Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Sofia Charneca, Ana Hernando, Patricia Costa-Reis, Catarina Sousa Guerreiro
Summary: Despite advances in understanding the biological mechanisms of rheumatic diseases (RDs), a significant proportion of patients still do not achieve remission with current pharmacological treatments. Therefore, patients are increasingly seeking complementary dietary interventions, including the use of herbs and spices. These natural ingredients, which have been widely used for culinary and medicinal purposes across different cultures, are now gaining interest for their bioactive molecules and potential benefits in immune-mediated diseases, including RDs. This paper aims to provide an updated review of the mechanisms through which herbs and spices may be beneficial in RDs, including modulation of gut microbiota, and summarize human studies investigating their effects in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, and Fibromyalgia.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sahdeo Prasad, Alok Kulshreshtha, Rajiv Lall, Subash C. Gupta
Summary: Ayurvedic medicinal plants show promising effects in managing arthritic symptoms by reducing pain, swelling, and damage, and improving joint mobility. They work through various cellular mechanisms to inhibit inflammation markers and induce antioxidant status, offering a safe and effective alternative to conventional anti-arthritic drugs.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Alok K. Paul, Rownak Jahan, Anita Paul, Tooba Mahboob, Tohmina A. Bondhon, Khoshnur Jannat, Anamul Hasan, Veeranoot Nissapatorn, Polrat Wilairatana, Maria de Lourdes Pereira, Christophe Wiart, Mohammed Rahmatullah
Summary: Obesity can lead to chronic inflammation and various diseases, including arthritis. Inflammatory cytokines released from adipose tissues cause low-grade chronic inflammation, which contributes to arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, and other diseases. Factors such as dietary intake, low physical activity, unhealthy lifestyle, smoking, alcohol consumption, genetics, and environment can influence obesity and arthritis. Medicinal plants and essential oils from aromatic plants have shown potential for treating arthritis and obesity, but further scientific evidence is needed.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Chinyere Aloke, Ikenna C. Ohanenye, Patrick M. Aja, Chukwunonso E. C. C. Ejike
Summary: This paper reviews scientific literature on medicinal plants with anti-rheumatoid arthritis (RA) activities growing in Africa, identifying 20 plants rich in phytochemicals such as quercetin, rutin, catechin, kaempferol that affect pathways relevant in RA initiation and progression.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Rheumatology
Mingyue Cheng, Yan Zhao, Yazhou Cui, Chaofang Zhong, Yuguo Zha, Shufeng Li, Guangxiang Cao, Mian Li, Lei Zhang, Kang Ning, Jinxiang Han
Summary: This study investigated the role of microbial dysbiosis and metabolic disorders in different stages of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The findings suggest that microbial dysbiosis and metabolic disorders exhibit distinct patterns and play stage-specific roles in RA. This provides new insights for prognosis and therapy of RA.
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Iona J. MacDonald, Chien-Chung Huang, Shan-Chi Liu, Yen-You Lin, Chih-Hsin Tang
Summary: The CCN family of matricellular proteins play essential roles in processes like angiogenesis, wound healing, and inflammation, particularly in the inflammatory pathologies of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Several proteins within the CCN family are thought to be potential therapeutic targets for these diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Theoharris Frangos, Wolfgang Maret
Summary: Zinc and cadmium play crucial roles in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, affecting the immune system, inflammation, and metabolism. The mutations in proteins involved in zinc homeostasis and cadmium exposure through inhalation may contribute to joint destruction.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Desheng Zhao, Jian Cheng, Ping Bao, Yanwu Zhang, Fengjuan Liang, Hao Wang, Xu Wang, Shiyuan Fang, Hong Su
Summary: This study found a significant association between temperature decrease and RA admission, with females and patients aged 41-65 years being more vulnerable to the effect. However, no significant association between temperature and OA admission was observed.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Arumugam Vijaya Anand, Balasubramanian Balamuralikrishnan, Mohandass Kaviya, Kathirvel Bharathi, Aluru Parithathvi, Meyyazhagan Arun, Nachiappan Senthilkumar, Shanmugam Velayuthaprabhu, Muthukrishnan Saradhadevi, Naif Abdullah Al-Dhabi, Mariadhas Valan Arasu, Mohammad Iqbal Yatoo, Ruchi Tiwari, Kuldeep Dhama
Summary: This article summarizes the potential antiviral activities of certain phytochemical agents against important viral pathogens, with a special focus on herbs and medicinal plants that have shown promising results in combating SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Ahmad Mobed, Sanam Dolati, Seyed Kazem Shakouri, Bina Eftekharsadat, Behzad Izadseresht
Summary: OA and RA are two most frequent types of degenerative joint diseases in adults, with common symptoms but differences in pathological manifestations. Biomarker detection can identify disease development at early stages, benefiting patients with prompt diagnosis.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2021)
Review
Rheumatology
Christopher McMaster, Alix Bird, David F. L. Liew, Russell R. Buchanan, Claire E. Owen, Wendy W. Chapman, Douglas E. Pires
Summary: Deep learning has become the leading method in machine learning and has great potential for applications in rheumatology, particularly for handling unstructured data such as images and text. It is important for rheumatologists to understand the methods and limitations of deep learning algorithms and contribute to the development of relevant clinical applications.
ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Rheumatology
Angel Y. S. Wong, Brian MacKenna, Caroline E. Morton, Anna Schultze, Alex J. Walker, Krishnan Bhaskaran, Jeremy P. Brown, Christopher T. Rentsch, Elizabeth Williamson, Henry Drysdale, Richard Croker, Seb Bacon, William Hulme, Chris Bates, Helen J. Curtis, Amir Mehrkar, David Evans, Peter Inglesby, Jonathan Cockburn, Helen McDonald, Laurie Tomlinson, Rohini Mathur, Kevin Wing, Harriet Forbes, Rosalind M. Eggo, John Parry, Frank Hester, Sam Harper, Stephen J. W. Evans, Liam Smeeth, Ian J. Douglas, Ben Goldacre
Summary: Two cohort studies were conducted to assess the association between routinely prescribed NSAIDs and COVID-19 related deaths, finding no evidence of a harmful effect. Therefore, the risks of COVID-19 do not need to influence decisions about the routine therapeutic use of NSAIDs.
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Djedjiga Ait Eldjoudi, Alfonso Cordero Barreal, Maria Gonzalez-Rodriguez, Clara Ruiz-Fernandez, Yousof Farrag, Mariam Farrag, Francisca Lago, Maurizio Capuozzo, Miguel Angel Gonzalez-Gay, Antonio Mera Varela, Jesus Pino, Oreste Gualillo
Summary: White adipose tissue is a specialized tissue involved in lipid synthesis and storage. It serves as an active organ that secretes hormones and cytokines called adipokines, with leptin being a key molecule. Leptin not only regulates energy balance and food intake, but also plays roles in reproduction, glucose metabolism, hematopoiesis, and immune system interactions. It is involved in innate and adaptive immunity and contributes to the pathogenesis of chronic inflammation and immune-related diseases like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. This review summarizes recent findings on the involvement of leptin in immunity and inflammatory responses in these diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Peraphan Pothacharoen, Rujirek Chaiwongsa, Theerawut Chanmee, Orapin Insuan, Thanchanok Wongwichai, Phornpimon Janchai, Pilanee Vaithanomsat
Summary: Bromelain, a protease mixture found in pineapple, has beneficial biological properties and exhibits anti-arthritic activities. It protects cartilage from degradation and decreases the expression of inflammatory cytokines in synovial fibroblasts by suppressing NF-kappa B and MAPK signaling pathways.
Review
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Ruqaiya Rasheed Kayani, Rahat Shamim, Safia Sultana Munir, Misbah Sultana, Saeed Ur Rashid Nazir, Humayun Riaz, Taha Nazir, Muhammad Maaz Ali, Azharul Islam
Summary: Arthritis is an inflammatory disease of diarthrodial joints, and different types of arthritis have different causes and pathogeneses. Joint pain is a major symptom in all types of arthritis. Treatment methods vary for each type of arthritis based on its cause and symptoms.
ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES IN HEALTH AND MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Dermatology
Maritena Gilca, George Sorin Tiplica, Carmen Maria Satavastru
CLINICS IN DERMATOLOGY
(2018)
Review
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Laura Gaman, Dorin Dragos, Adelina Vlad, Georgiana Catalina Robu, Mugurel Petrinel Radoi, Laura Stroica, Mihaela Badea, Marilena Gilca
EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
(2018)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Liviu Iosif, Daniela Lixandru, Laura Gaman, Mihaela Ilie, Bogdan Smeu, Diana Simona Stefan, Laura Petcu, Ariana Picu, Alina Constantin, Constantin Ionescu-Tirgoviste, Cristian Guja, Catalin Copaescu, Irina Stoian
Article
Environmental Sciences
Laura Gaman, Corina Elena Delia, Octavio P. Luzardo, Manuel Zumbado, Mihaela Badea, Irina Stoian, Marilena Gilca, Luis D. Boada, Luis Alberto Henriquez-Hernandez
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Laura Gaman, Mugurel Petrinel Radoi, Corina Elena Delia, Octavio P. Luzardo, Manuel Zumbado, Angel Rodriguez-Hernandez, Irina Stoian, Marilena Gilca, Luis D. Boada, Luis Alberto Henriquez-Hernandez
Summary: The study found that the blood levels of cadmium, lead, and nickel were higher in brain tumor patients compared to healthy subjects, while gadolinium and tantalum showed higher concentrations in brain tumor tissue. The presence of inorganic elements in brain tumor tissue differed significantly from non-tumor brain tissue and brain metastasis tissue.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jean-Marc Zingg, Adelina Vlad, Roberta Ricciarelli
Summary: Levels of oxLDLs are typically low in the body, but can increase when the balance between free radical formation and scavenging is disrupted. Under conditions of atherosclerosis, oxLDL uptake leads to the conversion of cells to foam cells and increased expression of scavenger receptors. OxLDLs can also act as signaling molecules, impacting various cellular processes.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mihaela Roxana Popescu, Bogdan Pavel, Gheorghita Isvoranu, Laura Cristina Ceafalan, Anca Maria Panaitescu, Ruxandra Irina Sava, Adelina Vlad, Leon Zagrean
Summary: The interrupted sevoflurane administration protocol for preconditioning was found to effectively protect the myocardium against ischemia/reperfusion injury, reducing fibrosis area and apoptosis degree. This suggests potential benefits for patients with increased cardiovascular risk to reduce perioperative or periprocedural ischemia.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Dorin Dragos, Madalina Petran, Teodora-Cristiana Gradinaru, Marilena Gilca
Summary: This study investigated the potential correlations between the taste of herbal compounds and their anti-inflammatory activity, and found that phytochemical taste may be a better predictor of anti-inflammatory activity than the chemical class.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carmen Beatrice Dogaru, Carmen Duta, Corina Muscurel, Irina Stoian
Summary: Selenoproteins, a group of proteins containing selenium, play diverse roles in the body and cell processes, functioning as antioxidants, immune modulators, and detoxification agents. Deficiency in selenium or polymorphisms in selenoprotein genes and synthesis are implicated in various pathological conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Teodora-Cristiana Gradinaru, Marilena Gilca, Adelina Vlad, Dorin Dragos
Summary: Targeting inflammation and the pathways linking it to cancer, this study explores the potential of tastes to predict the anti-cancer properties of phytochemicals. The study finds a strong correlation between anti-inflammatory activity and anti-cancer activity, regardless of taste or chemical class. Bitter taste is positively correlated with anti-cancer activity, while sweet taste is negatively correlated. Flavonoids, often bitter in taste, are found to have a positive association with both anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity, suggesting taste has predictive primacy over chemical class.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Dorin Dragos, Delia Timofte, Mihai-Teodor Georgescu, Maria-Mirabela Manea, Ileana Adela Vacaroiu, Dorin Ionescu, Andra-Elena Balcangiu-Stroescu
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular and valvular calcifications in hemodialysis patients. The results showed that imaging measures of atherosclerosis were adversely connected with dietary status and positively correlated with markers of inflammation and risk of mortality.
MEDICINA-LITHUANIA
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
A. E. Rosca, L. Iosif, I. C. Tivig, R. Mirica, C. Caruntu, C. M. Timaru, S. E. Voiculesu, L. Zagrean, I Stoian
Summary: Chronic exposure to nandrolone decanoate results in a modified redox status favoring oxidants. In Wistar rats, this leads to decreased total antioxidant activity and increased paraoxonase activity, while myeloperoxidase activity remains unaffected.
ROMANIAN BIOTECHNOLOGICAL LETTERS
(2021)
