Alternative therapies in health and medicine最新文献

Background: Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the body, which adversely affects life expectancy and leads to various health issues. Conventional medical interventions involve pharmacological treatments and invasive procedures, which have risks and side effects. Recent studies have investigated the efficacy of moxibustion with other therapies for obesity management.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the metabolic effects of moxibustion on obesity using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)-based metabolomic approach.

Methods: Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups: Normal (standard diet), Control (obesity-induced without treatment), CV12 (obesity-induced with moxibustion at CV12 acupoint), and ST36 (obesity-induced with moxibustion at ST36 acupoint). The remaining two standard diet groups were presented as reference data in the supplementary materials. Following eight weeks of high-fat diet induction, moxibustion treatment was applied three times per week for an additional eight weeks, totaling 24 sessions in the CV12 and ST36 groups. Fecal metabolomic profiling was performed using GC-MS, and pathway enrichment analysis was conducted to identify metabolic alterations.

Results: Moxibustion at CV12 resulted in significant improvements in body weight and fat accumulation, whereas ST36 primarily contributed to metabolic modulation, reflecting distinct physiological impacts of each acupoint. Metabolomic analysis revealed distinct metabolic alterations, with the CV12 and ST36 groups exhibiting increased levels of ribose and xylitol, whereas the Control group showed elevated levels of 3-hydroxybutyrate and hypoxanthine. Pathway enrichment analysis reveals acupoint-specific metabolic modulations, with CV12 primarily influencing lipid and carbohydrate metabolism (via pentose phosphate and butanoate pathways), while ST36 affected amino acid metabolism (via arginine, proline, and histidine pathways).

Conclusion: These findings suggest that moxibustion exerts acupoint-dependent metabolic effects, with CV12 acupoint targeting lipid metabolism and ST36 acupoints modulating amino acid pathways. The results highlight the potential of moxibustion as a non-invasive intervention for obesity management, warranting further clinical validation.

Keywords: gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, metabolomics, moxibustion, obesity, metabolic pathway.

Background: This case study examines the effects of diindolylmethane (DIM) on lowering Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and improving hormonal balance in a 78-year-old male patient. It further considers whether the timing of hormonal changes in relation to DIM use suggests a possible causal link. The patient presented with steadily rising PSA levels and declining testosterone, raising concerns about potential prostate pathology. Given his reluctance to undergo a prostate biopsy-due to concerns about its invasiveness and potential complications-a functional medicine approach was adopted to address the hormonal imbalances contributing to his condition. The intervention included discontinuing cholesterol-lowering supplements and introducing 100 mg per day of DIM-Evail™ for three months to modulate estrogen metabolism. Over the three months, the patient's PSA dropped from 4.6 to 2.4 ng/mL, while the total and free testosterone notably increased from 436 ng/dL to 615 ng/dL. This case highlights the potential of targeted nutraceutical interventions in modulating hormone metabolism and supporting prostate health, though, as a single case, the findings warrant further validation through larger clinical studies.

Keywords: Diindolylmethane (DIM), Prostate-specific antigen reduction, aromatase inhibition therapy, estrogen metabolism modulation, testosterone restoration, prostate cancer risk biomarkers, nutraceutical intervention for elevated prostate-specific antigen.

Abstract: This case report evaluates the effectiveness of botanical oral health products in managing bacterial overgrowth and enhancing gingival and periodontal health in a 34-year-old female patient with mild-to-moderate gingivitis. The patient presented with bleeding on probing and positive pathogenic bacterial culture testing. The treatment regimen included a botanical toothpaste and oral rinse (Dentalcidin® and Dentalcidin® LS), oral probiotic, and dysbiosis protocol (Bioclear® Microbiome Detox Program). Post-treatment assessments revealed significant reductions in bleeding on probing and a marked decline in bacterial colony counts, indicating improved microbial balance. The bleeding index was reduced from 21% to 4% after six months, and from 4% to 1% during the subsequent three months using a botanical toothpaste and oral rinse. Periodontal pathogens that were present pre-treatment at high-risk levels were reduced to low-risk levels. These findings suggest that botanical oral health products can reduce bacterial overgrowth and improve periodontal parameters, offering a viable alternative to conventional therapies.

