scholarly journals The effects of L-carnitine supplementation on lipid concentrations inpatients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 246-255
Author(s):  
Omid Asbaghi ◽  
Sara Kashkooli ◽  
Mohammad Reza Amini ◽  
Hossein Shahinfar ◽  
Kurosh Djafarian ◽  
...  

This meta-analysis was performed to assess the effect of L-carnitine supplementation on lipid profile. A systematic search were conducted in PubMed and Scopus to identify randomized clinical trials (RCTs) which evaluated the effects of L-carnitine on lipid profile. Pooled effect sizes were measured using random-effect model (Dersimonian-Laird). Meta-analysis showed that L-carnitine supplementation significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC) (weighted mean difference [WMD]: -8.17 mg/dL; 95% CI,-14.68 to -1.65, I2=52.2%, P = 0.041). Baseline level of TC was a source of heterogeneity, with a greater effect in studies with a baseline level of more than 200 mg/d (WMD: -11.93 mg/dL; 95% CI, -20.80 to-3.05). L-carnitine also significantly decreased low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) (WMD:-5.22 mg/dL; 95% CI, -9.54 to -0.91, I2=66.7%, P = 0.010), and LDL-C level <100 mg/dL), trial duration,and L-carnitine dosage were potential sources of heterogeneity. L-carnitine supplementation appeared to have no significant effect on high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (WMD: -0.51 mg/dL;95% CI, -2.45 to 1.44) and triglyceride (TG) (WMD: 2.80 mg/dL; 95% CI, -8.09 to 13.69). This meta-analysisrevealed that L-carnitine may have favorable effects on lipid profile, especially LDL-C and TC. However, further RCTs are needed to confirm the veracity of these results, particularly among hyperlipidemic patients.

Marine Drugs ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federica Fogacci ◽  
Enrico Strocchi ◽  
Maddalena Veronesi ◽  
Claudio Borghi ◽  
Arrigo F. G. Cicero

Even though omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) seem to be effective in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated dyslipidemia, their impact is still debated. For this reason, our aim was to perform a meta-analysis of the clinical evidence available to date. A systematic literature search was conducted in order to identify published clinical trials assessing the effect of PUFAs treatment on serum lipoproteins, and its safety profile. The effect sizes for lipid changes were expressed as mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). For safety analysis, odd ratios and the 95% CI were calculated with the Mantel–Haenszel method. Data were pooled from nine clinical studies comprising overall 578 HIV-affected subjects. Meta-analysis of the data suggested that omega-3 PUFAs significantly reduced triglycerides (TG) (MD = −1.04, 95% CI: −1.5, −0.58 mmol/L, p < 0.001), while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.61 mmol/L, p = 0.004), without affecting serum levels of total cholesterol, very-low- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B and A1. Change in TG was significantly associated with eicosapentaenoic acid administered via daily dose. PUFA treatment did not lead to an increased risk of adverse events. In conclusion, PUFAs are safe and exert a significant plasma lipid improving effect in HIV-positive patients.


Circulation ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 135 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsin-Hui Huang ◽  
Emma Barinas-Mitchell ◽  
Brenda Diergaarde ◽  
Chung-Chou Chang ◽  
Marnie Bertolet

