BACKGROUND On 26th April, 1986 the greatest accident of nuclear plant in Czernobyl occured and isotopes with high percentage of release were erupted: 33-Xe, 131-I, 132-Te, 134-Cs and 137-Cs. The radioactivity of the isotopes was very high - for instance: 33-Xe 6500 PBq, 131-I 1760 PBq. Rest of the 15 isotopes represented similar radioactivity with shorter percentage of release. The most exposed group of people were 237 liquidators, and 11600 people living around had to be evacuated when the limit dose for a person (5mSv) was crossed. Ionizing radiation on the molecular level produces high energy radicals, water radiolysis and ionization of the atoms leading to damage of the enzymes activity centers and receptors, cell membranes DNA, intracellular lysosomes, and especially important for ATP synthesis - mitochondria. These destructions lead to tissue and organs damage. OBJECTIVE The aim of this article is the presentation of the protective property of iodine application in the case of nuclear accident. METHODS In Poland at that time, effective iodine prophylaxis did not exist. In the face of such exposition, a special Governement Commission was appointed. When permissioned maximal dose for children and adolescents 50mSv appeared in some areas of the country, the Commission made a decision about obligatory administration of a single pharmacological dose of potassium iodide for all children and adolescents till age 16. No relevant recent patents were available for this WHO report. RESULTS In this way, the dose of 131-I to thyroid for inhabitants in high, moderated, and low contaminated regions were reduced by about 45%. However, from 1987 to 1997 increase in prevalence of the differentiated thyroid cancer in adults in Polish population especially in women over 40 years old in the southern part of Poland was observed. CONCLUSION Actually in European countries work 185 nuclear power plants and to 2045 another 100 is planned. In 1999, WHO issued recommendations on iodine prophylaxis in the case of nuclear accident.
Dr. Iwata obtained a Ph.D. degree in Pharmacology from the Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences (Tokyo, Japan), then worked at the National Institute of Health Sciences (Tokyo, Japan), Tokyo Medical University (Tokyo, Japan), National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (Bethesda, US), and RIEKN Brain Science Institute (Wako, Japan). Currently, he is a Full Professor at the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University. He has published more than 100 scientific publications, including Science, Nature Medicine, Nature Neuroscience, Neuron, Cell Stem Cell, etc. on pharmacology, biochemistry and molecular biology, and neurobiology of Alzheimer’s disease and related neurodegenerative diseases.
A delay in speech development may be a symptom of many disorders, including mental retardation, hearing loss, an expressive language disorder, psychosocial deprivation, autism, elective mutism, receptive aphasia and cerebral palsy. Speech delay may be secondary to maturation delay or bilingualism. Being familiar with the factors to look for when taking the history and performing the physical examination allows physicians to make a prompt diagnosis. Timely detection and early intervention may mitigate the emotional, social and cognitive deficits of this disability and improve the outcome.
INTRODUCTION:The article presents a new method of intensification of antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B with intradermal autoleukocyte immunization during treatment with a drug of nucleotide analogues - tenofovir (patent UA 113873 U, 2017); other curative vaccines for chronic hepatitis B are also regarded.OBJECTIVE:The research involves patients with chronic hepatitis B (30), whose replication of HBV DNA decreased to a certain level after long-lasting (over 2 years) antiviral therapy, its further reduction ceased. These patients underwent intradermal autoleukocyte immunization for intensification of antiviral therapy.METHOD:Leukocytes were isolated from plasma of a patient's heparinized venous blood by centrifuging at 400 g for 8 minutes, after that the precipitate was resuspended in 1-1.5 ml of own blood serum and injected intradermally into the back in the dose 0.1 ml. Immunization was conducted at least 3 times with 30-40-day interval.RESULTS:Due to autoleukocyte immunization, the process of further decrease in virus reproduction resumed in 24 patients (out of 30; 80%). Out of six other patients (20%), in whom HBV DNA was detected only by supersensitive PCR method (sensitivity to 5 IU/ml) after long-lasting antiviral therapy, a negative result on examination was achieved in 2 individuals (33.33%).CONCLUSION:Autoleukocyte immunization intensifies efficiency of antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B with a drug from the group of nucleotide analogues.
