scholarly journals Role of Environmental Chemicals in Obesity: A Systematic Review on the Current Evidence

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roya Kelishadi ◽  
Parinaz Poursafa ◽  
Fahimeh Jamshidi
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Chemicals ◽  
Human Studies ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Laboratory Studies ◽  
Crucial Importance ◽  
Obesity Epidemic ◽  
Complex Disorder ◽  
Developmental Phases ◽  
Systemic Responses

The purpose of this paper is to systematically review the experimental and human studies on obesogenic chemicals and their mechanisms of action to provide a comprehensive view on the multifactorial aspects of obesity. The literatures were searched in available databases. The relevant papers were selected in three phases. After quality assessment, two reviewers extracted the data while another checked their extracted data. In this review, we summarized information regarding environmental chemicals that can be associated with obesity. Most evidence comes from experimental and laboratory studies; however a growing number of human studies also support the role of obesogenic chemicals. The current evidence proposes that the systemic responses to exposure to environmental factors could potentially increase the risk of excess weight. The effects of exposure to these chemicals are of crucial importance during developmental phases of life, when preprogramming for an adipogenic outcome may occur. By considering the adverse transgenerational effects of obesogen chemicals on human health, the global obesity epidemic should be considered as a multifactorial complex disorder necessitating the emphasis of public health interventions for environmental protection.

α-Lipoic acid as a triglyceride-lowering nutraceutical

2015 ◽  
Vol 93 (12) ◽  
pp. 1029-1041 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anjeza Pashaj ◽  
Mengna Xia ◽  
Régis Moreau
Keyword(s):  
Lipoic Acid ◽  
The United States ◽  
Lipid Lowering ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Metabolic Dysfunction ◽  
Lifestyle Modifications ◽  
Obesity Epidemic ◽  
Severe Hypertriglyceridemia ◽  
Diet And Exercise

Considering the current obesity epidemic in the United States (>100 million adults are overweight or obese), the prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia is likely to grow beyond present statistics of ∼30% of the population. Conventional therapies for managing hypertriglyceridemia include lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, pharmacological approaches, and nutritional supplements. It is critically important to identify new strategies that would be safe and effective in lowering hypertriglyceridemia. α-Lipoic acid (LA) is a naturally occurring enzyme cofactor found in the human body in small quantities. A growing body of evidence indicates a role of LA in ameliorating metabolic dysfunction and lipid anomalies primarily in animals. Limited human studies suggest LA is most efficacious in situations where blood triglycerides are markedly elevated. LA is commercially available as dietary supplements and is clinically shown to be safe and effective against diabetic polyneuropathies. LA is described as a potent biological antioxidant, a detoxification agent, and a diabetes medicine. Given its strong safety record, LA may be a useful nutraceutical, either alone or in combination with other lipid-lowering strategies, when treating severe hypertriglyceridemia and diabetic dyslipidemia. This review examines the current evidence regarding the use of LA as a means of normalizing blood triglycerides. Also presented are the leading mechanisms of action of LA on triglyceride metabolism.

scholarly journals Role of Lopinavir/Ritonavir in the Treatment of Covid-19: A Review of Current Evidence, Guideline Recommendations, and Perspectives

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 2050 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone Meini ◽  
Alberto Pagotto ◽  
Benedetta Longo ◽  
Igor Vendramin ◽  
Davide Pecori ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Respiratory Illness ◽  
Organ Damage ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Laboratory Studies ◽  
Scientific Societies ◽  
Pathogenetic Role ◽  
Proven Efficacy ◽  
Life Threatening

A life-threatening respiratory illness (COVID-19) due to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2 coronavirus was first described in December 2019 in Wuhan (China), rapidly evolving into a pandemic. In the first phase, when the viral replication plays a pivotal pathogenetic role, antiviral drugs could be crucial in limiting viral-induced organ damage. Unfortunately, there are no specific antivirals of proven efficacy for COVID-19, and several drugs have been repurposed to face this dramatic pandemic. In this paper we review the studies evaluating lopinavir/ritonavir association (LPV/r) use in COVID-19, and previously in SARS and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). We searched PubMed to identify all relevant clinical and laboratory studies published up to 15 May 2020; the guidelines on the use of LPV/r in COVID-19 were further directly searched on the website of the main international scientific societies and agencies. Available evidence is currently scarce and of low quality. The recommendations issued for COVID-19 vary from positions clearly against the use of LPV/r to other positions that are more favorable. In our opinion, despite the controversial results of an important randomized clinical trial, and some recommendations, clinicians should not abandon the use of LPV/r for the treatment of COVID-19, possibly using this drug inside a prospective randomized trial, waiting for the results of the numerous ongoing trials evaluating its efficacy.

scholarly journals Glial cells and energy balance

2017 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. R59-R71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pilar Argente-Arizón ◽  
Santiago Guerra-Cantera ◽  
Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura ◽  
Jesús Argente ◽  
Julie A Chowen
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Control ◽  
Glial Cells ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Neuronal Circuits ◽  
Obesity Epidemic ◽  
Cell Responses ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
New Strategies

The search for new strategies and drugs to abate the current obesity epidemic has led to the intensification of research aimed at understanding the neuroendocrine control of appetite and energy expenditure. This intensified investigation of metabolic control has also included the study of how glial cells participate in this process. Glia, the most abundant cell type in the central nervous system, perform a wide spectrum of functions and are vital for the correct functioning of neurons and neuronal circuits. Current evidence indicates that hypothalamic glia, in particular astrocytes, tanycytes and microglia, are involved in both physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms of appetite and metabolic control, at least in part by regulating the signals reaching metabolic neuronal circuits. Glia transport nutrients, hormones and neurotransmitters; they secrete growth factors, hormones, cytokines and gliotransmitters and are a source of neuroprogenitor cells. These functions are regulated, as glia also respond to numerous hormones and nutrients, with the lack of specific hormonal signaling in hypothalamic astrocytes disrupting metabolic homeostasis. Here, we review some of the more recent advances in the role of glial cells in metabolic control, with a special emphasis on the differences between glial cell responses in males and females.

The role of vinpocetine in the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases based on human studies

2007 ◽  
Vol 148 (29) ◽  
pp. 1353-1358 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edit Bagoly ◽  
Gergely Fehér ◽  
László Szapáry
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrovascular Diseases ◽  
Human Studies

Az agyérbetegségek jelentőségét jelzi, hogy a cardiovascularis és tumoros betegségek után a stroke jelenti a harmadik leggyakoribb halálokot világszerte. Mivel stroke során az érintett agyállomány irreverzíbilisen károsodik, az infarktust övező épen maradt, de általában hipoperfundált agyterületek működésének serkentésével lehet a betegek állapotán javítani. Az agyi véráramlás növelése révén várható javulás a stroke-on még át nem esett, de krónikus agyi hipoperfúzióban szenvedő betegek tüneteiben is. Célkitűzés, módszer: Jelen tanulmány célja, hogy áttekintse a vinpocetin akut és krónikus agyérbetegségekben történő alkalmazásának eddig publikált humán vizsgálati eredményeit, és összefoglaló képet adjon a gyógyszer főbb indikációs területeiről, az ott mutatott hatékonyságról. Eredmények: A vinpocetin akut ischaemiás stroke-ban történő alkalmazását vizsgáló tanulmányok száma csekély, eredményeik pedig ellentmondásosak. Krónikus agyérbetegek esetében mind az egyszeri, mind a hosszú távú vinpocetinkezelést követően PET-, SPECT-, TCD- és NIRS-vizsgálatokkal a laesio körüli ép agyterületek perfúziónövekedése, fokozott glükóz- és O 2 -felhasználása igazolódott, és jelentős javulás volt észlelhető a vér reológiai paramétereiben is. A klinikai hatékonyságot értékelő nemzetközi tanulmányok metaanalízise alapján a gyógyszer per os alkalmazásával szignifikáns javulás jelentkezik a kognitív teljesítményben és a napi aktivitásban. Következtetések: A fenti vizsgálatok eredményei alapján kimondható, hogy a vinpocetin sokrétű farmakológiai hatása révén kedvezően befolyásolja az agy ép területeinek perfúzióját és metabolizmusát, a vér áramlási viszonyait, javítva ezzel a krónikus agyérbetegek életminőségét.

Using serum biomarkers for identifying unstable carotid plaque: update of current evidence

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Areti Sofogianni ◽  
Konstantinos Tziomalos ◽  
Triantafyllia Koletsa ◽  
Apostolos G. Pitoulias ◽  
Lemonia Skoura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Great Proportion ◽  
Current Literature ◽  
Early Identification ◽  
Carotid Plaque ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Carotid Atherosclerosis ◽  
Serum Biomarkers ◽  
Current Evidence

: Carotid atherosclerosis is responsible for a great proportion of ischemic strokes. Early identification of unstable or vulnerable carotid plaques and therefore of patients at high risk for stroke is of significant medical and socioeconomical value. We reviewed the current literature and discuss the potential role of the most important serum biomarkers in identifying patients with carotid atherosclerosis who are at high risk for atheroembolic stroke.

