The Potential of Glycyrrhizinate in the Management of COVID-19: A Systematic Review of the Efficacy and Safety of Glycyrrhizin Preparations in the Treatment of SARS and MERS

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (07) ◽  
pp. 1539-1552
Author(s):  
Huibo Li ◽  
Yang Hu ◽  
Huilin Tang ◽  
Shanshan Li ◽  
Hong Ding ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Therapeutic Strategy ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Elevated Serum ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Retrospective Cohort Studies

The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in 2019 highlighted the fact that no specific medications providing effective treatment have been identified and approved. We explored the possibilities for COVID-19 by systematically reviewing evidence on the efficacy and safety of glycyrrhizin preparations for SARS and MERS. Electronic databases were systematically searched from inception to February 2020 for eligible studies that evaluated the efficacy and safety of glycyrrhizin preparations for SARS and MERS. A quantitative analysis or descriptive analysis was applied. Five retrospective cohort studies were included, and NOS scores ranged from 5–7 points. The clinical symptoms of dry cough, chest distress and dyspnoea improved quickly, and elevated serum levels of aminotransferase decreased after compound glycyrrhizin treatment. The SARS-CoV antibody appeared earlier in the treated group than in the control group ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]d). Compared to that with conventional medications, the average period from peak to 50% improvement of lesions, in terms of X-ray manifestations, was shorter with compound glycyrrhizin treatment ([Formula: see text]2.1[Formula: see text]d), and treatment reduced the dosage ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mg/d) and duration of the corticosteroids used, without other serious adverse reactions. Based on the available evidence regarding glycyrrhizin preparations for treating SARS and MERS, we infer that compound glycyrrhizin could be an optional therapeutic strategy for SARS-CoV-2 infections, especially those complicated with liver damage. Further research using well-designed randomized clinical trials (RCTs) is warranted to determine the dosage and duration of use of compound glycyrrhizin and to monitor its specific adverse effects.

scholarly journals Preventive Effect of blueberries on Diethylnitrosamine-Induced Hepatocarcinogenesis in Rats

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
El-Khedr Mohamed Mostafa El-gamal
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Elevated Serum ◽  
Liver Weight ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Glutathione S Transferase ◽  
Total Antioxidant ◽  
Male Wistar Rats ◽  
Serum Aminotransferases

Nitrosamine compounds are known hepatic carcinogens. This study was designed to study the efficacy of dietary supplementation with blueberries (BB) on diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-initiated hepatocarcinogenesis in male wistar rats. Rats were divided into three groups. The first group served as normal control group, the second group received DEN at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight five times a week for 15 weeks. The third one received DEN as in DEN-treated group simultaneously with 4% BB-supplemented diet. The results showed that BB caused significant decrease in the elevated serum levels of α-fetoprotein (AFP), homocysteine (Hcy) along with levels of glutathione(GSH), deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), ribonucleic acid (RNA)and activity of glutathione reductase (GR) in liver. Normalization of elevated 2-macroglobulin (2M) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels in serum, hepatic Glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities and liver weight was achieved whereas body weight was significantly decreased. Moreover, no significant change was observed in elevated relative liver weight, hepatic glucose-6-P-dehydrogenase (G6PD), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) along with serum aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and ɤ -glutamyltransferase (ɤ-GT) activities. Significant increase in reduced hepatic activity of xanthine oxidase (XO) was achieved and histopathological damage was minimized in BB-treated group. It is suggested that BB suppress DEN-induced hepatocarcinogenesis and could be developed as a promising chemoprotective natural supplement for liver cancer.

The Effect of Immunosuppression on Selected Antioxidant Parameters in Patients with Graves’ Disease with Active Thyroid-Associated Orbitopathy

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena Londzin-Olesik ◽  
Beata Kos-Kudla ◽  
Jacek Karpe ◽  
Aleksandra Nowak ◽  
Mariusz Nowak
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Immunosuppressive Treatment ◽  
Serum Vitamin ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Paraoxonase 1 ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Graves Disease ◽  
Methylprednisolone Treatment ◽  
Antioxidant Parameters

Abstract Background and Study Aims Thyroid-associated orbitopathy, the most common extrathyroidal manifestation of Graves’ disease, is an autoimmune inflammation of orbital soft tissue. We report the study assessing the effect of immunosuppressive treatment with methylprednisolone on selected antioxidant parameters in patients with Graves’ disease with active thyroid-associated orbitopathy. Patients and Methods Activity and serum levels of selected antioxidant parameters as well as lipid peroxidation products were determined in a group of 56 patients with active thyroid-associated orbitopathy at three time-points: at baseline, after the discontinuation of intravenous methylprednisolone treatment and at 3 months after the discontinuation of additional oral methylprednisolone treatment. A control group consisted of 20 healthy age- and sex-matched volunteers. Results We found an increased activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and increased serum levels of uric acid, malondialdehyde and conjugated dienes, as well as a reduced activity of paraoxonase-1 and reduced serum vitamin C level in the study group at baseline. Systemic intravenous and oral methylprednisolone therapy led to normalization of activity and concentration of the most studied parameters. Conclusion Results of our study confirmed that oxidative stress is one of the factors involved in the pathogenesis of thyroid-associated orbitopathy and the methyloprednisolone treatment is effective in reducing both clinical symptoms and oxidative stress in patients with this disease.

