scholarly journals Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate: Is There Any Scientific Evidence for Their Effectiveness as Disease-Modifying Drugs in Knee Osteoarthritis Preclinical Studies?—A Systematic Review from 2000 to 2021

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1608
Author(s):  
Silvia Fernández-Martín ◽  
Antonio González-Cantalapiedra ◽  
Fernando Muñoz ◽  
Mario García-González ◽  
María Permuy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chondroitin Sulfate ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Preclinical Studies ◽  
Disease Modifying Drugs ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Bone Changes ◽  
Great Heterogeneity ◽  
Experimental Osteoarthritis

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate have been proposed due to their physiological and functional benefits in the management of osteoarthritis in companion animals. However, the scientific evidence for their use is still controversial. The purpose of this review was to critically elucidate the efficacy of these nutraceutical therapies in delaying the progression of osteoarthritis, evaluating their impact on the synovial knee joint tissues and biochemical markers in preclinical studies by systematically reviewing the last two decades of peer-reviewed publications on experimental osteoarthritis. Three databases (PubMed, Scopus and, Web of Science) were screened for eligible studies. Twenty-two articles were included in the review. Preclinical studies showed a great heterogeneity among the experimental designs and their outcomes. Generally, the evaluated nutraceuticals, alone or in combination, did not seem to prevent the subchondral bone changes, the synovial inflammation or the osteophyte formation. However, further experimental studies may be needed to evaluate their effect at those levels. Regarding the cartilage status and biomarkers, positive responses were identified in approximately half of the evaluated articles. Furthermore, beneficial effects were associated with the pre-emptive administrations, higher doses and, multimodality approaches with some combined therapies. However, additional studies in the long term and with good quality and systematic design are required.

scholarly journals An Overview of the Various Uses of Ephedra distachyaL. from the Past to the Present

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 82-86
Author(s):  
Mansureh Ghavam ◽  
Zeinab Soleimaninejad
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Traditional Medicine ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Trial And Error ◽  
Traditional Medicines ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Ephedra Distachya ◽  
Ancient Times ◽  
Review Study

Background: Nowadays, many people believe in traditional medicines and use them for different diseases. Knowledge of medicinal plants and traditional medicine has been practiced for centuries through trial and error, and many important treatments for the disease have been passed down from one generation to the next. Ephedra is a valuable plant and has been used to treat diseases since ancient times. Accordingly, this study aims to comprehensively introduce Ephedra distachya L. in traditional medicine. Methods: In this review study, databases such as Google Scholar, SID, Scopus, and books on medicinal plants in Persian and English languages were searched to collect data. The keywords included "ephedra", "traditional medicine", "goat’s beard", and "medicinal plants". Results: Many resources highlighted the importance of using ephedra due to its useful properties. Experimental studies in traditional medicine show the effect of this plant in the prevention of diseases, such as asthma and bronchitis. Conclusion: Considering the beneficial effects of ephedra and scientific evidence about its effects, further studies are needed to better understand the use of this plant in traditional medicine.

scholarly journals Scientific Evidence Supporting the Beneficial Effects of Isoflavones on Human Health

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 3853
Author(s):  
Saioa Gómez-Zorita ◽  
Maitane González-Arceo ◽  
Alfredo Fernández-Quintela ◽  
Itziar Eseberri ◽  
Jenifer Trepiana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Structure ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Alternative Therapy ◽  
Common Adverse Effect ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
Treatment Of Osteoporosis ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Great Heterogeneity ◽  
Breast And Prostate Cancer

