Serum Tβ4 level can be used as a biomarker for the diagnosis of NASH and was negatively correlated with the oxidation state of the liver.

As a result of increased prevalence of obesity worldwide, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease. Although most NAFLD cases remain benign, some progress to end-stage liver diseases such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, treatment should be considered for NAFLD patients who are likely to progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) or fibrosis. Thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4), a G-actin sequestering peptide, regulates actin polymerization in mammalian cells. In addition, studies have reported anti-inflammatory, insulin-sensitizing, and anti-fibrotic effects of Tβ4. However, no research has been done to investigate the effects of Tβ4 on NAFLD. Based on the findings above mentioned, we hypothesize that Tβ4 may represent an effective treatment for NAFLD.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the maintenance effect of probiotics versus that of aminosalicylates on ulcerative colitis.MethodsMEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, and the Chinese Biomedical Database were searched in English or Chinese. Data extracted were selected with strict criteria.ResultsIn six randomized controlled trials (RCTs), a total of 721 participants were enrolled and the maintenance effect of probiotics (n = 364) versus that of aminosalicylates (n = 357) on ulcerative colitis was investigated. No significant difference was observed between probiotics and aminosalicylate groups (relative risk (RR) = 1.08; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.91–1.28; P = 0.40). Three RCTs compared the incidence of adverse events with probiotics versus those with aminosalicylates. No significant difference was observed in the incidence of adverse events between the two groups (RR = 1.20; 95% CI: 0.92–1.56; P = 0.17).ConclusionsProbiotics and aminosalicylates both showed a maintenance effect on ulcerative colitis. However, more well-designed RCTs are required.

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