scholarly journals Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): An Alternative Approach for Combating COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 12808-12830
Keyword(s):  
Photodynamic Therapy ◽  
Alternative Treatment ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
World Health ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Safety Issues ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
Psoralen Derivatives ◽  
Health Organization

The COVID-19 disease initially originated in Wuhan (China) and then spread worldwide has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Many attempts are ongoing to find an effective therapeutic treatment and vaccine to cure or prevent the disease, but the success is very little. Even some of the approved vaccines are also disputed for safety issues. This is the time where we should think of alternative treatments to control the disease effectively. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a technique that is widely used in cancer treatment and against various microbes. In this technique, a light-induced photosensitizer generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), ultimately killing the target cells. Considering these facts, an attempt has been made to review the current literature on viral inactivation using PDT approach. Accordingly, the mechanism of PDT action has been discussed, along with an update on the use of various photosensitizers (PSs) and nanoparticles. The capsid proteins and nucleic acid (RNA) of SARS-CoV-2 can be a possible target for PDT. To understand this interaction further, computational modeling studies have been discussed to help design effective PSs. Overall, the PDT technique has therapeutic potential and should be tested as a complementary or alternative treatment for control of COVID-19 using the PSs like curcumin, psoralen derivatives, riboflavin, etc. This review discusses COVID-19, its outbreak, diagnosis, the existing treatment modalities, and how PDT can be an effective alternative treatment for controlling the disease.

scholarly journals COVID-19—The Potential Beneficial Therapeutic Effects of Spironolactone during SARS-CoV-2 Infection

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 71
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Kotfis ◽  
Kacper Lechowicz ◽  
Sylwester Drożdżal ◽  
Paulina Niedźwiedzka-Rystwej ◽  
Tomasz K. Wojdacz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Fibrosis ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Severe Pneumonia ◽  
Therapeutic Benefit ◽  
World Health ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Infection ◽  
Dual Action ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Transmembrane Serine Protease

In March 2020, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). The clinical course of the disease is unpredictable but may lead to severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) and pneumonia leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). It has been shown that pulmonary fibrosis may be one of the major long-term complications of COVID-19. In animal models, the use of spironolactone was proven to be an important drug in the prevention of pulmonary fibrosis. Through its dual action as a mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonist and an androgenic inhibitor, spironolactone can provide significant benefits concerning COVID-19 infection. The primary effect of spironolactone in reducing pulmonary edema may also be beneficial in COVID-19 ARDS. Spironolactone is a well-known, widely used and safe anti-hypertensive and antiandrogenic medication. It has potassium-sparing diuretic action by antagonizing mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs). Spironolactone and potassium canrenoate, exerting combined pleiotropic action, may provide a therapeutic benefit to patients with COVID-19 pneumonia through antiandrogen, MR blocking, antifibrotic and anti-hyperinflammatory action. It has been proposed that spironolactone may prevent acute lung injury in COVID-19 infection due to its pleiotropic effects with favorable renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) and ACE2 expression, reduction in transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) activity and antiandrogenic action, and therefore it may prove to act as additional protection for patients at highest risk of severe pneumonia. Future prospective clinical trials are warranted to evaluate its therapeutic potential.

scholarly journals Adipokines and Obesity. Potential Link to Metabolic Disorders and Chronic Complications

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (10) ◽  
pp. 3570 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Zorena ◽  
Olga Jachimowicz-Duda ◽  
Daniel Ślęzak ◽  
Marlena Robakowska ◽  
Małgorzata Mrugacz
Keyword(s):  
The Body ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
World Health ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Fatty Tissue ◽  
Chronic Complications ◽  
Overweight People ◽  
Cochrane Database ◽  
Potential Link ◽  
Health Organization

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized obesity as one of the top ten threats to human health. It is estimated that the number of obese and overweight people worldwide exceeds the number of those who are undernourished. Obesity is not only a state of abnormally increased adipose tissue in the body, but also of increased release of biologically active adipokines. Adipokines released into the circulating blood, due to their specific receptors on the surface of target cells, act as classic hormones affecting the metabolism of tissues and organs. What is more, adipokines and cytokines may decrease the insulin sensitivity of tissues and induce inflammation and development of chronic complications. Certainly, it can be stated that in an era of a global obesity pandemic, adipokines may gain more and more importance as regards their use in the diagnostic evaluation and treatment of diseases. An extensive search for materials on the role of white, brown and perivascular fatty tissue and obesity-related metabolic and chronic complications was conducted online using PubMed, the Cochrane database and Embase.

