No abstract

Tumor necrosis factor and alzheimer's disease: a cause and consequence relationship Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF) was discovered more than a century ago as endotoxin-induced glycoprotein, which causes haemorrhagic necrosis of sarcomas. Originally described as a circulating factor that causes necrosis of tumours,it now appears that TNF has diverse and critical roles to play in the pathogenic progression of a number of chronic inflammatory disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, psoriasis, Alzheimer's disease, ischemic stroke, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis. A pivotal role has emerged for TNF as an important contributor to Alzheimer's disease pathology, as TNF appears to modulate several neuropathological mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease. Evidence for the involvement of TNF in Alzheimer's disease pathology and neuronal loss comes from studies of TNF over-expression, TNF localization studies, multiple relationships between TNF and amyloid β-peptide (Aβ), interactions between TNF and the microtubule-associated tau protein, TNF-mediated apoptotic cell death, and association of TNF with several neurotransmitters linked to Alzheimer's pathology. This review presents TNF as a neuromodulator in pathological progression of Alzheimer's disease by linking it with several endogenous mediators and advocates its status as a current therapeutic target in the quest to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease.

No abstract

Ever since the reactive oxygen species (ROS) were discovered in biology, the researchers have tried to understand the impact of these molecules in physiological pathways. They are known to be toxic since they are involved in plethora of diseases that include metabolic disorders, genetic diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, cancer and premature aging. No doubt, at high concentrations, they are harmful for living organisms, but at moderate and optimum levels, ROS play an important role as regulatory and signaling molecules and regulate various biological pathways and are critical for healthy cell function. At the cellular level, ROS regulate growth, apoptosis, autophagy, memory, blood pressure, cognitive function, immune function; enable the response to growth factor stimulation and the generation of the inflammatory response. They are involved in the cross-linking of the extracellular matrix and regulate many cellular processes, including differentiation, proliferation, growth, cytoskeletal regulation, migration and contraction. They are involved in gene activation and modulation of chemical reactions in the cell. They also act as mediators in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins, act as signaling molecules within the individual cell and among cells. They also influence contractility of vascular smooth muscle cells, control vascular endothelial cell proliferation, migration and mediate platelet activation. Thus, ROS, originally envisioned as a necessary evil of oxidative metabolism & a product of an imperfect system are involved in regulation of normal physiological functions and this review tries to unlock the conception about their involvement in normal physiology.

No abstract

Major depressive disorder also known as clinical depression, unipolar depression or depression is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, high suicidal tendencies and deaths. Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that psychiatric illnesses like major depression are associated with inflammatory processes. While it is unlikely that major depression is a primary inflammatory disorder, there is now evidence to suggest that inflammation play a subtle role in the pathophysiology of major depression. The inflammation in depression cascade pin points to the origin from immune hyperactivity and thus a new theory that explains role of immune system mediated inflammation has been accepted and researched upon. widely. This theory states that depression is accompanied by altered immune function and activation of the inflammatory response system. This theory is strengthened form the fact that the current therapeutic options which mainly target neurotransmitters, are not effective in many patients and these patients has been found to be associated with elevated levels of inflammatory mediators specifically cytokines. It is reported more recently that other risk factors for depression, including psychosocial stress, psychological trauma, sleep disturbance and pain, also increases inflammatory processes. Thus the intervention in the immune system originated from inflammatory cytokines seems a therapeutically viable option in the field of depression research.

No abstract

The Cosmetic approach in Ayurveda is related to the healthy status of the body as well as the mind. More precisely, it can be said that physical, mental and spiritual Beauty as a combined unit projects the Cosmetic sense of Ayurveda. Ayurveda is not only the science of medicines, but it is the science of the life and such all the facts of life are dealt with in Ayurveda. Skin is called the cream of Rasa, but actually Rasa, Rakta and Mamsa Dhatus have to be in good condition to produce beautiful skin. Examining the Upadhatus and Malas can also prove useful in finding which of the Dhatu needs attention. Ayurveda strongly stresses that elimination of wastes is important for the health and beauty of the body. It is Agni that has the power to digest food well, making all nutrients available to the tissues. There is a concept of dinacharya and ritucharya also to maintaining the healthy life.