The etiopathogenesis of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, including pulmonary disease, atherosclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis, has been linked to human exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOC) present in the environment. Chronic inflammation due to immune breakdown and malfunctioning of the immune system has been projected to play a major role in the initiation and progression of autoimmune disorders. Macrophages, major phagocytes involved in the regulation of chronic inflammation, are a major target of VOC. Excessive and prolonged activation of immune cells (T and B lymphocytes) and overexpression of the master pro-inflammatory constituents [cytokine and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, together with other mediators (interleukin-6, interleukin-1, and interferon-gamma)] have been shown to play a central role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune inflammatory responses. The function and efficiency of the immune system resulting in immunostimulation and immunosuppression are a result of exogenous and endogenous factors. An autoimmune disorder is a by-product of the overproduction of these inflammatory mediators. Additionally, an excess of these toxicants helps in promoting autoimmunity through alterations in DNA methylation in CD4 T cells. The purpose of this review is to shed light on the possible role of VOC exposure in the onset and progression of autoimmune diseases.
Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia. Genetics, excessive exposure to environmental pollutants as well as unhealthy life style practices are often linked to development of AD. No therapeutic approach has achieved complete success at treating AD; however, early detection and management with appropriate drugs is key to improving prognosis. Interventions: The pathogenesis of AD was extensively discussed in order to understand the reasons for the interventions suggested. The interventions reviewed include the use of different therapeutic agents and approaches, gene therapy, adherence to healthy dietary plans (Mediterranean diet, Okinawan diet and MIND diet), as well as the use of medicinal plants. The potentials of nanotechnology as a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach in the design of nanoformulations of AD drugs and the use of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) as theranostic tools for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease were also discussed.
Aim: Herbs are plants or parts of plants used for their therapeutic, aromatic or savoury values. This work studied the potential sub-chronic toxic effects of Goko and BetaB, two herbal remedies used in treating human diseases and sold in Orumba Local Government Area of Anambra state, Nigeria. Design: Experimental adult Wister female albino rats were divided into five groups (A, B, C, D and E) of five animals per group. The first and second groups received 0.1 ml/kg body weight and 0.2 ml/kg body weight of Goko while the third and fourth groups received 0.1 ml/kg body weight and 0.2 ml/kg body weight of BetaB orally. The control group was given standard feed and clean drinking water only. Administration lasted for 14 days after which the animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and blood samples collected for biochemical assay. Results: The results of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and concentration of serum total bilirubin and albumin showed varying significant (P < 0.05) differences when compared with the control. Conclusion: Result obtained from this study seems to suggest that Goko and BetaB may not be safe for use sub-chronically at high doses.
Quinine hydrochloride (QHCl) has remained a very relevant antimalarial drug 400 years after its effectiveness was discovered. Unlike other antimalarials, the development of resistance to quinine has been slow. Hence, this drug is to date still used for the treatment of severe and cerebral malaria, for malaria treatment in all trimesters of pregnancy, and in combination with doxycycline against multidrug-resistant malaria parasites. The decline in its administration over the years is mainly associated with poor tolerability due to its gastrointestinal (GIT) side effects such as cinchonism, complex dosing regimen and bitter taste, all of which result in poor compliance. Hence, our research was aimed at redesigning quinine using nanotechnology and investigating an alternative route for its administration for the treatment of malaria. QHCl nanosuspension (QHCl-NS) for intranasal administration was prepared using lipid matrices made up of solidified reverse micellar solutions (SRMS) comprising Phospholipon® 90H and lipids (Softisan® 154 or Compritol®) in a 1:2 ratio, while Poloxamer® 188 (P188) and Tween® 80 (T80) were used as a stabilizer and a surfactant, respectively. The QHCl-NS formulated were in the nanosize range (68.60 ± 0.86 to 300.80 ± 10.11 nm), and highly stable during storage, though zeta potential was low (≤6.95 ± 0.416). QHCl-NS achieved above 80% in vitro drug release in 6 h. Ex vivo permeation studies revealed that formulating QHCl as NS resulted in a 5-fold and 56-fold increase in the flux and permeation coefficient, respectively, thereby enhancing permeation through pig nasal mucosa better than plain drug solutions. This implies that the rate of absorption as well as ease of drug permeation through porcine nasal mucosa was impressively enhanced by formulating QHCl as NS. Most importantly, reduction in parasitaemia in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA by QHCl-NS administered through the intranasal route (51.16%) was comparable to oral administration (52.12%). Therefore, redesigning QHCl as NS for intranasal administration has great potential to serve as a more tolerable option for the treatment of malaria in endemic areas.
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