Clinical aspects of pro-inflammatory factors MCP-1 and IFN-γ

Introduction: Proinflammatory factors are cytokines-regulators of host responses to infection, immune responses, inflammation, and trauma. MCP-1 is a member of chemokines family-small heparin-binding proteins, whose main function is to recruit monocytes, neutrophils and lymphocytes, which are responsible for the phagocytosis of pathogens. Interferon Gamma (IFN-γ), is a pleiotropic cytokine involved in the reg-ulation of nearly all phases of immune and inflammatory responses, including the activation, growth and differentiation of cells of the immune system.Aim: To explore the clinical role of MCP-1 and INF-γ in the pathogenesis of different diseases and their abil-ity of achieving beneficial effects in some of the mentioned pathological processes. Materials and Methods: Web databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar.Results: Different studies demonstrated that MCP-1 and IFN-γ play an important role in routine immune surveillance and immune modulation. IFN-γ has shown to be crucial for the resolution of allergic-related immunopathologies, tumor development, asthma, etc. MCP-1 has also been associated with many pathological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and insulin-resistant diabetes.Conclusion: MCP-1 and IFN-γ have been shown to be a potential intervention point for the treatment of var-ious diseases

The clinical role of pro-inflammatory factors MCP-1 and IFN-γ in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD)

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis is a common, often long-lasting skin disease that affects a large percentage of the world’s population. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is genetically determined inflammatory skin disorder, which is accompanied by marked increases in the levels of inflammatory factors such as the CC-chemokine, monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1/CCL2).Aim: To investigate the role of MCP-1 in the pathogenesis of AD and the ability of IFN-γ to achieve beneficial effects in the above-mentioned pathological condition and to propose foods and plant substances, which can be effective in reducing clinical symptoms of AD. Materials and Methods: Web databases: PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar. Results: Different studies demonstrated that CCR2 – CCL2 interaction is a basic inflammatory mechanism in the pathogenesis of and IFN- γ has a dual role, because of his dose-dependent effect: 1) attraction of monocytes through the induction of MCP-1 production in keratinocytes; and 2) retention of the mono-cytes in the skin through down-regulation of CCR2.Conclusion: Some studies demonstrated that IFN-gamma appears to be a safe long-term therapy for patients with severe atopic dermatitis and diet therapy itself had therapeutic effects on AD and an elimination diet might be essential for the success of IFN-gamma therapy in AD

Supervised by Prof. Dr. Johannes Buchmann,

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Selenium in the treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis

Introduction Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is named after the Japanese surgeon who discovered it in 1912. In the case of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, immune cells mistakenly attack healthy thyroid tissue, causing inflammation of the thyroid. Autoimmune diseases affect women more than men, and women are 7 times more likely to have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Testing for thyroid antibodies, such as thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO), is primarily ordered to help diagnose an autoimmune thyroid disease and to distinguish it from other forms of thyroid dysfunction. Selenium concentration is higher in the thyroid gland than in any other organ in the body, and, like iodine, selenium has important functions in thyroid hormone synthesis and metabolism.Aim The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of variable doses (200/100 μg/day) of L-selenomethionine on autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) and the parameters affecting the success rate of this therapy.Materials and Methods We used the following web databases - PubMed, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar.Results In summary, we have investigated blinded, placebo-controlled, prospective studies in female patients with autoimmune thyroiditis and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) and/or Tg antibodies (TgAb) above 350 IU/ml. The primary end point of the studies was the change in TPOAb concentrations.Conclusion We have concluded that selenium substitution may improve the inflammatory activity in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis, especially in those with high activity. Whether this effect is specific for autoimmune thyroiditis or may also be effective in other endocrine autoimmune diseases has yet to be investigated

The safety of herbal medicine: myth or reality

IntroductionThe use of herbal medicines continues to expand rapidly. Many people now take herbal medicines or herbal products for their health in different cases due to their low price and better compatibility with the human body. They are also regarded as minimal risk in terms of side effects, although researches on herbal medicine safety are still not broad or deep enough. Unfortunately, there are limited available published data regarding the potential toxicity of a variety of plant substances commonly used in herbal drugs.Aim The aim of this paper is to review safety issues associated with the use of herbal products.Materials and Methods We used the following web databases - Pubmed, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar. Results More and more reports have been documenting the apparent increasing popularity of herbal medicines. Although many popular herbal products are thought to be safe, a lot of unexpected effects of some of them are already described in the literature. Both minor and major toxicities have been determined, including emesis, hypersensitivity reactions, cardiovascular events, neurological dysfunction, hepatic and renal failure, and also development of malignant disease.Conclusion Our research shows the importance of pharmacists being aware of what nonprescription herbal medications their patients are taking and being informed of the potential side and toxic effects of these agents