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Teixeira Bonfim L, Mota TC, Gomes JJ, da Silva E, Gomes LM, Burbano RMR, Bahia MO. Assessment of the cytoprotective effect of the homeopathic compound Canova® on African green monkey kidney (VERO) cell line exposed to the drug dipyrone sodium. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2021; 84:761-768. [PMID: 34180377 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2021.1942355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Dipyrone or metamizole is one of the most frequently used analgesic worldwide. Despite its widespread use, this drug may exert genotoxic and cytotoxic effects on lymphocytes. Therefore, studies with therapeutic agents that may provide protection against these effects are important. The homeopathic compound Canova® (CA) appears to be a beneficial candidate for preventing DNA damage and cellular lethality, since this compound acts as an immunomodulator associated with cytoprotective actions. Hence, the aim of the present investigation was to determine the potential cytoprotective effects of CA using cell line VERO as a model. VERO cells were incubated with sodium dipyrone and subsequently subject to the comet, apoptosis and immunocytochemistry assays. Data demonstrated that sodium dipyrone induced an increase in DNA damage index (DI) employing the comet assay. However, when VERO cells were co-treated with CA at the three concentrations studied, a significant reduction in DI was observed, indicating an antigenotoxic effect attributed to CA. Further dipyrone induced an elevation in %apoptosis at 24 and 48 hr. However, when dipyrone was co-incubated with CA, a significant reduction in %apoptosis was noted at the three concentrations of CA employed. Results from immunocytochemical analysis showed a rise in the expression of caspase 8 and cytochrome C when cells were exposed to dipyrone. In contrast, co-treatment of dipyrone and CA significantly reduced the effect of dipyrone. Therefore, evidence indicated that CA acted as an anticytotoxic and antigenotoxic agent counteracting damage induced by dipyrone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laís Teixeira Bonfim
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetic, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém-Pará, Brazil
| | - Tatiane Cristina Mota
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetic, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém-Pará, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Juliana Gomes
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetic, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém-Pará, Brazil
| | - Emerson da Silva
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetic, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém-Pará, Brazil
| | - Lorena Monteiro Gomes
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetic, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém-Pará, Brazil
| | - Rommel Mario Rodríguez Burbano
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetic, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém-Pará, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Oliveira Bahia
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetic, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém-Pará, Brazil
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Fuselier C, Quemener S, Dufay E, Bour C, Boulagnon-Rombi C, Bouland N, Djermoune EH, Devy J, Martiny L, Schneider C. Anti-Tumoral and Anti-Angiogenic Effects of Low-Diluted Phenacetinum on Melanoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:597503. [PMID: 33747916 PMCID: PMC7966719 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.597503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer and the most rapidly expanding cancer in terms of worldwide incidence. If primary cutaneous melanoma is mostly treated with a curative wide local excision, malignant melanoma has a poor prognosis and needs other therapeutic approaches. Angiogenesis is a normal physiological process essential in growth and development, but it also plays a crucial role in crossing from benign to advanced state in cancer. In melanoma progression, angiogenesis is widely involved during the vertical growth phase. Currently, no anti-angiogenic agents are efficient on their own, and combination of treatments will probably be the key to success. In the past, phenacetin was used as an analgesic to relieve pain, causing side effects at large dose and tumor-inducing in humans and animals. By contrast, Phenacetinum low-dilution is often used in skin febrile exanthema, patches profusely scattered on limbs, headache, or flushed face without side effects. Herein are described the in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo anti-angiogenic and anti-tumoral potentials of Phenacetinum low-dilution in a B16F1 tumor model and endothelial cells. We demonstrate that