Targeting dyslipidemia with antioxidative vitamins C, D, and E; a systematic review of meta-analysis studies: Dyslipidemia and antioxidative vitamins

Full spectrum of vitamin D immunomodulation in multiple sclerosis: mechanisms and therapeutic implications

Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with the risk of multiple sclerosis, disease activity and progression. Results from in vitro experiments, animal models and analysis of human samples from randomized controlled trials provide comprehensive data illustrating the pleiotropic actions of Vitamin D on the immune system. They globally result in immunomodulation by decreasing differentiation of effector T and B cells while promoting regulatory subsets. Vitamin D also modulates innate immune cells such as macrophages, monocytes and dendritic cells, and acts at the level of the blood–brain barrier reducing immune cell trafficking. Vitamin D exerts additional activity within the central nervous system reducing microglial and astrocytic activation. The immunomodulatory role of Vitamin D detected in animal models of multiple sclerosis has suggested its potential therapeutic use for treating multiple sclerosis. In this review, we focus on recent published data describing the biological effects of Vitamin D in animal models of multiple sclerosis on immune cells, blood–brain barrier function, activation of glial cells and its potential neuroprotective effects. Based on the current knowledge, we also discuss optimization of therapeutic interventions with Vitamin D in patients with multiple sclerosis, as well as new technologies allowing in-depth analysis of immune cell regulations by vitamin D.

Effect of Oral Chinese Herbal Preparations Regulating Intestinal Flora on Lipid Metabolism Disorders in Patients: A Meta-Analysis of Controlled Clinical Studies

Background

Lipid metabolism disorders can damage human health, and the changes in human intestinal flora are closely related to lipid metabolism disorders. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can play a role in regulating intestinal flora and balancing intestinal microecology. In this meta-analysis, the role of oral preparations of TCM that regulate intestinal flora, in the prevention and treatment of lipid metabolism disorders, was systematically evaluated.

Methods

The databases CBM, Pubmed, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang, and Google Scholar were searched by rapid matching of keywords to obtain clinical controlled studies related to oral preparations of TCMs regulating intestinal flora. After screening and quality evaluation, meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3 software.

Results

Total of 835 patients were enrolled in the 10 articles included in this study. Meta-analysis showed that TCM intervention could reduce the level of total cholesterol (TC) in patients with abnormal lipid metabolism [mean difference (MD) = −0.61, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) (−0.80, −0.42), p < 0.00001], reduce triacylglycerol (TG) level [MD = −0.46, 95%CI (−0.60, −0.33), p < 0.00001], increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level [MD = 0.25, 95%CI (0.17, 0.34), p < 0.00001], reduce the number of intestinal enterobacteria [MD = −0.64, 95%CI (−0.79, −0.49), p < 0.00001], reduce the number of enterococci [MD = −1.14, 95%CI (−1.66, −0.63), p < 0.00001], increase the number of intestinal lactobacillus [MD = 0.41, 95%CI (0.09, 0.74), p = 0.01], and increase the number of intestinal bifidobacteria [MD = 0.94, 95%CI (0.20, 1.68), p = 0.01].

Conclusion

The application of oral preparations of TCMs that regulate intestinal flora, in the prevention and treatment of lipid metabolism disorders, can increase the colonization of beneficial bacteria in the intestine of patients, inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, and restore the intestinal microecological balance, thus indirectly acting on the regulation of blood lipids in patients and contributing to the recovery of dyslipidemia.