scholarly journals Impacts of COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 on male reproductive function: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. e053051
Author(s):  
Xinyun Li ◽  
Hua Lu ◽  
Fangyuan Li ◽  
Qi Zhang ◽  
Tong Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Evaluation System ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Sperm Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Male Reproductive Function

IntroductionCOVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has become a global health challenge. SARS-CoV-2 can infect host cells via the ACE2 receptor, which is widely expressed in the corpus cavernosum, testis and male reproductive tract, and participates in erection, spermatogenesis and androgen metabolism. Also, the immune response and persistent fever resulting from COVID-19 may lead to damage of the testicular activity, consequently compromising male fertility.Methods and analysisPubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal database, Chinese Biomedical Databases and Wanfang Data will be systematically searched for observational studies (case–control and cohort) published up to March 2021 in English or in Chinese literature on the impacts of COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 on male reproductive function. This protocol will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols guidelines and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology. The primary outcome will be semen parameters, and the additional outcomes will include: (a) detection of SARS-COV-2 in semen, (b) male sexual hormones, (c) sperm DNA fragmentation index, (d) erectile function, (e) evaluation of testis and also the male genital tract. Two reviewers will independently extract data from the included studies based on a predesigned data extraction form. The risk of bias of included studies will be evaluated through the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies. Review Manager software V.5.3 will be used for statistical analysis. Q statistic and I² test will be performed to assess the heterogeneity among studies. Sensitivity analysis will be used to explore the robustness of pooled effects. We will use the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system to assess the quality of evidence.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required and results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021245161.

Effectiveness of Exercise Training on Male Factor Infertility: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 194173812110553
Author(s):  
Behzad Hajizadeh Maleki ◽  
Bakhtyar Tartibian ◽  
Mohammad Chehrazi
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Resistance Training ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Male Factor Infertility ◽  
Continuous Training ◽  
Male Factor ◽  
Male Reproductive Function ◽  
Markers Of Inflammation

Context: Mounting evidence from the literature suggests that different types of training interventions can be successful at improving several aspects of male reproductive function in both fertile and infertile populations. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of exercise training on male factor infertility and seminal markers of inflammation. Data Sources: We searched PubMed, CISCOM, Springer, Elsevier Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, PEDro, Ovid (Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO), Sport Discus, Orbis, CINAHL, Web of Science, ProQuest, and the ClinicalTrials.gov registry for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that analyzed the impacts of selected types of exercise interventions on markers of male reproductive function and reproductive performance. Study Selection: A total of 336 records were identified, of which we included 7 trials reporting on 2641 fertile and infertile men in the systematic review and network meta-analysis. Level of Evidence: Level 1 (because this is a systematic review of RCTs). Data Extraction: The data included the study design, participant characteristics, inclusion and exclusion, intervention characteristics, outcome measures, and the main results of the study. Results: The results of network meta-analysis showed that, compared with a nonintervention control group, the top-ranking interventions for pregnancy rate were for combined aerobic and resistance training (CET) (relative risk [RR] = 27.81), moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) (RR = 26.67), resistance training (RT) (RR = 12.54), high-intensity continuous training (HICT) (RR = 5.55), and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) (RR = 4.63). While the top-ranking interventions for live birth rate were for MICT (RR = 10.05), RT (RR = 4.92), HIIT (RR = 4.38), CET (RR = 2.20), and HICT (RR = 1.55). Also, with the following order of effectiveness, 5 training strategies were significantly better at improving semen quality parameters (CET > MICT > HICT > RT > HIIT), seminal markers of oxidative stress (CET > MICT > HIIT > HICT > RT), seminal markers of inflammation (CET > MICT > HIIT > RT > HICT), as well as measures of body composition and VO2max (CET > HICT > MICT > HIIT > RT). Conclusion: The review recommends that the intervention with the highest probability of being the best approach out of all available options for improving the male factor infertility was for CET.

scholarly journals The association of fracture risk in atrial fibrillation patients and long-term anticoagulant therapy category: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e10683
Author(s):  
Jun Chen ◽  
Lingchun Lyu ◽  
Jiayi Shen ◽  
Chunlai Zeng ◽  
Cheng Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Hip Fracture ◽  
Fracture Risk ◽  
Hip Fractures ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Hip Fracture Risk ◽  
Significant Difference

