Effect of Lactobacillusplantarum containing probiotics on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Previous studies have recommended that probiotics may have blood pressure (BP)-lowering effects. However, they examined all probiotic strains (multi/single probiotics) simultaneously. In respect to strain specificity properties of probiotic, the aim of the present study was to systematically investigate the role of Lactobacillus plantarum as an anti-hypertensive agent by performing a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar were used from inception until October 2018 to identify eligible trials. We used random-effects model as the preferable method to assess the combined treatment effect. We further conducted sensitivity analysis and stratified analysis. Seven studies with 653 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) with the random effects model showed a significant effects of Lactobacillus plantarum supplementation on improvement of SBP with no statistically significant heterogeneity (WMD: -1.58 mmHg, 95 CI: -3.05 to 0.11) (heterogeneity P = 0.14; I² = 36 ). The overall effect in the DBP showed significant pooled estimates (WMD: -0.92 mmHg, 95 CI: -1.49 to -0.35) with a complete homogeneity between the studies (heterogeneity P = 0.46; I² = 0 ). The findings of the present meta-analysis study support the use of Lactobacillus plantarum supplementation for lowering systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The clinical significance of blood pressure-lowering effect of Lactobacillus Plantarum supplementation is not considerable; however, given the overarching benefits evident and concurrent lack of specific side effects, further trials are warranted to clarify the effects of Lactobacillus Plantarum probiotics particularly for hypertensive patients. © 2020 Elsevier Lt

Medicinal Plants As Natural Polarizers of Macrophages: Phytochemicals and Pharmacological Effects

Macrophages are one of the crucial mediators of the immune response in different physiological and pathological conditions. These cells have critical functions in the inflammation mechanisms that are involved in the inhibition or progression of a wide range of diseases including cancer, autoimmune diseases, etc. It has been shown that macrophages are generally divided into two subtypes, M1 and M2, which are distinguished on the basis of their different gene expression patterns and phenotype. M1 macrophages are known as pro-inflammatory cells and are involved in inflammatory mechanisms, whereas M2 macrophages are known as anti-inflammatory cells that are involved in the inhibition of the inflammatory pathways. M2 macrophages help in tissue healing via producing anti-inflammatory cytokines. Increasing evidence indicated that the appearance of different macrophage subtypes is associated with the fate of diseases (progression versus suppression). Hence, polarization of macrophages can be introduced as an important venue in finding, designing and developing novel therapeutic approaches. Albeit, there are different pharmacological agents that are used for the treatment of various disorders, it has been shown that several natural compounds have the potential to regulate M1 to M2 macrophage polarization and vice versa. Herein, for the first time, we summarized new insights into the pharmacological effects of natural compounds on macrophage polarization. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at [email protected]

Nanomicellar-curcumin exerts its therapeutic effects via affecting angiogenesis, apoptosis, and T cells in a mouse model of melanoma lung metastasis

Background: Curcumin is a natural phytochemical polyphenol with significant anti-cancer effects and negligible side effects. In this study, the therapeutic capacity of nanomicellar-curcumin for treating lung metastasis was evaluated in an immunocompetent mouse model of metastatic melanoma. Martials and methods: Two doses of nanomicellar-curcumin (i.e. 10 and 20 μM) were used to induce cytotoxicity in 3 melanoma cell lines. A total of 60 mice were allocated to 20 mice in each of three groups (10 for survival and 10 for assays). Groups were no treatment control, PBS control, nanomicellar-curcumin 20 mg/kg IP 4 times a week, for three weeks). Immunohistochemistry, TUNEL assay, and Western blots were used on lung samples. Results: Nanomicellar-curcumin inhibited the in vitro growth of B16 F10 melanoma cells at 20 μM over 72 h. In vivo, 20 mg/kg nanomicellar-curcumin injected IP, delayed tumor cell growth and significantly extended mouse survival rate. Tumor infiltration of regulatory T cells and angiogenesis were reduced, while IFN-γ and CXCL10 were increased. Conclusion: Nanomicellar-curcumin can inhibit lung metastasis and growing melanoma via activation of apoptosis, activated T cells and inhibition of angiogenesis, tumor growth and regulatory T cells. © 2020 Elsevier Gmb

Dermatological diseases, sexuality and intimate relationships: a qualitative metasynthesis

Aims and objectives: To conduct a systematic review and meta-synthesis of findings from qualitative research about sexuality and intimate relationship among patients with dermatological diseases. Background: Over the last few decades, there has been an increase in clinical research investigating aspects related to sex and sexuality in patients living with dermatological diseases. In fact, studies recognise a negative impact on various aspects of intimacy, such as sexual function, self-esteem, and romantic relationships. The body of qualitative literature about sexuality in the context of dermatological diseases is emerging but consists mainly of small studies that would benefit from aggregation, synthesis and interpretation to highlight and summarise the overarching dimensions to this clinical issue. Design: A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies. Methods: BioMed Central, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, and ERIC, Scopus, Web of Science, were searched between June-November 2017 with no publication date limits. Screening and selection of studies was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PRISMA). After retrieval the qualitative data were subject to meta-synthesis to identify over-arching themes RESULTS: Ten qualitative studies were found. We identified four themes: 1) Embarrassment and shame 2) Impaired sense of attractiveness and sexual avoidance and; 3) Relationship issues, and 4) Lack of professional support. The patients in these studies adopted negative coping styles, such as avoidance and hiding their bodies. Conclusion: When assessing and evaluating patient care in dermatology it is important that sexuality and the impact the disease could have on relationships is included. Relevance to clinical practice: An important part of nursing care is ensuring that patients are helped to develop positive coping strategies rather than negative ones. Patients with dermatological conditions also need advice and treatment to address any physically related sexual problems. Nurses need to be the initiators of these sensitive conversations to put patients at ease and work together to implement positive measures to reduce the sexuality-related issues patients face