Patent Foramen Ovale, the Role of Antiplatelet Therapy Alone or Anticoagulant Therapy Alone Versus Device Closure for Cryptogenic Stroke: A Review of the Literature and Current Recommendations

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-150
Author(s):  
Harsha S. Nagarajarao ◽  
Chandra P. Ojha ◽  
Archana Kedar ◽  
Debabrata Mukherjee
Keyword(s):  
Patent Foramen Ovale ◽  
Cryptogenic Stroke ◽  
Narrow Channel ◽  
Paradoxical Embolism ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Foramen Ovale ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Current Guidelines

: Cryptogenic stroke and its relation to the Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) is a long-debated topic. Recent clinical trials have unequivocally established the relationship between cryptogenic strokes and paradoxical embolism across the PFO. This slit-like communication exists in everyone before birth, but most often closes shortly after birth. PFO may persist as a narrow channel of communication between the right and left atria in approximately 25-27% of adults. : In this review, we examine the clinical relevance of the PFO with analysis of the latest trials evaluating catheter-based closure of PFO’s for cryptogenic stroke. We also review the current evidence examining the use of antiplatelet medications versus anticoagulants for stroke prevention in those patients with PFO who do not qualify for closure per current guidelines.

The application of virtual reality in health professions� digital education: a narrative review (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorraine Tudor Car ◽  
Bhone Myint Kyaw ◽  
Josip Car
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Professional Education ◽  
Health Professions ◽  
Health Professions Education ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Educational Content ◽  
Potential Applications

BACKGROUND Digital technology called Virtual Reality (VR) is increasingly employed in health professions’ education. Yet, based on the current evidence, its use is narrowed around a few most applications and disciplines. There is a lack of an overview that would capture the diversity of different VR applications in health professions’ education and inform its use and research. OBJECTIVE This narrative review aims to explore different potential applications of VR in health professions’ education. METHODS The narrative synthesis approach to literature review was used to analyse the existing evidence. RESULTS We outline the role of VR features such as immersion, interactivity and feedback and explain the role of VR devices. Based on the type and scope of educational content VR can represent space, individuals, objects, structures or their combination. Application of VR in medical education encompasses environmental, organ and micro level. Environmental VR focuses on training in relation to health professionals’ environment and human interactions. Organ VR educational content targets primarily human body anatomy; and micro VR microscopic structures at the level of cells, molecules and atoms. We examine how different VR features and health professional education areas match these three VR types. CONCLUSIONS We conclude by highlighting the gaps in the literature and providing suggestions for future research.

Institutions and the Embedded Entrepreneur

2019 ◽  
pp. 115-134
Author(s):  
Maryann Feldman ◽  
Paige Clayton
Keyword(s):  
Current Evidence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Institutional Logic ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Regional Resources

This chapter examines the relationship between entrepreneurs and the communities in which they are embedded. It argues that the actions of entrepreneurs and their firms are contextually situated in specific geographies that make their actions endogenous in the development of place and define a place-specific institutional logic. This argument is at odds with the view that industry clustering is due to the role of incumbent firms. This chapter reconciles these views by adopting a temporal view, allowing both incumbents and geography to co-occur and influence clustering. It then considers the current evidence of entrepreneurs’ effects on regional resources and capacity, and concludes with suggestions for future research.

scholarly journals An Overview of Adipose Tissue ACE2 Modulation by Diet and Obesity. Potential Implications in COVID-19 Infection and Severity

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (15) ◽  
pp. 7975
Author(s):  
Saioa Gómez-Zorita ◽  
Iñaki Milton-Laskibar ◽  
Laura García-Arellano ◽  
Marcela González ◽  
María P. Portillo
Keyword(s):  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Inflammatory Factors ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Disease Outcomes ◽  
Lower Activation ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Obese Subjects ◽  
Ace2 Gene

The present review is aimed at analysing the current evidence concerning the potential modulation of obesity and/or diet in adipose tissue ACE2. Additionally, the potential implications of these effects on COVID-19 are also addressed. The results published show that diet and obesity are two factors that effectively influence the expression of Ace2 gene in adipose tissue. However, the shifts in this gene do not always occur in the same direction, nor with the same intensity. Additionally, there is no consensus regarding the implications of increased adipose tissue ACE2 expression in health. Thus, while in some studies a protective role is attributed to ACE2 overexpression, other studies suggest otherwise. Similarly, there is much debate regarding the role played by ACE2 in COVID-19 in terms of degree of infection and disease outcomes. The greater risk of infection that may hypothetically derive from enhanced ACE2 expression is not clear since the functionality of the enzyme seems to be as important as the abundance. Thus, the greater abundance of ACE2 in adipose tissue of obese subjects may be counterbalanced by its lower activation. In addition, a protective role of ACE2 overexpression has also been suggested, associated with the increase in anti-inflammatory factors that it may produce.

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