Showing papers by "Yunes Panahi published in 2014"
TL;DR: In patients with mild‐to‐moderate knee OA, curcuminoids represent an effective and safe alternative treatment for OA and there was no considerable adverse effect in both groups.
Abstract: Treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) is challenging owing to the inefficacy and long-term adverse events of currently available medications including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Curcuminoids are polyphenolic phytochemicals with established anti-inflammatory properties and protective effects on chondrocytes. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical efficacy of curcuminoids in patients suffering from knee OA. A pilot randomized double-blind placebo-control parallel-group clinical trial was conducted among patients with mild-to-moderate knee OA. Patients were assigned to curcuminoids (1500 mg/day in 3 divided doses; n = 19) or matched placebo (n = 21) for 6 weeks. Efficacy measures were changes in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), visual analogue scale (VAS) and Lequesne's pain functional index (LPFI) scores during the study. There was no significant difference in age, gender, body mass index, and VAS, WOMAC and LPFI scores between the study groups at baseline (p > 0.05). Treatment with curcuminoids was associated with significantly greater reductions in WOMAC (p = 0.001), VAS (p 0.05). There was no considerable adverse effect in both groups. To conclude, curcuminoids represent an effective and safe alternative treatment for OA. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
233 citations
TL;DR: Curcuminoids-piperine combination is an efficacious adjunctive therapy in patients with MS and can modify serum lipid concentrations beyond what is achieved with standard of care.
202 citations
TL;DR: Adjuvant therapy with a bioavailability‐boosted curcuminoid preparation can significantly improve QoL and suppress systemic inflammation in patients with solid tumors who are under treatment with standard chemotherapy protocols.
Abstract: Curcuminoids are bioactive polyphenolics with potent antiinflammatory properties. Although several lines of in vitro and preclinical evidence suggest potent anticancer effects of curcuminoids, clinical findings have not been conclusive. The present randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of curcuminoids as adjuvant therapy in cancer patients. Eighty subjects with solid tumors who were under standard chemotherapy regimens were randomly assigned to a bioavailability-boosted curcuminoids preparation (180 mg/day; n = 40) or matched placebo (n = 40) for a period of 8 weeks. Efficacy measures were changes in the health-related quality of life (QoL) score (evaluated using the University of Washington index) and serum levels of a panel of mediators implicated in systemic inflammation including interleukins 6 (IL-6) and 8 (IL-8), TNF-α, transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1). Curcuminoid supplementation was associated with a significantly greater improvement in QoL compared with placebo (p < 0.001). Consistently, the magnitude of reductions in TNF-α (p < 0.001), TGFβ (p < 0.001), IL-6 (p = 0.061), substance P (p = 0.005), hs-CRP (p < 0.001), CGRP (p < 0.001) and MCP-1 (p < 0.001) were all significantly greater in the curcuminoids versus placebo group. In contrast, the extent of reduction in serum IL-8 was significantly greater with placebo versus curcuminoids (p = 0.012). Quality of life variations were associated with changes in serum TGFβ levels in both correlation and regression analyses. Adjuvant therapy with a bioavailable curcuminoid preparation can significantly improve QoL and suppress systemic inflammation in patients with solid tumors who are under treatment with standard chemotherapy protocols. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
174 citations
TL;DR: Short-term adjunctive therapy with curcuminoids can suppress systemic inflammation in patients suffering from SM-induced chronic pulmonary complications.
Abstract: Pulmonary problems are among the most frequent chronic complications of sulfur mustard (SM) intoxication and are often accompanied by deregulated production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Curcuminoids, comprising curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin, are phytochemicals with remarkable anti-inflammatory properties that are derived from dried rhizomes of the plant Curcuma longa L. (turmeric). The present pilot study aimed to investigate the clinical effects of supplementation with curcuminoids on markers of pulmonary function and systemic inflammation in SM-intoxicated subjects. In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial, 89 male subjects who were suffering from chronic SM-induced pulmonary complications were recruited and assigned to either curcuminoids (500 mg TID per oral; n=45) or placebo (n=44) for a period of 4 weeks. Efficacy measures were changes in the spirometric parameters (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC) and serum levels of inflammatory mediators including interleukins 6 (IL-6) and 8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP), substance P and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1). 78 subjects completed the trial. Although FEV1 and FVC remained comparable between the groups, there was a greater effect of curcuminoids vs. placebo in improving FEV1/FVC (p=0.002). Curcuminoids were also significantly more efficacious compared to placebo in modulating all assessed inflammatory mediators: IL-6 (p
134 citations
TL;DR: Significant improvement in clinical symptoms of OA in curcuminoid-treated subjects cannot be attributed to the systemic anti-inflammatory effects of these phytochemicals.
