Design,delivery and efficacy testing of therapeutic nucleic acids used to inhibit hepatitis C virus gene expression in vitro and in vivo

Despite major achievements in the treatment ofchronic hepatitis C with the combination ofinterferons and the nucleoside analog ribavirin themajority of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection cannot be treated effectively.Toimprove this response rate we used antisensetechnologies to inhibit HCV translation as possibleadditional option for experimental treatment.Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides(ODN) are

Therapeutic and Medicinal Uses of <i>Aloe vera</i>: A Review

The plant Aloe vera is used in Ayurvedic, Homoeopathic and Allopathic streams of medicine, and not only tribal community but also most of the people for food and medicine. The plant leaves contains numerous vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, natural sugars and other bioactive compounds with emollient, purgative, anti-microbial, anti inflammatory, antioxidant, aphrodisiac, anti-helmenthic, antifungal, antiseptic and cosmetic values for health care. This plant has potential to cure sunburns, burns and minor cuts, and even skin cancer. The external use in cosmetic primarily acts as skin healer and prevents injury of epithelial tissues, cures acne and gives a youthful glow to skin, also acts as extremely powerful laxative.

Continuous Wear of Hydrogel Contact Lenses for Therapeutic Use

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy and complications of continuous wear of etafilcon A for therapeutic use. Materials and Methods: The subjects were 228 eyes of 219 outpatients prescribed contact lens (CL) for one week of continuous therapeutic wear during 10 years. The reason for prescription of CLs, the primary disease, the duration of CL wear and the complications were assessed retrospectively. Results: The predominant reason for prescription of CLs was relief of pain or a foreign-body sensation (62.3%) and protection of the corneal epithelium (20.6%). The primary disease was post-penetrating keratoplasty (36.8%), followed by corneal epithelial erosion (14.5%), post-lamellar keratoplasty (14.0%) and bullous keratopathy (12.2%). The average duration of wearing single lens was 6.5 ± 3.2 days. The average duration of wearing CLs in total was 9.2 ± 10.7 months. The most frequent problem associated with continuous wear of CLs was their dropping out of CLs (12.3%). The complications associated with CLs included conjunctivitis with papillary hyperplasia, corneal erosion and superficial punctate keratitis, but corneal ulcer and corneal infiltrates were not found. Conclusion: Serious complications were not shown changing the lenses every week to keep to the prescribed time limit for continuous therapeutic wear, even if corneal epithelial barrier function is impaired.

Comparison of long-lasting therapeutic effects between succimer and penicillamine on hepatolenticular degeneration

AIM To compare the long term effect of succimer (Suc) with that of penicillamine (Pen) in treating hepatolenticular degeneration (HLD). METHODS One hundred and twenty patients with HLD were divided into 2 groups. Group A ( n =60) received Suc 750mg , po. bid. Group B ( n =60) received Pen 250mg , po. qid. The period of maintenance treatment varied from 6 months to 3 years, averaging 1 5 years. Symptoms and therapeutic effects were evaluated by modified Goldstein scale. RESULTS The total effectiveness of group A in two different periods of treatment were 80% and 85% respectively, higher than those of group B (58% and 59% respectively) ( P <0 05). Suc also had obvious curative effects for the patients who failed in the use of Pen. There were fewer side effect in group A than in group B ( P <0 05). Suc and Pen could increase urinary copper excretion effectively and continually. CONCLUSION Suc is more effective and safer than Pen. Clinically, it can replace Pen as first choice drug for long term maintenance therapy of HLD.

Functional dyspepsia of ulcer-dysmotility type:clinical incidence and therapeutic strategy

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Therapeutic role of template-based lymphadenectomy in urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract

Lymphadenectomy for urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract has attracted the attention of physicians. The mapping study of lymphatic spread has shown that a relatively wide area should comprise the regional nodes for tumors of the right renal pelvis or the right upper two-thirds of the ureter. A prospective study showed that an anatomical templatebased lymphadenectomy significantly improved patient survival in tumors of the renal pelvis. This benefit was more evident for patients with p T2 stage tumors or higher. The risk of regional node recurrence is significant reduced by template-based lymphadenectomy,which is likely to be associated with improved patient survival. The removal of lymph node micrometastases is assumed to be the reason for therapeutic benefit following lymphadenectomy. The number of resected lymph nodes can be used to assess the quality of lymphadenectomy,but not to determine the extent of lymphadenectomy. The guidelines currently recommend lymphadenectomy for patients with muscle-invasive disease,even though the current recommendation grades are still low. The present limitation of lymphadenectomy is the lack of standardization of the extent of lymphadenectomy and the randomized trials. Further studies are warranted to collect the evidence to support lymphadenectomy.

