18F-FDG-PET brain imaging may highlight brain metabolic alterations in dysautonomic syndrome after human papilloma virus vaccination.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate brain glucose metabolism by means of [18F]-fluoro-deoxygluycose (F-FDG) PET in a group of patients presenting dysautonomic syndrome after human papilloma virus (HPV) immunization. METHODS: Medical records of patients, referred to the 'Second Opinion Medical Consulting Network' Medical Centre (Modena, Italy) diagnosed with dysautonomic syndrome were searched. Inclusion criteria were presence in the medical history of adverse drug reactions following HPV vaccine; a Montreal Cognitive Assessment score <25 and good quality of a F-FDG-PET brain scan performed within 12 months from the diagnosis of dysautonomic syndrome. F-FDG-PET images of patients (HPV-group) were compared to a control group, matched for age and sex, using statistical parametric mapping (SPM). RESULTS: The F-FDG-PET study was available for five female patients. The SPM-group analysis revealed significant hypometabolism (P < 0.05 false discovery rate corrected) in the right superior and medial temporal gyrus (Brodmann areas 22, 21) and insula (Brodmann area 13). At a threshold of P < 0.001 (uncorrected), further hypometabolic regions were revealed in the right superior temporal gyrus (Brodmann area 42) and caudate head and in the left superior temporal gyrus (Brodmann area 22), frontal subcallosal gyrus (Brodmann area 47) and insula (Brodmann area 13). Relative hypermetabolism (P = 0.001) was revealed in the right premotor cortex (Brodmann area 6). CONCLUSION: This study revealed the possibility of altered brain glucose metabolism in subjects with dysautonomic syndrome post-immunization with HPV vaccine. These results could reinforce the hypothesis of a causal relationship between HPV vaccine, or some component included in the vaccine and the development of clinical manifestations.

Electromedical devices in wound healing management: a narrative review.

Wound healing is the sum of physiological sequential steps, leading to skin restoration. However, in some conditions, such as diabetes, pressure ulcers (PU) and venous legs ulcers (VLU), healing is a major challenge and requires multiple strategies. In this context, some electromedical devices may accelerate and/or support wound healing, modulating the inflammatory, proliferation (granulation) and tissue-remodelling phases. This review describes some helpful electromedical devices including: ultrasonic-assisted wound debridement; electrotherapy; combined ultrasound and electric field stimulation; low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields; phototherapy (for example, laser therapy and light-emitting diode (LED) therapy); biophotonic therapies, and pressure therapies (for example, negative pressure wound therapy, and high pressure and intermittent pneumatic compression) The review focuses on the evidence-based medicine and adequate clinical trial design in relation to these devices.

Nutrition in wound healing: investigation of the molecular mechanisms, a narrative review.

Nutrition can be outlined in terms of epigenetic signals influencing each of the wound healing steps (haemostasis, inflammatory, proliferative and remodelling phase). Specific nutrients, such as amino acids, minerals, vitamins, natural compounds and herbal extracts, target DNA-regulating transcription factors, cytokines, extracellular matrix proteins and glycosaminoglycan, and are specifically involved in the wound healing process. This review focuses on experimental in vivo and clinical evidence of dietary supplements administration in pressure ulcers. A good nutritional status is, for example, fundamental to the haemostasis phase of skin wounds. In the inflammatory phase, vitamin A enhances cytokine release, bromelain and amino acids prevent prolonged inflammatory events, while vitamin C enhances neutrophil migration and lymphocyte activation. In the proliferative phase, vitamin C and Centella asiatica are required for collagen synthesis. Glucosamine enhances hyaluronic acid production, vitamin A promotes epithelial cell differentiation, zinc is required for DNA and protein synthesis and cell division, and Aloe vera supports granulation tissue generation. Finally, in the remodelling phase, amino acids and proteins play a key role in wound scar stabilisation.

Spontaneous, anecdotal, retrospective, open-label study on the efficacy, safety and tolerability of cannabis galenical preparation (Bedrocan).

