International Journal of Clinical Pharmaceutics and Public Health

Biological Roles of Phagoptosis in Neurological Issues, Cancer, and Aging

Al-Baraa Akram El-Sayed, Asmaa Radwan — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Inflammation can enable phagocytes to kill, despite their often restricted capacity to phagocytose live cells. Numerous phagocytic machinery components are upregulated by inflammation, which can result in increased opsonin release and expression, as well as improved phagocytic receptor activation and expression. Inflammatory signals are required to induce the intracellular activation of integrin-mediated phagocytic receptors, such as CR3 and the vitronectin receptor. Receptor desialylation may outside-in activate CR3, MERTK, and TREM2. By eliminating inhibitory SIGLEC signals, phagocyte desialylation may also start phagocytosis. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and related inflammatory disorders are defined by the engulfment of viable B cells, T cells, and myeloid cells by macrophages that have been activated through inflammatory signaling pathways.

To support the normal development of various organs, macrophages phagocytize cells undergoing "programmed cell senescence," a developmental pause in cell proliferation. In both the embryonic and adult brains, microglia regulate the number of neurons by phagocytosing neuronal precursor cells and newly formed neurons.

Microglial phagocytosis of viable neurons represents a key mechanism of neuronal loss, whereby stressed, damaged, or excess neurons are selectively eliminated. Given the restricted capacity for neurogenesis in the adult brain, neuronal elimination through phagocytosis can be detrimental. Blocking phagocytosis decreases neuronal loss in animal models of stroke, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, retinal degeneration, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. This suggests that microglial engulfment of viable neurons plays a role in the development of neurological disorders.

Residual Hypothyroid Symptoms Despite Normal TSH: Association with Free T3

Mahmoud Younis — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

Background: Most hypothyroid patients on levothyroxine (LT4) achieve normal TSH levels, yet some experience persistent symptoms despite biochemical euthyroidism.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between residual hypothyroid symptoms, TSH levels within normal range, and free triiodothyronine (fT3) in LT4-treated patients.

Methods: Retrospective case series of primary hypothyroidism patients on stable LT4 with normal-range TSH but persistent symptoms. Patients were stratified by low-normal versus high-normal TSH. Symptom severity was assessed via questionnaire and compared with TSH, free T4, and fT3 levels.

Results: Patients with low-normal TSH had fewer symptoms and significantly higher fT3 levels than those with high-normal TSH. Symptomatic patients had lower fT3 than asymptomatic patients (2.87 vs. 3.21 pg/mL, p<0.001). Logistic regression showed low-normal TSH and elevated fT3 predicted symptom resolution.

Conclusion: Persistent hypothyroid symptoms in LT4-treated patients may result from relatively lower fT3 and high-normal TSH levels. Targeting low-normal TSH with fT3 monitoring may improve outcomes. Large-scale prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and optimize treatment strategies.

Awareness and Preventive Practices Toward Asthma Among Rural Populations: Implications for Delayed Diagnosis and Management

Junade Hamid, Nadeem Rashid — Thu, 25 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory respiratory disorder that continues to pose a major public health challenge, particularly in underserved rural regions. Despite advancements in asthma diagnosis and treatment globally, rural communities often experience limited access to healthcare, poor awareness, and inadequate preventive practices, resulting in delayed disease recognition and suboptimal management. This descriptive cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the level of asthma awareness, preventive practices, and healthcare accessibility among rural adults aged 18 years and above. Data will be collected through structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, and health-facility assessment checklists. Anticipated outcomes include low awareness of asthma symptoms and triggers, poor utilization of preventive measures, reliance on home-based remedies, and significant delays in diagnosis and treatment-seeking behavior. Findings are expected to emphasize the urgent requirement for structured community-based asthma education, capacity-building of primary healthcare workers, and nurse-led interventions to improve early identification and management of asthma in rural settings. Strengthening awareness and access to essential respiratory services may substantially reduce morbidity, prevent severe exacerbations, and enhance quality of life among rural residents.

Advances in Psoriasis Management: From Immunopathogenesis to Targeted Therapies

Hemlata, Nutan Sharma, Aditya Kumar, Amanjeet Singh, Akriti — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The autoimmune disorder psoriasis is a continual, mediated by antibodies, cutaneous ailment that drastically compromises the way we live and poses a major global health burden. Affecting at least 3% of the globe's inhabitants the condition is characterized by amplification of keratin cells and systemic inflammation driven by dysregulated immune pathways. Key pathogenic mechanisms lead to the triggering of lymphocytes cells (T-lymphocytes) and accessory cells (APCs/DCs), which triggers secretion of inflammatory mediators, notably TNF-α, IL-17 and 22, which perpetuate epidermal hyperplasia. Genetic predisposition, particularly HLA-Cw6 and IL23R variants, in conjunction with stressors from the surroundings these ailments, anxiety, and distress, encourages diseases initialization and progression. Epidemiological data reveal significant range in incidence, from about 0.5 percent in the Asia to 8% in particular regions of the EU, with commencement generally occurring between the aforementioned ages of 15 and 30. The screening process is predominantly clinical, relying on distinctive erythematous plaques featuring silvery scales along with alterations in the nails, corroborated by assessments like the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). Topical medications for mild cases, systemic immunosuppressants, biologics that target the TNF-α and interleukin pathways, and newly developed small-molecule inhibitors like deucravacitinib (TYK2 inhibitor) and apremilast (PDE4 inhibitor) are the current therapy approaches. Despite therapeutic advances, psoriasis remains incurable, underscoring the need for continued research into novel targets and personalized treatment approaches.

From Plant to Nanoparticle: Boosting Anti-inflammatory Activity of Natural Phytochemicals

Madhu Kushwaha, Pankaj Tiwari — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Compounds extracted from plants are well-known for their capabilities as anti-inflammatory agents. Extensive research has demonstrated the benefits of raw plant extracts, isolated molecules, and their metallic or metal oxide nanoparticles (M/MONPs) in reducing inflammation. This article offers a thorough overview of existing studies on plant-based compounds and their nanoparticle forms used as inflammation fighters, drawn from multiple investigations. Various compounds like flavonoids, terpenoids, polyphenols, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, anthraquinones, essential oil components, and their corresponding M/MONPs have been extracted from around 50 different healing plants to address inflammatory issues. These natural substances from plants display strong anti-inflammatory effects that may help with inflammation affecting the skin, liver, heart and blood vessels, joints, digestive system, brain and nerves, and respiratory system. Furthermore, a concise outline of how these compounds and their M/MONPs produce anti-inflammatory results is included. Studies into plant chemistry, M/MONPs, and the inflammation-reducing qualities of plant compounds have paved the way for new, safer treatments with reduced adverse reactions. Thus, this summary could inspire scientists to delve deeper into natural plant products and their nanoparticles for the management of diverse medical conditions.