ElNebrisi E, Ghattas MA, Atatreh N
… +2 more, Hasan S, Oz M
Med Princ Pract
· 2026 · PMID 41115115
·
Full text
UNLABELLED: <p>Background: Curcumin has emerged as promising candidate for therapeutic modulation of neurodegenerative disorders by acting on α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nAChR). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to...UNLABELLED: <p>Background: Curcumin has emerged as promising candidate for therapeutic modulation of neurodegenerative disorders by acting on α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nAChR). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the potential of curcumin metabolites and derivatives as positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of α7-nAChR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Functional properties of α7-nAChR were assessed using two-electrode voltage clamp techniques in Xenopus oocytes, and molecular docking studies were employed to identify high-affinity binding sites. RESULTS: The findings reveal that curcumin metabolites and derivatives also potentiate α7-nAChR and interact with a common transmembrane domain binding site on α7-nAChR, demonstrating potent modulatory effects. Notably, these derivatives exhibit superior binding energies compared to the established PAM PNU-120596. CONCLUSION: The study underscores the therapeutic potential of curcumin metabolites and derivatives as receptor-specific natural agents for managing neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases. </p>.
Dvořáčková E, Michaličková D, Petrus J
… +8 more, Klapková E, Dutková A, Kotowski T, Zajacová A, Krekels EHJ, Havlin J, Lischke R, Slanař O
Med Princ Pract
· 2026 · PMID 41086127
·
Full text
UNLABELLED: <p>Objective: The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK) of ganciclovir (GCV) and its prodrug valganciclovir (VGCV) in a large cohort of lung transplant recipients. The secondary...UNLABELLED: <p>Objective: The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK) of ganciclovir (GCV) and its prodrug valganciclovir (VGCV) in a large cohort of lung transplant recipients. The secondary goal was to determine the probability of target attainment (PTA) for different pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) targets. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A population PK analysis was carried out using NONMEM version 7.4.0. In total, 379 GCV concentrations (194 and 185 concentrations sampled after VGCV and GCV administration, respectively) were obtained from 110 patients and were included in the analysis. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to assess PTA for (AUC) >50 mg·h/L and AUC of 80-120 mg·h/L. RESULTS: Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was found to be the only significant covariate for GCV/VGCV clearance. Standard prophylactic and therapeutic GCV/VGCV dosing regimens lead to underdosing in patients with reduced eGFR values, particularly below 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 for VGCV and 70 mL/min/1.73 m2 for ganciclovir. For patients with higher eGFR levels, PTA levels are higher (21-35% in therapy and 44-50% in prophylaxis), but the PK show substantial variability, making individual dosing difficult. CONCLUSIONS: Standard prophylactic and therapeutic ganciclovir/VGCV dosing regimen leads to underexposure in patients with low eGFR but may be appropriate for patients with higher eGFR values. However, substantial variability in ganciclovir/VGC exposure makes it challenging to achieve efficacy targets in individuals. For this reason, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) should be considered. Our model can be integrated into TDM software and, alongside a TDM sample, be used for dosing guidance. </p>.
Med Princ Pract
· 2026 · PMID 41078044
·
Full text
OBJECTIVE: Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic immune-mediated liver disease that usually responds to corticosteroids ± azathioprine (AZA). However, some patients are intolerant or refractory to first-line therapy an...OBJECTIVE: Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic immune-mediated liver disease that usually responds to corticosteroids ± azathioprine (AZA). However, some patients are intolerant or refractory to first-line therapy and require second-line immunosuppression. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and tacrolimus (TAC) are commonly used alternatives, although comparative evidence is limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of MMF and TAC in adult AIH patients who failed first-line therapy. METHODS: A systematic search of six databases identified 16 eligible studies (n = 705), including retrospective cohorts and one case series. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the MMS (methodological quality and synthesis of case series and case reports) tool. RESULTS: Biochemical remission was achieved in 56% of MMF-treated patients, rising to 66% with ≥6-month follow-up. TAC showed a pooled remission rate of 66%, increasing to 67% when defined by transaminase normalization. MMF was particularly effective in AZA-intolerant patients, while TAC showed better outcomes in steroid-refractory patients. Adverse events differed: MMF was most often associated with gastrointestinal intolerance, whereas TAC was linked to tremor, hypertension, diabetes, and renal impairment. However, statistical analysis showed wide confidence intervals, and there was considerable heterogeneity across studies. CONCLUSION: Both MMF and TAC are effective second-line therapies for AIH. MMF appears safer and better tolerated in AZA-intolerant patients, while TAC showed a modest advantage in efficacy over mycophenolate in steroid-refractory cases. Given the limitations of current evidence, including small sample sizes, heterogeneity, and lack of randomized controlled trials, treatment choice should be individualized until higher quality data are available.