OBJECTIVES: Our main aim was to investigate the short-term therapeutic effects, safety/tolerability and potential side effects of the cannabis galenical preparation (Bedrocan) in patients with a range of chronic conditions unresponsive to other treatments. METHODS: In this retrospective, 'compassionate use', observational, open-label study, 20 patients (age 18-80 years) who had appealed to our 'Second Opinion Medical Consulting Network' (Modena, Italy), were instructed to take sublingually the galenical oil twice a day for 3 months of treatment. The usual starting dose was low (0.5 ml/day) and gradually titrated upward to the highest recommended dose (1 ml/day). Tolerability and adverse effects were assessed at baseline and monthly thereafter during the treatment period through direct contact (email or telephone) or visit if required. Patients' quality of life was evaluated at baseline and 3 months using the medical outcome short-form health survey questionnaire (SF-36). KEY FINDINGS: From baseline to 6 months post-treatment, SF-36 scores showed: reductions in total pain (P < 0.03); improvements in the physical component (P < 0.02); vitality (P < 0.03); social role functioning (P < 0.02); and general health state (P < 0.02). No changes in role limitations (P = 0.02) due to emotional state (e.g. panic, depression, mood alteration) were reported. Monthly reports of psychoactive adverse effects showed significant insomnia reduction (P < 0.03) and improvement in mood (P < 0.03) and concentration (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that a cannabis galenical preparation may be therapeutically effective and safe for the symptomatic treatment of some chronic diseases. Further studies on the efficacy of cannabis as well as cannabinoid system involvement in the pathophysiology are warranted.

Gluten-free diet in non-celiac patients: beliefs, truths, advantages and disadvantages.

A gluten-free diet is the safest treatment for the treatment of patient with celiac disease (CD) and other gluten-related disorders. However, in the last years, gluten-free diet is one of the most popular diet followed by the general population and by patients affected from others clinical conditions, such as non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), autism, neurological, psychiatric and rheumatologic diseases and for improving sports practice. This review highlights some questions about the appropriateness of following this trend answering to some questions such as how safe are the current gluten-free products, what are the benefits and side effects of gluten-free diet and what are clinical conditions that might benefit from gluten avoidance.

Feasibility single-arm study of a medical device containing Desmodium adscendens and Lithothamnium calcareum combined with chemotherapy in head and neck cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Neoplasms of the head and neck represent approximately 5% of cancers and they require complex multidisciplinary clinical management. Desmodium adscendens (Desmodium) is a plant that possesses anti-allergic, antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. Lithothamnium calcareum (Lithothamnium) is a calcified seaweed that possesses remineralization properties and the ability to maintain homeostasis. AIM: In this single-arm study, we investigated the efficacy of a combination therapy based on Desmovit® which contains Desmodium and Lithothamnium, and chemotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer. METHODS: Twelve patients with histological or cytological diagnosis of stage IV head and neck cancer were enrolled in this study that was approved by the ethics committee of the Unità Operativa Complessa (UOC) di Oncologia Medica Azienda Ospedaliera Ospedali Riuniti Marche Nord and followed the Declaration of Helsinki guidelines. The patients were monitored by investigation of the performance status according to the Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), which evaluates the plasma level of C-reactive protein and albumin levels, and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) examination. Pain and fatigue were also monitored using the visual analog scale and visual analog fatigue scale, respectively. All the above parameters were assessed biweekly to week 10. RESULTS: GPS, ECOG, and albumin remained stable throughout the study with a trend towards a decrease in GPS and albumin at week 10 post-treatment. Pain significantly improved at week 8 (P<0.05) while fatigue improved at weeks 8 and 10 (all P<0.01). CONCLUSION: We found that chemotherapy, combined with Desmodium and Lithothamnium, improved pain and fatigue in head and neck cancer patients, although we cannot confirm if this was due to Desmodium and Lithothamnium or chemotherapy. The improvement in pain and fatigue was supported by the ECOG performance status remaining stable with the highest score being equal to 2 throughout the study and a trend towards an improvement in GPS performance status and albumin levels.

Vulvovestibular Syndrome and Vaginal Microbiome: A Simple Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: The vulvovestibular syndrome (VVS) is a chronic, inflammatory, multifactorial, chronic inflammation of the female urogenital access. METHODS: The aim of this anecdotal, observational, retrospective, case-control study was to comparatively evaluate the most common bacterial strains (Lactobacillus spp., Klebsiella spp., Gardnerella spp., and Streptococcus spp.) and fungi (Candida spp., Pennicillum spp., and Aspergillus spp.) in vulvodinic women, and in women without gynecological symptoms (control group). RESULTS: We found that vulvodinic patients had statistically lower Lactobacilli and higher total Fungi concentration. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary study is useful to further clarify the etiopathology of vulvodynia and suggest new therapeutic strategies for approaching the VVS.