Isoflavones are phenolic compounds with a chemical structure similar to that of estradiol. They are present in several vegetables, mainly in legumes such as soy, white and red clover, alfalfa and beans. The most significant food source of isoflavones in humans is soy-derived products. Isoflavones could be used as an alternative therapy for pathologies dependent on hormonal disorders such as breast and prostate cancer, cardiovascular diseases, as well as to minimize menopausal symptoms. According to the results gathered in the present review, it can be stated that there is scientific evidence showing the beneficial effect of isoflavones on bone health and thus in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis on postmenopausal women, although the results do not seem entirely conclusive as there are discrepancies among the studies, probably related to their experimental designs. For this reason, the results should be interpreted with caution, and more randomized clinical trials are required. By contrast, it seems that soy isoflavones do not lead to a meaningful protective effect on cardiovascular risk. Regarding cancer, scientific evidence suggests that isoflavones could be useful in reducing the risk of suffering some types of cancer, such as breast and endometrial cancer, but further studies are needed to confirm these results. Finally, isoflavones could be useful in reducing hot flushes associated with menopause. However, a limitation in this field is that there is still a great heterogeneity among studies. Lastly, with regard to isoflavone consumption safety, it seems that they are safe and that the most common adverse effect is mild and occurs at the gastrointestinal level.

scholarly journals Bisphosphonates as disease-modifying drugs in osteoarthritis preclinical studies: a systematic review from 2000 to 2020

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Fernández-Martín ◽  
Mónica López-Peña ◽  
Fernando Muñoz ◽  
María Permuy ◽  
Antonio González-Cantalapiedra
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Disease Stage ◽  
Preclinical Studies ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Synovial Joint ◽  
Disease Modifying Drugs ◽  
Disease Modifying ◽  
Main Effects

AbstractBisphosphonates have been proposed as possible disease-modifying drugs in osteoarthritis. However, the evidence of their efficacy is poor and their outcomes presented a great heterogeneity. Therefore, the aim of this study is to systematically review the main effects of bisphosphonate use on synovial joint tissues and biochemical markers in preclinical studies over the past two decades (2000–2020). Three databases (Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched, and after screening, twenty-six studies with five different types of bisphosphonates were included in the review. The animal model selected, the type of bisphosphonate used, the therapy duration, and the main effects of individual drugs on synovial tissues were evaluated. Additionally, the quality and risk of bias assessments were performed using the Animals in Research Reporting In Vivo Experiments guidelines and the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory animal Experimentation tool. Studies showed high variability in experimental designs. Consequently, the comparison of the findings in order to draw specific conclusions about the effectiveness of the drugs is complicated. However, the results of this systematic review suggested that bisphosphonates seemed to reduce the osteoarthritic changes in a dose-dependent manner showing better chondroprotective effects at high doses. Besides, a time-dependent efficacy was also detected in terms of cartilage status. One can conclude that the disease stage of the time-point of treatment initiation may constitute a key factor in the antiresorptive drug efficacy. Generally, we noted that bisphosphonate administration seemed to show positive subchondral bone conservation and fewer biomarker alterations. However, they did not appear to suppress the osteophyte development and their chondroprotective effect is highly variable among the studies. Bisphosphonates appeared to show a positive anti-inflammatory effect on the synovial membrane. However, only a few included publications were focused on their investigation. Regarding the therapy duration, there is a significant lack of evidence on evaluating their effectiveness in preclinical long-term studies and further experimental studies may be needed to examine the pharmacological response in these circumstances. This systematic review might help to clarify the efficacy of bisphosphonates and their function as disease-modifying treatments in osteoarthritis.

The role of physical exercise in the development of breast cancer

Physiotherapy ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Agata Adasik
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Experimental Models ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Oncological Treatment ◽  
Beneficial Effects

AbstractBreast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women worldwide. Epidemiological and experimental studies confirm the beneficial effects of physical exercise both in patients who have suffered a relapse and in those who are in the course of a treatment. Researchers suggest that regular physical effort performed 3-5 times a week at 20-40 MET reduces the risk of development of breast cancer. Scientific evidence suggests that aerobic training can be safe and effective even during the oncological treatment, which, depending on the stage of the disease, may consist of surgical treatment combined with chemotherapy, radiotherapy or hormone therapy. In addition, it significantly improves the function of the circulatory and respiratory systems, reduces fatigue and improves the quality of life of patients struggling with the disease. There are many theories on the mechanisms that are triggered by aerobic workout. Despite the numerous studies on this subject, which have been conducted over the years, we still cannot say how physical activity reduces the risk of development of breast cancer. The most frequently mentioned biological mechanisms include the influence of oestrogen, metabolic hormones, growth factor, inflammatory markers, response from the immune system, insulin resistance and oxidative stress. Many studies into the process of carcinogenesis are carried out in laboratory conditions on animals. Due to application of different experimental models, the results of such studies are often ambiguous. Nevertheless, scientists see a huge potential in this kind of experiments, because some of them have already attested to the protective effects of physical exercise against the appearance of breast cancer, but also they have increased our understanding of the processes through which this risk is reduced. Perhaps, in the future physical activity will become a part of a cancer treatment thanks to the results of such studies.