Introduction: Adjuvant hormone therapy prolongs survival of patients with early-stage hormone receptor-positive breast cancer (BC). For postmenopausal patients, aromatase inhibitors (AIs) have been shown to improve disease free survival compared to tamoxifen, but the impact on overall survival has been inconsistent. A meta-analysis showed higher risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) for patients taking AIs. Deteriorating lipids induced by AIs may contribute to this result. This analysis aims to compare the effects of hormone therapeutic options on changes in lipids from published randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Methods: RCTs evaluating effects of adjuvant hormone therapy on lipids (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), and/or triglycerides) in postmenopausal early-stage BC patients published in PubMed and Embase, prior to Jan. 31, 2016 were reviewed. Bayesian network meta-analysis was used to compare effects of placebo, selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs- tamoxifen and toremifene) and AIs (letrozole, anastrozole, and exemstane) on lipids across longitudinal time points. Heterogeneity was examined by meta-regressions adjusting for mean age, baseline lipid value, and prior tamoxifen use. An arm-based random effect model tested the consistency of the direct and indirect evidence of the drug effects. Results: We identified 17 articles from 13 RCTs for a total of 1,913 subjects. The Table summarizes the results, with statistically significant results bolded. Toremifene significantly improved all lipids and was the best choice regardless of covariate adjustment, while tamoxifen had weaker but significant LDLc lowering but opposite HDLc/triglyceride effects to toremifene. AIs generally had little effect on lipids. Conclusions: In general, AIs tend to have worse effects on lipids than SERMs, while only toremifene had beneficial effects on all lipid values. Patients on AIs with high risk of CVD should monitor their lipids.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. e0257999
Author(s):  
Matilde Roda ◽  
Marco Pellegrini ◽  
Natalie Di Geronimo ◽  
Aldo Vagge ◽  
Michela Fresina ◽  
...  

Background To date, there is still no consensus regarding the effect of binocular treatment for amblyopia. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to summarize the available evidence to determine whether binocular treatment is more effective than patching in children with amblyopia. Methods Four electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) were searched for studies that compared binocular treatment and patching in children with amblyopia. The outcome measures were visual acuity and stereopsis. Pooled effects sizes were calculated with a random-effect model. The standardized difference in means (SDM) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was calculated. Sensitivity analysis and assessment of publication bias were performed. Results Five randomized clinical trials were included. No significant difference in visual acuity between patients treated with binocular treatment and patching was observed (SDM = -0.12; 95% CI: -0.45–0.20; P = 0.464). No significant difference in stereopsis between patients treated with binocular treatment and patching was observed (SDM = -0.07; 95% CI: -0.61–0.48; P = 0.809). For both variables, the between-study heterogeneity was high (respectively, I2 = 61% and I2 = 57%). Conclusions This meta-analysis found no convincing evidence supporting the efficacy of binocular treatment as an alternative to conventional patching. Therefore, the binocular treatment cannot fully replace traditional treatment but, to date, it can be considered a valid complementary therapy in peculiar cases. Further studies are required to determine whether more engaging therapies and new treatment protocols are more effective.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Xiu Huang ◽  
Yong Jia ◽  
Xiaoyu Zhu ◽  
Yangyang Zhang ◽  
Lili Jiang ◽  
...  

Objective. To assess the benefits of statins on lipid profile in kidney transplant recipients via a meta-analysis. Methods. We systematically identified peer-reviewed clinical trials, review articles, and treatment guidelines from PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Wanfang, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), SinoMed (CBM), and Chongqing VIP databases from inception to April 2019. In the analysis, only randomized controlled clinical trials performed in human were included. Results. Eight articles were included in the analysis, involving 335 kidney transplant recipients who received statins and 350 kidney transplant patients as the control group. Results revealed that statins improved the lipid profile of kidney transplant recipients. Specifically, statin therapy significantly reduced total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. However, it had no effects on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Conclusions. The present study provides valuable knowledge on the potential benefits of statins in kidney transplant recipients. This meta-analysis shows that statin therapy modifies the lipid profile in this patient population.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Somayeh Es-haghee ◽  
Fatemeh Shabani ◽  
Jessie Hawkins ◽  
Mohammad Ali Zareian ◽  
Fatemeh Nejatbakhsh ◽  
...  

ObjectivesPremenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common disturbance among women of childbearing age. Aromatherapy is a commonly used form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to treat PMS. The purpose of this study is to quantify and summarize the effects of aromatherapy on premenstrual syndrome symptoms. Methods. PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched through relevant search terms until October 2020. The effect sizes were pooled as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) using the random effect model. Egger tests and visual inspection of the funnel plot were performed to identify the existence of publication bias. The I-squared (I2) test was applied to measure heterogeneity. Results. Eight studies (n = 8) were included in this analysis. The quantitative synthesis of evidence found that aromatherapy decreases PMS scores (WMD –13.83; 95% CI (−22.04, −5.63), I2 = 94.5%), total psychological symptoms of PMS (WMD –3.51; 95% CI (−4.84, −2.18), I2 = 82.6%), anxiety of PMS (WMD–1.78; 95% CI (−3.17, −0.38), I2 = 94.2%), depression of PMS (WMD–2.0; 95% CI (−3.65, −0.34), I2 = 93.7%), and fatigue of PMS (WMD – 1.44; 95% CI (−2.44, −0.44), I2 = 89.7%) compared to the control group. Conclusion. Aromatherapy is an effective tool for the relief of PMS symptoms. Additional randomized controlled clinical trials with different durations and essential oils should be conducted to confirm our findings.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 272-281
Author(s):  
Khalid Hamid Changal ◽  
Muhammad Shayan Khan ◽  
Rehana Bashir ◽  
Mujeeb Abdul Sheikh

Introduction: Endothelial dysfunction is an early marker of atherosclerosis. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD), measured by ultrasonography, is used to noninvasively assess endothelial dysfunction. Preparations of curcumin, a naturally occurring pigment found in turmeric, may improve FMD and thus endothelial dysfunction. We did a systematic review and meta-analysis to analyze the effect of curcumin preparations on endothelial dysfunction. Methods: Five randomized clinical trials met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. The primary outcome was an improvement in FMD, as measured at brachial artery, after supplementations with curcumin preparations compared to the control group. Standardized mean difference and Hedges’ g were used for effect size (ES) measurement. An ES of 0.2–0.5 is considered small, 0.5–0.8 is medium, and more than 0.8 is large. Publication bias was studied too. Results: We found supplementation with curcumin preparations had an overall ES (standard difference in means) of 1.379 (95% CI 0.485–2.274, p = 0.003) on FMD. The overall Hedges’ g was 1.353 (95% CI 0.47–2.235, p = 0.03). This analysis suggests a positive and large ES of curcumin preparations on FMD using a random effect model. Smokers had a smaller increase in FMD compared to nonsmokers (ES 0.379 vs. 1.639, p = 0.034). Conclusion: This meta-analysis of 5 randomized clinical trials indicates a significant effect of curcumin preparations to increase the FMD compared to placebo and thus endothelial function. This effect is not strongly noticed in smokers.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiu Huang ◽  
Yong Jia ◽  
Xiaoyu Zhu ◽  
Yangyang Zhang ◽  
Lili Jiang ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the benefits of statins on lipid profile in kidney transplant recipients via a meta-analysis.MethodsWe systematically identified peer-reviewed clinical trials, review articles, and treatment guidelines from PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Wanfang, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), SinoMed (CBM), and Chongqing VIP databases from inception to April 2019. In the analysis, only randomized controlled clinical trials performed in human were included.ResultsEight articles were included in the analysis, involving 335 kidney transplant recipients who received statins and 350 kidney transplant patients as the control group. Results revealed that statins improved the lipid profile of kidney transplant recipients. Specifically, statin therapy significantly reduced total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. However, it had no effects on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides levels.ConclusionsThe present study provides valuable knowledge on the potential benefits of statins in kidney transplant recipients. This meta-analysis shows that statin therapy modifies the lipid profile in this patient population.


EP Europace ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Serenelli ◽  
F Vitali ◽  
R Pavasini ◽  
E Tonet ◽  
G Pompei ◽  
...  