A hyaluronic acid- and chondroitin sulfate-based medical device improves gastritis pain, discomfort, and endoscopic features.

Gastritis is an inflammation of the gastric mucosa. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of a medical device, Esoxx®, based on hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate on gastritis-related upper abdominal pain/discomfort and endoscopic features. Fifty patients, affected by gastritis, were randomised to receive the medical device or placebo. The primary endpoint was the medical device efficacy on upper abdominal pain/discomfort associated with gastritis and measured by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The secondary endpoints were the efficacy of the medical device on gastritis-related mucosal erosions, blood oozing, and hyperemia (redness)/edema, as assessed by endoscopy, and the patients' rating of their compliance with the treatments. A significant reduction in VAS pain was observed in the treatment group after a 5-week treatment, if compared with placebo (p < 0.001). In summary, administration of a medical device, based on hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate, improves gastritis-related upper abdominal pain/discomfort and decreases mucosal erosions, blood oozing, and hyperemia (redness)/edema at 5-week follow-up in patients affected by gastritis.

High-power Magnetotherapy: A New Weapon in Urinary Incontinence?

OBJECTIVE: Urinary incontinence (UI) is one of the most common urinary system diseases that mostly affects women but also men. We evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of functional magnetic stimulation (FMS) as potential UI treatment with improvements in the pelvic floor musculature, urodynamic tests and quality of life. METHODS: A total of 20 UI patients (10 females and 10 men, mean age 64, 14 years), including 10 with stress UI, four with urgency UI and six with mixed UI, were treated with FMS (20 min/session) twice a week for 3 weeks. The patients' impressions, records in urinary diaries, and scores of three life stress questionnaires (overactive bladder symptom questionnaire [OAB-q], urogenital distress inventory questionnaire-short form [UDI-6], incontinence impact questionnaire-short form [IIQ-7]) were performed pre- and post-treatment. RESULTS: Significant reductions (P < 0.01) of micturition number and nocturia after magnetic treatment were evidenced. The urodynamic tests recorded a significant increase in cystometric capacity (147 ± 51.3%), in maximum urethral closure pressure (110 ± 34%), in urethral functional length (99.8 ± 51.8%), and in pressure transmission ratio (147 ± 51.3%) values compared with the baseline values. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary findings suggest that FMS with Magneto STYM (twice weekly for 3 weeks) improves the UI and may be an effective treatment for this urogenital disease.

The memory lymphocyte immunostimulation assay in immune system disorders: Is useful or useless?

AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical relevance, sensitivity and specificity of in vitro blood test, Memory Lymphocyte ImmunoStimulation Assay (MELISA®), in genetically predisposed patients that suffer by autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants, after HPV-vaccination and that could have a high metal hypersensitivity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen girls (aged 12-24 years) that developed long-lasting and invalidating somatoform symptoms occurring within 20 days postvaccination are included in this descriptive study. The hypersensitivity to five metals (aluminum, nickel, mercury, methyl mercury, and thimerosal) was measured by MELISA® test. RESULTS: Seven girls showed negativity to all the five metals tested. The findings showed metal hypersensitivity only in nine patients: Toxicity to aluminum (two girls), reactivity to nickel (seven girls), followed by mercury (seven girls). CONCLUSION: The MELISA® assay is neither sensitive nor specific in detecting metal hypersensitivity and associated chronic diseases, including autoimmune pathologies.

Vaccination and autoimmune diseases: is prevention of adverse health effects on the horizon?

Autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes mellitus, affect about 5% of the worldwide population. In the last decade, reports have accumulated on various autoimmune disorders, such as idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura, myopericarditis, primary ovarian failure, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), following vaccination. In this review, we discuss the possible underlying mechanisms of autoimmune reactions following vaccinations and review cases of autoimmune diseases that have been correlated with vaccination. Molecular mimicry and bystander activation are reported as possible mechanisms by which vaccines can cause autoimmune reactions. The individuals who might be susceptible to develop these reactions could be especially not only those with previous post-vaccination phenomena and those with allergies but also in individuals who are prone to develop autoimmune diseases, such as those with a family history of autoimmunity or with known autoantibodies, and the genetic predisposed individuals. Further research is encouraged into the direct associations between vaccines and autoimmune conditions, and the biological mechanisms behind them.

