Endocrine‚ Metabolic & Immune Disorders-Drug Targets 

About: Endocrine‚ Metabolic & Immune Disorders-Drug Targets is an academic journal published by Bentham Science Publishers. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Medicine & Internal medicine. It has an ISSN identifier of 1871-5303. Over the lifetime, 1188 publications have been published receiving 16433 citations. The journal is also known as: Endocrine, metabolic and immune disorders. Drug targets.

Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract: In management of metabolic syndrome, the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an excellent representative in alternative and complementary medicines with a complete theory system and substantial herb remedies. In this article, basic principle of TCM is introduced and 22 traditional Chinese herbs are reviewed for their potential activities in the treatment of metabolic syndrome. Three herbs, ginseng, rhizoma coptidis (berberine, the major active compound) and bitter melon, were discussed in detail on their therapeutic potentials. Ginseng extracts made from root, rootlet, berry and leaf of Panax quinquefolium (American ginseng) and Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng), are proved for anti-hyperglycemia, insulin sensitization, islet protection, anti-obesity and anti-oxidation in many model systems. Energy expenditure is enhanced by ginseng through thermogenesis. Ginseng-specific saponins (ginsenosides) are considered as the major bioactive compounds for the metabolic activities of ginseng. Berberine from rhizoma coptidis is an oral hypoglycemic agent. It also has anti-obesity and anti-dyslipidemia activities. The action mechanism is related to inhibition of mitochondrial function, stimulation of glycolysis, activation of AMPK pathway, suppression of adipogenesis and induction of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor expression. Bitter melon or bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) is able to reduce blood glucose and lipids in both normal and diabetic animals. It may also protect β cells, enhance insulin sensitivity and reduce oxidative stress. Although evidence from animals and humans consistently supports the therapeutic activities of ginseng, berberine and bitter melon, multi-center large-scale clinical trials have not been conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of these herbal medicines.

Metformin and Inflammation: Its Potential Beyond Glucose-lowering Effect.

Abstract: Metformin is an oral hypoglycemic agent which is most widely used as first-line therapy for type 2 diabetes. Metformin improves hyperglycemia by suppressing hepatic glucose production and increasing glucose uptake in muscle. Metformin also has been shown to reduce cardiovascular events in randomized controlled trials; however, the underlying mechanism remains to be established. Recent preclinical and clinical studies have suggested that metformin not only improves chronic inflammation through the improvement of metabolic parameters such as hyperglycemia, insulin resistance and atherogenic dyslipidemia, but also has a direct anti-inflammatory action. Studies have suggested that metformin suppresses inflammatory response by inhibition of nuclear factor κB (NFκB) via AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-dependent and independent pathways. This review summarizes the basic and clinical evidence of the anti-inflammatory action of metformin and discusses its clinical implication.

The Immune Protective Effect of the Mediterranean Diet against Chronic Low-grade Inflammatory Diseases

Abstract: Dietary patterns high in refined starches, sugar, and saturated and trans-fatty acids, poor in natural antioxidants and fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and poor in omega-3 fatty acids may cause an activation of the innate immune system, most likely by excessive production of proinflammatory cytokines associated with a reduced production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. The Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) is a nutritional model inspired by the traditional dietary pattern of some of the countries of the Mediterranean basin. This dietary pattern is characterized by the abundant consumption of olive oil, high consumption of plant foods (fruits, vegetables, pulses, cereals, nuts and seeds); frequent and moderate intake of wine (mainly with meals); moderate consumption of fish, seafood, yogurt, cheese, poultry and eggs; and low consumption of red meat, processed meat products and seeds. Several epidemiological studies have evaluated the effects of a Mediterranean pattern as protective against several diseases associated with chronic low-grade inflammation such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome and cognition disorders. The adoption of this dietary pattern could counter the effects of several inflammatory markers, decreasing, for example, the secretion of circulating and cellular biomarkers involved in the atherosclerotic process. Thus, the aim of this review was to consider the current evidence about the effectiveness of the MedDiet in these chronic inflammatory diseases due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may not only act on classical risk factors but also on inflammatory biomarkers such as adhesion molecules, cytokines or molecules related to the stability of atheromatic plaque.

Oxidative Stress in Atherosclerosis Development: The Central Role of LDL and Oxidative Burst

Abstract: The involvement of both oxidative stress and hyperlipaemia in atherosclerosis development is well established. Oxidative burst is an innate immune response to infection, the latter being associated also with marked changes in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism, aimed to neutralize endotoxin toxic effects. On the other hand, lipid overload may increase lipopolysaccharide circulating levels and oxidative stress. Whilst these changes may be beneficial from the perspective of host defense, if they become chronic, they likely increase the risk of atherosclerosis. In particular, oxidation of lipoproteins, resulting from an imbalance of the pro- and antioxidant equilibrium, is involved in the pathologic process of atherosclerosis, changing cellular functions. Lipid oxidation, induced by leukocytes derived reactive oxygen species, can amplify foam cell formation through oxidized low density lipoproteins LDL (oxLDL) formation and uptake. The main enzymes, operating during oxidative burst, involved in LDL oxidation are NADPH oxidase and myeloperoxidase. In vitro studies have shown that oxLDL are able to induce many proatherogenic processes, including modulation of oxidative burst. OxLDL may also induce maturation of dendritic cells and regulate the shift from classical (M1) to alternative (M2) macrophage activation and from T helper 1 to T helper 2 response, suggesting that these could act as a bridge between innate and adaptative immunity, both involved in plaque development. Understanding the relationship between oxLDL and leukocyte oxidative burst helps to explain the involvement of innate immune responses in the early phases of atherosclerosis. The present review focuses on this interplay.

Epidemiology of severe sepsis around the world.

Abstract: Severe sepsis is an ongoing challenge for clinicians and health-care administrators mainly because is associated with a high incidence, mortality rate and costs. In recent years, several epidemiological studies about the incidence of sepsis have come out in different and prestigious journals. However, it is not advisable to draw direct conclusions from those studies considering methodological flaws or even different approaches. Hence, we have to be familiar with those obstacles and know how to overcome them. This review paper highlights the methods which have been used in these studies and depicts the results of occurrence rate or incidence of sepsis in countries and in intensive care units.