Cerebellar liponeurocytoma

2001 ◽  
Vol 95 (4) ◽  
pp. 700-703 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thad R. Jackson ◽  
William F. Regine ◽  
Dianne Wilson ◽  
Daron G. Davis
Keyword(s):  
World Health ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Central Nervous System Neoplasms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Biological Potential ◽  
Cerebellar Liponeurocytoma ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Nervous System Neoplasms

✓ Cerebellar liponeurocytoma is a rare tumor of the posterior fossa that has many morphological similarities to medulloblastoma and neurocytoma. Recently the World Health Organization working group for classification of central nervous system neoplasms adopted the term “cerebellar liponeurocytoma” to provide a unified nomenclature for a tumor variously labeled in the literature as lipomatous medulloblastoma, lipidized medulloblastoma, medullocytoma, neurolipocytoma, lipomatous glioneurocytoma, and lipidized mature neuroectodermal tumor of the cerebellum. The rarity of this tumor and paucity of pertinent information regarding its biological potential and natural history have resulted in the application of various treatment modalities. It is suggested in the available literature that these lesions have a much more favorable prognosis than typical medulloblastomas, and that adjuvant therapy for liponeurocytoma need not be as extensive as that administered for medulloblastomas.

scholarly journals “The New Pandemic Challenge in Dentistry” Ozone in Aerosol Free Dental Procedures Post COVID 19 - A Review Article

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (30) ◽  
pp. 2325-2330
Author(s):  
Sahana Sadasivam ◽  
Geeta IB
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Options ◽  
Oxidation Potential ◽  
World Health ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Ozone Therapy ◽  
Aerosol Exposure ◽  
Dental Procedures ◽  
Dental Practitioners ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Health Organization

The world health organization declared the outbreak of Corona virus as a public health emergency of international concern on 30th January 2020. The disease is transmitted by inhalation or contact with infected droplets and the incubation period ranges from 2 to 14 days. This mode of transmission has led to a concern for dentists worldwide. Due to the characteristics of dental settings, the risk of cross infection can be high between patients and dental practitioners. Various modifications in treatment options have been investigated to reduce the release of aerosols and minimize patient and dentist exposure. These modifications in the dental set up are incorporated to protect the practitioner and the patient from cross contamination. One such treatment modality in reducing aerosol production is the use of Ozone. Ozone is an allotropic form of oxygen and has been used successfully in the treatment of various diseases for over a hundred years. It has a high oxidation potential and is 1.5 times greater than chlorine when it is used as an antimicrobial agent. It has also shown to stimulate remineralization and has hence led to its increasing popularity and demand in the dental field. Its unique properties include analgesic, antimicrobial and antihypnotic actions. Its atraumatic, painless, non-invasive, and relative absence of discomfort and side effects has led to its use in dentistry with increased patient’s acceptability and compliance thus making it an ideal choice for various treatment options in dentistry which would eventually lead to reduced aerosol exposure. This review is an attempt to highlight various treatment modalities of Ozone therapy during post Covid-19 scenario in dental practices and its possible clinical applications in future. KEY WORDS Covid-19, Ozone Therapy, Dental Practice

scholarly journals Triclabendazole in the treatment of human fascioliasis: a review

