scholarly journals Serum Osteocalcin and Testosterone Concentrations in Adult Males with or without Primary Osteoporosis: A Meta-Analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhong-Yu Liu ◽  
Yang Yang ◽  
Chun-Yi Wen ◽  
Li-Min Rong

Osteocalcin (Ocn) and testosterone play important roles in male skeleton. However, the concentrations of serum osteocalcin and testosterone have never been systematically compared between populations with and without primary male osteoporosis, a common skeletal disorder in adult males. We searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for relevant studies. A meta-analysis was performed to compare the serum osteocalcin and testosterone concentrations between primary osteoporotic males and age-matched nonosteoporotic (non-OP) males. Five case-control studies with 300 adult males were included. We found no significant difference between cases and controls in serum total osteocalcin (TOcn) [95% confidence interval (CI): −1.25, 1.31; p=0.96] and total testosterone (TT) concentrations [95% CI: −0.88, 4.22; p=0.20]. The level of evidence of this carefully performed meta-analysis is 3a according to Oxford (UK) CEBM Levels of Evidence. Future well-designed studies with larger sample size and better standardization of Ocn assay are awaited to confirm and update our current findings.

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Ting Yuan ◽  
Jun Xiong ◽  
Jun Yang ◽  
Xue Wang ◽  
Yunfeng Jiang ◽  
...  

Background. Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a noninfectious inflammatory disease caused by allergic individuals exposed to allergens. Western medicine therapy for treating AR causes obvious adverse events, while thunder fire moxibustion (TFM) is known as a safe and effective treatment for AR. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of TFM for treating AR. Methods. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, WanFang, VIP, and CBM from inception to April 5, 2020, were searched without any language restriction. Reviewers identified studies, extracted data, and assessed the quality, independently. The primary outcomes were the total effective rate and the TNSS. The secondary outcomes included TNNSS, RQLQ, VAS, serum IgE, IgA, or IgG level, and adverse events. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were collected; methodological quality was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool (RoB), and the level of evidence was rated using the GRADE approach. Meta-analysis was performed using the RevMan5.3.0 software. Results. A total of 18 RCTs were included, including 1600 patients. The results of this meta-analysis showed a statistically significant effect in a total effective rate of T = TFM (RR = 1.07; 95% CI [1.03, 1.12]; P=0.45; I2 = 0%) and T = TFM + other treatments (RR = 1.18; 95% CI [1.11, 1.25]; P=0.03; I2 = 53%). In addition, TFM intervention also showed significant difference in total symptom score (T = TFM + other treatments) (MD = −1.42; 95% CI [−1.55, −1.29]; P=0.03; I2 = 60%) in patients with AR. Conclusion. Existing evidence shows that TFM is safe and effective for AR. Due to the universal low quality of the eligible trials and low evidence level, we should draw our conclusions with caution. Therefore, clinical researchers should carry out more large-sample, multicentre, high-quality randomized controlled clinical trials in the future to verify the clinical efficacy of TFM in treating AR.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junyu Zhao ◽  
Jing Wen ◽  
Shengnan Wang ◽  
Jinming Yao ◽  
Lin Liao ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The incidence of thyroid carcinoma is increasing all over the world. Some studies have suggested that the change of adipokines expression can induce thyroid carcinoma. However, other studies have come to the opposite conclusion. Therefore, we studied the relationship between adipokines and thyroid carcinoma. Methods: Databases—PubMed, Cochrane Library, SinoMed, CNKI, Wanfang, and clinical trial registries were searched. A meta-analysis was performed when heterogeneity analysis show a good homogeneity. Results: Twenty-nine articles were finally included for analysis. The level of serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) [standardized mean difference (SMD) =1.31, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.35 to 2.28, I 2 = 98%, P = 0.008] and the ratio of TNF-α immunoreactivity in tissues [odds ratios (OR) =6.36, 95% CI: 1.92 to 21.05, I 2 = 66%, P = 0.002] in thyroid carcinoma are significantly higher than those