Objective Our study aimed to assess the risk of all fractures and hip fractures in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who took non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) compared to warfarin. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library and Clinical Trials.gov Website. Reviewed related researches up to January 31, 2020, to identify studies with more than 12 months of follow-up data. The protocol for this systematic review and meta-analysis has been registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO Number: CRD42020156893). Results We included five RCT studies, and five observational studies that contained a total of 326,846 patients in our meta-analysis. Our meta-analysis showed that patients taken NOACs had no significant all fracture risk (RR = 0.91, 95% CI [0.81–1.01]) and hip fracture risk (RR = 0.92, 95% CI [0.82–1.03]) compared with those taken warfarin. Subanalysis showed that the risk of all fractures and hip fractures treated by NOACs were significant lower compared with warfarin in observational studies compared with RCT studies. Also, a subanalysis across the duration of anticoagulation showed the NOACs users have lower all fracture risk than warfarin users when the duration of anticoagulation ≤2 years (RR = 0.89, 95% CI [0.80–0.99]). Further analysis, significant lower all fracture risk in the rivaroxaban therapy (RR = 0.81; 95% CI [0.76–0.86]) compared with warfarin but no statistical significance in hip fracture. There were no significant difference of all fracture risk and hip fracture risk in dabigatran, apixaban, and edoxaban therapy compared with warfarin. Conclusion The meta-analysis demonstrated that NOACs associated with a significantly lower all fracture risk compared with warfarin when the duration of anticoagulation more than 2 years. Rivaroxaban users had lower risk of all fracture than warfarin users in AF patients. But there was no evidence to verify apixaban, edoxaban, and dabigatranin could decrease all fracture and hip fracture risk compared with warfarin.

scholarly journals Associations Between the Use of Renin–Angiotensin System Inhibitors and the Risks of Severe COVID-19 and Mortality in COVID-19 Patients With Hypertension: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao-Ce Dai ◽  
Zhuo-Yu An ◽  
Zi-Yang Wang ◽  
Zi-Zhen Wang ◽  
Yi-Ren Wang
Keyword(s):  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Converting Enzyme ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Duration Of Hospitalization ◽  
The Impact

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) share a target receptor with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The use of ACEIs/ARBs may cause angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor upregulation, facilitating the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells. There is concern that the use of ACEIs/ARBs could increase the risks of severe COVID-19 and mortality. The impact of discontinuing these drugs in patients with COVID-19 remains uncertain. We aimed to assess the association between the use of ACEIs/ARBs and the risks of mortality and severe disease in patients with COVID-19. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and MedRxiv.org from December 1, 2019, to June 20, 2020. We also identified additional citations by manually searching the reference lists of eligible articles. Forty-two observational studies including 63,893 participants were included. We found that the use of ACEIs/ARBs was not significantly associated with a reduction in the relative risk of all-cause mortality [odds ratio (OR) = 0.87, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.75–1.00; I2 = 57%, p = 0.05]. We found no significant reduction in the risk of severe disease in the ACEI subgroup (OR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.88–1.02, I2 = 50%, p = 0.18), the ARB subgroup (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.94–1.13, I2 = 62%, p = 0.48), or the ACEI/ARB subgroup (OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.65–1.08, I2 = 67%, p = 0.16). Moreover, seven studies showed no significant difference in the duration of hospitalization between the two groups (mean difference = 0.33, 95% CI = −1.75 to 2.40, p = 0.76). In conclusion, the use of ACEIs/ARBs appears to not have a significant effect on mortality, disease severity, or duration of hospitalization in COVID-19 patients. On the basis of the findings of this meta-analysis, there is no support for the cessation of treatment with ACEIs or ARBs in patients with COVID-19.

