scholarly journals Halotherapy—An Ancient Natural Ally in the Management of Asthma: A Comprehensive Review

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 1604
Author(s):  
Radu Crisan-Dabija ◽  
Ioan Gabriel Sandu ◽  
Iolanda Valentina Popa ◽  
Dragos-Viorel Scripcariu ◽  
Adrian Covic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vocal Cord Dysfunction ◽  
Nocturnal Asthma ◽  
Environment Friendly ◽  
Asthmatic Patients ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Treatment And Prevention ◽  
Asthma Exacerbations ◽  
Asthma Patients ◽  
Preventive Role

The increasing production of modern medication emerges as a new source of environmental pollution. The scientific community is interested in developing alternative, ecological therapies in asthma. Halotherapy proved its benefits in asthma diagnosis, treatment, and prevention and may represent a reliable therapeutic addition to the allopathic treatment, due to its ecological and environment-friendly nature, in order to prevent or prolong the time to exacerbations in patients with asthma. We aimed to review up-to-date research regarding halotherapy benefits in asthma comprehensively. We searched the electronic databases of PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE for studies that evaluated the exposure of asthmatic patients to halotherapy. Eighteen original articles on asthma were included. Five studies in adults and five in children assessed the performance of hypertonic saline bronchial challenges to diagnose asthma or vocal cord dysfunction in asthmatic patients. Three papers evaluated the beneficial effects of halotherapy on mucociliary clearance in asthmatic adults. The therapeutic effect of halotherapy on acute or chronic asthma was appraised in three studies in adults and one in children. The preventive role was documented in one paper reporting the ability of halotherapy to hinder nocturnal asthma exacerbations. All studies seem to sustain the overall positive effects of halotherapy as adjuvant therapy on asthma patients with no reported adverse events. Halotherapy is a crucial natural ally in asthma, but further evidence-based studies on larger populations are needed.

scholarly journals Depression Levels Influence the Rate of Asthma Exacerbations in Females

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 586
Author(s):  
Papaporfyriou Anastasia ◽  
Tseliou Eleni ◽  
Mizi Eleftheria ◽  
Ntontsi Xenia ◽  
Papathanasiou Eygenia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Control Level ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Asthmatic Patients ◽  
Asthma Exacerbations ◽  
Depression Subscale ◽  
Global Initiative For Asthma ◽  
Asthma Patients ◽  
Global Initiative

Background: Anxiety and depression are common psychological disturbances among asthmatic patients. The aim of the present study is the assessment of anxiety and depression in asthmatic patients and their correlation with symptoms control level and number of exacerbations per year. Methods: One hundred patients with asthma diagnosis, according to the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), aged > 18 years old, having a stable disease, were included. Emotional status was evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS). Patients were followed up for a year to assess the number and severity of exacerbations. Results: Most of our patients were female (58%), middle-aged (mean = 54 ± 13), and married (81%), with low frequency of smoking habits (smokers, ex-smokers and non-smokers were 26%, 30% and 37%, respectively) and low levels of both anxiety and depression [median (interquartile range (IQR)) = 4(2) and median (IQR) = 4(2), respectively]. At the low and moderate level of the depression subscale, female patients experienced asthma exacerbations more frequently compared to male patients (adjusted Incidence Rate Ratio (aIRR) = 4.30; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.94–9.53 and aIRR = 1.82; 95% CI: 1.07–3.13, respectively). Conclusions. Clinicians should evaluate asthma patients for depression, as gender differentially influences outcomes among those with low and moderate levels of depression, with female asthmatics presenting more frequent exacerbations.

scholarly journals Role of a Community Pharmacy Service in Care of Bronchial Asthma Patients in Lithuania

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arturas Nastaravičius ◽  
Kristina Ramanauskienė
Keyword(s):  
Asthma Control ◽  
Bronchial Asthma ◽  
Pharmacy Service ◽  
Control Test ◽  
Asthma Control Test ◽  
Chronic Respiratory Diseases ◽  
Asthmatic Patients ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Community Pharmacy Service ◽  
Asthma Patients

