scholarly journals Visual Acuity Charts: Analytical Review, Basic Terms

2019 ◽  
Vol 74 (3) ◽  
pp. 192-199
Author(s):  
Maria A. Gracheva ◽  
Anna A. Kazakova ◽  
Dmitry F. Pokrovskiy ◽  
Igor B. Medvedev

Bronchial asthma (BA) and obesity are one of the major modern problem, requiring the development of an effective therapeutic strategy. The frequent combination of these diseases in one patient indicates the general pathophysiological mechanisms and future study for targeted drug exposure are needed. The endocannabinoid system is involved in a variety of physiological and pathological processes and can be considered as a general mechanism and a potential therapeutic target in asthma and obesity, the receptors of the system are expressed in many central and peripheral tissues. This signal system modulates the functions of the autonomic nervous system, immune system and microcirculation, plays an important role in the regulation of energy balance, metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids. The main research aimed at studying the functioning of this system was focused on neurology and psychiatry, while numerous scientific data demonstrate the importance of the participation of this system in the pathogenesis of other diseases. In particular, this system is involved in the mechanisms of obesity. The role of the endocannabinoid system in the pathogenesis of asthma is actively studied. The wide prevalence of the endocannabinoid signaling system and its regulatory role in the body opens up prospects for therapeutic effects in the treatment of asthma and obesity, as well as the possible phenotype of asthma, combined with obesity. The review is devoted to modern ideas about endocannabinoids, their receptors, mechanisms of action and their role in the pathophysiology of asthma and obesity. The therapeutic prospects and difficulties associated with the use of endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids in medicine are discussed.

2019 ◽  
Vol 74 (3) ◽  
pp. 200-209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oksana Y. Kytikovа ◽  
Tatyana P. Novgorodtseva ◽  
Yuliya K. Denisenko ◽  
Marina V. Antonyuk ◽  
Tatyana A. Gvozdenko

Bronchial asthma (BA) and obesity are one of the major modern problem, requiring the development of an effective therapeutic strategy. The frequent combination of these diseases in one patient indicates the general pathophysiological mechanisms and future study for targeted drug exposure are needed. The endocannabinoid system is involved in a variety of physiological and pathological processes and can be considered as a general mechanism and a potential therapeutic target in asthma and obesity, the receptors of the system are expressed in many central and peripheral tissues. This signal system modulates the functions of the autonomic nervous system, immune system and microcirculation, plays an important role in the regulation of energy balance, metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids. The main research aimed at studying the functioning of this system was focused on neurology and psychiatry, while numerous scientific data demonstrate the importance of the participation of this system in the pathogenesis of other diseases. In particular, this system is involved in the mechanisms of obesity. The role of the endocannabinoid system in the pathogenesis of asthma is actively studied. The wide prevalence of the endocannabinoid signaling system and its regulatory role in the body opens up prospects for therapeutic effects in the treatment of asthma and obesity, as well as the possible phenotype of asthma, combined with obesity. The review is devoted to modern ideas about endocannabinoids, their receptors, mechanisms of action and their role in the pathophysiology of asthma and obesity. The therapeutic prospects and difficulties associated with the use of endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids in medicine are discussed.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akhlaq A. Farooqui ◽  
Tahira Farooqui ◽  
Anil Madan ◽  
Jolin Hwee-Jing Ong ◽  
Wei-Yi Ong

Ayurvedic medicine is a personalized system of traditional medicine native to India and the Indian subcontinent. It is based on a holistic view of treatment which promotes and supports equilibrium in different aspects of human life: the body, mind, and soul. Popular Ayurvedic medicinal plants and formulations that are used to slow down brain aging and enhance memory include Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis, Evolvulus alsinoides, and other species), gotu kola (Centella asiatica), and guggulu (Commiphora mukul and related species) and a formulation known as Brāhmī Ghṛita, containing Brahmi, Vacā (Acorus calamus), Kuṣṭha (Saussurea lappa), Shankhpushpi, and Purāṇa Ghṛita (old clarified butter/old ghee). The rationale for the utilization of Ayurvedic medicinal plants has depended mostly on traditional usage, with little scientific data on signal transduction processes, efficacy, and safety. However, in recent years, pharmacological and toxicological studies have begun to be published and receive attention from scientists for verification of their claimed pharmacological and therapeutic effects. The purpose of this review is to outline the molecular mechanisms, signal transduction processes, and sites of action of some Ayurvedic medicinal plants. It is hoped that this description can be further explored with modern scientific methods, to reveal new therapeutic leads and jump-start more studies on the use of Ayurvedic medicine for prevention and treatment of dementia.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. 1071-1077
Author(s):  
Aref G. Ghahsare ◽  
Zahra S. Nazifi ◽  
Seyed M.R. Nazifi