low-diluted Phenacetinum inhibits in vivo tumor growth and tumor vascularization and thus increases the survival time of B16F1 melanoma induced-C57BL/6 mice. Moreover, Phenacetinum modulates the lung metastasis in a B16F10 induced model. Ex vivo and in vitro, we evidence that low-diluted Phenacetinum inhibits the migration and the recruitment of endothelial cells and leads to an imbalance in the pro-tumoral macrophages and to a structural malformation of the vascular network. All together these results demonstrate highly hopeful anti-tumoral, anti-metastatic, and anti-angiogenic effects of Phenacetinum low-dilution on melanoma. Continued studies are needed to preclinically validate Phenacetinum low-dilution as a complementary or therapeutic strategy for melanoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Fuselier
- Université de Reims-Champagne-Ardenne, CNRS UMR 7369 (Matrice Extracellulaire et Dynamique Cellulaire, MEDyC), Reims, France
| | - Sandrine Quemener
- Université de Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011 INSERM, Lille, France
| | - Eleonore Dufay
- Université de Reims-Champagne-Ardenne, CNRS UMR 7369 (Matrice Extracellulaire et Dynamique Cellulaire, MEDyC), Reims, France
| | - Camille Bour
- Université de Reims-Champagne-Ardenne, CNRS UMR 7369 (Matrice Extracellulaire et Dynamique Cellulaire, MEDyC), Reims, France
| | - Camille Boulagnon-Rombi
- Université de Reims-Champagne-Ardenne, CNRS UMR 7369 (Matrice Extracellulaire et Dynamique Cellulaire, MEDyC), Reims, France
- Centre Hospitalier et Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, laboratoire de Biopathologie, Reims, France
| | - Nicole Bouland
- Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, laboratoire d’Anatomie Pathologie, Reims, France
| | | | - Jérôme Devy
- Université de Reims-Champagne-Ardenne, CNRS UMR 7369 (Matrice Extracellulaire et Dynamique Cellulaire, MEDyC), Reims, France
| | - Laurent Martiny
- Université de Reims-Champagne-Ardenne, CNRS UMR 7369 (Matrice Extracellulaire et Dynamique Cellulaire, MEDyC), Reims, France
| | - Christophe Schneider
- Université de Reims-Champagne-Ardenne, CNRS UMR 7369 (Matrice Extracellulaire et Dynamique Cellulaire, MEDyC), Reims, France
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Rodrigues de Santana F, de Paula Coelho C, Cardoso TN, Perez Hurtado EC, Roberti Benites N, Dalastra Laurenti M, Villano Bonamin L. Modulation of inflammation response to murine cutaneous Leishmaniasis by homeopathic medicines: Antimonium crudum 30cH. HOMEOPATHY 2018; 103:264-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2014.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2014] [Revised: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background: Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic disease caused by protozoan parasites of the mononuclear phagocytic system. The modulation activity of these cells can interfere in the host/parasite relationship and influences the prognosis.Methods: We evaluated the effects of the homeopathic preparation Antimonium crudum 30cH on experimental infection induced by Leishmania (L.) amazonensis. Male Balb/c mice were inoculated with 2 × 106 Leishmania (L.) amazonensis promastigotes into the footpad and, after 48 h (acute phase) or 60 days (chronic phase), cell population of lymphocytes and phagocytes present in the peritoneal washing fluid and spleen were analyzed by flow cytometry and histopathology, with histometry of the subcutaneous primary lesion, local lymph node and spleen. Immunohistochemistry was performed to quantify CD3 (T lymphocyte), CD45RA (B lymphocyte) and CD11b (phagocytes) positive cells.Results: In treated mice, during the acute phase, there was significant increase of the macroscopic lesion, associated to inflammatory edema, as well increase in the number of free amastigotes and B lymphocytes inside the lesion. Increase of B lymphocytes (predominantly B-2 cells) was also seen in the local lymph node, spleen and peritoneum. In the chronic phase, the inflammatory process in the infection focus was reduced, with reduced phagocyte migration and peritoneal increase of B-1a cells (precursors of B-2 immunoglobulin producers cells) and T CD8+ cells.Conclusion: The treatment of mice with Antimonium crudum 30cH induced a predominantly B cell pattern of immune response in Leishmania (L.) amazonensis experimental infection, alongside the increase of free amastigote forms number in the infection site. The clinical significance of this study is discussed, further studies are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Rodrigues de Santana
- Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Research Center of University Paulista, Rua Dr Bacelar, 1212 – 4th Floor, 04026-002 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cidéli de Paula Coelho
- Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Research Center of University Paulista, Rua Dr Bacelar, 1212 – 4th Floor, 04026-002 São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, University of Santo Amaro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thayná Neves Cardoso
- Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Research Center of University Paulista, Rua Dr Bacelar, 1212 – 4th Floor, 04026-002 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth Cristina Perez Hurtado
- Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Research Center of University Paulista, Rua Dr Bacelar, 1212 – 4th Floor, 04026-002 São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Immunology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Leoni Villano Bonamin
- Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Research Center of University Paulista, Rua Dr Bacelar, 1212 – 4th Floor, 04026-002 São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, University of Santo Amaro, São Paulo, Brazil
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Mahdi L, Mahdi N, Al-kakei S, Musafer H, Al-Joofy I, Essa R, Zwain L, Salman I, Mater H, Al-Alak S, Al-Oqaili R. Treatment strategy by lactoperoxidase and lactoferrin combination: Immunomodulatory and antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Microb Pathog 2018; 114:147-152. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2017.10.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 10/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Liu R, Luo F, Liu X, Wang L, Yang J, Deng Y, Huang E, Qian J, Lu Z, Jiang X, Zhang D, Chu Y. Biological Response Modifier in Cancer Immunotherapy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 909:69-138. [PMID: 27240457 DOI: 10.1007/978-94-017-7555-7_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Biological response modifiers (BRMs) emerge as a lay of new compounds or approaches used in improving cancer immunotherapy. Evidences highlight that cytokines, Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling, and noncoding RNAs are of crucial roles in modulating antitumor immune response and cancer-related chronic inflammation, and BRMs based on them have been explored. In particular, besides some cytokines like IFN-α and IL-2, several Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists like BCG, MPL, and imiquimod are also licensed to be used in patients with several malignancies nowadays, and the first artificial small noncoding RNA (microRNA) mimic, MXR34, has entered phase I clinical study against liver cancer, implying their potential application in cancer therapy. According to amounts of original data, this chapter will review the regulatory roles of TLR signaling, some noncoding RNAs, and several key cytokines in cancer and cancer-related immune response, as well as the clinical cases in cancer therapy based on them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronghua Liu
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, No.138, Yi Xue Yuan Rd., mail box 226, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Biotherapy Research Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Feifei Luo
- Biotherapy Research Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Digestive Diseases of Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoming Liu
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, No.138, Yi Xue Yuan Rd., mail box 226, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Department of Dermatology, Shenzhen Hospital, Peking University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518036, China
| | - Luman Wang
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, No.138, Yi Xue Yuan Rd., mail box 226, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Biotherapy Research Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiao Yang
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, No.138, Yi Xue Yuan Rd., mail box 226, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Biotherapy Research Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yuting Deng
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, No.138, Yi Xue Yuan Rd., mail box 226, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Biotherapy Research Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Enyu Huang
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, No.138, Yi Xue Yuan Rd., mail box 226, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Biotherapy Research Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiawen Qian
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, No.138, Yi Xue Yuan Rd., mail box 226, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Biotherapy Research Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhou Lu
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, No.138, Yi Xue Yuan Rd., mail box 226, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Biotherapy Research Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xuechao Jiang
