NEWS REPORT RESEARCH MEIDCINE AWARENESS

MEDIUNITE THE JOURNAL’S VITAL MAGAZINE

ISSUE N.6. THE MEDIUNITE JOURNAL VITAL MAGASINE. MARCH 2024

MEDICAL
AWARENESS, HOW
WE’RE CHANGING
GLOBAL WELLBEING
Pg 2. Alzheimer's Brain Changes,
Read the article on Pathophysiology
for Alzheimer's disease
Pg 4. Nerve Cell Vulnerability?
Read the article on RSV’s Impact
Pg 5. What’s the Rationale? Read
the article on PPIs in H. pylori
treatment
Pg 7. Feed Your Gut, Feed Your
Mind, Read the article on gut health
Pg 8. What is the battle against
antibiotics? Read the article on
antiobiotic immunity
Pg 9. Radiant Skin or Dire
Consequences? Read the article on
Retinol’s Dermatological Useage
Pg 11. Should We Be Worried?
Read the article on pharmaceuticals

GET TO KNOW THE LATEST, RELEVANT, AND

VITAL MEDICAL-RELATED INSIGHTS IN THE
GLOBAL WORLD
Have content to submit? contact us at
[email protected]
MEDIUNITEJOURNAL.CA
ISSUE N.6
A Kamran Shukoor and Ibrahim Tariq Initiative
 MEDIUNITE JOURNAL MONTHLY MAGASINE

UNRAVELING THE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
By Olivia Kim
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative Naturally, aggregation of Tau proteins leads to
disease that largely affects older adults. AD is axonal dysfunction and cell death over a long
the most common form of dementia, a form of period of time. Diseases that are caused, or
memory and cognitive loss, in the world (1). partially caused by Tau protein misfolding, are
Symptoms patients typically experience categorized as taupathic. Early research
include: impairments in cognitive ability such suggested that NFT themselves cause
as language, long-term and short-term memory neurotoxicity and result in atrophy of the
loss, personality changes including increased cortex, however, current research suggests
aggression and irritability. that NFT may be the result of the brain trying
to protect itself from a different soluble
Understanding the pathophysiology of AD is neurotoxic form of Tau.
integral in developing effective treatments and
prevention methods for those who are at a high One reason for the change in hypothesis is that
risk for developing AD later on in life or those NFT occur in the brain in individuals who
who suffer from the disease. Based on previous never develop AD later on in life. More
and ongoing research, the two main research is needed on the exact mechanisms
pathological signs in AD patients are Beta- behind Tau pathology that leads to AD. Despite
Amyloid plaques (AB) and neurofibrillary the uncertainty on the details of NFT’s
tangles (NFT) which lead to brain atrophy, involvement, the field still agrees that NFT is
producing the various symptoms associated an integral part of AD pathophysiology because
with AD. of their constant, heightened presence in AD
patients (1). AB are extracellular protein
Tau proteins are microtubule associated aggregates produced by improper cleavage of
proteins in neuronal cells (4). In other words, amyloid precursor proteins (1).
Tau proteins participate in the structure of
neurons. Specifically, in the structure of
microtubules in axons. Axons are the part of the
neuron responsible for transmitting any action
potentials that are initiated at the axon hillock
towards the axon terminal where
neurotransmitters are released. In several
neurodegenerative diseases, including AD,
these Tau proteins are hyperphosphorylated
which causes them to aggregate and form
structures known as NFT.

MEDIUNITE.CA ISSUE N.6

 MEDIUNITE JOURNAL MONTHLY MAGASINE

When improperly cleaved protein fragments

clump together, they precipitate together
into a clump outside of the cell. AB are
associated with a cell state called oxidative
stress (OS) (3). OS is a state in which a cell
experiences accumulation of reactive oxygen
species due to an inability to produce
antioxidants or a deficiency in antioxidants
(2). OS is extremely harmful to the cell and
will often result in cell death and
mitochondrial dysfunction. AB have been
proven to cause OS in the mitochondria in
vitro and in vivo which causes cell death and
brain atrophy. Although the exact
mechanism behind the link between AB and
OS is not fully known, AB does increase OS in
neurons which trigger further OS and
produce more AB in a cycle (1). Both OS and
AB also enhance the hyperphosphorylation of
Tau proteins producing increased levels of
NFTs which contribute to cell death.