in control. The serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) in patients with thyroid carcinoma is higher than that in control (SMD = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.40 to 1.67, I 2 = 96%, P = 0.001). There is no significant difference of the ratio of IL-6 immunoreactivity in tissues between carcinoma and control (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 0.62 to 2.43, I 2 = 86%, P = 0.55). The ratio of leptin immunoreactivity in tissues is significantly associated with the risk of thyroid carcinoma (OR = 12.21, 95% CI: 3.36 to 44.40, I 2 = 85%, P < 0.00001). However, after analyzing the expression level of serum adiponectin in three studies, no significant difference is found between thyroid carcinoma and the control ( P = 0.81). Conclusions: Adipokines ( TNF-α, IL-6 and leptin ) show a strong relationship between elevated concentrations (in serum and/or tissue) and thyroid carcinoma. However, the association between adiponectin and thyroid carcinoma needs further research.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junyu Zhao ◽  
Jing Wen ◽  
Shengnan Wang ◽  
Jinming Yao ◽  
Lin Liao ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The incidence of thyroid carcinoma is increasing all over the world. Some studies have suggested that the change of adipokines expression can induce thyroid carcinoma. However, other studies have come to the opposite conclusion. Therefore, we studied the relationship between adipokines and thyroid carcinoma. Methods: Databases—PubMed, Cochrane Library, SinoMed, CNKI, Wanfang, and clinical trial registries were searched. A meta-analysis was then performed through a fixed or random-effects model to calculate I values for heterogeneity analysis. Results: Twenty-nine articles were finally included for analysis. The level of serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) [standardized mean difference (SMD) =1.31, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.35 to 2.28, I2 = 98%, P = 0.008] and the ratio of TNF-α immunoreactivity in tissues [odds ratios (OR) =6.36, 95% CI: 1.92 to 21.05, I2 = 66%,P = 0.002] in thyroid carcinoma are significantly higher than those in control. The serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) in patients with thyroid carcinoma is higher than that in control (SMD = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.40 to 1.67, I2 = 96%, P = 0.001). There is no significant difference of the ratio of IL-6 immunoreactivity in tissues between carcinoma and control (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 0.62 to 2.43, I2 = 86%, P = 0.55). The ratio of leptin immunoreactivity in tissues is significantly associated with the risk of thyroid carcinoma (OR = 12.21, 95% CI: 3.36 to 44.40, I2 = 85%, P < 0.00001). However, after analyzing the expression level of serum adiponectin in three studies, no significant difference is found between thyroid carcinoma and the control (P = 0.81).Conclusions: Adipokines ( TNF-α, IL-6 and leptin ) show a strong relationship between elevated concentrations (in serum and/or tissue) and thyroid carcinoma. However, the association between adiponectin and thyroid carcinoma needs further research.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jia Xie ◽  
Hao Yu ◽  
Fangyuan Wang ◽  
Juehua Jing ◽  
Jun Li

Abstract Background Tourniquets are widely used in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but the issue of their safety remains controversial. Previous studies have focused on TKA blood loss, duration of surgery, and hemostatic drugs. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to analyze the effect of tourniquet use on postoperative deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Methods PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized clinical trials published before April 17, 2020, that compared the effect of tourniquet use on postoperative DVT, knee circumference, D-dimers, and pain measured using the visual analog scale (VAS). Results Fourteen clinical trials that included 1321 unique participants were included in the meta-analysis. Among the total, 721 and 600 participants were randomized to the tourniquet and non-tourniquet groups, respectively. The incidence of postoperative thrombosis in the tourniquet group was significantly higher than in the non-tourniquet group (RR 2.30, 95% CI 1.51–3.49, P < 0.0001, I2 = 0%). On the 1st, 3rd, and 5th to 21st days, and 3 to 6 weeks after surgery, the knee circumference difference of the tourniquet group was significantly larger than that of the non-tourniquet group (P < 0.05). However, 4 to 6 months after the surgery, no significant difference in knee circumference was found between the two groups (MD 0.14, 95% CI −0.02–0.31, P = 0.09, I2 = 0%). The VAS score of the tourniquet group was higher than the non-tourniquet group on the 3rd and 5th days after surgery (P < 0.05). However, this difference was not significant (MD 0.31, 95% CI −0.05–0.66, P = 0.09, I2 = 89%). Conclusion Results of this meta-analysis indicate that tourniquet application could increase the incidence of postoperative DVT and aggravate postoperative pain and swelling in the short term. Level of evidence Level III


