LIVIVO - The Search Portal for Life Sciences

zur deutschen Oberfläche wechseln
Advanced search

Search results

Result 1 - 9 of total 9

Search options

  1. Article ; Online: Early Multi-Target Treatment of Mild-to-Moderate COVID-19, Particularly in Terms of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Indomethacin

    Serafino Fazio / Paolo Bellavite

    BioMed, Vol 3, Iss 15, Pp 177-

    2023  Volume 194

    Abstract: Recently, in Italy, a flowchart to be used by General Practitioners for the at-home treatment of patients with COVID-19, has been released. It states that early at-home treatment for SARS-CoV-2 infection is possible due to the availability of specific ... ...

    Abstract Recently, in Italy, a flowchart to be used by General Practitioners for the at-home treatment of patients with COVID-19, has been released. It states that early at-home treatment for SARS-CoV-2 infection is possible due to the availability of specific antiviral drugs to be used in at-risk patients, and that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have an important function in combating the virus. Therefore, the use of NSAIDs is not only rational but also effective in cases that cannot be treated using antivirals. These seemingly simple concepts have been applied in Italy since the beginning of the pandemic by doctors that belong to Italian groups created in order to help COVID-19 patients early at home, at a time of organizational difficulties within Italian health institutions and government. However, this approach was largely boycotted by both the Italian Ministry of Health and medical institutions, which mainly suggested the use of paracetamol as symptomatic, and a wait-and-watch approach for the first three days from the onset of symptoms. In this article, we analyze the rationale for the use of NSAIDs and, in particular, the multi-targeted approach including indomethacin in synergism with flavonoids and low-dose aspirin, as early at-home treatment of patients with COVID-19. Applying these simple concepts from the beginning could have reduced the high lethality of the disease during the first two years of the pandemic and prevented hospital overload. In perspective, it is still necessary to systematically address the comparison between different therapeutic approaches to this viral disease on an experimental basis.
    Keywords COVID-19 treatment ; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ; indomethacin ; aspirin ; flavonoids ; hesperidin ; Biotechnology ; TP248.13-248.65 ; Medicine ; R
    Subject code 940
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-03-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

    Full text online

    More links

    Kategorien

    Inter-library loan at ZB MED

    Your chosen title can be delivered directly to ZB MED Cologne location if you are registered as a user at ZB MED Cologne.

  2. Article ; Online: A Descriptive Review of the Action Mechanisms of Berberine, Quercetin and Silymarin on Insulin Resistance/Hyperinsulinemia and Cardiovascular Prevention

    Paolo Bellavite / Serafino Fazio / Flora Affuso

    Molecules, Vol 28, Iss 4491, p

    2023  Volume 4491

    Abstract: Insulin resistance (IR) and the associated hyperinsulinemia are early pathophysiological changes which, if not well treated, can lead to type 2 diabetes, endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. While diabetes care is fairly well standardized, ...

    Abstract Insulin resistance (IR) and the associated hyperinsulinemia are early pathophysiological changes which, if not well treated, can lead to type 2 diabetes, endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. While diabetes care is fairly well standardized, the prevention and treatment of IR lacks a single pharmaceutical approach and many lifestyle and dietary interventions have been proposed, including a wide range of food supplements. Among the most interesting and well-known natural remedies, alkaloid berberine and the flavonol quercetin have particular relevance in the literature, while silymarin—the active principle of the Silybum marianum thistle—was traditionally used for lipid metabolism disorders and to sustain liver function. This review describes the major defects of insulin signaling leading to IR and the main properties of the three mentioned natural substances, their molecular targets and synergistic action mechanisms. The actions of berberine, quercetin and silymarin are partially superimposable as remedies against reactive oxygen intermediates generated by a high-lipid diet and by NADPH oxidase, which is triggered by phagocyte activation. Furthermore, these compounds inhibit the secretion of a battery of pro-inflammatory cytokines, modulate intestinal microbiota and are especially able to control the various disorders of the insulin receptor and post-receptor signaling systems. Although most of the evidence on the effects of berberine, quercetin and silymarin in modulating insulin resistance and preventing cardiovascular disease derive from experimental studies on animals, the amount of pre-clinical knowledge strongly suggests the need to investigate the therapeutic potential of these substances in human pathology.
    Keywords insulin resistance ; diabetes ; food supplements ; flavonoids ; oxidative stress ; insulin signaling ; Organic chemistry ; QD241-441
    Subject code 571
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-06-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

    Full text online

    More links

    Kategorien

    Inter-library loan at ZB MED

    Your chosen title can be delivered directly to ZB MED Cologne location if you are registered as a user at ZB MED Cologne.