: Over the last decades, several heterocyclic derivatives compounds have been synthesized or extracted from natural resources and have been tested for their pharmaceutical activities. Xanthene is one of these heterocyclic derivatives. These compounds consist of an oxygen-containing central heterocyclic structure with two more cyclic structures fused to the central cyclic compound. It has been shown that xanthane derivatives are bioactive compounds with diverse activities such as anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory as well as therapeutic effects on diabetes and Alzheimer. The anti-cancer activity of such compounds has been one of the main research fields in pharmaceutical chemistry. Due to this diverse biological activity, xanthene core derivatives are still an attractive research field for both academia and industry. This review addresses the current finding on the biological activities of xanthene derivatives and discussed in detail some aspects of their structure-activity relationship (SAR).


Biomedicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 667
Author(s):  
Gabriella Racchetti ◽  
Jacopo Meldolesi

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), the cells distributed in the stromas of the body, are known for various properties including replication, the potential of various differentiations, the immune-related processes including inflammation. About two decades ago, these cells were shown to play relevant roles in the therapy of numerous diseases, dependent on their immune regulation and their release of cytokines and growth factors, with ensuing activation of favorable enzymes and processes. Such discovery induced great increase of their investigation. Soon thereafter, however, it became clear that therapeutic actions of MSCs are risky, accompanied by serious drawbacks and defects. MSC therapy has been therefore reduced to a few diseases, replaced for the others by their extracellular vesicles, the MSC-EVs. The latter vesicles recapitulate most therapeutic actions of MSCs, with equal or even better efficacies and without the serious drawbacks of the parent cells. In addition, MSC-EVs are characterized by many advantages, among which are their heterogeneities dependent on the stromas of origin, the alleviation of cell aging, the regulation of immune responses and inflammation. Here we illustrate the MSC-EV therapeutic effects, largely mediated by specific miRNAs, covering various diseases and pathological processes occurring in the bones, heart and vessels, kidney, and brain. MSC-EVs operate also on the development of cancers and on COVID-19, where they alleviate the organ lesions induced by the virus. Therapy by MSC-EVs can be improved by combination of their innate potential to engineering processes inducing precise targeting and transfer of drugs. The unique properties of MSC-EVs explain their intense studies, carried out with extraordinary success. Although not yet developed to clinical practice, the perspectives for proximal future are encouraging.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (6) ◽  
pp. 241-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zerrin Atakan

Cannabis is a complex plant, with major compounds such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, which have opposing effects. The discovery of its compounds has led to the further discovery of an important neurotransmitter system called the endocannabinoid system. This system is widely distributed in the brain and in the body, and is considered to be responsible for numerous significant functions. There has been a recent and consistent worldwide increase in cannabis potency, with increasing associated health concerns. A number of epidemiological research projects have shown links between dose-related cannabis use and an increased risk of development of an enduring psychotic illness. However, it is also known that not everyone who uses cannabis is affected adversely in the same way. What makes someone more susceptible to its negative effects is not yet known, however there are some emerging vulnerability factors, ranging from certain genes to personality characteristics. In this article we first provide an overview of the biochemical basis of cannabis research by examining the different effects of the two main compounds of the plant and the endocannabinoid system, and then go on to review available information on the possible factors explaining variation of its effects upon different individuals.


