Int J Med Sci
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A proprietary blend of standardized Punica granatum fruit rind and Theobroma cocoa seed extracts mitigates aging males' symptoms: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Objective: We evaluated the safety and efficacy of a novel combination of Punica granatum fruit rind and Theobroma cocoa seed extracts (LN18178 or Tesnor®) in enhancing serum testosterone level and reducing aging males' symptoms (AMS) in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation (CTRI Reg. No. CTRI/2019/02/017506). ⋯ Conclusion: LN18178 supplementation reduced AMS scores and improved sexual performance. Also, LN18178 groups exhibited superior muscular strength and reduction in perceived stress. Total blood chemistry and urine analysis demonstrated the broad-spectrum safety.
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Low back pain (LBP) is a chronic condition that causes great individual suffering and economic burden. The major contributor of LBP is intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), which is caused by a spectrum of homeostasis alteration, including the apoptosis of nucleus pulposus (NP) and annulus fibrosus (AF) cells, degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM), calcification of cartilaginous endplates (CEP) and so on. Currently, the therapeutic strategy for IDD includes conservative and surgery treatment. ⋯ Increasing evidence implicates that exosomes could impact the intracellular transcription activities, thereby inhibiting or accelerating the proliferation and apoptosis of cells. Thus, it is a new therapeutic source for IDD. This review chiefly focuses on generalizing and clarifying the roles of exosomes in the onset and deterioration of IDD, and their therapeutic potential.
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Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor alpha (GFRα) members have been widely connected to the mechanisms contributing to cell growth, differentiation, cell migration and tissue maturation. Here we review GFRα biological functions and discussed the evidence indicating whether GFRα signaling complex present novel opportunities for oncogenic intervention and treatment resistance. Thus, our work systematically reviewed the emerging role of GFRα family members in cancers, and provided novel insights for further researches.
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In this review, we discussed an interesting case infected with "COVID-19" (Corona Virus Disease 2019). The patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma recovered after infection with COVID-19. It may be that COVID-19 activates the patient's immune system, or it may be a coincidence. ⋯ Through literature review and data analysis, we suggest that CD147, as a new potential COVID-19 infection entry, may also lead to ferroptosis of host cells. Our hypothesis is that spike protein of COVID-19 induced ferroptosis in host cells via CD147/SLC3A2/SLC7A11 complex. This is another explanation for the cancer patient recovered after COVID-19 infection.
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Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and serious types of cancer worldwide, with high incidence and mortality rates. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel class of non-coding RNA with important biological functions. In recent years, multiple circRNAs have been found to be involved in the biological processes of tumorigenesis and tumor development. ⋯ However, the specific molecular mechanism of circRNAs in HCC has not been fully elucidated. The present review systematically summarized the classification and basic characteristics of circRNAs, their biological functions and their role in the occurrence and development of HCC. By summarizing the previous studies on circRNAs in HCC, this study aimed to indicate potential approaches to improving the early diagnosis and treatment of HCC.