Treatment Of Chronic Non-communicable Diseases Research Articles

Amazonian Fruits Antioxidant Capsules: Quality Control and Stability

The productive diversification in the Amazonian region is favored by the abundance and availability of its natural products and, biotechnology has stood out as an alternative in the innovative process of quality control and sustainable economic development. Based on this, one expects that bioproducts from this biome might favor the treatment of noncommunicable chronic diseases. The methods to be used for controlling the quality of the bioactive and microbiological compounds being encapsulated are operations necessary to guarantee the safety in the treatment with Amazon fruits consumed by individuals. Ascorbic acids and phenolic compounds analyses were carried out through HPLC and spectrometry, respectively. The present study has also ascertained the formulation to bear free radical scavenging activity in the DPPH tests. Thus, the methods used for controlling the quality of n.00 capsules and the Amazonian fruits formulation’s bioactive content corresponded to the specifications included in the American Pharmacopoeia. Therefore, the differentiated quality control due to the large-scale production and the quantity of bioactive compounds originating from more than one Amazonian fruit points to the pharmaceutical specialties according to the international standards of quality of the health benefits to be made available to the society with the desired therapeutic effect, and characteristics appropriate for oral administration. The manipulated capsules were stored at 5 oC and the bioactive compounds stability was considered satisfactory in the preservation of their assets for 5 months with the produced capsules quality control guaranteed.

Free dietary advice via the Internet as a tool for prevention and treatment of chronic non-communicable diseases - preliminary reports

AbstractIntroductionCurrently, there are no dietary consultations in the health service in Poland, that is why free access to the dietician is often difficult. The use of modern teleinformation technologies in medicine, creates unprecedented possibilities of providing medical services. Therefore, as part of the National Health Program financed by the Ministry of Health, the first digital platform was established in Poland - the Online Diet Center, where everyone with access to the Internet can use the advice of a professional dietitian free of charge.The aim of the study was to obtain information on the characteristics of patients reporting online consultations and identifying their needs.Materials and methodsThe study was conducted among the patients of the Online Diet Center during the 12 months of running a diet counseling (December 2017-December 2018) using the authorial questionnaire that each patient completed after creating an account on the online counseling platform before and after the advice (satisfaction survey). Each advice lasted 30 minutes and was conducted by a trained dietitian.ResultsThe number of patients who created an account on the Dietetic Online Center platform was 10,850, of which 23% were men and 77% women. Most often it was used by residents of large cities (including Warsaw, Krakow, Katowice, Wrocław, Poznań, Gdańsk, Łódz´). Almost 2% of patients were also Poles living abroad (Denmark, Australia, Great Britain, Ireland, Germany, Norway, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Brazil). Almost 1/3 of all registered patients after one consultation had another consultation with a dietitian. The most common disease was obesity (17%). Patients also declare hypothyroidism (15%), hypertension (13%), food allergy or intolerance (6.8%), eating disorders (5.6%) and depression (5%). Only 10% of patients were people who did not report any diseases. Only less than 1% of patients were not satisfied with such a consultation system, explaining that the information provided by the dietician was not useful. The duration of the advice was sufficient for patients.DiscussionA large group of patients who apply to the Online Diet Center were women, which is consistent with the general trend in the area of dietary services. Due to the low frequency of using online dietary advice in small towns, in year 2019 a promotional campaign will be addressed to these places. The low percentage of dissatisfied patients and the willingness to make further advices, testifies to the success of platform of online dietary counseling and the legitimacy of its further development.

From End Treatment to Source Prevention: Socio-Ecological Approaches to Promote Research on the Environment and Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases with Special Reference to China.

Globally, the pandemic of non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) has become a critical public health problem. Although NCD prevention has been shifting from individual behavioral interventions to broad environmental interventions, it is still necessary to promote research on the environment and NCDs as a whole. Therefore, this conceptual paper aimed to develop a general and novel framework to advance this line of research. The framework uses socio-ecological approaches that emphasize source prevention rather than the end treatment. Specifically, this framework comprehensively covered integrative research approaches, prioritized areas, urgent efforts, innovative methodologies, and improved funding. The framework used China as a typical context, where its public health policies, similar to other nations, still focus on the end treatment of NCDs, placing emphasis on biomedical approaches and technologies. China’s relevant efforts may furnish new insights and approaches concerning NCD prevention, and these efforts may benefit the improvement of global health and well-being. Such social-ecological research efforts can help to accelerate a shift from existing individual interventions to environmental interventions, thereby ultimately achieving the effective source prevention of NCDs in China and around the globe.

