Efficacy and safety of orally administered pilocarpine hydrochloride for patients with juvenile-onset Sjögren's syndrome

Cholinergic System and Its Therapeutic Importance in Inflammation and Autoimmunity

Neurological and immunological signals constitute an extensive regulatory network in our body that maintains physiology and homeostasis. The cholinergic system plays a significant role in neuroimmune communication, transmitting information regarding the peripheral immune status to the central nervous system (CNS) and vice versa. The cholinergic system includes the neurotransmitter\ molecule, acetylcholine (ACh), cholinergic receptors (AChRs), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) enzyme, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme. These molecules are involved in regulating immune response and playing a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis. Most innate and adaptive immune cells respond to neuronal inputs by releasing or expressing these molecules on their surfaces. Dysregulation of this neuroimmune communication may lead to several inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Several agonists, antagonists, and inhibitors have been developed to target the cholinergic system to control inflammation in different tissues. This review discusses how various molecules of the neuronal and non-neuronal cholinergic system (NNCS) interact with the immune cells. What are the agonists and antagonists that alter the cholinergic system, and how are these molecules modulate inflammation and immunity. Understanding the various functions of pharmacological molecules could help in designing better strategies to control inflammation and autoimmunity.

Xerostomia induced by radiotherapy: an overview of the physiopathology, clinical evidence, and management of the oral damage

BACKGROUND

The irradiation of head and neck cancer (HNC) often causes damage to the salivary glands. The resulting salivary gland hypofunction and xerostomia seriously reduce the patient's quality of life.

PURPOSE

To analyze the literature of actual management strategies for radiation-induced hypofunction and xerostomia in HNC patients.

METHODS

MEDLINE/PubMed and the Cochrane Library databases were electronically evaluated for articles published from January 1, 1970, to June 30, 2013. Two reviewers independently screened and included papers according to the predefined selection criteria.

RESULTS

Sixty-one articles met the inclusion criteria. The systematic review of the literature suggests that the most suitable methods for managing the clinical and pathophysiological consequences of HNC radiotherapy might be the pharmacological approach, for example, through the use of cholinergic agonists when residual secretory capacity is still present, and the use of salivary substitutes. In addition, a modified diet and the patient's motivation to enhance oral hygiene can lead to a significant improvement.

CONCLUSION

Radiation-induced xerostomia could be considered a multifactorial disease. It could depend on the type of cancer treatment and the cumulative radiation dose to the gland tissue. A preventive approach and the correct treatment of the particular radiotherapeutic patient can help to improve the condition of xerostomia.