Frontiers in pharmacology
-
Frontiers in pharmacology · Jan 2020
ReviewDrug Repositioning for the Prevention and Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Mechanism- and Screening-Based Strategy.
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a severe adverse effect observed in most patients treated with neurotoxic anti-cancer drugs. Currently, there are no therapeutic options available for the prevention of CIPN. Furthermore, few drugs are recommended for the treatment of existing neuropathies because the mechanisms of CIPN remain unclear. ⋯ Cancer chemotherapy is performed in a planned manner; therefore, preventive strategies can be planned for CIPN. Drug repositioning studies, which identify the unexpected actions of already approved drugs, have increased in recent years. We have also focused on drug repositioning studies, especially for prevention, because they should be rapidly translated to patients suffering from CIPN.
-
Frontiers in pharmacology · Jan 2021
Therapeutic Effect of Epidermal Growth Factor Combined With Nano Silver Dressing on Diabetic Foot Patients.
Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy of epidermal growth factor combined with nano silver dressing in the treatment of diabetic foot wounds. Methods: A total of 160 patients with diabetic foot ulcers admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from 2015-06 to 2018-06 were selected to participate in the experiment. A randomized table method was used to randomly divide 160 patients into 4 groups: 40 in the epidermal growth factor group, 40 in the nano-silver dressing group, 40 in the combined group, and 40 in the saline control group (normal saline). ⋯ Compared with the control group, the positive rate of bacteria in the combined group and the silver nanoparticles group was significantly lower after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment. Conclusion: There is no significant difference in wound healing between the four groups during the clinically effective period. After this period, the combined use of recombinant epidermis Growth factors and nano-silver dressings have a significant effect on promoting wound healing and can effectively prevent infection.
-
Frontiers in pharmacology · Jan 2020
ReviewThe Use of Vasopressor Agents in Free Tissue Transfer for Head and Neck Reconstruction: Current Trends and Review of the Literature.
Microvascular free tissue transfer has become essential to head and neck reconstruction and recent advancements in microvascular surgery have led to excellent surgical outcomes. However, there continues to be controversy and a stigma associated with the use of perioperative intravenous vasopressor agents among both surgeons and anesthesiologists. Due to concern for vasoconstriction of peripheral vasculature flowing to the denervated tissue flap, there remains concerns about potential thrombosis, decreased tissue perfusion and ultimately flap failure. This topic becomes even more important as vasopressors play an essential role in new Extended Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols being put in place to optimize postoperative recovery for patients. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively review the role and safety as well as discuss current trends with intraoperative vasopressor agents in free tissue transfer for head and neck reconstruction. ⋯ The administration of vasopressors during microvascular free tissue transfer for head and neck reconstruction does not seem to be associated with increased flap failure rates or other postoperative morbidities. Moreover, vasopressors may provide overall improved hemodynamic stability and help to limit overall fluid administration and subsequent postoperative complications. Additional prospective investigation is warranted to further elucidate and establish evidence-based recommendations regarding the type, timing, and dose of vasopressors to further enhance free flap survival and patient outcomes.
-
Frontiers in pharmacology · Jan 2020
ReviewCOVID-19 Outbreak: Pathogenesis, Current Therapies, and Potentials for Future Management.
At the end of 2019, a novel coronavirus (CoV) was found at the seafood market of Hubei province in Wuhan, China, and this virus was officially named coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) by World Health Organization (WHO). COVID-19 is mainly characterized by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV2) and creates public health concerns as well as significant threats to the economy around the world. ⋯ In this review, we try to find out the etiology, epidemiology, symptoms as well as transmissions of this novel virus. We also summarize therapeutic interventions and suggest antiviral treatments, immune-enhancing candidates, general supplements, and CoV specific treatments that control replication and reproduction of SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).
-
Frontiers in pharmacology · Jan 2020
ReviewPimavanserin: A Novel Antipsychotic With Potentials to Address an Unmet Need of Older Adults With Dementia-Related Psychosis.
Dementia affects more than 40 million people worldwide. When it is accompanied by psychosis, symptom management is especially challenging. Although no drug has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for psychosis in patients with dementia, atypical antipsychotics are used off-label in severe cases in patients who do not respond to non-pharmacological interventions. ⋯ Topline result of the pivotal phase III HARMONY (NCT03325556) trial suggests that pimavanserin reduces the relapse of psychosis by 2.8-folds compared to placebo. This favorable result may open path for the potential approval of pimavanserin in DRP. In this review, we discuss the pharmacological activity, clinical efficacy and safety of pimavanserin as a novel atypical antipsychotic with potentials to address the unmet needs of older adults with DRP.