Including Lifestyle Medicine in Medical Education: Rationale for American College of Preventive Medicine/American Medical Association Resolution 959

Introduced by the American College of Preventive Medicine and released by the American Medical Association House of Delegates in 2017, Resolution 959 (I-17) supports policies and mechanisms that incentivize and/or provide funding for the inclusion of lifestyle medicine education and social determinants of health in undergraduate, graduate and continuing medical education. Resolution 959 was passed to help address the current healthcare costs of lifestyle-related, noncommunicable chronic diseases that exert a devastating economic burden on the U.S. healthcare system. Approximately 86% of $2.9 trillion is spent annually on obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers, with very poor return on investment for health outcomes. Lifestyle medicine provides an evidence-based solution to the noncommunicable chronic disease epidemic; however, medical education in lifestyle medicine is minimal to nonexistent. This paper provides the case for healthcare innovation to include lifestyle medicine in the prevention and treatment of noncommunicable chronic diseases. Our medical education system recommendation is to provide lifestyle medicine training for prevention and treatment of noncommunicable chronic diseases. Exemplar lifestyle medicine schools are showcased and guidance for reform is highlighted that can be used to aid lifestyle medicine integration across the medical school education continuum. With a transformation of curriculum and development of new policies to support a focus on lifestyle medicine education in medical education across the continuum, a new healthcare model could be successful against noncommunicable chronic diseases and U.S. citizen wellness could become a reality.

Anticancer Activity of Pancha Paasana Chendhuram on MCF-7 Cells

Introduction: Siddha system of medicine is one of the ancient Indian medical systems that is popularly known for the management and treatment of chronic noncommunicable diseases. Herbs and minerals constitute the major part of Siddha medicines. Herbs, herbal extracts, and minerals are commonly used to treat various malignancies. Pancha Paasana Chendhuram (PPC) is a herbo-mineral formulation used to treat different types of cancers in Siddha practice. Methods: In the present study, we investigated the in vitro antioxidant and anticancer activities of PPC against breast cancer cells (MCF-7). Results: PPC showed moderate antioxidant effects; it also showed a dose-dependent inhibition of MCF-7 cell proliferation, with an IC50 (half maximal inhibitory concentration) of 59.26 mg/mL and nuclear damage in cancer cells. PPC upregulated Bax and Bcl2 and downregulated p53 mRNA (messenger Ribonucleic acid) expression in MCF-7 cells. Conclusion: These results suggest that PPC may be an interesting candidate for further studies in treating breast cancer.

O programa farmácia popular: alcance e limites como alternativa de acesso a medicamentos essenciais

Tendo como premissa que o Estado brasileiro reconhece o direito à saúde como uma das garantias de cidadania, o presente artigo analisa o Programa Farmácia Popular do Brasil, implantado em 2004, como política pública de acesso a medicamentos. Avaliou-se o programa com base em pesquisa documental, bibliográfica e entrevistas com atores-chave, para identificar seus alcances e limites. Ao objetivar a distribuição de medicamentos essenciais para o tratamento de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis, o programa apresentou algumas vantagens na eficiência logística, garantindo a disponibilidade de medicamentos, facilidade de acesso às farmácias conveniadas, mas denotou que os usuários do sistema público de saúde, que deveriam estar utilizando a assistência farmacêutica pública convencional, que distribui gratuitamente remédios à população, necessitavam de outra forma de atendimento, por causa das deficiências nessa assistência pública. Embora o programa tenha sido considerado importante como alternativa, foram sugeridas melhorias operacionais e estratégicas para que este se torne mais efetivo no acesso aos remédios pela população brasileira.

Physical activity as prevention and treatment resource of chronic diseases in the syllabus of Medicine and Sport Sciences at Spanish universities

Currently, there is scientific evidence about the benefits of physical exercise over human health. The aim of this study was to review the curricula of Medicine and Sport Sciences at Spanish universities, specifically regarding the contents related to physical exercise in the promotion, prevention and treatment of non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs). In a systematic way, all syllabus, programs and contents of the different subjects were reviewed for all Spanish universities which offer the Bachelors of Medicine and Sport Sciences. Total, compulsory and optional European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) were analyzed and added for each university. Practicum and Bachelor thesis were not considered. In the mean, Medicine studies dedicate 3.62% (2.38% mandatory and 1.20% optional) of the total 360 ECTS to these contents. In Sport Sciences studies, of the total 240 ECTS, 17.78% (9.87% mandatory and 7.92% optional) were identified as related to these areas of knowledge. Contents ranged from 36 to 4.5 ECTS in Medicine and from 48 to 28 ECTS in Sport Sciences. There is a great disparity between universities for both degrees among Spanish universities. Contents related to the efficient use of physical exercise for the prevention and treatment of non-communicable chronic diseases are scarce, especially in Medicine. Results indicate the need of increasing these contents in undergraduate studies and/or include them in Master or other programs.