Bronchial asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases, and its care is often complex. In this research, we tested the proposal that participation of pharmacists in the management of bronchial asthma can improve patient outcomes. A two-stage study was constructed consisting of a training element and a service element, using the Asthma Control Test and a structured questionnaire about the patients’ disease condition (based on the results of a qualitative study). The study was conducted in 21 pharmacies in Lithuania and involved 338 asthmatic patients (age 18–88 years). It was found that before the pharmacy service was provided, the average number of mistakes patients made in administration of asthma medications was 2.03; this number decreased to 1.12 after the service was provided (p<0.05). Disease control paralleled the improvement in number of mistakes: 26.1% of patients who previously exerted no control over the disease symptoms began to exert sufficient control over their asthma symptoms (Asthma Control Test >20) after the service was provided (p<0.05). The reduced number of mistakes probably can be attributed to the positive effects of the provided services. By reducing the number of patient mistakes, pharmacists may improve the outcomes of asthmatic patients.

scholarly journals β2-Adrenoreceptor Polymorphisms in Asthmatic Patients

2003 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saeed Binaei ◽  
Sahar M. Rashed ◽  
Michael L. Christensen
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscles ◽  
Upstream Region ◽  
Significant Implication ◽  
Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽  
Coding Region ◽  
Nocturnal Asthma ◽  
Asthmatic Patients ◽  
Asthma Patients ◽  
Bronchial Dilatation ◽  
Β2 Agonists

β2-adrenergic receptors (β2AR) are GTP-binding protein (G-protein) coupled receptors widely distributed in human tissue. Inhaled β2-agonist drugs exert their primary effect on the β2AR of bronchial smooth muscles, causing relaxation and bronchial dilatation. Polymorphisms in the β2AR gene have been identified, which may affect responsiveness to β2-agonists and disease severity in asthmatics. Nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the coding region and eight SNPs within in the 5′ upstream region of the β2AR gene have been identified. The two most studied polymorphisms are mutations in the coding region at codon 16, Arg to Gly (Arg16Gly) and at codon 27, Gln to Glu (Gln27Glu). Evidence suggests that carriers of Gly16, as well as carriers of Gln27, are prone to down-regulation of β2AR. Patients who are homozygous for Arg16 and/or Glu 27 may be more susceptible to tachyplaxis with chronic use of β2-agonists. Although β2AR polymorphism is not related to the severity of asthma, patients with nocturnal asthma have higher frequency of Gly16. A polymorphism in the 5′ upstream region, 5′ leader cistron (5′LC), encodes for a protein that regulates mRNA transcription. The Cys19 polymorphism in the 5′LC is associated with higher expression of β2AR. More recent studies have focused on combinations of polymorphisms across the gene region (haplotypes). The interaction of multiple SNPs within a haplotype may control β2AR function resulting in different phenotypic response in patients with asthma. β2AR polymorphism may have a significant implication in the pathophysiology of asthma and therapeutic response.

scholarly journals Risk factors for the development of bronchiectasis in patients with asthma

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Donghai Ma ◽  
María-Jesús Cruz ◽  
Iñigo Ojanguren ◽  
Christian Romero-Mesones ◽  
Diego Varona-Porres ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Asthma Control ◽  
Severe Asthma ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Asthmatic Patients ◽  
Asthma Exacerbations ◽  
Severe Asthmatic ◽  
Asthma Patients ◽  
High Age

