Submit to Medicines Review for Medicines

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Medicines, Volume 7, Issue 3 (March 2020) – 6 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Callistemon lanceolatus (Myrtaceae family), popularly known as bottlebrush, is a medicinal plant that grows in various regions around the world. The present study suggests that C. lanceolatus methanolic stem extract possesses substantial and encouraging antioxidant and antihyperglycemic activities and has potential as a therapeutic agent for diabetes.View this paper.

Issues are regarded as officially published after their release is announced to the table of contents alert mailing list.
You may sign up for e-mail alerts to receive table of contents of newly released issues.
PDF is the official format for papers published in both, html and pdf forms. To view the papers in pdf format, click on the "PDF Full-text" link, and use the free Adobe Reader to open them.

Order results

Result details

Section

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

9 pages, 320 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Severe Neutropenia and Agranulocytosis Related to Antithyroid Drugs: A Study of 30 Cases Managed in A Single Reference Center

by Emmanuel Andrès, Noel Lorenzo-Villalba, Rachel Mourot-Cottet, Frédéric Maloisel, Martine Tebacher, Jacques-Eric Gottenberg, Bernard Goichot, Raoul Herbrecht and Abrar-Ahmad Zulfiqar

Medicines 2020, 7(3), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines7030015 - 19 Mar 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5202

Abstract

Background: The most important series devoted to antithyroid drug-induced severe neutropenia and agranulocytosis are Japanese studies, almost specifically in relation to the intake of methimazole. The clinical data of 30 Caucasian patients followed up for antithyroid drug-induced neutropenia at a third-level hospital are reported. Methods: The data of 30 patients with idiosyncratic antithyroid drug-induced neutropenia and agranulocytosis from a cohort study on drug-induced neutropenia and agranulocytosis conducted at the University Hospital of Strasbourg (France) were retrospectively reviewed. Results: The mean patient age was 61.7 years old (range: 20–87), and the gender ratio (F/M) was 4. Several comorbidities were reported in 23 patients (76.7%), with the mean Charlson comorbidity index of 1. The causative drugs were carbimazole and benzylthiouracil, in 28 (93.3%) and 2 cases, respectively, prescribed primarily for multi-hetero-nodular goiter or thyroid nodule to 18 patients (60%). Sore throat and acute tonsillitis (40%), isolated fever (20%), septicemia (13.3%), documented pneumonia (6.7%), and septic shock (6.7%) were the main clinical features upon admission. The mean neutrophil count at nadir was 0.02 and 0 × 10⁹/L (range: 0–0.3). Regarding the patients’ hospital course: 13 cases (43.3%) worsened during hospitalization, severe sepsis was found in 26.7%, systemic inflammatory response syndrome—in 13.3%, and septic shock—in 3.3% of the cases, respectively. Broad-spectrum antibiotics were indicated for all the patients, and 21 (73.3%) of them received hematopoietic growth factors. Hematological recovery (neutrophil count ≥ 1.5 × 10⁹/L) was seen at 8.3 days (range: 2–24), but faster in those receiving hematopoietic growth factors (4.9 days, p = 0.046). Two patients died during hospitalization, and the rest had a favorable clinical outcome. Conclusions: Antithyroid drug-induced neutropenia represents a serious complication resulting from the rates of severe infections especially in those cases severe neutropenia. In this setting, an established procedure for the management of patients seems useful or even indispensable in view of potential mortality. Full article

10 pages, 575 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Combined Use of Stem Cells and Platelet Lysate Plasma for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction: A Pilot Study–6 Months Results

by Vassilis Protogerou, Sara El Beshari, Efstathios Michalopoulos, Panagiotis Mallis, Dimosthenis Chrysikos, Alexandros A. Samolis, Catherine Stavropoulos-Giokas and Theodoros Troupis

Medicines 2020, 7(3), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines7030014 - 18 Mar 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4467

