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1.
Association Between VEGF-460C/T Gene Polymorphism and Risk of Diabetic Retinopathy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta-Analysis.
Cheng, B, Wu, A, Zhou, X
Hormone and metabolic research = Hormon- und Stoffwechselforschung = Hormones et metabolisme. 2024;(3):214-222
Abstract
The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between VEGF-460C/T polymorphism and susceptibility to diabetic retinopathy (DR) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by meta-analysis. A comprehensive search was conducted across six databases until September 2023 to identify studies examining the association between VEGF-460C/T polymorphism and susceptibility to DR. Data process was performed by Stata 15.0 software. Eight studies were included, involving 1463 patients with DR. In the overall analysis, the difference was statistically significant only in the homozygous model (CC vs. TT: OR=1.86, p=0.048). A subgroup analysis of 6 papers with genotype frequency satisfying HWE in the control group indicated significant differences among the allele (C vs. T: OR=1.34, p=0.037), recessive (CC vs. CT+TT: OR=1.96, p=0.022) and homozygous (CC vs. TT: OR=2.28, p=0.015) models. However, in the dominant and heterozygous models, the difference was not statistically significant. The sensitivity of the HWE-based subgroup analysis showed that the conclusions in other gene models except the heterozygote model were not robust. This meta-analysis indicated that VEGF-460C/T gene polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to DR in T2DM. Allele C and genotype CC at the VEGF-460C/T locus are associated with an increased risk of DR in T2DM. However, considering that the results are not robust, more trials involving more rigorous design are needed to verify the findings of this review in the future.
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2.
Abnormal lipid synthesis as a therapeutic target for cancer stem cells.
Wang, SY, Hu, QC, Wu, T, Xia, J, Tao, XA, Cheng, B
World journal of stem cells. 2022;(2):146-162
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) comprise a subpopulation of cancer cells with stem cell properties, which exhibit the characteristics of high tumorigenicity, self-renewal, and tumor initiation and are associated with the occurrence, metastasis, therapy resistance, and relapse of cancer. Compared with differentiated cells, CSCs have unique metabolic characteristics, and metabolic reprogramming contributes to the self-renewal and maintenance of stem cells. It has been reported that CSCs are highly dependent on lipid metabolism to maintain stemness and satisfy the requirements of biosynthesis and energy metabolism. In this review, we demonstrate that lipid anabolism alterations promote the survival of CSCs, including de novo lipogenesis, lipid desaturation, and cholesterol synthesis. In addition, we also emphasize the molecular mechanism underlying the relationship between lipid synthesis and stem cell survival, the signal trans-duction pathways involved, and the application prospect of lipid synthesis reprogramming in CSC therapy. It is demonstrated that the dependence on lipid synthesis makes targeting of lipid synthesis metabolism a promising therapeutic strategy for eliminating CSCs. Targeting key molecules in lipid synthesis will play an important role in anti-CSC therapy.
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3.
Efficacy and safety of topical administration of tacrolimus in oral lichen planus: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Su, Z, Hu, J, Cheng, B, Tao, X
Journal of oral pathology & medicine : official publication of the International Association of Oral Pathologists and the American Academy of Oral Pathology. 2022;(1):63-73
Abstract
BACKGROUND Symptomatic oral lichen planus is a common chronic T-cell-mediated disorder characterized by pain and inflammation. The meta-analysis aimed to compare and evaluate the effects and safety of tacrolimus for treating patients with symptomatic oral lichen planus. METHODS A comprehensive literature review was performed, including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science published up to and including December 2020. ClinicalTrials.gov was searched for ongoing trials. There were no restrictions on language or date of publication. Using the Cochrane Collaboration tool, we assessed the risk of bias for randomized controlled trials and estimated the proportion of between-trial heterogeneity. RESULTS A total of 9 RCTs evaluating the effects of tacrolimus were included in this study. The results revealed no significant difference in clinical resolution and relapse between tacrolimus and corticosteroids. However, tacrolimus may be more likely to cause mild adverse effects. In particular, clinical resolution was not significantly different between tacrolimus and clobetasol propionate, and between tacrolimus and triamcinolone acetonide, while tacrolimus was more likely to cause adverse effects than triamcinolone acetonide and clobetasol propionate. Moreover, there was no significant difference in pain resolution between tacrolimus and clobetasol. Furthermore, adverse effects were not significantly different between tacrolimus and pimecrolimus. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review and meta-analysis of 9 clinical trials supported the short-term application of tacrolimus as an effective regimen in OLP patients resistant to other topical and systemic therapies. Furthermore, the adverse effects of tacrolimus were minor and transient and did not affect tacrolimus' continued application.
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4.
A Comprehensive Review on the Benefits and Problems of Curcumin with Respect to Human Health.
Liu, S, Liu, J, He, L, Liu, L, Cheng, B, Zhou, F, Cao, D, He, Y
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 2022;(14)
Abstract
Curcumin is the most important active component in turmeric extracts. Curcumin, a natural monomer from plants has received a considerable attention as a dietary supplement, exhibiting evident activity in a wide range of human pathological conditions. In general, curcumin is beneficial to human health, demonstrating pharmacological activities of anti-inflammation and antioxidation, as well as antitumor and immune regulation activities. Curcumin also presents therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. In this review article, we summarize the advancements made in recent years with respect to curcumin as a biologically active agent in malignant tumors, Alzheimer's disease (AD), hematological diseases and viral infectious diseases. We also focus on problems associated with curcumin from basic research to clinical translation, such as its low solubility, leading to poor bioavailability, as well as the controversy surrounding the association between curcumin purity and effect. Through a review and summary of the clinical research on curcumin and case reports of adverse effects, we found that the clinical transformation of curcumin is not successful, and excessive intake of curcumin may have adverse effects on the kidneys, heart, liver, blood and immune system, which leads us to warn that curcumin has a long way to go from basic research to application transformation.