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, No.138, Yi Xue Yuan Rd., mail box 226, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Biotherapy Research Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, No.138, Yi Xue Yuan Rd., mail box 226, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Biotherapy Research Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yiwei Chu
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, No.138, Yi Xue Yuan Rd., mail box 226, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China. .,Biotherapy Research Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Poitevin B. Survey of immuno-allergological ultra high dilution research. HOMEOPATHY 2015; 104:269-76. [PMID: 26678728 DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2015.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2015] [Revised: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Experiments about basic research in Immuno-allergology reported by M. Bastide and B. Poitevin in Ultra High Dilution (1994) have been appraised from a 20 year perspective. The numerous experiments published mainly focus on immunological regulation, inflammatory process and basophil activation. They are analyzed according to one essential criterion: repeatability. METHODS The commentary reflects the research details made available in a recently published literature review, also published in French. RESULTS The regulatory effect of high dilution of bursin on immune response has been observed in multiple experiments but not reproduced by independent teams. The immunomodulating effect of Thymulin has been confirmed in mice. Rhus toxicodendron has an anti-inflammatory activity on different models, from mother tincture (TM) to very high dilutions. The homeopathic complex Canova activates macrophages in vitro and in vivo, induces lymphocyte proliferation, and reduces the size of tumors and mortality of sarcoma-bearing mice. Some homeopathic medicines used in clinical inflammation modulate in vitro the neutrophil activation, with variability in the protocols used and in the medicines tested. In allergology, high dilution histamine has an inhibitory effect on basophil activation in multicenter trials and with independent teams, either with methods implying a change in basophil staining or with flow cytometry. However, high dilution histamine had no effect in some well-conducted experiments. The inhibitory effect of Apis mellifica has not been studied with the flow cytometry method, as well as the activation of basophil by anti-IgE high dilution, published in Nature. CONCLUSIONS Despite considerable research activity in immuno-allergology and a great increase in the number of publications, there is still not in this domain a "gold standard" trial in basic research in homeopathy. The most studied system, the inhibitory effect of histamine high dilutions on basophil activation, requires clarifications of various factors, including individual sensitivity. For scientific and epistemological reasons, the same work should be carried out for independent reproduction of the experiments conducted with anti-IgE and Apis mel high dilution, in complement of the new axes of research in immunoallergology developed since 20 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Poitevin
- Cabinet médical d'allergologie et d'homéopathie, Bormes les Mimosas, France.
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Bell IR, Sarter B, Koithan M, Banerji P, Banerji P, Jain S, Ives J. Integrative nanomedicine: treating cancer with nanoscale natural products. Glob Adv Health Med 2014; 3:36-53. [PMID: 24753994 PMCID: PMC3921611 DOI: 10.7453/gahmj.2013.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Finding safer and more effective treatments for specific cancers remains a significant challenge for integrative clinicians and researchers worldwide. One emerging strategy is the use of nanostructured forms of drugs, vaccines, traditional animal venoms, herbs, and nutraceutical agents in cancer treatment. The recent discovery of nanoparticles in traditional homeopathic medicines adds another point of convergence between modern nanomedicine and alternative interventional strategies. A way in which homeopathic remedies could initiate anticancer effects includes cell-to-cell signaling actions of both exogenous and endogenous (exosome) nanoparticles. The result can be a cascade of modulatory biological events with antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects. The Banerji Protocols reflect a multigenerational clinical system developed by homeopathic physicians in India who have treated thousands of patients with cancer. A number of homeopathic remedy sources from the Banerji Protocols (eg, Calcarea phosphorica; Carcinosin-tumor-derived breast cancer tissue prepared homeopathically) overlap those already under study in nonhomeopathic nanoparticle and nanovesicle tumor exosome cancer vaccine research. Past research on antineoplastic effects of nano forms of botanical extracts such as Phytolacca, Gelsemium, Hydrastis, Thuja, and Ruta as well as on homeopathic remedy potencies made from the same types of source materials suggests other important overlaps. The replicated finding of silica, silicon, and nano-silica release from agitation of liquids in glassware adds a proven nonspecific activator and amplifier of immunological effects. Taken together, the nanoparticulate research data and the Banerji Protocols for homeopathic remedies in cancer suggest a way forward for generating advances in cancer treatment with natural product-derived nanomedicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris R Bell