Further research into developing potential

therapeutics targeting AB appears to be a
fruitful approach based on the evidence for
AB’s role in producing cell death through
mitochondrial OS in neurons. AD is a highly
prevalent form of dementia amongst older
individuals. Evidence from decades of References

research points to NFTs and AB as the two 1. Perspective chapter: Alzheimer - A complex genetic
key pathological players in the development background. (2021, December 28). IntechOpen - Open Science
Open Minds | IntechOpen.
of AD by impairing neuron function and https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/79831
2. Real-time imaging of mitochondrial redox reveals increased
synapses which cause extensive cell death. mitochondrial oxidative stress associated with amyloid β
With enough neuronal death, the cortex aggregates in vivo in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease.
(2024, January 18). BioMed Central.
starts to atrophy which leads to impairments 3. PubMed. (n.d.). Imaging beta amyloid aggregation and iron
in functions the atrophic area is involved in. accumulation in Alzheimer's disease using quantitative
susceptibility mapping MRI.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30739060/
Current research is focused on discovering 4. https://molecularneurodegeneration.biomedcentral.com/article
s/10.1186/s13024-024-00702-2
the mechanisms that link NFTs and AB with 5. Wang, Y. (2016). Tau in physiology and pathology. PubMed.
OS and necrosis in the brain. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26631930/

MEDIUNITE.CA ISSUE N.6

 MEDIUNITE JOURNAL MONTHLY MAGASINE

NERVE CELL VULNERABILITY AND RSV'S IMPACT

By Farhnaz Fazli
Background: There are currently no other treatments
RSV is known as the second leading cause of available to tackle RSV. For severe cases,
infancy death globally, after malaria (1). It is an infants are often hospitalized and provided
infection that commonly causes severe with oxygen, IV fluids, mechanical
complications in premature infants and infants ventilation, tube feeding, and mucus
6 months and younger. Some symptoms in suctioning (3). For milder cases of RSV,
infants include: irritability, decreased activity, patients are told to wait out the infection by
and breathing difficulties (2). Since its
resting, staying hydrated and taking over-
discovery, RSV has been thought to only infect the-counter medication for pain or fever.
the respiratory tract and system.
Thus, it is evident that public and global
A recent study by Tulane University in the
health authorities shall prioritize a
United States however, reveals that it can
preventative approach to RSV via antibody
penetrate nerve cells too (6). Neurological
treatment and reduce its severity as one of
issues in RSV infected patients is thought to be
the leading causes of death in infants,
caused by the body’s inflammatory response to globally.
the virus indirectly affecting nerve cells. This
latest finding could potentially lead to an
References
alternate explanation behind the neurological 1. Infectious Disease Special Edition. (n.d.). RSV may cause nerve
issues that arise in some RSV infected patients inflammation and damage. https://www.idse.net/Viral-
Infections/Article/01-24/RSV-May-Cause-Nerve-Inflammation-
(6). If RSV is capable of penetrating nerve cells and-
as the study findings conclude, it raises the Damage/72592#:~:text=Since%20RSV%20was%20first%20discovere
d,fluid%20of%20children%20with%20seizures
alarming possibility that infections could affect 2. Perk, Y. (2018). Respiratory syncytial virus infections in neonates
neurological development in infants. and infants. PubMed Central (PMC).
3. RSV responsible for 1 in 50 child deaths under age 5, study
estimates. (2022, November 11). CTVNews.
Preventative Treatment: https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/rsv-responsible-for-1-in-50-child-
deaths-under-age-5-study-estimates-1.6149304
As of 2023, the FDA in the United States has 4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6089794/#:~:text=
Respiratory%20syncytial%20virus%20is%20the,the%20neonatal%20
approved the world’s first preventative period%20(1)
treatment of RSV (5). RSV antibodies can be 5. U.S. FDA approves ABRYSVO™, Pfizer’s vaccine for the prevention
of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants through active
administered into mothers that are 32-36 weeks immunization of pregnant individuals 32-36 weeks of gestational
pregnant during RSV season and for babies age | Pfizer. (2023). Pfizer: One of the world's premier
biopharmaceutical companies.
younger than 8 months old (entering or born https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-
during the RSV season). RSV season varies upon detail/us-fda-approves-abrysvotm-pfizers-vaccine-prevention-
0#:~:text=In%20May%202023%2C%20the%20U.S.,years%20of%20ag
region. It is important to note that this antibody e%20or%20older
treatment does not stop infection from 6. Yawn, A. (2024). RSV shown to infect nerve cells, cause
inflammation and damage. Tulane University News.
occurring but rather prevents severe cases of https://news.tulane.edu/pr/rsv-shown-infect-nerve-cells-cause-
RSV. inflammation-and-damage