Rodríguez-Araya TL, Mocritcaia A, González-Roca E
… +8 more, Busso MB, Torres X, Chacur CA, Arias A, Polino L, Adao CD, Flórez H, Peris P
Med Princ Pract
· 2026 · PMID 41037513
·
Full text
OBJECTIVE: Recent reports suggest that mild forms of hypophosphatasia (HPP) may be misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia (FM), thus exposing patients to potential complications (e.g., fractures). It seems reasonable to determine...OBJECTIVE: Recent reports suggest that mild forms of hypophosphatasia (HPP) may be misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia (FM), thus exposing patients to potential complications (e.g., fractures). It seems reasonable to determine alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in all patients diagnosed with FM. We aimed to study this clinical recommendation by assessing the prevalence of HPP in a cohort of patients diagnosed with FM in a specialized unit. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study (2014-2021) included 713 patients with FM and previous determinations of ALP levels from a Multidisciplinary Fibromyalgia Unit of a Rheumatology Department. Medical records (ALP levels, history of fractures, radiologic studies, pharmacological treatment, and comorbidities) were reviewed. Patients with at least two ALP determinations under normal values were further evaluated with a study of bone metabolic parameters, ALP substrate [PLP: pyridoxal-5'-phosphate] and genetic testing for alkaline phosphatase, liver/bone/kidney (ALPL) pathogenic variants. RESULTS: 16 (3.2%) FM patients (all women with a median age of 50 years) showed low ALP levels. Notably, 5 patients (31.3%) also showed elevated PLP levels, suggesting HPP. However, none presented pathogenic ALPL variants in the genetic study. Other associated conditions, such as subclinical hypothyroidism and the use of dietary supplements/multivitamins, were observed in some of these patients. CONCLUSION: In the present cohort, 3.2% presented persistently decreased ALP levels. The increased ALPL substrate, PLP, observed in one third of these subjects, together with the negative genetic study in all these subjects, indicate the need to better identify the subjects with FM that may have mild forms of HPP.
Med Princ Pract
· 2026 · PMID 40947848
·
Full text
OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of temperature, light, pH, reducing agents, oxygen, dilution, syringe material, solvents, and operator differences on the labeling efficiency of 99mTc-r...OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of temperature, light, pH, reducing agents, oxygen, dilution, syringe material, solvents, and operator differences on the labeling efficiency of 99mTc-radiopharmaceuticals. METHODS: Five GE Healthcare kits ([99mTc]Tc-HMPAO, [99mTc]Tc-MAA, [99mTc]Tc-DMSA, [99mTc]Tc-DTPA, and [99mTc]Tc-tin colloid) were reconstituted with 99mTc-pertechnetate in saline and tested under varying conditions. RESULTS: Labeling efficiency was largely unaffected, except for [99mTc]Tc-HMPAO, which showed significant reductions with temperature changes (p < 0.001). UV light significantly degraded labeling in all kits (p < 0.001), and pH changes reduced [99mTc]Tc-DMSA efficiency. CONCLUSION: Stability depends on optimized formulation, storage, and preparation, and shelf-life extension may be feasible under controlled conditions.