Background: On 26th April, 1986 the greatest accident of nuclear plant in Czernobyl occured and isotopes with high percentage of release were erupted: 33-Xe, 131-I, 132-Te, 134-Cs and 137-Cs. The radioactivity of the isotopes was very high - for instance: 33-Xe 6500 PBq, 131-I 1760 PBq. Rest of the 15 isotopes represented similar radioactivity with shorter percentage of release. The most exposed group of people were 237 liquidators, and 11600 people living around had to be evacuated when the limit dose for a person (5mSv) was crossed. Ionizing radiation on the molecular level produces high energy radicals, water radiolysis and ionization of the atoms leading to damage of the enzymes activity centers and receptors, cell membranes DNA, intracellular lysosomes, and especially important for ATP synthesis - mitochondria. These destructions lead to tissue and organs damage. Objective: The aim of this article is the presentation of the protective property of iodine application in the case of nuclear accident. Methods: In Poland at that time, effective iodine prophylaxis did not exist. In the face of such exposition, a special Governement Commission was appointed. When permissioned maximal dose for children and adolescents 50mSv appeared in some areas of the country, the Commission made a decision about obligatory administration of a single pharmacological dose of potassium iodide for all children and adolescents till age 16. No relevant recent patents were available for this WHO report. Results: In this way, the dose of 131-I to thyroid for inhabitants in high, moderated, and low contaminated regions were reduced by about 45%. However, from 1987 to 1997 increase in prevalence of the differentiated thyroid cancer in adults in Polish population especially in women over 40 years old in the southern part of Poland was observed. Conclusion: Actually in European countries work 185 nuclear power plants and to 2045 another 100 is planned. In 1999, WHO issued recommendations on iodine prophylaxis in the case of nuclear accident.
BACKGROUND Uncontrolled thyrotoxicosis, especially in early infancy, may cause irreversible damage to the central nervous system as well as profound effects on the function of many organs. Thyrotoxicosis has multiple etiologies and treatment depends on the underlying etiology. An accurate diagnosis is essential so that appropriate treatment can be initiated without undue delay. OBJECTIVE To review in depth the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of children with thyrotoxicosis. METHODS A PubMed search was completed in Clinical Queries using the key terms "thyrotoxicosis" and "hyperthyroidism". The search strategy included meta-analysis, randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, observational studies, and reviews. Patents were searched using the key terms "thyrotoxicosis" and "hyperthyroidism" from www.freepatentsonline.com and www.google.com/patents. RESULTS Graves' disease accounts for approximately 96% of pediatric cases of thyrotoxicosis. Other causes include Hashitoxicosis, toxic adenoma, toxic multinodular goiter, subacute granulomatous thyroiditis, acute suppurative thyroiditis, pituitary thyroid-stimulating hormone-secreting adenoma, pituitary thyroid hormone resistance, iodine-induced thyrotoxicosis, and drug-induced thyrotoxicosis. Familiarity of the clinical features would allow prompt diagnosis and institution of treatment. The underlying cause of thyrotoxicosis should be treated if possible. Treatment options for Graves' disease include antithyroid medications, radioiodine therapy, and surgery. Recent patents related to the management of thyrotoxicosis are discussed. CONCLUSION Currently, antithyroid medications are considered to be the initial treatment of choice for Graves' disease in the pediatric age group. Radioactive iodine treatment is generally used for children with poor compliance with antithyroid medications, children not in remission after 1 to 2 years of antithyroid medications, and children with a major adverse effect while receiving an antithyroid medication. Total or near-total thyroidectomy should be considered in children younger than 5 years of age who do not respond to or experience a major adverse effect to antithyroid medications. Surgery should also be considered in those with very large goiter, severe ophthalmopathy, pregnancy, persistent hyperthyroidism in spite of treatment with antithyroid medications and radioactive iodine, and personal preference.
Background: In 1994, International Organizations: WHO, UNICEF and ICCIDD indicat ed salt Natrium Chloride as the main carrier of iodine in the prophilaxis systems in the iodine deficient areas over the world. Following this recommendation, 24 European countries introduced the model of iodine prophylaxis based on the salt iodization. However in 7 European countries only - among tchem in Poland - salt iodization is mandatory as the most effective mode lon the population level. Objective: Presenting the method for the reduction of the consumption of iodized salt and supplement ation of iodine by other iodine carriers. Methods: Concentration of iodine in the salt has been calculated according to the daily salt consumption and WHO recommendation on the daily dose of iodine that should be supplied in different groups of age and in pregnant and breast feeding women. No relevant recent patents were available for this WHO report. Results: Consumption of salt in European countries is from 8 to 11g/day/person. In Poland, it is very high 11.5g/day/person. WHO in 1996 introduced recommendation on reducing daily salt intake to 5g/day/person as Natrium is a risk factor of hypertension and some neoplastic processes. Conclusion: When iodized salt is the main carrier of iodine in the prophylaxis systems, additional carriers of iodine should be introduced in the food market for instant -iodized mineral water. A very important factor is the proper information and education on the population level. This action is under control of the Polish Council for Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders [PCCIDD] established in 1991 following the example of the International Council for Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders [ICCIDD].
