of asprosin (SMD = 2.57, 95% CI 1.64-3.50), insulin (SMD = 2.73, 95% CI 1.18-4.28), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (SMD = 2.70, 95% CI 0.85-4.55), luteinizing hormone (SMD = 2.33, 95% CI 0.60-4.06), total testosterone (SMD = 4.06, 95% CI 1.89-6.22), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (SMD = 2.38, 95% CI 0.37-4.40), and triglycerides (SMD = 1.20, 95% CI 0.13 to 2.27). Moreover, PCOS women had lower circulating levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SMD = -3.36, 95% CI -4.92 to -1.80), and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (SMD = -0.85, 95% CI -1.69 to -0.01); with no significant differences observed for glucose, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels.Conclusion: Circulating asprosin levels were significantly higher in women with PCOS as compared to those without the syndrome.

Apelin levels in pregnant women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus: a collaborative systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aims: This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated maternal apelin levels in pregnant women with and without GDM. Secondary outcomes were glucose- and lipid-related results.Methods: Databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, LILACS, CNKI, and Wang Fang were searched. The methodological quality of included studies was evaluated with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Mean differences (MDs) or standardized MDs (SMDs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were evaluated. Random effect model analyses were carried out and heterogeneity with the I2 and Tau2 statistics.Results: Fourteen observational studies (sample size: 1033 women with GDM and 1053 for control women) with a low or moderate risk of bias were included in the analysis. During the second half of pregnancy, maternal apelin estimate was significantly higher in women with GDM (SMD = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.03 to 1.25), as well as insulin (SMD = 1.41% CI: 0.84 to 1.99), glucose (SMD = 1.56; 95% CI 1.20 to 1.91), glycated hemoglobin (SMD = 1.11, 95% CI: 0.69 to 1.54), HOMA-IR (MD = 2.25; 95%CI: 1.51 to 2.98), BMI (MD = 0.80 kg/m2, 95%CI: 0.52 to 1.08), total cholesterol (SMD = 0.42, 0.12 to 0.73), LDL-cholesterol (SMD = 0.63, 95%CI: 0.23 to 1.02), and triglycerides (SMD = 0.40, 95%CI: 0.19 to 0.61) as compared to control women. There was heterogeneity between studies as evidence by high I2 values. Meta-regression analysis indicated statistically significant regression coefficients for age of women, glucose and total cholesterol.Conclusions: GDM was associated with increased circulating apelin, insulin, glucose, glycated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol levels, and HOMA-IR index.

COVID-19 and vitamin D (Co-VIVID study): a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D levels have been reported to be associated with COVID-19 susceptibility, severity, and mortality events. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the use of vitamin D intervention on COVID-19 outcomes. AREAS COVERED: Literature search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane library, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. We included RCTs reporting the use of vitamin D intervention to control/placebo group in COVID-19. The study was registered at PROSPERO: CRD42021271461. EXPERT OPINION: A total of 6 RCTs with 551 COVID-19 patients were included. The overall collective evidence pooling all the outcomes across all RCTs indicated the beneficial use of vitamin D intervention in COVID-19 (relative risk, RR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.92, Z = 2.33, p = 0.02, I2 = 48%). The rates of RT-CR positivity were significantly decreased in the intervention group as compared to the non-vitamin D groups (RR = 0.46, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.89, Z = 2.31, p = 0.02, I2 = 0%). Conclusively, COVID-19 patients supplemented with vitamin D are more likely to demonstrate fewer rates of ICU admission, mortality events, and RT-PCR positivity.

Maternal serum irisin levels in normotensive and preeclamptic pregnancies: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Altered irisin levels have been reported in pregnancy-associated disorders, such as preeclampsia. OBJECTIVE: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the changes in maternal circulatory irisin levels in preeclampsia as compared to normotensive healthy pregnant controls. METHODS: Relevant studies were identified by searching PubMed and other databases. Random-effects model was used to obtain standardized mean differences (SMDs) and its 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The sub-group meta-regression analyses were conducted to explore heterogeneity. The presence of publication bias and the study robustness was tested using funnel plot and sensitivity analyses, respectively. RESULTS: This meta-analysis finally included 14 observations from eight studies. Compared with controls, preeclampsia patients showed significantly decreased serum irisin levels (SMD: -1.13; 95% CI: -1.63 to -0.62, p < .0001). The sub-group analysis showed that this decrease in irisin is regardless of body mass index (BMI) and gestational age of preeclampsia patients. The meta-regression analysis indicated that blood pressure is significantly associated with the observed results. There was no significant publication bias as indicated by the funnel plot analysis followed by Begg's (p = .35) and Egger's tests (p = .39). The sensitivity analysis indicated that no single study had a significant influence on the overall outcome, suggesting the robustness of this meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis showed significantly decreased maternal serum irisin level in preeclampsia patients as compared to normotensive pregnant women. This study highlights the need for future studies evaluating the diagnostic utilities and associations of irisin with the fetal and neonatal outcomes in preeclampsia.

