Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA
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Kisspeptin and its receptor KISS1R have been found to be essential regulators of reproductive function. Previous data have revealed the presence of Kiss1 and Kiss1r mRNAs in the hypothalamus and the testis of humans and rodents. However, the precise location and possible physiological role of the kisspeptin/KISS1R system in the testis remain ambiguous. ⋯ We discovered that Kiss1 expression in mouse Leydig cells was induced by LH through the cAMP/PKA pathway. Based on the presence of kisspeptin receptors on spermatids, we inferred that kisspeptin and development-related factors have synergistic effects on spermatogenesis. Nevertheless, more studies are required to elaborate the role of the kisspeptin/KISS1R system in testicular development.
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In late December 2019, several cases of pneumonia with unknown cause were reported in Wuhan, China, and this new type of pneumonia spread rapidly to across provinces during the subsequent weeks. The pathogen was identified quickly and was named as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The infectious disease caused by this virus is referred to as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). ⋯ To control the COVID-19 outbreak, large-scale measures have been applied to reduce human-to-human transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Susceptible populations, including older adults, children, and healthcare providers, warrant particular attention to avoid transmission and infection. This review introduces current understanding of SARS-CoV-2 infection and treatment strategies, emphasizing the relevant challenges associated with prevention, diagnosis, and management.
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As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19, also called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2) outbreak accelerates, vigorous and diverse efforts were made in developing treatment strategies. In addition to direct acting agents, increasing evidence showed some potential adjuvant therapies with promising efficacy against COVID-19. These therapies include immunomodulators (i.e. intravenous immunoglobulin, thymosin α-1, interleukin [IL]-6, tocilizumab, cyclosporine, thalidomide, fingolimod), Chinese medicines (i.e. glycyrrhizin, baicalin, Xuebijing), anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (bevacizumab), estrogen modulating drugs, statins, and nutritional supplements (i.e. vitamins A, B, C, D, E and zinc). This article reviewed the pharmacological development of potential adjuvants for COVID-19 treatment.
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Sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), a novel antidiabetic drug blocks the reabsorption of glucose in proximal tubules of kidney, are demonstrated to have cardiovascular and renal benefits for people with diabetes. The benefits are associated with the significant increase of intrarenal angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2) expression and blood volume contraction. ⋯ Besides, an SGLT2i-induced natriuretic effect may also increase the risk of acute kidney injury and affect the hemodynamic stability during systemic infection disease. In this article, we explain the mechanisms why the use of SGLT2i in people with diabetes may lead to worse outcomes and suggest clinician to judiciously use it during COVID-19 pandemic.
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Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder engendered by a deficiency of the enzyme α-galactosidase A, leading to systemic accumulation of glycolipids. Studies have reported that the cardiac subtype of FD has a later onset and minimal extracardiac involvement. However, whether the severity of cardiac involvement differs between the classic and cardiac subtypes of FD remains unclear. ⋯ Cardiac manifestations are similar between patients with classic and cardiac subtype of FD.