BACKGROUND:The blood in the umbilical cord that provides the connection between mother and fetus during pregnancy is called cord blood. The blood of umbilical cord which is usually got rid of following birth, is a very rich stem cell source.OBJECTIVE:Cord blood collection gives no harm to the mother and baby. Besides, its allogeneic and autologous usage, the most important disadvantage is that the number of cells is insufficient in adults.CONCLUSION:Today, it is predominantly used for therapeutic purposes for many diseases. The aim of this review is giving a detailed information about groups of stem cells in cord blood and determining the point of clinical use.
BACKGROUNDThe red propolis (RdProp) is a resin produced by Apis mellifera bees, which collect the reddish exudate on the surface of its botanic source, the species Dalbergia ecastophyllum, popularly known in Brazil as "rabo de bugio". Considered as the 13th type of Brazilian propolis, this resin has been gaining prominence due to its natural composition, rich in bioactive substances not found in other types of propolis.OBJECTIVEThis review aims to address the most important characteristics of RdProp, its botanical origin, the main constituents, its biological properties and the patents related to this natural product.METHODBy means of the SciFinder, Google Patents, Patus® and Spacenet, scientific articles and patents involving the term "red propolis" were searched until August 2017.RESULTSA number of biological properties, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antitumor, antioxidant, metabolic and nutraceutical activities are attributed to RdProp, demonstrating the great potential of its use in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.CONCLUSIONThe available papers are associated to pharmacological potential of RdProp, but the molecular mechanisms or bioactive compounds responsible for each activity have not yet been fully elucidat ed. The RdProp patents currently found are directed to components for the pharmaceutical industry (EP2070543A1; WO2014186851A1; FR3006589A1; CN1775277A; CN105797149A; CN1879859A), cosmetic (JP6012138B2; JP2008247830A; JP6012138B2) and food (JP5478392B2; CN101380052A; WO2006038690A1).
Background: Ligaria cuneifolia (Lc) (R. et P.) Tiegh. (Loranthaceae) (Argentine mistletoe) is usually used in local folk medicine. Objective: We studied the effect of treatment with the Lc proanthocyanidin-enriched fraction (PLc) in rats fed with Cho-enriched diet on plasma lipids levels, the hemorheological parameters, and biliary secretion. Method: Adult male Wistar rats were fed ad libitum with a Cho-enriched diet (Cho (97% purity) 8 g/kg of diet and corn oil 280 g/kg of diet) during 28 days. Then, were separated in six experimental groups (n=5 each one), which were injected ip every 24 h with: 1) saline solution (control group, C) and 2) PLc, 3 mg/100 g body weight (treated group, C+PLc), during 3, 7 and 10 days. Group C presented an increase in plasma levels of Cho and Triglycerides (TG), and also, accumulation of hepatic lipid droplets. Also, cell shape and their corresponding morphological index (MI) were altered too. Results: The treatment with PLc at 3, 7 and 10 days produces a diminution in the plasma Cho, LDL-Cho and serum TG levels, accompanied by a diminution of the lipid accumulation in the liver. The rates of bile acid output in bile can explain the diminution of plasma Cho, evidencing that some of the enzymes involved in the cholesterol conversion into bile acids could be up regulated by the treatment with PLc, leading to the observed increase bile flow. PLc treatment leads to a diminution of plasma levels of Cho and TG. Conclusion: Essentially, the treatment with PLc, despite the duration produces a modification in hemorheological parameters approaching the values of the experimental group with standard diet. Plasma levels of Cho, LDL-Cho and TG represent selected markers to evaluate the effect of enriched extract from Ligaria cuneifolia. Further work is necessary to better evaluate the mechanisms by which PLc induces modifications in the lipids metabolism.