Keywords: case report, oral microbiome, biofilm, oral dysbiosis, Tannerella forsythia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, herbal (botanical) medicine.

Background: Increasing evidence suggests the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR)-based neuro-rehabilitation. However, the evidence is not well defined, specifically for progressive neurological disorders.

Primary study objective: This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of VR therapy over conventional therapy in treating progressive neurological disorders in adults.

Methods/design: The study comprises a systematic review and a meta-analysis, following the PRISMA guidelines, and was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024582827). Relevant literature was searched in electronic databases including Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Seven articles were meticulously selected after eliminating irrelevant ones based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The PEDro scale was used to assess the methodological rigor of the selected studies. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane's Risk of Bias 2 tool.

Setting: Within an academic research context, the published studies from the databases were used for this study.

Participants: No participants were directly recruited; this review included participants reported in the included studies.

Intervention: VR therapies (non-immersive or semi-immersive) were compared with conventional therapy as reported in the original studies.

Primary outcome measures: Measuring motor rehabilitation of upper or lower limbs, balance, quality of life (QoL), and adverse effects.

Results: Both groups demonstrated improvement in analyzed parameters (e.g., motor functions, balance, and QoL). No difference was found in motor function measures between groups. The QoL measures insignificantly favored the VR group, while the balance measures significantly favored conventional therapy. Moreover, VR therapy was not significantly linked with adverse effects, except for some minor reactions.

Conclusion: Non-immersive or semi-immersive VR was at least on par with conventional therapy for assessed outcome measures, except for the balance measures, which significantly favored conventional therapy.

Keywords: virtual reality, progressive neurological disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, neurological rehabilitation, systematic review, comparative effectiveness research.

Background: Dysregulated activation of macrophages through the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathway plays a central role in the pathophysiology of numerous inflammatory diseases. The immunomodulatory potential of AYUSH-64, a polyherbal formulation, has recently gained renewed interest. However, the individual contributions of its constituent botanicals, Alstonia scholaris (AS), Picrorhiza kurroa (PK), Swertia chirata (SC), and Caesalpinia crista (CC), remain poorly characterized.

Objective: To evaluate and compare the prophylactic immunomodulatory effects of AYUSH-64 and its individual plant extracts on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in THP-1-derived macrophage-like cells.

Methods: THP-1 monocytes were differentiated using phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and subsequently stimulated with LPS (100 ng/mL) to activate TLR4 signaling. Before stimulation, cells were pre-treated with AYUSH-64 or its individual extracts (AS, PK, SC, and CC) at concentrations of 30, 100, and 300 µg/mL. Dexamethasone (30 nM) was used as a positive control. Gene expression of pro-inflammatory and regulatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-10) was quantified using qRT-PCR, and cytokine secretion levels via ELISA.

Results: All treatments, including AYUSH-64 and the individual botanical extracts, were non-cytotoxic to PMA-differentiated THP-1 cells. AYUSH-64 elicited a moderate suppressive effect on TNF-α and IL-10 at both the transcriptional and protein levels, with minimal impact on IL-1β expression. In contrast, individual extracts specifically SC, PK, and CC, demonstrated more pronounced and selective inhibition of inflammatory markers. Notably, SC and PK significantly reduced IL-10 secretion, achieving effects superior to those of dexamethasone. AS showed strong downregulation of TNF-α and IL-10 gene expression, while CC induced a dose-dependent reduction in IL-10 expression and secretion.

Conclusion: Individual components of AYUSH-64, especially SC, PK, and CC, demonstrate stronger and more selective anti-inflammatory effects in vitro. They outperformed AYUSH-64 in reducing IL-10 secretion. Thus, constituent-level evaluation in polyherbal formulations is warranted, though further in vivo and clinical studies are needed to confirm their therapeutic potential.