Blastocystis hominis as a cause of chronic diarrhea in low-resource settings:A systematic review

BACKGROUND Blastocystis hominis(B.hominis),an anaerobic unicellular protist parasite,is known for its diverse clinical manifestations upon infecting the human gastrointestinal tract.Although globally distributed,it is particularly prevalent in developing nations.Examining the symptoms and treatment outcomes of B.hominis infection in low-resource settings holds immense significance,providing healthcare practi-tioners with valuable insights to enhance patient care.AIM To synthesize existing evidence on the symptomatology and treatment outcomes of B.hominis infection in low-resource settings.METHODS Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines,a systematic review was conducted.The search spanned electronic databases including PubMed,Scopus,and Google Scholar.After a comprehensive screening process,a thorough examination of the papers,adhering to inclusion and exclusion criteria,and data extraction from eligible studies was conducted.The findings underwent summarization through simple descriptive analysis.RESULTS The search yielded 1200 papers,with 17 meeting inclusion criteria.Chronic diarrhea due to B.hominis infection was reported in only two studies,while abdominal pain,diarrhea,flatulence,constipation,and nausea/vomiting emerged as the most commonly documented symptoms.Recovery rates after one week of treatment ranged from 71.8%to 100%,and after two weeks,from 60%to 100%.CONCLUSION In low-resource settings,chronic diarrhea resulting from B.hominis infection is infrequent.Common symptoms include abdominal pain,diarrhea,flatulence,constipation,and nausea/vomiting.Post-treatment,clinical outcomes are notably favorable,supporting the recommendation for treatment.Metronidazole is advocated as the first-line agent,with consideration for switching to a second-line option in cases of treatment failure or poor response.

Clinacanthus nutans:a review of the medicinal uses,pharmacology and phytochemistry

Clinacanthus nutans Lindau is known as snake grass belonging to the Acanlhaceae family.This plant has diverse and potential medicinal uses in traditional herbal medicine for treating skin rashes,insects and snake bites,lesions caused by herpes simplex virus,diabetes,and gout in Malaysia.Indonesia.Thailand and China.Phylochemieal investigations documented the varied contents of bioaclive compounds from litis plant namely flavonoids,glycosides,glycoglyeerolipids.cerebrosides and monoacylmonogalatosylglycerol.The pharmacological experiment proved that various types of extracts and pure compounds from this species exhibited a broad range of biological properties such as anti-inflammatory,antiviral,antioxidant,and anti-diabetic activities.The lindings of toxicity study showed that extracts from this plant did not show any toxicity thus it can be used as strong therapeutic agents for specific diseased conditions.However,further experiments on chemical components and their mode of action showing biological activities are required to elucidate the complete phytochemical profile and assess to confirm their suitability tor future drugs.This review summarizes the medicinal uses,phytochemistry and pharmacology of this plant in order to explore its therapeutic potential and gaps necessitating for prospected research work.

High-intensity focused ultrasound extracorporeal ablation of liver tissuesin rabbits

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Controversies regarding transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)have tantalized regenerative medicine with their therapeutic potential,yet a cloud of controversies looms over their clinical tran-splantation.This comprehensive review navigates the intricate landscape of MSC controversies,drawing upon 15 years of clinical experience and research.We delve into the fundamental properties of MSCs,exploring their unique immuno-modulatory capabilities and surface markers.The heart of our inquiry lies in the controversial applications of MSC transplantation,including the perennial debate between autologous and allogeneic sources,concerns about efficacy,and lingering safety apprehensions.Moreover,we unravel the enigmatic mechanisms surro-unding MSC transplantation,such as homing,integration,and the delicate balance between differentiation and paracrine effects.We also assess the current status of clinical trials and the ever-evolving regulatory landscape.As we peer into the future,we examine emerging trends,envisioning personalized medicine and innovative delivery methods.Our review provides a balanced and informed perspective on the controversies,offering readers a clear understanding of the complexities,challenges,and potential solutions in MSC transplantation.

