European journal of clinical investigation
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Jul 2021
Review Meta AnalysisCirculating serum and plasma levels of micro-RNA in type-1 diabetes in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycaemia, with constantly increasing incidence in paediatric population. The discovery of new molecules, such as microRNAs, and their possible interactions with T1DM create novel aspects in the diagnosis of the disease. ⋯ A total of three micro-RNA molecules appeared to have a significantly different expression in T1DM patients, serving as a possible diagnostic panel of biomarkers. These findings may contribute as reference for future research to further support the use of microRNAs as a novel diagnostic tool in T1DM.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Jul 2021
ReviewMetformin and health outcomes: An umbrella review of systematic reviews with meta-analyses.
The objective was to capture the breadth of outcomes that have been associated with metformin use and to systematically assess the quality, strength and credibility of these associations using the umbrella review methodology. ⋯ Observational evidence on metformin seems largely unreliable. Randomized evidence shows benefits for preventing diabetes and in some gynaecological and obstetrical settings. However, almost all meta-analyses are of low or critically low quality according to AMSTAR 2 criteria.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Jul 2021
ReviewThe role of statins in the differentiation and function of bone cells.
Statins are 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors blocking cholesterol biosynthesis in hepatic cells, thereby causing an increase in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors resulting in enhanced uptake and clearance of atherogenic LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) from the blood. Accordingly, statins decrease the risk of developing atherosclerosis and its acute complications, such as acute myocardial infarction and ischaemic stroke. Besides the LDL-C-lowering impact, statins also have other so-called pleiotropic effects. Among them, the ability to modulate differentiation and function of bone cells and exert direct effects on osteosynthesis factors. Specifically, earlier studies have shown that statins cause in vitro and in vivo osteogenic differentiation. ⋯ This review summarizes the literature exploring bone-related 'pleiotropic' effects of statins and suggests an anabolic role in the bone tissue for this drug class. Accordingly, current knowledge encourages further clinical trials to assess the therapeutic potential of statins in the treatment of bone disorders, such as arthritis and osteoporosis.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Jul 2021
ReviewCDK 4/6 and PI3K inhibitors: a new promise for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer.
HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer represents a heterogeneous breast cancer subtype, including both oestrogen receptor (ER) positive and negative tumours. A deeper understanding of the crosstalk between ER and HER2 receptor pathways has led to the development of treatment strategies consisting of a simultaneous blockade of both signalling pathways, as a reasonable approach to prevent the onset of mechanisms of resistance. ⋯ Treatment landscape for HER2+ breast cancer is rapidly changing, and CDK4/6 and PI3K inhibitors represent a new promising strategy to improve patients' outcomes.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Jul 2021
Age-dependent messenger-RNA Expression of Toll-like Receptor 4 and Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells.
Inflammation plays an important role in the ageing process in which monocytes/macrophages are important players. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) are well-known inflammatory markers. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between age and the expression and correlation of ICAM-1, TNF-α and TLR4 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). ⋯ The mRNA levels of ICAM-1 and TLR4 in PBMCs are higher in older adults than those in younger adults. TLR4 is an independent factor affecting ICAM-1 expression in PBMCs, especially in older adults. This may suggest that ICAM-1 and TLR4 in PBMCs are potential biomarkers and their relationship may shed some light on the ageing process.