AbstractThough asthma and bronchiectasis are two different diseases, their coexistence has been demonstrated in many patients. The aim of the present study is to compare the characteristics of asthmatic patients with and without bronchiectasis and to assess risk factors for the development of this condition. Two hundred and twenty-four moderate-severe asthmatic patients were included. The severity of bronchiectasis was assessed by Reiff and FACED parameters. Logistic regression was used to identify independent factors associated with bronchiectasis. Bronchiectasis was identified in 78 asthma patients. In severe asthma patients, its prevalence was 56.9%. Bronchiectasis was defined as mild in81% of patients using modified Reiff criteria and in 74% using FACED criteria. Asthmatic patients with bronchiectasis had decreasing FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC (p = 0.002, 0.005 and 0.014 respectively), presented more frequent asthma exacerbations (p < 0.001) and worse asthma control (ACT 21 vs 16pts, p < 0.001). Factors independently associated with bronchiectasis were older age (42–65 years: OR, 3.99; 95% CI 1.60 to 9.95, P = 0.003; ≥ 65 years: OR, 2.91; 95% CI 1.06 to 8.04, P = 0.039), severe asthma grade (OR, 8.91; 95% CI 3.69 to 21.49; P < 0.001) and frequency of asthma exacerbations (OR, 4.43; 95% CI 1.78 to 11.05; P < 0.001). In patients with severe asthma, age of asthma onset (OR, 1.02; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.04; P = 0.015) and asthma exacerbations (OR, 4.88; 95% CI 1.98 to 12.03; P = 0.001) were independently associated with the development of bronchiectasis. The prevalence of bronchiectasis in severe asthmatic patients is high. Age of asthma onset and exacerbations were independent factors associated with the occurrence of bronchiectasis.

Expression Level of MiRNA-126 in Serum Exosomes of Allergic Asthma Patients and Lung Tissues of Asthmatic Mice

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (10) ◽  
pp. 799-803 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meizhen Zhao ◽  
Yu-Pei Li ◽  
Xiao-Rui Geng ◽  
Miao Zhao ◽  
Shi-Bo Ma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Allergic Asthma ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Real Time Pcr ◽  
Lavage Fluid ◽  
Asthmatic Patients ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Sige Level ◽  
Bronchial Lumen ◽  
Asthma Patients ◽  
Serum Exosomes

Background: To investigate MiRNA-126 amounts in serum exosomes from allergic asthma patients as well as lung tissues of asthmatic mice, evaluating the expression of its target gene DNMT1 in mouse specimens. Methods: MiRNA-126 amounts in serum exosomes from asthmatic patients were detected by real-time PCR. The mouse model of allergic asthma was established by OVA-sensitization, and allergic symptoms were recorded; serum IL-4 and sIgE level evaluation (ELISA), broncho alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cell count and H&E staining were performed to assess airway inflammation. MiRNA-126 and DNMT1 levels in the lung of asthmatic and control mice were detected by real-time PCR; DNMT1 protein levels were detected by immunoblot. Results: MiRNA-126 amounts in peripheral blood exosomes from patients with allergic asthma were significantly higher than that of healthy volunteers (P<0.05). The frequencies of scratching of both sides of the nose and sneezing were elevated within 10 min of excitation in asthmatic rats compared with controls. Meanwhile, OVA-sIgE and IL-4 levels were significantly higher in asthmatic animals than controls (P<0.05). In the asthma group, narrowed bronchial lumen and thickened wall were observed, and bronchial and peripheral vessels showed overt inflammatory cell infiltration. Eosinophil, neutrophil and mast cell amounts in the BALF of asthmatic mice were significantly higher than control values. Furthermore, lung miRNA-126 expression in asthmatic mice was significantly higher than that of controls. Finally, DNMT1 mRNA and protein levels were significantly lower in asthmatic animals compared with controls (P < 0.01). Conclusion: MiRNA-126 is highly expressed in serum exosomes from allergic asthma patients and lung tissues of asthmatic mice, suggesting that it may be involved in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma.

scholarly journals Effects of Evocative Audio-Visual Installations on the Restorativeness in Urban Parks

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (15) ◽  
pp. 8328
Author(s):  
Massimiliano Masullo ◽  
Luigi Maffei ◽  
Aniello Pascale ◽  
Vincenzo Paolo Senese ◽  
Simona De Stefano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Human Perception ◽  
Urban Parks ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Road Traffic Noise ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Experimental Laboratory