  3. Article ; Online: COVID-19 Medical and Pharmacological Management in the European Countries Compared to Italy

    Sergio Pandolfi / Luigi Valdenassi / Geir Bjørklund / Salvatore Chirumbolo / Roman Lysiuk / Larysa Lenchyk / Monica Daniela Doşa / Serafino Fazio

    International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Vol 19, Iss 4262, p

    An Overview

    2022  Volume 4262

    Abstract: 1) Background: Italy accounts for more than 150,000 deaths due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading the top rank in SARS-CoV-2-caused deceases in Europe. A survey on the different ways by which the COVID-19 pandemic emergency was managed in the foreign ... ...

    Abstract (1) Background: Italy accounts for more than 150,000 deaths due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading the top rank in SARS-CoV-2-caused deceases in Europe. A survey on the different ways by which the COVID-19 pandemic emergency was managed in the foreign European countries compared to Italy is the purpose of this paper. (2) Methods: A literature search and various mathematical algorithms to approach a rank scoring scale were used to describe in detail the different approaches used by European countries to manage the COVID-19 pandemic emergency. (3) Results: The study showed that Italy stands at the bottom ranking for COVID-19 management due to its high mortality rate. Possible causes of the observed huge numbers of hospitalization and deaths were (a) the demographic composition of the European country; (b) its decentralized healthcare system organization; (c) the role of correct pharmacology in the early stages before hospitalization. Post-mortem examinations were of paramount importance to elucidate the etiopathogenesis of COVID-19 and to tailor a suitable and proper therapy in the early symptomatic stages of COVID-19, preventing hospitalization. (4) Conclusions: Factors such as the significant impact on elderly people, the public health organization prevalently state-owned and represented mainly by hospitals, and criticism of the home therapy approach toward SARS-CoV-2-infected people, may have concurred in increasing the number of COVID-19 deaths in Italy.
    Keywords COVID-19 ; SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology ; paracetamol ; deaths rate ; healthcare system ; Medicine ; R
    Subject code 940
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-04-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

    Full text online

    More links

    Kategorien

    Inter-library loan at ZB MED

    Your chosen title can be delivered directly to ZB MED Cologne location if you are registered as a user at ZB MED Cologne.

  4. Article ; Online: Insulin resistance

    Valentina Mercurio / Guido Carlomagno / Valeria Fazio / Serafino Fazio

    World Journal of Cardiology, Vol 4, Iss 1, Pp 1-

    Is it time for primary prevention?

    2012  Volume 7

    Abstract: Insulin resistance is a clinical condition characterized by a decrease in sensitivity and responsiveness to the metabolic actions of insulin, so that a given concentration of insulin produces a less-than-expected biological effect. As a result, higher ... ...

    Abstract Insulin resistance is a clinical condition characterized by a decrease in sensitivity and responsiveness to the metabolic actions of insulin, so that a given concentration of insulin produces a less-than-expected biological effect. As a result, higher levels of insulin are needed to maintain normal glucose tolerance. Hyperinsulinemia, indeed, is one of the principal characteristics of insulin resistance states. This feature is common in several pathologic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and dyslipidemia, and it is also a prominent component of hypertension, coronary heart disease, and atherosclerosis. The presence of endothelial dysfunction, related to insulin resistance, plays a key role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis in all of these disorders. Insulin resistance represents the earliest detectable abnormality in type 2 diabetes, and is one of the major underlying mechanisms of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Its early detection could be of great importance, in order to set a therapeutic attack and to counteract the higher risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
    Keywords Insulin resistance ; Hyperinsulinemia ; Type 2 diabetes ; Endothelial dysfunction ; Diseases of the circulatory (Cardiovascular) system ; RC666-701 ; Specialties of internal medicine ; RC581-951 ; Internal medicine ; RC31-1245 ; Medicine ; R ; DOAJ:Cardiovascular ; DOAJ:Medicine (General) ; DOAJ:Health Sciences
    Subject code 571
    Language English
    Publishing date 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

    Full text online

    More links

    Kategorien

    Inter-library loan at ZB MED

    Your chosen title can be delivered directly to ZB MED Cologne location if you are registered as a user at ZB MED Cologne.

  5. Article ; Online: Cardiovascular and metabolic effects of Berberine

    Flora Affuso / Valentina Mercurio / Valeria Fazio / Serafino Fazio

    World Journal of Cardiology, Vol 2, Iss 4, Pp 71-

    2010  Volume 77

    Abstract: Berberine (BBR) is a natural alkaloid isolated from the Coptis Chinensis. While this plant has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for more than 2500 years, interest in its effects in metabolic and cardiovascular disease has been growing in the ... ...

