Current Pharmaceutical Design - Volume 24, Issue 35, 2018

Complication in the hepatic system is a major concern for human being. To control and keep the hepatic system healthy, a number of measures, including drug treatments are considered. Diterpenes are essential oils having promising antioxidant and cytotoxic properties along with their genotoxic and mutagenic effects. These agents are good targets for health promotion, especially in the light of their potential organo-protectivity. We searched in the databases, PUBMED and SCIENCE DIRECT from June 2011 to June 2016 for publishing evidence on diterpenes and their effects on hepatic system. After sorting the data, activity-wise findings are discussed in this current article. The results suggest that diterpenes have hepatoprotectivity property via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer/antitumor, hypolipidemic, anti-apoptosis, autophagic, antimetastasize, anti-proliferating, anti-fibrosis as well as receptor and serum biomarkers mediated pathways. On the other hand, hepatoxic effects of diterpenes are also accounted with cytotoxicity, apoptotic cell death and downregulation of cytochrome P450 systems. A number of important diterpenes have been reported in the literatures that act on the hepatic system. Some of them exert toxic effects on the liver, especially in rodent model. Hence, more extensive researches are recommended that will highlight their mechanism of action on the liver.

Background: The fruit of genus Rosa, known as "rose hip", is frequently used in different traditional medicines. Rose hips have long been used to treat kidney stones, gastroenteric ailments, hypertension and respiratory problems such as bronchitis, cough and cold. Aim: This review is focused on the ethnopharmacological uses of rose hip as well as phytochemical and pharmacological aspects. Results: Ethno-medical uses of rose hip have been recorded in many countries since a long time. Approximately, 129 chemical compounds have been isolated and identified from rose hip. This fruit contains some major active components such as flavonoids, tannins, anthocyanin, phenolic compounds, fatty oil, organic acids and inorganic compounds. Scientific studies have suggested a wide range of pharmacological activities for rose hip including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, cardioprotective, antiaging, anti H. pylori, neuroprotective and antinociceptive activities. In particular, the rose hip powder and extract have been reported to exert therapeutic effects on arthritis. Conclusion: Some of the ethnomedical indications of rose hip, such as nephroprotective and gastroproetctive actions, have been confirmed by preclinical pharmacological studies. Additional investigations on the pharmacological effects of rose hip as well as evidence from randomized controlled trials are essential to assess the therapeutic value of this natural product.

Background: Numerous epidemiological studies have demonstrated the association between (poly)phenol-rich foods and human health. Growing consumer knowledge of the relationship between diet, good health and disease prevention stimulated manufacturing opportunities. Functional foods and their synergistic health benefits, beyond just being a source of individual nutrients, are highly demanded by consumers. Objective: Therefore, the aim of this study was to review available literature focusing on the nutraceutical role of (poly)phenols, and role in functional foods production, with a specific focus on (poly)phenols derived from byproducts. Results: The review of the literature showed that antioxidant extracted from residual sources could prevent lipid peroxidation and protect against oxidative damage by scavenging oxygen radicals, and therefore contribute to the longer stability of foods, be used for increasing the stability of foods. These effects may also translate to humans, improving the effects on health of certain foods. Conclusion: However, careful monitoring of production is needed in order to maximize the (poly)phenol content of plant foods.

Background: Zinc is an essential component for all living organisms, representing the second most abundant trace element, after iron. This element is widely distributed in the tissues of a human body where it is involved in normal growth, reproduction and several biological functions including immunity, energy metabolism and antioxidant processes. Because of its essential role, zinc levels in the human body must remain constant, independently of dietary intake fluctuations. The homeostasis of zinc is a well-regulated cellular process and has been reported to be chiefly mediated by the expression and activity of zinc-binding proteins such as metallothioneins and zinc transporters. Genes encoding for these proteins are subjected to genetic variants. Methods: We performed a multi-database electronic search to provide an overview on the relationship between specific polymorphisms (SNP) of genes encoding for metallothioneins and zinc transporters and their relationship with zinc status, immune function and some non-communicable diseases. Results: A number of SNP are implicated in a range of metabolic disease. Some SNP may affect the impact of zinc supplementation on immune function, diabetes, and obesity. Conclusion: New studies are needed to clarify the interaction between individual genetic profile and zinc status. Moreover, there is a need for a better interaction between the scientific bodies and health professionals to allow better dietary and behavioural recommendations to promote human health, with particular concern to elderly people.

Two pathologies commonly associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis are type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Since diet and medication are two important causes of microbiome fingerprint modifications, new complementary and alternative methods can include wild edible mushrooms, which serve as functional products, given their properties in modulating the microbial pattern at the colon level. A disturbance in microbial balance translates into the occurrence of degenerative dysfunctions that are also associated with other pathologies, such as obesity, colon cancer. The metagenomic study has enabled the identification of some competitive microbiological and biochemical biomarkers which allow the development of innovative strategies in controling microbial disbalance from human gut. Thus, the aim of this review was to present the significant findings related to human microbiome modulation via the prebiotic effects of wild edible mushrooms as a complementary strategy to modern treatment. Certain mushroom species have been approached and their effects on the microbiota fingerprint of two major target groups are highlighted.

