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1.
Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol ; 19(11): 807-828, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37862038

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Polypharmacy, which uses multiple medications to treat chronic illnesses, is common among elderly patients. However, it can lead to drug interactions, especially with gastrointestinal (GI) medicines that are extensively used. These drug interactions can have severe consequences and pose a significant challenge to healthcare providers. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the underlying mechanisms of these interactions and develop strategies to minimize medication errors. AREAS COVERED: We analyzed databases on GI illnesses common in older adults, including GERD, peptic ulcer disease, IBS, IBD, constipation, and diarrhea. Our research identified noteworthy drug interactions and utilized major electronic databases such as USFDA, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar until 15 May 202315 May 2023, along with a review of reference lists. EXPERT OPINION: Aging can affect how the body processes drugs, leading to an increased risk of drug interactions. Therefore, healthcare professionals must carefully evaluate a patient's medical history and health condition to design personalized treatment plans.


Subject(s)
Geriatrics , Humans , Aged , Drug Interactions , Aging , Gastrointestinal Tract , Polypharmacy , Gastrointestinal Agents
2.
Expert Opin Pharmacother ; 24(18): 2021-2033, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37788098

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Acute gastrointestinal cramping pain (GICP) is a debilitating condition that affects many people worldwide, significantly reducing their quality of life. As such, prompt treatment is crucial. AREAS COVERED: This article will explore relevant literature from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Additionally, we searched ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO ICTRP database for the latest clinical trials. EXPERT OPINION: Consensus dictates that antispasmodics such as hyoscine-N-butyl bromide and mebeverine should be the primary treatment for GICP. If these prove ineffective, patients can switch to an antispasmodic with a different mode of action or add acetaminophen/NSAIDs for more severe cases. Currently, several antispasmodics are undergoing clinical trials, including drotaverine, alverine, pinaverium, otilonium bromide, fenoverine, tiropramide, otilonium bromide, trimebutine, and peppermint oil. Well-designed head-to-head studies are necessary to evaluate current antispasmodics' safety, efficacy, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacoeconomics profiles. Recent studies have shown that fixed-dose combinations of antispasmodics + NSAIDs or two different antispasmodics can improve patient compliance and synergistically reduce GICP. Therefore, it is recommended that the global availability and accessibility of these products be enhanced.


Subject(s)
Abdominal Pain , Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal , Parasympatholytics , Quality of Life , Humans , Abdominal Pain/drug therapy , Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/therapeutic use , Parasympatholytics/therapeutic use
3.
Toxicol Lett ; 384: 115-127, 2023 Aug 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37562716

ABSTRACT

Arsenic is among the most critical environmental toxicants associated with many human disorders. However, its effect on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is contradictory. This systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis aim to update information on the association between arsenic exposure and the risk of T2DM. The sample type (drinking water, urine, blood, and nails) conducted the subgroup analysis. Evaluation of the high vs. low arsenic concentrations showed a significant association between drinking water arsenic (OR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.20-2.08) and urinary arsenic (OR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.24-1.51) with the risk of T2DM. The linear dose-response meta-analysis showed that each 1 µg/L increase in levels of drinking water arsenic (OR: 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00-1.01) and urinary arsenic (OR: 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00-1.02) was associated with a 1% increased risk of T2DM. The non-linear dose-response analysis indicated that arsenic in urine was associated with the risk of T2DM (Pnon-linearity<0.001). However, this effect was not statistically significant for arsenic in drinking water (Pnon-linearity=0.941). Our findings suggest that blood arsenic was not significantly linked to the increased risk of T2DM in high vs. low (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 0.85-1.71), linear (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.99-1.09), and non-linear (Pnon-linearity=0.365) analysis. Also, nail arsenic was not associated with the risk of T2DM in this meta-analysis (OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 0.69-2.59). This updated dose-response meta-analysis indicated that arsenic exposure was significantly correlated with the risk of T2DM.


