| |
Click here to login or subscribe
21 matching items were found.
Search again |
| |
|
April, 2020 - VOL. 26, NO. 8 | |
April, 2020 |
| Natural Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor ? (PPAR?) Activators for Diabetes |
| Hossam M Abdallah, PhD; Riham Salah El Dine, PhD; Ali M. El-Halawany, PhD; Sabrin R. M. Ibrahim, PhD; Gamal A Mohamed, PhD; Ibrahim A. Shehata, PhD |
| Context • Metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents a worldwide problem. Drugs used in MetS target different symptoms, like excessive body weight, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, or hypertension. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) regulate the gene expression involved in lipid metabolism, inflammation, and adipogenesis. Activation of PPAR? has become a target of interest to counter hyperglycemia linked with MetS and type 2 diabetes (T2DM).
Objective • The current review intended to summarize reported research on medicinal plants, or their bioactive constituents, with PPAR?-activating potential.
Design • The research team searched the literature up to 2016 using electronic databases— ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google-Scholar, SpringerLink, Scopus, and Wiley—for publications on medicinal plants with promising PPAR? modulators using keywords diabetes mellitus, natural products, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, metabolic syndrome, adipogenesis.
Setting • This study was conducted in the Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt, and Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Al Madinah, Al Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia.
Results • Several natural products were considered to be good ligands for PPAR?. The PPAR? agonistic activity of over 100 plants covered in this review was supported by experimental evidence. Some of the plants and their constituents had been studied for their possible mechanisms of action.
Conclusions • Findings discussed in this review highlighted PPAR?’s role as an organizer of lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis, thus supporting its function as a target for antidiabetic agents. The discovery that some natural compounds and plants could activate PPAR? opens up the prospect for future development of strategies to take advantage of its therapeutic potential in diabetes. Therefore, the current review could provide significant information for biotechnological or pharmaceutical applications in targeted drug delivery and design. |
| read entire article... |
|
| |
|
April, 2020 - VOL. 26, NO. 8 | |
April, 2020 |
| Comparing The Effect Of Electroacupuncture And Glibenclamide On Blood Glucose Level And Histological Markers Of Pancreas In Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats |
| Hoda Azizi, MD, PhD; Hamidreza Bahrami-Taghanaki, MD, MPH, PhD; Babak Ebrahimi, MSc; Aliakbar Rajabzadeh, PhD; Hoda Khoshdel Sarkarizi, MSc |
| Background • Diabetes lowers the quality of life and leads to several complications. Glibenclamide is a commonly used step-two treatment in diabetes but it causes weight gain, hypoglycemia and cardiovascular problems. Electroacupuncture (EA) can enhance insulin sensitivity and reduce blood glucose levels.
Objectives • To compare the effects of EA plus glibenclamide (G) with single therapy by G or EA on blood glucose, pancreas volume, islet volume, ratio of islet volume to pancreas volume, apoptotic and beta cells numbers and body weight in diabetic rats.
Methods • Sixty adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided to 10 groups: 2 non-diabetic control groups and 8 diabetic groups (1 control and 7 experimental groups; D/G 2.5, D/G 5, D/G 10 mg/kg, EA, D/EA/G 2.5, D/EA/G 5, and D/EA/G 10). Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal
injection of 35 mg/kg streptozotocin with high-fat diet. At the end of the course, blood samples were obtained and pancreases were dissected.
Results • EA was as effective as D/G 5 and D/G 10 in all outcomes. Combination therapy of EA and glibenclamide 5 and 10 mg/kg resulted in a better glucose-lowering effect, greater islet volume and ratio of islet volume to pancreas volume than single therapies (P < .05). EA increased the pancreas volume as much as the combination therapies (P > .05).
Conclusion • Combination of EA and glibenclamide 5 showed the best effects on blood glucose, islet volume and ratio of islet to pancreas volume. Combination of EA and glibenclamide 2.5 illustrated the best effects on apoptotic and beta cell number of diabetic rats. |
| read entire article... |
|
| |
|
April, 2020 - VOL. 26, NO. 8 | |
April, 2020 |
| Berberine: A Traditional Natural Product With Novel Biological Activities |
| Xiao-Bing Fu, MD, PhD; Hao-Jie Hao, MD; Wen-Jun He, MD; Qian Hou, MD, PhD; Yu-Sheng Wu, MD; Xiao-Ye Xie, MD |
| Context • Having been used for thousands of years to treat gastrointestinal diseases, the natural isoquinoline alkaloid, berberine, has exhibited a wide spectrum of biochemical and pharmacological effects in studies of recent years.
