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1.
JOR Spine ; 7(3): e1364, 2024 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39144499

ABSTRACT

Background: In parallel with population aging, the prevalence of neurological and neurodegenerative diseases has been dramatically increasing over the past few decades. Neurodegenerative diseases reduce the quality of life of patients and impose a high cost on the health system. These slowly progressive diseases can cause functional, perceptual, and behavioral deficits in patients. Therefore, neurodegenerative impairments have always been an interesting subject for scientists and clinicians. One of these diseases is spinal cord injury (SCI). SCI can lead to irreversible damage and is classified into two main subtypes: traumatic and non-traumatic, each with very different pathophysiological features. Aims: This review aims to gather relevant information about the beneficial effects of curcumin (Cur), with specific emphasis on its anti-inflammatory properties towards spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. Materials & Methods: The review collates data from extensive in-vitro, in-vivo, and clinical trials documenting the effects of CUR on SCI. It examines the modulation of pathophysiological pathways and regulation of the inflammatory cascades after CUR administration. Results: Various pathophysiological processes involving the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) signaling pathways have been suggested to exacerbate damages resulting from SCI. CUR administration showed to modulate these signaling pathways which lead to attenuation of SCI complications. Discussion: Anti-inflammatory compounds, particularly CUR, can modulate these pathophysiological pathways and regulate the inflammatory cascades. CUR, a well-known natural product with significant anti-inflammatory effects, has been extensively documented in experimental and clinical trials. Conclusion: Curcumin's potential to alter key steps in the Nrf2, NF-kB, and TGF-ß signaling pathways suggests that it may play a role in attenuating SCI complications.

2.
Int J Environ Health Res ; : 1-40, 2024 Aug 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39161080

ABSTRACT

Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are present in urban dust and the aquatic environments of industrialized cities. MNPs in the human body accumulate in the lymphoid follicles, Peyer's patches of the gastrointestinal tract, and pulmonary vascular endothelial cells, which slowly result in toxicity. Since previous studies introduced curcumin as a natural protective agent against environmental toxins, we reviewed preclinical studies that had used curcumin to protect organs or cells from toxicity secondary to exposure to MNPs. It was found that exposure to MNPs resulted in osteolysis, immunotoxicity, thyroid disturbances, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, pulmonary toxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, cardiovascular toxicity, and especially endocrine, and reproductive toxicity. Nevertheless, except for one study reviewed, curcumin restored all oxidative and histopathological damages induced by MNPs to normal due to curcumin's inherent antioxidant, antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative properties.

3.
Diabetes Res Clin Pract ; : 111800, 2024 Aug 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39151730

ABSTRACT

Automated insulin delivery (AID) in people with type 1 diabetes (pwT1D) and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) on haemodialysis (HD) has not been reported previously. We describe practical considerations and our findings in four pwT1D on HD for ESKD where AID was safely implemented, with significant improvements in time in range.

4.
Pers Soc Psychol Bull ; : 1461672241262180, 2024 Jul 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39078018

ABSTRACT

People are often advised to project confidence with their bodies and voices to convince others. Prior research has focused on the high and low thinking processes through which vocal confidence signals (e.g., fast speed, falling intonation, low pitch) can influence attitude change. In contrast, this research examines how the vocal confidence of speakers operates under more moderate elaboration levels, revealing that falling intonation only benefits persuasion under certain circumstances. In three experiments, we show that falling (vs. rising) vocal intonation at the ends of sentences can signal speaker confidence. Under moderate elaboration conditions, falling (vs. rising) vocal intonation increased message processing, bolstering the benefit of strong over weak messages, increasing the proportion of message-relevant thoughts, and increasing thought-attitude correspondence. In sum, the present work examined an unstudied role of vocal confidence in guiding persuasion, revealing new processes by which vocal signals increase or fail to increase persuasion.