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are not guideline-recommanded treatment for left ventricular thrombus.  Purpose: the aim of this meta-analysis is to compare NOACs versus vitamin-K atagonsits (VKAs) efficacy in treating left ventricular thrombus (LVT). Methods: we systematically searched MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Biomed Central, and Web of Science for trials comparing NOACs versus VKAs in the setting of LVT. Five studies, out of the 74 initially selected after first screening, were included in the meta-analysis. For the development of this meta-analysis, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. The shortlisted studies were retrieved as full articles and appraised independently by two unblinded reviewers. The Mantel-Haensel method with a random effect model was used for the pooled analysis. The primary outcome was the occurrence of stroke and systemic embolism. Secondary outcome was occurrence of left ventricular thrombosis resolution during treatment.  Results: 707 patients were included in the analysis for the primary outcome. Of these, 230 were treated with NOACs and 477 with VKAs. The pooled OR for the primary outcome was 0.71 (95% CI 0.18-2.86, I2 67%), thus showing similar effect in term of ischaemic protection. A total of 698 patients, 228 on NOACs and 470 on VKAs were included in the analysis of the secondary outcome. The pooled OR for the secondary outcome pooled OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.56-1.68, I2 46%. Conclusions and Relevance: NOACs seem to have a similar efficacy profile compare to VKAs and so they should be considered as an alternative treatment for left ventricular thrombosis. Large prospective randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm this exploratory finding. Abstract Figure 1


2018 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna J. Samulak ◽  
Angelika K. Sawicka ◽  
Dace Hartmane ◽  
Solveiga Grinberga ◽  
Osvalds Pugovics ◽  
...  

Background: L-carnitine can be metabolized to trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a molecule that promotes atherogenesis through its interaction with macrophages and lipid metabolism. Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess whether L-carnitine supplementation may promote changes in selected serum biomarkers of atherosclerosis. Methods: Before the start, in the mid-point and after completing the 24-weeks supplementation protocol, fasting blood samples were taken from the antecubital vein. Plasma free L-carnitine and TMAO were determined by the UPLC/MS/MS method. Serum proteins were determined by the enzyme immunoassay method using commercially available kits. Total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and triglycerides have been determined using standard automatic analyzer. Results: L-carnitine supplementation elevated fasting plasma carnitine in the mid-point of our study and it remained increased until the end of supplementation period. Moreover, it induced tenfold increase in plasma TMAO concentration but did not affect serum C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor-α, L-selectin, P-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 or lipid profile markers. Conclusion: We demonstrated that ­although oral L-carnitine supplementation significantly ­increased plasma TMAO concentration, no lipid profile changes or other markers of adverse cardiovascular events were detected in healthy aged women over the period of 24 weeks.


2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 462-472 ◽  
Author(s):  
Viral P. Maru ◽  
B.S. Shakuntala ◽  
C. Nagarathna

Background:Chemomechanical caries removal is an effective alternative to the traditional rotary drilling method. The advantages of chemomechanical techniques in terms of the need for anesthesia, pain perception and patient preference are systematically reviewed and a meta-analysis of the time required for caries removal is reported.Method: Randomized controlled studies of comparison of chemomechanical techniques with conventional rotary drill were selected from a systematic search of standard biomedical databases, including the PubMed and Cochrane clinical trials. Non-repeated search results were screened for relevance and risk of bias assessment, followed by methodology assessment. Statistical models were applied to the outcome parameters - time required, pain perception, need of anesthesia and patient preference - extracted from the studies.Results: Out of the 111 non-repeated search results, 26 studies receiving a low bias score were selected for the review, and 16 randomized clinical trials of rotary and Carisolv techniques were considered for meta-analysis. Meta-analysis by fixed effect as well as random effect models indicate that Carisolv takes more time (3.65 ± 0.05 and 4.09 ± 0.29 min) than rotary drill (8.65 ± 0.09 and 8.97 ± 0.66 min) method. Advantages of reduced pain (14.67 for Carisolvvs.6.76 for rotary drill), need for anesthesia (1.59%vs.10.52%) outweigh the longer time requirement and make it the preferred (18.68%vs.4.69%) method.Conclusion: Chemomechanical techniques stand out as a minimally invasive and preferred method based on the meta-analyses. Evaluation of pain experienced using robust methods is needed to strengthen the evidence for their use.


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