scholarly journals Electroacupuncture Inhibits Inflammation Reaction by Upregulating Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide in Rats with Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tian-Feng He ◽  
Wen-Jia Yang ◽  
Shu-hui Zhang ◽  
Chun-Yan Zhang ◽  
Lian-Bo Li ◽  
...  

Acupuncture is emerging as an alternative therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the molecular mechanism underlying this beneficial effect of acupuncture has not been fully understood. Here, we demonstrated that electroacupuncture at acupoints Zusanli (ST36), Xuanzhong (GB39); and Shenshu (BL23) markedly decreased the paw swelling and the histologic scores of inflammation in the synovial tissue, and reduced the body weight loss in an adjuvant-induced arthritis rat model. However, the electrical stimulation at nonacupoint did not produce any beneficial effects against the experimental arthritis. Most interestingly, the electroacupuncture treatment resulted in an enhanced immunostaining for vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), a potent anti-inflammatory neuropeptide, in the synovial tissue. Moreover, the VIP-immunostaining intensity was significantly negatively correlated with the scores of inflammation in the synovial tissue (r=−0.483,P=.0026). In conclusion, these findings suggest that electroacupuncture may offer therapeutic benefits for the treatment of RA, at least partially through the induction of VIP expression.

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-64
Author(s):  
Miza Rahmatika Aini ◽  
Hesty Puspitasari

Drugs is the term for narcotics, psychotropic substances and other dangerous. The term often used is DRUGS (Narcotics, Alcohol, Psychotropics and other addictive substances) Around us today, there are a lot of addictive substances that are negative and very harmful to the body. Known as narcotics and illegal drugs. In this sophisticated modern era, drugs have become a problem for mankind in various parts of the world. Drugs that can destroy bright reasoning destroy body and soul, inevitably can threaten the future of mankind. In life, a critical step of the neurodevelopmental process, drug abuse may be caused brain plasticity mechanisms that can induce long-lasting improvements in neural circuits and in the end, actions. One of the effects of these improvements is the disability. Cognitive functions, with negative academic effects on the acquisition of new information.  Knowing those phenomena, the researcher had alternative therapy for increasing their cognitive functions. The researcher used writing as a therapy for them. The advantages of writing are immense, but they are also underestimated. Writing has profound therapeutic benefits. Writing is also a healthy brain exercise to activate brain cells and boost memory. This research conducted in Adult Prison in Blitar city, in which 15 drug prisoners were treated into writing theraphy. The result is they could write as well as the icreasing of their cognition.    


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaoteng Wang ◽  
Micaela Tatman ◽  
Mervyn J. Monteiro

Abstract Missense mutations in UBQLN2 cause X-linked dominant inheritance of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with frontotemporal dementia (ALS/FTD). UBQLN2 belongs to a family of four highly homologous proteins expressed in humans that play diverse roles in maintaining proteostasis, but whether one isoform can substitute for another is not known. Here, we tested whether overexpression of UBQLN1 can alleviate disease in the P497S UBQLN2 mouse model of ALS/FTD by crossing transgenic (Tg) mouse lines expressing the two proteins and characterizing the resulting genotypes using a battery of pathologic and behavioral tests. The pathologic findings revealed UBQLN1 overexpression dramatically reduced the burden of UBQLN2 inclusions, neuronal loss and disturbances in proteostasis in double Tg mice compared to single P497S Tg mice. The beneficial effects of UBQLN1 overexpression were primarily confirmed by behavioral improvements seen in rotarod performance and grip strength in male, but not female mice. Paradoxically, although UBQLN1 overexpression reduced pathologic signatures of disease in P497S Tg mice, female mice had larger percentage of body weight loss than males, and this correlated with a corresponding lack of behavioral improvements in the females. These findings lead us to speculate that methods to upregulate UBQLN1 expression may reduce pathogenicity caused by UBQLN2 mutations, but may also lead to gender-specific outcomes that will have to be carefully weighed with the therapeutic benefits of UBQLN1 upregulation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 305-318
Author(s):  
W.G. Lima ◽  
R.M. Pessoa ◽  
K.D. Vital ◽  
I.K.T.M. Takenaka ◽  
V.N. Cardoso ◽  
...  

