Health Science University

About: Health Science University is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Medicine. The organization has 9559 authors who have published 8727 publications receiving 200292 citations.

New therapeutic potentials of milk thistle (Silybum marianum).

Abstract: Silymarin is a bioflavonoid complex extract derived from dry seeds of Milk thistle [(Silybum marianum(L.) Gaemrnt. (Fam. Asteraceae/Compositaceae)] whose hepatoprotective effect has clinically been proved. Low toxicity, favorable pharmacokinetics, powerful antioxidant, detoxifying, preventive, protective and regenerative effects and side effects similar to placebo make silymarin extremely attractive and safe for therapeutic use. The medicinal properties of silymarin and its main component silibinin have been studied in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, sepsis, burns, osteoporosis, diabetes, cholestasis and hypercholesterolemia. Owing to its apoptotic effect, without cytotoxic effects, silymarin possesses potential applications in the treatment of various cancers. Silymarin is being examined as a neuro-, nephro- and cardio-protective in the damage of different etiologies due to its strong antioxidant potentials. Furthermore, it has fetoprotective (against the influence of alcohol) and prolactin effects and is safe to be used during pregnancy and lactation. Finally, the cosmetics industry is examining the antioxidant and UV-protective effects of silymarin. Further clinical studies and scientific evidence that silymarin and silibinin are effective in the therapy of various pathologies are indispensable in order to confirm their different flavonolignan pharmacological effects.

Dietary ω-3 fatty acids protect against vasculopathy in a transgenic mouse model of sickle cell disease

Abstract: The anemia of sickle cell disease is associated with a severe inflammatory vasculopathy and endothelial dysfunction, which leads to painful and life-threatening clinical complications. Growing evidence supports the anti-inflammatory properties of ω-3 fatty acids in clinical models of endothelial dysfunction. Promising but limited studies show potential therapeutic effects of ω-3 fatty acid supplementation in sickle cell disease. Here, we treated humanized healthy and sickle cell mice for 6 weeks with ω-3 fatty acid diet (fish-oil diet). We found that a ω-3 fatty acid diet: (i) normalizes red cell membrane ω-6/ω-3 ratio; (ii) reduces neutrophil count; (iii) decreases endothelial activation by targeting endothelin-1 and (iv) improves left ventricular outflow tract dimensions. In a hypoxia-reoxygenation model of acute vaso-occlusive crisis, a ω-3 fatty acid diet reduced systemic and local inflammation and protected against sickle cell-related end-organ injury. Using isolated aortas from sickle cell mice exposed to hypoxia-reoxygenation, we demonstrated a direct impact of a ω-3 fatty acid diet on vascular activation, inflammation, and anti-oxidant systems. Our data provide the rationale for ω-3 dietary supplementation as a therapeutic intervention to reduce vascular dysfunction in sickle cell disease.

Increasing Incidence rates of Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Germany and Significance of Disease Burden Attributed to Human Papillomavirus

Abstract: Increasing incidences of head and neck cancers and rising proportions of these associated with human papillomavirus (HPV), especially in the oropharynx, have been reported in international studies. So far, the trends and contribution of HPV to the number of newly diagnosed cases of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC) in Germany are uncertain. We investigated HPV association and incidence rates in a cohort of consecutively included patients with OPSCC in Giessen 2000-2017, and compared our results with regional (Giessen and the federal state of Hesse), national (Germany), and international (United States) databases. Regional data show a significant increase in the overall incidence rates of oropharyngeal cancers and in the incidence of HPV-associated cancers of the subsites tonsils and oropharynx, whereas other oropharyngeal subsites show no significant change. Analysis of national databases shows a significant incidence increase in Germany and in the United States. The rise in incidence is predominantly attributable to male patients in the US population, whereas in Germany rising OPSCC incidence is more associated with females. There is a significant elevation of OPSCC incidence rates in Germany, which corresponds to the recognized incidence increase of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers based on experimental data from consecutively included patients of our cohort. Our investigation shows different patterns of this increase in Germany and in the United States, which demonstrates spatial heterogeneity and the need for population-based investigations regarding the role of HPV in oropharyngeal cancer.

Improved Survival and Renal Prognosis of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Nephropathy With Improved Control of Risk Factors

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To evaluate long-term survival, development of renal end points, and decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in patients with type 2 diabetes and diabetic nephropathy (DN) after renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibition and multifactorial treatment of cardiovascular risk factors have become standard of care. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS All patients with type 2 diabetes and DN ( n = 543) at the Steno Diabetes Center were followed during 2000–2010. GFR was measured yearly with 51Cr-EDTA plasma clearance. Annual decline in GFR was determined in patients with at least three measurements over a minimum of 3 years (∆GFR cohort, n = 286). Results were compared with historical data, obtained using identical criteria at our hospital, before implementation of current treatment guidelines. RESULTS Baseline mean (SD) GFR was 74 (32) mL/min/1.73 m2. More than 93% received RAS inhibition. During median 7.8 (interquartile range 5.7–9.8) years, mean (SE) annual GFR decline was 4.4 (0.24) compared with previously 5.2 (0.27) mL/min/1.73 m2/year ( P = 0.04). Doubling of plasma creatinine or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) developed in 19%, and 37% died during 5.7 (3.3–8.8) years. Mortality from onset of DN in the ∆GFR cohort was compared with that of our prior ∆GFR cohort from 1983 to 2003 ( n = 227). Crude mortality risk was reduced by 42% and after age adjustment by 50% ( P < 0.001 for both). In a multistate model accounting for competing risks of ESRD and death, prior cardiovascular disease and lower GFR were predictors of mortality, whereas albuminuria, HbA1c, and low GFR predicted ESRD. CONCLUSIONS Overall prognosis has improved considerably with current multifactorial treatment of DN in type 2 diabetes, including long-term RAS inhibition.