Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology ofAndrographis paniculataand Its Major Bioactive Phytoconstituent Andrographolide

Andrographis paniculata(Burm. F) Nees, generally known as “king of bitters,” is an herbaceous plant in the family Acanthaceae. In China, India, Thailand, and Malaysia, this plant has been widely used for treating sore throat, flu, and upper respiratory tract infections. Andrographolide, a major bioactive chemical constituent of the plant, has shown anticancer potential in various investigations. Andrographolide and its derivatives have anti-inflammatory effects in experimental models asthma, stroke, and arthritis. In recent years, pharmaceutical chemists have synthesized numerous andrographolide derivatives, which exhibit essential pharmacological activities such as those that are anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antitumor, antidiabetic, anti-HIV, antifeedant, and antiviral. However, what is noteworthy about this paper is summarizing the effects of andrographolide against cardiovascular disease, platelet activation, infertility, and NF-κB activation. Therefore, this paper is intended to provide evidence reported in relevant literature on qualitative research to assist scientists in isolating and characterizing bioactive compounds.

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Proposals for the classification of human rhinovirus species A, B and C into genotypically assigned types

Journal of General Virology ◽

10.1099/vir.0.053686-0 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 94 (8) ◽

pp. 1791-1806 ◽

Cited By ~ 120

Author(s):

Chloe L. McIntyre ◽

Nick J. Knowles ◽

Peter Simmonds

Keyword(s):

Genetic Relatedness ◽

Severe Disease ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract ◽

Sequence Comparisons ◽

Disease Outcomes ◽

The Family ◽

Upper Respiratory ◽

Cross Neutralization ◽

Tract Infections

Human rhinoviruses (HRVs) frequently cause mild upper respiratory tract infections and more severe disease manifestations such as bronchiolitis and asthma exacerbations. HRV is classified into three species within the genus Enterovirus of the family Picornaviridae. HRV species A and B contain 75 and 25 serotypes identified by cross-neutralization assays, although the use of such assays for routine HRV typing is hampered by the large number of serotypes, replacement of virus isolation by molecular methods in HRV diagnosis and the poor or absent replication of HRV species C in cell culture. To address these problems, we propose an alternative, genotypic classification of HRV-based genetic relatedness analogous to that used for enteroviruses. Nucleotide distances between 384 complete VP1 sequences of currently assigned HRV (sero)types identified divergence thresholds of 13, 12 and 13 % for species A, B and C, respectively, that divided inter- and intra-type comparisons. These were paralleled by 10, 9.5 and 10 % thresholds in the larger dataset of >3800 VP4 region sequences. Assignments based on VP1 sequences led to minor revisions of existing type designations (such as the reclassification of serotype pairs, e.g. A8/A95 and A29/A44, as single serotypes) and the designation of new HRV types A101–106, B101–103 and C34–C51. A protocol for assignment and numbering of new HRV types using VP1 sequences and the restriction of VP4 sequence comparisons to type identification and provisional type assignments is proposed. Genotypic assignment and identification of HRV types will be of considerable value in the future investigation of type-associated differences in disease outcomes, transmission and epidemiology.

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Nasal function and dysfunction in exercise

The Journal of Laryngology & Otology ◽

10.1017/s0022215116000128 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 130 (5) ◽

pp. 431-434 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

A Walker ◽

P Surda ◽

M Rossiter ◽

S Little

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Tract ◽

Nasal Cavity ◽

Relevant Literature ◽

Immune Surveillance ◽

Lower Airway ◽

Specific Reference ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract ◽

Published Evidence ◽

Upper Respiratory ◽

Tract Infections

AbstractBackground:There have been recent advances in our appreciation of the functional complementarity of the upper and lower airways. The unified airway begins at the nose: rather than acting merely as a conduit for air to the lungs, the nose and nasal cavity perform an important role in filtering, humidification and immune surveillance.Methods:The physiological and pathological responses of the nasal cavity to exercise and regular training are examined in this narrative review, with specific reference to the relation of nasal health to quality of life, lower airway health and upper respiratory tract infections. Relevant literature is examined and placed in clinical context.Results:There is considerable published evidence to support nasal dysfunction associated with exercise, and a link to lower airway dysfunction. Evidence also supports the role of upper and lower airway dysfunction in the development of upper respiratory tract infection symptoms.Conclusion:Nasal dysfunction in exercise may be a source of considerable morbidity to the regular exerciser, and further research into exercise-induced rhinitis is recommended.

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Upper Respiratory Infection

10.1093/med/9780199764495.003.0003 ◽

2013 ◽

Author(s):

Nancy B Samol ◽

Eric P Wittkugel

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Tract Infections ◽

Perioperative Complications ◽

Preoperative Assessment ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract ◽

Airway Reactivity ◽

Upper Respiratory Infection ◽

The Family ◽

Upper Respiratory ◽

Tract Infections ◽

Operating Suite

Upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) are common in children, with most children experiencing six to eight episodes per year. Some evidence suggests that the airway reactivity associated with these infections persists for several weeks after resolution of symptoms and increases the risk of perioperative adverse events. Other data indicate that these complications are easily managed and seldom associated with any adverse sequelae. Unfortunately, cancellation of patients harboring URIs is not without economic and emotional implications for the patient, the family, and the operating suite as a whole. Understanding the risk factors associated with administering anesthesia to the child with a URI is important in identifying elements of the preoperative assessment that merit attention and in optimizing the anesthetic plan as a means to limit perioperative complications.

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