MyMedR

Treatment of skin diseases: recent trends

Adam BA

Med J Malaysia, 1973 Mar;27(3):192-4.

Matched MeSH terms: Acne Vulgaris/drug therapy; Psoriasis/drug therapy; Skin Diseases/drug therapy*; Vitiligo/drug therapy

Fulltext Efficacy and safety of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine for treatment of Plasmodium vivax malaria in endemic countries: meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies

Naing C, Racloz V, Whittaker MA, Aung K, Reid SA, Mak JW, et al.

PLoS One, 2013;8(12):e78819.

PMID: 24312446 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0078819

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to synthesize available evidence on the efficacy of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHP) in treating uncomplicated Plasmodium vivax malaria in people living in endemic countries.

METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: This is a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT). We searched relevant studies in electronic databases up to May 2013. RCTs comparing efficacy of (DHP) with other artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), non-ACT or placebo were selected. The primary endpoint was efficacy expressed as PCR-corrected parasitological failure. Efficacy was pooled by hazard ratio (HR) and 95% CI, if studies reported time-to-event outcomes by the Kaplan-Meier method or data available for calculation of HR Nine RCTs with 14 datasets were included in the quantitative analysis. Overall, most of the studies were of high quality. Only a few studies compared with the same antimalarial drugs and reported the outcomes of the same follow-up duration, which created some difficulties in pooling of outcome data. We found the superiority of DHP over chloroquine (CQ) (at day > 42-63, HR:2.33, 95% CI:1.86-2.93, I (2): 0%) or artemether-lumefentrine (AL) (at day 42, HR:2.07, 95% CI:1.38-3.09, I (2): 39%). On the basis of GRADE criteria, further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Findings document that DHP is more efficacious than CQ and AL in treating uncomplicated P. vivax malaria. The better safety profile of DHP and the once-daily dosage improves adherence, and its fixed co-formulation ensures that both drugs (dihydroartemisinin and piperaquine) are taken together. However, DHP is not active against the hypnozoite stage of P. vivax. DHP has the potential to become an alternative antimalarial drug for the treatment uncomplicated P. vivax malaria. This should be substantiated by future RCTs with other ACTs. Additional work is required to establish how best to combine this treatment with appropriate antirelapse therapy (primaquine or other drugs under development).

Matched MeSH terms: Drug Therapy, Combination/adverse effects; Drug Therapy, Combination/methods; Malaria, Vivax/drug therapy*

Fulltext Comparative trials using albendazole and mebendazole in the treatment of soil-transmitted helminths in schoolchildren on Penang, Malaysia

Rahman WA

Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health, 1996 Dec;27(4):765-7.

PMID: 9253881

Trials using albendazole and mebendazole, as single 400 mg dose treatments, against soil-transmitted helminths, were carried out in 7-9 and 10-12 years-old schoolchildren living in urban and rural environments in Penang, Malaysia. Both drugs were equally effective in treating trichuriasis and ascariasis in both age groups and environments. However, mebendazole is not so effective in the treatment for hookworms when compared to albendazole. It is suggested that albendazole should be considered the drug of choice for mass chemotherapy for Penang.

Matched MeSH terms: Ascariasis/drug therapy; Helminthiasis/drug therapy*; Hookworm Infections/drug therapy; Trichuriasis/drug therapy

Changes in complement C3 levels following treatment of patients with Brugia malayi infection

Yadav M

Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health, 1989 Jun;20(2):183-7.

PMID: 2609207

Serum IgG levels and complement C3 levels were assayed on Day 0, 1, 3-4, 7 and 56-70 post-treatment with diethylcarbamizine citrate (DEC) in a series to 26 patients with Brugia malayi infection and 6 volunteers without infection. On treatment, the microfilariae were cleared from the blood within 24 hours. The eosinophils decreased dramatically on Day 1 post-treatment but increased rapidly by Day 4 to 7 and then dropped to normal levels in 45 days. The serum IgG mean levels decreased briefly following treatment with DEC but then returned to original levels. However, the complement C3 levels gradually increased over the 2 months period of study reaching statistical significance levels (p less than 0.01) in patients with initial high blood microfilariae. The observation suggests that Brugia malayi infection probably induces a high rate of synthesis of complement C3 and this process continued in the post-treatment phase. Since, DEC treatment did not cause a decrease in complement C3 with the elimination of blood microfilariae, it would appear that the complement C3 is consumed following antibody attachment to the microfilariae as they enter the blood circulation.

