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Indian Journal of Cancer 2014Garlic is one of the components, which have effects on reducing the risk of cancer. Including garlic in the diet helps for the betterment of the health. Medicinal... (Review)
Review
Garlic is one of the components, which have effects on reducing the risk of cancer. Including garlic in the diet helps for the betterment of the health. Medicinal effects of the garlic were known since 5,000 years. Recently, studies were carried out to known its effect on the cancer cell lines. Many studies have shown its effects not only on carcinomas, but also on the cardiovascular system and immune system. Functions of the each component of the garlic were studied to know exactly, which component has got beneficial effect. So this review has been carried out to know about the component, functions of each component, mode of action, and beneficial effects of the garlic.
Topics: Allyl Compounds; Animals; Chemoprevention; Cysteine; Diet; Dipeptides; Disulfides; Garlic; Humans; Immune System; Immunomodulation; Neoplasms; Phytotherapy; Plant Preparations; Protective Factors; Sulfides
PubMed: 26842201
DOI: 10.4103/0019-509X.175383 -
Journal of Nanobiotechnology Apr 2022As a natural product with various biological activities, triptolide (TP) has been reported in anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and anti-autoimmune studies. However, the... (Review)
Review
As a natural product with various biological activities, triptolide (TP) has been reported in anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and anti-autoimmune studies. However, the narrow therapeutic window, poor water solubility, and fast metabolism limit its wide clinical application. To reduce its adverse effects and enhance its efficacy, research and design of targeted drug delivery systems (TDDS) based on nanomaterials is one of the most viable strategies at present. This review summarizes the reports and studies of TDDS combined with TP in recent years, including passive and active targeting of drug delivery systems, and specific delivery system strategies such as polymeric micelles, solid lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, and stimulus-responsive polymer nanoparticles. The reviewed literature presented herein indicates that TDDS is a multifunctional and efficient method for the delivery of TP. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of TDDS are sorted out, aiming to provide reference for the combination of traditional Chinese medicine and advanced nano drug delivery systems (NDDS) in the future.
Topics: Diterpenes; Drug Carriers; Drug Delivery Systems; Epoxy Compounds; Liposomes; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Nanomedicine; Nanoparticles; Phenanthrenes
PubMed: 35443712
DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01389-7 -
Contraception Mar 2013A non-hormonal male contraceptive is a contraceptive that does not involve the administration of hormones or hormone blockers. This review will focus on the use of... (Review)
Review
A non-hormonal male contraceptive is a contraceptive that does not involve the administration of hormones or hormone blockers. This review will focus on the use of lonidamine derivatives and inhibitors of retinoic acid biosynthesis and function as approaches to male non-hormonal contraception. Two current lonidamine derivatives, adjudin and H2-gamendazole, are in development as male contraceptives. These potent anti-spermatogenic compounds impair the integrity of the apical ectoplasmic specialization, resulting in premature spermiation and infertility. Another approach to male contraceptive development is the inhibition of retinoic acid in the testes, as retinoic acid signaling is necessary for spermatogenesis. The administration of the retinoic acid receptor antagonist BMS-189453 reversibly inhibits spermatogenesis in mice. Similarly, oral dosing of WIN 18,446, which inhibits testicular retinoic acid biosynthesis, effectively contracepts rabbits. Hopefully, one of these approaches to non-hormonal male contraception will prove to be safe and effective in future clinical trials.