Subject(s)
Arsenic , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 , Drinking Water , Water Pollutants, Chemical , Humans , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/chemically induced , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/epidemiology , Arsenic/toxicity , Drinking Water/adverse effects , Drinking Water/analysis , Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity , Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis , Environmental Exposure/adverse effects , Environmental Exposure/analysis
4.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36942370

ABSTRACT

Environmental toxicants can regulate gene expression in the absence of DNA mutations via epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs' (ncRNAs). Here, all three epigenetic modifications for seven important categories of diseases and the impact of eleven main environmental factors on epigenetic modifications were discussed. Epigenetic-related mechanisms are among the factors that could explain the root cause of a wide range of common diseases. Its overall impression on the development of diseases can help us diagnose and treat diseases, and besides, predict transgenerational and intergenerational effects. This comprehensive article attempted to address the relationship between environmental factors and epigenetic modifications that cause diseases in different categories. The studies main gap is that the precise role of environmentally-induced epigenetic alterations in the etiology of the disorders is unknown; thus, still more well-designed researches need to be accomplished to fill this gap. The present review aimed to first summarize the adverse effect of certain chemicals on the epigenome that may involve in the onset of particular disease based on in vitro and in vivo models. Subsequently, the possible adverse epigenetic changes that can lead to many human diseases were discussed.


Subject(s)
DNA Methylation , Epigenesis, Genetic , Humans , DNA , Hazardous Substances
5.
Mini Rev Med Chem ; 23(13): 1390-1411, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36515022

ABSTRACT

A class of organic chemicals known as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) consists of chlorine, hydrogen, and carbon atoms. High boiling points, chemical stability, non-flammability, and insulating properties have enabled them to be used in various industries. Because of their high toxicity, PCBs were one of the first industrial compounds to be banned from production. These compounds have high-fat solubility with bioaccumulation and biomagnification properties in the environment, food chain, and individuals. Hence, they may have an impact not only on individual organisms but ultimately on whole ecosystems. The main sources of PCB exposure are food and environmental pollutants. In the toxicology of PCBs, oxidative stress plays the most influential function. The induction of CYP1A1 due to the high affinity of PCBs for aryl hydrocarbon receptors is considered a trigger for oxidative stress. Production of reactive oxygen species and depletion of glutathione occur due to phase Ⅰ and Ⅱ metabolism, respectively. Thus, cellular redox balance may be disrupted in the presence of PCBs and their metabolites. Chronic and long-term exposure to these compounds can often lead to life-threatening diseases, like diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular and neurological diseases, cancer, and reproductive and endocrine disorders. We present the current knowledge of the routes of PCB exposure and bioaccumulation, the outlook regarding environmental and food safety, the potential role of PCBs in various diseases, the principal mechanisms responsible for PCB toxicity, and the main detection techniques used for PCBs.


Subject(s)
Neoplasms , Polychlorinated Biphenyls , Humans , Polychlorinated Biphenyls/toxicity , Polychlorinated Biphenyls/chemistry , Polychlorinated Biphenyls/metabolism , Ecosystem , Environmental Monitoring , Food Safety
6.
Expert Opin Pharmacother ; 24(3): 359-375, 2023 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36548911

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: With the growing rate of aging and the incidence of chronic diseases, there has been an upsurge in opioid prescription and abuse worldwide. This has been associated with increased reports of opioid-related adverse events, particularly opioid-induced bowel dysfunction (OIBD), calling for a rational clinical management strategy. AREAS COVERED: Through searching PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, English literature was gathered as of 1 January 2017. Furthermore, the USFDA, EMA, TGA, Clinicaltrials.Gov, WHO-ICTRP databases, and the latest guidelines were reviewed to extract ongoing clinical studies and provide an evidence-based expert opinion with detailed information on efficacy, safety, approval status, and pharmacokinetics of the currently used medications. EXPERT OPINION: Despite the significant burden of OIBD, the clinical development of agents lags behind disease progress. Although in most places, management of opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is initiated by lifestyle modifications followed by laxatives, opioid antagonists, and secretagogue agents, there are still major conflicts among global guidelines. The fundamental reason is the lack of head-to-head clinical trials providing inter- and intragroup comparisons between PAMORAs, laxatives, and secretagogue agents. These investigations must be accompanied by further valid biopharmaceutical and economic evaluations, paving the way for rational clinical judgment in each context.