2019 ◽  
Vol 113 (12) ◽  
pp. 797-804 ◽  
Author(s):  
Preetam Gandhi ◽  
Esther K Schmitt ◽  
Chien-Wei Chen ◽  
Sanjay Samantray ◽  
Vinay Kumar Venishetty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fasciola Hepatica ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Life Cycles ◽  
World Health ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Safety Issues ◽  
Human Fascioliasis ◽  
Domestic Livestock ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Fascioliasis occurs on all inhabited continents. It is caused by Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica, trematode parasites with complex life cycles, and primarily affects domestic livestock. Humans become infected after ingestion of contaminated food (typically wild aquatic vegetables) or water. Fascioliasis may be difficult to diagnose as many symptoms are non-specific (e.g. fever, abdominal pain and anorexia). Treatment options are limited, with older effective therapies such as emetine and bithionol no longer used due to safety issues and unavailability, and most common anthelminthics having poor efficacy. Clinical trials conducted over a 25-year period, together with numerous case reports, demonstrated that triclabendazole has high efficacy in the treatment of human fascioliasis in adults and children and in all stages and forms of infection. Triclabendazole was approved for human use in Egypt in 1997 and in France in 2002 and a donation program for the treatment of fascioliasis in endemic countries was subsequently established by the manufacturer and administered by the World Health Organization. Here the published data on triclabendazole in the treatment of human fascioliasis are reviewed, with a focus on more recent data, in light of the 2019 US Food and Drug Administration approval of the drug for use in human infections.

Overview of chemistry and therapeutic potential of non-nitrogen heterocyclics as anticonvulsant agents

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rohit Pal ◽  
Karanvir Singh ◽  
Joyson Paul ◽  
Shah Alam Khan ◽  
Mohd. Javed Naim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Neurological Diseases ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Pharmacokinetic Profile ◽  
Heterocyclic Ring ◽  
World Health ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Nitrogen Heterocyclic

: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder, characterized by predisposition of unprovoked seizures affecting the neurobiological, psychological, cognitive, economic, and social well-being of patient. As per the 2019 report by World Health Organization, it affects nearly 80% of the population which comes from the middle to low-income countries. It has been suggested that 70% of such cases can be treated effectively if properly diagnosed. It is one of the most common neurological diseases affecting 50 million people globally. Most of the antiepileptic drugs used in clinical practice are only 60-80% effective in controlling the disease. These drugs suffer from serious drawbacks of non-selectivity and toxicity that limit their clinical usefulness. Hence, there is a need to search for the safe, potent, and effective anti-epileptic drugs. One of the emerging strategies to discover and develop selective and non-toxic anticonvulsant molecule focuses on design of non-nitrogen heterocyclic compounds (NNHC). Drugs such as valproic acid, gabapentin, viagabatrin, fluorofelbamate, tiagabine, progabide, pregabalin, gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) etc., do not contain a nitrogen heterocyclic ring but are as effective anticonvulsants as conventional heterocyclic nitrogen compounds. This review covers the various classes of NNHC which have been developed in the recent past as anticonvulsants along with their chemistry, percentage yield, structure activity relationship and biological activity. The most potent compound in each series has been identified for the comparative studies, for further structural modification and to improve the pharmacokinetic profile. Various optimized synthetic pathways and diverse functionalities other than nitrogen-containing rings discussed in the article may help medicinal chemists to design safe and effective anticonvulsant drugs in near future.

scholarly journals DDIS-26. HIGH-THROUGHPUT DRUG SCREENING OF MENINGIOMAS IDENTIFIES HDAC INHIBITORS AS PROMISING TARGETS ACROSS GRADES

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_6) ◽  
pp. vi68-vi69
Author(s):  
Philip Tatman ◽  
Anthony Fringuello ◽  
Teddy Wroblewski ◽  
Sam Scherer ◽  
William Foreman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Viability ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Hdac Inhibitors ◽  
World Health ◽  
Who Grade ◽  
Hc Toxin ◽  
Cns Neoplasms ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Meningiomas are a common central nervous system (CNS) tumor, accounting for one third of CNS neoplasms. To date, no FDA approved pharmacotherapy exists for meningiomas. In an effort to identify potential treatments for meningiomas we created a culture system that allows us to grow and screen tumors across hundreds of compounds within two weeks of resection. We screened 32 meningiomas, six of which were World Health Organization (WHO) grade II, against the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) FDA-approved cancer compound library and Caymen Chemical’s epigenetic inhibitor library, totaling to more than 300 compounds. The NCI library was screened at 1um, and the Caymen library was screened at 5um. Each library was screened in triplicate, allowing us to calculate statistical significance. We used an MTS assay to determine cell viability after three days. The data was background subtracted and normalized to controls. Significant changes in cell viability were determined for individual drugs using a Mann-Whitney-U test compared to untreated controls. On average, regardless of grade, 5.9 compounds per hundred screened significantly reduced tumor viability. We identified four compounds in the NCI FDA-approved library that reduced cell viability, on average across all tumors screened, by at least 50%: romidepsin, panobinostat, daunorubicin, and carfilzomib. Using the same criteria, we identified the following drugs from the Caymen epigenetic library: LAQ824, panobinostat, and HC toxin. Of the six compounds implicated as possible treatments for meningiomas, four are histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors. HDAC inhibitors may represent a promising target for the treatment of meningiomas. Based on this data, we have begun in vivo work using PDX mouse models to investigate the therapeutic potential of HDAC inhibitors for the treatment of meningiomas.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Non-Surgical and Surgical Treatment Modalities in the Management of Oral Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

