British medical bulletin
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Obeticholic acid (OCA) is a semi-synthetic hydrophobic bile acid (BA) analogue that is highly selective agonist of farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a key nuclear BA receptor, which induces expression of gut-derived hormones, in particular fibroblast growth factor 19. The resulting beneficial effects of OCA on glucose and lipid metabolism and particularly hepatic inflammation make it a candidate for the treatment of a variety of conditions including primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). ⋯ New FXR agonists with a lower rate of side effects are being developed and trialed. Combination therapy with other agents may offer increased efficacy.
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A very large number of studies have reported a stalling of health improvements in the UK since 2010. ⋯ These findings point to a need for greater investment in research on the political determinants of health, on the timely detection and interpretation of evidence of worsening health, and on how political and policy processes respond to such findings.
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The regulatory role of microRNA (miRNA) in several conditions has been studied, but their function in tendon healing remains elusive. This review summarizes how miRNAs are related to the pathogenesis of tendon injuries and highlights their clinical potential, focusing on the issues related to their delivery for clinical purposes. ⋯ Investigations ex vivo suggest therapeutic opportunities of miRNA for the management of tendon injuries. Given the poor pharmacokinetic properties of miRNAs, these must be delivered by an adequate adjuvant transport system.