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5.
Global Mental Health and Nutrition: Moving Toward a Convergent Research Agenda.
Sparling, TM, Cheng, B, Deeney, M, Santoso, MV, Pfeiffer, E, Emerson, JA, Amadi, FM, Mitu, K, Corvalan, C, Verdeli, H, et al
Frontiers in public health. 2021;:722290
Abstract
Both malnutrition and poor mental health are leading sources of global mortality, disease, and disability. The fields of global food security and nutrition (FSN) and mental health have historically been seen as separate fields of research. Each have undergone substantial transformation, especially from clinical, primary care orientations to wider, sociopolitical approaches to achieve Sustainable Development Goals. In recent years, the trajectories of research on mental health and FSN are further evolving into an intersection of evidence. FSN impacts mental health through various pathways such as food insecurity and nutrients important for neurotransmission. Mental health drives FSN outcomes, for example through loss of motivation and caregiving capacities. They are also linked through a complex and interrelated set of determinants. However, the heterogeneity of the evidence base limits inferences about these important dynamics. Furthermore, interdisciplinary projects and programmes are gaining ground in methodology and impact, but further guidance in integration is much needed. An evidence-driven conceptual framework should inform hypothesis testing and programme implementation. The intersection of mental health and FSN can be an opportunity to invest holistically in advancing thinking in both fields.
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6.
The Focus and Target: Angiogenesis in Refractory Wound Healing.
Cheng, B, Fu, X
The international journal of lower extremity wounds. 2018;(4):301-303
Abstract
In recent years, wound repair, especially chronic and refractory wounds, is still a growing worldwide health problem that concerns the physical and mental health of patients and the productivity of society as a whole. In many developed countries and developing countries, such as China, rapid economic growth, negative lifestyle changes (such as increased dietary fat intake and reduced physical activity), and increasingly serious aging problems have led to more and more refractory wounds caused by chronic diseases, such as diabetes and microvascular diseases. There is a clear and orderly stage in the process of wound healing, and the malfunction of any step will lead to poor healing effect. There are many causes of refractory wounds, among which the poor vascular network is closely related. This review focuses on the role and improvement of the microvasculature in wound repair. In addition, the future developmental trend of wound regenerative therapy (active factors, [stem] cells, tissue-induced biomaterials, gene therapy, etc) is also considered.
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7.
Systematic review focusing on the excretion and protection roles of sweat in the skin.
Peng, Y, Cui, X, Liu, Y, Li, Y, Liu, J, Cheng, B
Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland). 2014;(2):115-20
Abstract
The skin excretes substances primarily through sweat glands. Several conditions have been demonstrated to be associated with diminished sweating. However, few studies have concentrated on the metabolism and excretion of sweat. This review focuses on the relationship between temperature and the thermoregulatory efficacy of sweat, and then discusses the excretion of sweat, which includes the metabolism of water, minerals, proteins, vitamins as well as toxic substances. The potential role of sweat secretion in hormone homeostasis and the effects on the defense system of the skin are also clarified.
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8.
[Biological effects of estrogen on capillary vessel formation in wound healing].
Xin, S, Liu, W, Cheng, B
Zhongguo xiu fu chong jian wai ke za zhi = Zhongguo xiufu chongjian waike zazhi = Chinese journal of reparative and reconstructive surgery. 2009;(12):1502-5
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the regulating effects of estrogen on endothelial cell functions, the involved endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), and the related VEGF, and explore the mechanism of estrogen participating in new vessel formation on wound basement and wound healing. METHODS Recent literature about biological effects of estrogen on capillary vessel formation was reviewed. RESULTS The formation of new vessel in the wound's granulation tissue contained vasculogenesis and vascularization, and the new vessels could transport the oxygen and nutrient for the metabolism of the local healing tissue. The estrogen effected vascular endothelial cells through its receptors. Peripheral vascular EPCs differentiated into endothelial cells and participated into the formation of new vessels. Estradiol exerted influences on the dynamics of vascular EPCs and the neovascularization. VEGF was a key mediator in the processes of estradiol regulating angiogenesis. CONCLUSION Understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate vessel formation in wound healing, especially how estrogen modulates its receptor and angiogenic factor, may provide new approaches for managing wound healing.
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9.
Herbal medicine and anaesthesia.
Cheng, B, Hung, CT, Chiu, W
Hong Kong medical journal = Xianggang yi xue za zhi. 2002;(2):123-30
Abstract
Herbal medicines are increasingly used in both western and Chinese societies. This is partly attributed to the alleged limitations of scientific medicine in the cure and control of chronic diseases. Many patients do not disclose that they have used herbs before surgery and hence their physicians remain unaware of the potential herb-drug interactions. With respect to anaesthesia, herbs can cause coagulation disorders, cardiovascular side-effects, water and electrolyte disturbances, endocrine effects, hepatotoxicity, and prolongation of the effects of anaesthetic agents. Anaesthesiologists should obtain a history of herbal medicine use from patients and work out the adverse perioperative herb-drug interactions in advance of the actual operation. If in doubt, the herbal medicine should be stopped for 2 weeks prior to anaesthesia and surgery.