Medicinal Plants for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: A Review of Recent Evidences

Context: Acne vulgaris affects about 85% of teenagers and may continue to adulthood. There are about two million visits to physicians per year for teenagers and the direct cost of acne treatment in the US exceeds $1 billion per year. Evidence Acquisition: A wide variety of treatment regimens exist for acne vulgaris including benzoil peroxide, retinoids, isotretinoids, keratolytic soaps, alpha hydroxy acids, azelaic acid, salicilic acid as well as hormonal, anti-androgen or antiseborrheic treatments. However, none of these methods is free of side effects and their exact role in therapy is not clear. In this paper apart from presenting the possible causes of acne vulgaris and its available drugs, recently published papers about medicinal plants used in the treatment of acne vulgaris were reviewed. Results: Consumption of alternative and complementary medicine, including medicinal plants, is increasing and is common amongst patients affected by acne and infectious skin diseases. Medicinal plants have a long history of use and have been shown to possess low side effects. These plants are a reliable source for preparation of new drugs. Conclusions: Many plants seem to have inhibitory effects on the growth of bacteria, fungi and viruses in vitro. However, there are a few clinical evidences about the effectiveness and safety of these plants in the treatment of acne and other skin infections

Acute kidney injury in COVID-19; a review on current knowledge

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause a variety of diseases in humans. Some coronaviruses cause only mild illnesses like the common cold. While, some coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV (SARS-associated coronavirus) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) have, in recent years, been able to cause severe respiratory involvement (pneumonia), leading to death in several patients. By identifying the genomic sequence of the new human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) it has been revealed that it belongs to the beta coronavirus genus. COVID-19 appears to be transmitted by a mechanism similar to the influenza virus via person to person, sneezing coughing, or contact with the secretions of infected patients. Early symptoms of these respiratory viruses include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, with an incubation period of 2-14 days. SARS-CoV-2 is an acute respiratory disease that initially causes lung damage. SARS-CoV-2 can affect other organs, including the kidneys. Kidney damage may be caused by alterations that occur during coronavirus infection. It seems that low-oxygen delivery to tissues like the kidney in the setting of this disease may lead to ischemic damage of the kidney. Considering the importance of the kidneys, as one, this review study aimed to investigate the effect of the new coronavirus on the kidneys and its role in the development of renal failure. Keywords: Acute kidney injury, Infection, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus

The effects of nutritional and medicinal mastic herb (Pistacia atlantica)

A wide variety of medicinal plants are used as pharmaceutical agents in the treatment of diseases, in Iran. One type of these plants is the mastic. The Genus of mastic is Pistacia and its family is Anacardiaceae. This genus has eleven species, some of them in Asia and the Mediterranean area, have many medical, social and economic importance. The main aim this study we review to present the new achievements in medical, social and economic uses of mastic. The results showed that N. sativa has many therapeutic effects such as antioxidant Activity, analgesic, antiInflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, anticholinesterase, so it can be used as a valuable plant for producing of drugs in treatment of so many disorders and diseases

Are Herbal-peptides Effective as Adjunctive Therapy in Coronavirus Disease COVID-19?

Background: Plant antiviral peptides (AVP) are macromolecules that can inhibit the pathogenesis of viruses by affecting their pathogenic mechanism, but most of these peptides can bind to cell membranes, inhibit viral receptors, and prevent viruses. Recently, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the availability of appropriate drugs with low side effects is needed. In this article, the importance of plant peptides in viral inhibition, especially viral inhibition of the coronavirus family, will be discussed. Methods: By searching the databases of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, the latest articles on plant peptides effective on the COVID-19 virus were collected and reviewed. Results: Some proteins can act against the COVID-19 virus by blocking sensitive receptors in COVID-19, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The 23bp sequence of the ACE2 alpha receptor chain can be considered as a target for therapeutic peptides. Protease and RNAP inhibitors and other important receptors that are active against COVID-19 should also be considered. Conclusion: Herbal medicines with AVP, especially those with a long history of antiviral effects, might be a good choice in complement therapy against the COVID-19 virus

A review of current evidence from cardiovascular manifestations and outcomes in patients with COVID-19