2021 ◽  
pp. 8-14
Author(s):  
Светлана Тарасовна Быкова ◽  
Тамара Григорьевна Калинина ◽  
Ирина Макаровна Московская

Полноценное, сбалансированное питание - основной фактор в формировании здоровья детей, когда в организме наиболее интенсивно протекают процессы роста и развития, формируются и созревают многие органы и системы, совершенствуются их функции. В статье приведены основные направления исследований зарубежных и отечественных ученых по лечению генетических заболеваний, таких как фенилкетонурия. Одним из приоритетных направлений в области здорового питания населения России в соответствии со Стратегией научно-технологического развития РФ до 2030 г. является развитие производства пищевых продуктов, обогащенных незаменимыми ингредиентами, специализированных продуктов детского питания, продуктов функционального назначения, диетических пищевых продуктов и биологически активных добавок. По данным ВОЗ от структуры питания на 70 % зависят здоровье и физическое развитие детей и подростков. Фенилкетонурия (ФКУ) - наследственное заболевание, вызывающее нарушение метаболизма аминокислоты фенилаланина у ребенка, одно из первых, рекомендованных ВОЗ для ранней диагностики у новорожденных. Отсутствие лечения вызывают серьезное поражение центральной нервной системы, отставание в умственном и физическом развитии. Особенностью современного этапа развития диетотерапии для детей, страдающих различными заболеваниями, в том числе наследственными, является разработка качественных функциональных продуктов питания, способствующих сохранению и улучшению здоровья ребенка за счет регулирующего и нормализующего воздействия на организм с учетом его физиологического состояния и возраста. Данные продукты можно широко использовать в практике лечебного питания не только в составе гипофенилаланиновой диеты, но и при любых заболеваниях, требующих ее соблюдения. В настоящее время единственным методом лечения ФКУ является диетотерапия, организованная с первых дней жизни с использованием специализированных смесей без фенилаланина. Из питания исключаются высокобелковые продукты растительного и животного происхождения. Целью лечебного воздействия диеты на ребенка является поддержка концентрации фенилаланина (ФА) в крови в пределах 2-12 мг на 100 мл в зависимости от возраста ребенка. Full-fledged balanced nutrition is the main factor in the formation of children's health, when the processes of growth and development are most intense in the body, many organs and systems are formed and mature, and their functions are improved. The article presents the main research areas of foreign and domestic scientists on the treatment of genetic diseases, such as phenylketonuria. One of the priority areas in the field of healthy nutrition of the Russian population in accordance with the Strategy for Scientific and Technological Development of the Russian Federation until 2030 is the development of the production of food products enriched with essential ingredients, specialized children's food products, functional products, dietary food products and biologically active additives. According to WHO, the health and physical development of children and adolescents depends on the nutritional structure by 70%. Phenylketonuria (PKN) - an inherited disease that causes impaired metabolism of the amino acid phenylalanine in a child - is one of the first recommended by WHO for early diagnosis in newborns. Lack of treatment causes serious damage to the central nervous system, a lag in mental and physical development. A feature of the modern stage of development of dietary therapy for children suffering from various diseases, including hereditary ones, is the development of quality functional food products that contribute to the preservation and improvement of the health of the child, due to the regulatory and normalizing effect on the body, taking into account its physiological state and age. These products can be widely used in the practice of therapeutic nutrition not only in the sastava of the hypophenylalanine diet, but also for any diseases requiring its observance. Currently, the only method of treating PKN is diet therapy, organized from the first days of life using specialized mixtures without phenylalanine. High-protein products of vegetable and animal origin are excluded from nutrition. The goal of the therapeutic effect of the diet on the child is to maintain the concentration of phenylalanine (FA) in the blood in the range of 2-12 mg per 100 ml, depending on the age of the child.


2018 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-36
Author(s):  
Nikola Musiała ◽  
Iga Hołyńska-Iwan ◽  
Dorota Olszewska-Słonina

Cortisol, also called “the” stress hormone is a glucocorticoid secreted by the adrenal cortex. This hormone plays a significant role in maintaining homeostasis, according to the body’s total stress. Cortisol interferes with many organs, affects glucose and fatty acids metabolism and neurotransmitter secretion. Predominantly, cortisol influences the carbohydrate metabolism, stimulating gluconeogenesis in the liver and inhibiting glucose utilization in peripheral tissues. As it is an element “fight or flight” it also stimulates central nervous system and enhances blood flow. To some extent cortisol influences also the renal handling of electrolytes, namely: increasing sodium resorption, and renal excretion of potassium, calcium and phosphates. Through its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive character this glucocorticoid modulates the immune system functioning. Cortisol has a circadian rhythm following ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) secretion. Increased cortisol levels are observed physiologically during stress and pathologically in Cushing’s syndrome. Chronic hypercortisolism is harmful or the body, and its effects present an extremely wide spectrum, including insulin resistance, obesity, insomnia and even depression. Thus, laboratory diagnosis of cortisol level is important for the diagnosis, monitoring and evaluate the effectiveness of hypercortisolism treatment.