Matched MeSH terms: Elephantiasis, Filarial/drug therapy*; Filariasis/drug therapy*; Lymphadenitis/drug therapy; Lymphangitis/drug therapy

Should All Children Admitted with Community Acquired Pneumonia have Blood Cultures Taken? Authors' Reply

Nathan AM, de Bruyne JA

Indian J Pediatr, 2015 Jul;82(7):660-1.

PMID: 25514886 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-014-1640-z

Matched MeSH terms: Community-Acquired Infections/drug therapy*; Pneumonia, Bacterial/drug therapy

Review: Ajwa date (Phoenix dactylifera)- an emerging plant in pharmacological research

Mallhi TH, Qadir MI, Ali M, Ahmad B, Khan YH, Rehman A

Pak J Pharm Sci, 2014 May;27(3):607-16.

PMID: 24811825

Date Fruits are consumed in Arab areas for a long time as a part of essential diet. Phoenix dactylifera belongs to family Arecaceae and its leaves, barks, pits, fruits and pollens have anticancer, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, antiulcertavie, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antimutagenic, antidiarheal, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral potential. Besides these, Dates also increase level of estrogen, testosterone, RBCs, Hb, PCV, reticulocytes and platelet counts. It can also cure lead induced heamotoxicity, side effects of methylprednisolon, male and female infertility. It has also cerebroprotective, neuroprotective and haemopoietic activity. Phoenix dactylifera can be used for number of complications if further evaluated and isolated. The present paper is an overview of pharmacological properties of Phoenix dactylifera reported in literature.

Matched MeSH terms: Infertility, Female/drug therapy; Infertility, Male/drug therapy

Potential effect of herbs on diabetic hypertension: alternative medicine treatment modalities

Zar CT, Das S

Clin Ter, 2013;164(6):529-35.

PMID: 24424219 DOI: 10.7417/CT.2013.1633

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Diabetes mellitus is commonly known to lead to life threatening complications. Among them, hypertension is one complication which may be highlighted. In modern medical society, several drugs and treatment regimen have developed to treat diabetes mellitus. Although they obtain positive impacts, yet there are certain limitations encountered in the management of the disease due to their adverse effects and non-compliance by the patients. Herbs have been valued as a supplement in treating chronic oxidative stress disorder like diabetes mellitus. In the present review, some of the herbs which possess both anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hypertensive properties are being highlighted. Potential herbs which include Andrographis Paniculata, Ammi Visnaga, Allium sativum, Phyllanthus amarus, Ginkgo biloba, Solanum tuberosum, Tuberosum L. Piper sarmentosum and Lamiaceae family are known to possess antihypertensive properties. Various researches have been conducted on these herbs and positive results have been obtained. Based on these results, the present review article discusses the alternative management of diabetic hypertension with the herbal medicine. In conclusion, the present review article stresses on the need to ensure global awareness about the traditional medicines while treating diabetic hypertension.

Matched MeSH terms: Diabetes Mellitus/drug therapy*; Hypertension/drug therapy*

Fulltext Commentary: rabeprazole improves symptoms in patients with functional dyspepsia in Japan

Yap PR, Mahadeva S, Goh KL

Aliment Pharmacol Ther, 2013 Nov;38(10):1321-2.

PMID: 24134501 DOI: 10.1111/apt.12497

Matched MeSH terms: Dyspepsia/drug therapy*; Helicobacter Infections/drug therapy*

Potential use of durian fruit (Durio zibenthinus Linn) as an adjunct to treat infertility in polycystic ovarian syndrome

Ansari RM

J Integr Med, 2016 Jan;14(1):22-8.