Objective • The review intended to examine the many novel bioactivities of berberine, including antidiabetic, anticancer, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and
anti-atherosclerotic actions.
Design • The research team searched the MEDLINE database using PubMed, using different keyword combinations, including berberine AND diabetes, berberine AND cancer, berberine AND (neuron OR brain), berberine AND inflammation, and “berberine AND atherosclerosis to find studies evaluating the various effects exerted berberine.
Conclusion • Berberine is a promising multipotent agent to combat diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and other diseases. |
| read entire article... |
|
| |
|
April, 2020 - VOL. 26, NO. 8 | |
April, 2020 |
| Medication Management Program: Adherence, Disease-related Knowledge, Health-related Quality of Life, and Glycemic Control for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus |
| Naheed Haque, BPharm, MPharm, PhD; Mohamed Azmi Hassali, BPharm, MPharm, PhD; Saeed Ur Rashid Nazir, BPharm, MPhil, MBA, PhD; Fahad Saleem, BPharm, MPhil, MBA, PhD |
| Context • Escalation in rates of diabetes in Pakistan is posing threats to the economy and to the people’s quality of life due to poor glycemic control and very high rates of complications. Cost of care is very high, and many barriers to quality care exist. Most often patients are unable to afford the high cost of treatment. Patients’ knowledge about diabetes is associated with better medication adherence and better glycemic control.
Objective • The current study intended to evaluate the effects of an educational intervention in a pharmacist led, medication management program (MTM) tailored for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).
Design • The research team conducted a nonclinical, randomized controlled trial.
Setting • The study took place at District Headquarters and Teaching Hospital, a public-sector hospital (Sargodha, Pakistan).
Participants • Participants were 392 individuals with T2DM.
Intervention • Participants were randomly assigned to one of 2 groups—intervention and control—with 196 patients in each. The intervention group, instead of receiving standard care, received pharmaceutical care through the Medication Therapy Management program, whereas the control group received standard care.
Outcome Measures • At baseline and 3 mo post ntervention, the study assessed participants’ diabetes-related knowledge, medication adherence, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using the 14-item Michigan Diabetes Knowledge Test, the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, and the European Quality of Life scales, respectively. To determine glycemic control, participants’ baseline HbA1c levels were taken from their medical records, and the final HbA1c result was obtained postintervention.
Results • For the intervention and control groups at baseline, diabetes-related knowledge was average, at 7.99 ± 2.65 and 8.03 ± 2.49, respectively; medication adherence was low, at 4.54 ± 1.69 and 4.41 ± 1.84, respectively; and glycemic control was poor, at 9.47 ± 1.57 and 9.41 ± 1.57, respectively. After the educational intervention, the intervention group had increased its diabetes-related knowledge, medication adherence, and HRQoL scores, with the results being 10.55 ± 2.56,
5.24 ± 1.48, and 0.6115 ± 0.286, respectively. The group’s glycemic control has also improved to 8.97 ± 1.362. A statistically significant difference between the groups had occurred, with P < .001. The control group’s scores had remained approximately the same for medication adherence, HRQoL, and glycemic control, and little difference had occurred as compared with the group’s baseline analysis.
Conclusion • The study found that the educational program increased the intervention group’s level of diabetes-related knowledge, and improved its adherence to medication and its glycemic control, all due to its improved HRQoL. Patients’ beliefs about the effects of long-term use of medicines were also addressed by the MTM program. The program was successful because it decreased participants’ HbA1c values, which is a positive indicator of successful T2DM therapy. |
| read entire article... |
|
| |
|
April, 2020 - VOL. 26, NO. 8 | |
April, 2020 |
| Effect of Nebulized Eucalyptus for Preventing Ventilator-associated Pneumonia in Patients Under Mechanical Ventilation: A Randomized Double Blind Clinical Trial |
| Hasan Ali Karimpour, MD; Javad Aminisaman, MD; Behzad Hematpour, MD; Rasoul Kaviannejad; Maryam Mirzaei, MSc; Saeed Mohammadi, MD; Seyed Morteza Karimian, PhD; Faiza Mumtaz |
| Background • Pneumonia caused by the ventilator is the most common acquired infection in the intensive care unit (ICU), which increases the morbidity and mortality of the patients. Eucalyptus plant has antiseptic properties that may mollify such morbidity and mortality.