Subject(s)
Analgesics, Opioid , Opioid-Induced Constipation , Humans , Analgesics, Opioid/adverse effects , Laxatives/therapeutic use , Constipation/chemically induced , Constipation/drug therapy , Opioid-Induced Constipation/drug therapy , Secretagogues/adverse effects , Receptors, Opioid, mu , Narcotic Antagonists/therapeutic use
7.
Food Chem Toxicol ; 170: 113509, 2022 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36343746

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Oral targeted small molecules, including sphingosine 1 phosphate receptor (S1PR) modulators and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), seem to revolutionize the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). To select the most effective treatment, there is an unmet need to comparatively study their mechanism of action, efficacy, and toxicity in the preclinical stage and further translate it into clinical practice. METHODS: Using 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced adult zebrafish colitis model, LC50 of fingolimod and tofacitinib were determined based on the acute toxicity test to compare aquatic toxicity potential. Subsequently, the efficacy of different concentrations of tofacitinib and fingolimod was compared using flow cytometry, qPCR, and histopathology analyses. RESULTS: TNBS significantly reduced the length of villi, and the number of goblet cells increased the level of TNF-α, MyD88, and NF-κB2, the thickness of villi and necrosis, and induced histopathological changes. All of these parameters were reversed almost dose-dependently with both medications, with the highest concentration of fingolimod being superior to other groups. Additionally, results from qPCR analysis suggested that these medications might suppress canonical and non-canonical NF-κB pathways by targeting toll-like receptors and MyD88. LC50 of tofacitinib and fingolimod was 0.9014 and 0.36 mg/L, respectively. Hence, both are in the cory 1 of the Global Harmonization System (GHS) aquatic toxicity and are toxic to adult zebrafish life. CONCLUSION: Given the better efficacy of fingolimod, it is worth translating the effectiveness and safety of S1PR modulators into IBD patients and comparing them with TKIs in head-to-head studies; albeit, their toxicity should not be overlooked.


Subject(s)
Colitis , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases , Animals , Fingolimod Hydrochloride/therapeutic use , Fingolimod Hydrochloride/adverse effects , Zebrafish/metabolism , Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88/metabolism , Colitis/chemically induced , Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/drug therapy
8.
Daru ; 30(2): 379-406, 2022 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36050585

ABSTRACT

Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Wuhan, China, many health care systems have been heavily engaged in treating and preventing the disease, and the year 2020 may be called as "historic COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough". Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies have initiated investigations on developing an efficient and safe vaccine against the virus. From Moderna and Pfizer in the United States to PastocoVac in Pasteur Institute of Iran and the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, different candidates have been introduced to the market. COVID-19 vaccine research has been facilitated based on genome and structural information, bioinformatics predictions, epitope mapping, and data obtained from the previous developments of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV or SARS-CoV-1) and middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) vaccine candidates. SARS-CoV genome sequence is highly homologous to the one in COVID-19 and both viruses use the same receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Moreover, the immune system responds to these viruses, partially in the same way. Considering the on-going COVID-19 pandemic and previous attempts to manufacture SARS-CoV vaccines, this paper is going to discuss clinical cases as well as vaccine challenges, including those related to infrastructures, transportation, possible adverse reactions, utilized delivery systems (e.g., nanotechnology and electroporation) and probable vaccine-induced mutations.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 Vaccines , COVID-19 , Humans , Pandemics/prevention & control , COVID-19/prevention & control , RNA, Viral , SARS-CoV-2
9.
Int J Mol Sci ; 23(2)2022 Jan 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35054768

