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Folate metabolism makes a crucial contribution towards late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD). Moreover, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) constitutes the primary enzyme of the folate pathway. We hypothesize that there is an association of C677T polymorphism in the MTHFR gene with the susceptibility to LOAD. Previous published research has investigated the link between the MTHFR C677T polymorphisms and LOAD susceptibility; nevertheless, the findings have continued to be not only controversial, but also indecisive. Accordingly, we carried out the present meta-analysis for the assessment of the potential link that exists between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and the susceptibility to LOAD. Furthermore, we carried out a literature search of the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and WanFang database up to August 10, 2018. The odds ratios (ORs) with the respective 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were put to use for the evaluation of the robustness of the link of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism with the vulnerability to LOAD. All statistical analyses were carried out using STATA 15.0. An aggregate of 14 case-control research works was retrieved, involving 2,467 LOAD patients as well as 2,877 controls. We found that a substantial link exists between C677T polymorphism and LOAD risk in a codominant framework (TCvs. CC: OR=1.22, 95%CI=1.00-1.49, P=0.049). In addition to the stratified analysis based on ethnicity, which suggested that C677T polymorphism was likely linked only to an augmented threat of LOAD in Asians, it did not exist among Caucasians. Furthermore, in the subgroup analysis carried out using APOE ε4 status, a substantial increase in the susceptibility to LOAD was detected in APOE ε4 carriers as well as non-APOE ε4 carriers. In sum, the current meta-analysis revealed that MTHFR C677T polymorphism was associated with susceptibility to LOAD. Further extensive case-control studies are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. Acupoint catgut embedding therapy has shown effectiveness in treating functional constipation; however, relevant, high-quality clinical evidence is scarce. This study aimed to systematically assess the effectiveness and safety of acupoint catgut embedding in treating poststroke constipation. Methods. Correlative randomized controlled trials were identified through a comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Cochrane Library/Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Embase, China National Knowledge Internet, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Wanfang, and VIP databases from inception until February 2022. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Results. Fifteen trials involving 1084 patients were identified. The meta-analysis revealed that the acupoint catgut embedding group was significantly superior to the non-catgut embedding group with regard to the efficacy rate (RR = 1.27, 95% CI (1.19, 1.37), P < 0.05), the first defecation time (MD = −3.08, 95% CI (−4.53, −1.63), P < 0.05), the defecation sensation score (MD = −0.44, 95% CI (−0.61, −0.26), P < 0.05), the degree of difficulty in defecation (MD = −0.73, 95% CI (−1.10, −0.37), P < 0.05), the PAC-QOL scale score (MD = −10.06, 95% CI (−13.47, −6.64), P < 0.05), and the symptom integral (MD = −3.15, 95% CI (−3.60, −2.71), P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the stool property score (MD = 0.06, 95% CI (−0.39, 0.50), P > 0.05) as well as the incidence of adverse reactions (RD = 0.01, 95% CI (−0.01, 0.03), P > 0.05) between the two groups. Conclusions. The results showed that acupoint catgut embedding is probably an effective and safe acupuncture treatment strategy for poststroke constipation. Nevertheless, more rigorously designed, standardized, large-sample, and multicenter randomized controlled designs are warranted to further verify the findings of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]