Complementary and alternative medicine for rheumatic diseases: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

To summarize all good quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) interventions in patients with rheumatic diseases.A systematic literature review guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) was performed. We excluded non-English language articles and abstract-only publications. Due to the large number of RCTs identified, we only include "good quality" RCTs with Jadad score of five.We identified 60 good quality RCTs using CAM as intervention for patients with rheumatic diseases: acupuncture (9), Ayurvedic treatment (3), homeopathic treatment (3), electricity (2), natural products (31), megavitamin therapies (8), chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation (3), and energy healing therapy (1). The studies do not seem to suggest a particular type of CAM is effective for all types for rheumatic diseases. However, some CAM interventions appear to be more effective for certain types of rheumatic diseases. Acupuncture appears to be beneficial for osteoarthritis but not rheumatoid arthritis. For the other therapeutic modalities, the evidence base either contains too few trials or contains trials with contradictory findings which preclude any definitive summary. There were only minor adverse reactions observed for CAM interventions presented.We identified 60 good quality RCTs which were heterogenous in terms of interventions, disease, measures used to assess outcomes, and efficacy of CAM interventions. Evidence indicates that some CAM therapies may be useful for rheumatic diseases, such as acupuncture for osteoarthritis. Further research with larger sample size is required for more conclusive evidence regarding efficacy of CAM interventions

Pain Management

This book has seven chapters, from more than 15 authors from different countries (Korea, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Turkey and USA) edited by Professor Milica Prostran MD, PhD. The potential reader is shown the modern approach to pain management because the chapters deal at length and clearly with their topics. I believe that this book that I edited with great pleasure and dedication will capture the attention of many readers, from medical students to practicing doctors. All of them need to deal with this extremely important field of medicine: pain treatment. I do believe that the answers they may find in Pain Management will make their practice easier. Also, the life of their patients will be considerably more pleasant, or at least more bearable

Bioactive components and potential mechanisms of Biqi Capsule in the treatment of osteoarthritis: based on chondroprotective and anti-inflammatory activity

Cartilage damage and synovial inflammation are vital pathological changes in osteoarthritis (OA). Biqi Capsule, a traditional Chinese medicine formula used for the clinical treatment of arthritis in China, yields advantages in attenuating OA progression. The drawback here is that the bioactive components and pharmacological mechanisms by which Biqi Capsule exerts its anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective effects have yet to be fully clarified. For in vivo studies, a papain-induced OA rat model was established to explore the pharmacological effects and potential mechanisms of Biqi Capsule against OA. Biqi Capsule alleviated articular cartilage degeneration and chondrocyte damage in OA rats and inhibited the phosphorylation of NF-κB and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in synovial tissue. Network pharmacology analysis suggested that the primary biological processes regulated by Biqi Capsule are inflammation and oxidative stress, and the critical pathway regulated is the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. The result of this analysis was later verified on SW1353 cells. The in vitro studies demonstrated that Glycyrrhizic Acid and Liquiritin in Biqi Capsule attenuated H2O2-stimulated SW1353 chondrocyte damage via activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Moreover, Biqi Capsule alleviated inflammatory responses in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages via the NF-κB/IL-6 pathway. These observations were suggested to have been facilitated by Brucine, Liquiritin, Salvianolic Acid B, Glycyrrhizic Acid, Cryptotanshinone, and Tanshinone ⅡA. Put together, this study partially clarifies the pharmacological mechanisms and the bioactive components of Biqi capsules against OA and suggests that it is a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of OA. Chemical compounds studied in this article. Strychnine (Pubchem CID:441071); Brucine (Pubchem CID:442021); Liquiritin (Pubchem CID:503737); Salvianolic Acid B (Pubchem CID:6451084); Glycyrrhizic Acid (Pubchem CID:14982); Cryptotanshinone (Pubchem CID:160254); Tanshinone ⅡA (Pubchem CID:164676)

Acupuncture in Modern Medicine

This book contains four integrated sections: 1) Acupuncture Research; 2) New Developments in Acupuncture; 3) Acupuncture Therapy for Clinical Conditions and 4) Assessment and Accessibility in Acupuncture Therapy. Section 1 provides updates on acupuncture research. From acupuncture effects in modulation of immune system to the role of nitric oxide in acupuncture mechanisms, chapters in this section offer readers the newest trends in acupuncture research. Section 2 summarizes new developments in acupuncture. The included chapters discuss new tools and methods in acupuncture such as laser acupuncture, sham needles, and new technologies. Section 3 discusses acupuncture therapy for clinical conditions. The chapters in this section provide comprehensive and critical views of acupuncture therapy and its application in common clinical practice. Section 4 takes a new look at the issues related to assessment and accessibility in acupuncture therapy. These issues are central to developing new standards for outcome assessment and policies that will increase the accessibility to acupuncture therapy

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease generating joint pain and damage in which inflammation plays a major role. RA joints are inflamed and stiff. Symptoms include joint swelling and warmth causing fatigue affecting life’s health-related quality. Still, there are many other medical conditions that can also be associated with your symptoms and signs. This book is not a substitute for a diagnosis from a healthcare provider. Yet, understanding your symptoms and signs and educating yourself about health conditions is important and can contribute to having the healthiest possible life. Herein, Professor Hechmi Toumi offers an edited volume with detailed new information on RA pathogenesis and explains both approaches and treatment options: recent clinical research and traditional methods