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Background: Fibromyalgia is characterized by the presence of chronic widespread pain that may impair patient's quality of life. Currently, the use of naltrexone as a therapeutic agent for fibromyalgia is not supported by enough evidence, especially from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). This study aims to analyze the efficacy and safety of low-dose naltrexone (LDN) for the management of fibromyalgia. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted on the Scopus, Medline, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Library databases up until May 20th, 2024. This review incorporates RCTs that examine the comparison between LDN and placebo in fibromyalgia patients. We employed random-effect models to analyze the odds ratio and mean difference (MD) for presentation of the outcomes. Results: A total of 4 RCTs with 222 fibromyalgia patients were incorporated. The results of our meta-analysis showed a significant reduction in pain scores (MD: --0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI]: --1.20, --0.51, P < 0.001, I2 = 33%) and higher increment in pressure pain threshold (MD: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.25, P < 0.001, I2 = 0%) among fibromyalgia patients who received LDN than those who only received a placebo. The fibromyalgia impact questionnaire revised and pain catastrophizing scale did not differ significantly between the two groups. LDN was also associated with higher incidence of vivid dreams and nausea, but showed no significant difference with the placebo in terms of serious adverse events, headache, diarrhea, and dizziness. Conclusions: This study suggests the efficacy of LDN in mitigating pain symptoms for fibromyalgia patients with a relatively good safety profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Both Graves' disease (GD) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) are classified as autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs). It has been hypothesized that changes in the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) gene may contribute to the development of these conditions. This study aimed to analyze the correlation between the TSHR rs179247 gene polymorphism and susceptibility to AITD. Methods: We conducted a thorough search of the Google Scholar, Scopus, Medline, and Cochrane Library databases up until March 2, 2024, utilizing a combination of relevant keywords. This review examines data on the association between TSHR rs179247 and susceptibility to AITD. Random-effect models were employed to assess the odds ratio (OR), and the findings are presented along with their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The meta-analysis included 12 studies. All genetic models of the TSHR rs179247 gene polymorphism were associated with an increased risk of developing GD. Specifically, the associations were observed in the dominant model (OR, 1.65; P<0.00001), recessive model (OR, 1.65; P<0.00001), as well as for the AA genotype (OR, 2.09; P<0.00001), AG genotype (OR, 1.39; P<0.00001), and A allele (OR, 1.44; P<0.00001). Further regression analysis revealed that these associations were consistent regardless of the country of origin, sample size, age, and sex distribution. However, no association was found between TSHR rs179247 and the risk of HT across all genetic models. Conclusion: This study suggests that the TSHR rs179247 gene polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of GD, but not with HT, and may therefore serve as a potential biomarker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new medication for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) called imeglimin can target all three organs involved in the pathogenesis of DM, namely the liver, skeletal muscles, and pancreas. This research seeks to examine the most efficacious and safe dose of imeglimin for the management of T2DM. Using particular keywords, we searched the CENTRAL, Medline, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases for pertinent literature. The results of continuous variables were pooled into the mean difference (MD) and dichotomous variables into odds ratio (OR) along with their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) using fixed-effect models. Our pooled analysis revealed that imeglimin 1000 mg twice daily [MD −0.90% p < 0.00001] and 1500 mg twice daily [MD −0.84% p = 0.0003] as monotherapy was associated with a higher reduction in the HbA1c compared to placebo. This superiority was still maintained when given as combination therapy. Regrettably, there was an observed escalation in gastrointestinal AEs as the dosage of imeglimin was raised, despite the absence of a corresponding improvement in its efficacy in decreasing HbA1c levels. Our study suggests that imeglimin 1000 mg twice daily may offer the most optimum therapeutic effects for glycemic control without compromising its safety profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin D has been hypothesized to have a potential role in altering sperm motility and metabolism. However, experimental studies have demonstrated inconsistent results between vitamin D and sperm parameters. This study aims to investigate the role of vitamin D supplementation to improve sperm parameters in infertile men. This is a systematic review and meta-analysis study. We comprehensively conducted a search on ClinicalTrials.gov, IRCT.ir, Europe PMC, and PubMed and collected published studies on vitamin D supplementation and sperm parameters for infertile men. The risk of bias was assessed by using Risk of Bias version 2 (RoB v2) and the statistical analysis was performed by using Review Manager 5.4 software. Five trials with a total of 648 infertile men were included. Our