Recent research has underscored the efficacy of Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) in managing obesity among healthy adults. This meta-analysis reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from major databases up to May 2024, focusing on the effects of L. plantarum on body weight, body mass index (BMI), and metabolic parameters. This study has been registered in PROSPERO (number: CRD 42024531611). The analysis of nine studies revealed significant weight reduction and BMI decreases with L. plantarum supplementation compared to a placebo. Notably, using more than two strains together enhanced these effects. Improvements were also observed in abdominal fat and inflammatory markers such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). This meta-analysis synthesizes evidence from nine RCTs to test the hypothesis that L. plantarum supplementation effectively reduces body weight and BMI in healthy adults compared to a placebo. However, variations in study designs, probiotic strains, and intervention durations call for more robust trials to confirm these benefits.

Background: Previous research has indicated a potential correlation between hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and psoriasis (PSO), two chronic inflammatory dermatological diseases. However, there is a lack of comprehensive evaluations that consider a variety of clinical and demographic factors, and the risk of developing HS in PSO patients remains unclear. Our study aims to examine HS risk over time among PSO patients versus matched controls while considering the influence of confounders to provide insights into the potential link between these two diseases. Method: In this multi-institutional cohort study using the TriNetX database, we matched 202,318 patients with PSO with an equivalent number of individuals without PSO, using propensity score matching. The study period extended from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2018. We computed hazard ratios and their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate the probability of HS manifestation over a period of 5 years in patients with PSO in comparison to those without PSO. Results: PSO patients demonstrated a consistently higher risk of developing HS than matched controls across all analytic models with the hazard ratios (HR) ranging from 1.43 (95% CI 1.30–1.56) to 5.91 (95% CI 2.49–14.04). Stratified analyses showed the increased HS risk was observed in both genders but only significant in those aged 18–64 years. Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated PSO patients had a higher cumulative probability of developing HS over time (HR 1.77, 95% CI 1.49–1.89). Conclusions: PSO was associated with increased HS risk, highlighting the importance of considering HS as a potential comorbidity in PSO patients and may have implications for early detection, prevention, and management strategies for both conditions. Shared inflammatory pathways, genetic components, and skin dysbiosis may contribute. Further research should elucidate underlying mechanisms.

Background/Aim: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is linked to immune dysregulation and systemic inflammation. While previous studies indicate a higher prevalence of ocular manifestations in HS, the specific risk of keratopathy and keratitis remains unclear. The primary aim of this study was to assess the risk of keratitis and keratopathy in individuals with HS. Patients and Methods: In this retrospective cohort study conducted with data from the TriNetX database, 53,716 patients with HS were matched to an equivalent number of non-HS controls using propensity score matching. The study covered the period from January 1st, 2005, to December 31st, 2017. Hazard ratios and their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were computed to evaluate the occurrences of keratitis and keratopathy over a 5-year duration in patients with HS, compared to non-HS controls. Results: HS was associated with a 1.52 times higher risk of keratitis over a 5-year period (95%CI=1.24-1.86) and a 1.47 times higher risk of keratopathy (95%CI=1.18-1.84). These risks remained consistent in sensitivity analyses. The elevated risk of keratitis was observed across both sexes. However, the risk of keratopathy was significantly higher in women with HS (HR=1.61, 95%CI=1.24-2.10) and individuals aged 18-64 years (HR=1.32, 95%CI=1.04-1.68). Conclusion: HS was linked to an elevated risk of both keratitis and keratopathy over a 5-year period. Ophthalmologic manifestations are recommended to be considered in HS standard care.

Diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, are leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is commonly associated with these conditions through shared pathophysiological mechanisms such as insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and dyslipidemia. Emerging evidence suggests that probiotic formulations containing Bifidobacterium species may support cardiometabolic health by modulating gut microbiota composition. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of Bifidobacterium-containing probiotic combinations in improving key cardiometabolic parameters, including lipid profiles, blood pressure, glycemic indices, and inflammatory biomarkers among individuals with NAFLD. A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to December 2024. A total of 24 RCTs involving 1611 participants met the inclusion criteria. The pooled results demonstrated significant reductions in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol following probiotic intervention. Improvements were also observed in fasting glucose levels and inflammatory markers, including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Although modest improvements were noted in NAFLD severity, the effects on liver injury markers were relatively limited. These findings suggest that Bifidobacterium-based probiotic combinations may provide cardiometabolic benefits, particularly in lipid regulation, glucose metabolism, and inflammatory control. Further large-scale, well-designed RCTs are warranted to validate these results and to determine the most effective probiotic strains, compositions, and treatment durations.

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease associated with systemic symptoms. Periodontitis, a prevalent dental disease, shares immune-mediated inflammatory characteristics with HS. This cohort study aims to evaluate the association between HS and periodontitis.