Somatoform and neurocognitive syndromes after HPV immunization are not associated to cell-mediated hypersensitivity to aluminum.

Vaccines against human papilloma virus (HPV) have been demonstrated to be very effective to prevent infection-related neoplasms. However, several reports describing heterogeneous post-vaccination phenomena have been published in last few years. The spectrum of these disorders includes both immune-mediated neurological diseases and neuropsychiatric functional disorders. Some researchers speculated about a genetic predisposition, but others hypothesized a role of adjuvants, including some metals and, particularly, aluminum. Here, we tested sixteen young girls developing somatoform and neurocognitive syndromes after the HPV immunization, through MELISA® test, detecting cell-mediated hypersensitivity to several metals. We found no association between these neurocognitive disorders and the results provided by this test; importantly, no patients showed hypersensitivity to aluminum, which is the inorganic adjuvant included in HPV vaccines. Thus, if aluminum played a role in the pathophysiology of musculoskeletal and neurocognitive disturbances occurring in some young girls after HPV immunization, that should recognize other mechanisms than the activation of aluminum-specific lymphocytes.

Short-Term Efficacy of CBD-Enriched Hemp Oil in Girls with Dysautonomic Syndrome after Human Papillomavirus Vaccination.

BACKGROUND: Cannabidiol (CBD)-based treatments for several diseases, including Tourette's syndrome, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, movement disorders and glaucoma, are proving to be beneficial and the scientific clinical background of the drug is continuously evolving. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the short-term effect of CBD-enriched hemp oil for relieving symptoms and improving the life quality (QOL) in young girls with adverse drug effects (ADRs) following human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. METHODS: In this anecdotal, retrospective, "compassionate-use", observational, open-label study, 12 females (age 12-24 years) with severe somatoform and dysautonomic syndrome following HPV vaccination were given sublingual CBD-rich hemp oil drops, 25 mg/kg per day supplemented by 2-5 mg/ml CBD once a week until a maximum dose of 150 mg/ml CBD per day was reached over a 3 month period. Patients' quality of life was evaluated using the medical outcome short-form health survey questionnaire (SF-36). RESULTS: Two patients dropped out due to iatrogenic adverse events and another two patients stopped the treatment early due to lack of any improvement. SF-36 showed significant benefits in the physical component score (P < 0.02), vitality (P < 0.03) and social role functioning (P < 0.02) after the treatment. The administration of hemp oil also significantly reduced body pain according to the SF-36 assessment. No significant differences from the start of treatment to several months post-treatment were detected in role limitations due to emotional reactions (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the safety and tolerability of CBD-rich hemp oil and the primary efficacy endpoint. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to characterize the safety profile and efficacy of this compound.

Severe somatoform and dysautonomic syndromes after HPV vaccination: case series and review of literature.

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is recognized as a major cause for cervical cancer among women worldwide. Two HPV vaccines are currently available: Gardasil® and Cervarix®. Both vaccines enclose viral antigenic proteins, but differ as to the biological systems of culture and the adjuvant components. Recently, a collection of symptoms, indicating nervous system dysfunction, has been described after HPV vaccination. We retrospectively described a case series including 18 girls (aged 12-24 years) referred to our "Second Opinion Medical Network" for the evaluation of "neuropathy with autonomic dysfunction" after HPV vaccination. All girls complained of long-lasting and invalidating somatoform symptoms (including asthenia, headache, cognitive dysfunctions, myalgia, sinus tachycardia and skin rashes) that have developed 1-5 days (n = 11), 5-15 days (n = 5) and 15-20 days (n = 2) after the vaccination. These cases can be included in the recently described immune dysfunction named autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA). HPV vaccine, through its adjuvant component, is speculated to induce an abnormal activation of the immune system, involving glia cells in the nervous system too. Further researches should aim at defining the pathological and clinical aspects of these post-vaccination diseases and identifying a genetic background predisposing to these adverse reactions.