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson (Dr Bell), United States
| | - Barbara Sarter
- Hahn School of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of San Diego, California, and Bastyr University - California (Dr Sarter), United States
| | - Mary Koithan
- College of Nursing, The University of Arizona (Drs Koithan), United States
| | | | - Pratip Banerji
- PBH Research Foundation, Kolkata, India (Drs Banerji), India
| | - Shamini Jain
- Samueli Institute, Alexandria, Virginia (Dr Jain), United States
| | - John Ives
- Samueli Institute, Alexandria, Virginia (Dr Ives), United States
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Siqueiros-Cendón T, Arévalo-Gallegos S, Iglesias-Figueroa BF, García-Montoya IA, Salazar-Martínez J, Rascón-Cruz Q. Immunomodulatory effects of lactoferrin. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2014; 35:557-66. [PMID: 24786230 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2013.200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Accepted: 12/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Lactoferrin (Lf) is an iron-binding glycoprotein of the transferrin family, which is expressed in most biological fluids with particularly high levels in mammalian milk. Its multiple activities lie in its capacity to bind iron and to interact with the molecular and cellular components of hosts and pathogens. Lf can bind and sequester lipopolysaccharides, thus preventing pro-inflammatory pathway activation, sepsis and tissue damages. Lf is also considered a cell-secreted mediator that bridges the innate and adaptive immune responses. In the recent years much has been learned about the mechanisms by which Lf exerts its activities. This review summarizes the recent advances in understanding the mechanisms underlying the multifunctional roles of Lf, and provides a future perspective on its potential prophylactic and therapeutic applications.
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Testing the nanoparticle-allostatic cross-adaptation-sensitization model for homeopathic remedy effects. HOMEOPATHY 2013; 102:66-81. [PMID: 23290882 DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2012.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2012] [Revised: 10/25/2012] [Accepted: 10/25/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Key concepts of the Nanoparticle-Allostatic Cross-Adaptation-Sensitization (NPCAS) Model for the action of homeopathic remedies in living systems include source nanoparticles as low level environmental stressors, heterotypic hormesis, cross-adaptation, allostasis (stress response network), time-dependent sensitization with endogenous amplification and bidirectional change, and self-organizing complex adaptive systems. The model accommodates the requirement for measurable physical agents in the remedy (source nanoparticles and/or source adsorbed to silica nanoparticles). Hormetic adaptive responses in the organism, triggered by nanoparticles; bipolar, metaplastic change, dependent on the history of the organism. Clinical matching of the patient's symptom picture, including modalities, to the symptom pattern that the source material can cause (cross-adaptation and cross-sensitization). Evidence for nanoparticle-related quantum macro-entanglement in homeopathic pathogenetic trials. This paper examines research implications of the model, discussing the following hypotheses: Variability in nanoparticle size, morphology, and aggregation affects remedy properties and reproducibility of findings. Homeopathic remedies modulate adaptive allostatic responses, with multiple dynamic short- and long-term effects. Simillimum remedy nanoparticles, as novel mild stressors corresponding to the organism's dysfunction initiate time-dependent cross-sensitization, reversing the direction of dysfunctional reactivity to environmental stressors. The NPCAS model suggests a way forward for systematic research on homeopathy. The central proposition is that homeopathic treatment is a form of nanomedicine acting by modulation of endogenous adaptation and metaplastic amplification processes in the organism to enhance long-term systemic resilience and health.