    Abstract Berberine (BBR) is a natural alkaloid isolated from the Coptis Chinensis. While this plant has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for more than 2500 years, interest in its effects in metabolic and cardiovascular disease has been growing in the Western world in the last decade. Many papers have been published in these years reporting beneficial effects in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, endothelial function and the cardiovascular system. In this review, we report a detailed analysis of the scientific literature regarding this topic, describing the effects and the underlying mechanisms of BBR on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, endothelial function and the cardiovascular system.
    Keywords Metabolic syndrome ; Berberine ; Adenosine monophosphate kinase ; Insulin resistance ; Hyperlipidemia ; Endothelial function ; Diseases of the circulatory (Cardiovascular) system ; RC666-701 ; Specialties of internal medicine ; RC581-951 ; Internal medicine ; RC31-1245 ; Medicine ; R ; DOAJ:Cardiovascular ; DOAJ:Medicine (General) ; DOAJ:Health Sciences
    Subject code 570
    Language English
    Publishing date 2010-04-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Baishideng Publishing
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

    Full text online

    More links

    Kategorien

    Inter-library loan at ZB MED

    Your chosen title can be delivered directly to ZB MED Cologne location if you are registered as a user at ZB MED Cologne.

  6. Article ; Online: Long term combination treatment for severe idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension

    Flora Affuso / Plinio Cirillo / Antonio Ruvolo / Guido Carlomagno / Serafino Fazio

    World Journal of Cardiology, Vol 2, Iss 3, Pp 68-

    2010  Volume 70

    Abstract: We report the long-term follow-up of 3 cases of severe idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, in whom tadalafil plus sitaxentan combination therapy improved the clinical condition and exercise performance without any relevant adverse event. ...

    Abstract We report the long-term follow-up of 3 cases of severe idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, in whom tadalafil plus sitaxentan combination therapy improved the clinical condition and exercise performance without any relevant adverse event.
    Keywords Pulmonary hypertension ; Tadalafil ; Sitaxentan ; Endothelin receptors ; Diseases of the circulatory (Cardiovascular) system ; RC666-701 ; Specialties of internal medicine ; RC581-951 ; Internal medicine ; RC31-1245 ; Medicine ; R ; DOAJ:Cardiovascular ; DOAJ:Medicine (General) ; DOAJ:Health Sciences
    Language English
    Publishing date 2010-03-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Baishideng Publishing
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

    Full text online

    More links

    Kategorien

    Inter-library loan at ZB MED

    Your chosen title can be delivered directly to ZB MED Cologne location if you are registered as a user at ZB MED Cologne.

  7. Article ; Online: Efficacy and safety of valsartan plus hydroclorothiazide for high blood pressure

    Antonio Ruvolo / Valentina Mercurio / Guido Carlomagno / Teresa Russo / Flora Affuso / Serafino Fazio

    World Journal of Cardiology, Vol 2, Iss 5, Pp 125-

    2010  Volume 130

    Abstract: AIM: To evaluate efficacy and tolerability of the combination valsartan plus hydrochlorothiazide (160 mg and 25 mg daily, respectively) in young-middle aged males with high-normal blood pressure (BP) or first-degree arterial hypertension with evidence of ...

    Abstract AIM: To evaluate efficacy and tolerability of the combination valsartan plus hydrochlorothiazide (160 mg and 25 mg daily, respectively) in young-middle aged males with high-normal blood pressure (BP) or first-degree arterial hypertension with evidence of target organ damage.METHODS: Twenty males with high-normal BP or first-degree hypertension associated with left ventricular concentric remodeling and/or increased aortic stiffness were enrolled. BP at rest and during exercise, and echocardiographic parameters of the left ventricle (LV), were evaluated at baseline and after 3 mo of treatment. The effects of treatment on aortic stiffness, metabolic parameters, renal and erectile function were also assessed.RESULTS: BP was significantly reduced by treatment both at rest (P < 0.001) and during exercise (P < 0.001), and 85% of patients achieved BP normalization (< 130/85 mmHg). Doppler echocardiography showed a significant reduction of LV mass (P < 0.005). LV hypertrophy was identified in 70% of subjects at baseline and in 5% after 3 mo of treatment. The ratio of early (E) to late (A) trans-mitral diastolic flow velocity increased, (P < 0.05), the relative wall thickness decreased (P < 0.05) and the left ventricular relaxation time shortened (P < 0.005). The left atrial diameter (P < 0.05) and the aortic diameter (P < 0.05) and stiffness (P < 0.005) also decreased.CONCLUSION: The full-dose combination of valsartan plus hydrochlorothiazide produced optimal BP control with regression of target organ damage, already after 3 mo, without relevant side effects.
    Keywords Hypertension ; Valsartan and hydroclorothiazide ; Cardiac remodeling ; Aortic stiffness ; Diseases of the circulatory (Cardiovascular) system ; RC666-701 ; Specialties of internal medicine ; RC581-951 ; Internal medicine ; RC31-1245 ; Medicine ; R ; DOAJ:Cardiovascular ; DOAJ:Medicine (General) ; DOAJ:Health Sciences
    Subject code 610
    Language English
    Publishing date 2010-05-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Baishideng Publishing
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