Abstract

Background: The current treatment of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is mainly based on the use of drugs that provide erections shortly after use but they do not really treat the problem. Stem cell therapy is a novel treatment with regenerative properties that can possibly treat erectile dysfunction. Methods: Five patients with erectile disease were treated with Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (ADSCs) and Platelet Lysate Plasma (PLP). ADSCs were obtained through abdominal liposuction and PLP was prepared after obtaining blood samples from peripheral veins. Erectile function was evaluated with the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (IIEF-5) questionnaire, penile triplex at the 1st, 3rd, 6th and 12th month post-treatment. A CT scan of the head, thorax and abdomen was done before treatment and at the 12th month. Results: IIEF-5 scores were improved in all patients at the 6th month although not in the same pattern in all patients. Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV) also improved at the 6th month in all patients but also with different patterns in each patient, while End Diastolic Velocity (EDV) was more variable. Two patients decreased the treatment they used in order to obtain erection (from Intracavernosal injections (ICI) they used PDE-5Is), two had unassisted erections and one had an initial improvement which decreased at the 6th month. There were no side effects noted. Conclusions: Stem cell therapy in combination with PLP appears to show some improvement in erectile function and has minimal side effects in the short term. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Stem Cell Treatment)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

8 pages, 396 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High Serum Phosphate Level as a Risk Factor to Determine Renal Prognosis in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: A Retrospective Study

by Masayo Sato, Hiroshi Kataoka, Yusuke Ushio, Shun Manabe, Saki Watanabe, Taro Akihisa, Shiho Makabe, Rie Yoshida, Naomi Iwasa, Michihiro Mitobe, Norio Hanafusa, Ken Tsuchiya, Kosaku Nitta and Toshio Mochizuki

Medicines 2020, 7(3), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines7030013 - 12 Mar 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3784

Abstract

Background: Serum phosphate levels, which are associated with the progression of renal dysfunction in chronic kidney disease, in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) are lower than those in patients with other kidney diseases. However, their role in ADPKD remains unclear. This study aimed to determine whether serum phosphate levels could have an association with renal prognoses among patients with ADPKD. Methods: In total, 55 patients with PKD1 or PKD2 mutations but not undergoing dialysis were evaluated. Data regarding serum phosphate levels were collected, and Cox regression analyses were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) with renal replacement therapy as the endpoint. Results: The median (quartile 1; quartile 3) serum phosphate concentration was 3.4 (3.1; 3.9) mg/dL, and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 39.5 (17.6; 65.7) mL/min/1.73 m². The multivariate analysis that included age, PKD1 mutation, eGFR, urinary protein excretion, hyperuricemia, and serum phosphate determined that eGFR (HR, 0.82; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.74–0.90; p < 0.0001) and serum phosphate (HR, 6.78; 95% CI, 1.94–34.02; p = 0.0021) were independently associated with renal replacement therapy. Conclusions: We found that serum phosphate levels were significantly associated with poor renal prognoses in patients with ADPKD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nephrology and Urology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 375 KiB

Open AccessReview

Primer for Mainstreaming Mind-Body Techniques for Extreme Climates-Insights and Future Directions

by Akshay Anand, Gurkeerat Kaur, Sridhar Bammidi, Deepali Mathur, Priya Battu, Kanupriya Sharma, Rahul Tyagi, Viraaj Pannu, Disha Bhanushali and Nitin Limaye

Medicines 2020, 7(3), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines7030012 - 6 Mar 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3873

Abstract

Background: The deprivation of oxygen reaching the tissues (also termed as hypoxia) affects the normal functioning of the body. This results in development of many diseases like ischemia, glaucoma, MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment), pulmonary and cerebral edema, stress and depression. There are no effective drugs that can treat such diseases. Despite such failure, alternative interventions such as mind-body techniques (MBTs) have not been adequately investigated. Methods: The first part of this review has been focused on philosophical aspects of various MBTs besides evolving an ayurgenomic perspective. The potential of MBTs as a preventive non-pharmacological intervention in the treatment of various general and hypoxic pathologies has been further described in this section. In the second part, molecular, physiological, and neuroprotective roles of MBTs in normal and hypoxic/ischemic conditions has been discussed. Results: In this respect, the importance of and in vivo studies has also been discussed. Conclusions: Although several studies have investigated the role of protective strategies in coping with the hypoxic environment, the efficacy of MBTs at the molecular level has been ignored. Full article