Corticosteroid transdermal delivery significantly improves arthritis pain and functional disability.

Arthritis is characterized by pain and functional limitation affecting the patients' quality of life. We performed a clinical study to investigate the efficacy of a betamethasone valerate medicated plaster (Betesil) in improving pain and functional disability in patients with arthritis and osteoarthritis. We enrolled 104 patients affected by osteoarthritis (n = 40) or arthritis (n = 64) in different joints. Patients received diclofenac sodium cream (2 g, four times a day) or a 2.25-mg dose of Betesil applied to the painful joint every night before bedtime for 10 days. Pain and functional disability were assessed, by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores. Redness was assessed by clinical inspection, and edema by the "fovea sign" method. C-reactive protein (CRP) was also measured; CRP can be used to cost-effectively monitor the pharmacological treatment efficacy and is increased during the acute-phase response, returning to physiological values after tissue recovery and functional restoration. All measurements were at baseline and at 10-day follow-up. At 10-day follow-up, a greater improvement in VAS and WOMAC pain and WOMAC stiffness and functional limitation scores from baseline was observed in patients treated with Betesil compared with diclofenac (all p < 0.01). At 10-day follow-up, improvement in redness, edema, and CRP levels from baseline was also greater in patients treated with Betesil compared with diclofenac (all p < 0.01). This study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of transdermal delivery of betamethasone valerate in patients affected by arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Mechanisms and therapeutic effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy in oncology.

Cancer is one of the most common causes of death worldwide. Available treatments are associated with numerous side effects and only a low percentage of patients achieve complete remission. Therefore, there is a strong need for new therapeutic strategies. In this regard, pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy presents several potential advantages including non-invasiveness, safety, lack of toxicity for non-cancerous cells, and the possibility of being combined with other available therapies. Indeed, PEMF stimulation has already been used in the context of various cancer types including skin, breast, prostate, hepatocellular, lung, ovarian, pancreatic, bladder, thyroid, and colon cancer in vitro and in vivo. At present, only limited application of PEMF in cancer has been documented in humans. In this article, we review the experimental and clinical evidence of PEMF therapy discussing future perspectives in its use in oncology.

Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerance of a New Injection Technique for High- and Low-Molecular-Weight Hyaluronic Acid Hybrid Complexes.

OBJECTIVE: Facial aging is characterized by skin laxity and loss of skin elasticity. Hyaluronic acid, a biological component of the extracellular matrix, whose level decreases during aging, plays structural, rheological, and physiological roles in the skin. Hyaluronic acid may possess different molecular weights: low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (from 50 kDa) and high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (just up to 2 million kDa). This monocentric, retrospective, observational study investigates the efficacy, security, and tolerability of a new injective low- and high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid for facial skin rejuvenation. METHODS: Eleven women received once a month, for 2 months, 2 mL of the product in the subcutaneous layer of the right and left malar/submalar areas. Facial skin echography, facial skin hydration, elasticity, and transepidermal water loss were assessed before (T 0), after 1 month (T 1), and after 3 months of treatment (T 2). The injective features of the product, physician subjective satisfaction, and patient satisfaction were also reported. RESULTS: Facial face hydration, elasticity, and transepidermal water loss values significantly improved at T 1 and T 2 (P < .01). Patients were very satisfied at the end of the treatment, and the compound's profit evaluated by the physician was optimal in the absence of local side effects. CONCLUSIONS: This treatment represents a good treatment option to restore vitality and turgidity of skin presenting the signs of aging in the absence of intolerance symptoms.

ZEOLITE: "THE MAGIC STONE"; MAIN NUTRITIONAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, EXPERIMENTAL AND CLINICAL FIELDS OF APPLICATION.

INTRODUCTION: zeolites (clinoptilolites) are a family of alluminosilicates and cations clustered to form macro aggregates by small individual cavities. In the medical area they are involved in detoxification mechanisms capturing ions and molecules into their holes. Actually, we classify about 140 types of natural and 150 synthetic zeolites, for specific and selective use. Clinoptilolite is a natural zeolite and it is the most widespread compound in the medical market. OBJECTIVE: this review analyzes the main fields of zeolite utilization. METHODS: we searched Pubmed/Medline using the terms "zeolite" and "clinoptilolite". RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: in zoothechnology and veterinary medicine zeolite improves the pets' fitness, removes radioactive elements, aflatoxines and poisons. Zeolite displays also antioxidant, whitening, hemostatic and anti-diarrhoic properties, projected in human care. However very scanty clinical studies have been run up to now in immunodeficiency, oncology after chemotherapy and radiotherapy as adjuvants. CONCLUSIONS: further clinical investigations are urgently required after this review article publication which updates the state of the art.