Road traffic noise is responsible for several negative health effects for citizens in modern cities. Inside urban parks, which citizens use for social inclusion and cohesion, psychological and physical restoration, and physical activities, road traffic noise may significantly reduce the potential of these places to induce or enhance well-being. Although access restriction schemes and screens could be effective solutions to limit noise inside urban park areas, preserving their potential regenerative role may engender mobility, social, aesthetic, and architectural issues. Due to the positive effects that natural elements and water sounds can have on human perception, and based on the previous findings of the beneficial effects of audio-visual installations, this paper investigates the possibility of using audio-visual installations that simply evoke some natural features to improve the restoration of individuals inside urban parks. The study has been carried out using immersive virtual environments in two different experimental laboratory sessions in Hong Kong (China) and Aversa (Italy). The results showed that the positive effects provided by evocative installations were similar to those provided by traditional installations. Furthermore, the effects on the restoration increased as the installations became larger and included enveloping shapes. Furthermore, we found that the amount of evocative water installations’ material was responsible for changes in restoration. In contrast, the Chinese groups were less influenced by these installations.

scholarly journals Nucleotide Supplementation to Whole Milk Has Beneficial Effects on Post-Weaning Holstein Calf Performance

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 218
Author(s):  
Yousef Abbaslou ◽  
Davood Zahmatkesh ◽  
Ehsan Mahjoubi ◽  
Mehdi Hossein Yazdi ◽  
Hamed Beiranvand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Free Access ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Whole Milk ◽  
Calf Performance ◽  
Daily Gain ◽  
Fecal Score

The positive effects of nucleotide (NU) supplementation in milk replacer have been elucidated in infants and in dairy calves; however, NU addition to whole milk has not been evaluated previously. This study aimed to assess NU supplementation in the whole milk on calf growth and health. Thirty Holstein calves (body weight: 39.1 ± 1.0 kg; 3 d after birth) were randomly assigned to the following treatments: whole milk without any supplementation (NU0), whole milk + 0.5 g/d added a NU-containing supplement to whole milk (NUCS0.5), and whole milk + 1 g/d added a NU-containing supplement to whole milk (NUCS1). Calves were weaned at d 55 and stayed on study until d 75. Calves had free access to feed and water throughout the study. Dry matter intakes (DMI) were similar among treatments (p > 0.05) during the pre-weaning period; however, increasing NU resulted in a linear (p < 0.05) increase in DMI during the post weaning period (2158, 2432, and 2518 g/d for NU0, NUCS0.5, and NUCS1, respectively). Treatments did not affect body weight (BW) at the first and second month of study, but final BW linearly increased as NU was added (87.1, 90.6, and 95.4 kg for NU0, NUCS0.5, and NUCS1, respectively). Neither pre-weaning average daily gain nor post-weaning average daily gain was affected by treatments; accordingly, feed efficiency was similar among treatment groups. Days with loose fecal score were linearly decreased as NU was added to whole milk during the first month of life, while the fecal score did not differ among treatments until the end of the study. No difference was observed in the skeletal growth of calves in the current study. Therefore, it can be concluded that NU supplementation in the whole milk has some beneficial effects on calf performance in terms of final BW, post-weaning DMI, and less days with loose feces.

scholarly journals Methodologies in the Analysis of Phenolic Compounds in Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.): Composition, Biological Activity, and Beneficial Effects on Human Health

Horticulturae ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 35
Author(s):  
Bety W. Hapsari ◽  
Manikharda ◽  
Widiastuti Setyaningsih
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activity ◽  
Phenolic Compounds ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Analytical Methods ◽  
Environmental Influence ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Research Progress ◽  
Hibiscus Sabdariffa ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Positive Effects