scholarly journals Longitudinal assessment of S100B serum levels and clinical factors in youth patients with mood disorders

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Rajewska-Rager ◽  
Monika Dmitrzak-Weglarz ◽  
Pawel Kapelski ◽  
Natalia Lepczynska ◽  
Joanna Pawlak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mood Disorders ◽  
Calcium Binding ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Drop Out ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Longitudinal Assessment ◽  
Depressed Group

AbstractMood disorders have been discussed as being in relation to glial pathology. S100B is a calcium-binding protein, and a marker of glial dysfunctions. Although alterations in the S100B expression may play a role in various central nervous system diseases, there are no studies on the potential role of S100B in mood disorders in adolescents and young adults . In a prospective two-year follow-up study, peripheral levels of S100B were investigated in 79 adolescent/young adult patients (aged 14–24 years), diagnosed with mood disorders and compared with 31 healthy control subjects. A comprehensive clinical interview was conducted which focused on clinical symptoms and diagnosis change. The diagnosis was established and verified at each control visit. Serum S100B concentrations were determined. We detected: lower S100B levels in medicated patients, compared with those who were drug-free, and healthy controls; higher S100B levels in a depressed group with a family history of affective disorder; correlations between age and medication status; sex-dependent differences in S100B levels; and lack a of correlation between the severity of depressive or hypo/manic symptoms. The results of our study indicate that S100B might be a trait-dependent rather than a state-dependent marker. Due to the lack of such studies in the youth population, further research should be performed. A relatively small sample size, a lack of exact age-matched control group, a high drop-out rate.

scholarly journals Meta-Analysis of Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Ligustrazine in the Treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Xiaozheng Wu ◽  
Wen Li ◽  
Zhenliang Luo ◽  
Yunzhi Chen
Keyword(s):  
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis ◽  
Pulmonary Fibrosis ◽  
Clinical Efficacy ◽  
Adverse Reactions ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Gas Analysis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Arterial Blood Gas ◽  
Arterial Blood

Objective. To systematically review the efficacy and safety of Ligustrazine in the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Methods. The electronic literature databases (PubMed, EMbase, CNKI, WanFang database, and VIP) were retrieved through a computer to find out the randomized controlled trials (RCT) of Ligustrazine in the treatment of IPF according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria screening test. Cochrane’s bias risk table was also used to evaluate the quality of the study and to extract effective data. RevMan 5.3 was used for statistical analysis. Results. A total of 7 RCTs (a total of 366 patients, including 196 in experimental and 170 in control group). Compared with the control group, Ligustrazine could improve the clinical symptoms ([OR] = 2.20, 95% CI [1.40, 3.46], P = 0.0006 ), lung function (VC % [MD] = 3.92, 95% CI [0.68, 7.17], P = 0.02 ), (TLC% [MD] = 4.94, 95% CI [0.37, 9.52], P = 0.03 ), the pulmonary diffusion function (DLCO % [MD] = 9.12, 95% CI [5.70, 12.55], P < 0.00001 ), and arterial blood gas analysis (PaO2 [MD] = 7.11, 95% CI [1.96, 12.25], P = 0.007 ) (PaCO2 [MD] = −2.42, 95% CI [−4.36, −0.49], P = 0.01 ) of IPF patients, respectively. However, FEV1/FVC % ([MD] = 9.37, 95% CI [−1.23, 19.97], P = 0.08 ) and adverse reactions ([MD] = 0.35, 95% CI [0.02, 5.36], P = 0.45 ) were not significantly improved. Conclusion. Ligustrazine has certain clinical efficacy in the treatment of IPF, but the safety of applying it and the adverse reactions need to be further analyzed and determined. It can be considered as a new alternative and complementary medicine to be promoted and recommended for use in medical units in various countries in the world and it solved the difficult problem of conventional drug treatment of IPF; therefore, more research strength can be put in the treatment of the pathological mechanism of IPF for further exploration. The study was registered under registration number CRD42020193626.