Gastrointestinal mucositis (GIM) is an inflammation caused by antitumor therapy, especially after chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Currently in the clinical practice, only palliative measures are taken to treat GIM, representing the main clinical limitation in the management of this condition. Several studies have highlighted the potential benefits of probiotics for the management of GIM, but the actual role of these microorganisms in the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis remains elusive. In this context, here we aimed to realise a systematic review with meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of probiotics on experimental GIM. The meta-analysis showed that probiotics significantly suppressed the body weight loss related to GIM in rodents (95% confidence interval (CI): -2.67 to -0.70; I2=98%, P<0.00). Subgroup analysis showed that pre-treatment (≥7 days before chemotherapy) (95% CI: -8.84 to -0.17; I2=98%, P<0.04) with a high dose of probiotics (≥ 109 cfu/day) (95% CI: -2.58 to -0.28; I2=98%, P<0.00) comprising two or more microorganism species (95% CI: -6.49 to -0.28; I2=96%, P=0.03) remedied GIM more effectively. It was also revealed that fungi (specifically Saccharomyces boullardii) are more effective in remedying GIM than bacteria (P=0.03 vs P<0.00), and the mouse models are more receptive than rats to the enteroprotective effects of probiotics (95% CI: -4.76, -0.69; I2=97%, P=0.01). Qualitative analyses highlighted that probiotics suppress GIM through several mechanisms; they reduce the intestinal permeability, suppress the pro-inflammatory cytokine production while stimulating production and secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines, inhibit the signalling pathways coupled to inflammation and apoptosis, accelerate the proliferation of enterocytes, reduce the levels of reactive oxygen species, and help maintain the protective mucus layer. In conclusion, this review highlights the therapeutic benefits of probiotics in experimental GIM.


2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
F.H. Al-Ghazzewi ◽  
R.F. Tester

This review discusses the role of pre- and probiotics with respect to improving skin health by modulating the cutaneous microbiota. The skin ecosystem is a complex environment covered with a diverse microbiota community. These are classified as either transient or resident, where some are considered as beneficial, some essentially neutral and others pathogenic or at least have the capacity to be pathogenic. Colonisation varies between different parts of the body due to different environmental factors. Pre- and probiotic beneficial effects can be delivered topically or systemically (by ingestion). The pre- and probiotics have the capacity to optimise, maintain and restore the microbiota of the skin in different ways. Topical applications of probiotic bacteria have a direct effect at the site of application by enhancing the skin natural defence barriers. Probiotics as well as resident bacteria can produce antimicrobial peptides that benefit cutaneous immune responses and eliminate pathogens. In cosmetic formulations, prebiotics can be applied to the skin microbiota directly and increase selectively the activity and growth of beneficial ‘normal’ skin microbiota. Little is known about the efficacy of topically applied prebiotics. Nutritional products containing prebiotics and/or probiotics have a positive effect on skin by modulating the immune system and by providing therapeutic benefits for atopic diseases. This review underlines the potential use of pre- and probiotics for skin health.


2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 167-173

Red colored lipstick is the most widely used cosmetic product. Although lipstick gives a lot of social, psychological and therapeutic benefits, it may harm the consumers. Because some lipsticks contain a considerable amount of heavy metal especially lead. Lead is being used in lipstick mainly for the pigments required to obtain needed colors. Lead accumulates in the body over time and lead-containing lipstick applied several times a day, every day, combined with lead in water and other sources, could add up to significant exposure levels. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine lead content in red colored lipsticks from market. This study was laboratorybased, analytical study by using 25 lipstick samples. Red colored lipsticks were bought from Mandalay Market by random sampling procedure and they were completely coded to avoid the bias. Then, lead content in coded samples was determined by Flame AAS according to International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guideline. Lead contents of 88% of the lipsticks samples were more than specified limit (20 ppm) of Food and Drug Administration, United States. All of them, lead content was highest in counterfeit lipsticks group. Among the tested lipstick samples, lipstick with lowest lead content was LE-RL 01 (15.74 ppm) and the lipstick with highest lead content was CF-RL 01(60.09 ppm). In conclusion, lead contents of red colored lipsticks (22 out of 25) from market samples were higher than allowable limit (20 ppm).