Nutrimetabolomics: An Update on Analytical Approaches to Investigate the Role of Plant-Based Foods and Their Bioactive Compounds in Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases.

Metabolomics is the study of low-weight molecules present in biological samples such as biofluids, tissue/cellular extracts, and culture media. Metabolomics research is increasing, and at the moment, it has several applications in the food science and nutrition fields. In the present review, we provide an update about the most frequently used methodologies and metabolomic platforms in these areas. Also, we discuss different metabolomic strategies regarding the discovery of new bioactive compounds (BACs) in plant-based foods. Furthermore, we review the existing literature related to the use of metabolomics to investigate the potential protective role of BACs in the prevention and treatment of non-communicable chronic diseases, namely cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.

FNDC5/irisin, a molecular target for boosting reward-related learning and motivation

Interventions focusing on the prevention and treatment of chronic non-communicable diseases are on rise. In the current article, we propose that dysfunction of the mesocortico-limbic reward system contributes to the emergence of the WHO-identified risk behaviors (tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and harmful use of alcohol), behaviors that underlie the evolution of major non-communicable diseases (e.g. cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases). Given that dopaminergic neurons of the mesocortico-limbic system are tightly associated with reward-related processes and motivation, their dysfunction may fundamentally influence behavior. While nicotine and alcohol alter dopamine neuron function by influencing some receptors, mesocortico-limbic system dysfunction was associated with elevation of metabolic set-point leading to hedonic over-eating. Although there is some empirical evidence, precise molecular mechanism for linking physical inactivity and mesocortico-limbic dysfunction per se seems to be missing; identification of which may contribute to higher success rates for interventions targeting lifestyle changes pertaining to physical activity.In the current article, we compile evidence in support of a link between exercise and the mesocortico-limbic system by elucidating interactions on the axis of muscle – irisin – brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) – and dopaminergic function of the midbrain. Irisin is a contraction-regulated myokine formed primarily in skeletal muscle but also in the brain. Irisin stirred considerable interest, when its ability to induce browning of white adipose tissue parallel to increasing thermogenesis was discovered. Furthermore, it may also play a role in the regulation of behavior given it readily enters the central nervous system, where it induces BDNF expression in several brain areas linked to reward processing, e.g. the ventral tegmental area and the hippocampus. BDNF is a neurotropic factor that increases neuronal dopamine content, modulates dopamine release relevant for neuronal plasticity and increased neuronal survival as well as learning and memory. Further linking BDNF to dopaminergic function is BDNF’s ability to activate tropomyosin-related kinase B receptor that shares signalization with presynaptic dopamine-3 receptors in the ventral tegmental area.Summarizing, we propose that the skeletal muscle derived irisin may be the link between physical activity and reward-related processes and motivation. Moreover alteration of this axis may contribute to sedentary lifestyle and subsequent non-communicable diseases. Preclinical and clinical experimental models to test this hypothesis are also proposed.

Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases: Winning on Facts but Losing on Passion

—For the past ten years, there has been an extensive analytical effort attempting to convince policy makers to invest in the prevention and treatment of non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) in low- and middle-income countries. From an analytical perspective, it has been an impressive decade of data gathering and presentations culminating in the United Nations high-level meeting on NCDs in September 2011. On the other hand, funding for NCDs has remained at very low levels compared to the burden of disease associated with NCDs. An important question, therefore, becomes why has all this important analytical work so far been unable to generate significantly more additional funding for NCDs? There are many possible explanations for the lack of appreciable additional funding, but perhaps the most important reason is a lack of passion or grass roots advocacy for preventing and treating NCDs by the general public. Until the politicians and policy makers see some urgency from the general public, the funding situation is unlikely to fundamentally change. However, there are many different actions that can be taken by researchers and funders while the funding levels remain low. In addition, many highly cost effective programs should be highlighted.

Lentil’s (Lens Culinaris L.) Functional Properties in Prevention and Treatment of Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases: A Review