scholarly journals Efficacy and Safety of Topical Timolol Eye Drops in the Treatment of Myopic Regression after Laser In Situ Keratomileusis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaochen Wang ◽  
Guiqiu Zhao ◽  
Jing Lin ◽  
Nan Jiang ◽  
Qian Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Laser In Situ Keratomileusis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Eye Drops ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽  
Knowledge Infrastructure ◽  
Significant Difference

Aims. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of timolol in the treatment of myopic regression after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).Methods. We searched MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Chinese Biological Medicine (CBM) from the inception to July 2015 for relevant randomized controlled trials that examined timolol therapy for myopic regression. The methodological quality of the studies included was assessed using the Revman 5.3 software.Results. We included six clinical trials involving 483 eyes in this review, including 246 eyes in treated group and 237 eyes in controlled group. We observed statistically significant improvements on the postoperative SE in the 3 months. However, the change of CCT was not statistically different between the control group and the experimental group. There were fewer cases of IOP, UDVA, and CDVA in treated group having significant difference from the controlled group.Conclusions. Topical timolol could be an effective treatment for reduction of myopic regression especially the spherical errors after myopic LASIK. Further RCTs with larger sample sizes for these trials are warranted to determine the efficacy and limitation for myopic regression after LASIK.

scholarly journals D-thyroxine reduces lipoprotein(a) serum concentration in dialysis patients.

1998 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-96
Author(s):  
C Bommer ◽  
E Werle ◽  
I Walter-Sack ◽  
C Keller ◽  
F Gehlen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Serum Concentration ◽  
Ldl Cholesterol ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Hormone Secretion ◽  
Elevated Serum ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Dialysis Patients ◽  
Lipoprotein A ◽  
Thyroxine Therapy

Uremia raises lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) serum concentration and the risk of arteriosclerosis in dialysis patients. The treatment of high Lp(a) levels is not satisfactory today. The decrease of Lp(a) in hypothyroid patients on L-T4 therapy raised the question of whether dextro-thyroxine (D-thyroxine) reduces not only serum cholesterol, but also Lp(a) serum concentration. In a single-blind placebo-controlled study, the influence of D-thyroxine therapy on Lp(a) serum concentration was evaluated in 30 hemodialysis patients with elevated Lp(a) serum levels. Lp(a) was quantified in parallel by two methods, i.e., rocket immunoelectrophoresis and nephelometry, and apo(a) isoforms were determined by a sensitive immunoblotting technique. Regardless of the apo(a) isoforms, 6 mg/d D-thyroxine reduced elevated Lp(a) levels significantly by 27 +/- 13% in 20 dialysis patients (P < 0.001) compared with 10 control subjects (-9.9 +/- 8.4%). In parallel, D-thyroxine therapy significantly lowered total cholesterol (P < 0.001), LDL cholesterol (P < 0.001), and LDL cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio (P < 0.01); raised T4 and T3 serum levels; and suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone secretion without causing clinical symptoms of hyperthyroidism in any of the patients. D-Thyroxine reduces elevated serum Lp(a) concentration in dialysis patients. The effect in nondialysis patients can be expected but remains to be proven.

scholarly journals The Efficacy and Safety of Rituximab for Childhood Steroid-Dependent Nephrotic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sidi Liu ◽  
Chuying Gui ◽  
Zhenzhen Lu ◽  
Huijie Li ◽  
Zhike Fu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nephrotic Syndrome ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Remission Rate ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Steroid Dependent ◽  
Alternative Treatment Option ◽  
Control Study ◽  
Steroid Dependent Nephrotic Syndrome

Objectives: Rituximab (RTX), a possible alternative treatment option, is recognized as a new therapeutic hope for the treatment of steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS) in children. However, the efficacy and safety of RTX in the treatment of childhood SDNS are still controversial. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RTX treatment in children with SDNS.Study Design: Six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one retrospective comparative control study data from studies, performed before January 2021 were collected, from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science. The studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of RTX in childhood SDNS were included.Results: Six RCTs and one retrospective comparative control study were included in our analysis. Compared with the control group, the RTX treatment group achieved a higher complete remission rate (OR = 5.21; 95% CI, 3.18–8.54; p &lt; 0.00001), and we found significant differences between the two groups on serum albumin level (MD = 0.88; 95% CI, 0.43–1.33; p = 0.0001) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (MD = 6.43; 95% CI, 2.68–10.19; p = 0.0008). However, RTX treatment did not significantly lower serum creatinine levels nor did it significantly reduce the occurrence of proteinuria. In addition, we found no advantages with RTX on treatment safety.Conclusions: RTX has shown satisfactory characteristics in terms of efficacy and may be a promising treatment method for SDNS in children. However, the long-term effects have not been fully evaluated and should be further studied through randomized clinical trials.

scholarly journals Prolonged use of finasteride-induced gonadal sex steroids alterations, DNA damage and menstrual bleeding in women