Abstract: Objective: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease associated with inflammation. The present study aimed to determine changes in serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers in OA patients whose clinical symptoms were improved as a result of supplementation with curcuminoids. Methods: This study was a randomized double-blind placebo-control parallel-group clinical trial in which 40 subjects with mild-to-moderate degree knee OA were randomly allocated to receive either pure curcuminoids (1 500 mg/day in 3 divided doses; n=19) or matched placebo (n=21) for 6 weeks. In order to enhance the bioavailability of curcuminoids, piperine (15 mg/day) was added to the treatment regimen. Serum levels of interleukins 4 (IL-4) and 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), together with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were determined at baseline as well as at the end of trial. Results: Serum concentrations of IL-4 (p=0.001), IL-6 (p=0.006) and hs-CRP (p=0.004) were significantly reduced in the curcuminoid group whilst serum levels of TNF-α and TGF-β and mean ESR remained unaltered by the end of trial (p>0.05). In the placebo group, serum concentrations of IL-4 (p=0.001), IL-6 (p=0.003), TNF-α (p=0.003) and TGF-β (p=0.005) were significantly reduced but mean hs-CRP and ESR values remained statistically unchanged (p>0.05). Comparison of the magnitude of changes in the evaluated inflammatory biomarkers did not indicate any significant difference between the study groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: Significant improvement in clinical symptoms of OA in curcuminoid-treated subjects cannot be attributed to the systemic anti-inflammatory effects of these phytochemicals.
87 citations
TL;DR: The results show that the combination of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and Fe3O4 nanoparticles causes a dramatic enhancement in the sensitivity of Hp quantification.
68 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the impact of a bioavailabilityenhanced preparation of curcuminoids on the biomarkers of systemic oxidative stress in patients with solid tumors receiving standard chemotherapy regimens.
65 citations
TL;DR: Honey plus coffee regimen was the most effective modality for the treatment of oral mucositis, showing that all three treatment regimens reduce the severity of lesions.
Abstract: Oral mucositis is one of the common complications of cancer chemotherapy and about 40% of the patients who take chemotherapy protocols, experience this irritating problem. The purpose of this study was to draw comparison between the therapeutic effects of our treatment modalities (topical steroid, honey, honey plus coffee) in patients suffering from oral mucositis. This was a double blinded randomised clinical trial of a total of 75 eligible adult participants which they randomly fell into three treatment groups. For all the participants a syrup-like solution was prepared. Each 600 grams of the product consisted of “20 eight-mg Betamethasone solution ampoules” in the Steroid (S) group, “300 grams of honey plus 20 grams of instant coffee” in the Honey plus Coffee (HC) group, and “300 grams of honey” for the Honey (H) group. The participants were told to sip 10 ml of the prescribed product, and then swallow it every three hours for one week. Severity of lesions was clinically evaluated before the treatment and also one week after the initiation of the intervention. This study adhered to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and guidelines of Good Clinical Practice. This study showed that all three treatment regimens reduce the severity of lesions. The best reduction in severity was achieved in HC group. H group and S group took the second and third places. In other words, honey plus coffee regimen was the most effective modality for the treatment of oral mucositis. Oral mucositis can be successfully treated by a combination of honey and coffee as an alternative medicine in a short time. Further investigations are warranted in this field. Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT: 201104074737N3
, (9 May 2011).
56 citations
TL;DR: The herbal combination drop composed of essential oils from Syzygium aromaticum, Lavandula angustifolia, and Geranium robertianum exhibited good efficacy in reducing the burden of infection as well as AEO symptoms.