Topics: Animals; Contraception; Contraceptive Agents, Male; Diamines; Humans; Hydrazines; Indazoles; Male; Retinoids; Tretinoin
PubMed: 22995542
DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2012.08.016 -
Therapeutic Advances in Reproductive... 2023Access to reliable contraception is a pillar of modern society. The burden of unintended pregnancy has fallen disproportionately on the mother throughout human history;... (Review)
Review
Access to reliable contraception is a pillar of modern society. The burden of unintended pregnancy has fallen disproportionately on the mother throughout human history; however, recent legal developments surrounding abortion have sparked a renewed interest in male factor contraceptives beyond surgical sterilization and condoms. Modern efforts to develop reversible male birth control date back nearly a century and initially focused on altering the hypothalamic-pituitary-testes axis. These hormonal contraceptives faced multiple barriers, including systemic side effects, challenging dosing regimens, unfavorable routes of delivery, and the public stigma surrounding steroid use. Novel hormonal agents are seeking to overcome these barriers by limiting the side effects and simplifying use. Non-hormonal contraceptives are agents that target various stages of spermatogenesis; such as inhibitors of retinoic acid, Sertoli cell-germ cell interactions, sperm ion channels, and other small molecular targets. The identification of reproductive tract-specific genes associated with male infertility has led to more targeted drug development, made possible by advances in CRISPR and proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs). Despite multiple human trials, no male birth control agents have garnered regulatory approval in the United States or abroad. This narrative review examines current and emerging male contraceptives, including hormonal and non-hormonal agents.
PubMed: 36909934
DOI: 10.1177/26334941221138323 -
Asian Journal of Andrology 2018The aim of hormonal male contraception is to prevent unintended pregnancies by suppressing spermatogenesis. Hormonal male contraception is based on the principle that... (Review)
Review
The aim of hormonal male contraception is to prevent unintended pregnancies by suppressing spermatogenesis. Hormonal male contraception is based on the principle that exogenous administration of androgens and other hormones such as progestins suppress circulating gonadotropin concentrations, decreasing testicular Leydig cell and Sertoli cell activity and spermatogenesis. In order to achieve more complete suppression of circulating gonadotropins and spermatogenesis, a progestin has been added testosterone to the most recent efficacy trials of hormonal male contraceptives. This review focusses on the potential effects of male hormonal contraceptives on cardiovascular risk factors, lipids and body composition, mainly in the target group of younger to middle-aged men. Present data suggest that hormonal male contraception can be reasonably regarded as safe in terms of cardiovascular risk. However, as all trials have been relatively short (< 3 years), a final statement regarding the cardiovascular safety of hormonal male contraception, especially in long-term use, cannot be made. Older men with at high risk of cardiovascular event might not be good candidates for hormonal male contraception. The potential adverse effects of hormonal contraceptives on cardiovascular risk appear to depend greatly on the choice of the progestin in regimens for hormonal male contraceptives. In the development of prospective hormonal male contraception, data on longer-term cardiovascular safety will be essential.
Topics: Age Factors; Androgens; Antispermatogenic Agents; Cardiovascular Diseases; Contraceptive Agents, Male; Gonadotropins; Humans; Male; Progestins; Testosterone
PubMed: 29384141
DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_2_18 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jul 2017Bioactive dietary agents have been shown to regulate multiple cancer hallmark pathways. Epidemiologic studies have linked consumption of vegetables, such as garlic and... (Review)
Review
Bioactive dietary agents have been shown to regulate multiple cancer hallmark pathways. Epidemiologic studies have linked consumption of vegetables, such as garlic and onions, to decreased incidence of cancer. Diallyl trisulfide (DATS), a bioactive compound derived from vegetables, has been investigated as an anti-cancer and chemopreventive agent. Preclinical studies provide ample evidence that DATS regulates multiple cancer hallmark pathways including cell cycle, apoptosis, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. DATS has been shown to arrest cancer cells at multiple stages of the cell cycle with the G2/M arrest being the most widely reported. Additionally, increased pro-apoptotic capacity as a result of regulating intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathway components has been widely reported following DATS treatment. Invasion, migration, and angiogenesis represent emerging targets of DATS and support its anti-cancer properties. This review summarizes DATS mechanisms of action as an anti-cancer and chemopreventive agent. These studies provide rationale for future investigation into its use as a cancer chemopreventive agent.
