São Paulo medical journal = Revista paulista de medicina
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Some studies have suggested a wide range of possible mechanisms through which probiotics may play a role in diabetes prevention and treatment. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. We conducted this study to review the potential mechanisms suggested for the effect of probiotics in diabetes. ⋯ The results may throw some light on the capacity of probiotics as a novel approach towards controlling diabetes. However, further human studies are warranted to elucidate and confirm the potential role of probiotics in diabetes prevention and treatment. Also, it needs to be ascertained whether the effectiveness of probiotics in diabetes prevention and treatment is dependent on the strain of the microorganisms.
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This systematic review compared reiki and prayer with drug use for relieving pain during hospitalization for cesarean, given that the popularity of integrative medicine and spiritual healing has been increasing. It had the aim of evaluating whether reiki or prayer is effective in relieving pain during cesarean section. ⋯ Evidence with a high risk of bias suggested that reiki and prayer meditation might be associated with pain reduction.
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Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) include autistic disorder, Asperger's disorder and pervasive developmental disorder. The manifestations of ASDs can have an important impact on learning and social functioning that may persist during adulthood. The aim here was to summarize the evidence from Cochrane systematic reviews on interventions for ASDs. ⋯ Acupuncture, gluten and casein-free diets, early intensive behavioral interventions, music therapy, parent-mediated early interventions, social skill groups and the Theory of Mind cognitive model seem to have benefits for patients with autism spectrum disorders (very low to low-quality evidence). Aripiprazole, risperidone, tricyclic antidepressants and SSRI (this last only for adults) also showed some benefits, although associated with higher risk of adverse events. Experimental studies to confirm a link between probable therapies and the disease, and then high-quality long-term clinical trials, are needed.
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Diet is an important modifiable factor involved in obesity-induced inflammation. We reviewed clinical trials that assessed the effect of consumption of different fatty acids on the expression of inflammation-related genes, such as cytokines, adipokines, chemokines and transcription factors. ⋯ The lipid profile of the diet can modulate the genes relating to postprandial and long-term inflammation in PBMCs and adipose tissue. Identifying the optimal fat profile for inflammatory control may be a promising approach for treating chronic diseases such as obesity.
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Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become an important public health issue. The socioeconomic burden of renal replacement therapy (RRT) is very high, as is CKD-related cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Preventive and therapeutic measures only have modest impact and more research is needed. Few cohort studies have been conducted on populations with CKD. Our aim was to establish a cohort that would include more advanced forms of CKD (stages 3 and 4). Data collection was focused on renal and cardiovascular parameters. ⋯ The PROGREDIR cohort is a promising prospective study that will allow better understanding of CKD determinants and validation of candidate biomarkers for the risks of CKD progression and mortality.