Abstract: Background Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory agents are the mainstay of acute external otitis (AEO) treatment. The present study investigated the effectiveness of a combination herbal drop (Lamigex) composed of essential oils from Syzygium aromaticum , Lavandula angustifolia , and Geranium robertianum in the alleviation of AEO symptoms and compared its effects to those of ciprofloxacin 0.3% drop. Methods Seventy patients were randomly assigned to receive ciprofloxacin 0.3% ( n = 35) or Lamigex ( n = 35) drop. Each group was administered with three drops every 12 hours for a week. Patients were examined for AEO symptoms and ear discharge cultures at baseline as well as at the end of trial. Pain severity was also recorded using a visual analogue scale at baseline, the 3 rd day, and the 7 th day of the trial. Results All assessed symptoms (tenderness, itching, erythema, edema and discharge) were equally improved in the ciprofloxacin and Lamigex groups by the end of trial ( p > 0.05). There were remarkable reductions in the visual analogue scale score by the end of trial in both groups ( p rd or 7 th day of trial ( p > 0.05). The numbers of positive cultures for all tested microorganisms were clearly reduced by the end of the trial in both groups but were not significantly different between the groups ( p > 0.05). Conclusion The herbal combination drop that was investigated in the present study exhibited good efficacy in reducing the burden of infection as well as AEO symptoms.
28 citations
TL;DR: It was concluded that IFNγ has favorable effects on the quality-of-life and alleviates respiratory symptoms in patients suffering from chronic SM-induced pulmonary complications.
Abstract: Pulmonary problems are among the most common chronic complications of sulfur mustard (SM) intoxication and adversely affect patients’ quality-of-life. The present trial investigated the impact of immunotherapy with interferon (IFN)-γ on quality-of-life, respiratory symptoms, and circulating immunologic and oxidative parameters in patients suffering from chronic SM-induced complications. Patients (n = 15) were administered IFNγ (100 μg) every other day for a period of 6 months. Assessment of quality-of-life [using St. George respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and COPD Assessment Test (CAT) indices], the severity and frequency of respiratory symptoms, and serum levels of immunologic [including interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IFNγ, calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP), matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)-9, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α], oxidative stress [malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as total and reduced glutathione, and catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity], and fibrogenic [transf...
20 citations
TL;DR: TCsA 0.05% reduces tear osmolarity and improves dry eye symptoms and can serve as an efficacious treatment for ocular complications in patients with chronic MG injury.
Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of topical cyclosporine A (tCsA) for treatment of dry eye disease in patients suffering from chronic ocular complications of mustard gas (MG) injury. Methods: This interventional case series included patients with MG injury suffering from severe dry eye despite receiving artificial tears and punctal plugs. Patients were administered tCsA 0.05% twice daily for 3 months. Severity of the condition was evaluated by measuring tear osmolarity, ocular surface disease index (OSDI), tear break?up time (TBUT), and Schirmer’s test at baseline and at the end of study. Results: A total of 34 patients with chronic MG injury and mean age of 47.1 ± 6.5 years were studied. Compared to baseline values, tear osmolarity (301.7 ± 11.5 vs. 286.3 ± 7.9 mOsmol/L, P < 0.001) and OSDI (47.5 ± 7.2 vs. 42.7 ± 7.1, P < 0.001) were significantly improved. Likewise, Schirmer’s test (4.6 ± 1.3 vs. 5 ± 1.3 mm, P < 0.001) and TBUT (1.9 ± 1.4 vs. 2.7 ± 1.5 s, P < 0.001) also significantly recovered at the end of the study. Conclusion: TCsA 0.05% reduces tear osmolarity and improves dry eye symptoms and can serve as an efficacious treatment for ocular complications in patients with chronic MG injury.
TL;DR: The results of the present study suggest that a combination of SR baclofen and omeprazole may be a more effective treatment for heartburn and regurgitation than omEPrazole alone.