Topics: Allium; Allyl Compounds; Animal Experimentation; Animals; Apoptosis; Biosynthetic Pathways; Cell Cycle; Cell Movement; Chemoprevention; Clinical Trials as Topic; Dietary Supplements; Hormones; Humans; Neoplasms; Plant Extracts; Signal Transduction; Sulfides; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 28788092
DOI: 10.3390/ijms18081645 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Mar 2014Vasectomy is an increasingly popular and effective family planning method. A variety of vasectomy techniques are used worldwide, including vas occlusion techniques... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Vasectomy is an increasingly popular and effective family planning method. A variety of vasectomy techniques are used worldwide, including vas occlusion techniques (excision and ligation, thermal or electrocautery, and mechanical and chemical occlusion methods), as well as vasectomy with vas irrigation or with fascial interposition. Vasectomy guidelines largely rely on information from observational studies. Ideally, the choice of vasectomy techniques should be based on the evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this review was to compare the effectiveness, safety, acceptability and costs of vasectomy techniques for male sterilization.
SEARCH METHODS
In February 2014, we updated the searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, POPLINE and LILACS. We looked for recent clinical trials in ClinicalTrials.gov and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. Previous searches also included EMBASE. For the initial review, we searched the reference lists of relevant articles and book chapters.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included RCTs comparing vasectomy techniques, which could include suture ligature, surgical clips, thermal or electrocautery, chemical occlusion, vas plugs, vas excision, open-ended vas, fascial interposition, or vas irrigation.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We assessed all titles and abstracts located in the literature searches. Two reviewers independently extracted data from articles identified for inclusion. Outcome measures include contraceptive efficacy, safety, discontinuation, and acceptability. Peto odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used for dichotomous outcomes, such as azoospermia. The mean difference (MD) was used for the continuous variable of operating time.
MAIN RESULTS
Six studies met the inclusion criteria. One trial compared vas occlusion with clips versus a conventional vasectomy technique. No difference was found in failure to reach azoospermia (no sperm detected). Three trials examined vasectomy with vas irrigation. Two studies looked at irrigation with water versus no irrigation, while one examined irrigation with water versus the spermicide euflavine. None found a difference between the groups for time to azoospermia. However, one trial reported that the median number of ejaculations to azoospermia was lower in the euflavine group compared to the water irrigation group. One high-quality trial compared vasectomy with fascial interposition versus vasectomy without fascial interposition. The fascial interposition group was less likely to have vasectomy failure. Fascial interposition had more surgical difficulties, but the groups were similar in side effects. Lastly, one trial found that an intra-vas was less likely to produce azoospermia than was no-scalpel vasectomy. More men were satisfied with the intra-vas device, however.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
For vas occlusion with clips or vasectomy with vas irrigation, no conclusions can be made as those studies were of low quality and underpowered. Fascial interposition reduced vasectomy failure. An intra-vas device was less effective in reducing sperm count than was no-scalpel vasectomy. RCTs examining other vasectomy techniques were not available. More and better quality research is needed to examine vasectomy techniques.
Topics: Aminoacridines; Humans; Male; Oligospermia; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Spermatocidal Agents; Surgical Instruments; Therapeutic Irrigation; Vas Deferens; Vasectomy
PubMed: 24683020
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003991.pub4 -
Reproduction & Fertility Jan 2022To summarize the currently available phase I and II clinical trials of the effects of nonoxynol-9 (N-9) on human sperm structure and functions. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To summarize the currently available phase I and II clinical trials of the effects of nonoxynol-9 (N-9) on human sperm structure and functions.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis aiming to evaluate the spermicidal activity of N-9 on motility, was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases by 10 March 2021. The counted numbers of progressive motile (PR) sperm in cervical mucus and the vanguard sperm penetration distances were analyzed. Other effects on sperm structures and physiological activities were reviewed as well.
RESULTS
In the pooled results, percentages or counted numbers of PR sperm decreased after the treatment of N-9. Vanguard sperm penetration distance was shortened in treated groups. N-9 has been confirmed to damage the structures of sperm, as well as other organelles like acrosome and mitochondria. The physiological activities such as generation of reactive oxygen species, superoxide dismutase activity, acrosin activity, and hemizona binding were all inhibited in the reviewed studies.