Objective • To assess the effect of Eucalyptus incense on prevention of pneumonia in patients with endotracheal tube in the ICU.
Research Design • A randomized controlled clinical trial with parallel groups of 100 patients undergoing mechanical ventilation.
Setting • An ICU in a teaching hospital.
Interventions • Randomization to received Eucalyptus solution 5% (intervention group = 50) and received 10 cc distilled water as an inhaler 3 times/d (every 8 h/d for
20 min) (control group = 50).
Primary Outcome Measures • The incidence of early and delay pneumonia and pulmonary infections based on clinical pulmonary infection criteria were assessed.
Results • The incidence of late pneumonia was significantly lower in the intervention group compared with control groups (P < .01). The prevalence of Klebsiella, Candida albicans, and Staphylococcus aureus was significantly decreased in the intervention group (P < .01).
Conclusion • The results present study showed that Eucalyptus inhalation is effective in reducing the incidence of pulmonary infection in patients under ventilation. |
| read entire article... |
|
| |
|
April, 2020 - VOL. 26, NO. 8 | |
April, 2020 |
| COVID-19: A Worldwide, Zoonotic, Pandemic Outbreak |
| Kartikeya Agnihotri, BTech; Namita Agnihotri, PhD; Gaurav Gupta, PhD; Tahseen Khan, MPharm; Suneet Mukherjee, BPharm; Aditi Tripathi, BPharm |
| Context • An outbreak of a novel, zoonotic coronavirus occurred in December 2019 in the city of Wuhan, China and has now affected almost the entire world, with the maximum confirmed cases being 1 521 252 as of April 10, 2020. The WHO named this coronavirus 2019-nCoV, with COVID-19 being the name for diseases allied with it.
Objective • The study intended to examine the features and characteristics of existing human coronaviruses and identify their resemblance to the newly identified 2019-nCoV.
Design • The research team performed a literature review, searching relevant literature databases. We searched four databases, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and CNKI (Chinese Database), to identify studies reporting COVID-19. Articles published on or before April 10, 2020 were eligible for inclusion. We used the following search terms: “Coronavirus” or “2019-nCoV” or “COVID-19” or “SARS-CoV” or “MERS-CoV” or “Bat SARS-CoV” or “ACE2 receptor”.
Setting • This study was take place in School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur, India.
Results • The undistinguishable similarity of the genomic sequences of Severe Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-CoV, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)-CoV, and Bat SARS-CoV—bat-SL-CoVZC45 and bat-SL-CoVZXC21—to nCoV-2019 has facilitated the process of identifying primary treatment measures. Researchers are presuming
the existence of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor binding in nCoV-2019, as in SARS-CoV. Researchers have been examining human-to-human transmission, the possibility of an intermediate host between bats and humans, and the existence of asymptomatic cases. An incubation period of 0 to 14 days has been reported, with acute to chronic symptoms being cough, nasal congestion, high fever, dyspnea, pneumonia, invasive lesions in both lungs, respiratory failure, and even death, including in pediatric cases. Mechanical ventilation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, repurposing of antivirals, and plasma infusion have proven to be somewhat effective. Several countries have started clinical trials to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of some drugs, but the ability to vaccinate people with existing or new molecules will require time. Previously learned lessons from SARS and MERS have led some areas to be well equipped in terms of the ability to take speedy action.