Effectiveness of Physiotherapy to Promote Motor Recovery in Individuals with Stroke: A Systematic Review Protocol

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shehong Zhang ◽  
Hongyu Xie ◽  
Chuanjie Wang ◽  
Fengfeng Wu ◽  
Xin Wang
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Motor Function ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Evaluation System ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Systematic Review Protocol ◽  
Qualitative Synthesis ◽  
Review Protocol

Abstract Introduction: Motor function is essential in our daily lives, one of the most common impairments caused by stroke is loss of functional movement. Over 70% of stroke survivors have motor or other neurological functional disabilities. However, rehabilitation of motor function suffered from a stroke can be rather difficult due to the complexity of organs and systems related to motor function, as well as the neural system that supported motor function. In particularly, previous evidence for the effectiveness of physiotherapy, a commonly prescribed intervention method for people with stroke, that recover motor function in people following a stroke is varied and limited in the chronic rehabilitation phase and therefore has never been reviewed systematically. With the progress of study in neurology and the development of novel tools for rehabilitation, results from more and more clinical trials are now available, thus here justifying conducting a systematic review. Methods and analysis: This systematic review protocol is developed in accordance with the methodology recommended by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols, as well as the Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions. Relevant studies will be identified by searching the databases. We will perform searches for relevant studies in databases, including PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science, Physiotherapy Evidence Database and Cochrane Library databases. The reference lists of included articles and reviews will be searched manually. The date range parameters used in searching all databases will be restricted between January 2001 and January 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published will be included. The language used in the articles included was restricted to English. The GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system from the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions) approach will be used to systematically appraise the quality of methodology. We will assess the risk of bias of the RCTs included using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool and provide a qualitative synthesis. After that, we will consider conducting a meta-analysis if the final data across outcomes shows sufficient homogeneity. Ethics and dissemination: No ethical approval is needed as the proposed study does not involve the collection of primary data, and the results of this review will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. Trial registration number: CRD42021267069.

scholarly journals Neighbourhood socioeconomic status and overweight/obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological studies

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. e028238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shimels Hussien Mohammed ◽  
Tesfa Dejenie Habtewold ◽  
Mulugeta Molla Birhanu ◽  
Tesfamichael Awoke Sissay ◽  
Balewgizie Sileshi Tegegne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Neighbourhood Socioeconomic Status

ObjectiveLow neighbourhood socioeconomic status (NSES) has been linked to a higher risk of overweight/obesity, irrespective of the individual’s own socioeconomic status. No meta-analysis study has been done on the association. Thus, this study was done to synthesise the existing evidence on the association of NSES with overweight, obesity and body mass index (BMI).DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesPubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Sciences and Google Scholar databases were searched for articles published until 25 September 2019.Eligibility criteriaEpidemiological studies, both longitudinal and cross-sectional ones, which examined the link of NSES to overweight, obesity or BMI, were included.Data extraction and synthesisData extraction was done by two reviewers, working independently. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for the observational studies. The summary estimates of the relationships of NSES with overweight, obesity and BMI statuses were calculated with random-effects meta-analysis models. Heterogeneity was assessed by Cochran’s Q and I2 statistics. Subgroup analyses were done by age categories, continents, study designs and NSES measures. Publication bias was assessed by visual inspection of funnel plots and Egger’s regression test.ResultA total of 21 observational studies, covering 1 244 438 individuals, were included in this meta-analysis. Low NSES, compared with high NSES, was found to be associated with a 31% higher odds of overweight (pooled OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.47, p<0.001), a 45% higher odds of obesity (pooled OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.74, p<0.001) and a 1.09 kg/m2 increase in mean BMI (pooled beta=1.09, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.50, p<0.001).ConclusionNSES disparity might be contributing to the burden of overweight/obesity. Further studies are warranted, including whether addressing NSES disparity could reduce the risk of overweight/obesity.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42017063889

scholarly journals Prevalence and Risk Factors for Spasticity After Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huangling Zeng ◽  
Jian Chen ◽  
Yang Guo ◽  
Sheng Tan
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Hemorrhagic Stroke ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Severe Spasticity