5.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38833727

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) plays a vital role in providing life support for patients with reversible cardiac or respiratory failure. Given the high rate of complications and difficulties associated with caring for ECMO patients, the goal of this study was to compare outcomes of orthopaedic surgery in polytrauma patients who received ECMO with similar patients who have not. This will help elucidate the timing and type of fixation that should be considered in patients on ECMO. METHODS: A retrospective cohort was collected from the electronic medical record of two level I trauma centers over an 8-year period (2015 to 2022) using Current Procedural Terminology codes. Patients were matched with a similar counterpart not requiring ECMO based on sex, age, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, body mass index, injury severity score, and fracture characteristics. Outcomes measured included length of stay, number of revisions, time to definitive fixation, infection, amputation, revision surgery to promote bone healing, implant failure, bleeding requiring return to the operating room, and mortality. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients comprised our ECMO cohort with a patient-matched control group. The ECMO cohort had an increased length of stay (40 versus 17.5 days, P = 0.001), number of amputations (7 versus 0, P = 0.011), and mortality rate (19% versus 0%, P = 0.024). When comparing patients placed on ECMO before definitive fixation and after definitive fixation, the group placed on ECMO before definitive fixation had significantly longer time to definitive fixation than the group placed on ECMO after fixation (14 versus 2.0 days, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: ECMO is a lifesaving measure for trauma patients with cardiopulmonary issues but can complicate fracture care. Although it is not associated with an increase in revision surgery rates, ECMO was associated with prolonged hospital stay and delays in definitive fracture surgery when initiated before definitive fixation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

6.
J Orthop Case Rep ; 14(6): 147-151, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38910985

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Incidental discovery of anomalous muscles and anatomical variants within the forearm and wrist through surgical exposure and advanced imaging techniques is relatively common. Case Report: The patient presented with pain and swelling in her hand that was refractory to rest and anti-inflammatory medications. Here, we describe the intraoperative discovery of an anatomical variant of the flexor carpi radialis (FCR), as well as an anomalous flexor carpi radialis brevis (FCRB) in a 58-year-old patient being treated for thumb carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ) arthritis. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of both anomalies within a single patient and the first use of the surgical technique, described here, in treating the patient's thumb CMCJ arthritis. This report reinforces the importance of meticulous dissection and identification of individual anatomy to optimize patient outcomes.

7.
Cardiol Young ; 34(2): 370-372, 2024 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37434447

ABSTRACT

Type A3 truncus arteriosus describes pulmonary atresia with non-confluent mediastinal pulmonary arteries in which one pulmonary artery arises from a patent ductus arteriosus and the contralateral pulmonary artery from the aorta resulting in ductal dependent pulmonary blood flow. We describe a premature neonate with caudal regression syndrome and type A3 truncus arteriosus who was palliated with a ductal stent allowing completion of a prolonged neonatal ICU hospitalisation for multiple comorbidities.


Subject(s)
Ductus Arteriosus, Patent , Ductus Arteriosus , Truncus Arteriosus, Persistent , Infant, Newborn , Humans , Ductus Arteriosus, Patent/complications , Ductus Arteriosus, Patent/surgery , Truncus Arteriosus , Truncus Arteriosus, Persistent/surgery , Pulmonary Artery/diagnostic imaging , Pulmonary Artery/surgery , Stents
8.
Ann Hematol ; 103(5): 1455-1482, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37526673

ABSTRACT

Like almost all cancer types, timely diagnosis is needed for leukemias to be effectively cured. Drug efflux, attenuated drug uptake, altered drug metabolism, and epigenetic alterations are just several of the key mechanisms by which drug resistance develops. All of these mechanisms are orchestrated by up- and downregulators, in which non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) do not encode specific proteins in most cases; albeit, some of them have been found to exhibit the potential for protein-coding. Notwithstanding, ncRNAs are chiefly known for their contribution to the regulation of physiological processes, as well as the pathological ones, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and immune responses. Specifically, in the case of leukemia chemo-resistance, ncRNAs have been recognized to be responsible for modulating the initiation and progression of drug resistance. Herein, we comprehensively reviewed the role of ncRNAs, specifically its effect on molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways, in the development of leukemia drug resistance.


Subject(s)
Leukemia , MicroRNAs , Neoplasms , Humans , RNA, Untranslated/genetics , Signal Transduction/genetics , Leukemia/drug therapy , Leukemia/genetics , Drug Resistance , MicroRNAs/metabolism
9.
Environ Toxicol Chem ; 43(4): 833-846, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38146911