Conclusions • First-level treatments include repurposing antivirals and antimalarials, and plasma infusion should help, but development of existing or new molecules into vaccines will take time. The unpredictable trajectory of this outbreak demands careful surveillance to monitor the situation, draw strategies, implement control measures, and create proper ethical laws and medical guidelines. |
| read entire article... |
|
| |
|
April, 2020 - VOL. 26, NO. 8 | |
April, 2020 |
| Gender and Age Differences Reveal Risk Patterns in COVID-19 Outbreak |
| Dinesh Kumar Chellappan, PhD; Kamal Dua, PhD; Gaurav Gupta, PhD; Anurag Mishra, PhD; Yogendra Singh, MPharm |
| By April 28th 2020, the global number of people that were viciously infected with the newfound novel corona virus (COVID-19) stood at a staggering 3 077 133 cases, as per the confirmed data released by the WHO. It has been reported that women from the Chinese Han population are associated with essential hypertension due to their relation with the 5 SNPs, namely, rs1514283, rs4646155, rs4646176, rs2285666, and rs879922, which belong to the ACE2 gene. The level of ACE2 activity was very low in normal healthy younger persons, and was reported to be increased in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Thus, there might be severe myocarditis, that may result in acute heart failure and cardiac complexities in the elderly subjects. |
| read entire article... |
|
| |
|
April, 2020 - VOL. 26, NO. 8 | |
April, 2020 |
| Impact of COVID-19 on Nephrology Patients: A Mechanistic Outlook for Pathogenesis of Acute Kidney Injury |
| Fahad A Al-Abbasi, PhD; Imran Kazmi, PhD; Rajesh Kowti, M.Pharm; Gopal Prasad Agrawal, PhD; Khalid Saad Alharbi, PhD; Ajay Sharma, PhD |
| Context • Some research has indicated that SARS-CoV-2 has had effects on the various functions of the renal system. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a dangerous and broadly spread pathological illness.
Objective • In this review, we emphasize that AKI can be a severe complication of COVID-19 and highlight the importance of assessing, defining, and reporting the course of AKI.
Design • The research team performed a literature review, searching relevant literature databases. We searched four databases, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and CNKI (Chinese Database), to identify studies reporting COVID-19. Articles published on or before May 10, 2020 were eligible for inclusion. We used the following search terms: “Coronavirus” or “2019-nCoV” or “COVID-19” or “AKI” or “renal failure” or “nephrology”.
Setting • This study was take place at Jouf University, Sakaka, Al-Jouf, Saudi Arabia.
Results • The review showed that AKI patients, who were susceptible to a cytokine storm, showed clinical deterioration. This result allowed the current research team to develop a hypothesis of a set of adverse events in COVID-19 that proposes the modification of inflammatory pathways by stimulation of nAChRa7. The stimulation could occur by way of IL-6 / JAK2 / STAT3 / SOCS3 and NF-?B (p65)/IL-18, which work together to induce AKI and increase overall renal-related diagnostic markers, such as plasma creatinine and tubular cell damage. In addition, the functioning of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway may be determined by nicotine. Pharmacological nicotine products are widely available, and their role in COVID-19-mediated AKI can be further evaluated.
Conclusions • The research team concluded that the dysregulation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory system could explain most of the clinical features of severe COVID-19. |
| read entire article... |
|
| |
|
April, 2020 - VOL. 26, NO. 8 | |
April, 2020 |
| Biochemical Dynamics and Clinical Features of Novel Corona Virus (2019-nCoV) |
| Azharul Islam, BSc, MSc, MPhil; Saba Manzoor, PharmD, MPhil; Saeed Ur Rashid Nazir, BPharm, MPhil, MBA, PhD; Taha Nazir, BPharm, MPhil, PhD; Ruqaiya Rasheed Kayani, Pharm D, MPhil; Humayun Riaz, BPharm, MPhil, PhD; Misbah Sultana, BPharm, MPhil, PhD; Nida Taha, PharmD, MPhil |
| Context • The novel Corona Virus (nCoV-19) was initially reported in Wuhan, China during December 2019, and later people with nCoV-19 were identified in different parts of the world. Infected people had shown symptoms resembling pneumonia, but about 50% of patients were asymptomatic.
Objective • The study intended to examine the data from studies on nCoV-19.
Design • The research team performed a literature review, searching relevant literature databases. The sources of data included bioRxiv, medRxiv, Google Scholar, Embase, PsychINFO, WanFang Data and PubMed. The search terms were novel Corona Virus, and nCoV-19 structure.