FACE ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 273250162110220
Author(s):  
Uchenna P. Egbunah ◽  
Adegbayi A. Adekunle ◽  
Wasiu L. Adeyemo
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Oral Cancer ◽  
Surgical Intervention ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Disease Free Survival ◽  
World Health ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Nccn Guidelines ◽  
Health Organization

Objectives: To answer the question of “how effective are non-surgical treatment modalities in the management of oral cancer, and can they serve as viable alternatives to surgical intervention?” Method: We conducted systematic searches for Randomized Controlled Trials and Controlled Clinical Trials in PubMed, Cochrane, Ovid Medline, and OpenGrey databases. The US National Institutes of Health Ongoing Trials Register and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were also searched for ongoing and past studies. Identified studies were retrieved and assessed for relevance. Outcome measures: The primary outcomes assessed in the trials included any combination of overall survival, disease-free survival, locoregional control, and recurrence. While secondary outcomes considered were complications of treatment, participants’ satisfaction, costs to participants and health services, and quality of life. Results: Only 5 studies met all inclusion criteria and were selected for qualitative analysis. Two studies comparing radiotherapy with surgery, 1 compared chemoradiotherapy with surgery, and 2 compared brachytherapy with surgery. Conclusion: Based on results from this review, surgery is the mainstay of treatment of non-HPV-associated oral cancer and should always be considered unless surgical intervention is contraindicated. Primary radiotherapy or concurrent chemoradiotherapy may be instituted as non-surgical alternatives when surgery is contraindicated on the condition that clinicians follow the NCCN guidelines.

scholarly journals Evolving potential vaccine candidates amid COVID-19 pandemic: Pipeline to Lifeline

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 1323-1333
Author(s):  
Anshu Kumar Yadav ◽  
Akila Prashant ◽  
Prashant Vishwanath ◽  
Surinder Singh ◽  
Nirmal Kumar Ganguly
Keyword(s):  
Docking Studies ◽  
Experimental Models ◽  
World Health ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Vaccine Candidates ◽  
Clinical Phase ◽  
Preclinical Phase ◽  
The World ◽  
Potential Vaccine ◽  
Health Organization

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is globally explored to decode its genomic functionality along with elucidating immunogenic pathways to design and develop an efficient vaccine. Potential immunogenic targets have been screened and validated through preclinical evaluation using experimental models. Computational platform and molecular docking studies are also being conducted to study the immunodynamic mechanisms which involve suitable epitopes of host target cells that respond to the potential vaccine candidate eliciting an immune-mediated reaction. Although SARS-CoV-2 possesses genetic similarities with previously known human coronaviruses, the emergence of novel mutational changes in the immunodominant region of the receptor-binding domain of viral spike protein resulted in high transmissibility and fatality. On a periodical basis, the World Health Organization (WHO) publishes the update on evolving vaccine candidates and encouraging several vaccine developers including multinational companies to join the worldwide campaign against the COVID-19 pandemic. As per the latest WHO landscape draft of evolving vaccine candidates, around 180 teams with respective vaccine candidates across the world are working by utilizing multiple developmental platforms, out of which 35 candidates have entered clinical phase trial and 145 candidates are under the preclinical phase of evaluation. They are also being tested for undesired immunopotentiation without compromising their safety and efficacy. These vaccine candidates along with their advantages and various challenges have been reviewed in this article.

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