    Full text online

    More links

    Kategorien

    Inter-library loan at ZB MED

    Your chosen title can be delivered directly to ZB MED Cologne location if you are registered as a user at ZB MED Cologne.

  8. Article ; Online: A nutraceutical combination improves insulin sensitivity in patients with metabolic syndrome

    Flora Affuso / Valentina Mercurio / Antonio Ruvolo / Concetta Pirozzi / Filomena Micillo / Guido Carlomagno / Fabrizia Grieco / Serafino Fazio

    World Journal of Cardiology, Vol 4, Iss 3, Pp 77-

    2012  Volume 83

    Abstract: AIM: To test the efficacy of a proprietary nutraceutical combination in reducing insulin resistance associated with the metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS: Sixty-four patients with MetS followed at a tertiary outpatient clinic were randomly assigned to ... ...

    Abstract AIM: To test the efficacy of a proprietary nutraceutical combination in reducing insulin resistance associated with the metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS: Sixty-four patients with MetS followed at a tertiary outpatient clinic were randomly assigned to receive either placebo or a proprietary nutraceutical combination (AP) consisting of berberine, policosanol and red yeast rice, in a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Evaluations were performed at baseline and after 18 wk of treatment. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index was the primary outcome measure. Secondary endpoints included lipid panel, blood glucose and insulin fasting, after a standard mixed meal and after an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and waist circumference. RESULTS: Fifty nine patients completed the study, 2 withdrew because of adverse effects. After 18 wk there was a significant reduction in the HOMA-IR index in the AP group compared with placebo (ΔHOMA respectively -0.6 ± 1.2 vs 0.4 ± 1.9; P < 0.05). Total and low density lipoprotein cholesterol also significantly decreased in the treatment arm compared with placebo (Δlow density lipoprotein cholesterol -0.82 ± 0.68 vs -0.13 ± 0.55 mmol/L; P < 0.001), while triglycerides, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and the OGTT were not affected. In addition, there were significant reductions in blood glucose and insulin after the standard mixed meal, as well as an increase in FMD (ΔFMD 1.9 ± 4.2 vs 0 ± 1.9 %; P < 0.05) and a significant reduction in arterial systolic blood pressure in the AP arm. CONCLUSION: This short-term study shows that AP has relevant beneficial effects on insulin resistance and many other components of MetS.
    Keywords Metabolic syndrome ; Insulin resistance ; Homeostasis model assessment index ; Nutraceuticals ; Berberine ; Diseases of the circulatory (Cardiovascular) system ; RC666-701 ; Specialties of internal medicine ; RC581-951 ; Internal medicine ; RC31-1245 ; Medicine ; R ; DOAJ:Cardiovascular ; DOAJ:Medicine (General) ; DOAJ:Health Sciences
    Subject code 610
    Language English
    Publishing date 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

    Full text online

    More links

    Kategorien

    Inter-library loan at ZB MED

    Your chosen title can be delivered directly to ZB MED Cologne location if you are registered as a user at ZB MED Cologne.

  9. Article ; Online: Endocrine Alterations Are the Main Determinants of Cardiac Remodelling in Restrictive Anorexia Nervosa

    Guido Carlomagno / Valentina Mercurio / Antonio Ruvolo / Ignazio Senatore / Irina Halinskaya / Valeria Fazio / Flora Affuso / Serafino Fazio

    ISRN Endocrinology , Vol

    2011  Volume 2011

    Keywords Diseases of the endocrine glands. Clinical endocrinology ; RC648-665 ; Specialties of internal medicine ; RC581-951 ; Internal medicine ; RC31-1245 ; Medicine ; R ; DOAJ:Internal medicine ; DOAJ:Medicine (General) ; DOAJ:Health Sciences
    Language English
    Publishing date 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Hindawi Publishing Corporation
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

    Full text online

    More links

    Kategorien

    Inter-library loan at ZB MED

    Your chosen title can be delivered directly to ZB MED Cologne location if you are registered as a user at ZB MED Cologne.

To top