ABSTRACT

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine-gynecology disorder affecting many women of childbearing age. Although a part of the involved mechanism in PCOS occurrence is discovered, the exact etiology and pathophysiology are not comprehensively understood yet. We searched PubMed for PCOS pathogenesis and management in this article and ClinicalTrials.gov for information on repurposed medications. All responsible factors behind PCOS were thoroughly evaluated. Furthermore, the complete information on PCOS commonly prescribed and repurposed medications is summarized through tables. Epigenetics, environmental toxicants, stress, diet as external factors, insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, inflammation, oxidative stress, and obesity as internal factors were investigated. Lifestyle modifications and complementary and alternative medicines are preferred first-line therapy in many cases. Medications, including 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-3-glutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, thiazolidinediones, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, glucose-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, mucolytic agents, and some supplements have supporting data for being repurposed in PCOS. Since there are few completed clinical trials with a low population and mostly without results on PCOS repurposed medications, it would be helpful to do further research and run well-designed clinical trials on this subject. Moreover, understanding more about PCOS would be beneficial to find new medications implying the effect via the novel discovered routes.


Subject(s)
Drug Repositioning , Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/etiology , Disease Management , Female , Humans , Hyperandrogenism , Insulin Resistance , Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/drug therapy , Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/metabolism
10.
Toxicol Mech Methods ; 32(4): 288-301, 2022 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34711111

ABSTRACT

Aluminum phosphide (AlP) poisoning is common in many countries responsible for high mortality. The heart is the main target organ in AlP poisoning. Several studies have reported the beneficial effects of cannabidiol (CBD) in reducing heart injuries. This study aimed to investigate the possible protective effect of CBD on cardiac toxicity caused by AlP poisoning. Study groups included almond oil, normal saline, sole CBD (100 µg/kg), AlP (11.5 mg/kg), and four groups of AlP + CBD (following AlP gavage, CBD administrated at doses of 5, 25, 50, and 100 µg/kg via intravenous (iv) injection). Thirty minutes after AlP treatment, an electronic cardiovascular device (PowerLab) was used to record electrocardiographic (ECG) changes, heart rate (HR), and blood pressure (BP) for three hours. Cardiac tissue was examined for the activities of mitochondrial complexes, ADP/ATP ratio, the release of cytochrome C, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), apoptosis, oxidative stress parameter, and cardiac biomarkers at 12 and 24 hours time points. AlP administration caused abnormal ECG, decreased HR, and BP. AlP also significantly reduced mitochondrial complex I and IV activity and ADP/ATP ratio. The level of cytochrome C release, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and cardiac biomarkers was considerably increased by AlP, which was compensated following CBD administration. CBD was able to improve hemodynamic function to some extent in AlP poisoned rats. CBD restored ATP levels and mitochondrial function and decreased oxidative damage and thus, prevented the heart cells from entering the apoptotic stage. Further clinical trials are needed to explore any possible benefits of CBD in AlP-poisoned patients.


Subject(s)
Cannabidiol , Phosphines , Animals , Cannabidiol/toxicity , Electrocardiography , Heart Rate , Humans , Mitochondria , Phosphines/toxicity , Rats , Rats, Wistar
11.
Expert Opin Pharmacother ; 23(1): 63-89, 2022 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34435515

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Although the incidence and prevalence of duodenal and gastric ulcers have been declining, it remains challenging for health care systems. Based on the underlying cause, history, and characteristics of ulcers, management is generally provided by administering proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or antibiotics. AREAS COVERED: This article is based on global guidelines and English language literature from the past decade obtained through searches using PubMed, Clinicaltrials.gov, the US FDA, and the Cochrane library. Using a stepwise approach, dose and duration of treatment, drug interactions, warnings and contraindications, adverse effects, and administration points were specified. New drug candidates that may get American and European approvals were also introduced. EXPERT OPINION: Despite the wide use of PPIs, their development lags behind the clinical need. There is an absolute requirement to develop third-generation PPIs with higher potency and improved pharmacokinetic and safety profiles. Regarding the antibiotic resistance crisis, including those used against H. pylori, conducting more clinical trials and investigating regional antibiotic resistance are warranted. Potassium competitive acid blockers, ilaprazole, and an H. pylori vaccine all show promise for the future.


