American journal of therapeutics
-
Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) plays an important role in mediating inflammation. In our studies, we found that iNOS-derived NO was significantly increased in the serum samples of 150 patients infected with influenza A virus in comparison with samples of 140 healthy individuals. In human lung epithelial cells, infection with influenza A virus or stimulation with poly(I:C) + interferon-gamma resulted in increased mRNA and protein levels of both interleukin-32 and iNOS, with subsequent release of NO. ⋯ The protective effects of orally applied nonhydrolized formulated species of carnosine include at least direct interaction with nitric oxide, inhibition of cytotoxic NO-induced proinflammatory condition, and attenuation of the effects of cytokines and chemokines that can exert profound effects on inflammatory cells. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that natural products, such as chicken soup and chicken breast extracts rich in carnosine and its derivative anserine (beta-alanyl-1-methyl-L-histidine) could contribute to the pathogenesis and prevention of influenza virus infections and cold but have a limitation due to susceptibility to enzymatic hydrolysis of dipeptides with serum carnosinase and urine excretion after oral ingestion of a commercial chicken extract. The developed and patented by the authors formulations of nonhydrolized in digestive tract and blood natural carnosine peptide and isopeptide (gamma-glutamyl-carnosine) products have a promise in the Influenza A (H1N1) virus infection disease control and prevention.
-
Dysrhythmias, although common in overdose situations, are not often seen after benzodiazepine exposures. We report two cases of transient atrioventricular block after benzodiazepine misuse. Case 1 is a 4-year-old boy who was found unresponsive after an ingestion of clonazepam. ⋯ Benzodiazepines have been shown to alter L-type Ca2+ channel function. This alteration in function may account for the dysrhythmias seen in our patients. Together, these cases serve to remind clinicians of this rare but potentially serious complication associated with benzodiazepine exposure.
-
Globally, tobacco use is associated with 5 million deaths per annum and is regarded as one of the leading causes of premature death. Major chronic disorders associated with smoking include cardiovascular diseases, several types of cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (lung problems). Cigarette smoking (CS) generates a cumulative oxidative stress, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic diseases. ⋯ Telomere attrition (expressed in WBCs) can serve as a biomarker of the cumulative oxidative stress and inflammation induced by smoking and, consequently, show the pace of biologic aging. We originally propose that patented specific oral formulations of nonhydrolized carnosine and carcinine provide a powerful tool for targeted therapeutic inhibition of cumulative oxidative stress and inflammation and protection of telomere attrition associated with smoking. The longitudinal studies of the clinical population groups described in this study including elderly support the hypothesis that telomere length is a predictor of survival and therapeutic treatment requirement associated with smoking behavior.
-
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a mysterious pain syndrome with progressive and widespread pain, explicit areas of tender points, stiffness, sleep disturbance, fatigue, and psychological distress without any obvious disease. FM is commonly perceived as a condition of central pain and sensory augmentation. There are documented functional abnormalities in pain and sensory processing in FM. ⋯ Pre-emptive analgesia and pro-active treatment may offer the momentum for acute pain control based on model of central sensitization and pain in FM. This review article on FM appraises the modern practice of multimodal therapy focus on both acute and chronic pain management. Meanwhile, the evolving nonpharmacological approach is summarized and stressed as an essential component of integrated care in FM.
-
Review
50 years of thiazides: should thiazide diuretics be considered third-line hypertension treatment?
The purpose of this report is to review available and emerging antihypertensive treatment options in light of current guidelines and evidence from large clinical trials. The published literature was reviewed for evidence regarding first-line options for antihypertensive agents, including thiazide-type diuretics, as monotherapy or as part of combination therapy. Current guidelines recommend using thiazide-type diuretics as first-line therapy alone or in combination with another agent. ⋯ Thiazide diuretics are inexpensive and effective but may not be preferable to other classes of antihypertensives that reduce blood pressure to a similar extent with a better safety profile and superior reductions in cardiovascular event rates. However, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and direct renin inhibitors also show promise as initial monotherapy or as part of a combination therapy regimen. In patients requiring additional blood pressure reduction, add-on therapy with a diuretic could provide additional blood pressure-lowering efficacy.