Author(s):  
N. V. Khodykina ◽  
L. P. Tochilkina ◽  
O. N. Novikova ◽  
M. S. Sroslov ◽  
A. Ya. Pocheptsov ◽  
...  

The resorptive effects of 0.01 M cerium nanodioxide sol upon single intraperitoneal administration to rats have been studied. The acute exposure to nanoparticles was found to have a dose-dependent general toxic effect on the body (weight loss, inflammatory changes in the abdominal organs, modification of individual behavior, hematological changes, metabolic imbalance), which develops on the background of POL activation. The prooxidant effect of cerium dioxide nanoparticles is demonstratively manifested at relatively high exposure levels (80–8 mg / kg). The threshold dose for the general toxic effect (Limch integr) is equal to 0.8 mg / kg.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (44) ◽  
pp. 5720-5731 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arun Singh Lalotra ◽  
Vishesh Singh ◽  
Bharat Khurana ◽  
Shelly Agrawal ◽  
Shubham Shrestha ◽  
...  

Background: Skin is the largest organ of the body and helps to regulate several physiological functions. It acts as a barrier that protects the body against UV-radiation, toxic substances, infections, etc. The abnormal growth of the skin cells is called skin cancer. Different types of skin cancer can be classified as Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC); which mainly occur due to chronic exposure to UV- sunlight and pollution. Methods: The conventional topical treatments of skin cancer such as cream, gel, ointment, etc., are more occlusive and thus they do not penetrate deep into the skin (dermal layer) and remain at the upper part of the skin (epidermal layer). The stratum corneum acts as a physiological barrier for the drug-loaded in the conventional formulation. The novel carrier systems have the potential to facilitate the penetration of the drug deep into the skin (dermal layer) because these have less size and higher flexibility than conventional treatment. Conclusion: In the present review, we have discussed various novel carrier systems being investigated for the topical application of chemotherapeutic agents for efficient skin targeting and better dermatological as well as therapeutic benefits with minimal systemic exposure and toxicity.


2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 454-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jyoti ◽  
Divya Dheer ◽  
Davinder Singh ◽  
Gulshan Kumar ◽  
Manvika Karnatak ◽  
...  

Background: Thymol is a natural phenolic monoterpenoid widely used in pharmaceutical and food preservative applications. Thymol isomeric with carvacrol, extracted primarily from Thymus species (Trachyspermum ammi) and other plants sources such as Baccharisgrise bachii and Centipeda minima, has ethnopharmacological characteristics. <p></p> Methods: This review was prepared by analyzing articles published on thymol moiety in last decade and selected from Science Direct, Scopus, Pub Med, Web of Science and SciFinder. The selected articles are classified and gives brief introduction about thymol and its isolation, illustrates its natural as well as synthetic sources, and also therapeutic benefits of thymol worldwide <p></p> Results: Thymol has been covering different endeavors such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antidiarrhoeal, anthelmintic, analgesic, digestive, abortifacient, antihypertensive, spermicidal, depigmenting, antileishmanial, anticholinesterase, insecticidal and many others. This phenolic compound is among the essential scaffolds for medicinal chemists to synthesize more bio-active molecules by further derivatization of the thymol moiety. <p></p> Conclusion: Thymol is an interesting scaffold due to its different activities and derivatization of thymol is proved to enhance its biological activities. However, more robust, randomised, controlled clinical trials would be desirable with well-characterised thymol preparations to corroborate its beneficial effects in diseased patients. Moreover, in view of the potential use of thymol and thymol-rich essential oils in the treatment of human infections, comprehensive studies on chronic and acute toxicity and also teratogenicity are to be recommended.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Conor McQuaid ◽  
Molly Brady ◽  
Rashid Deane