ABSTRACT

Arsenic can accumulate in freshwater biota, sometimes reaching potentially harmful levels. However, the toxicity of arsenic strongly depends on which arsenic species are present. Although organic species are considered less harmful than inorganic ones, they have not been extensively studied in freshwater environments, and drivers of variation in arsenic speciation among sites and taxa remain unclear. We assessed concentrations of two organic arsenic species, arsenobetaine (AsB) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), in fish and invertebrates from three lakes near Sudbury, Ontario, Canada-a region with widespread mining impacts. Both AsB and DMA were detected in most samples (n = 212), varying across a wide range of concentrations (<0.001-30.144 and <0.006-5.262 mg/kg dry wt, respectively). The lake with the most severe mining impacts typically had the highest concentrations (designated by square brackets []) of AsB and DMA. In contrast, the percentage of total arsenic made up by AsB (%AsB) and DMA (%DMA) did not vary significantly between lakes. Arsenic speciation in fish muscle varied with fish size, selenium concentrations, and trophic elevation (inferred from nitrogen stable isotope ratios δ15N), but relationships with dietary carbon source (inferred from carbon stable isotope ratios δ13C) were more varied. Within all three lake food webs, [AsB] and [DMA] typically underwent biodilution, decreasing with trophic elevation (i.e., δ15N). Although the aforementioned factors explained some variation in arsenic speciation, there remains considerable unexplained variation. Further studies on arsenic speciation in freshwater biota should target a wider diversity of taxa to better understand drivers of variation in arsenic speciation. In addition, research emphasizing the percentage of inorganic arsenic and other organic arsenic species is needed to improve environmental and human health risk assessments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:833-846. © 2024 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.


Subject(s)
Arsenic , Arsenicals , Animals , Humans , Arsenic/analysis , Food Chain , Cacodylic Acid , Fishes , Lakes , Ontario , Isotopes , Carbon
10.
Curr Med Chem ; 2023 Oct 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37817661

ABSTRACT

The natural polyphenol, calebin-A, was recently discovered and identified as a novel phytopharmaceutical with anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and antiproliferative properties. Calebin-A occurs naturally in trace quantities in Curcuma longa/C cassia, commonly known as turmeric, from the Zingiberaceae family. Calebin-A is a curcumin analog or 'chemical cousin' of curcumin with a similar chemical structure. Although few research studies have been conducted on the pharmacological and therapeutic properties of calebin-A, it is a very promising molecule with a variety of pharmacological properties. Some studies have suggested that calebin-A is helpful in treating various cancers due to its inhibitory effect on cell growth and anti-inflammatory properties. Other studies have suggested that calebin-A may improve neurocognitive status associated with neurodegeneration caused by Alzheimer's disease (AD) by inhibiting the aggregation of ß-amyloid. Finally, several studies have proposed that calebin-A may potentially be therapeutically beneficial in treating patients with obesity. This novel compound downregulates nuclear factor (NF)-κB-mediated processes involved with cancer, such as tumor cell invasion, proliferation, metastasis, and, most profoundly, inflammation. Moreover, calebin-A influences the activities of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in cancer cells. The present review identifies and discusses the pharmacological and phytochemical properties of calebin-A, as well as its therapeutic benefits and limitations, for future scientists and clinicians interested in exploring calebin-A's medicinal qualities.

11.
Sci Rep ; 13(1): 17347, 2023 10 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37833428

ABSTRACT

The study was designed to quantify retina function in a spontaneous mutation mouse model of diabetes, in which sustained dyslipidemia was induced chemically. The goal of the study was to identify if dyslipidemia in the presence of hyperglycemia resulted in either a synergistic, or a merely additive, exacerbation of retinal and visual dysfunctions in diabetes. Two cohorts of mice, male C57BL/6 and C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice were divided into two groups each. One group of each strain received the triblock copolymer, poloxamer 407 (P-407), administered by intraperitoneal injection ("WT P-407" and "db/db P-407" groups) with saline as a control in the remaining two groups ("WT" and "db/db" groups). Blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC) and total triglyceride (TG) levels were quantified using enzyme-based colorimetric assays. Retina function was measured using electroretinography (ERG) and visual acuity was determined by behaviorally assessing parameters of the optomotor reflex. TC and TG levels were normal in both saline controls (WT) and db/db mice but were significantly elevated in the WT P-407 group (p < 0.01 for TC; p < 0.001 for TG), while levels of the same lipids were further elevated in the db/db P-407 group when compared to the WT P-407 group levels (p < 0.001 for both TC and TG). Behavioral assessment of the optomotor reflex indicated reduced visual acuity for the db/db P-407 group when compared to either the WT P-407 or the db/db groups (p < 0.001, p < 0.0001). ERG measurements of scotopic retina function showed a significant decline in the scotopic b-wave amplitude of the WT P-407 animals (p < 0.01) and a further reduction for the db/db P-407 group when compared to controls (p < 0.0001). Very significant, strong correlations between scotopic b-wave amplitude and implicit time to TC (r = - 0.8376, p = < 0.0001 and r = 0.7069, p = 0.0022, respectively) and TG levels (r = - 0.8554, p = < 0.0001 and r = 0.7150, p = 0.0019, respectively) were found. Dyslipidemia in the presence of hyperglycemia synergistically exacerbated the severity of retinal dysfunction in diabetes. P-407 administration significantly elevated plasma TC and TG levels in male wild-type (WT) and diabetic mice (db/db), but the resulting hyperlipidemia was more significantly pronounced in the diabetic mice. While elevated plasma lipid and blood glucose levels were individually correlated with a decline in retinal function, the combination of both exacerbated retinal dysfunction. This model of combined hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia can be used to dissect individual contributions of features of the metabolic syndrome to the pathogenesis of retinal dysfunction in diabetes.


Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental , Dyslipidemias , Hyperglycemia , Male , Mice , Animals , Blood Glucose , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/chemically induced , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/complications , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/genetics , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Retina/metabolism , Hyperglycemia/chemically induced , Hyperglycemia/complications , Dyslipidemias/chemically induced
12.
Pers Soc Psychol Bull ; : 1461672231197547, 2023 Oct 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37876177

ABSTRACT

Three experiments tested how low versus high pitch generated from sources beyond a message communicator can affect reliance on thoughts and influence recipients' attitudes. First, participants wrote positive or negative thoughts about an exam proposal (Experiments 1, 2) or their academic abilities (Experiment 3). Then, pitch from the message recipient (Experiment 1), channel (Experiment 2), or context (Experiment 3) was manipulated to be high or low. Experiment 1 showed that when participants vocally expressed their thoughts using low (vs. high) pitch, thoughts had a greater effect on attitudes toward exams. Experiment 2 revealed low (vs. high) pitch sounds from the keyboard participants used to write their thoughts produced the same effect on thought usage. Experiment 3 demonstrated that thoughts influenced attitudes more when listed while background music was low (vs. high) Pitch can influence attitudes through a meta-cognitive thought reliance process whether emerging from the recipient, channel, or context.

13.
Infect Agent Cancer ; 18(1): 55, 2023 Sep 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37775773

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is ubiquitous and in sub-Saharan Africa, occurs early in life. In a population-based rural African cohort, we leveraged historical samples from the General Population Cohort (GPC) in Uganda to examine the epidemiology of infection with EBV over time, in the era of HIV. METHODS: We used 9024 serum samples collected from the GPC in 1992, 2000, 2008, from 7576 participants across the age range (0-99 years of age) and tested for anti-EBV immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to EAd, VCA, and EBNA-1 using a multiplex bead-based assay. The related gammaherpesvirus, Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) seropositivity was also determined by detection of anti-KSHV IgG antibodies to K8.1 or ORF73 measured by recombinant protein enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data on sex, age, and HIV serostatus were also collected. EBV seropositivity was modeled with age (excluding those under one year, who may have had maternal antibodies), sex, HIV serostatus, and KSHV serostatus using generalized linear mixed effects models to produce beta estimates. RESULTS: More than 93% of children were EBV seropositive by one year of age. EBV seropositivity was significantly associated with KSHV seropositivity. Anti-EBNA-1 antibody levels decreased with increasing age and were lower on average in people living with HIV. In general, anti-EAd antibody levels increased with age, were higher in males and KSHV seropositive persons, but decreased over calendar time. Anti-VCA antibody levels increased with age and with calendar time and were higher in KSHV seropositive persons but lower in males. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to identify factors associated with EBV antibodies across the entire life-course in rural sub-Saharan Africa. Consistent with other studies, EBV was near ubiquitous in the population by age one year. Patterns of antibodies show changes by age, sex and calendar time, but no association with HIV was evident, suggesting no relationship between EBV sero-epidemiology and the spread of HIV in the population over time in Uganda.