Setting • The study took place in the main library of the University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan.
Results • The study identified 22 studies that had reported and confirmed over 2000 cases of nCoV-19 by January 26, 2020. The studies found that the virus was transmitted through respiratory droplets. The virus has two serotypes, OC43 and 229E.
Conclusions • No specific curative therapy is available for CoVid-19. However, certain precautionary measures may potentially reduce the transmission, including washing hands, using sanitizers frequently, avoiding public gatherings, and quarantining or isolating patients. This virus has spread globally and immunocompromised individuals, and especially older individuals, are at significant risk. Community and healthcare professionals have a positive role to play in controlling the spread of the disease. |
| read entire article... |
|
| |
|
April, 2020 - VOL. 26, NO. 8 | |
April, 2020 |
| Vitamin D: A Nutrient To Bring To Light During COVID-19 |
| James B LaValle, RPh, MS, ND, CCN |
| The recent global outbreak of COVID-19 has inflicted devastating impact around the world, specifically among elderly and chronically ill populations. Currently, no treatment or vaccine against the virus is available. Consequently, there is a significant need to search for potential therapeutic approaches that can reduce the number of severe COVID-19 cases and thus reduce the mortality rate associated with the disease.
The objective of this article is to inform and educate the healthcare professional about vitamin D, the science behind its immune function and its potential beneficial effects on COVID-19 patients. Vitamin D is an important supplement in the practitioner’s therapeutic arsenal.
|
| read entire article... |
|
| |
|
April, 2020 - VOL. 26, NO. 8 | |
April, 2020 |
| Repurposing Drugs for COVID-19: An Approach for Treatment in the Pandemic |
| Saleh Musaed Mohammed Al-Subari, PharmD; Imamah Anwar Butt, PharmD; Pravash Budhathoki, MBBS; Sitaram Khadka, PharmD; Dhan Bahadur Shrestha, MBBS; Alamgeer Yuchi, PhD; Talal M. Ziad Alhouzani, PharmD |
| Context • Drug repurposing is a relevant approach during the COVID-19 pandemic, because development of new drugs is time-consuming and costly, and the safety of new drugs is paramount. Drug repurposing focuses on researching new indications for existing drugs and can reduce the challenges faced in drug development.
Objective • The current review intended to examine the current status of drugs being repurposed for COVID-19 treatment.
Design • The research team performed a literature review, searching relevant literature databases to find abstracts of relevant articles in journals published from 2010 until May 16, 2020. The sources of data included Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect. The search terms used included repositioning of drugs, repurposing of drugs and COVID-19 therapy, and SARS-CoV-2 therapy.
Setting • The research team conducted this study at the Department of Pharmacology, Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan; Mangalbare Hospital, Morang, Nepal; and Dr Iwamura Memorial Hospital, Bhaktapur, Nepal.
Results • Repurposing of drugs from different pharmacological groups including antivirals like remdesivir, lopinavir, ritonavir, arbidol, oseltamivir, penciclovir, favipiravir, ganciclovir, and ribavirin; other antibiotics like azithromycin, ivermectin, eravacycline, valrubicin, streptomycin, nitazoxanide, teicoplanin, caspofungin, and colistin; and other agents like hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, tocilizumab, camostat, nafamostat, carfilzomib, interferon, aprepitant, and dexamethasone can be considered for COVID-19 therapy.
Conclusions • Although current results are promising, limitations to drug repurposing, such as a low success rate and the possibility of adverse events, can’t be overlooked. With continuous research and technical advancements, repurposing will no doubt provide a notable scientific contribution to innovation in drug development and pharmacotherapy practice for the treatment of new diseases or existing diseases in a new way. |
| read entire article... |
|
| |
|
April, 2020 - VOL. 26, NO. 8 | |
April, 2020 |
| Are Medicinal Plants an Alternative Strategy to Combat COVID-19? |
| Dinesh Kumar Chellappan, PhD; Kamal Dua, PhD; Gaurav Gupta, PhD; Parteek Prasher, PhD; Mousmee Sharma, PhD |
| The global urgency to find effective therapeutics against COVID-19 has necessitated deliberate efforts to identify potent pharmacophores and to develop clinically efficacious drugs.1 Although clinical success with repurposed drugs has been limited, systematic methodical screening has resulted in the identification of several potential candidates that possess therapeutically rich biological profiles. These molecules are currently in clinical trials.
