Int J Med Sci
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Multicenter Study
Renal dysfunction in people with hidradenitis suppurativa: a multi-center, propensity-score-matched cohort study.
Background: Recent studies suggest a potential link between HS and renal dysfunction. Our objective is to assess the correlation between hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and renal consequences, specifically focusing on acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Methods: This study was performed based on retrospective cohort design. ⋯ Stratification by sex revealed higher risks in males, and comparison with psoriasis patients indicated increased AKI and CKD risks in HS patients. Conclusion: This study highlights a significant association between HS and renal dysfunction, emphasizing the need for further exploration of shared pathophysiological mechanisms. The findings could offer potential insights into HS-related comorbidities.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Enhancement of Interferon-γ Secretion by Lepidium meyenii Extract Supplementation After Exhaustive Endurance Exercise in Healthy Men: A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial.
Aim: To investigate the effects of 12-week Lepidium Meyenii extract supplementation on immune responses and inflammatory cytokines after exhaustive endurance exercise (EEE), emphasizing its novel focus on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) cytokine secretion and the implications of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) as a marker for immune modulation. Methods: Twenty healthy men were recruited and assigned into maca and placebo groups using a matched-pair design based on their maximal oxygen consumption (V̇O2max). All participants consumed 2.25 g of maca or placebo twice per day for 12 weeks, and they then performed EEE. ⋯ The CD4+/CD8+ ratio in the groups was significantly lower immediately after exercise than before supplementation, and the ratio retuned to baseline levels at 2 hours after exercise. Conclusion: A 60-minute EEE session induces the open window phenomenon, characterized by immune suppression. Moreover, 12-week maca supplementation had positive effects only on interferon-γ levels from peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A Combination of Punica granatum Fruit Rind and Theobroma cacao Seed Extracts Enhances Sexual Function in Aging Males in a Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study.
Introduction: LN18178 is a standardized, synergistic combination of Punica granatum fruit rind and Theobroma cacao seed extracts, which has been reported to increase serum testosterone levels in young and aging males. Methods: The present 84-day randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study assessed the efficacy of LN18178 on the sexual function of aging male volunteers (age: 40-70 years; serum total testosterone: ≥ 300 ng/dL). The subjects with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction [5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) scores 17-25] and low sexual desire (score < 3 on items 11 and 12 of IIEF) participated in this investigation. ⋯ The participants' hemato-biochemical parameters, urinalysis, and vitals were within the normal range. Conclusion: LN18178 enhances sexual function, libido and improves psychological well-being, as well as neuromotor function and general well-being in aging males. LN18178 supplementation is safe and well tolerated by the participants.
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Allergic diseases are a group of chronic inflammatory disorders driven by abnormal immune responses. Dendritic cells (DCs) play a pivotal role in the initiation and progression of allergic diseases by modulating T cell responses. Extensive progress has been made in characterizing crucial roles of metabolic reprogramming in the regulation of immune cell functions. ⋯ In this review, we summarize the metabolic characteristics of DCs, and how the cellular microenvironment shapes DC function. We also elucidate the metabolic regulation of DC biology in the context of allergic diseases and targeted therapeutic strategies based on DC metabolism regulation. Understanding the functional alterations in DCs during allergic responses and the underlying mechanisms governing its metabolic regulation is crucial for the development of effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases.
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous respiratory disorder characterized by persistent airflow limitation. The diverse pathogenic mechanisms underlying COPD progression remain incompletely understood. Macrophages, serving as the most representative immune cells in the respiratory tract, constitute the first line of innate immune defense and maintain pulmonary immunological homeostasis. ⋯ Notably, the advent of single-cell RNA sequencing has revolutionized our understanding of macrophage molecular heterogeneity in COPD. Herein, we review principal investigations concerning the sophisticated mechanisms through which pulmonary macrophages influence COPD, encompassing inflammatory mediator production, protease/antiprotease release, and phagocytic activity. Additionally, we synthesize findings from available literature regarding all identified pulmonary macrophage sub-populations in COPD, thereby advancing our comprehension of macrophage heterogeneity's significance in the complex pathophysiological mechanisms of COPD.