Med Princ Pract
· 2026 · PMID 40938799
·
Full text
Preclinical education plays a fundamental role in dental training by providing students with essential knowledge of human anatomy and opportunities to practice a range of clinical procedures. In recent years, the growing...Preclinical education plays a fundamental role in dental training by providing students with essential knowledge of human anatomy and opportunities to practice a range of clinical procedures. In recent years, the growing demand for more realistic and individualized clinical simulations has driven the development of increasingly sophisticated training models. In this context, three-dimensional printing has emerged as a transformative technology in dental education. This scoping review aimed to identify and evaluate the applications of 3D printing in the educational setting. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Embase, and Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS) databases to identify studies employing 3D printing in dental teaching and learning. A total of 94 studies encompassing 11 dental specialties were included in the qualitative synthesis. 3D-printed models have been used to support anatomical studies and the training of clinical procedures. Both students and dentists reported that these models effectively complement conventional teaching strategies, enhancing the overall learning experience. Furthermore, 3D printing offers more tailored educational opportunities by enabling the fabrication of patient-specific anatomical replicas and promoting student-centered, self-directed learning. Incorporating 3D printing into dental curricula is therefore recommended to improve educational outcomes and support the development of clinical competencies.
Med Princ Pract
· 2026 · PMID 40889228
·
Full text
<p>Heart failure is a complex clinical syndrome, with more than half of the cases classified as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). HFpEF is strongly associated with comorbidities such as hypertension...<p>Heart failure is a complex clinical syndrome, with more than half of the cases classified as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). HFpEF is strongly associated with comorbidities such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes, anemia, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, advanced age, and female gender. Despite its high prevalence, the exact pathogenesis of HFpEF remains poorly understood, leading to limited therapeutic options and poor prognosis. Recently, a novel paradigm has emerged, suggesting that comorbidities drive myocardial dysfunction and remodeling in HFpEF through coronary microvascular inflammation. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms linking inflammation to coronary microvascular dysfunction in HFpEF and discusses current therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways. </p>.
Med Princ Pract
· 2026 · PMID 40875727
·
Full text
UNLABELLED: <p>Objective: The aim of this study was to assess visual evoked potential (VEP) abnormalities as indicators of subclinical visual pathway dysfunction in polio survivors (PSs) and to examine the relationship b...UNLABELLED: <p>Objective: The aim of this study was to assess visual evoked potential (VEP) abnormalities as indicators of subclinical visual pathway dysfunction in polio survivors (PSs) and to examine the relationship between visual cortical excitability and fatigue severity. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty PSs with a history of childhood poliomyelitis and 30 healthy age- and sex-matched controls underwent pattern-reversal VEP (PRVEP) and flash VEP testing between July 2022 and November 2024 in this prospective case-control study. Participants with ophthalmologic, neurological, or systemic diseases affecting visual pathways were excluded. Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) scores were assessed in all PSs. RESULTS: Compared to controls, PSs demonstrated significantly reduced amplitudes of the positive wave appearing approximately 100 ms after the stimulus (P100) in PRVEP recordings (p < 0.05), while latencies and flash VEP amplitudes were comparable. VEP responses were unobtainable in two PSs. Seven of the PSs had post-polio syndrome. No significant differences in VEP findings were observed between PSs with and without post-polio syndrome. Fatigue was present in 87% of PSs (FSS >4), but no significant correlation was found between FSS scores and VEP parameters. CONCLUSION: The reduction in PRVEP amplitudes in PSs, in the absence of ophthalmologic pathology, may reflect subclinical involvement of central visual structures such as the lateral geniculate nucleus or reticular formation. These findings appear to be independent of subjective fatigue severity. </p>.