Background: Over the last decades an increasing body of evidence suggested a possible relationship between thyroid hormone (TH) and the ageing process, and several efforts have been made to determine the actual role of TH dynamic during human life. It is still unclear whether the serum level shift of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone toward higher value, observed during ageing, is a normal adaptive response associated with senescence or an actual mild thyroid dysfunction. A growing body of evidence supports the hypothesis of a reset of the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis in order to contrast the catabolic status of the ageing process. On the other hand, several meta-analyses showed a direct link between subclinical hypothyroidism (sHT) and cardiovascular events (both ischemic heart disease and stroke), although mainly in individuals younger than 65 years. Similarly, a recent meta-analysis documented consistent data on a positive relationship between sHT and cognitive impairment, but only in individuals younger than 75 years. Conclusion: The available data suggest a complex relationship between mild thyroid failure and the ageing process as well as the development and progression of several cardiovascular and neurological diseases. In this paper, we reviewed the scientific English literature on sHT and the ageing process focusing on experimental evidences related to cognitive impairment and dementia. Moreover, we focused on new patents of treatments potentially able to improve the care of sHT patients, especially in the elderly, where treatment drawbacks may have negative impact on the long term outcome. Keywords: Alzheimer's disease, ageing, cognition, dementia, hypothyroidism, TSH, thyroiditis, thyroid hormone.
Cushing's Syndrome (CS) is associated with a specific spectrum of dementia-like symptoms, including psychiatric disorders, such as major depression, anxiety and mania, and neurocognitive alterations, like impairment of memory and concentration. This pattern of clinical complications, which significantly impair the health-related quality of life of CS patients, is sometimes referred to as "steroid dementia syndrome" (SDS). The SDS is the result of anatomical and functional anomalies in brain areas involved in the processing of emotion and cognition, which are only partially restored after the biochemical remission of the disease. Therefore, periodical neuropsychiatric evaluations are recommended in all CS patients, and a long-term follow-up is required after normalization of hypercortisolism. Recent evidences demonstrate that three classes of drugs (glucocorticoid receptor antagonists, steroidogenesis inhibitors, and pituitary tumor-targeted drugs), which are used for medical treatment of CS, can rapidly relief neuropsychiatric symptoms of SDS. Furthermore, several psychoactive medications have demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of symptoms induced by the acute or chronic glucocosteroid administration. In this paper, a review of the current and future patents for the treatment and prevention of CS and SDS will be presented.
BACKGROUND:Obesity is a chronic condition with high prevalence and multifaceted aetiology, accompanied by an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Obesity has several negative effects on the psychological status, and the severity of psychological disorders correlates with the degree of obesity.OBJECTIVE:Aim of this review is to provide an overview of the literature concerning the psychological distress associated with severe obesity, which contributes to deterioration of the quality of life of affected patients.METHODS:Dysfunctional eating behaviours and eating disorders, psychiatric comorbidity, cognition and quality of life will be discussed together with the most common drugs that can be employed to treat the various disorders in this peculiar clinical setting. The effects of bariatric surgery will be also reviewed.RESULTS:Obesity is often the result of pathological behaviours implemented in an eating disorder. Inconsistent results have been reported with regard to the effect of severe obesity on cognition, which recognize a multifaceted aetiology. Serotonergic agents play an important role in the management of patients with obesity and binge episodes, fluoxetine being currently a drug approved for this disorder. The efficacy of lorcaserin, a combination of bupropion and naltrexone, or antiepileptic medications (topiramate and zonisamide) has also been proposed. A neuroprotective role of leptin and oestrogen has been hypothesized. Bariatric surgery is a helpful treatment of morbid obese patients, with long-term favourable results on the psychopathological profile.CONCLUSION:Psychological, psychoeducational and psychopharmacological treatment can facilitate weight loss in morbid obese subjects with psychopathological comorbidities. A precise definition of the mechanisms affecting appetite, satiety and energy balance is expected to foster the development of new effective antiobesity drugs.
BACKGROUND:Parkinson's disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying Parkinson's are still unknown. Mitochondrial dysfunction, abnormal protein aggregation, increased neuroinflammation and impairment of brain glucose metabolism are shared processes among insulinresistance, diabetes and neurodegeneration and have been suggested as key mechanisms in development of Parkinson's and cognitive impairment.OBJECTIVE:To review experimental and clinical evidence of underlying Parkinson's pathophysiology in common with diabetes and cognitive impairment. Anti-diabetic agents and recent patents for insulin-resistance that might be repositioned in the treatment of Parkinson's also have been included in this review.METHOD:A narrative review using MEDLINE database.RESULTS:Common antidiabetic treatments such as DPP4 inhibitors, GLP-1 agonists and metformin have shown promise in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and cognitive impairment in animals and humans. Study of the pathophysiology of neurodegeneration common between diabetes and Parkinson's disease has given rise to new treatment possibilities. Patents published in the last 5 years could be used in novel approaches to Parkinson's treatment by targeting specific pathophysiology proteins, such as Nurr1, PINK1 and NrF2, while patents to improve penetration of the blood brain barrier could allow improved efficacy of existing treatments.CONCLUSION:Further studies using GLP-1 agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors to treat PD are warranted as they have shown promise.