Keywords: AYUSH-64, Alstonia scholaris, Picrorhiza kurroa, Swertia chirata, Caesalpinia crista, toll-like receptor 4, inflammation, macrophage.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak caused physical, psychological, and social problems all over the world, especially in individuals with chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus. People have sought complementary and alternative medicine methods to prevent this disease or treat its symptoms.

Primary study objective: This study aimed to evaluate the use of complementary and alternative medicine practices among diabetes patients during the pandemic.

Methods/design: The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive design. The study sample comprised patients diagnosed with diabetes who were treated at a state hospital in southern Turkey from September 2022 to October 2023. Data were collected using a questionnaire (containing three sections) form prepared by the researcher in line with the literature.

Setting/participants: Patients with diabetes mellitus, aged over 18 years, were included in the study. A total of 300 patients completed a demographic information questionnaire and a questionnaire regarding complementary and alternative medicine use. The data obtained from the study were analyzed using descriptive tests and the SPSS 22 package program.

Results: The findings revealed that 75.3% of participants were knowledgeable about complementary and alternative medicine methods, and 94.7% reported using them during the pandemic. The commonly preferred practices included drinking herbal tea (68.0%), consuming a variety of vegetables and fruits (54.3%), using probiotic products (37%), taking vitamin and nutritional supplements (23%), and engaging in prayer (65.7%). Hygiene practices mainly included using hand sanitizer and cleaning household surfaces with bleach.

Conclusion: The study's findings suggest that diabetes patients widely utilized nutritional supplements, medicinal plants, and personal hygiene products during the Coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak. Towards this end, healthcare professionals must educate patients on the correct and effective use of complementary and alternative medicine methods and hygiene products to ensure their safety and well-being.

Keywords: coronavirus disease 2019, diabetes mellitus, complementary and alternative medicine, nursing, prevention.

Background: Electrical devices around us are sources of electromagnetic fields (EMF). The EMR induces the formation of free radicals, leading to oxidative damage in various tissues, with the kidney being highly sensitive to oxidative damage.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the physiopathological effects of 2600 MHz EMF on the kidney tissue of rats and DNA damage in blood tissue. Quercetin (Qu) was administered as an antioxidant to reduce these effects.

Methods: Male Wistar-Albino rats were divided into four groups, with each containing 8 rats. Group 1 (control group), Group 2 (sham group), Group 3 (EMF group), and Group 4 (EMF + Qu). From the animals sacrificed on the end of the 30th day, kidney tissues were taken for physiopathological examination. Additionally, blood samples were collected for DNA damage analysis by the Comet assay method.

Results: Histopathological examination of the kidney tissue revealed tubular dilatation damage at a low level in all groups. The immunohistochemical evaluation gave similar results in all groups. There was no significant change in malondialdehyde, catalase, and superoxide dismutase levels. Additionally, in the EMF group, DNA damage was observed in the lymphocytes (P = .007, <.05).

Conclusion: It was rationalized that 2600 MHz EMF exposure did not cause any significant damage to the kidney tissue. However, it caused remarkable DNA damage in blood tissue.

Keywords: 2600 MHz, kidney, mobile phone, quercetin, rat.

Background: Adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder, is a painful and gradual loss of active and passive shoulder motion caused by fibrosis and contracture of the joint capsule. The Niel-Asher technique is a hands-on manual therapy used to treat adhesive capsulitis, while the Spencer technique focuses on mobilizing the glenohumeral and scapulothoracic joints.

Objective: The study aims to compare the effect of the Niel-Asher and Spencer techniques on frozen shoulder.