USE OF CELL-BASED BIOASSAY FOR THE QUALITY CONTROL OF BOTANICAL THERAPEUTICS

The single most important factor in modernization efforts of traditional oriental medicines is the limited understanding of active compounds responsible for claimed therapeutic effects.Indeed,the unknown identity of biologically active molecules generates major difficulties associated with botanical therapeutics in general.This includes management of raw materials,poor understanding of

左炔诺孕酮宫内缓释系统治疗子宫腺肌病的疗效及满意度分析

目的:观察左炔诺孕酮宫内缓释系统(LNG-IUS)治疗子宫腺肌病的临床效果、副作用及患者的满意度。方法:对32例子宫腺肌病患者宫内放置LNG-IUS,观察放置前后痛经程度、月经定量、子宫内膜厚度、子宫体积及血清CA125的变化。结果:放置LNG-IUS3个月痛经评分由放置前6.57±2.56下降为2.38±2.39(P<0.05),6个月下降为2.17±2.53(P<0.05)。放置后月经量明显减少,经血失血评分由放置前154±56分减至放置3个月48±17分(P<0.05),6个月26±15分(P<0.05)。放置前子宫体积171.76±48.07cm3,放置3个月163.2±21.5cm3(P>0.05),放置6个月124.80±18.07cm3(P<0.05);CA125放置前69.18±20.05μg/L,放置3个月降至24.63±9.31μg/L(P<0.05)。放置3个月患者满意率为78.6%,6个月为85.4%。结论:放置LNG-IUS是治疗子宫腺肌病安全、有效,且患者满意度较高的方法。

孕激素或左炔诺孕酮宫内缓释系统治疗子宫内膜癌的疗效分析

目的:探讨孕酮或左炔诺孕酮宫内缓释系统(Progesterone-IUS或LNG-IUS)治疗子宫内膜癌的方案、临床疗效和安全性。方法:收集2002年1月至2012年6月国内外杂志公开发表的Progesterone-IUS或LNG-IUS与子宫内膜癌相关的个案报道共41例。分析单用Progesterone-IUS,LNG-IUS及LNG-IUS联合口服孕激素治疗子宫内膜癌的有效率、安全性。结果:Progesterone-IUS治疗的12例G1ⅠA期子宫内膜癌病例,6个月后治疗有效率为63.6%,12个月时有效率为75%。LNG-IUS治疗的24例病例中,13例单用LNG-IUS,治疗有效率38.5%;LNG-IUS联合口服孕激素11例,有效率为81.8%;13例年龄<40岁,治疗有效率76.9%;11例≥40岁,有效率36.4%。结论:单用Progesterone-IUS或LNG-IUS治疗早期子宫内膜癌有一定疗效,LNG-IUS联合口服孕激素可提高有效率,但存在风险。

子宫内膜异位症保守性手术联合药物巩固后复发者应用左炔诺孕酮宫内缓释系统的疗效观察

目的探讨左炔诺孕酮宫内缓释系统在子宫内膜异位症保守性手术及联合药物治疗后复发患者中的应用效果。方法选取2011年5月~2014年7月在本院妇产科住院治疗的68例子宫内膜异位症手术及联合药物治疗复发患者作为研究对象,给予左炔诺孕酮宫内缓释系统进行治疗。随访12个月,观察其治疗效果。结果置入LNG-IUS后3、6、12个月的VAS评分、血清CA125水平显著低于置入前,血红蛋白水平显著高于置入前,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。置入LNG-IUS后6、12个月的盆腔肿块体积显著小于置入前,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。放置LNG-IUS后,随着置入时间的增加,患者的子宫内膜厚度逐渐变薄,月经量逐渐减少,与置入前比较,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。接受LNG-IUS治疗3个月后的经间期出血发生率为66.2%,随着时间推移,下腹坠痛、经间期出血以及面部色素沉着等不良反应发生率逐渐降低,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。LNG-IUS脱落以及闭经发生率较低,不同时间段比较,差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。结论左炔诺孕酮宫内缓释系统治疗术后复发性子宫内膜异位症效果显著,值得临床推广应用。