Effect of metformin intervention on circulating irisin levels in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and collaborative meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Irisin is an adipo-myokine with potential implications in metabolic disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Despite of a strong evidence showing increased irisin level in PCOS, there is no conclusive evidence on the effect of metformin intervention on circulatory irisin in PCOS. AIM: The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the circulatory (serum/plasma) irisin levels before and after metformin intervention in subjects with PCOS. METHODS: Relevant studies were retrieved by online database and manual searching. The standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained by a random-effects meta-analysis. A one-study leave-out sensitivity analysis was conducted to validate the overall obtained results. RESULTS: A total of five observations were included in this meta-analysis. The results based on random effects meta-analysis indicated that irisin levels were significantly decreased after metformin intervention as compared to the baseline pretreatment levels in PCOS (SMD: -1.00, 95% CI: -1.60 to -0.41, Z: 3.29, p = .001). The sensitivity analysis leaving-out a particular observation at a time and repeating the meta-analysis validated the robustness of the overall finding suggesting the significant effect of metformin treatment on irisin levels in PCOS. CONCLUSION: Circulating irisin levels were significantly decreased upon metformin intervention in PCOS patients. The higher pretreatment irisin levels in PCOS may recede once the altered metabolic state is restored upon metformin intervention. Well-designed randomized trials with large sample sizes are warranted to further substantiate the reported evidence reported and to establish the possible mechanisms.

Maternal adropin levels in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Adropin is a regulatory protein with potential implications in energy homeostasis, glucose regulation, and insulin resistance. AIM: The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the maternal serum/plasma adropin levels between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) patients and non-GDM controls. METHODS: Relevant studies were retrieved by online database and manual searching. The standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained by a random-effects meta-analysis. A one-study leave-out sensitivity analysis and trimester-wise subgroup analysis were performed. RESULTS: A total of eight observations were included in this meta-analysis. The results based on random-effects meta-analysis indicated that adropin levels were significantly increased in GDM patients as compared to non-GDM controls (SMD = 2.41, 95% CI = 0.52-4.29, p= .01). The sensitivity analysis indicated that no single study had significantly influenced the overall outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that maternal serum/plasma adropin concentrations were significantly higher in GDM patients as compared to non-GDM controls suggesting the potential associations of adropin in GDM. Despite this, further studies are needed to investigate the mechanistic, diagnostic and prognostic roles of trimester-wise adropin levels in GDM and associated fetal outcomes.

D-dimer, disease severity, and deaths (3D-study) in patients with COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 100 studies.

Hypercoagulability and the need for prioritizing coagulation markers for prognostic abilities have been highlighted in COVID-19. We aimed to quantify the associations of D-dimer with disease progression in patients with COVID-19. This systematic review and meta-analysis was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42020186661.We included 113 studies in our systematic review, of which 100 records (n = 38,310) with D-dimer data) were considered for meta-analysis. Across 68 unadjusted (n = 26,960) and 39 adjusted studies (n = 15,653) reporting initial D-dimer, a significant association was found in patients with higher D-dimer for the risk of overall disease progression (unadjusted odds ratio (uOR) 3.15; adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.64). The time-to-event outcomes were pooled across 19 unadjusted (n = 9743) and 21 adjusted studies (n = 13,287); a strong association was found in patients with higher D-dimers for the risk of overall disease progression (unadjusted hazard ratio (uHR) 1.41; adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.10). The prognostic use of higher D-dimer was found to be promising for predicting overall disease progression (studies 68, area under curve 0.75) in COVID-19. Our study showed that higher D-dimer levels provide prognostic information useful for clinicians to early assess COVID-19 patients at risk for disease progression and mortality outcomes. This study, recommends rapid assessment of D-dimer for predicting adverse outcomes in COVID-19.

Preeclampsia and gestational hypertension are associated to low maternal circulating kisspeptin levels: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There are contradictory data concerning kisspeptin in gravids with preeclampsia and gestational hypertension (GH). OBJECTIVE: To conduct a meta-analysis of studies comparing maternal kisspeptin levels in gravids with and without preeclampsia or GH. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We searched PubMed, LILACS, and CNKI list of articles up to 20 August 2021, without language limitations, comparing circulating maternal kisspeptin levels, and maternal and neonatal outcomes in gravids with and without preeclampsia or GH. Meta-analyzed results are reported as standardized mean differences (SMD), and their 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Seven studies with a low-to-moderate risk of bias were eligible for meta-analysis. Gravids with preeclampsia or GH displayed significantly lower circulating kisspeptin levels (SMD, -0.68, 95% CI, -1.04 to -0.32), lower gestational ages at delivery (SMD, -2.22, 95% CI, -3.25 to -1.18), and birth weight (SMD, -2.16, 95% CI, -3.15 to -1.17), and significantly higher body mass indices (MD, 0.56, 95% CI, 0.24-0.88), systolic (SMD, 2.87, 95% CI, 2.22-3.53), and diastolic blood pressures (SMD, 2.57, 95% CI, 2.19-2.95). CONCLUSION: Gravids with preeclampsia or GH had lower kisspeptin levels as compared to normotensive controls.