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gadah Albasher ◽  
May Bin-Jumah ◽  
Saleh Alfarraj ◽  
Fatimah Al-Otibi ◽  
Nouf K. Al-Sultan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Dna Damage ◽  
Sex Steroids ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding ◽  
Menstrual Bleeding ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Dna Integrity ◽  
Adverse Health Effects

Abstract The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of prolonged use of finasteride on serum levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estradiol (E2), progesterone, testosterone and androstenedione in women during the menstrual period. Further, to screen and compare the 5α-reductase activities through the expression of SRD5A1, SRD5A2 and AR gene and to determine the level of VEGF, VKOR and SAA gene expression and DNA damage. A total of 30 Saudi women aged between 25 and 35 years were enrolled in the study. The selected women were divided into two groups. The first group (n = 15) received 5 mg finasteride/day for prolonged period of one year and second group (n = 15) was taken as a healthy control. ELISA technique was used for measuring the serum levels of the targeted hormones, and Comet assay was used for checking the DNA integrity. Our findings revealed significant decrement of DHT, E2, progesterone and androstenedione levels and elevated levels of testosterone in group treated with daily oral doses of 5 mg finasteride/day compared with the control subjects. mRNA expression suggested that finasteride has concrete effects on the gene expression of the selected genes from the treated group in comparison with the control group. In addition, finasteride induced DNA damage, and heavy menstrual bleeding was noted in women treated with finasteride. In conclusion, the present findings revealed that finasteride has adverse health effects in women associated with gonadal sex steroids alterations, DNA damage and heavy menstrual bleeding with no consensus in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in women.

Combined but not single administration of vitamin C and l-carnitine ameliorates cisplatin-induced gastric mucosa damage in male rats

2018 ◽  
Vol 96 (8) ◽  
pp. 830-838 ◽  
Author(s):  
Modinat Adebukola Adefisayo ◽  
Wale Johnson Adeyemi ◽  
Quadri Kunle Alabi
Keyword(s):  
Gastric Mucosa ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Vitamin C ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Inflammatory Infiltration ◽  
Inflammatory Reactions ◽  
Gastric Mucosa Damage

Although cisplatin is a potent anticancer drug, it instigates oxidative and pro-inflammatory reactions that pose significant and distressing clinical symptoms. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of vitamin C and (or) l-carnitine on cisplatin-induced gastric mucosa damage in rat. The rats were allocated into 6 groups (n = 5). The control group received distilled water, while the treatment groups received cisplatin alone (CIP), or cisplatin with vitamin C, l-carnitine, or their combination. Cisplatin caused disruption of the gastric mucosa histoarchitecture and altered the mucus barrier function. Moreover, the stomach tissue of the CIP-treated group showed increased levels of oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde and H2O2) and decreased activities of antioxidant (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, glutathione S-transferase) and non-antioxidant (reduced glutathione) enzymes. These deleterious events were accompanied with significant increases in pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory infiltration markers, myeloperoxidase and inducible nitric oxide synthase. However, the administration of both vitamin C and l-carnitine, and not either of the two showed additive effects in attenuating the adverse effects of cisplatin. The histological results agreed with the biochemical assays. The study concluded that the combined administration of vitamin C and l-carnitine, but not the single therapy, could prevent the adverse effects of cisplatin on gastric tissue.

scholarly journals In Vivo Antiviral Effects of U18666A Against Type I Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus

Pathogens ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomoyoshi Doki ◽  
Tomoyo Tarusawa ◽  
Tsutomu Hohdatsu ◽  
Tomomi Takano
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Type I ◽  
Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus ◽  
Feline Infectious Peritonitis ◽  
Amphiphilic Drug ◽  
Antiviral Effects

Background: The cationic amphiphilic drug U18666A inhibits the proliferation of type I FIPV in vitro. In this study, we evaluated the in vivo antiviral effects of U18666A by administering it to SPF cats challenged with type I FIPV. Methods: Ten SPF cats were randomly assigned to two experimental groups. FIPV KU-2 were inoculated intraperitoneally to cats. The control group was administered PBS, and the U18666A-treated group was administered U18666A subcutaneously at 2.5 mg/kg on day 0, and 1.25 mg/kg on days 2 and 4 after viral inoculation. Results: Two of the five control cats administered PBS alone developed FIP. Four of the five cats administered U18666A developed no signs of FIP. One cat that temporarily developed fever, had no other clinical symptoms, and no gross lesion was noted on an autopsy after the end of the experiment. The FIPV gene was detected intermittently in feces and saliva regardless of the development of FIP or administration of U18666A. Conclusions: When U18666A was administered to cats experimentally infected with type I FIPV, the development of FIP might be suppressed compared with the control group. However, the number of animals with FIP is too low to establish anti-viral effect of U18666A in cats.

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