Life sciences
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Ventilatory disturbance is a fatal side-effect of opioid analgesics. Separation of analgesia from ventilatory depression is important for therapeutic use of opioids. It has been suggested that opioid-induced ventilatory depression results from a decrease in adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate content in the respiratory-related neurons. Therefore, we examined the effects of caffeine, a methylxanthine non-selective phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor with adenosine antagonistic activity, and rolipram, a racetam selective PDE4 inhibitor, on ventilatory depression induced by morphine. ⋯ Inhibition of PDE4 may be a possible approach for overcoming morphine-induced ventilatory depression without loss of analgesia.
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Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common urological diseases in aging men. Because of its long latency, BPH is a good target for prevention. The aim of the study has been to review the various options of treatment, currently available, in the field of phytotherapy. ⋯ On the basis of preclinical studies several mechanisms of action have been postulated, including 5alpha-reductase inhibition, alpha-adrenergic antagonism, dihydrotestosterone and estrogen receptor inhibition. Randomized clinical trials indicate significant efficacy in improving urinary symptoms and mild adverse effects for some phytotherapeutic agents, while further clinical evidence is needed for others (e.g., Epilobium spp., Secale cereale, Roystonea regia). Healthcare professionals should be constantly informed about BPH phytotherapy, taking into account the risk/benefit profile of the use of medicinal plants in the management of BPH.