16 pages, 4234 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Antioxidant and Antihyperglycemic Activities of Bottlebrush Plant (Callistemon lanceolatus) Stem Extracts

by Ramesh Kumar, Ashutosh Gupta, Amit Kumar Singh, Anupam Bishayee and Abhay K. Pandey

Medicines 2020, 7(3), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines7030011 - 4 Mar 2020

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5164

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus, a metabolic disease, is a major health concern today throughout the world. Callistemon lanceolatus (Myrtaceae), commonly known as bottlebrush, has been used by Indian tribal communities for the treatment of many diseases. The purpose of this study was to explore antioxidant and antihyperglycemic potential of methanolic and aqueous extracts of the stem of C. lanceolatus in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Phytoconstituents of C. lanceolatus stem were extracted in methanol and water sequentially followed by phytochemical analysis. The in vitro antioxidant potential of aqueous and methanolic extracts was assessed by metal ion chelating, free radical scavenging, and reducing power assays. The in vivo antihyperglycemic activity of the oral methanolic extract was studied in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Bodyweight and blood glucose were monitored regularly. After the treatment period, serum was examined for total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), bilirubin, creatinine, urea, glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Results: Methanolic extract exhibited superior antioxidant activity to aqueous extract. A marked increase in levels of serum markers, viz., glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, bilirubin, urea, creatinine, SGOT, SGPT, and ALP along with a reduction in HDL was observed in diabetic rats. Methanol extract treatment for 28 days accounted for a decrease in blood glucose and other metabolic markers accompanied by an improvement in body weight and HDL level in hyperglycemic rats. Conclusions: The present study suggests that C. lanceolatus methanolic stem extract possesses antioxidant and antihyperglycemic activities and has potential as a therapeutic agent in diabetes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Efficacy of Natural Products against Noncommunicable Diseases)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

11 pages, 491 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antioxidant and α-amylase Inhibitory Activities and Phytocompounds of Clausena indica Fruits

by La Hoang Anh, Tran Dang Xuan, Nguyen Thi Dieu Thuy, Nguyen Van Quan and Le Thu Trang

Medicines 2020, 7(3), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines7030010 - 28 Feb 2020

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4227

Abstract

Background: Clausena indica fruit is commonly used for food ingredients and traditional medicines in tropical countries, however, information about its biological activities and chemical profiles has been inadequately reported. Methods: In this study, a bio-guided fractionation of antioxidants and α-amylase inhibitors from hexane (MH) and ethyl acetate (ME) extracts of C. indica fruit (pericarp and seed) was carried out. Eleven fractions from MH (D1–D11) and 17 fractions from ME (T1–T17) were obtained from column chromatography over silica gel, which were then examined for anti-radical capacity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays, and pancreatic α-amylase inhibition, a key enzyme linked to type 2 diabetes. Results: Of isolated fractions, the fraction T4 revealed the most potent anti-DPPH activity (IC50 = 0.13 mg/mL), whereas T2 exhibits the strongest ABTS cation scavenging ability (IC50 = 0.31 mg/mL). In the enzymatic assay, the fractions D3 and T4 significantly inhibit the α-amylase reaction with IC50 values of 0.34 and 0.86 mg/mL, respectively. Remarkably, α-amylase suppression of T4 is close to acarbose and over four times stronger than palmitic acid, which are the well-known α-amylase inhibitors (IC50 = 0.07 and 1.52 mg/mL, respectively). The active constituents from fractions were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results show that the fraction D3 contains five major compounds, which are grouped in five classes consisting of fatty acids, phenols, benzodioxoles, alcohols, and sesquiterpenes. Among them, palmitic acid is the most dominant compound (32.64%), followed by 2R-acetoxymethyl-1,3,3-trimethyl-4t-(3-methyl-2-buten-1-yl)-1t-cyclohexanol (16.69%). Whilst, six major compounds belonging to fatty acid and coumarin classes are identified in the fraction T4. The most abundant compound in T4 is dentatin (47.32%), followed by palmitic acid (15.11%). Conclusions: This is the first finding that C. indica fruit can be a promising source for the development of natural antioxidant and antidiabetic agents. Additionally, the outcome reveals that dentatin, a known natural antineoplastic agent, can be feasibly exploited from C. indica fruit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flavonoids: Chemistry and Bioactivity)

► Show Figures