宫腔镜电切术联合左炔诺孕酮宫内缓释系统治疗子宫内膜息肉的临床治疗效果

目的:探究宫腔镜电切术联合左炔诺孕酮宫内缓释系统治疗子宫内膜息肉的临床治疗效果。方法:将在笔者所在医院接受治疗的72例子宫内膜息肉患者按照入院顺序分为联合组和对照组,每组36例。所有患者均采用宫腔镜电切术进行治疗,联合组在此基础上配合左炔诺孕酮宫内缓释系统进行治疗。比较两组患者治疗前及治疗后12个月子宫内膜厚度、并发症发生率和复发率。结果:治疗后12个月,联合组子宫内膜厚度明显低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。联合组并发症发生率、复发率分别为13.89%、2.78%,均显著低于对照组的38.89%、16.67%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:宫腔镜电切术联合左炔诺孕酮宫内缓释系统对子宫内膜息肉患者的治疗效果确切,可有效改善子宫内膜厚度,并减少并发症的发生,降低疾病复发的风险。

去卵巢大鼠骨质疏松经治疗后骨组织计量学的研究

目的 :建立大鼠骨质疏松模型 ;探讨去卵巢后雌性大鼠骨丢失的组织学机制及尼尔雌醇和左炔诺孕酮的治疗作用。方法 :通过图像分析仪对骨组织进行形态计量学分析。结果 :与假手术组比较 ,去卵巢大鼠组相对骨小梁体积、骨小梁平均厚度及骨小梁周长均显著减少 (P <0 .0 1) ,而成骨细胞指数、破骨细胞指数、骨小梁吸收表面和成骨细胞覆盖骨小梁表面百分比均明显增加 (P <0 .0 1)。尼尔雌醇和左炔诺孕酮治疗组上述各指标接近于假手术组 (P >0 .0 5 )。结论 :本实验去卵巢大鼠骨质疏松模型成立 ;去势后雌性大鼠骨丢失乃骨转换加快 (高转换型 )和重建负平衡 (骨吸收超过骨形成 )所致 ;用尼尔雌醇和左炔诺孕酮治疗能降低这种骨转换的负平衡 ,达到治疗骨质疏松的目的。

左炔诺孕酮宫内节育系统治疗子宫腺肌病患者的疗效和不良反应观察

目的:探讨左炔诺孕酮宫内节育系统(曼月乐)治疗子宫腺肌病的疗效和不良反应。方法:回顾性分析2013年9至12月于浙江大学医学院附属妇产科医院因子宫腺肌病就诊并放置曼月乐的患者75例,共随访39个月,观察曼月乐的疗效和不良反应。结果:月经量增多和月经量正常的患者放置曼月乐后月经量评分均降低(118±13和29±33,82±15和14±13,均P<0.01),月经量增多者比月经量正常者的月经量评分降低更明显(90±35和69±19,P<0.01)。放置曼月乐后患者痛经评分降低[7(6,7)和1(0,2),P<0.01]。患者发生曼月乐脱落18例(24.0%),放置曼月乐无效9例(12.0%),发生月经模式改变28例(37.3%)。多因素Cox回归分析未发现治疗后痛经评分、治疗前后月经量评分和月经稳定时间与曼月乐环脱落相关(均P>0.05)。结论:曼月乐在子宫腺肌病的长期保守治疗中总体安全有效,约1/3的患者可能因曼月乐脱落或治疗无效接受进一步治疗。

Combination of "low-dose" ribavirin and interferon alfa-2a therapy followed by interferon alfa-2a monotherapy in chronic HCV-infected nonresponders and relapsers after interferon alfa-2a monotherapy