MEDIUNITE.CA ISSUE N.6

 MEDIUNITE JOURNAL MONTHLY MAGASINE

PPIS ARE KEY INGREDIENTS IN H. PYLORI

TREATMENT. WHAT’S THE RATIONALE?
By Feras Qays
1. The difference between a PPI-free and
PPI-included eradication therapy. In the
study, MACH (1), four groups of patients
were enrolled to demonstrate the H.
pylori eradication rates with and
without a PPI.
Group AC: Amoxicillin/Clarithromycin
Group OAC:
Omeprazole/Amoxicillin/Clarithromycin
Group MC: Metronidazole/Clarithromycin
Group OMC:
Omeprazole/Metronidazole/Clarithromycin
As shown in (figure 1), the addition of
omeprazole significantly increased the
eradication therapy of both regimens

2. How does PPI contribute to a higher eradication rate?

PPIs tend to have a direct and in‐direct effect on H. pylori eradication (2‐4).

Direct effects:
1. PPIs have a weak antibacterial effect. Acid converted metabolites of PPIs have been shown to
have a more potent antibacterial effect than parent PPIs.
2. They also bind and deactivate the urease and ATPase enzymes of H. pylori, which are important
for its survival. It has been doubtful that these direct effects alone are responsible for the significant
increase in eradication rates, as it has been shown in the GU‐ MACH2 study that omeprazole alone
had an eradication rate of 4% only. Therefore, it has been suggested that PPIs contribution to a higher
eradication rate comes from its synergistic or in‐direct effects to Amoxicillin + Clarithromycin OR
Metronidazole + Clarithromycin.

Indirect effects:
1. PPIs inhibit acid secretion and increases intragastric pH levels. Several papers have showed that
the minimum inhibitor concentration (MIC) of these antibiotics is pH dependent. Amoxicillin and
Clarithromycin antibacterial activity against H. pylori is increased by 8 and 20 times, respectively after
PPI administration. However, metronidazole’s activity is no pH dependent.
2. As a result of acid inhibition, antibiotics concentration within the stomach is increased
providing a stronger action.

MEDIUNITE.CA ISSUE N.6

 MEDIUNITE JOURNAL MONTHLY MAGASINE

3. H. Pylori replicates/grows at neutral pH of 6‐7, and it turns into the coccoid form that is
resistant to antibiotics. The coccoid form is non‐replicative and non‐growing (6). Therefore, it is
important to maintain a neutral pH to allow the bacteria to turn back into its replicative form, a
form that is resistant to antibiotics, unlike the resistant coccoid form.

3. What is the most optimal PPI?

As stated earlier, it is very important to have a neutral or high pH levels as soon as possible to
synergize the antibiotics effect. The time that a PPI require to inhibit acid secretion is critical to a
successful therapy. The usual duration for an eradication therapy is 7 days. If acid suppression is
achieved within 3 days of taking PPI, then the actual effective duration of the antibiotics is only 4
days. Saitoh and colleagues conducted research that examined the time (in days) needed to inhibit
acid secretion by omeprazole, lansoprazole and rabeprazole. As shown in (figure 2), Rabeprazole
acid suppression is achieved after 1 day and are faster than lansoprazole and omeprazole that took 3
days to provide acid suppression. Therefore, Rabeprazole is recommended over the latter.

But what about esomeprazole?

Hunfield examined the difference between esomeprazole and rabeprazole. He found that within the
first 24hour the intragastric pH were significantly higher with esomeprazole than with rabeprazole.
Therefore, Esomeprazole is superior to rabeprazole in terms of time needed to maintain a high pH
levels for optimum eradication therapy.