Strain, dose, duration, validated clinical trial studies and scientific substantiation of health claims are needed in order to define a successful probiotic. In particular, the potency of probiotic differs from strain to strain. In this view, we aimed to know whether the single strain or multi-strain construct is more beneficial. We found that the studies were still under debate and mechanisms remain sometimes unclear. No conclusion can be made based on the strain experimentation. Safety data and significant statistical results for efficacy via well-controlled clinical trials are needed.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a multifactorial chronic disease, commonly associated with alteration in the composition and function of gut microbiota. This process can lead to a decreased production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by the gut microbiota, mainly butyrate, which is an important immunomodulatory molecule in the intestine. Butyrogenic bacteria normally produces butyrate through carbohydrate fermentation or amino acids degradation pathways. This molecule plays an important protective role in intestinal homeostasis acting in both adaptive immunity and innate immunity. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the role of butyrate on the development of IBD and the protective mechanisms of this metabolite on the intestinal mucosa and the whole body, as reported by in vitro and in vivo studies. Thus, butyrate can regulate the activation of regulatory T cells, increasing the acetylation of histones and decreasing the activation of NF-ΚB. In addition, it can also stimulate the mucus production from epithelial cells and the rearrangement of tight junction proteins.

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an immune system oral disorder that is characterized generally by dry mouth and eyes. In this review, SS classification, presentation and pathogenesis are briefly discussed. Moreover, the epidemiology of SS regarding sex, age and association with other complications are also presented. This review also addresses the interactions between endocrine axes and SS, and the important findings up to regarding hormone treatment of this syndrome. The main hormones discussed in this review includes Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and prolactin.

Sjogren's Syndrome (SS) is a chronic, female overwhelming fundamental issue of an immune system rheumatic sickness that influences the whole body. It is described by lymphocytic invasion of the exocrine viz. salivary and lacrimal glands and by surprising B-cell hyperactivity. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye) and Stomatitis sicca (oral dryness) are the primary visual appearances of SS. The primary SS is recognized from secondary SS which happens as a piece of other immune system maladies. The secondary SS exists together particularly with fundamental lupus erythematosus (15- 36%), rheumatoid joint inflammation (20- 32%) and also restricted and progressive systemic sclerosis (11- 24%), less as often as possible with different sclerosis and immune system hepatitis and thyreoiditis. We assess changes in salivary epidermal growth factor (EGF) intensity and estimate the relationship between salivary EGF levels and the seriousness of intraoral symptoms in SS individuals. The outcomes demonstrated that the salivary EGF levels diminished with the movement of SS, and this crumbling in salivation quality and additionally, hyposalivation could imagine a vital constituent in the pathogenesis of refractory intraoral indication in SS suffering patients. A strong relationship between particular alleles of the MHC and SS improvement has been recommended. The primary hereditary examination on SS revealed a relationship amongst SS and HLA-DR3 in SS population. Subsequent reports featured the relationship amongst SS and the HLA-D locus, with a diverse distribution between primary SS and secondary SS. The motivation behind this manuscript is to give a concise survey on the molecular mechanism, effects of infectious agents and genetic factors in the etiology of Sjogren's Syndrome. Such effects are discussed independently.

Veterans with disability represent a big burden worldwide and often require long-term rehabilitation. Unhealthy dietary and lifestyle habits, including smoke and alcohol abuse, are common in veterans. In the context of integrative medicine approaches, the “complementary and alternative medicine” has been suggested for the management of chronic diseases. However, the potential risk of interaction between herbal products, dietary supplements and drugs must be considered in veterans. The Mediterranean diet has been suggested as a natural, non-pharmacological nutraceutical for healthy ageing. Although there is a broad consensus on the positive effect of plant foods consumption, the presence of glucosinolates, flavonoids and furanocoumarins in some plant foods and beverages must be taken into consideration owing to their potential interfering with drugs metabolism and bioavailability. Albeit seasonality could ensure the maintenance of the single dose of phytochemical below that at which adverse effects in some individuals genetically predisposed or unpleasant drug interactions in diseased subjects can occur, a personalized nutrition is recommended in veterans who are under treatment for comorbidities. Furthermore, sports practice can lead veterans with motor disabilities and mental impairments to excel in some disciplines, giving rise to the phenomenon of the Paralympics and the development of "recreational therapy". Moreover, outdoor lifestyle, through vitamin D synthesis, and conviviality, improving socialization, could account for the Mediterranean lifestyle health benefits. In this work, we propose for veterans a Mediterranean Pyramid, which could be the basis for integrative medicine for veterans with disabilities, patient-centered approaches and interprofessional (including physical medicine and rehabilitation clinicians, pharmacists and nutritionists) interventions.

Objective: The study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing the efficacy and complications of autologous blood versus using fibrin glue and surgical sutures for conjunctival autograft fixation in primary pterygium surgery. Design: Systematic review with quantitative meta-analysis. Methods: Four authentic databases have been searched using relevant keywords. Eligible studies were obtained, and their data were extracted into an online form. Analysis was done using Review Manager for windows. Dichotomous outcomes were reported as risk ratio, while continuous data were reported as mean difference. Results: Seven studies were included in the analysis. Most of the included studies were of moderate quality according to Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment tool. There was no difference between the three techniques in recurrence rates (Risk Ratio (RR) 0.80, 95% CI [0.45 to 1.44], p= 0.46). Graft retraction and displacement were more profound in the autologous blood group vs fibrin glue and suture groups (RR 3.22, 95% CI [1.48 to7.02], p= 0.003) and (RR 5.27, 95% CI [2.24 to 12.38], p> 0.001) respectively. In terms of operative time, fibrin glue took shorter while suturing took longer time compared to blood coagulum (Mean Difference (MD) =1.57, 95% CI [0.90, 2.25], p> 0.00001) and (MD -20.47, 95% CI [-38.05 to -2.88], p =0.02). Conclusion: Autologous blood for conjunctival autograft fixation in primary pterygium surgery was associated with lower graft stability than fibrin glue or sutures. However, it did not account for higher recurrence rates than the fibrin glue or sutures. Patient satisfaction and postoperative symptoms are relatively better in the blood coagulum group than the other techniques. The overall quality of evidence is low. Further well designed randomized controlled trials are still needed.