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jia Xie ◽  
Hao Yu ◽  
Fangyuan Wang ◽  
Juehua Jing ◽  
Jun Li

Abstract Background Tourniquets are widely used in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but the issue of their safety remains controversial. Previous studies have focused on TKA blood loss, duration of surgery, and hemostatic drugs. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to analyze the effect of tourniquet use on postoperative deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Methods PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized clinical trials published before April 17, 2020 that compared the effect of tourniquet use on postoperative DVT, knee circumference, D-dimers, and pain measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS). Results Fourteen clinical trials that included 1321 unique participants were included in the meta-analysis. Among the total, 721 and 600 participants were randomized to the tourniquet and non-tourniquet groups, respectively. The incidence of postoperative thrombosis in the tourniquet group was significantly higher than in the non-tourniquet group (RR 2.30, 95% CI: 1.51–3.49, P < 0.0001, I2 = 0%). On the 1st, 3rd, and 5th to 21st days, and 3 to 6 weeks after surgery, the knee circumference difference of the tourniquet group was significantly larger than that of the non-tourniquet group (P < 0.05). However, 4 to 6 months after the surgery, no significant difference in knee circumference was found between the two groups (MD 0.14, 95% CI: -0.02-0.31, P = 0.09, I2 = 0%). The VAS score of the tourniquet group was higher than the non-tourniquet group on the 3rd and 5th days after surgery (P < 0.05). However, this difference was not significant (MD 0.31, 95% CI: -0.05-0.66, P = 0.09, I2 = 89%). Conclusion Results of this meta-analysis indicate that tourniquet application could increase the incidence of postoperative DVT and aggravate postoperative pain and swelling in the short term. Level of evidence III.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhenlu Li ◽  
Qianqiu Che ◽  
Mao Li ◽  
Jianping Liu ◽  
Rao Du ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Tocilizumab (TCZ) is an anti-interleukin-6 antibody that has been used to treat patients with 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Numerous retrospective studies have shown beneficial treatment efficacy. Several recent randomized clinical trials have questioned the efficacy of TCZ in patients with COVID-19. Therefore, we performed an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the effectiveness and safety of tocilizumab recently used for treating patients with COVID-19. Methods Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and comparative studies that compared the outcomes between TCZ and standard of care (SOC) were analysed. PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library (inception to November 20, 2020) were systematically searched. Primary outcomes included mortality and the rate of requirement for mechanical ventilation (MV). In addition, several subgroup analyses stratified by disease severity, publication type and TCZ administration were performed. Results Three RCTs, twenty-one cohort studies and nine case-control studies including 11,206 patients were finally included. The TCZ group included 2,794 patients (24.93%) and the SOC group included 8,412 patients (75.07%). The mortality rate (>14 days) of the TCZ group, 29.63% (590/1,991), was lower than the SOC group, 41.51% (2,380/5,734) (OR 0.64, 0.57 to 0.73; p <0.00001). However, no significant difference in-14-day mortality rates was observed between the two groups (13.53% vs 22.92%, p = 0.21). Meanwhile, the rate of MV was significantly decreased in the TCZ group compared with the SOC group (OR 0.42, 0.22 to 0.83; p = 0.01). According to the results of the subgroup analysis stratified by disease severity, TCZ only reduced the mortality rate for critical patients with COVID-19 compared with SOC (OR 0.60, 0.52 to 0.71; P < 0.00001), particularly for patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) or patients requiring MV. No statistically significant increase was recognized in the rates of secondary infections or thrombosis between the two groups. Conclusions This systematic review and meta-analysis found that the addition of tocilizumab to the SOC might reduce mortality after 14 days in patients with COVID-19, particularly critical patients requiring MV. More extensive RCTs with longer follow-up periods are needed to validate these findings.