meta-analysis showed that supplementation with vitamin D may significantly improve total sperm motility [mean difference 4.96 (95% CI 0.38, 9.54), p = 0.03, I2 = 69%], progressive sperm motility [mean difference 4.14 (95% CI 0.25, 8.02), p = 0.04, I2 = 89%], and normal sperm morphology [mean difference 0.44 (95% CI 0.30, 0.57), p < 0.00001, I2 = 0%] better than placebo in infertile men. However, total sperm count (p = 0.15), sperm concentration (p = 0.82), and semen volume (p = 0.83) did not differ significantly between two groups. Vitamin D supplementation may improve sperm motility, progressive sperm motility, and morphology in infertile men. Vitamin D supplementation may be considered in managing male fertility issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. T Parkinson’s Disease (PD) stands as the neurodegenerative disorder with the second highest incidence, leading to substantial disability and death rates. Research to date suggests a potential increased risk for PD development in individuals with diabetes, yet the correlation between PD and the use of antidiabetic drugs remains to be fully understood. This study aims to investigate the relationship between thiazolidinedione (TZD) use with the risk of PD in patients with diabetes. Methods. A search of literature was carried out using certain keywords across four databases up until December 11th, 2022: Europe PMC, Scopus, Medline, and Cochrane Library. The review included all studies assessing the risk of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) in patients with diabetes who were treated with thiazolidinediones (TZDs). The pooled risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined using random-effects models. Results. Our meta-analysis from 12 observational studies revealed that TZD use was associated with reduced risk of PD in patients with diabetes (RR 0.75; 95%CI: 0.63 – 0.91, p=0.003, I2 = 92%). The neuroprotective impact of thiazolidinediones (TZDs) against Parkinson’s Disease (PD) did not show significant variation based on patient characteristics like age (p=0.3380), gender (p=0.9761), hypertension (p=0.1849), smokers (p=0.1476), stroke (p=0.4810), head injury (p=0.5025), and diabetes duration (p=0.2533). Conclusions. This study suggests that the use of TZD in patients with diabetes has a positive neuroprotective effect on the risk of PD. However, to validate these results, further randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Achieving critical view of safety is a key for a successful laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) procedure. Near-infrared fluorescence cholangiography using indocyanine green (NIF-ICG) in LC has been extensively used and accepted as beneficial auxiliary tool to visualize extrahepatic biliary structures intraoperatively. This study aimed to analyze its safety and efficacy. Materials and Methods: Searching for potential articles up to March 25, 2022 were conducted on PubMed, Europe PMC, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. Articles on the near infrared fluorescence during laparoscopy cholecystectomy were collected. Review Manager 5.4 software was utilized to perform the statistical analysis. Results: Twenty-two studies with a total of 3457 patients undergo LC for the analysis. Our meta-analysis revealed that NIF-ICG technique during LC was associated with shorter operative time (Std. Mean Difference −0.86 [95% confidence interval (CI) −1.49 to −0.23], P = .007, I2 = 97%), lower conversion rate (risk ratio [RR] 0.28 [95% CI 0.16–0.50], P < .0001, I2 = 0%), higher success in identification of cystic duct (CD) (RR 1.24 [95% CI 1.07–1.43], P = .003, I2 = 94%), higher success in identification of common bile duct (CBD) (RR 1.31 [95% CI 1.07–1.60], P = .009, I2 = 90%), and shorter time to identify biliary structures (Std. Mean Difference −0.52 [95% CI −0.78 to −0.26], P < .0001, I2 = 0%) compared with not using NIF-ICG. Conclusions: NIF-ICG technique beneficial for early real-time visualization of biliary structure, shorter operative time, and lower risk of conversion during LC. Larger randomized clinical trials are still needed to confirm the results of our study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Botulinum Toxin (BTX) has been found to have anti-spasm and analgesic effects. The utility of BTX after conventional hemorrhoidectomy remains unclear. Thus, a systematic review and meta-analysis are required to find out its utility after conventional hemorrhoidectomy. Using specific keywords, we comprehensively go through the potential articles on PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Europe PMC sources until March 27th, 2022. All published studies on botulinum toxin anal sphincter injection after conventional hemorrhoidectomy were collected. We were using Review Manager 5.4 software to conduct statistical analysis. Five clinical trial studies with a total of 260 patients undergoing hemorrhoidectomy were included in the analysis Our pooled analysis revealed that BTX injection after hemorrhoidectomy was associated with lower VAS at 24 h post-operative [Mean Difference −1.35 (95% CI −1.90, −0.80), p < 0.00001, I2 = 0%] and shorter time to return work [Mean Difference −8.94 days (95% CI −12.57, −5.30), p < 0.00001, I2 = 0%]. However, BTX injection did not differ significantly from placebo in terms of time to first defecation (p = 0.22), fecal incontinence (p = 0.91) and urinary retention incidence (p = 0.18). BTX sphincter injection may offer some benefit after conventional hemorrhoidectomy in reducing pain from the first day after the procedure and promoting wound healing without complication. Further randomized clinical trials are still needed to confirm the results of our study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]