Background: using functional food in diet planning and diet therapy is one of the newest approaches in prevention and treatment of non-communicable chronic diseases. Lentil has many bioactive and functional compounds and we have reviewed the influence of lentil in prevention and treatment of chronic diseases in this review study. Materials and methods: In order to do search about mentioned objective key words including Lentils (Lens culinarisL.), functional foods, bioactive peptides, nutritional value, health polyphenol in combination with glycemic index (GI), insulin resistance, diabetes, cancer and hypertension, the sources in PubMed database were examined in the years between1986-2013. Key words such as lentils (Lens culinarisL.), functional foods, bioactive peptides, nutritional value, diabetes, cancer and hypertension were studied with access to Persian sources of Scientific Information Database (SID). Cell studies, animal models, clinical studies and review articles were used with favorable quality. Results: Lentils are rich sources of fibers, resistant starches, prebiotic compounds, phytochemicals, proteins and bioactive peptides, phenolic acids and antioxidants. Lentil has the highest total antioxidant capacity among other foods including apples, dates, raspberries, cherries, figs, oranges, garlic, cabbage and peanuts. High content of fibers and other phytochemicals are found in lentils that could improve glycemic response in diabetic patients, lipid and lipoprotein metabolism and weight management. Lentils may have favorable effects in prevention of diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) prevalence. Conclusion: Increased dietary intake of lentils is considered as an important key in prevention and treatment of chronic diseases, especially type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular and cancer diseases.

Online CKD education program for health-care professionals

Online learning has become an increasingly popular approach to medical education. We describe the first E-learning Diploma to be offered to primary health-care professionals in Mexico that provides comprehensive training in the detection and treatment of chronic non-communicable diseases. The Diploma is divided into five consecutive modules. Each module includes workshops, case discussions, and selected readings that include elements of integrated prevention and early detection, changes in lifestyle, clinical care, and adequate use of technology. Between 1 March 2010 and February 2011, 844 students from eight states were enrolled. Three hundred sixty-two students were accredited from the course, with an average score of 9.6 out of 10; 19% of the students scored 10. The main reasons for not finishing the course were poor compliance and lack of motivation. The E-Learning Diploma offers a valuable educational tool for training health-care professionals in the detection and treatment of chronic kidney disease and other chronic non-communicable diseases.

Herbal medicine commonly used against non-communicable diseases in the tropical island of Mauritius

Indigenous Mauritians from diverse cultures use herbal medicines (HMs) against various diseases. Nonetheless, currently there is no updated ethnobotanical documentation concerning the HMs being used for the treatment of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, cardiovascular, hypertension and gastrointestinal diseases (to mention a few). The study was therefore geared towards identifying different HMs frequently used by Mauritians, and to establish association(s), if any, with common demographic factors. Demographic characteristics of participants (n=334), different HMs used against NCDs, information concerning specific plants (vernacular names, utilised parts, preparation methods and side effects) were recorded systematically via a standardised questionnaire. The relative importance values of the plant species were determined via quantitative ethnobotanical indices such as informant consensus factor (FIC), use value (UV) and fidelity level (FL). Significant associations were found between age, educational level, income group and the use of natural remedies (p<0.01). Thirty medicinal plants species belonging to 22 families were recorded with Asteraceae, Fabaceae and Rutaceae being the most used species. Leaves (51%) were the most frequently used plant parts and decoction (46.1%) was the most common method of preparation. Based on UV, Azadirachta indica, Pimpinella anisum L. and Momordica charantia were among the most used plants. Adverse effects like hypertension and gastrointestinal toxicity were also reported with the use of some plant species. In conclusion, therapeutic properties of some HMs correlated to some extent with that of previous studies while others have open potential perspectives for further research as their chemistry and pharmacology have not been published.

Atividade física para prevenção e tratamento das doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e da incapacidade funcional

A atividade física pode ser efetivar tanto na atenção primária quanto secundária e terciária da saúde. Os objetivos do artigo são analisar a associação entre atividade física e prevenção ou tratamento das doenças crônicas não-transmissíveis e incapacidade funcional e rever os principais mecanismos biológicos responsáveis por essa associação e as recomendações atuais para a prática de exercícios nessas situações. Diversos estudos epidemiológicos mostram associação entre aumento dos níveis de atividade física e redução da mortalidade geral e por doenças cardiovasculares em indivíduos adultos e idosos. Embora ainda não estejam totalmente compreendidos, os mecanismos que ligam a atividade física à prevenção e ao tratamento de doenças e incapacidade funcional envolvem principalmente a redução da adiposidade corporal, a queda da pressão arterial, a melhora do perfil lipídico e da sensibilidade à insulina, o aumento do gasto energético, da massa e força muscular, da capacidade cardiorrespiratória, da flexibilidade e do equilíbrio. No entanto, a quantidade e qualidade dos exercícios necessários para a prevenção de agravos à saúde podem ser diferentes daquelas para melhorar o condicionamento físico. De forma geral, os consensos para a prática de exercícios preventivos ou terapêuticos contemplam atividades aeróbias e resistidas, preferencialmente somadas às atividades físicas do cotidiano. Particularmente para os idosos ou adultos, com co-morbidades ou limitações que afetem a capacidade de realizar atividades físicas, os consensos preconizam, além dessas atividades, a inclusão de exercícios para o desenvolvimento da flexibilidade e do equilíbrio.