Method: A randomized clinical trial on 36 participants with frozen shoulder compared the Niel Asher technique (Group A) and the Spencer technique (Group B). Both groups underwent 10 sessions over 2 weeks, along with a hot moist pack and conventional therapy. Outcomes, including Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS),and Shoulder Range of Motion (ROM), were assessed at baseline and post-treatment after 2 weeks, to evaluate pain and functional abilities.

Results: The results showed significant improvement within the groups across all measured variables, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Range of Motion (ROM) (P < .001). Group A and Group B showed greater improvement in pain intensity, decreased shoulder disability, and increased range of motion. No significant differences were found between groups for the outcome measures. Group B had a slightly better clinical response, as evidenced by larger effect sizes (Cohen's d).

Conclusion: Both the Niel-Asher and Spencer techniques are equally effective in improving pain, shoulder range, and functional disabilities, with no statistical difference between them (P ≥ .05).However, the Spencer technique is clinically more effective than the Niel-Asher technique in subjects with frozen shoulder.

Keywords: frozen shoulder, Spencer technique, Niel-Asher Technique, adhesive capsulitis, glenohumeral joint.

Introduction: Abdominal surgery is the most common cause of gastrointestinal disorders due to the formation of adhesions in the visceral structures. Few studies have been done in rat models, which revealed that visceral mobilization can effectively prevent adhesion; however, no study has been done on human subjects. The current study was done to provide evidence for future research in this aspect of manual therapy. The objective of the case study was to identify the effectiveness of visceral mobilizations in preventing adhesive bowel disorder.

Case presentation: A 23-year-old male with a height of 164 cm and a weight of 50 kg was admitted to the hospital due to an Enterocutaneous fistula, and surgical correction of ileal perforation was done. The patient underwent abdominal surgery with mesh placement and visceral mobilization post-surgery to reduce the adhesion-related complications.

Clinical discussion: The subsequent development of adherent bowel loops at the umbilical level, accompanied by subcutaneous stranding, indicates significant post-surgical adhesion formation leading to exaggerated gastrointestinal dysfunction. The patient underwent visceral mobilization treatment of the abdomen, followed by breathing exercises from day 1 to day 6 postoperatively. The patient reported notable improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms and constipation, and mild improvement in the quality of life, post-treatment. Follow-up showed significant improvement in Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), Constipation Assessment Scale (CAS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) scores.

Conclusion: Visceral mobilization notably improved the gastrointestinal and constipation-related symptoms in early operative days as well as in long-term follow-up, along with improvement of health-related quality of life.

Keywords: abdominal surgery, visceral mobilization, quality of life, case report, enterocutaneous fistula, abdominal adhesions, post-operative rehabilitation, gastrointestinal dysfunction.

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the metabolic conditions that contribute to chronic liver illnesses, and about 25% of the world's general population is estimated to be affected with this condition. If it is not effectively delayed or reversed, 20% of the patients may develop cirrhosis or carcinoma of the liver or both. Despite the high prevalence and severity associated with NAFLD, there is a lack of efficient diagnosis and treatment.

Objective: This study aimed to perform a thorough and systematic assessment of NAFLD and its status quo, ongoing and published research studies on different traditional medicinal systems in India, viz. Unani, Ayurveda, and Siddha for NAFLD management, and to explore the potentials and possible avenues for managing NAFLD.

Method: This review systematically searched databases, viz. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, AYUSH portals, Clinical trial registry-India, and a few classical Unani texts to identify evidence on NAFLD and its herbal management in Unani, Ayurveda, and Siddha. After screening, 58 key studies and 12 clinical trials were synthesized, comparing traditional concepts with modern diagnostics and highlighting therapeutic insights.

Results: There are several herbal drugs and Indian traditional formulations that can be used to prevent and reverse NAFLD. Herbal extracts and natural products are currently the subject of an increasing number of research studies, many of which have been found effective with appreciable benefits against NAFLD.

Conclusion: Herbal remedies comprise a promising class of prospective medications for the treatment of NAFLD.

Keywords: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, quantitative ultrasonography, herbal medicine, Unani medicine, narrative review.