Subject(s)
Helicobacter Infections , Helicobacter pylori , Stomach Ulcer , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Helicobacter Infections/drug therapy , Humans , Proton Pump Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Stomach Ulcer/chemically induced , Stomach Ulcer/drug therapy
12.
Curr Med Chem ; 29(37): 5881-5894, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34906054

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Zearalenone is a well-known estrogenic mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species, a serious threat to the agricultural and food industries worldwide. Zearalenone, with its known metabolites, is a biomarker of exposure to certain fungi, primarily through food. It has considerable toxic effects on biological systems due to its carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, renal toxicity, teratogenicity, and immunotoxicity. INTRODUCTION: This study aims to design a simple, quick, precise, and cost-effective method on a biosensor platform to evaluate the low levels of this toxin in foodstuffs and agricultural products. METHODS: An aptamer-based electrochemical biosensor was introduced that utilizes screen-printed gold electrodes instead of conventional electrodes. The electrodeposition process was employed to develop a gold nanoparticle-modified surface to enhance the electroactive surface area. Thiolated aptamers were immobilized on the surface of gold nanoparticles, and subsequently, the blocker and analyte were added to the modified surface. In the presence of a redox probe, electrochemical characterization of differential pulse voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to investigate the various stages of aptasensor fabrication. RESULTS: The proposed aptasensor for zearalenone concentration had a wide linear dynamic range covering the 0.5 pg/mL to 100 ng/mL with a 0.14 pg/mL detection limit. Moreover, this aptasensor had high specificity so that a non-specific analyte cannot negatively affect the selectivity of the aptasensor. CONCLUSION: Overall, due to its simple design, high sensitivity, and fast performance, this aptasensor showed a high potential for assessing zearalenone in real samples, providing a clear perspective for designing a portable and cost-effective device.


Subject(s)
Aptamers, Nucleotide , Biosensing Techniques , Metal Nanoparticles , Mycotoxins , Zearalenone , Aptamers, Nucleotide/chemistry , Biomarkers , Biosensing Techniques/methods , Electrochemical Techniques , Gold/chemistry , Humans , Limit of Detection , Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry , Zearalenone/analysis
13.
Front Pharmacol ; 13: 1068863, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36686661

ABSTRACT

Background: As a medical dilemma, gastric cancer will have 7.3 million new cases in 2040. Despite the disease's high economic and global burden, conventional chemotherapy regimens containing cisplatin have insufficient effectiveness and act non-specifically, leading to several adverse drug reactions To address these issues, the biological efficacy of the cisplatin-resveratrol combination was tested. Methods: To find IC50, gastric adenocarcinoma cells (AGS) were exposed to different concentrations of resveratrol and cisplatin. Anti-cancer and anti-metastatic effects of 100 M resveratrol with concentrations of cisplatin (25, 50, and 100 g/ml) were studied by assessing ß-galactosidase and telomerase activities, senescence and migration gene expression, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and cell cycle arrest. Results: Co-administration of cisplatin and resveratrol increased ß-galactosidase activity, ROS level as a key marker of oxidative stress, p53, p38, p16, p21, and MMP-2 gene expression, and induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. Additionally, telomerase activity, pro-inflammatory gene expression, and cell invasion were suppressed. The best results were achieved with 100 g/ml cisplatin co-administered with resveratrol. Conclusion: The current study proved the synergistic effect of the cisplatin-resveratrol combination on suppressing metastasis and inducing apoptosis and cell senescence through targeting P38/P53 and P16/P21 pathways. Such promising results warrant translation to animal models and the clinic. This may lead to cost-effective, available, and accessible treatment regimens with targeted action and the fewest ADRs.

14.
Life (Basel) ; 11(8)2021 Jul 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34440518

ABSTRACT

A slow rate of new drug discovery and higher costs of new drug development attracted the attention of scientists and physicians for the repurposing and repositioning of old medications. Experimental studies and off-label use of drugs have helped drive data for further studies of approving these medications. A deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of depression encourages novel discoveries through drug repurposing and drug repositioning to treat depression. In addition to reducing neurotransmitters like epinephrine and serotonin, other mechanisms such as inflammation, insufficient blood supply, and neurotoxicants are now considered as the possible involved mechanisms. Considering the mentioned mechanisms has resulted in repurposed medications to treat treatment-resistant depression (TRD) as alternative approaches. This review aims to discuss the available treatments and their progress way during repositioning. Neurotransmitters' antagonists, atypical antipsychotics, and CNS stimulants have been studied for the repurposing aims. However, they need proper studies in terms of formulation, matching with regulatory standards, and efficacy.