Abstract: Previous studies have reported the efficacy of baclofen in the treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Diseases (GERD). The objective of present study is to evaluate the effect of co-administration of omeprazole 20 mg/d plus sustained Release baclofen (SR baclofen) vs. omeprazole 20 mg/d plus placebo on alleviation of symptoms in patients with a diagnosis of GERD. A prospective, double blind, placebo controlled trial included 60 patients with diagnosis of GERD have been done. Patients were randomly selected to receive either SR baclofen or a placebo in addition to omeprazole 20 mg/d for a period of 2 weeks. Patients were questioned regarding heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain and hoarseness at the base line and after 2 weeks. All patients tolerated the medications and no patients failed to complete the study due to adverse drug reactions. A total of 53 patients completed the study, 25 in SR baclofen and 28 in placebo group. After 2 weeks, 1 patient (4%) in SR baclofen group reported heartburn and regurgitation. However 13(46.4%) and 15 (53.6%) of patients in the placebo group had heartburn and regurgitation respectively. The analysis of the data shows that there is a significant difference between the two groups in heartburn and regurgitation (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001 respectively). Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in two groups regarding total GERD score (p <0.0001). The results of the present study suggest that a combination of SR baclofen and omeprazole may be a more effective treatment for heartburn and regurgitation than omeprazole alone.
TL;DR: In this article, a new potentiometric sensor for the rapid determination of Hg2+ based on modified carbon paste electrode consisting of room temperature ionic liquid, 1-Butyl-3methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BMIM-PF6), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), alumina nanoparticles and a synthetic macrocyclic diamide ‘7,10,13-triaza-1-thia-4,16-dioxa-6, 14,dioxo
Abstract: A new potentiometric sensor for the rapid determination of Hg2+ based on modified carbon paste electrode consisting of room temperature ionic liquid, 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BMIM-PF6), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), alumina nanoparticles and a synthetic macrocyclic diamide ‘7,10,13-triaza-1-thia-4,16-dioxa-6,14-dioxo-2,3;17,18-dinaphtho-cyclooctadecane’ as an efficient ionophore was constructed. Prepared composite is an ideal paste because it has low drift of potential, high selectivity and fast response time (10 s), which leads to a more stable potential signal. The morphology and properties of electrodes surface were characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. A linear dynamic range of 2.01–2.01 × 107 µg L−1 with detection limit of 1.40 µg L−1 Hg2+ was obtained at pH range of 2.5 to 4.5. The prepared modified electrode shows several advantages such as simple preparation method, high stability of the composite paste, hi...
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Long-term treatment with high-dose omeprazole improved GERD as well as cough, and quality of life, but not changed respiratory function indices in sulfur mustard injured cases with respiratory symptoms.
Abstract: Background: Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is prevalent and related to more severe disease in patients with respiratory problems. We evaluated the effects of antireflux therapy in warfare victims of exposure to Mustard gas with chronic cough. Materials and Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study was conducted on 45 cases of sulfur mustard injury with chronic cough (?8 weeks) and GERD. Patients were randomized into two groups, receiving either 20 mg twice daily omeprazole-placebo (OP) or matching placebo (placebo-omeprazole [PO]) for 4 months, followed by a 1-month washout period and the alternative treatment for 4 months. Assessments included GERD and cough, quality of life, and pulmonary function using spirometry. Leicester Cough Questionnaire and SF-36 were used for measuring quality of life. Results: Patients in the OP group experienced a more decrease than those in the PO group in severity of Leicester cough scores during the first 4-month of trial. After crossing the groups, the OP group experienced an increase ( P = 0.036) and the PO group experienced a nonsignificant decrease ( P = 0.104) in the severity of scores. The OP group also experienced improvement in GERD symptoms and quality of life at the end of the trial, but changes in the PO group was not significant. There was no significant change in respiratory function indices in any groups. Conclusion: Long-term treatment with high-dose omeprazole improved GERD as well as cough, and quality of life,but not changed respiratory function indices in sulfur mustard injured cases with respiratory symptoms. Key words: Chronic cough, gastro-esophageal reflux disease, mustard gas
01 Jan 2014
TL;DR: The results of this research provide the first clinical evidence on the efficacy of M. communis essential oil in the alleviation of hemorrhoids symptoms and further support the application of this plant as an anti-hemorrhoid agent in traditional medicine.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a topical lotion prepared from M. communis essential oil of in the alleviation of hemorrhoids symptoms, and compare its effects with those of anti-hemorrhoid ointment in a randomized double-blind double-dummy trial. A total of 106 patients with hemorrhoids symptoms were recruited and randomized to receive either M. communis lotion and placebo ointment (n=50; age: 36.2±10.8) or anti-hemorrhoid ointment (containing hydrocortisone, lidocaine, aluminium subacetate and zinc oxide) and placebo lotion (n=56; age: 40.6±11.1) for a period of two weeks. The severity and frequency of hemorrhoids symptoms were evaluated at baseline and at the end of trial. All evaluated symptoms (bleeding, permanent pain, pain during defecation, anal itching and irritation, heaviness and tenesmus) were significantly decreased by the end of trial in either of the study groups (p 0.05). The results of this research provide the first clinical evidence on the efficacy of M. communis essential oil in the alleviation of hemorrhoids symptoms and further support the application of this plant as an anti-hemorrhoid agent in traditional medicine.