14.
Curr Med Chem ; 2023 Jul 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37415368

ABSTRACT

SARS-CoV-2 invades the respiratory tract epithelium and can result in systemic inflammation prior to an infection caused by either bacteria or fungus. COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) is a serious condition that can occur during the time of the disease due to increased administration of corticosteroids. Various studies have suggested that statins may improve clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients. According to several preclinical reports, fluvastatin was shown to exert direct and indirect synergistic antifungal activity. Thus, fluvastatin could be considered a potential antifungal agent when no other option is available. Furthermore, in comparison with other statins, fluvastatin exhibits the fewest drug/drug interactions with anti-Mucorales azoles (e.g., isavuconazole and posaconazole), as well as with medicines that are used in solid organ transplant recipients (e.g., cyclosporine) and HIV-positive individuals (e.g., ritonavir); two groups of patients that have a higher risk of infection with Mucorales fungi following a SARS-CoV-2 infection.

15.
Curr Med Chem ; 2023 05 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37138420

ABSTRACT

Psoriasis is defined as a chronic autoimmune disorder of the skin in which abnormal proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes are blamed as the central culprit of disease etiopathogenesis. A complex interplay between environmental factors and genetic risk factors has been suggested to trigger the disease. However, epigenetic regulation appears to connect external stimuli and genetic abnormalities in the development of psoriasis. The discordance in the prevalence of psoriasis between monozygotic twins and environmental factors that contribute to its onset have caused a paradigm shift regarding the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of this disease. Epigenetic dysregulation may be involved in aberrancies of keratinocyte differentiation, T-cell activation, and other plausible cells, leading to the initiation and perpetuation of psoriasis. Epigenetics is characterized by heritable alterations in the transcription of genes without nucleotide change and is commonly considered at three levels, i.e., DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNAs. To date, scientific evidence has indicated abnormal DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA transcription in psoriatic patients. In order to reverse aberrant epigenetic changes in psoriasis patients, several compounds and drugs (epi-drugs) have been developed to affect the major enzymes involved in the methylation of DNA, or the acetylation of histones, which aim to correct the aberrant methylation and acetylation patterns. A number of clinical trials have suggested the therapeutic potential of such drugs in the treatment of psoriasis. In the present review, we attempt to clarify recent findings with respect to epigenetic irregularities in psoriasis and discuss future challenges.

16.
Biofactors ; 49(5): 984-1009, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37191383

ABSTRACT

The aim of this review was to review and discuss various phytochemicals that exhibit beneficial effects on mutated membrane channels, and hence, improve transmembrane conductance. These therapeutic phytochemicals may have the potential to decrease mortality and morbidity of CF patients. Four databases were searched using keywords. Relevant studies were identified, and related articles were separated. Google Scholar, as well as gray literature (i.e., information that is not produced by commercial publishers), were also checked for related articles to locate/identify additional studies. The relevant databases were searched a second time to ensure that recent studies were included. In conclusion, while curcumin, genistein, and resveratrol have demonstrated effectiveness in this regard, it should be emphasized that coumarins, quercetin, and other herbal medicines also have beneficial effects on transporter function, transmembrane conductivity, and overall channel activity. Additional in vitro and in vivo studies should be conducted on mutant CFTR to unequivocally define the mechanism by which phytochemicals alter transmembrane channel function/activity, since the results of the studies evaluated in this review have a high degree of heterogenicity and discrepancy. Finally, continued research be undertaken to clearly define the mechanism(s) of action and the therapeutic effects that therapeutic phytochemicals have on the symptoms observed in CF patients in an effort to reduce mortality and morbidity.

17.
J Diabetes Investig ; 14(7): 917-920, 2023 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37191402

ABSTRACT

We share our experience of using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy and diabetes technology in six people (5 men) with type 1 diabetes (mean duration 36 years), who developed hyperglycemia post-simultaneous kidney/pancreas (n = 5) or pancreas only (n = 1) transplant. All were on immunosuppression and multiple daily injections of insulin prior to CSII. Four people were started on automated insulin delivery, and two people on CSII and intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring. With diabetes technology, the median time in range glucose improved from 37% (24-49%) to 56.6% (48-62%), and similarly, glycated hemoglobin fell from 72.7 mmol/mol (72-79 mmol/mol) to 64 mmol/mol (42-67 mmol/mol; P < 0.05 for both) with no concomitant increase in hypoglycemia. Use of diabetes technology improved glycemic parameters in people with type 1 diabetes with failing pancreatic graft function. Early use of such technology should be considered to improve diabetes control in this complex cohort.


Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 , Hyperglycemia , Male , Humans , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/complications , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/drug therapy , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/surgery , Hypoglycemic Agents/therapeutic use , Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring , Blood Glucose , Insulin/therapeutic use , Hyperglycemia/drug therapy , Hyperglycemia/etiology , Hyperglycemia/prevention & control , Pancreas , Kidney
18.
Curr Med Chem ; 2023 May 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37157199

ABSTRACT

Leptomeningeal disease (LMD) is a rare and lethal manifestation that may occur in the advanced stages of solid tumors and hematological malignancies. With advances in diagnostic techniques, the detection and confirmation of the presence of LMD have increased. Although its optimal treatment remains a challenge, the use of the intrathecal route for the delivery of novel therapeutics is now considered a promising drug delivery strategy to complement radiation and systemic-based therapies. Although methotrexate, cytarabine, and thiotepa have a long history in the treatment of LMD, other medications have also been shown to be beneficial. In this article, we have reviewed the effects of novel medications administered via the intrathecal route for the treatment of solid tumors. We have searched PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases till the end of September 2021 using the following keywords: ''leptomeningeal disease'', ''leptomeningeal carcinomatosis'', ''leptomeningeal metastases'', ''solid tumors'', ''solid cancers'', and ''intrathecal''. Our literature findings have uncovered that most studies on LMD, which occurs secondary to solid cancers, are available as 'case reports', and few clinical trials have been conducted to date. Single-drug (monotherapy) or combination drug therapy, administered via the intrathecal route, especially in metastatic breast and lung cancer, has been shown to improve patients' symptoms and overall lifespan, while exhibiting a low and acceptable prevalence of side effects. However, judgments/conclusions about the effectiveness and safety of these drugs still require further clinical evaluation.

19.
J Health Popul Nutr ; 42(1): 30, 2023 04 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37029427

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Inflammation is critical in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). hs-CRP, an inflammatory marker, is considered one of the prognostic predictors of hepatic damage progression in NAFLD in some studies. METHODS: We assessed the concordance of hs-CRP concentrations and liver steatosis, steatohepatitis, and fibrosis based on elastography, sonography and liver biopsy findings in patients with severe obesity undergoing bariatric surgery. RESULTS: Among 90 patients, 56.7% showed steatohepatitis and 8.9% severe fibrosis. Hs-CRP were significantly associated with liver histology in an adjusted regression model (OR 1.155, 95% CI 1.029-1.297, p = 0.014; OR 1.155, 1.029-1.297, p = 0.014; OR 1.130, 1.017-1.257, p = 0.024 for steatosis, steatohepatitis, and fibrosis, respectively). The ROC curve, a cutoff of hs-CRP = 7 mg/L, showed a reasonable specificity (76%) for detecting biopsy-proven fibrosis and steatosis. CONCLUSION: hs-CRP was associated with any degree of histologically diagnosed liver damage, and it had a reasonable specificity for predicting biopsy-proven steatosis and fibrosis in obese individuals. Further studies are needed to identify non-invasive biomarkers that could predict NALFD progression due to the relevant health risks linked to liver fibrosis.


Subject(s)
Elasticity Imaging Techniques , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease , Obesity, Morbid , Humans , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/complications , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/diagnostic imaging , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/pathology , C-Reactive Protein , Obesity, Morbid/complications , Obesity, Morbid/surgery , Liver Cirrhosis/etiology , Liver Cirrhosis/complications , Obesity/complications , Biopsy
20.
Drug Discov Today ; 28(6): 103599, 2023 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37116826

ABSTRACT

Nanomedicine has emerged as a field in which there are opportunities to improve the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of incurable diseases. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is known as a severe and fatal disease affecting children and adults. Conventional treatments have not produced optimal effectiveness in treating this condition. Several reasons for this include drug instability, poor solubility of the drug and a shortened duration of pharmacological action. The present review focuses on new approaches for delivering anti-PAH drugs using nanotechnology with the aim of overcoming these shortcomings and increasing their efficacy. Solid-lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, metal-organic frameworks and polymeric nanoparticles have demonstrated advantages for the potential treatment of PAH, including increased drug bioavailability, drug solubility and accumulation in the lungs.


Subject(s)
Nanoparticles , Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension , Child , Humans , Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension/drug therapy , Nanomedicine , Drug Delivery Systems , Micelles , Nanoparticles/therapeutic use , Nanotechnology
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