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhongyu Liu ◽  
Ruiqiang Chen ◽  
Yutong Jiang ◽  
Yang Yang ◽  
Lei He ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Circulatory osteocalcin (OC) has been widely used as a biomarker to indicate bone turnover status in postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO). However, the change of serum OC (sOC) level in PMO cases compared to postmenopausal controls remains controversial. Methods We searched the online database of PubMed and Cochrane Library. A meta-analysis of case-control studies was performed to compare the pooled sOC level between PMO patients and postmenopausal controls. Subgroup analysis according to potential confounding factors (different OC molecules and regions of the study population) was also performed. Results Ten case-control studies with 1577 postmenopausal women were included in this meta analysis. We found no significant difference in the pooled sOC level [mean difference (MD) = 1.84, 95% confidence interval (CI): (− 1.49, 5.16), p = 0.28] between PMO patients and controls. Subgroup analysis also revealed no significant difference in intact OC [MD = 1.76, 95%CI: (− 1.71, 5.23), p = 0.32] or N-terminal mid-fragment of the OC molecule [MD = 0.67, 95%(− 5.83, 7.18), p = 0.84] between groups. For different regions, no significant difference in sOC was found in Asian population between cases and controls [MD = -0.06, 95%(− 6.02, 5.89), p = 0.98], while the pooled sOC level was significantly higher in European PMO cases than controls [MD = 3.15, 95%(0.90, 5.39), p = 0.006]. Conclusions Our analysis revealed no significant difference in sOC level between PMO cases and controls according to all the current eligible studies. OC molecules are quite heterogeneous in the circulation and can be influenced by glucose metabolism. Therefore, sOC is currently not a good indicator for the high bone turnover status in PMO. More trials with standardized methodologies for the evaluation of circulatory OC are awaited to update our current findings.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiyuan Yu ◽  
Yawei Liu ◽  
Yanxia Gao ◽  
Xin Lu ◽  
Lina Zhao ◽  
...  

Abstract Background – Transfusion pre-medications are generally administered in patients prior to blood transfusion. However, the use of transfusion pre-medications is largely experience-based instead of evidence-based. Our meta-analysis aimed to combine the most updated evidence and demonstrate the efficacy of transfusion pre-medications on attenuating transfusion reaction among patients. Material and Method – Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Wanfang database, CNKI, CMB was searched for related articles. Data from transfusion pre-medications treated group and transfusion pre-medications free group was collected. Baseline characteristics between groups were compared using SPSS 19.0. RevMan 5.3 was used to pool the collected data for meta-analysis between groups. OR and SMD were used to demonstrate the outcomes. Results - Eight eligible articles (6 case control studies and 2 RCT) were identified, including 22060 cases. Administered transfusion pre-medications included dexamethasone, chlorpheniramine or promethazine. Baseline characteristics showed no significant difference between groups regarding age and gender. There was no significant difference between transfusion pre-medications treated group and transfusion pre-medications free group concerning the rate of fever, itchy, rash, airway spasm and overall transfusion reaction. Conclusion – Dexamethasone, chlorpheniramine or promethazine is probably not a candidate for prevention of transfusion reaction. Avoiding experienced use of such transfusion pre-medications before blood transfusion may reduce the number of adverse drug reaction and clinical trial is still needed in the future to figure out the treatment for alleviating transfusion reaction.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhenlu Li ◽  
