scholarly journals Skin Autofluorescence – A Non-invasive Measurement for Assessing Cardiovascular Risk and Risk of Diabetes

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alin Stirban ◽  
Lutz Heinemann ◽  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Control ◽  
Glycated Haemoglobin ◽  
Cardiovascular Complications ◽  
Theoretical Background ◽  
Skin Autofluorescence ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Glycation End Products ◽  
Other Substances

The results of the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial-Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (DCCT-EDIC) study have strengthened the ‘glycaemic memory’ concept, postulating that the quality of metabolic control over several years predicts the development of diabetic complications. To mirror long-term metabolic control, the degree of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) might not represent the optimal biomarker. Other substances with a longer persistence, like the so-called advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which probably form the substrate of the glycaemic memory, might perform better. Newly developed methods such as the assessment of skin autofluorescence (SAF), enable fast, uncomplicated and non-invasive AGEs assessment. SAF was validated for diabetes screening and shows a good predictive value for the development of diabetic and cardiovascular complications. This article deals with the theoretical background and with available clinical data on this new variable.

scholarly journals Role of Glucose-Lowering Medications in Erectile Dysfunction

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2501
Author(s):  
Angelo Cignarelli ◽  
Valentina Annamaria Genchi ◽  
Rossella D’Oria ◽  
Fiorella Giordano ◽  
Irene Caruso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Erectile Dysfunction ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Smooth Muscle Contractility ◽  
Glucose Lowering ◽  
Glycation End Products ◽  
Altered Metabolism

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a long-term complication of type 2 diabetes (T2D) widely known to affect the quality of life. Several aspects of altered metabolism in individuals with T2D may help to compromise the penile vasculature structure and functions, thus exacerbating the imbalance between smooth muscle contractility and relaxation. Among these, advanced glycation end-products and reactive oxygen species derived from a hyperglycaemic state are known to accelerate endothelial dysfunction by lowering nitric oxide bioavailability, the essential stimulus of relaxation. Although several studies have explained the pathogenetic mechanisms involved in the generation of erectile failure, few studies to date have described the efficacy of glucose-lowering medications in the restoration of normal sexual activity. Herein, we will present current knowledge about the main starters of the pathophysiology of diabetic ED and explore the role of different anti-diabetes therapies in the potential remission of ED, highlighting specific pathways whose activation or inhibition could be fundamental for sexual care in a diabetes setting.

Optimization of coprological studies in animals with the use of homeopathic Nux vomica 6CH

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (47) ◽  
pp. 139-139
Author(s):  
Vladimir V Drozdov
Keyword(s):  
Intestinal Microflora ◽  
Domestic Animals ◽  
The State ◽  
Laboratory Studies ◽  
Test Quality ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Gastrointestinal Pathology ◽  
Animal Feces

Background: Etiology of various gastrointestinal dysfunctions varies from infections and infestations to consequences of emotional stress and errors in animals’ nutrition. Taking this variability of etiology and pathogenesis into account, a lot depends not only on completeness of homeopathic history taking but also on the quality of laboratory studies. In our experience, coprology studies are especially complicated when persistent gastrointestinal disorders were preceded by massive use of allopathic remedies. This sometimes necessitates repeated examinations. That is why our interest in having reliable results and early detection of latent indigestion made us look for non-invasive methods which could be easy to use in animals but at the same time could reveal latent gastrointestinal pathology in animals. Aims: The study was aimed to determine the effect of a homeopathic medication Nux Vomica 6CH on detection of latent gastrointestinal pathology in small domestic animals. Method: Coprology studies were performed simultaneously with the use of sedimentation method and Fulleborn method (modification of Scherbovich). Infestations were diagnosed and characteristics of patient digestion were recorded. Feces test detected: 1. Presence of endoparasites (helminths, protozoa and yeast-like structures); 2. State of intestinal microflora (presence of different species and their balance with each other); 3. Degree of food absorbency (presence or lack of undigested protein, carbohydrates and fat); 4. Presence of inedible inclusions; 5. Presence of cells (lymphocytes, erythrocytes, intestinal epithelium, tumor fragments). If animal feces tests were non-informative, then all medications (except vitally important) were discontinued and Nux Vomica 6CH twice a day twenty minutes prior to food intake was prescribed for 6 days (4 globules dissolved in 10 ml of water). Results: 4500 coprology tests were performed during 3 years in cats and dogs. About 10% of the total number of examined animals (449 patients) produced very little information about the state of gastrointestinal systems at the first examination. When these cases were analyzed, the following reasons were found: long-term use of strong drugs, significant weakening of body immune system. As a result diagnostic tests were of very little value. These animals were treated by Nux Vomica 6CH for 6 days and then repeated feces test was performed. This produced a more informative picture of the state of gastrointestinal system and enabled to determine etiology and pathogenesis of the animal condition and prescribe necessary treatment. Conclusion. In such a way, Nux Vomica 6CH homeopathic remedy promoted effective optimization of coprology studies in animals. The suggested scheme of use for Nux Vomica 6CH significantly improves feces test quality. This in turn reduces time needed to choose strategy and tactics of treatment of small domestic animals with different chronic diseases.