Background: In 2019, acute respiratory syndrome related to COVID-19 occurred as a global epidemic problem. The COVID-19 pathogenesis method is by using enzyme 2-converting enzyme angiotensin ACE2, which infects host cells, which is resulted in some organs, involving the lungs, heart, kidneys and intestines According to reports from the first signs of involvement of the cardiovascular system in various forms, the involvement of Cardiovascular injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cardiovascular manifestations in COVID-19 disease. Methods: In this study with help of medical science database (Scopus, PubMed and etc.) for gathering of basic information and recent reports of COVID-19 disease in all over the world. All the data collected from the databases were identified and evaluated so that the evidence could be fully reported and ultimately a general conclusion could be reached. Results: Cardiac complications in patients with COVID-19, could be caused by several mechanisms, some of which overlap, e.g., IL-6 and inflammation. Direct viral cardiomyocyte invasion, with unopposed angiotensin II effects, immune activation, microvascular dysfunction, or increased metabolic demand, could contribute to the to heart damage. Conclusion: COVID-19, in turn, can exacerbate cardiovascular damage Along with other symptoms of for COVID-19. If care services, medical and treatment facilities, as well as the care team provide the required care and treatment in a timely manner, it will lead to the reduction of mortality rate. Keywords: ACE2; COVID-19; Cardiac involvement; Cardiovascular Diseases; Clinical presentations; Complications; Mechanisms; SARS-CoV-2; Vascular inflammation

Chronic non-communicable diseases in the epidemic (COVID-19): Investigation of risk factors, control and care

Introduction: Chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), global health problem and it is a threat to health and the development of countries. Currently, the number of people with COVID-19 as well as the resulting death toll is rising sharply worldwide. People with underlying diseases may be at greater risk. Aim: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the chronic non-communicable diseases in the epidemic (COVID-19): Investigation of risk factors, control and care. Meterials and methods: To access the articles, including international databases Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase were searched using the keywords of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), chronic, risk factors, prevention and control, self-efficacy and self-care and their various combinations using AND/OR operators. No language restrictions were applied to the search process. Results: Based on the evidence, NCDs, exacerbate the negative consequences of COVID-19. according to the results of this study, Among the patients admitted with COVID-19, The most common underlying diseases, were in these people, include, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), smoking, malignancy, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes mellitus. Obesity may be considered as a potential COVID-19 risk factor. Conclusions: Although lifestyle, nutrition, and medical interventions are important for the early prevention of NCDs, having the tools and resources to use information more effectively is more important One of the determining and effective factors in maintaining health and preventing the aggravation of signs and symptoms of the disease COVID-19, especially in chronic diseases, is to perform self-care behaviors. Keywords: COVID-19; NCDs; SARS-CoV-2; control measures; lifestyle; risk factors; self-care

Tissue engineering strategies for the induction of angiogenesis using biomaterials

Abstract Angiogenesis is touted as a fundamental procedure in the regeneration and restoration of different tissues. The induction of de novo blood vessels seems to be vital to yield a successful cell transplantation rate loaded on various scaffolds. Scaffolds are natural or artificial substances that are considered as one of the means for delivering, aligning, maintaining cell connection in a favor of angiogenesis. In addition to the potential role of distinct scaffold type on vascularization, the application of some strategies such as genetic manipulation, and conjugation of pro-angiogenic factors could intensify angiogenesis potential. In the current review, we focused on the status of numerous scaffolds applicable in the field of vascular biology. Also, different strategies and priming approaches useful for the induction of pro-angiogenic signaling pathways were highlighted

Care and prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine: sedentary lifestyle and increased risk of kidney stones

Currently, the issue of lifestyle combined with lack of physical activity in quarantine conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic has become a major health problem in many countries around the world. Increased inactivity is associated with increased obesity as well as decreased physical activity and general health. Kidney stones are the third most common urinary tract disease. Prevention of non-communicable diseases depends on controlling risk factors such as low levels of physical activity. Kidney stones are also among the noncommunicable diseases that can be prevented by changing behavioral habits. Physical activity is a behavior that has many proven health benefits and is one of the most effective ways to prevent chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate sedentary lifestyle and its relationship with oxidative stress and kidney stone formation, and finally to provide medical solutions and recommendation

Autophagy and treatment of patients with COVID-19; which drugs target the autophagy pathway?

Implication for health policy/practice/research/medical education: Autophagy is a way to create new cellular structures, clear cells invaded by microbes, and block accumulating proteins that can cause disease. Moreover, it can destroy all cellular organs and pathogens, including fungi, parasites, bacteria, and viruses, either randomly or selectively. Many research groups are examining a strategy to combat COVID-19. In particular, research is underway to identify drugs that can target autophagy in COVID-19 virus infection. Several known drugs are currently under clinical evaluation for the autophagy process, given that regulating autophagy is a way to combat COVID-19. This study introduces drugs that target the autophagy pathway.publishedVersio