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.), as an edible flower, has long provided an array of positive effects on human health. This benefit is a result of phenolic compounds that are naturally present mainly in the calyx. Plentiful medicinal remedies and functional foods based on this flower are available worldwide, as supported by the studies of phenolic compounds in recent decades. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the composition, biological activity, and beneficial effects on human health of phenolic compounds in roselle. This review was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A structured search in the published literature for phenolics compositions in roselle was required prior to the evaluation on the validity of the reported analytical methods. Reliable identification and quantification of phenolic compounds in roselle can be achieved by employing the proper extraction and separation methods. With ample alternative analytical methods discussed here, this review provided an aid for comprehending and selecting the most appropriate method for a particular study. The applications of the analytical methods highlighted indicated that phenolic acids, flavonoids, and their derivatives have been identified and quantified in roselle with a range of biological activities and beneficial effects on human health. It was also disclosed that the composition and concentration of phenolic compounds in roselle vary due to the growth factors, cultivars, and environmental influence. Finally, apart from the research progress carried out with roselle during the last ten years, this review also proposed relevant future works.

scholarly journals Strawberry and Achenes Hydroalcoholic Extracts and Their Digested Fractions Efficiently Counteract the AAPH-Induced Oxidative Damage in HepG2 Cells

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (8) ◽  
pp. 2180 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Ariza ◽  
Tamara Forbes-Hernández ◽  
Patricia Reboredo-Rodríguez ◽  
Sadia Afrin ◽  
Massimiliano Gasparrini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activity ◽  
Oxidative Damage ◽  
Hepg2 Cells ◽  
In Vitro Digestion ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Digestion Process ◽  
Phytochemical Compounds

Strawberry fruits are highly appreciated by consumers worldwide due to their bright red color, typical aroma, and juicy texture. While the biological activity of the complete fruit has been widely studied, the potential beneficial effects of the achenes (commonly named seeds) remain unknown. In addition, when raw fruit and achenes are consumed, the digestion process could alter the release and absorption of their phytochemical compounds, compromising their bioactivity. In the present work, we evaluated the protective effects against oxidative damage of nondigested and digested extracts from strawberry fruit and achenes in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells. For that purpose, cells were treated with different concentration of the extracts prior to incubation with the stressor agent, AAPH (2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride). Subsequently, intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the percentage of live, dead, and apoptotic cells were determined. Our results demonstrated that all the evaluated fractions were able to counteract the AAPH-induced damage, suggesting that the achenes also present biological activity. The positive effects of both the raw fruit and achenes were maintained after the in vitro digestion process.

scholarly journals A Standardized Extract Prepared from Red Orange and Lemon Wastes Blocks High-Fat Diet-Induced Hyperglycemia and Hyperlipidemia in Mice

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (14) ◽  
pp. 4291
Author(s):  
Santina Chiechio ◽  
Magda Zammataro ◽  
Massimo Barresi ◽  
Margherita Amenta ◽  
Gabriele Ballistreri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lipid Metabolism ◽  
High Fat Diet ◽  
Extraction Process ◽  
Citrus Limon ◽  
High Fat ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
In Vivo Experiments ◽  
Glucose And Lipid Metabolism

Citrus fruits are a rich source of high-value bioactive compounds and their consumption has been associated with beneficial effects on human health. Red (blood) oranges (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) are particularly rich in anthocyanins (95% of which are represented by cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-6″-malonyl-glucoside), flavanones (hesperidin, narirutin, and didymin), and hydroxycinnamic acids (caffeic acid, coumaric acid, sinapic, and ferulic acid). Lemon fruit (Citrus limon) is also rich in flavanones (eriocitrin, hesperidin, and diosmin) and other polyphenols. All of these compounds are believed to play a very important role as dietary antioxidants due to their ability to scavenge free radicals. A standardized powder extract, red orange and lemon extract (RLE), was obtained by properly mixing anthocyanins and other polyphenols recovered from red orange processing waste with eriocitrin and other flavanones recovered from lemon peel by a patented extraction process. RLE was used for in vivo assays aimed at testing a potential beneficial effect on glucose and lipid metabolism. In vivo experiments performed on male CD1 mice fed with a high-fat diet showed that an 8-week treatment with RLE was able to induce a significant reduction in glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides levels in the blood, with positive effects on regulation of hyperglycemia and lipid metabolism, thus suggesting a potential use of this new phytoextract for nutraceutical purposes.

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