|
| read entire article... |
|
| |
|
April, 2020 - VOL. 26, NO. 8 | |
April, 2020 |
| COVID-19: Prospective Challenges and Potential Vaccines |
| Maryam A Al-Ghamdi, PhD; Akbar Ali, PhD; Jalaluddin Azam Khan, PhD; Markus Depfenhart, MD, PhD, LLM; Imran Kazmi, PhD; Bibi Nazia Murtaza, PhD; Muhammad Shahid Nadeem, PhD; Mujadid Ur Rehman, PhD; Mazin A Zamzami, PhD |
| Context • RNA viruses exhibit an extraordinary ability to evolve in a changing environment and to switch from animal hosts to humans. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, recognized as a respiratory disease, is an example of zoonotic transmission of the RNA virus known as SARS-CoV-2. The development and regulatory approval of a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 pose multiple preventive and therapeutic challenges, especially during an ongoing pandemic.
Objective • The review intended to examine the challenges and recent achievements in the development of vaccine candidates against COVID-19.
Design • The research team performed a literature review, searching relevant and up to date information from the literature. The sources of data included Google Scholar, PubMed, NCBI, and Yahoo. The search terms used were COVID-19 challenges, SARS-CoV-2 prospective challenges, RNA viruses adoptability, host switching by RNA viruses, COVID-19 vaccines.
Setting • The study took place at the digital libraries of contributing institutions. The data was combined, selected for further analysis and manuscript preparation at King Abdulaziz University.
Results • RNA viruses with high rate of genome alterations and evolution have better chances to survive in the adverse environmental conditions by adopting the alternate host species. The recent epidemics such as SARS, MERS, and COVID-19 are examples of zoonotic transmission of RNA viruses from animal species to the humans. However, the mechanisms involved in the switching-on to new host species need further investigations to control the zoonotic transmissions in near future. As of April 2020, 115 candidate vaccines were being evaluated; 78 of them had been found to be active, and a few of them are in Phase I trials. In the development of different types of vaccine candidates against COVID-19, multiple international pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are involved.
Conclusions • Emerging and re-emerging pathogenic RNA viruses pose a serious threat to human health. Little is known about the human-host adoptive mechanism for zoonotic transmission. Deep insights into the molecular mechanism responsible for the switching of animal or bird viruses to humans could provide target molecules or events to prevent such transmissions in the near future. Fast development and approval of efficacious and safe vaccines is key to the effort to provide preventive measures against COVID-19 and future viruses. However, the development and availability of a vaccine candidate is a time-consuming process and often can’t be completed during an epidemic. Currently, several types of vaccines are under development, and most of them won’t realistically be available in time for the present COVID-19 pandemic. |
| read entire article... |
|
| |
|
April, 2020 - VOL. 26, NO. 8 | |
April, 2020 |
| Vitamin D: A Nutrient To Bring To Light During COVID-19 |
| James B LaValle, RPh, MS, ND, CCN |
| The recent global outbreak of COVID-19 has inflicted devastating impact around the world, specifically among elderly and chronically ill populations. Currently, no treatment or vaccine against the virus is available. Consequently, there is a significant need to search for potential therapeutic approaches that can reduce the number of severe COVID-19 cases and thus reduce the mortality rate associated with the disease.
The objective of this article is to inform and educate the healthcare professional about vitamin D, the science behind its immune function and its potential beneficial effects on COVID-19 patients. Vitamin D is an important supplement in the practitioner’s therapeutic arsenal.
|
| read entire article... |
|
| |
|
April, 2020 - VOL. 26, NO. 8 | |
April, 2020 |
| The Best Defense is a Strong Immune System |
| Debby Hamilton, MD, MPH |
| With our current crisis, people are focused on masks, gloves, and hand washing to protect us from COVID-19. What about natural protection from our immune system? Nature gave us a very intricate set of checks and balances with multiple cells and messengers so that our bodies can fight the different microbes that we are exposed to everyday. One of the best defenses against the current viral pandemic is strengthening our own immune system.
|
| read entire article... |
|
| |
|
April, 2020 - VOL. 26, NO. 8 | |
April, 2020 |
| Paul G. Harch, MD: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Coronavirus Application |
| Paul G. Harch, MD |
| Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine (ATHM): To start can you provide me a little bit about your background.