References
1. Lind T, Megraud F, Unge P, et al: The MACH2 study: role of
omeprazole in eradication of Helicobacter pylori with 1-week triple
therapies. Gastroenterology 1999;116:248–253.
2. Nagata K, Satoh H, Iwahi T, et al: Proton inhibitory action of the
gastric proton pump inhibitor lansoprazole against urease activity
of Helicobacter pylori: unique action selective for H. pylori cells.
Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1993;37:769–774. 19
3. Mauch F, Bode G, Malfertheiner P: Identification and
characterization of an ATPase system of Helicobacter pylori and
effect of proton pump inhibitors. Am J Gastroenterol 1993;88:1801–
1802. 20
4. Grayson ML, Elipoulos GM, Ferraro MJ, et al: Effect of varying pH
on the susceptibility of Campylobacter pylori to antimicrobial
agents. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 1989;8:888–889.
5. McNulty CA, Dent JC, Ford GA, et al: Inhibitory antimicrobial
concentrations against Campylobacter pylori in gastric mucosa. J
Antimicrob Chemother 1988;22:729–738.
6. Ierardi E, Losurdo G, Fortezza RF, Principi M, Barone M, Leo AD.
Optimizing proton pump inhibitors in Helicobacter pylori
treatment: Old and new tricks to improve effectiveness. World J
Gastroenterol. 2019 Sep 14;25(34):5097-5104. doi:
10.3748/wjg.v25.i34.5097. PMID: 31558859; PMCID: PMC6747288.
7. Hunfeld, N.G. et al. (2012) “A comparison of the acid-inhibitory
effects of ESOMEPRAZOLE and rabeprazole in relation to
pharmacokinetics and CYP2C19 polymorphism,” Alimentary
Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 35(7), pp. 810–818. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365- 2036.2012.05014.x.

MEDIUNITE.CA ISSUE N.6

 MEDIUNITE JOURNAL MONTHLY MAGASINE

FOOD & MOOD: THE SURPRISING CONNECTION

BETWEEN GUT-HEALTH AND MENTAL WELL-BEING
By Maya Madhvani
We are an ecosystem that houses at least
about 38 trillion bacteria in our bodies. The
gut is often called the 'second brain'; It is
home to trillions of bacteria that play a
crucial role in digestion, immune function,
and mood regulation. The gut-brain axis
(GBA) is a two-way connection between the
brain and the gut, linking emotions and
thoughts with intestinal activities. This
means that not only does your brain
influence your gut, but it is also influenced
by the gut. Can you relate to having noticed
changes in your mental state after eating
poorly or having digestive problems when
you felt distressed? Scientists have
uncovered a profound link between gut
health and mental well-being in recent years.

"The gut provides approximately 95% of total

body serotonin" (1). Serotonin is a
neurotransmitter for longer-lasting
happiness, satisfaction, and overall well-
being. Low levels of serotonin are found in
people who are diagnosed with depression. References
1. Appleton, J. (2018). The gut-brain Axis: Influence of microbiota on
mood and mental health. PubMed Central (PMC).
Moreover, researchers found that people https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6469458/
2. The gut microbiota in anxiety and depression – A systematic
with anxiety and depression tend to differ review. (2021). ScienceDirect.
from others in the kind and amount of gut https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0272735820
301318?casa_token=Fo-
microbiota (2). The results reported that PLItjhxEAAAAA:XEFGyyGC0HVUvcjosZmnHobtIS-
individuals with anxiety and depression tend RGWiGL6sRcDvjMLtV9TY1DAzVvvNa8cdTooW7ImmqSFsh#bb0080
3. The gut-brain axis: Interactions between enteric microbiota,
to harbor gut bacteria associated with central and enteric nervous systems. (2015, April). PubMed Central
inflammation, alongside a decrease in (PMC).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4367209/#:~:text=
microbes producing short-chain fatty acids, The%20gut%2Dbrain%20axis%20
known to regulate the central nervous 4. Revised estimates for the number of human and bacteria cells in
the body. (n.d.). PubMed Central (PMC).
system https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4991899/#:~:text=
Thoroughly%20revised%20est