Jareebi MA, Humedi A, Darraj A
… +12 more, Alsyrawan J, Bamanie A, Alghamdi S, Marzuqi A, Al-Matrafi M, Alharbi D, Barnawi A, Abu Halimah J, H Majrashi A, Alsriha AS, A Alselmi A, A Alneel G
Med Princ Pract
· 2026 · PMID 40875704
·
Full text
UNLABELLED: <p>Objective: Our systematic review aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of moxibustion (MXB) therapy for hyperlipidemia (HLP) by analyzing pre- and post-treatment outcomes. METHODS: This meta-analysis o...UNLABELLED: <p>Objective: Our systematic review aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of moxibustion (MXB) therapy for hyperlipidemia (HLP) by analyzing pre- and post-treatment outcomes. METHODS: This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluated MXB therapy's effects on adult HLP patients, assessing pre- and post-treatment fasting blood sugar (FBS), apolipoprotein A-I (Apo A-I), apolipoprotein B (Apo B), and lipid profiles including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), using a random-effects model. Results showed significant changes in these parameters, indicating MXB's potential efficacy in improving lipid metabolism and related markers. RESULTS: The analysis includes 6 studies comprising 228 HLP patients (males: 25.43%, females: 51.75%, unknown: 22.8%). Result showed significant difference in TC (OR = 0.69 [0.13, 1.24], p = 0.02), LDL (OR = 0.42 [0.22, 0.63], p = 0.00), Apo B (OR = 0.33 [0.06, 0.60], p = 0.02), FBS (OR = 0.38 [0.05, 0.71], p = 0.02), and TG (OR = 0.35 [0.16, 0.54], p = 0.00) values in post-treatment group compared to pretreatment group. However, no significant changes was analyzed in values of HDL (OR = -0.16 [-0.38, 0.06], p = 0.16) and Apo A-l (OR = 0.01 [-0.26, 0.28], p = 0.96). CONCLUSION: Statistical analysis showed a positive correlation between MXB therapy and HLP. This supports the clinical application of MXB for HLP treatment. However, further high-quality studies with optimal doses in high-risk population and comprehensive safety reporting would enhance clinical applicability. </p>.
Almutairi SS, Azizieh FY, Al-Herz AA
… +3 more, Al-Shemary TE, Alsaber AR, Raghupathy R
Med Princ Pract
· 2026 · PMID 40795762
·
Full text
UNLABELLED: <p>Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate cytokine profiles in patients with both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and bronchial asthma (BA). METHODS: We studied 25 patients with RA, 25 with BA, and...UNLABELLED: <p>Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate cytokine profiles in patients with both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and bronchial asthma (BA). METHODS: We studied 25 patients with RA, 25 with BA, and 25 with both RA and BA (BARA). A respiratory questionnaire was completed by all the patients, they underwent spirometry, and their production patterns of selected T helper (Th)1, Th2, and Th17 cytokines were assessed. RESULTS: BA patients had spirometry findings similar to BARA patients, while RA patients had normal spirometry. BA patients produced significantly higher levels of interleukin (IL)-5 (p = 0.03) and IL-10 (p = 0.03) than patients with RA. Median levels of IL-17A and IL-17F and interferon (IFN)-γ were higher (p = 0.001, 0.004, and 0.04) in RA patients than in BA patients. No differences were seen in the levels of cytokines produced by BA patients compared to BARA patients. IL-4 and IL-10 levels were higher (p = 0.04 and 0.03) in BARA patients than in RA patients, while levels of IL-17A and IFN-γ were higher (p = 0.037 and 0.009, respectively) in RA patients than in BARA patients. Ratios of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Th2 cytokines in most combinations were different between RA and BA, and between RA and BARA, but were similar in BA and BARA. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with both BA and RA have a Th2-dominant cytokine profile unlike patients with RA alone. These observations contribute to a better understanding of the immunopathogenesis of these diseases and to the management of patients using cytokine-based therapies. </p>.