Skin Autofluorescence as a Novel and Noninvasive Technology for Advanced Glycation End Products in Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Skin autofluorescence (SAF) has been suggested as a novel and noninvasive technique for assessing tissue accumulation of advanced glycation end products in diabetes and related complications. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the use of SAF in diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). DATA SOURCES: PubMed/MEDLINE and other digital databases. STUDY SELECTION: The authors included studies comparing the SAF levels in patients with DFU with a non-DFU group to determine its association with DFU risk. DATA EXTRACTION: Collected data included the SAF method and its values in DFU and non-DFU groups, covariates used in adjustment along with the unadjusted and/or multivariate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for the association of SAF with DFU risk, and other study characteristics. DATA SYNTHESIS: A total of six studies were included in this meta-analysis. Five studies that involved 611 participants were included to compare SAF methods. Compared with the non-DFU group, the DFU group showed a significantly increased level of SAF (standardized mean difference, 0.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.32-1.01; P < .001). The results of meta-analysis of ORs revealed that the increased SAF level was independently associated with increased DFU risk in both unadjusted (OR, 3.16; 95% CI, 2.18-4.57; P < .001) and adjusted models (OR, 3.07; 95% CI, 1.95-4.81; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that SAF could be useful as a novel and noninvasive technology to help determine DFU risk. However, further studies establishing its diagnostic and prognostic utilities are needed.

Adropin levels and its associations as a fat-burning hormone in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a correlational meta-analysis.

AIMS: Adropin is a peptide hormone with potential implications in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the circulating (serum/plasma) and follicular fluid adropin levels between human PCOS patients and non-PCOS controls. METHODS: Relevant studies were retrieved by online database and manual searching. The standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained by a random-effects meta-analysis. Meta-analysis of correlations was performed for the associations of adropin with anthropometric, lipid, insulin resistance and hormonal covariates. The funnel plot analysis with Begg's and Egger's tests was used for publication bias. RESULTS: A total of 9 studies were included in this meta-analysis. The results indicated that the adropin levels were significantly decreased in PCOS patients as compared to non-PCOS controls (SMD = -1.87, 95% CI = -2.55 to -1.18, p < .0001). This decrease was more evident in overweight PCOS patients than their normoweight counterparts (SMD = -0.55, 95% CI = -0.80 to -0.30, p < .0001). A one-study leave-out sensitivity analysis indicated that no single study had a significant influence on the overall outcome, suggesting the robustness of this meta-analysis. There were significant associations of decreased adropin levels with the body mass index, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance in PCOS. CONCLUSION: Adropin levels are significantly reduced in PCOS patients compared to controls, and this decrease was more evident in overweight PCOS patients.

Decreased circulatory levels of Vitamin D in Vitiligo (ViViD Study): a meta-analysis

Abstract Background: The serum Vitamin D status in patients with vitiligo is ambiguous when compared to controls. A systematic review and updated meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the association between Vitamin D and vitiligo. Methods: Relevant studies were identified by searching PubMed and other databases. The random effects model was used to obtain standardized mean differences and pooled correlation coefficients. Meta-regression and sub-group analyses were conducted to explore heterogeneity. The presence of publication bias and the study robustness were tested using funnel plot and sensitivity analyses, respectively. Results: This meta-analysis finally included 31 studies. Compared with controls, vitiligo patients showed significantly decreased serum Vitamin D levels (standardized mean difference = −1.03; p < 0.0001). The sub-group analysis showed that vitiligo patients with indoor/urban work had a significantly lower Vitamin D level when compared to their outdoor/rural counterparts (standardized mean differences = −0.45; p = 0.03). The sensitivity analysis indicated that no single study had a significant influence on the overall outcome, suggesting the robustness of this meta-analysis. Study limitations: Varied sample sizes and heterogeneous study populations from different countries are the limitations of this study. However, the between-study heterogeneity has been addressed by the random-effects model with meta-regression and sensitivity analyses. Conclusions: This meta-analysis showed significantly decreased Vitamin D level in vitiligo, and its association with indoor/outdoor type of work of vitiligo patients. This study highlights the need to assess Vitamin D status for improving its level in vitiligo.