Background: Spasticity is a common sequela of stroke. The incidence of poststroke spasticity (PSS) has not been systematically reviewed in recent years, and some risk factors remain debated. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors for PSS.Methods: We searched electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, WANFANG and CBM) inception to May 12, 2020. Observational studies summarizing the incidence or risk factors for PSS were included. Only cohort studies were enrolled in meta-analysis. For risk factors examined in at least three different studies, we combined effects into odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).Results: One thousand four hundred sixty-seven studies were retrieved and 23 were involved in meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of spasticity after stroke was 25.3% and that after the first-ever stroke was 26.7%. The incidence of spasticity after the first-ever stroke with paresis was 39.5%. The prevalence of disabling or severe spasticity (MAS ≥ 3) in stroke patients with paresis was 9.4% (95% CI 0.056–0.133), and severe spasticity was 10.3% (95% CI 0.058–0.149). Moderate to severe paresis (OR = 6.573, 95% CI 2.579–16.755, I2 = 0.0%), hemorrhagic stroke (OR = 1.879, 95% CI 1.418–2.490, I2 = 27.3%) and sensory disorder were risk factors for PSS.Conclusions: The incidence of PSS was significantly higher in stroke patients with paresis. Patients with moderate to severe paresis and sensory disorder should be closely followed up. The role of hemorrhagic stroke in predicting PSS remains to be further explored.

Relation between Traditional Semen Parameters, Sperm DNA Fragmentation, and Unexplained Recurrent Miscarriage: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanpeng Dai ◽  
Junjie Liu ◽  
Enwu Yuan ◽  
Ying Shi ◽  
Linlin Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Recurrent Miscarriage ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Sperm Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Progressive Motility ◽  
Sperm Dna ◽  
Unexplained Recurrent Miscarriage

Abstract Background: Several studies have explored the relation between traditional semen parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), and unexplained recurrent miscarriage (RM), but these findings remain controversial. Hence, we conducted this meta-analysis to explore the relation between traditional semen parameters, SDF, and unexplained RM. Methods: Multiple databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science databases, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were searched to identify relevant publications. From the eligible publications, data were extracted independently by two researchers. The heterogeneity between publications was calculated using the I2 statistics and Cochran’s Q test. Statistical analyses were conducted using Stata/SE 12.0 (StataCorp, College Station, Texas, USA). Based on heterogeneity assessment, random- or fixed-effects models were selected to calculate the weighted mean differences (WMDs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). To estimate the stability of the pooled results, a sensitivity analysis was conducted by excluding each study. To estimate the possible publication bias, Egger’s regression test and Begg’s funnel plot were used. Results: A total of 280 publications were produced using the search strategy. According to the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 19 publications were eligible. A total of 1182 couples with unexplained RM and 1231 couples without RM were included in this meta-analysis to assess the relation between traditional semen parameters, SDF, and unexplained RM. Our results showed that couples with unexplained RM had significantly increased levels of SDF (WMD=8.77, 95% CI=4.03 to 13.51, P<0.001) and significantly decreased levels of progressive motility (WMD=-4.75, 95% CI=-8.35 to -1.15, P<0.05) and total motility (WMD=-10.30, 95% CI=-15.03 to -5.57, P<0.05) than those of couples without RM, but not significantly different in volume (WMD=-0.12, 95% CI=-0.32 to 0.08, P>0.05), sperm concentration (WMD=-2.28, 95% CI=-4.58 to 0.02, P>0.05) and total sperm count (WMD=-10.73, 95% CI=-22.11 to 0.66, P>0.05) between couples with and without RM.Conclusion: Couples with unexplained RM had significantly increased levels of SDF and significantly decreased levels of progressive motility and total motility than those of couples without RM. SDF assay may be considered as part of the evaluation of couples with unexplained RM.

Efficacy of doxycycline versus azithromycin for the treatment of rectal chlamydia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liang-Fu Chen ◽  
Ting-Cheng Wang ◽  
Fu-Lun Chen ◽  
Shih-Chang Hsu ◽  
Chin-Wang Hsu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Risk Ratio ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Cure Rate ◽  
Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection ◽  
Microbiological Cure

Abstract Background Chlamydia trachomatis infection is the most common sexually transmitted infectious disease and carries a risk of complications. However, the optimal treatment for rectal chlamydial infection remains unclear. Objectives To compare the efficacy of doxycycline and azithromycin for the treatment of rectal chlamydia by undertaking a systematic review and meta-analysis of published data. Methods We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and clinicaltrials.gov databases from inception to 7 July 2021 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies that compared the efficacy of doxycycline and single-dose azithromycin on rectal chlamydia cure rates. Data were synthesized using a random-effects model, and subgroup analysis was conducted. Results All included studies were conducted in developed countries. Two RCTs and nine observational studies, with a total of 2457 patients, were analysed. Doxycycline had a higher microbiological cure rate than azithromycin (risk ratio = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.15–1.28; P &lt; 0.05). Pooled results from two RCTs also revealed a higher microbiological cure rate for doxycycline than azithromycin (risk ratio = 1.27; 95% CI = 1.20–1.35; P &lt; 0.05). The results remained consistent in subgroups of different study designs, countries and sexes. Conclusions On the basis of our findings, we recommend doxycycline rather than azithromycin as a first-line treatment for rectal chlamydia in developed countries. More RCTs from developing countries are warranted.