Pereira AG, Cunha LNP, Paiva SAR
… +5 more, Azevedo PS, Zornoff LAM, Polegato BF, Costa NA, Minicucci MF
Med Princ Pract
· 2026 · PMID 40753975
·
Full text
<p>Beriberi is a nutritional disorder caused by thiamine deficiency. Classically, Beriberi presents in two primary clinical forms: "wet" Beriberi, which features heart and circulatory system impairment, and "dry" Beriber...<p>Beriberi is a nutritional disorder caused by thiamine deficiency. Classically, Beriberi presents in two primary clinical forms: "wet" Beriberi, which features heart and circulatory system impairment, and "dry" Beriberi, which causes polyneuropathy. Although it is an easily treatable condition, it is often misdiagnosed and can be life-threatening if not promptly recognized and managed. The diagnosis of Beriberi is performed by the signs and symptoms of the disease and can be confirmed by thiamine deficiency identification or by therapeutic testing. However, considering the costs and the limitations of the assays to evaluate thiamine deficiency, the diagnosis based on the evaluation of clinical signs and symptoms and the therapeutic test could eliminate the need for measuring serum thiamine levels. Regarding treatment, immediate thiamine administration in the presence of clinical manifestations of the disease is recommended. Overall, 100-300 mg daily doses are enough to improve symptoms. In this review, we aim to (1) provide a clinical update about how to identify and treat the Beriberi and (2) describe the historical perspective, pathophysiological mechanisms, and other relevant aspects which may have applications in clinical management of Beriberi. </p>.
Ercan A, Ozasir T, Ozasir B
… +3 more, Yesil I, Arslan ZS, Gulsahi K
Med Princ Pract
· 2026 · PMID 40753968
·
Full text
UNLABELLED: <p>Objectives: This clinical within-subjects study aimed to compare patients' stress levels at the beginning and end of endodontic treatment (ET) and restorative treatment (RT) and to examine whether a correl...UNLABELLED: <p>Objectives: This clinical within-subjects study aimed to compare patients' stress levels at the beginning and end of endodontic treatment (ET) and restorative treatment (RT) and to examine whether a correlation exists between dental anxiety levels, as measured by anxiety assessment tests, and cortisol levels obtained from saliva. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty-four patients who required ET and RT on a maxillary premolar were selected. They were asked to complete the Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale (CDAS) before and after each treatment phase. Saliva samples were collected and analysed to determine their salivary cortisol levels using validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Intragroup comparisons of the CDAS scores and salivary cortisol levels were conducted using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, while intergroup comparisons were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Correlations were assessed using Spearman's method. RESULTS: Statistically significant reductions were observed in the CDAS scores and cortisol levels during treatment. Specifically, the CDAS scores significantly decreased from the pre-ET phase to the post-ET phase (p = 0.004), and from the pre-RT phase to the post-RT phase (p < 0.001). Additionally, the salivary cortisol levels after the post-RT phase were significantly lower than in both the pre-RT and pre-ET phases (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Although the patients reported higher anxiety levels before ET than RT, the absence of a control condition and the time gap between the sessions limited the interpretation of these findings and prevented definitive causal conclusions. No statistically significant correlation was found between the CDAS scores and the cortisol levels. </p>.
Hegazi A, Mohamed RG, Kashbour M
… +5 more, Hussien HO, Amin AM, Kassar O, Nashwan AJ, Abouelmagd ME
Med Princ Pract
· 2026 · PMID 40720947
·
Full text
UNLABELLED: <p>Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of glibenclamide versus control in acute stroke. METHODS: In accordance with PRISMA guidelines,...UNLABELLED: <p>Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of glibenclamide versus control in acute stroke. METHODS: In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies up to January 15, 2025. Efficacy outcomes included modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 3 and 6 months, Barthel index, midline shift at 72-96 h, serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 levels, and decompressive craniectomy. Safety analysis assessed the incidence of hypoglycemia, mortality, and serious adverse events (SAEs). RESULTS: A total of seven randomized controlled trials involving 1,225 patients were included in the meta-analysis. No statistically significant differences were observed in the efficacy outcomes in the pooled analysis. In subgroup analysis of mRS, glibenclamide was superior in intracerebral hemorrhage (mean difference [MD] = -0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] [-1, -0.34], p value <0.0001) but not ischemic or subarachnoid hemorrhage subtypes (MD = -0.03, 95% CI [-0.34, 0.28], p value = 0.86) and (MD = 0.06, 95% CI [-0.6, 0.71], p value = 0.86), respectively. In terms of safety, there were no significant differences in SAE or mortality (odds ratio [OR] = 1.34, 95% CI [0.99, 1.8], p value = 0.06) and (OR = 0.67, 95% CI [0.31, 1.45], p value = 0.31), respectively. However, glibenclamide was associated with an increased risk of hypoglycemia (OR = 5.03, 95% CI [2.17, 11.66], p value = 0.0002). CONCLUSION: The use of glibenclamide did not demonstrate improved outcomes in patients with acute stroke. However, real-time pharmacokinetic monitoring, identifying optimal administration route, and patient subgroups, which may potentially benefit from glibenclamide are essential before the drug's efficacy can be conclusively determined. </p>.