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Bell IR, Koithan M. A model for homeopathic remedy effects: low dose nanoparticles, allostatic cross-adaptation, and time-dependent sensitization in a complex adaptive system. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2012; 12:191. [PMID: 23088629 PMCID: PMC3570304 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-12-191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2012] [Accepted: 10/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Background This paper proposes a novel model for homeopathic remedy action on living systems. Research indicates that homeopathic remedies (a) contain measurable source and silica nanoparticles heterogeneously dispersed in colloidal solution; (b) act by modulating biological function of the allostatic stress response network (c) evoke biphasic actions on living systems via organism-dependent adaptive and endogenously amplified effects; (d) improve systemic resilience. Discussion The proposed active components of homeopathic remedies are nanoparticles of source substance in water-based colloidal solution, not bulk-form drugs. Nanoparticles have unique biological and physico-chemical properties, including increased catalytic reactivity, protein and DNA adsorption, bioavailability, dose-sparing, electromagnetic, and quantum effects different from bulk-form materials. Trituration and/or liquid succussions during classical remedy preparation create “top-down” nanostructures. Plants can biosynthesize remedy-templated silica nanostructures. Nanoparticles stimulate hormesis, a beneficial low-dose adaptive response. Homeopathic remedies prescribed in low doses spaced intermittently over time act as biological signals that stimulate the organism’s allostatic biological stress response network, evoking nonlinear modulatory, self-organizing change. Potential mechanisms include time-dependent sensitization (TDS), a type of adaptive plasticity/metaplasticity involving progressive amplification of host responses, which reverse direction and oscillate at physiological limits. To mobilize hormesis and TDS, the remedy must be appraised as a salient, but low level, novel threat, stressor, or homeostatic disruption for the whole organism. Silica nanoparticles adsorb remedy source and amplify effects. Properly-timed remedy dosing elicits disease-primed compensatory reversal in direction of maladaptive dynamics of the allostatic network, thus promoting resilience and recovery from disease. Summary Homeopathic remedies are proposed as source nanoparticles that mobilize hormesis and time-dependent sensitization via non-pharmacological effects on specific biological adaptive and amplification mechanisms. The nanoparticle nature of remedies would distinguish them from conventional bulk drugs in structure, morphology, and functional properties. Outcomes would depend upon the ability of the organism to respond to the remedy as a novel stressor or heterotypic biological threat, initiating reversals of cumulative, cross-adapted biological maladaptations underlying disease in the allostatic stress response network. Systemic resilience would improve. This model provides a foundation for theory-driven research on the role of nanomaterials in living systems, mechanisms of homeopathic remedy actions and translational uses in nanomedicine.
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Peltzer K, Preez NFD, Ramlagan S, Fomundam H, Anderson J, Chanetsa L. Antiretrovirals and the use of traditional, complementary and alternative medicine by HIV patients in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa: a longitudinal study. AFRICAN JOURNAL OF TRADITIONAL, COMPLEMENTARY, AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINES 2011; 8:337-45. [PMID: 22654209 DOI: 10.4314/ajtcam.v8i4.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this prospective study (20 months) was to assess HIV patients' use of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) and its effect on ARV adherence at three public hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Seven hundred and thirty-five (29.8% male and 70.2% female) patients who consecutively attended three HIV clinics completed assessments prior to ARV initiation, 519 after 6 months, 557 after 12 and 499 after 20 months on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Results indicate that following initiation of ARV therapy the use of herbal therapies for HIV declined significantly from 36.6% prior to ARV therapy to 8.0% after 6 months, 4.1% after 12 months and 0.6% after 20 months on ARVs. Faith healing methods (including spiritual practices and prayer) declined from 35.8% to 22.1%, 20.8% and 15.5%, respectively. In contrast, the use of micronutrients (vitamins, etc.) significantly increased from 42.6% to 78.2%. The major herbal remedies that were used prior to ART were unnamed traditional medicine, followed by imbiza (Scilla natalensis planch), canova (immune booster), izifozonke (essential vitamins mixed with herbs), African potato (Hypoxis hemerocallidea), stametta (aloe mixed with vitamins and herbs) and ingwe (tonic). Herbal remedies were mainly used for pain relief, as immune booster and for stopping diarrhea. As herbal treatment for HIV was associated with reduced ARV adherence, patient's use of TCAM should be considered in ARV adherence management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Peltzer
- HIV/AIDS/STI and TB (HAST), Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa.
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Canova medication modifies parasitological parameters in mice infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. Exp Parasitol 2010; 126:435-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2010.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2009] [Revised: 03/21/2010] [Accepted: 04/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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