PMID: 26778225 DOI: 10.1016/S2095-4964(16)60240-6

Infertility due to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a worldwide problem that is increasing at alarming rates. Insulin resistance, the prime factor of PCOS, induces comorbid metabolic syndrome as well. Durian (Durio zibenthinus Linn), a fruit of Southeast Asia, is used as a natural supplement in healthy diets. This paper is a short literature review that examines the fruit's effects against various components of metabolic syndrome and its fertility-enhancing properties in PCOS. Various published literature was reviewed to learn of the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-obesity, anticholesterol, and antihypoglycaemic nature of the fruit. The literature search was done using PubMed, Google Scholar and library databases. The keywords used were polycystic ovarian syndrome, infertility, metabolic syndrome and Durian zibenthinus Linn. Reviewed studies showed that the fruit is effective against various components of metabolic syndrome, but the mechanisms of action against anovulation and menstrual disturbances in PCOS have yet to be studied. The traditional use of durian as a fertility-enhancing agent needs to be validated scientifically by isolating its various components and ascertaining its fertility enhancing properties.

Matched MeSH terms: Infertility, Female/drug therapy*; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/drug therapy*

Fulltext Teronac and teratogenecity

Rachagan SP

Med J Malaysia, 1993 Jun;48(2):250.

PMID: 8350808

Matched MeSH terms: Obesity/drug therapy*; Pregnancy Complications/drug therapy*

Fulltext Efficacy of danazol treatment in infertile patients with endometriosis

Kulenthran A

Med J Malaysia, 1992 Mar;47(1):11-4.

PMID: 1387442

The study was done to assess the efficacy of danazol in the treatment of infertile patients with all stages of endometriosis. The cumulative pregnancy rates in 21 patients with Stage I and II endometriosis were compared to 21 patients with Stage III and IV endometriosis. Both groups had danazol treatment for six months. All other fertility related factors were controlled for in both groups. There was a cumulative pregnancy rate of 11% (standard error 7%) at 12 months of follow-up in the group with Stage I and II disease whilst it was 26% (standard error 10%) in the group with moderate or severe disease. These results question the validity of any classification system in prognosticating for fertility in patients with endometriosis.

Matched MeSH terms: Endometriosis/drug therapy*; Infertility, Female/drug therapy*

Fulltext Systemic lupus erythematosus and miliary tuberculosis in a prepubertal girl--a case report

Raj SM, Hunt J

Med J Malaysia, 1990 Dec;45(4):347-8.

PMID: 2152059

A 13 year old girl presented with miliary tuberculosis and active systemic lupus erythematosus (S.L.E.). She responded to a combination of antituberculous drugs and systemic steroids. This case illustrates the fact that S.L.E. presenting in childhood may be rare but not unknown and exemplifies the need for vigilance in detecting life threatening infections in this group of patients.

Matched MeSH terms: Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/drug therapy; Tuberculosis, Miliary/drug therapy

Fulltext The Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction in ocular syphilis

Fathilah J, Choo MM

Med J Malaysia, 2003 Aug;58(3):437-9.

PMID: 14750386

A patient with ocular syphilis is presented. She experienced deterioration in vision following the commencement of treatment due to a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction. This is a transient febrile illness that can occur in patients after the first adequate dose of an anti-microbial drug to treat infectious diseases such as syphilis, Lyme disease and relapsing fever. However, a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction occurring in a patient receiving treatment for ocular syphilis can be serious, resulting in the rapid loss of vision.

Matched MeSH terms: Syphilis/drug therapy*; Eye Infections, Bacterial/drug therapy*

A case of chronic melioidosis responding to tetracycline therapy

Jegathesan M, Chye GH, Chik T, Singh RB

Med J Malaya, 1972 Dec;27(2):150-2.

PMID: 4268042

Matched MeSH terms: Melioidosis/drug therapy*; Pseudomonas Infections/drug therapy

Five cases of eosinophilic meningitis in Sarawak

Watts MB

Med J Malaya, 1969 Dec;24(2):89-93.

PMID: 4244149

Matched MeSH terms: Eosinophilia/drug therapy*; Meningitis/drug therapy*

A case of madura foot successfully treated with large doses of intravenous crystalline penicillin

Geh GS

Med J Malaya, 1969 Dec;24(2):147-50.

PMID: 4244141

Matched MeSH terms: Foot Diseases/drug therapy*; Mycetoma/drug therapy*

Prochlorperazine for nausea and vomiting accompanied COVID-19

Kow CS, Hasan SS

J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2021 Feb;36(2):524-525.