The Gut Microbiota of Rats under Experimental Osteoarthritis and Administration of Chondroitin Sulfate and Probiotic

2020 ◽  
Vol 82 (6) ◽  
pp. 64-73
Author(s):  
O.H. Korotkyi ◽  
◽  
T.V. Luhovska ◽  
T.M. Serhiychuk ◽  
K.O. Dvorshchenko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Chondroitin Sulfate ◽  
Joint Inflammation ◽  
Degenerative Joint Disease ◽  
Joint Disease ◽  
Quantitative Composition ◽  
Combined Administration ◽  
Osteoarthritis Progression ◽  
Experimental Osteoarthritis ◽  
Gut Microbiota Composition

Osteoarthritis is a most widespread chronic degenerative joint disease that causes pain, cartilage deformation, and joint inflammation. Adverse alterations of intestinal microbiota like dysbiosis may lead to metabolic syndrome and inflammation, two important components of osteoarthritis progression. Aim. In this study we investigated the effect of chondroitin sulfate and probiotics on the gut microbiome in monoiodoacetate-induced osteoarthritis model in rats. Methods. The species and quantitative composition of feces were determined using diagnostic media with selective properties. Further identification of isolated microorganisms was carried out according to morphological, tinctorial, physiological and metabolic parameters. The results are presented in the form of lg CFU/g. Results. Induction of osteoarthritis caused significant increasing the number of opportunistic enterobacteria and lactose-negative Escherichia coli against the decreasing of lacto- and bifidobacteria that may indicate a dysbiotic condition. Coadministration of chondroitin sulfate and probiotic bacteria has led to improvement the quantitative composition of the gut microbiota in experimental animals, the numerous of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus were increasing against decreasing the quantitative composition of opportunistic microorganisms. Conclusions. Monoiodoacetate-induced osteoarthritis caused dysbiosis of gut in rat. We observed beneficial effect of combined administration of chondroitin sulfate and probiotics on gut microbiota composition in rats with experimental osteoarthritis. Thus, adding of supplements like probiotics to standard treatment of osteoarthritis may have potentials to prevent and treat this disease.

scholarly journals Relationship between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Pesticides: A Systematic Review of Human and Preclinical Models

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 5190
Author(s):  
Judit Biosca-Brull ◽  
Cristian Pérez-Fernández ◽  
Santiago Mora ◽  
Beatriz Carrillo ◽  
Helena Pinos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Preclinical Studies ◽  
Preclinical Models ◽  
Gestational Exposure

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex set of neurodevelopmental pathologies characterized by impoverished social and communicative abilities and stereotyped behaviors. Although its genetic basis is unquestionable, the involvement of environmental factors such as exposure to pesticides has also been proposed. Despite the systematic analyses of this relationship in humans, there are no specific reviews including both human and preclinical models. The present systematic review summarizes, analyzes, and discusses recent advances in preclinical and epidemiological studies. We included 45 human and 16 preclinical studies. These studies focused on Organophosphates (OP), Organochlorine (OC), Pyrethroid (PT), Neonicotinoid (NN), Carbamate (CM), and mixed exposures. Preclinical studies, where the OP Chlorpyrifos (CPF) compound is the one most studied, pointed to an association between gestational exposure and increased ASD-like behaviors, although the data are inconclusive with regard to other ages or pesticides. Studies in humans focused on prenatal exposure to OP and OC agents, and report cognitive and behavioral alterations related to ASD symptomatology. The results of both suggest that gestational exposure to certain OP agents could be linked to the clinical signs of ASD. Future experimental studies should focus on extending the analysis of ASD-like behaviors in preclinical models and include exposure patterns similar to those observed in human studies.