AIM To report on the efficacy, safety and tolerability of interferon alfa-2a combined with a "low dose" of ribavirin for relapsers and non responders to alpha interferon monotherapy.METHODS Thirty-four chronic hepatitis C virus-infected non-responders to interferon alfa2a monotherapy (a course of at least 3 months treatment) and 13 relapsers to interferon alfa 2a monotherapy (a dose of 3 to 6 million units three times per week for at least 20 weeks but not more than 18 months) were treated with the same dose of interferon alfa-2a used before (3 to 6 million units three times per week) and ribavirin (10 mg/ kg daily) for 6 months. In complete responders, interferon alfa-2a was administered for further 6 months at the same dose used before as monotherapy.RESULTS Seven (20.6%) of 34 non-responders stopped the combined therapy due to adverse events, including two patients with histological and clinical Child A cirrhosis. In 17/27 (63%)non-responders, the combined therapy was stopped after three months because of non-response. Ten of the 27 non-responders completed the 1;2-month treatment course. At a mean follow up of 28 months (16- 37 months)after the treatment, 4/10 (15%) previous non-responders still remained complete responders,All 13 previous relapsers completed the 12-month treatment course. At a mean follow up of 22months (9 - 36 months) after treatment, 6/13(46%) the previous relapsers were stillsustained complete responders.CONCLUSION Our treatment schedule of the combined therapy for 6 months of interferon alfa2a with a low dose of ribavirin (10 mg/kg/day)followed by 6 months of interferon alfa-2amonotherapy is able to induce a sustainedcomplete response rate in 15% of non-responders and 46% of relapsers with chronic hepatitis C virus-related liver diseases comparable to those obtained with the standarddoses of ribavirin 1000 - 1200 mg/day.Randomized prospective controlled trials using lower total amounts of ribavirin in combination with interferon should be performed.

Probiotic mixture VSL#3:An overview of basic and clinical studies in chronic diseases

Probiotics are known as“live microorganisms”and have been proven to have a health effect on hosts at the proper dose.Recently,a kind of probiotic mixture including eight live bacterial strains,VSL#3,has attracted considerable attention for its combined effect.VSL#3 is the only probiotic considered as a kind of medical food;it mainly participates in the regulation of the intestinal barrier function,including improving tight junction protein function,balancing intestinal microbial composition,regulating immune-related cytokine expression and so on.The objective of this review is to discuss the treatment action and mechanism for the administration of VSL#3 in chronic diseases of animals and humans(including children).We found that VSL#3 has a therapeutic or preventive effect in various systemic diseases per a large number of studies,including digestive systemic diseases(gastrointestinal diseases and hepatic diseases),obesity and diabetes,allergic diseases,nervous systemic diseases,atherosclerosis,bone diseases,and female reproductive systemic diseases.

Medicinal plants with hepatoprotective activity in Iranian folk medicine

There are a number of medicinal combinations in the Iranian traditional medicine which are commonly used as tonic for liver.In this review,we have introduced some medicinal plants that are used mainly for the treatment of liver disorders in Iranian folk medicine,with focus on their hepatoprotective effects particularly against CCI_4 agent.In this study,online databases including Web of Science.PubMed.Scopus,and Science Direct were searched for papers published from January 1970 to December 2013.Search terms consisted of medicinal plants,traditional medicine,folk medicine,hepatoprotective.Iran,liver,therapeutic uses,compounds,antioxidant.CCI_4.anti-inflammatory,and antihepatotoxic,hepatitis,alone or in combination.Allium hirtifolium Boiss..Apium graveolens L..Cynara scolyinus.Berberis vulgaris L..,Calendula officinalis,Nigella sativa L..Taraxacum officinale.Tragopogon porrifolius.Prangos ferulacea L..Allium sativum,Marribium vulgare,Ammi majus L..Citrullus lanatus Thunb.Agrimonia eupatoria L.and Primus armeniaca L.are some of the medicinal plants that have been used for the treatment of liver disorders in Iranian folk medicine.Out of several leads obtained from plants containing potential hepatoprotective agents,silymarin,P-sitosterol,betalain,neoandrographolide.phyllanthin.andrographolide.curcumin.picroside.hypophyllanlhin.kutkoside,and glycyrrhizin have been demonstrated to have potent hepatoprotective properties.Despite encouraging data on possibility of new discoveries in the near future,the evidence on treating viral hepatitis or other chronic liver diseases by herbal medications is not adequate.