Seminars in Integrative Medicine最新文献

Manuscript reviewers are described as the “gatekeepers of science” because they play an important role in dissemination of scientific information. Their responsibility is particularly great toward emergent fields such as integrative medicine that conduct investigations in a new research territory. In this editorial, we briefly describe several pitfalls that can impede reviewers’ impartial judgment and that appear particularly important in regard to manuscripts concerning complementary and alternative medicine and integrative medicine. We suggest that increasing reviewers’ awareness of the pitfalls can improve fairness in the peer review process. The ultimate responsibilities rest on the journal editors to ensure impartiality in the peer review process.

Psoriasis is a common skin disorder characterized by keratinocyte hyperproliferation, abnormal patterns of keratinocyte differentiation, and prominent alterations in dermal vascularization. Recent data have shown that some dietary constituents are capable of influencing cellular eicosanoid biosynthesis. Linolenic acid (18:2n−6) and gamma-linolenic acid (18:3n−6) are well known for their ability to increase tissue biosynthesis of 1-series prostaglandins, which are capable of suppressing inflammation. In addition, a preliminary study showed that administration of gamma-linolenic acid to patients with chronic joint inflammation reduced pain symptoms. This review evaluates the impact of omega-3/omega-6 essential fatty acids on the clinical and biochemical characteristics of the disease.

The author reports on his experience with integrating Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) into practice, including professional preparation, opportunities, and problems. The author provides comments on the potential benefit of CAM, proof of CAM’s value, specific CAM healing systems, getting started in CAM, and future predictions.

Tetrathiomolybdate (TM) has been developed to fill an important niche in the initial treatment of Wilson’s disease. TM is a potent, fast-acting, non-toxic anticopper agent. Copper appears to be required for activity of many angiogenic factors, which has led to the trial of TM as an antiangiogenic, anticancer drug. Positive results have been obtained in several animal tumor models, and results are encouraging in early clinical work. TM may be a more global antiangiogenic agent than most agents being developed because many angiogenic factors seem to be copper dependent in some manner. The main toxicity of TM is overtreatment bone marrow suppression. Most recently, TM has been shown to inhibit important profibrotic and proinflammatory cytokines, and preclinical status of TM therapy has been positive in lung and liver models of inflammation and fibrosis.

In this article some of the main findings of our independent expert reports on the safety and efficacy of kava (Piper methysticum) are presented, including a detailed case analysis of all reported 79 cases reports of severe hepatotoxic events supposed to be related to the intake of kava products.

St. John’s wort (SJW) is a common plant that has become popular in Europe and the US for treatment of mild-to-moderate depression. Research has shown it is effective in alleviating symptoms of depression with minimal side effects and is also useful in premenstrual syndrome. It has an excellent safety profile, although some known drug interactions. Confusion has arisen recently regarding the appropriate use of SJW and this review provides clear guidelines. General considerations for the use of herbs in mental health, as well as a useful summary, are also provided.