15.
Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol ; 14(7): 865-888, 2021 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33993811

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Due to the high cost, low effectiveness, and adverse effects plus the life-long nature of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and misconception on safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), the market demand for CAM has risen over the past decades. A critical review of patients' and physicians' attitudes, market drivers, economic aspects, regulatory roles, and regional distribution is lacking.Areas covered: Through relevant databases, the existing English language literature concerning the association of CAM use with IBD was collected over the past two decades. Data was then analyzed, comprehensively summarized in tables/figures, and justified concerning administrative, organizational, regional, economic, and regulatory perspectives.Expert opinion: Although CAM utilization is more prevalent among younger, female, and high-educated IBD patients, issues concerning weak study designs, limited-time period/regional distribution of recent surveys, and lack of economic evaluations on CAM make it entirely unfeasible to draw a firm conclusion. Regulators are lagging in meeting the dire need of IBD patients, especially the elderly. Lack of legislation regarding registration, sales monitoring, licensing, insurance coverage, efficacy/safety assessments, post-marketing surveillance, quality assurance, and reference pricing alongside the limited support for CAM research are the main matters that should be urgently addressed.


Subject(s)
Complementary Therapies/methods , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/therapy , Age Factors , Complementary Therapies/economics , Complementary Therapies/legislation & jurisprudence , Cost-Benefit Analysis , Humans , Sex Factors
16.
Iran J Pharm Res ; 20(4): 450-466, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35194459

ABSTRACT

In the 21st century, while some people seek to use artificial intelligence for health services delivery, others have to surrender their health rights to meet basic needs. The gradient in health has become more pronounced in the COVID-19 crisis considering discrepancies in disease prevalence, geographical accessibility, availability, affordability, quality/safety of health services, and human resources. Through PubMed, GoogleScholar, Scopus, WHO, OECD, and UN databases, the English documents and global statistics were collected. Determining the role of health equity-related factors and introducing mechanisms to maintain regional and international justice in health, specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic, were among the core concepts of this paper. Social determinants of health (SDH), interregional and intraregional bodies are the main drivers of discrimination in health services. Governments should relish chief health strategists' role in possessing legitimacy, accountability, direction, transparent performance, fairness, and good governance in one word. Improving health literacy and telemedicine, providing income support, and reforming insurance where needed, are other national mechanisms to amend inequity. Among interregional issues, what is concerning is the matter of sanctions on access to health services, which is against the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Shortage of vital medications, ventilators, test kits, COVID-19 vaccines, pharmaceutical raw materials, foreign currency, decreased national currency value, purchasing power parity, and quality/safety of health services resulted from such oppression. The article also provides practical suggestions, paving the way for re-establishing global solidarity and developing health justice in deprived regions.

17.
Expert Opin Drug Discov ; 15(11): 1309-1341, 2020 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32749894

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Due to the ever-growing incidence of gastrointestinal disorders accompanied by substantial economic impact, it is of great importance to manage these conditions globally. Since the significant role of oxidative stress has been proved in the initiation and propagation of most of the gastrointestinal disorders, medical science is now moving toward fusing traditional knowledge with advanced technology, aiming to promote the use of antioxidants in gastrointestinal disorders. AREAS COVERED: Through PubMed, the Cochrane library, the WHO, Clinicaltrials.gov and Google Scholar, the US FDA, and EMA, the authors collated and reviewed the appropriate literature published between the 1 January 2015 and 31 March 2020 and provided their expert perspectives on the drug discovery strategies for modulating oxidative stress in gastrointestinal disorders. EXPERT OPINION: As with other pharmaceuticals, antioxidants have been generally developed following the basic principles of drug discovery; the recent focus of which is designing multi-potent natural antioxidants mainly through using rational design and target-based drug discovery strategies. Although there have been encouraging in-vivo studies on the use of antioxidants in gastrointestinal disorders, especially inflammatory bowel disease and gastritis, there have been considerable deficits regarding in-vitro and clinical applications that should be immediately addressed.