Abstract Background SARS-CoV-2, a coronavirus (CoV), is known to cause acute respiratory distress syndrome, and a number of non-respiratory complications, particularly in older male patients with prior health conditions, such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension. These prior health conditions are associated with vascular dysfunction, and the CoV disease 2019 (COVID-19) complications include multiorgan failure and neurological problems. While the main route of entry into the body is inhalation, this virus has been found in many tissues, including the choroid plexus and meningeal vessels, and in neurons and CSF. Main body We reviewed SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19, ACE2 distribution and beneficial effects, the CNS vascular barriers, possible mechanisms by which the virus enters the brain, outlined prior health conditions (obesity, hypertension and diabetes), neurological COVID-19 manifestation and the aging cerebrovascualture. The overall aim is to provide the general reader with a breadth of information on this type of virus and the wide distribution of its main receptor so as to better understand the significance of neurological complications, uniqueness of the brain, and the pre-existing medical conditions that affect brain. The main issue is that there is no sound evidence for large flux of SARS-CoV-2 into brain, at present, compared to its invasion of the inhalation pathways. Conclusions While SARS-CoV-2 is detected in brains from severely infected patients, it is unclear on how it gets there. There is no sound evidence of SARS-CoV-2 flux into brain to significantly contribute to the overall outcomes once the respiratory system is invaded by the virus. The consensus, based on the normal route of infection and presence of SARS-CoV-2 in severely infected patients, is that the olfactory mucosa is a possible route into brain. Studies are needed to demonstrate flux of SARS-CoV-2 into brain, and its replication in the parenchyma to demonstrate neuroinvasion. It is possible that the neurological manifestations of COVID-19 are a consequence of mainly cardio-respiratory distress and multiorgan failure. Understanding potential SARS-CoV-2 neuroinvasion pathways could help to better define the non-respiratory neurological manifestation of COVID-19.


Author(s):  
Wen-Yang Lin ◽  
Yi-Wei Kuo ◽  
Ching-Wei Chen ◽  
Yu-Fen Huang ◽  
Chen-Hung Hsu ◽  
...  

AbstractOral-nasal mucosal immunity plays a crucial role in protecting the body against bacterial and viral invasion. Safe probiotic products have been used to enhance human immunity and oral health. In this study, we verified the beneficial effects of mixed viable probiotic tablets, consisting of Lactobacillus salivarius subsp. salicinius AP-32, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CP-9, and Lactobacillus paracasei ET-66, and heat-killed probiotic tablets, consisting of L. salivarius subsp. salicinius AP-32 and L. paracasei ET-66, on oral immunity among 45 healthy participants. Participants were randomly divided into viable probiotic, heat-killed probiotic, and placebo groups. The administration of treatment lasted for 4 weeks. Saliva samples were collected at Weeks 0, 2, 4, and 6, and Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus mutans populations and IgA concentration were measured. IgA concentrations, levels of TGF-beta and IL-10 in PBMCs cells were quantified by ELISA method. Results showed that salivary IgA levels were significantly increased on administration of both the viable (119.30 ± 12.63%, ***P < 0.001) and heat-killed (116.78 ± 12.28%, ***P < 0.001) probiotics for 4 weeks. Among three probiotic strains, AP-32 would effectively increase the levels of TGF-beta and IL-10 in PBMCs. The oral pathogen Streptococcus mutans was significantly reduced on viable probiotic tablet administration (49.60 ± 31.01%, ***P < 0.001). The in vitro antibacterial test confirmed that viable probiotics effectively limited the survival rate of oral pathogens. Thus, this clinical pilot study demonstrated that oral probiotic tablets both in viable form or heat-killed form could exert beneficial effects on oral immunity via IL-10, TGB-beta mediated IgA secretion. The effective dosage of viable probiotic content in the oral tablet was 109 CFUs/g and the heat-killed oral tablet was 1 × 1010 cells/g.


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