Qianqiu Che ◽  
Mao Li ◽  
Jianping Liu ◽  
Rao Du ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Tocilizumab (TCZ) is an anti-interleukin-6 antibody that has been used to treat patients with 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Numerous retrospective studies have shown beneficial treatment efficacy. Several recent randomized clinical trials have questioned the efficacy of TCZ in patients with COVID-19. Therefore, we performed an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the effectiveness and safety of tocilizumab recently used for treating patients with COVID-19. Methods Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and comparative studies that compared the outcomes between TCZ and standard of care (SOC) were analysed. PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library (inception to November 20, 2020) were systematically searched. Primary outcomes included mortality and the rate of requirement for mechanical ventilation (MV). In addition, several subgroup analyses stratified by disease severity, publication type and TCZ administration were performed. Results Three RCTs, twenty-one cohort studies and nine case-control studies including 11,206 patients were finally included. The TCZ group included 2,794 patients (24.93%) and the SOC group included 8,412 patients (75.07%). The mortality rate (>14 days) of the TCZ group, 29.63% (590/1,991), was lower than the SOC group, 41.51% (2,380/5,734) (OR 0.64, 0.57 to 0.73; p <0.00001). However, no significant difference in-14-day mortality rates was observed between the two groups (13.53% vs 22.92%, p = 0.21). Meanwhile, the rate of MV was significantly decreased in the TCZ group compared with the SOC group (OR 0.42, 0.22 to 0.83; p = 0.01). According to the results of the subgroup analysis stratified by disease severity, TCZ only reduced the mortality rate for critical patients with COVID-19 compared with SOC (OR 0.60, 0.52 to 0.71; P < 0.00001), particularly for patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) or patients requiring MV. No statistically significant increase was recognized in the rates of secondary infections or thrombosis between the two groups. Conclusions This systematic review and meta-analysis found that the addition of tocilizumab to the SOC might reduce mortality after 14 days in patients with COVID-19, particularly critical patients requiring MV. More extensive RCTs with longer follow-up periods are needed to validate these findings.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junyu Zhao ◽  
Jing Wen ◽  
Shengnan Wang ◽  
Jinming Yao ◽  
Lin Liao ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The incidence of thyroid carcinoma is on the rise all the world. Some studies have suggested that the change of adipokines can even induce thyroid carcinoma. However, other studies have come to the opposite conclusion. Therefore, we studied the relationship between adipokines and thyroid carcinoma. Methods: Databases—PubMed, Cochrane Library, SinoMed, CNKI, Wanfang, and clinical trial registries were searched. A meta-analysis was performed with sufficiently homogeneous studies. Twenty-nine articles were finally included for analysis. Results: The level of serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) [standardized mean difference (SMD) =1.31, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.35 to 2.28, I 2 =98%, P =0.008] and positive rate of tissue’s TNF-α [odds ratios (OR) =11.80, 95% CI: 5.88 to 23.66, I 2 =0%, P <0.00001] in thyroid carcinoma are significantly higher than those in control. The serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) in patients with thyroid carcinoma is higher than that in control (SMD=1.04, 95% CI: 0.40 to 1.67, I 2 =96%, P =0.001). No significant difference of the positive rate of IL-6 in tissues between carcinoma and control is found (OR=1.23, 95% CI: 0.62 to 2.43, I 2 =86%, P =0.55). The positive ratio of leptin in tissue is significantly associated with the risk of thyroid carcinoma (OR=12.21, 95% CI: 3.36 to 44.40, I 2 =85%, P <0.00001). However, after analyzing three studies on the expression of adiponectin, no significant difference is found in serum adiponectin level between thyroid carcinoma and the control ( P =0.81). Conclusions: Adipokines play an important role in the occurrence and development of thyroid carcinoma, especially TNF-α, IL-6 and leptin. However, the effect of adiponectin on thyroid carcinoma needs further research.


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