Introducción: las zeolitas (clinoptilolitas) son una familia de aluminosilicatos y cationes agrupada para formar agregados macro de pequeñas cavidades individuales. En el área médica están involucrados en los mecanismos de desintoxicación y en capturar iones y moléculas en sus agujeros. En realidad, clasificamos cerca de 140 tipos de zeolitas naturales y 150 sintéticas, para usos específicos y selectivos. La clinoptilolita es una zeolita natural y es el compuesto más extendido en el mercado médico. Objetivo: esta revisión analiza los principales campos de utilización de la zeolita. Métodos: se realizaron búsquedas en Pubmed/Medline usando los términos "zeolita" y "clinoptilolita". Resultados y discusión: en zootecnología y medicina veterinaria la zeolita mejora la condición de la mascota, elimina los elementos radiactivos, las aflatoxinas y los venenos. En el cuidado humano, la zeolita también muestra propiedades antioxidantes, de blanqueamiento, homeostáticas y antidiarreicas. Sin embargo, los estudios clínicos que se han llevado a cabo hasta ahora como adyuvante en inmunodeficiencia y tras la quimioterapia y la radioterapia en oncología son muy escasos. Conclusiones: se requieren con urgencia otras investigaciones clínicas después de esta publicación del artículo que actualicen el estado de la técnica.

Zeolite: «the magic stone»; main nutritional, environmental, experimental and clinical fields of application / Zeolita: «la piedra mágica»; principales campos nutricionales, ambientales, experimentales y clínicos de la aplicación

Introduction: zeolites (clinoptilolites) are a family of alluminosilicates and cations clustered to form macro aggregates by small individual cavities. In the medical area they are involved in detoxification mechanisms capturing ions and molecules into their holes. Actually, we classify about 140 types of natural and 150 synthetic zeolites, for specific and selective use. Clinoptilolite is a natural zeolite and it is the most widespread compound in the medical market. Objective: this review analyzes the main fields of zeolite utilization. Methods: we searched Pubmed/Medline using the terms «zeolite» and «clinoptilolite». Results and discussion: in zoothechnology and veterinary medicine zeolite improves the pets' fitness, removes radioactive elements, aflatoxines and poisons. Zeolite displays also antioxidant, whitening, hemostatic and anti-diarrhoic properties, projected in human care. However very scanty clinical studies have been run up to now in immunodeficiency, oncology after chemotherapy and radiotherapy as adjuvants. Conclusions: further clinical investigations are urgently required after this review article publication which updates the state of the art (AU)

Introducción: las zeolitas (clinoptilolitas) son una familia de aluminosilicatos y cationes agrupada para formar agregados macro de pequeñas cavidades individuales. En el área médica están involucrados en los mecanismos de desintoxicación y en capturar iones y moléculas en sus agujeros. En realidad, clasificamos cerca de 140 tipos de zeolitas naturales y 150 sintéticas, para usos específicos y selectivos. La clinoptilolita es una zeolita natural y es el compuesto más extendido en el mercado médico. Objetivo: esta revisión analiza los principales campos de utilización de la zeolita. Métodos: se realizaron búsquedas en Pubmed/Medline usando los términos «zeolita» y «clinoptilolita». Resultados y discusión: en zootecnología y medicina veterinaria la zeolita mejora la condición de la mascota, elimina los elementos radiactivos, las aflatoxinas y los venenos. En el cuidado humano, la zeolita también muestra propiedades antioxidantes, de blanqueamiento, homeostáticas y antidiarreicas. Sin embargo, los estudios clínicos que se han llevado a cabo hasta ahora como adyuvante en inmunodeficiencia y tras la quimioterapia y la radioterapia en oncología son muy escasos. Conclusiones: se requieren con urgencia otras investigaciones clínicas después de esta publicación del artículo que actualicen el estado de la técnica (AU)