Author(s):  
Simran Kaur ◽  
Nikita Sharma ◽  
Arpita Roy

Background: The plant, Cannabis sativa is heavily explored and researched with many industrial and pharmaceutical applications. The medicinal and therapeutic role of cannabis Sativa has been summarized in the paper, citing its mechanism of action and influence on the human body. Diseases like metabolic disorders, infectious diseases, and psychological disorders pose negative and long-term drastic effects on the body like neurodegeneration and other chronic system failures. Several existing literature has proved its effectiveness against such diseases. Objectives: This review aims to provide an overview of the role of cannabinoids in various diseases like metabolic disorders, infectious diseases, and psychological disorders. Method: Various e-resources like Pubmed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were thoroughly searched and read to form a well-informed and information-heavy manuscript. Here we tried to summaries the therapeutic aspect of Cannabis sativa and its bioactive compound cannabinoids in various diseases. Result: This review highlights the various constituents which are present in Cannabis sativa, the Endocannabinoid system, and the role of cannabinoids in various diseases Conclusion: Recent research on Cannabis has suggested its role in neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation, sleep disorders, pediatric diseases, and their analgesic nature. Therefore, the authors majorly focus on the therapeutic aspect of Cannabis sativa in various diseases. The focus is also on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and its role in fighting or preventing bacterial, parasitic, fungal, and viral infections.


Open Medicine ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 271-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arome Odiba ◽  
Victoria Ottah ◽  
Comfort Ottah ◽  
Ogechukwu Anunobi ◽  
Chimere Ukegbu ◽  
...  

AbstractScience always strives to find an improved way of doing things and nanoscience is one such approach. Nanomaterials are suitable for pharmaceutical applications mostly because of their size which facilitates absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of the nanoparticles. Whether labile or insoluble nanoparticles, their cytotoxic effect on malignant cells has moved the use of nanomedicine into focus. Since nanomedicine can be described as the science and technology of diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases towards ultimately improving human health, a lot of nanotechnology options have received approval by various regulatory agencies. Nanodrugs also have been discovered to be more precise in targeting the desired site, hence maximizing the therapeutic effects, while minimizing side-effects on the rest of the body. This unique property and more has made nanomedicine popular in therapeutic medicine employing nanotechnology in genetic therapy, drug encapsulation, enzyme manipulation and control, tissue engineering, target drug delivery, pharmacogenomics, stem cell and cloning, and even virus-based hybrids. This review highlights nanoproducts that are in development and have gained approval through one clinical trial stage or the other.


2008 ◽  
Vol 136 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 284-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadja Maric ◽  
Dragana Josifovic-Kostic ◽  
Olivera Vukovic ◽  
Dubravka Britvic ◽  
Miroslava Jasovic-Gasic

INTRODUCTION Olanzapine is a second generation antipsychotic (SGA) with a high level of therapeutic effectiveness in schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Along with the positive therapeutic effects, an increase of the body weight frequently occurs. According to the literature, the average weight gain is about 6-7 kg during several months of treatment. This could be valued as a moderate weight increase. CASE OUTLINE This article presents a case of a young female with schizophrenia, without clinical improvement with several antipsychotics (clozapine, risperidone, haloperidol) and with the occurrence of significant neurological side effects. The treatment started with olanzapine (baseline) was associated with good initial response (PANSS reduction 20% in the first two weeks) and the improvement was maintained further on (PANSS reduction 50% after 16 weeks). Significant increase (20 kg, 40%) in weight appeared during the following 16 weeks (BMI at baseline 17.9 kg/m2; BMI 16 weeks later 25.1 kg/m2). CONCLUSION High effectiveness of olanzapine in schizophrenia symptoms reduction was accompanied by a significant weight gain. However, this drug leads to impaired glucoregulation, dyslipidaemia etc. It also increases the risk of diabetes and cardio-vascular diseases, i.e. the main causes of mortality in schizophrenia after a suicide. Therefore, clinicians are suggested to focus on possible predictors of weight gain during olanzapine therapy, and act accordingly in order to prevent serious health consequences.


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