scholarly journals DNA Methylation as a Future Therapeutic and Diagnostic Target in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Cells ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 953 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marzena Ciechomska ◽  
Leszek Roszkowski ◽  
Wlodzimierz Maslinski
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Joint Destruction ◽  
Synovial Fibroblasts ◽  
Genetic Mutation ◽  
Unknown Etiology ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Fibroblast Like Synoviocytes

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term autoimmune disease of unknown etiology that leads to progressive joint destruction and ultimately to disability. RA affects as much as 1% of the population worldwide. To date, RA is not a curable disease, and the mechanisms responsible for RA development have not yet been well understood. The development of more effective treatments and improvements in the early diagnosis of RA is direly needed to increase patients’ functional capacity and their quality of life. As opposed to genetic mutation, epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, are reversible, making them good therapeutic candidates, modulating the immune response or aggressive synovial fibroblasts (FLS—fibroblast-like synoviocytes) activity when it is necessary. It has been suggested that DNA methylation might contribute to RA development, however, with insufficient and conflicting results. Besides, recent studies have shown that circulating cell-free methylated DNA (ccfDNA) in blood offers a very convenient, non-invasive, and repeatable “liquid biopsy”, thus providing a reliable template for assessing molecular markers of various diseases, including RA. Thus, epigenetic therapies controlling autoimmunity and systemic inflammation may find wider implications for the diagnosis and management of RA. In this review, we highlight current challenges associated with the treatment of RA and other autoimmune diseases and discuss how targeting DNA methylation may improve diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic approaches.

scholarly journals Cardiovascular Effects in Childhood Cancer Survivors Treated with Anthracyclines

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivian I. Franco ◽  
Jacqueline M. Henkel ◽  
Tracie L. Miller ◽  
Steven E. Lipshultz
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Childhood Cancer ◽  
Cardiovascular Effects ◽  
Childhood Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cardiovascular Complications ◽  
Anthracycline Cardiotoxicity ◽  
Treatment And Prevention ◽  
Artery Disease

Anthracyclines are commonly used to treat childhood leukemias and lymphomas, as well as other malignancies, leading to a growing population of long-term childhood cancer survivors. However, their use is limited by cardiotoxicity, increasing survivors' vulnerability to treatment-related complications that can markedly affect their quality of life. Survivors are more likely to suffer from heart failure, coronary artery disease, and cerebrovascular accidents compared to the general population. The specific mechanisms of anthracycline cardiotoxicity are complex and remain unclear. Hence, determining the factors that may increase susceptibility to cardiotoxicity is of great importance, as is monitoring patients during and after treatment. Additionally, treatment and prevention options, such as limiting cumulative dosage, liposomal anthracyclines, and dexrazoxane, continue to be explored. Here, we review the cardiovascular complications associated with the use of anthracyclines in treating malignancies in children and discuss methods for preventing, screening, and treating such complications in childhood cancer survivors.

Short- and Long-term Cardiovascular Complications of Cancer Treatment: Overview for the Practicing Oncologist

2012 ◽  
pp. 553-554
Author(s):  
Chetan Shenoy ◽  
Gretchen Kimmick
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cardiovascular Complications ◽  
Complex Interaction ◽  
Comorbid Illness ◽  
Increase Risk ◽  
Short And Long Term

Overview: As new therapies improve survival from cancer, attention to comorbid illness and complications of therapy—both short- and long-term—become much more important to improving not only quality of life but also overall survival. Recognized for its importance as the leading cause of death in the United States, heart disease often coexists with cancer, and cancer treatment may increase risk and/or severity. In addition, there are well-recognized cardiovascular toxicities of cancer treatment, including not only cardiomyopathy, but also hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and others. Oncologists and cardiologists are working closely to learn more about the complex interaction and to improve management and outcome for patients.

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