Dr Harch: I went to college at the University of California Irvine and then medical school at Johns Hopkins. After medical school I went to the University of Colorado and did two years of general surgery training, an additional year of radiology training in New Orleans at LSU Charity Hospital and then while I was in New Orleans had a practice-based experience of emergency medicine. The second year I was in New Orleans, 1985, I joined a group that had a large hyperbaric chamber and received all of the diving medicine referrals for the Gulf of Mexico. Part of that practice also was wound care. So it was a hyperbaric medicine practice. I went and received training in hyperbaric medicine from the federal government and made a discovery treating our divers from the Gulf of Mexico that involved brain decompression illness, which was pretty much ignored for most of its existence or at least a hundred years in the diving medicine field.
|
| read entire article... |
|
| |
|
April, 2020 - VOL. 26, NO. 8 | |
April, 2020 |
| Letter to the Editor: Integrating the Roles of Pharmacy Practice and Drug Delivery in Mitigating COVID-19 |
| Dinesh Kumar Chellappan, PhD; Kamal Dua, PhD; Lisa G Pont, PhD; Parteek Prasher, PhD; Mousmee Sharma, PhD; Shakti Shukla, PhD; Lubhan Singh, PhD; Kylie A Williams, PhD |
| The global recovery rates of patients recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic have been phenomenal with a steep rise over the past few weeks, primarily owing to the allegiance and competence of frontline health professionals. However, an unacquainted workforce, limited knowledge about the contagion or its pathological mechanisms and interactions with immune system, coupled with the lack of a successful vaccine program to manage the COVID-19 pandemic have manifested grave implications to the healthcare providers. Therefore, the prescription of acceptable clinical practice norms and personal protective equipments, incorporating COVID-19 drug delivery modes and approaches holds a paramount significance. This commentary highlights key drug delivery strategies in addition to the adoption of personal protective equipment while dealing with suspected/confirmed COVID-19 patients. |
| read entire article... |
|
| |
|
April, 2020 - VOL. 26, NO. 8 | |
April, 2020 |
| Immune Competence and Minimizing Susceptibility to COVID-19 and Other Immune System Threats |
| Chris Meletis, ND; Kimberly Wilkes , BSc |
| Exposure to viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens is unavoidable. Yet, the mere presence of these threats is not enough to automatically predispose to illness. The susceptibility of an individual to viral or bacterial infections is dependent upon immune competence. Many factors can interfere with the functioning of the immune system. Epigenetic alterations in the form of lifestyle or environmental factors can lead to impaired immunity. For example, exposure to air pollution can increase the risk of complications and mortality from COVID-19. Obesity can also exacerbate the damaging effects of air pollution on the lungs and may enhance the association between air pollution and increased COVID-19 severity. Poor sleep is another factor leading to impaired immunity, likely due to the coinciding melatonin depletion. Melatonin has been found to have antiviral and immune-enhancing effects, and it has been proposed that this hormone may be beneficial in COVID-19 patients. Zinc and vitamins D and C have also been well studied for their ability to shorten the duration of upper respiratory infections, and vitamin D has been found to reduce mortality in COVID-19 patients. Cannabidiol can both directly and indirectly improve immunity by enhancing natural killer cell activity, reducing inflammation, and relieving stress. Other dietary supplements backed by solid scientific evidence to show they act as immune enhancers are astragalus, a yeast fermentate (EpiCor®), olive leaf extract, berberine, N-acetyl cysteine, and garlic. |
| read entire article... |
|
| |
|
April, 2020 - VOL. 26, NO. 8 | |
April, 2020 |
| The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Infection in Patients Admitted to the Hospital for Reasons Other Than COVID-19 Infection |
| Dinesh Kumar Chellappan, PhD; Kamal Dua, PhD; Ritu Gilhotra, PhD; Gaurav Gupta, PhD; Anurag Mishra, PhD; Sachchidanand Pathak, MPharm; Sarita Rawat, MPharm; Santosh Kumar Singh, PhD; Himmat Singh, PhD; Ishwar Singh Dhramshaktu, MBBS |