Background: Physiological changes in pregnancy result in increased iodine demand, which may not be met in areas of mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency or borderline sufficiency. As a pregnant woman is the only source of thyroid hormones for her child during early gestation, iodine deficiency-induced hypothyroxinemia may have deleterious effects on fetal development. Objective: To present the current approach to iodine deficiency and its prophylaxis during pregnancy. Methods: A review of the current literature including patents on iodine deficiency in pregnancy has been performed. Results: Negative influence of severe iodine deficiency on fetal development has been proved, and evidence on a deleterious impact of milder forms of iodine deficiency on cognition of the offspring is rapidly growing. Although the WHO has addressed the issues of monitoring iodine status during pregnancy, prophylactic measures and assessment of their effectiveness, there are some controversies, regarding for example the best methods for control of iodine status. New patents in urinary iodine measurement methods may make iodine nutrition monitoring easier. The main method of iodine prophylaxis, in pregnancy also, is universal salt iodization. However, particularly if there is not sufficient coverage of the households with iodized salt, additional measures, such as oral supplementation with potassium iodide tablets, are necessary in pregnant women to provide adequate iodine nutrition. Iodine supplementation improves maternal thyroid function indices; particularly, it prevents goiter formation. Conclusion: Stronger evidence on beneficial effects of iodine supplementation of mild-to-moderate iodine deficient pregnant women on cognitive function of their children is still needed. It may be provided by randomized controlled trials and international initiatives. Changes in the iodine prophylaxis system should be monitored, both to prevent decreased or excessive iodine intake.
Introduction: A new method of reduction of tumor necrosis factor alpha activity via intradermal immunization with inactivated autoleukocytes (patent UA97493 (2015) [1]) has been presented in the article. New patents from various countries have been analyzed [2-7]. Objective: Patients with psoriasis (24) with high level of tumor necrosis factor alpha in their blood (>= 30pg/ml) were immunized with autoleukocytes. Method: Leukocytes were isolated by centrifuging plasma, obtained after precipitation of a patient's heparinized peripheral venous blood. Precipitate was suspended in 1.0 - 1.5ml of a patient's blood serum and 0.1ml of blood was injected into the skin of the back. For determination of autoleukocyte immunization efficacy, concentration of tumor necrosis factor alpha in a patient's blood was compared prior to immunization and at different periods after immunization. Results: In 30 days after single immunization, a considerable decrease in cytokine concentration was observed in all patients (100%); it reduced to zero in 16 out of 24 of immunized individuals (66.7%). The degree of reduction and duration of the achieved effect were individual, thus, if necessary the immunization was repeated several times. The procedure was well tolerated, and general condition of patients was improved. Conclusion: The method of reduction of tumor necrosis factor alpha activity is recommended for implementation into clinical practice.
Background: Over the last decades an increasing body of evidence suggested a possible relationship between thyroid hormone (TH) and the ageing process, and several efforts have been made to determine the actual role of TH dynamic during human life. It is still unclear whether the serum level shift of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone toward higher value, observed during ageing, is a normal adaptive response associated with senescence or an actual mild thyroid dysfunction. A growing body of evidence supports the hypothesis of a reset of the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis in order to contrast the catabolic status of the ageing process. On the other hand, several meta-analyses showed a direct link between subclinical hypothyroidism (sHT) and cardiovascular events (both ischemic heart disease and stroke), although mainly in individuals younger than 65 years. Similarly, a recent meta-analysis documented consistent data on a positive relationship between sHT and cognitive impairment, but only in individuals younger than 75 years.Conclusion: The available data suggest a complex relationship between mild thyroid failure and the ageing process as well as the development and progression of several cardiovascular and neurological diseases. In this paper, we reviewed the scientific English literature on sHT and the ageing process focusing on experimental evidences related to cognitive impairment and dementia. Moreover, we focused on new patents of treatments potentially able to improve the care of sHT patients, especially in the elderly, where treatment drawbacks may have negative impact on the long term outcome.
