Search

The newest virus from the SARS family of viruses called acute syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes COVID-19 disease, was identified in China at the end of 2019. In March 2020, after it spread to 29 additional countries, it was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). SARS-CoV-2 infection mainly starts through the respiratory tract and causes a wide spectrum of symptoms from asymptomatic infections to acute respiratory distress syndrome with multi-organ failure and vasoplegic shock. Among the many immunomodulatory and antiviral drugs that have been studied for the treatment of COVID-19, methylene blue (MB) may play an influential role. This article reviews the history of MB applications, the antiviral effects of MB against SARS-CoV-2, and the results of in vivo and in vitro studies of the use of MB in COVID-19. Based on studies, MB can simultaneously affect most of the host’s harmful responses caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection due to its multiple properties, including anti-hypoxemia, anti-oxidant, immune system modulator, and antiviral. The use of MB is associated with a reduction in the possibility of getting infection, and mortality, and can be used as a safe, effective, cheap, and available treatment option with minimal side effects for the clinical management of COVID-19.

Objective: Asthma is a common disease and curcumin has modest effect in inflammatory disorders. This study investigated the efficacy of nano-curcumin on asthma.Materials and Methods: In this double-blinded randomized clinical trial, 60 patients with non-atopic bronchial asthma were randomly stratified in two groups of intervention (N=30) and control (N=30) groups. Apart from their standard treatment, the intervention group received 40 mg nano-curcumin (soft gel) three times daily while the control group received placebo. During the 60-day study, patients were assessed using spirometry to measure Forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1). Asthma control test (ACT) was completed every 30 days and asthma quality of life questionnaire (AQLQ) was completed at the first and end of the study.Results: Totally, 31 patients (51.7%) were male and the mean age was 51.45±12.58 years. FEV1 was improved but there was no significant difference between intervention and control groups. ACT and AQLQ domains scores significantly improved. However, it was not statistically different between control and intervention groups.Conclusion: Nano-curcumin at administered dosage had no additive effect on the standard treatment in asthmatic patients.

Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare inherited pulmonary disease characterized by the deposition of intra-alveolar calcium deposits. In most of the Asian and European countries, PAM is usually misdiagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis and sarcoidosis. We presented a young case of PAM manifested as chronic progressive dyspnea unresponsive to corticosteroids for one year. The first diagnostic clues were made by high resolution computed tomography. Although Bronchoalveolar lavage and transbronchial lung biopsy examination were unremarkable, however, after performing a Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, the biopsy specimens confirmed the diagnosis of PAM.

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic multisystem disease that lungs are also affected .However, there are conflicting evidence about the abnormal pulmonary function in diabetic patients. This study evaluated the difference between pulmonary function tests among patients with type 2 diabetes and healthy adults.Material and Methods: This present descriptive cross sectional had been studied in Khorasan Razavi province of Iran from November 2016 to May 2017. The patients with type 2 diabetes which were older than 18 years without history of pulmonary diseases, heart failure, smoking, anemia, musculoskeletal, pulmonary or connective tissue disorders were included in the present study. A group of healthy volunteers participated as a control group with similar age, gender, height and weight to the diabetic participants. Both groups underwent spirometry and body box . Pulmonary function tests among study groups were compared.Results: Total number of 40 diabetic patients as the case group and 40 healthy individuals as control group enrolled in this study. The control group had significantly higher force vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and lower FEV1/FVC (P=0.001, P=0.05 and P=0.001 respectively). Males in diabetic groups had significantly lower FVC and FEV1/FVC (P=0.01 and P=0.003) and diabetic females had significantly higher FVC, FEV1 and lower FEV1/FVC (P=0.001, P=0.05 and P=0.003 respectively). According to the linear regression model, by controlling the effect of gender, diabetes significantly affected both FEV1/FVC and FVC levels.Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that diabetic patients are more likely to develop abnormal pulmonary function and gender can affect the pulmonary function of the diabetic patients.

Seabuckthorn has multiple-use properties. This review explores the medicinal applications of Hippophae rhamnoides in healing ailments. The plant is being used in different parts of the world for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Sea buckthorn-based preparations have been extensively exploited in folklore treatment of slow digestion, stomach malfunctioning, cardiovascular problems, liver injury, tendon and ligament injuries, skin diseases and ulcers. In recent years, the medicinal and pharmacological activities of Seabuckthorn have been well investigated using limited clinical trials. Homeopathy is a well-respected modality to assist wellness. Traditional and modern medicinal experts have been applied this plant to treat various diseases. Seabuckthorn is an important plant because of its immense medicinal and therapeutic potential. However, several knowledge gaps identified in this paper would give impetus to new academic and R&D activities, especially for the development of Sea buckthorn-based herbal medicine and nutraceuticals. Its full application in dermatology may be attributed to the presence of a variety of flavonoids, vitamins, and unsaturated fatty acids. Great use of the plant in the traditional system for dermatological aspects, demands further comprehensive phytochemical work based on its actual use by the traditional population. Anti-inflammation is the most important applicable ingredient of this miracle berry.