TL;DR: The findings of the present trial showed comparable efficacy and safety of the generic and innovator products of slow-release nitroglycerin in the management of stable angina pectoris.
Abstract: Background: Development of generic drugs has numerous benefits in terms of cost-efficiency and availability. Slow-release nitroglycerin is a vasodilator drug commonly prescribed for patients with angina pectoris. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of generic slow-release nitroglycerin (Dorocontin®) with that of the innovator brand (Sustac®) in patients with stable angina pectoris. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind comparative trial, 110 patients were allocated to Dorocontin® (n=67) or Sustac® (n=43) at a dose of 6.4 mg TID, for a total period of two months. Maximum endurable MET (metabolic equivalent of task), MPI (myocardial perfusion imaging), along with changes in the ECG and biomarkers of renal (serum creatinine, BUN) and hepatic (AST, ALT, and ALP) function, lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, VLDL-C, and triglycerides), electrolytes (Na+ and K+), CBC-diff (RBC, WBC, Plt, Hb, Hct, MCV, MCH, MCHC, and RDW), and FBS were assessed at the baseline and at the end of the trial. The frequency of adverse events during the course of the trial was also recorded. Results: Apart from a significantly greater reduction in maximum ST depression in the Sustac® versus the Dorocontin® group (p=0.03), none of the functional (MET, MPI, and ECG) and paraclinical (renal function, hepatic function, lipid profile, electrolytes, and FBS) parameters significantly differed between the study groups. The mean Hb (p=0.035), Hct (p=0.045), and MCH (p=0.032) were decreased by the end of the trial in the Sustac®, but not in the Dorocontin® group, whilst there was no change in other CBC-diff parameters. Reported adverse events were not serious and included headache, vertigo, gastrointestinal upset, and orthostatic hypotension. The frequency of these adverse events was comparable between the study groups. Conclusion: The findings of the present trial showed comparable efficacy and safety of the generic and innovator products of slow-release nitroglycerin in the management of stable angina pectoris.
TL;DR: Paying attention to special educational issues and recognizing the weaknesses of the educational programs would provide appropriate strategies in order to enhance triage, shows that the members of triage team were not knowledgeable enough in three educational subjects of chemical casualties.
Abstract: Background: One of the medical team’s responsibilities is to teach the methods of rescue and aid necessary for casualties who have been injured in disasters. They must be taken away of the place of disaster, transferred, categorized and cured. Methods: Delphi technique was used in this research. Firstly, a number of questions were framed and sent to a number of experts of different majors. They were asked to present their recommendation with regard to triage for casualties. Eventually, 18 people replied the questions. Results:The results of the study shows that the members of triage team were not knowledgeable enough in three educational subjects of chemical casualties including: the recognition of chemical poisoning symptoms, the necessity to teach caring and curing methods while dealing with special factors that cause symptoms and disorders in different parts of the body, and the control of stress and anxiety of casualties in incidents. 80% of the members agreed with the first part. Their recommendations and comments were collected. For the second subject, 90% believe that instructions should be developed for care and treatment. In third subject, 70% of the participants believed the use of chemical weapons and explosives is probable in incidents. Conclusion:Awareness of educational needs in relation with incidents and triage has considerable importance; in most cases it could rescue casualties. Therefore, paying attention to special educational issues and recognizing the weaknesses of the educational programs would provide appropriate strategies in order to enhance triage.