Subject(s)
Antioxidants/pharmacology , Gastrointestinal Diseases/drug therapy , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , Animals , Drug Design , Drug Development , Drug Discovery , Gastrointestinal Diseases/physiopathology , Humans
18.
Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol ; 16(7): 583-604, 2020 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32380874

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), globally affecting 11.2% of the population and imposing a direct annual cost of $1.7bn-$10bn in the US, is one of the today's major therapeutic challenges. Therefore, there is urgent need to address this issue through reviewing the tolerability and efficacy of available medications. AREAS COVERED: Over the past decade, related experiments were cited through Clinicaltrials.gov, PubMed, WHO ICTRP, and Cochrane library. Pharmacological parameters of approved medications available in the USFDA, EMA, TGA and PMDA were also stated. EXPERT OPINION: Anti-spasmodics are used as the first-line treatment in pain-predominant IBS and IBS-D, among which calcium channel blockers and neurokinin-type 2 receptor antagonists seem to replace anti-cholinergic drugs. As second-line treatments, rifaximin is considered to be the best for IBS-D though it has lower efficacy than alosetron and eluxadoline. For IBS-C, linaclotide is the most effective and the safest second-line therapy, following laxatives/fibers, which may be replaced by tenapanor, in the future. When moderate to severe IBS is associated with severe pain or comorbid psychological disorders, gut-brain neuromodulators could also be prescribed. Regarding all this, there is still a paramount need to conduct careful clinical studies on efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness of current approved and non-approved treatments.


Subject(s)
Gastrointestinal Agents/administration & dosage , Irritable Bowel Syndrome/drug therapy , Pain/drug therapy , Animals , Cost-Benefit Analysis , Gastrointestinal Agents/adverse effects , Gastrointestinal Agents/pharmacology , Humans , Irritable Bowel Syndrome/economics , Irritable Bowel Syndrome/physiopathology , Pain/etiology , Severity of Illness Index
19.
Daru ; 28(1): 359-369, 2020 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32072484

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In the new era of publication, scientific misconduct has become a focus of concern including extreme variability of plagiarism, falsification, fabrication, authorship issues, peer review manipulation, etc. Along with, overarching theme of "retraction" and "predatory journals" have emphasized the importance of studying related infrastructures. METHODS: Information used in this review was provided through accessing various databases as Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Nature Index, Publication Ethics and Retraction Watch. Original researches, expert opinions, comments, letters, editorials, books mostly published between 2010 and 2020 were gathered and categorized into three sections of "Common types of misconduct"," Reasons behind scientific misconduct" and "Consequences". Within each part, remarkable examples from the past 10 years cited in Retraction Watch are indicated. At last, possible solution on combating misconduct are suggested. RESULTS: The number of publications are on the dramatic rise fostering a competition under which scholars are pushed to publish more. Consequently, due to several reasons including poor linguistic and illustration skills, not adequate evaluation, limited experience, etc. researchers might tend toward misbehavior endangering the health facts and ultimately, eroding country, journal/publisher, and perpetrator's creditability. The reported incident seems to be enhanced by the emergence of predatory with publishing about 8 times more papers in 2014 than which is in 2010. So that today, 65.3% of paper retraction is solely attributing to misconduct, with plagiarism at the forefront. As well, authorship issues and peer-review manipulation are found to have significant contribution besides further types of misconduct in this duration. CONCLUSION: Given the expansion of the academic competitive environment and with the increase in research misconduct, the role of any regulatory sector, including universities, journals/publishers, government, etc. in preventing this phenomenon must be fully focused and fundamental alternation should be implemented in this regard.


Subject(s)
Biomedical Research/ethics , Scientific Misconduct , Authorship , Books , Humans , Periodicals as Topic/ethics
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