ABSTRACT
The journey of clinical research in India spans centuries, marked by significant milestones and advancements in scientific, ethical, and regulatory domains. From early trials conducted by pioneers like James Lind to modern standards shaped by landmark events such as the Nuremberg Code and the adoption of Good Clinical Practice guidelines, India's progression reflects a commitment to ethical conduct and patient welfare. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has played a pivotal role in this evolution, establishing national research centers and ethical committees to oversee biomedical research. Regulatory frameworks, exemplified by Schedule Y of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, have adapted over time to align with global standards, facilitating India's integration into the international clinical development landscape. Despite challenges and setbacks, including misconceptions surrounding regulatory reforms, India's clinical trial ecosystem continues to evolve, driven by a dedication to ethical research practices and excellence in healthcare.
ABSTRACT
Self-medication, the practice of using medications without a valid prescription based on self-diagnosed symptoms, has become a global phenomenon, with a significant presence in developing nations like India. This inclination often arises from the desire to reduce healthcare costs and save time, though it carries inherent risks, including serious adverse effects and the potential masking of chronic disease symptoms. In India, the prevalence of self-medication varies widely, with factors such as media-driven advertisements, positive attitudes, and financial constraints contributing to its adoption, especially among lower- and middle-income families. The pediatric population in India is witnessing a notable increase in self-medication practices, driven by a mix of affordability, convenience, and limited awareness among parents. The risks associated with self-medication in pediatric healthcare are diverse, posing threats to developing immune systems and metabolisms in children. Antibiotic misuse further exacerbates concerns about antibiotic resistance, a global health crisis. Understanding the root causes of self-medication, including restricted healthcare access and societal pressures, is crucial for developing effective interventions. To address this issue comprehensively, a multifaceted approach is essential, emphasizing the need for widespread educational initiatives targeting healthcare literacy. Concurrently, reinforcing regulatory measures to monitor over-the-counter medication sales and conducting public awareness campaigns can deter unauthorized dispensing and promote responsible healthcare practices. Collaborative efforts involving healthcare providers, government bodies, pharmaceutical companies, and educational institutions are imperative to champion policies prioritizing children's health. It is a collective responsibility to ensure access to proper healthcare as an inherent right for every child in India. Urgent action is necessary to address the rising prevalence of self-medication, securing the well-being of the younger generation and paving the way for a healthier and more resilient future.
ABSTRACT
Pediatric heart failure, encompassing a diverse range of conditions, imposes a significant burden despite its relatively low incidence. The contemporary landscape, with infants constituting a majority of admissions, underscores the need for specialized attention. This editorial delves into the evolving pharmacological interventions for pediatric heart failure, emphasizing the nuances of managing congenital heart defects, genetic factors, and diverse etiologies. The goal is to contribute knowledge that addresses the unique needs of children and explores innovations promising to redefine care standards. The narrative navigates through the current state of pediatric heart failure management, unique considerations, emerging pharmacological innovations, precision medicine, addressing underlying causes, combination therapies, clinical trials, and ethical considerations. Each section contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the evolving landscape and sets the stage for potential future directions in pediatric heart failure care.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a widespread neurodegenerative condition with complex causes and a significant global impact, particularly among the elderly. This brief introduction emphasizes AD's hallmark features and the urgent public health concern it poses, with numbers on the rise. It also highlights the potential of statins and magnesium L-threonate as a combined therapeutic approach to prevent AD and mitigate its underlying pathological features. The study's goal is to shed light on these promising interventions in a rat model induced by aluminum chloride (AlCl3). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 aged female Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n=6/group). The vehicle control group received normal saline orally (p.o.).The model control group received AlCl3(4.2 mg/kg/day intraperitoneal (i.p.)). The standard-treated group received rivastigmine (1 mg/kg/day p.o.), and the atorvastatin-treated and atorvastatin with magnesium L-threonate-treated groups received atorvastatin (20 mg/kg/day p.o.) and atorvastatin (20 mg/kg/day) with magnesium L-threonate (604 mg/kg/day p.o.), respectively. Cognitive functions such as radial arm maze, elevated plus maze (EPM), passive shock avoidance test, and open-field test (OFT) were performed at weekly intervals up to 28 days. After completion of the study on the 29th day, all animals were sacrificed, and the brain was used for estimation of AchE enzyme activity, oxidative stress parameters, and histopathological analysis. RESULT: At the end of the fourth week, administration of atorvastatin and atorvastatin with magnesium L-threonate resulted in a decreased average time taken to reach the correct arm, reduced transfer latency (TL) in the EPM, shortened latency to reach the shock-free zone (SFZ), and an increase in rearing and counts by locomotion activity in the OFT. It also demonstrated improved anti-cholinesterase activity and suppressed oxidative stress, as indicated by a decrease in nitric oxide (NO) levels and an increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase levels. Additionally, it led to reductions in brain changes observed in histopathological analysis. CONCLUSION: Atorvastatin with magnesium L-threonate provides a better beneficial protective effect against AD than atorvastatin alone. This combination can be a first choice for patients who are already taking atorvastatin in the early stages of AD.