scholarly journals Are large dinners associated with excess weight, and does eating a smaller dinner achieve greater weight loss? A systematic review and meta-analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 118 (8) ◽  
pp. 616-628 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mackenzie Fong ◽  
Ian D. Caterson ◽  
Claire D. Madigan
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Energy Intake ◽  
Weight Change ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Significant Heterogeneity ◽  
Intervention Trials

AbstractThere are suggestions that large evening meals are associated with greater BMI. This study reviewed systematically the association between evening energy intake and weight in adults and aimed to determine whether reducing evening intake achieves weight loss. Databases searched were MEDLINE, PubMed, Cinahl, Web of Science, Cochrane Library of Clinical Trials, EMBASE and SCOPUS. Eligible observational studies investigated the relationship between BMI and evening energy intake. Eligible intervention trials compared weight change between groups where the proportion of evening intake was manipulated. Evening intake was defined as energy consumed during a certain time – for example 18.00–21.00 hours – or self-defined meal slots – that is ‘dinner’. The search yielded 121 full texts that were reviewed for eligibility by two independent reviewers. In all, ten observational studies and eight clinical trials were included in the systematic review with four and five included in the meta-analyses, respectively. Four observational studies showed a positive association between large evening intake and BMI, five showed no association and one showed an inverse relationship. The meta-analysis of observational studies showed a non-significant trend between BMI and evening intake (P=0·06). The meta-analysis of intervention trials showed no difference in weight change between small and large dinner groups (−0·89 kg; 95 % CI −2·52, 0·75, P=0·29). This analysis was limited by significant heterogeneity, and many trials had an unknown or high risk of bias. Recommendations to reduce evening intake for weight loss cannot be substantiated by clinical evidence, and more well-controlled intervention trials are needed.

scholarly journals Kisspeptin Levels in Girls with Precocious Puberty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Rafael Guerra Cintra ◽  
Rubens Wajnsztejn ◽  
Camila Martins Trevisan ◽  
Victor Zaia ◽  
Antonio Simone Laganà ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Precocious Puberty ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Consistent Difference ◽  
Patient Age ◽  
Patient Âgé ◽  
Group A ◽  
The Cochrane Library

<b><i>Background/Aims:</i></b> Kisspeptin (KP) is a key player in the regulation of the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which increases the secretion of gonadotropin during puberty to establish reproductive function and regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Premature activation of GnRH secretion leads to idiopathic/central gonadotropin-dependent precocious puberty (CPP). We aimed to compare the blood KP concentrations in girls with CPP and healthy controls. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, and SciELO. Random-effects model and standardized mean difference (SMD) were used. Heterogeneity was assessed through <i>I</i><sup>2</sup>. Meta-regression considered patient age, KP fraction, and analytical method for KP measurement. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The 11 studies included comprised 316 CPP patients and 251 controls. Higher KP levels in the CPP group were found (SMD 1.53; CI 95% = 0.56–2.51). Subgroup analysis revealed association with patient age (<i>p</i> = 0.048), indicating a positive correlation between elevation in KP concentration and age in CPP group. A group of patients with precocious thelarche (PT) from 5 of the included studies comprising 121 patients showed higher levels of KP (1.10; −0.25–2.45: CI 95%) and high heterogeneity (<i>I</i><sup>2</sup> = 91%). The CPP/PT ratio for KP level indicates KP 36% higher on CPP than PT patients. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> A consistent difference in KP levels between girls with CPP and controls was identified. While there are important limitations in KP assays which argue against its use as a diagnostic tool, the KP levels in CPP versus control and PT children are consistent with the predicted mechanisms and pathophysiology of CPP.

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