Life sciences
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Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Treatment with immunotherapy has made a significant impact on the outcomes for those patients suffering from lung cancer and its usage is currently an established treatment modality. Immune checkpoint inhibition that has blocking antibodies which target cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) along with the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) pathway [programmed death - 1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)] have shown promising results for numerous malignancies. ⋯ Despite such benefits, treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors is associated with a unique pattern of immune-related adverse effects or side effects. Also, resistance is routinely developing in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. The current review provides an overview of immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment in lung cancer, its resistance, and adverse effects.
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The prevalence of autoimmune diseases (ADs) has increased over the past few decades. Vitamin D deficiency is a common factor in many of these diseases, whose etiology remains poorly understood. ⋯ Most studies show that adequate supplementation can prevent and improve the development of some of these diseases, although the optimal vitamin D dose remains controversial. We highlight the importance of measuring serum vitamin D levels of the population and developing strategies to improve and maintain levels with no health risks.
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Airway mucin overproduction is the hallmark risk factor of asthma, which is associated with the reduction of lung function. An aberrant mucin expression is responsible for airway obstruction due to its high viscous characteristics. Among the mucins discovered, MUC5AC is the prime mucin of airway epithelia. ⋯ Currently, flavonoids, glycoside and steroids like natural compounds have acquired great attention due to their anti-inflammatory and mucoregulatory effects. Most importantly, many natural compounds have shown their potential effects as the modulator of mucin expression, secretion, and production. Therefore, targeting airway MUC5AC expression and production represents an auspicious area of research for the development of drugs against various respiratory diseases.
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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a severely neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs a child's ability to communicate and interact with others. Children with neurodevelopmental disorder, including ASD, are regularly affected by gastrointestinal problems and dysbiosis of gut microbiota. On the other hand, humans live in a co-evolutionary association with plenty of microorganisms that resident on the exposed and internal surfaces of our bodies. ⋯ The present review introduces the increasing evidence suggesting the reciprocal interaction network among microbiome, gut and brain. It also discusses the possible mechanisms by which gut microbiome influences the etiology of ASD via altering gut-brain axis. Most importantly, it highlights the new findings of targeting gut microbiome, including probiotic treatment and fecal microbiota transplant, as novel and potential therapeutics for ASD diseases.
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Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common urological diseases in aging men. Because of its long latency, BPH is a good target for prevention. The aim of the study has been to review the various options of treatment, currently available, in the field of phytotherapy. ⋯ On the basis of preclinical studies several mechanisms of action have been postulated, including 5alpha-reductase inhibition, alpha-adrenergic antagonism, dihydrotestosterone and estrogen receptor inhibition. Randomized clinical trials indicate significant efficacy in improving urinary symptoms and mild adverse effects for some phytotherapeutic agents, while further clinical evidence is needed for others (e.g., Epilobium spp., Secale cereale, Roystonea regia). Healthcare professionals should be constantly informed about BPH phytotherapy, taking into account the risk/benefit profile of the use of medicinal plants in the management of BPH.