Decreased circulatory levels of Vitamin D in Vitiligo: a meta-analysis

Abstract Background: The serum Vitamin D status in patients with vitiligo is ambiguous when compared to controls. A systematic review and updated meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the association between Vitamin D and vitiligo. Methods: Relevant studies were identified by searching PubMed and other databases. The random effects model was used to obtain standardized mean differences and pooled correlation coefficients. Meta-regression and sub-group analyses were conducted to explore heterogeneity. The presence of publication bias and the study robustness were tested using funnel plot and sensitivity analyses, respectively. Results: This meta-analysis finally included 31 studies. Compared with controls, vitiligo patients showed significantly decreased serum Vitamin D levels (standardized mean difference = −1.03; p < 0.0001). The sub-group analysis showed that vitiligo patients with indoor/urban work had a significantly lower Vitamin D level when compared to their outdoor/rural counterparts (standardized mean differences = −0.45; p = 0.03). The sensitivity analysis indicated that no single study had a significant influence on the overall outcome, suggesting the robustness of this meta-analysis. Study limitations: Varied sample sizes and heterogeneous study populations from different countries are the limitations of this study. However, the between-study heterogeneity has been addressed by the random-effects model with meta-regression and sensitivity analyses. Conclusions: This meta-analysis showed significantly decreased Vitamin D level in vitiligo, and its association with indoor/outdoor type of work of vitiligo patients. This study highlights the need to assess Vitamin D status for improving its level in vitiligo.

Decreased circulatory levels of Vitamin D in Vitiligo: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The serum Vitamin D status in patients with vitiligo is ambiguous when compared to controls. A systematic review and updated meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the association between Vitamin D and vitiligo. METHODS: Relevant studies were identified by searching PubMed and other databases. The random effects model was used to obtain standardized mean differences and pooled correlation coefficients. Meta-regression and sub-group analyses were conducted to explore heterogeneity. The presence of publication bias and the study robustness were tested using funnel plot and sensitivity analyses, respectively. RESULTS: This meta-analysis finally included 31 studies. Compared with controls, vitiligo patients showed significantly decreased serum Vitamin D levels (standardized mean difference = -1.03; p < 0.0001). The sub-group analysis showed that vitiligo patients with indoor/urban work had a significantly lower Vitamin D level when compared to their outdoor/rural counterparts (standardized mean differences = -0.45; p = 0.03). The sensitivity analysis indicated that no single study had a significant influence on the overall outcome, suggesting the robustness of this meta-analysis. STUDY LIMITATIONS: Varied sample sizes and heterogeneous study populations from different countries are the limitations of this study. However, the between-study heterogeneity has been addressed by the random-effects model with meta-regression and sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis showed significantly decreased Vitamin D level in vitiligo, and its association with indoor/outdoor type of work of vitiligo patients. This study highlights the need to assess Vitamin D status for improving its level in vitiligo.

Cordifolioside: potent inhibitor against Mpro of SARS-CoV-2 and immunomodulatory through human TGF-ß and TNF-α.

Therapeutic options for SARS-CoV-2 are limited merely to the symptoms or repurposed drugs and non-specific interventions to promote the human immune system. In the present study, chromatographic and in silico approaches were implemented to identify bioactive compounds which might play pivotal role as inhibitor for SARS-CoV-2 and human immunomodulator (TGF-ß and TNF-α). Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers was evaluated for phenolic composition and explored for bioactive compounds by high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). Furthermore, the bioactive compounds such as cordifolioside, berberine, and magnoflorine were appraised as human immunomodulatory and potent inhibitor against Main Protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 through multiple docking strategies. Cordifolioside formed six stable H-bonds with His41, Ser144, Cys145, His163, His164, and Glu166 of Mpro of SARS-CoV-2, which displayed a significant role in the viral replication/transcription during infection acting towards the common conserved binding cleft among all strains of coronavirus. Overall, the study emphasized that the proposed cordifolioside might use for future investigations, which hold as a promising scaffold for developing anti-COVID-19 drug and reduce human cytokine storm.

Diabetes and COVID-19: A pooled analysis related to disease severity and mortality.

Globally, COVID-19 has become a major concern for the diabetic community. We conducted a pooled analysis and constructed a forest plot for the association between diabetes and COVID-19 progression in 47 studies. A random effects meta-analysis (Mantel-Haenszel method) was conducted to estimate the outcomes effect size as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using Review Manager Software version 5.3. COVID-19 patients with diabetes have a significantly higher risk of disease severity (OR=2.20, 95% CI=1.69-2.86, p<0.00001) and associated mortality outcomes (OR=2.52, 95% CI=1.93-3.30, p=<0.00001).