| COVID-19 or SARS CoV-2 is a worldwide public health emergency. The first case of COVID-19 was described in Wuhan, China in December, 2019 and within a short time the infection had spread quickly to the rest of China and then the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on patients who do not have COVID-19 but other diseases like cancer, diabetes, and many more non-communicable diseases; their care is compromised because of the pandemic. COVID-19 also poses a work-related health risk for healthcare workers who are treating patients with COVID-19, and many have themselves become infected. Healthcare workers involved in diagnosing and treating patients with COVID-19 should be evaluated for stress, anxiety and depression. |
| read entire article... |
|
| |
|
April, 2020 - VOL. 26, NO. 8 | |
April, 2020 |
| Correlation of Covid-19 With Stomatognathic System With Homeopathic Proposal for Adjunct Treatment to Increase Oral and General Health |
| Leila C Mourão, PhD; Andrea Padre, MSc |
| Context • SARS-CoV-2 is a new virus responsible for the outbreak of COVID-19. Studies have shown that the expression of ACE2 was found in the smaller salivary glands was higher than that in the lungs, suggesting that salivary glands may be a potential target of the virus. This may indicate that one of the main gateways to coronavirus infection is the oral cavity.
Objective • This review intended to evaluate the comorbidities of the oral cavity and their relationships to COVID-19 and to show the benefits of homeopathic therapies as adjuvant treatments to increase oral and general health and mitigate the devastating effects of the coronavirus.
Design • The authors conducted a narrative review of articles published in indexed journals and websites of dental institutions and the WHO. They were selected oral pathological manifestations, sleep disorders, mood, orofacial pain and bruxism, associated with the oral-facial manifestations of Covid-19 and articles of evidence of homeopathy in dentistry.
Setting • Study done in Brazil with research professors in Homeopathy and Periodontics in universities.
Results • Some studies report that patients who are more susceptible to anxiety and stress during the pandemic, due to social confinement, may have disorders in the stomatognathic system such as: neuralgic pain in the face and teeth, fractures of teeth and dental prostheses, nibbled mucosa, stomatitis, ulcers, pain in the Temporal Mandibular Joint, otalgias, dental tightening, bruxism, xerostomia, peeling of the mucous membranes and skin, facial paralysis.
Conclusions • The researchers concluded that homeopathy is a safe and viable therapy for the control of COVID-19 symptoms, as scientific evidence has proven its benefits through clinical trials and use in previous epidemics. In dentistry, this therapy allows the dentist to act fully in the promotion of oral health and in the prevention of oral and systemic diseases. |
| read entire article... |
|
| |
|
April, 2020 - VOL. 26, NO. 8 | |
April, 2020 |
| Physical Activity for Improving the Immune System of Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic |
| Mina Ahmadi Kakavandi; Shahla Alikhani; Anthony C Hackney, PhD, DSc; Shahnaz Shahrbanian, PhD |
| Context • COVID-19 has spread rapidly around the world and reached pandemic proportions. With no definitive treatment to date, prevention is critical, and strengthening the immune system is a valuable tool in reducing the risk of infection. While the aging process can weaken the immune system, physical activity may boost it.
Objective • The review intended to examine the interaction between the changes in the immune system during aging and the development of a COVID-19 infection, focusing on pathophysiological factors, and to evaluate whether regular physical activity can strengthen the immune system in older adults.
Design • The research team performed a narrative review by searching databases.
Results • During the COVID-19 pandemic, older people can stay active and healthy through playing sports such as yoga, walking, jogging, and cycling. Also, they can use online or virtual yoga and Pilates classes and videos, perform resistance exercises with minimal facilities at home, and do daily housework, such as gardening.
Conclusions • In general, due to the positive role of regular exercise training on the immune system of the older adults as well as the involvement of the immune system in COVID-19, it’s necessary to guide and implement home-based exercises for older adults. |
| read entire article... |
|
| |
Search again |
|
