Background: The adverse consequences of ambient particulate matter (PM) on human health have been extensively studied. However, the association between PM2.5 and PM10 μm, two common sizes of particulate matter, and semen quality remains a subject of debate. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to investigate the relationship between ambient PM2.5 and PM10 μm exposure and semen quality parameters. Main text: A systematic literature search was conducted using electronic databases to identify relevant studies investigating the association between (PM2.5 μm and PM10 μm) exposure and semen quality, covering the period from January 2000 to April 2023. Standard mean difference (SMD) was used to calculate pooled effect estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Furthermore, meta-regression and subgroup analyses provided additional insight into potential factors contributing to heterogeneity. The meta-analysis included a comprehensive review of nine studies with a total of 6264 participants. The findings demonstrated a significant negative correlation between ambient exposure to PM2.5 μm and PM10 μm and various parameters related to semen quality. The analysis revealed that PM2.5 exposure was linked to reduced semen volume (SMD = −0.028; 95% CI −0.055 to −0.01), total sperm count (SMD = −0.027; 95% CI −0.052 to -0.02), sperm motility (SMD = −0.156; 95% CI −0.26 to -0.04), and progressive motility (SMD = −0.194; 95% CI −0.38 to −0.01). Likewise, exposure to PM10 was associated with decreased sperm concentration (SMD = −0.036; 95% CI −0.06 to −0.01) and sperm motility (SMD = −0.93; 95% CI −0.15 to −0.02). Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate a consistent negative association between ambient PM10 and PM2.5 μm exposure and semen quality parameters. The findings suggest that increased levels of ambient particulate matter may have an adverse influence on sperm count and motility. The results highlight the importance of addressing environmental air pollution as a potential risk factor for male reproductive health.

Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor‐A (VEGF‐A), In combination with other pro‐angiogenic factors, plays a pivotal role in angiogenesis and the pathogenesis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).Aims: This meta‐analysis aims to evaluate the diagnostic value of VEGF‐A and its prognostic relevance in the outcome of patients with ALL.Methods and Results: A comprehensive literature search was conducted up to January 2025 across multiple databases. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using a random‐effects model to quantify effect sizes. Subgroup analyses and meta‐regression were employed to explore heterogeneity sources. Data extracted from 15 studies encompassing 674 patients with ALL demonstrated a significant correlation between elevated VEGF‐A levels and unfavorable prognosis (SMD: 0.878; 95% CI: 0.276–1.479; p = 0.004). Notably, increased VEGF‐A levels were particularly evident in pediatric patients older than 8 years (SMD: 0.758; 95% CI: 0.178–1.338; p = 0.010).Conclusion: The results indicate that heightened VEGF‐A expression is associated with poorer clinical outcomes in ALL, supporting its utility as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in this patient population.

Numerous studies have reported vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) has a significant impact on the pathophysiology of COVID-19. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine the prognostic value of increased levels of VEGF-A in individuals with COVID-19. A systematic literature search was conducted across multiple electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, EMBASE, and Google Scholar, up to January 2024. Studies examining the levels of VEGF-A in the serum or plasma of COVID-19 patients were incorporated, with specific attention given to contrasting severe/critical cases against moderate cases. Standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model to determine overall effect sizes. Meta-regressions and subgroup analyses were performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. The meta-analysis synthesized data from 11 studies involving a total of 1119 COVID-19 patients. Elevated levels of VEGF-A were significantly associated with disease severity, with a pooled SMD of 0.525 (95% CI 0.239–0.058; P = 0.028). Research has indicated that the nature of the relationship differs among various age groups, and there were minor discrepancies in the techniques employed to obtain VEGF-A measurements. Furthermore, meta-regression analysis indicated a potential correlation between VEGF-A levels and assay technique and body mass index (BMI). This meta-analysis provides compelling evidence for the prognostic potency of VEGF-A in COVID-19. Understanding the intricate interplay between VEGF-A and COVID-19 pathophysiology holds promise for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies and prognostic indicators in the management of COVID-19.

Background: Severe cases of COVID‐19 often lead to the development of acute respiratory syndrome, a critical condition believed to be caused by the harmful effects of SARS‐CoV‐2 on type II alveolar cells. These cells play a crucial role in producing pulmonary surfactants, which are essential for proper lung function. Specifically focusing on surfactant proteins, including Surfactant protein A (SP‐A), Surfactant protein B, Surfactant protein C, and Surfactant protein D (SP‐D), changes in the levels of pulmonary surfactants may be a significant factor in the pathological changes seen in COVID‐19 infection.Objective: This study aims to gain insights into surfactants, particularly their impacts and changes during COVID‐19 infection, through a comprehensive review of current literature. The study focuses on the function of surfactants as prognostic markers, diagnostic factors, and essential components in the management and treatment of COVID‐19.Finding: In general, pulmonary surfactants serve to reduce the surface tension at the gas–liquid interface, thereby significantly contributing to the regulation of respiratory mechanics. Additionally, these surfactants play a crucial role in the innate immune system within the pulmonary microenvironment. Within the spectrum of COVID‐19 infections, a compelling association is observed, characterized by elevated levels of SP‐D and SP‐A across a range of manifestations from mild to severe pneumonia. The sudden decline in respiratory function observed in COVID‐19 patients may be attributed to the decreased synthesis of surfactants by type II alveolar cells.Conclusion: Collectin proteins such as SP‐A and SP‐D show promise as biomarkers, offering potential avenues for predicting and monitoring pulmonary alveolar injury in the context of COVID‐19. This clarification enhances our understanding of the molecular complexities contributing to respiratory complications in severe COVID‐19 cases, providing a foundation for targeted therapeutic approaches using surfactants and refined clinical management strategies.

In Burkitt's lymphoma (BL), Epstein–Barr virus-encoded microRNAs (EBV miRNAs) are emerging as crucial regulatory agents that impact cellular and viral gene regulation. This review investigates the multifaceted functions of EBV miRNAs in the pathogenesis of Burkitt lymphoma. EBV miRNAs regulate several cellular processes that are essential for BL development, such as apoptosis, immune evasion, and cellular proliferation. These small, non-coding RNAs target both viral and host mRNAs, finely adjusting the cellular environment to favor oncogenesis. Prominent miRNAs, such as BART (BamHI-A rightward transcript) and BHRF1 (BamHI fragment H rightward open reading frame 1), are emphasized for their roles in tumor growth and immune regulation. For example, BART miRNAs prevent apoptosis by suppressing pro-apoptotic proteins, whereas BHRF1 miRNAs promote viral latency and immunological evasion. Understanding the intricate connections among EBV miRNAs and their targets illuminates BL pathogenesis and suggests novel treatment approaches. Targeting EBV miRNAs or their specific pathways offers a feasible option for developing innovative therapies that aim to disrupt the carcinogenic processes initiated by these viral components. future studies should focus on precisely mapping miRNA‒target networks and developing miRNA-based diagnostic and therapeutic tools. This comprehensive article highlights the importance of EBV miRNAs in Burkitt lymphoma, indicating their potential as biomarkers and targets for innovative treatment strategies.