CONCLUSIONS
N-9 has several impacts on sperm owing to its potency in reducing sperm motility and cervical mucus penetration, as well as other functional competencies.
LAY SUMMARY
Nonoxynol-9 (N-9) has been used worldwide as a spermicide to kill sperm for more than 60 years but can cause side effects including vaginal irritation and can increase the rate of contraceptive failure. A detailed analysis of published literature aiming to evaluate the spermicidal activity of N-9 on sperm was carried out. In the pooled results, N-9 reduced the number of active sperm and the distance they traveled. It also caused damage to the structures of sperm and to the way the sperm acted and interacted with the egg. In conclusion, N-9 impacts on sperm in a number of ways that lead to sperm death and dysfunction.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Nonoxynol; Semen; Sperm Motility; Spermatocidal Agents; Spermatozoa
PubMed: 35350652
DOI: 10.1530/RAF-21-0024 -
Journal of Cancer Research and... Jun 2018In recent years, cancer has become the most common human disease worldwide, and great attentions have been paid to clarifying the carcinogenesis and identifying new... (Review)
Review
In recent years, cancer has become the most common human disease worldwide, and great attentions have been paid to clarifying the carcinogenesis and identifying new effective antitumor therapy. Although great progress has been made in this research field, human malignant diseases could still not be radically cured. Thunder god vine is a herbal medicine, which has proved to exert efficient antitumor activity in various human cancers such as lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colon cancer. In vivo and in vitro experiments showed that thunder god vine extract triptolide could inhibit tumor cell proliferation, cell migration, and cell invasion. Here, we overviewed the functional role of triptolide in human malignancies and its promising therapeutic potential in treating such deadly diseases.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; Diterpenes; Epoxy Compounds; Humans; Neoplasms; Phenanthrenes; Prognosis
PubMed: 29970675
DOI: 10.4103/0973-1482.235340 -
Hormones (Athens, Greece) 2015Despite the variety of available female contraceptive methods, many pregnancies (~50%) are still undesired. Many men (>60%) want to participate equally with... (Review)
Review
Despite the variety of available female contraceptive methods, many pregnancies (~50%) are still undesired. Many men (>60%) want to participate equally with their partner in family planning; however, male contraceptive methods (MCMs) account for only 14% of those used worldwide and no pharmaceutical MCM is available so far. The only two MCMs currently available are condoms, which despite protecting against sexually transmitted diseases have high failure rates (~19%), and vasectomy, which though very efficient (99%) is poorly reversible (<50%). Among MCMs under investigation, male hormonal contraceptives (MHCs) are those that have come closest to commercialization. The action of MHCs relies on the disruption of spermatogenesis that exogenous androgen administration evokes by suppressing the hypophyseal-gonadal axis. Various regimens of androgens as monotherapy or in combination with progestins have been tested in clinical trials achieving a Pearl Index <1.0 (equal to that of the female oral contraceptive pill); however, concerns regarding the variable response rates observed (non-responders: 5-20%), the impracticality of parenteral administration and long-term prostate-associated or cardiovascular morbidity have deflected the interest of the pharmaceutical industry from further research. Non-hormonal contraception methods may be, at least theoretically, more specific by selectively disrupting spermatogenesis and sperm transport or fertilizing ability. Nevertheless, only a few have been tested in clinical trials (Reversible Inhibition of Sperm Under Guidance, RISUG, and Intra Vas Plugs); most of them are still in pre-clinical development or have been abandoned due to toxicity (gossypol). Consequently, until a reliable, safe and practical MCM is developed, women will continue to bear most of the contraception burden.
Topics: Androgens; Antispermatogenic Agents; Condoms; Contraception; Drug Combinations; Female; Humans; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Male; Pregnancy; Spermatogenesis; Testis; Vasectomy
PubMed: 26732151
DOI: 10.14310/horm.2002.1623