Medicina
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Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes the corona virus disease-19 which is accompanied by severe pneumonia, pulmonary alveolar collapses and which stops oxygen exchange. Viral transmissibility and pathogenesis depend on recognition by a receptor in the host, protease cleavage of the host membrane and fusion. SARS-CoV-2 binds to the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 receptor. ⋯ Although antioxidant therapy has not been tested in corona virus disease-19, the consequences of antioxidant therapy in sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome and acute lung injury are known. It improves oxygenation rates, glutathione levels and strengthens the immune response. It reduces mechanical ventilation time, the length of stay in the intensive care unit, multiple organ dysfunctions and the length of stay in the hospital and mortality rates in acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome and could thus help patients with corona virus disease-19.
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Background and Objectives: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multiple risk factor for atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and strokes. One-third of middle-age women are at risk of MetS, which predisposes them to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Changes in the regulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines-which play an important role in pathologic processes-may contribute to inflammatory disorders. ⋯ In the MetS+ subgroup, the T/T and A/T genotypes of the IFNG gene were accompanied by higher IL-6 levels than in the MetS- subgroup. Conclusion: Our study has not confirmed a direct link between the IFNG polymorphisms and the levels of inflammatory biomarkers. Nevertheless, the T/T and A/T genotypes of the IFNG gene may predispose to elevated IL-6 levels.
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Background and Objectives: Fenofibrate, a PPAR-α agonist, has been demonstrated to reduce the progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and the need for laser treatment in a FIELD (Fenofibrate Intervention and Event Lowering in Diabetes) study. However, in the subgroup of patients without pre-existing DR, there was no significant difference in the progression of DR between the fenofibrate group and the placebo group. In this study, we aim to investigate whether fenofibrate can decrease the risk of incident DR in a population-based cohort study of type 2 diabetic patients in Taiwan. ⋯ The need for laser treatment has an HR and adjusted HR of 0.59 (95% CI 0.49-0.71, p < 0.001) and 0.67 (95% CI 0.56-0.81, p < 0.001), respectively. Conclusion: Our study showed that the long-term and regular use of fenofibrate may decrease the risk of incident retinopathy and the need for laser treatment in type 2 diabetic patients. Since there are limitations associated with our study, further investigations are necessary to confirm such an association.
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Observational Study
Association between Corrected QT Interval and C-Reactive Protein in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.
Background and objectives: Electrocardiograph abnormalities (i.e., QT interval prolongation) have been described in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). We aimed to measure the QT interval in a cohort of patients with IBD and to analyze its relationship with clinical and inflammatory activity. Materials and Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study that included 38 IBD outpatients and 38 "age- and sex-matched" healthy controls. ⋯ For practical purposes, all patients with active IBD should undergo a standard ECG. Prescription of drugs able to modify the QT interval should be avoided in patients with active IBD. The systematic review of the literature indicated that this is the first published study demonstrating an association between the QTc duration and CRP values in patients with IBD.
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Background and objectives: People with Parkinson's disease (PD) may be at risk of having bad periodontal status. A consistent periodontal examination is critical to investigate how it impacts on PD quality of life. We aimed to assess the periodontal status of people with PD, and its association with quality of life and self-perceived xerostomia. ⋯ Conclusions: This group of people with PD had a high prevalence of periodontitis. Deteriorated levels of the upper extremities in advanced stages of PD were associated with worse periodontal status and hygiene habits. Quality of life in PD appears to be associated with self-perceived OHRQoL and xerostomia.