Resveratrol in the treatment of asthma based on an animal model.

Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol found, for example, in red wine, grapes or nuts. One of the resveratrol's health properties is a cardioprotective activity - it is believed that resveratrol is responsible for the French paradox and anticancer activity. Moreover, the effectiveness of resveratrol in the treatment of asthma is confirmed by multiple research. Resveratrol displays a multiway impact on the reduction of the symptoms of the disease which contributes to the alleviation of inflammation i.a. by: inhibition of cellular infiltration, suppression of oxidative stress, reduction in the volume of mucus, relaxation of smooth muscle, stalling of the fibrosis affecting the respiratory tract or counteracting bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Resveratrol reduces the concentration of eosinophils, pro-inflammatory interleukins and interferes with many signal transduction pathways. In case of concomitance of obesity, resveratrol alleviates the course of asthma. The review juxtaposes the mechanisms of resveratrol activity and presents the results of the published research conducted on rodents.

Genistein in the Treatment of Hypertension: A Review.

Genistein, a natural compound belonging to the group of isoflavones has a confirmed positive effect in such diseases as hormone-dependent cancers, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular diseases, including arterial and pulmonary hypertension. The multiway hypotensive effect is based on vasodilation with simultaneous inhibition of vasoconstriction and RAA interference. It impacts both vascular smooth muscles and endothelium due to its influence on many molecular pathways and peptides; among them: protection against oxidative stress, RhoA/Rho pathway inhibition, enhancing cAMP activation, modification of cellular calcium influx, and the increase of eNOS concentrations. Despite little research on genistein effect on pulmonary hypertension, it seems that the natural compound reduces harmful hypoxia effects and, consequently, inhibits vessels remodelling. In our review, we present mechanisms of lowering blood pressure and juxtapose in vivo research on both animal and human models. On the basis of our results, it might be deduced that the abovementioned isoflavone seems to be a safe and effective hypotensive drug. Its impact on arterial and pulmonary hypertension should be further estimated, both in monotherapy, and in combination treatment.

Metal allergy after the Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum: a review.

Minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) technique (the Nuss procedure) is a minimally-invasive method that is commonly used in the treatment of pectus excavatum. An allergic reaction to the metal alloy bar that is implanted in the thorax during the procedure is a reported complication. We briefly review current literature concerning epidemiology, mechanisms and research results of allergic reactions after Nuss bar implantation. This allergic reaction occurs in approximately 2.7% of patients and is caused by metals used in the medical implant. The most common symptoms include fever and skin lesions such as allergic dermatitis. Elevated levels of C-reactive protein is a frequent finding in laboratory tests. In order to minimize the risk of such complications, taking a detailed allergy-based medical history and conducting allergy tests, i.e. patch test are required. Allergic reactions can be managed with conservative treatment such as general or topical glucocorticosteroid therapy and antihistamine agents. Severe allergic reactions can be addressed by implant revision, replacement of the steel bar with a titanium substitute or removal of the stabilization at all. Although the risk of an allergic reaction to titanium is smaller it still exists, the titanium substitute is not routinely used due to its higher cost and lesser plasticity which has a negative impact on matching a stabilizing bar during the surgery. Surgeons treating pectus excavatum should remember about the possible allergic reactions after implantation of the metal bar and be familiar with methods of diagnosis and treatment of those complications.