J Res Med Sci
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To summarize the experience of diagnosing and treating patients with Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP)-related pancreatitis, a systematic review of previously published cases was conducted. Among 13 reported cases, there were six males and seven females whose age from 3 to 70 years. The clinical features of these patients indicated that acute pancreatitis could be the initial manifestation of HSP, the radiological change was atypical, and most cases were alleviated with steroidal treatment. Good outcomes can be achieved in patients who are diagnosed early with HSP-related pancreatitis, and it is vital to begin timely treatment of HSP-related pancreatitis with corticosteroid.
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Q fever is endemic in Iran, thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on epidemiology of Coxiella burnetii among humans and animals in Iran. ⋯ C. burnetii DNA or its antibody has been frequently detected among ruminants. Since these animals can transmit the infection to humans, Q fever could be a potential health problem in Iran.
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Atherosclerosis is one of the most important cardiovascular diseases that involve vessels through the development of fatty streaks and plaques. Plant-based compounds can help treat or prevent atherosclerosis through affecting the involved factors. The main purpose of this review article is to investigate and introduce medicinal plants and their potential activities regarding antioxidant properties, effective on lipids level and development of plaque, atherosclerosis, and progression of atherosclerosis as well as the development of cardiovascular disease and ischemia. ⋯ Plant-based active compounds, including phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidants, can be effective on atherosclerosis predisposing factors and hence in preventing this disease and associated harmful complications, especially through reducing cholesterol, preventing increase in free radicals, and ultimately decreasing vascular plaque and vascular resistance. Hence, medicinal plants can contribute to treating atherosclerosis and preventing its progression through reducing cholesterolemia, free radicals, inflammation, vascular resistance, and certain enzymes. They, alone or in combination with hypocholesterolemic drugs, can therefore be useful for patients with hyperlipidemia and its complications.
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We aimed to evaluate the associations of gain-of-function allele of CYP2C19*17 and risk of clinical events in clopidogrel-treated patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs). ⋯ CYP2C19*17 had a significant effect on the reduced risks of MACCE and HPR as well as increased bleeding risk, but not on the risks of stent thrombosis and major bleeding in clopidogrel-treated CCVD patients. Outcomes might be different in different races.
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Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system with preferential involvement in the optic nerve and spinal cord with a widespread spectrum of clinical features; multiple therapeutic agents have been used with different results. Recent evidence points to B-cell-mediated humoral immunity in the pathogenesis of NMO. Rituximab targets the CD20 antigen on B-cells. ⋯ Most of the investigations revealed that EDSS significantly in all patients with rituximab treatment will be decreased after treatment with rituximab. No new or enlarged lesions or pathological gadolinium enhancement was observed in serial brain and spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging, except for those observed concomitantly with clinical relapses and the median length of spinal cord lesions was significantly reduced after therapy. Rituximab targets the CD20 antigen and decreases attack frequency and severity in patients with NMO.