Pathological conditions disorders

An important practical goal in NOS research is the development of isoform-specific inhibitors (127). Diminished levels of NO contribute to chronic hypertensive diseases. In contrast, NO overproduction contributes to pathological conditions related to primary neurodegener-ative, inflammatory, and vascular disorders (5). In septic shock NOS... 

While most lipophilic and large molecules are primarily excreted by the hepatobiliary system, the kidney is the major excretory organ for many small organic and inorganic molecules, drugs and hydrophilic metabolites, maintenance of fluid balance, and bone metabolism. These functions expose the kidney to a number of clinical, physiological, and pathological conditions that may compromise renal function. Some renal disorders that necessitate clinical intervention are listed in Table 2. 

All clinically effective antipsychotics block DA receptor activity. Further, stimulation of this neurotransmitter can induce psychotic symptoms de novo or exacerbate an existing psychotic disorder. Atypical agents have differential impacts on other systems (e.g., 5-HT) in comparison with the earlier neuroleptic agents. They also selectively target specific DA tracts that may mediate the pathological condition, while sparing those tracts that mediate the unwanted adverse effects (e.g., EPS, TD). 

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a relatively uncommon but important entity characterized by paralysis of the external eye muscles, ataxia, and a confused state that can progress to coma and death. It is associated with thiamin deficiency but is rarely seen in the absence of alcoholism. Because of the importance of thiamine in this pathologic condition and the absence of toxicity associated with thiamine administration, all patients suspected of having Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (including virtually all patients who present to the emergency department with altered consciousness, seizures, or both) should receive thiamine therapy. Often, the ocular signs, ataxia, and confusion improve promptly upon administration of thiamine. However, most patients are left with a chronic disabling memory disorder known as Korsakoff s psychosis. 

In chronic insomnia, disorders of blood deficiency of the Heart and Liver and stagnation of the Qi and blood, as well as empty-heat, often exist in one syndrome. This small formula matches the pathological condition and can therefore bring an effective result in clinical practice. 

In pathologic conditions, such as FAO disorders or organic acidemias due to acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiencies, the functions of carnitine as a regulator of substrate flux and energy balance across cell membranes and as a modulator of intracellular concentrations of free CoA become crucial. In such conditions, acyl-CoAs accumulate within the mitochondrial matrix and carnitine is utilized to shuttle these compounds out of the mitochondria as acylcarnitines, providing for free CoA at the same time. 

Other Pathologies. Because of their many varied physiologic effects, the eicosanoids are involved in a number of other pathologic conditions. Prostaglandins have been implicated in cardiovascular disorders (hypertension), neoplasms (colon cancer), respiratory dysfunction (asthma), neurologic disorders (multiple... 

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis represent the two primary pathologic conditions that affect the joints and periarticular structures. Although the causes underlying these conditions are quite different from one another, both conditions can cause severe pain and deformity in various joints in the body. Likewise, pharmacologic management plays an important role in the treatment of each disorder. Because physical therapists and other rehabilitation specialists often work with patients who have rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, an understanding of the types of drugs used to treat these diseases is important. 

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