PMID: 33068035 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.15301

Matched MeSH terms: Nausea/drug therapy*; Vomiting/drug therapy*

Concurrent stroke and ST-elevation myocardial infarction: Is it a contraindication for intravenous tenecteplase?

Wan Asyraf WZ, Elengoe S, Che Hassan HH, Abu Bakar A, Remli R

Med J Malaysia, 2020 03;75(2):169-170.

PMID: 32281601

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are leading causes of mortality worldwide. Concurrent AIS presentation with STEMI is rare and potentially fatal. Most importantly to date many centres in Malaysia are still not aware on how to treat this condition. We report a case of AIS, which was treated with intravenous tenecteplase (TNK) according to ischemic stroke dosage and lead to improvement of neurological deficit.

Matched MeSH terms: Stroke/drug therapy*; ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction/drug therapy*

Interactions with the macrophages: An emerging targeted approach using novel drug delivery systems in respiratory diseases

Mehta M, Deeksha, Sharma N, Vyas M, Khurana N, Maurya PK, et al.

Chem Biol Interact, 2019 May 01;304:10-19.

PMID: 30849336 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2019.02.021

Macrophages are considered as the most flexible cells of the hematopoietic system that are distributed in the tissues to act against pathogens and foreign particles. Macrophages are essential in maintaining homeostatic tissue processes, repair and immunity. Also, play important role in cytokine secretion and signal transduction of the infection so as to develop acquired immunity. Accounting to their involvement in pathogenesis, macrophages present a therapeutic target for the treatment of inflammatory respiratory diseases. This review focuses on novel drug delivery systems (NDDS) including nanoparticles, liposomes, dendrimers, microspheres etc that can target alveolar macrophage associated with inflammation, intracellular infection and lung cancer. The physiochemical properties and functional moieties of the NDDS attributes to enhanced macrophage targeting and uptake. The NDDS are promising for sustained drug delivery, reduced therapeutic dose, improved patient compliance and reduce drug toxicity. Further, the review also discuss about modified NDDS for specificity to the target and molecular targeting via anti-microbial peptides, kinases, NRF-2 and phosphodiesterase.

Matched MeSH terms: Inflammation/drug therapy; Respiratory Tract Diseases/drug therapy*

Schaftoside Suppresses Pentylenetetrazol-Induced Seizures in Zebrafish via Suppressing Apoptosis, Modulating Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress

Dang J, Paudel YN, Yang X, Ren Q, Zhang S, Ji X, et al.

ACS Chem Neurosci, 2021 07 07;12(13):2542-2552.

PMID: 34128378 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00314

The lack of disease-modifying therapeutic strategies against epileptic seizures has caused a surge in preclinical research focused on exploring and developing novel therapeutic candidates for epilepsy. Compounds from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have gained much attention for a plethora of neurological diseases, including epilepsy. Herein, for the first time, we evaluated the anticonvulsive effects of schaftoside (SS), a TCM, on pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced epileptic seizures in zebrafish and examined the underlying mechanisms. We observed that SS pretreatments significantly suppressed seizure-like behavior and prolonged the onset of seizures. Zebrafish larvae pretreated with SS demonstrated downregulation of c-fos expression during seizures. PTZ-induced upregulation of apoptotic cells was decreased upon pretreatment with SS. Inflammatory phenomena during seizure progression including the upregulation of interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) were downregulated upon pretreatment with SS. The PTZ-induced recruitment of immunocytes was in turn reduced upon SS pretreatment. Moreover, SS pretreatment modulated oxidative stress, as demonstrated by decreased levels of catalase (CAT) and increased levels of glutathione peroxidase-1a (GPx1a) and manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD). However, pretreatment with SS modulated the PTZ-induced downregulation of the relative enzyme activity of CAT, GPx, and SOD. Hence, our findings suggest that SS pretreatment ameliorates PTZ-induced seizures, suppresses apoptosis, and downregulates the inflammatory response and oxidative stress, which potentially protect against further seizures in zebrafish.

Matched MeSH terms: Inflammation/drug therapy; Seizures/drug therapy

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