Med Princ Pract
· 2026 · PMID 40716431
·
Full text
UNLABELLED: <p>Objectives: This study aimed to investigate whether the frequency of the Glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1-null genotype) is associated with the development and/or severity of bronchopulmonary dysplasia...UNLABELLED: <p>Objectives: This study aimed to investigate whether the frequency of the Glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1-null genotype) is associated with the development and/or severity of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in premature newborns (PTNBs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case-control study, 60 PTNBs with BPD and 42 PTNBs without BPD, of both sexes, were evaluated. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes and genotyping was performed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Of the total sample, 59% were diagnosed with BPD. Males predominated in both groups (p = 0.6886). A higher rate of extreme PTNB was observed in cases (80%) and moderate in controls (55%) (p = 0.0006). Extremely low birth weight (ELBW) was most frequent in cases (43%) and low BW in controls (33%) (p = 0.0017). Grades II/III of BPD predominated in 58% of cases. Both the GSTM1-null genotype (odds ratio [OR]: 2.452; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.150-5.840; p = 0.0258) and gestational age (OR: 0.5271; 95% CI: 0.38-0.72; p < 0.0001) were significantly associated with BPD development. The GSTM1-null genotype was more frequent in cases (57%), indicating a significant risk of developing BPD (OR: 2.615; 95% CI: 1.152-5.939; p = 0.0267). Among cases, GSTM1-null was identified in 79% of extreme PTNBs (p = 0.0040) and 53% of ELBW newborns (p = 0.0098). In PTNB with BPD grades II/III, the GSTM1-null genotype was present in 69% of cases, indicating an increased risk for more severe forms of BPD (OR: 3.273; 95% CI: 1.120-9.564; p = 0.0364). CONCLUSION: PTNB with BPD have a higher frequency of the GSTM1-null genotype which is associated with an increased risk of developing BPD and its more severe forms. </p>.
Dera HA, Khojah AM, Sakhakhni A
… +5 more, Alghamdi S, Alsharef F, Alqahtani A, Alamri F, Aga SS
Med Princ Pract
· 2026 · PMID 40706582
·
Full text
UNLABELLED: <p>Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of cannabinoid (CB) receptor modulation on infarct volume and behavioral deficits in animal models of focal ischemic stroke,...UNLABELLED: <p>Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of cannabinoid (CB) receptor modulation on infarct volume and behavioral deficits in animal models of focal ischemic stroke, with a primary focus on infarct outcomes. METHOD: A comprehensive literature search was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, yielding 29 eligible studies for inclusion. RESULTS: The analysis revealed significant reductions in infarct volume with CB agonists, particularly CB1 and CB2 agonists, indicating their potential as neuroprotective agents. Subgroup analyses further highlighted specific agonists, such as ACEA and KN38-72717, as particularly effective in reducing infarct volume. Additionally, CB antagonists, particularly CB1 antagonists, such as SR141716, showed promising results in reducing infarct volume. Although improvements in neurological scores were observed with both agonists and antagonists, statistical significance was not reached, indicating the need for further investigation. CONCLUSION: These results highlight the potential of CB receptor modulation as a neuroprotective strategy in ischemic strokes and underscore the need for further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimize therapeutic approaches. </p>.