MEDIUNITE.CA ISSUE N.6

 MEDIUNITE JOURNAL MONTHLY MAGASINE

COMBATING ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE

By Yatharshana Prabhu
Antibiotics, vital in treating bacterial infections Similarly, David Ricci, a 19-year-old from the
like strep throat and pneumonia, are often environs of Seattle, confronted a series of NDM-1
misused for viral illnesses, fostering antibiotic positive antibiotic-resistant infections subsequent to
resistance. (1) This phenomenon, rampant a life-altering train accident in Calcutta, India,
globally, poses severe threats to public health culminating in the amputation of his right leg. (7).
and healthcare systems. Up to 50% of Meanwhile, George Semakula, aged 57, confronted a
antibiotics prescribed in outpatient settings life-threatening infection impervious to conventional
are unnecessary or inappropriate, accelerating antibiotics following a mugging incident in Tanzania.
resistance development (5). Antibiotic (7) His salvation materialized through treatment with
resistance leads to longer illnesses, increased an experimental Japanese drug, spotlighting the
transmission of infections, and heightened urgent imperative for the development of novel
healthcare utilization (2). antibiotics.

Strict adherence to antibiotic stewardship Consultation with healthcare providers is pivotal.

principles is crucial. In one study, only 48% of However, research indicates that only 35% of patients
patients adhered fully to prescribed antibiotic sought medical advice before self-medicating with
regimens, contributing to resistance antibiotics (4). Healthcare professionals play a pivotal
(American Academy of Pediatrics). Case role in guiding appropriate antibiotic usage, thereby
studies highlight the human toll of resistance: mitigating resistance development and safeguarding
Iñaki Morán's battle with recurrent infections public health.
after COPD-related transplant and David
References
Ricci's multiple antibiotic-resistant infections 1. Antibiotics: When you need them and what to expect. (n.d.). Cleveland
following a train accident. Such cases Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16386-antibiotics
2. Antimicrobial resistance. (2021, November 17). World Health Organization
underscore the urgency for global action (5). (WHO). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-
sheets/detail/antimicrobial-resistance
3. Combating antibiotic resistance. (2019, October 29). U.S. Food and Drug
In elucidating the gravity of antibiotic Administration. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-
resistance, a compendium of case studies updates/combating-antibiotic-resistance
4. A cross-sectional study of antimicrobial use among self-medicating
underscores the human toll exacted by this COVID-19 cases in Nyeri County, Kenya. (n.d.). PubMed Central (PMC).
phenomenon. Iñaki Morán, a recipient of https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9427085/
5. Measuring outpatient antibiotic prescribing. (2023, November 14). Centers
pulmonary transplant necessitated by chronic for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-
use/data/outpatient-
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), prescribing/index.html#:~:text=CDC%20estimates%20that%20at%20least
grappled with the perils of antimicrobial ,antibiotic%20was%20needed%20at%20all.&text=2-,Total%20inappropria
te%20antibiotic%20use%2C%20inclusive%20of%20unnecessary%20use%2
resistance, enduring recurrent 0and%20inappropriate,of%20all%20outpatient%20antibiotic%20use
hospitalizations and psychological distress. His 6. Outpatient antibiotic use and the need for increased antibiotic
stewardship efforts. (2018, June 1). American Academy of Pediatrics.
plight epitomizes the exigency for concerted https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-
global efforts to combat the lethal abstract/141/6/e20174124/37685/Outpatient-Antibiotic-Use-and-the-Need-
for?redirectedFrom=fulltext
ramifications of antibiotic resistance. 7. Patient stories. (2023, May 31). EUROPEAN ANTIBIOTIC AWARENESS DAY.
https://antibiotic.ecdc.europa.eu/en/patient-stories