scholarly journals Sympathectomy as well as β2-adrenoceptor deficiency lead to exacerbation of subchondral bone changes in experimental osteoarthritis

Bone Reports ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 101042
Author(s):  
Gundula Rösch ◽  
Dominique Muschter ◽  
Karima El Bagdadi ◽  
Shahed Taheri ◽  
Andrea Meurer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Subchondral Bone ◽  
Bone Changes ◽  
Experimental Osteoarthritis

scholarly journals A systematic review of behavioural and exercise interventions for the prevention and management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy symptoms

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Anne Lagmay Tanay ◽  
Jo Armes ◽  
Rona Moss-Morris ◽  
Anne Marie Rafferty ◽  
Glenn Robert
Keyword(s):  
Peripheral Neuropathy ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Pharmacological Interventions ◽  
Behavioural Interventions ◽  
Exercise Interventions ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Recommended Treatment

Abstract Background Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) can result in functional difficulties. Pharmacological interventions used to prevent CIPN either show low efficacy or lack evidence to support their use and to date, duloxetine remains the only recommended treatment for painful CIPN. Non-pharmacological interventions such as exercise and behavioural interventions for CIPN exist. Purpose The aims were to (1) identify and appraise evidence on existing behavioural and exercise interventions focussed on preventing or managing CIPN symptoms, (2) describe psychological mechanisms of action by which interventions influenced CIPN symptoms, (3) determine the underpinning conceptual models that describe how an intervention may create behaviour change, (4) identify treatment components of each intervention and contextual factors, (5) determine the nature and extent of patient and clinician involvement in developing existing interventions and (6) summarise the relative efficacy or effectiveness of interventions to lessen CIPN symptoms and to improve quality of life, balance and muscle strength. Methods A systematic search of Ovid Medline, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Health Management Information Consortium, Global Health and CINAHL was performed to identify articles published between January 2000 to May 2020, followed by OpenGrey search and hand-searching of relevant journals. Studies that explored behavioural and/or exercise interventions designed to prevent or improve symptoms of CIPN in adults who had received or were receiving neurotoxic chemotherapy for any type of cancer, irrespective of when delivered within the cancer pathway were included. Results Nineteen randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies which explored behavioural (n=6) and exercise (n=13) interventions were included. Four studies were rated as methodologically strong, ten were moderate and five were weak. Ten exercise and two behavioural interventions, including those that improved CIPN knowledge and self-management resources and facilitated symptom self-reporting, led to reduced CIPN symptoms during and/or after chemotherapy treatment. Conclusions The extent of potential benefits from the interventions was difficult to judge, due to study limitations. Future interventions should incorporate a clear theoretical framework and involve patients and clinicians in the development process. Implications for Cancer Survivors Our findings show exercise interventions have beneficial effects on CIPN symptoms although higher quality research is warranted. Behavioural interventions that increase patient’s CIPN knowledge, improve self-management capacity and enable timely access to symptom management led to reduced CIPN symptoms.

scholarly journals Renoprotective Effects of DPP-4 Inhibitors

Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 246
Author(s):  
Daiji Kawanami ◽  
Yuichi Takashi ◽  
Hiroyuki Takahashi ◽  
Ryoko Motonaga ◽  
Makito Tanabe
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Kidney Disease ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Glucose Lowering ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Glucose Levels ◽  
Membrane Bound ◽  
Stage Renal Disease ◽  
End Stage

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide. Dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitors are widely used in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). DPP-4 inhibitors reduce glucose levels by inhibiting degradation of incretins. DPP-4 is a ubiquitous protein with exopeptidase activity that exists in cell membrane-bound and soluble forms. It has been shown that an increased renal DPP-4 activity is associated with the development of DKD. A series of clinical and experimental studies showed that DPP-4 inhibitors have beneficial effects on DKD, independent of their glucose-lowering abilities, which are mediated by anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative stress properties. In this review article, we highlight the current understanding of the clinical efficacy and the mechanisms underlying renoprotection by DPP-4 inhibitors under diabetic conditions.

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