MEDIUNITE.CA ISSUE N.6

 MEDIUNITE JOURNAL MONTHLY MAGASINE

EXPLORING THE ANTI-AGING WONDERS OF

RETINOL IN SKINCARE BLISS
By Terence Liu
Retinol, the skincare buzzword that promises How does retinol supposedly possess
miraculous transformations for aging skin, transformative effects? Firstly, it amplifies skin
has become a staple in beauty conversations. cell proliferation, creating the supposed “look” of
Its reputation for turning wrinkled lines into a diminished fine lines and wrinkles by promoting
smooth, youthful complexion raises questions the growth of keratinocytes, the predominant cells
about its nature: is this seemingly magical in the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis).
elixir the result of complex chemical mixtures?
How does it work? Further, retinol inhibits metalloproteinase, an
enzyme responsible for breaking down collagen
Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is a fat-soluble (5). By preserving collagen, the skin gains elasticity
compound classified under retinoids. While it and suppleness, contributing to a more youthful
can be ingested through foods rich in fat- look. However, the increased turnover of the
soluble vitamins, like liver and certain fish. It's epidermis, triggered by retinol, reduces the
crucial to note that the impact of topical likelihood of breakouts and acne. Taken together,
application on the skin differs significantly retinol facilitates a combination of cellular
from diet. Excessive consumption of these processes, compounding cell proliferation,
vitamin-packed foods doesn't equate to the collagen preservation, and enhanced skin
targeted benefits achieved through topical use; turnover to deliver the remarkable effect of a
in fact, it risks a potentially harmful vitamin younger and more vibrant complexion.
overdose.

The terms retinol and retinoids, although used

interchangeably, carry nuanced distinctions.
Typically, retinoids lean towards prescription-
grade potency, reserved for higher-stakes skin
care interventions. Conversely, retinol,
available over-the-counter, denotes a milder
strength, making it more accessible for routine
use. The ascent of retinoids in skin care traces
back to 1971 when it earned approval from the
Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Since
then, this potent compound has become a
stalwart in skincare regimens, treating not
only acne and breakouts but emerging as a key
remedy against wrinkles (4).

MEDIUNITE.CA ISSUE N.6

 MEDIUNITE JOURNAL MONTHLY MAGASINE

While acknowledging it’s mainstream use, some

individuals may experience redness, irritation, and
peeling, due to the accelerated shedding of skin cells
during the initial phases of retinol use (1). As the old
makes way for the new, the process can lead to
heightened skin sensitivity and flaking. Moreover,
using retinol in the morning might amplify the skin's
susceptibility to UV rays, potentially causing irritation
and itching. These reactions are the body's response to
the potency of the retinol; as such, these side effects
are not insurmountable obstacles. They can be
mitigated through measures such as opting for lower
doses and gradually acclimating your skin to larger
doses.

Here's the reality check: products are divided into two

main classifications, drugs and cosmetics (3). Drugs
undergo rigorous research and testing to ensure
suitability for the masses. However, when it comes to
cosmetics like retinol, the landscape is less populated
with high-quality, peer-reviewed papers.

The reason? Money.

References
1. Curology Team. (2023, March 22). The potential side effects of
Clinical trials demand significant funds, often from retinol, explained. Curology.
taxes, and cosmetics, defined as enhancers of https://curology.com/blog/retinols-potential-side-effects-
experts-weigh-
appearance, don't top the priority list for rigorous in/#:~:text=Most%20often%20%2C%20retinol%20side%20effe
testing. Consequently, skincare brands often conduct cts,more%20vulnerable%20to%20UV%20rays
2. Lab Muffin Beauty Science. (2023). Does retinol in skincare
their experiments, creating a potential conflict of even work? [Video]. YouTube.
interest as they promote their products (2). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6Z5Vr7uSiA
3. RETINOL VS RETINOID: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? (n.d.).
LaRoche Posay. https://www.laroche-
Yet, it's crucial not to dismiss the efficacy of retinol posay.com.au/blog/retinol-vs-
retinoid.html#:~:text=Both%20of%20these%2%200anti%2Da
entirely. Tretinoin, a well-researched geing,and%20formulated%20for%20%20everyday%20use%20
retinoid drug, stands as a clinically proven testament to https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33871811/#:~:text=Since%20
the%20US%20Food%20and,the%20%20mainstay%20of%20ac
the family's effectiveness. Interestingly, some biological ne%20treatment
4. Retinol: Cream, serum, what it is, benefits, how to use. (n.d.).
pathways in our body naturally convert retinol into Cleveland Clinic.
tretinoin, hinting at the potential benefits of the https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23293-
retinol
former. With additional medical research, the beauty of 5. Zasada, M. (2019). Retinoids: Active molecules influencing
tomorrow is within reach; And retinol, in all its glory, is skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological
treatments. PubMed Central (PMC).
just a glimpse into the exciting possibilities yet to https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6791161/#:~:t
unfold in the skincare world. ext=Retinol%20stimulates%20fibro

MEDIUNITE.CA ISSUE N.6

 MEDIUNITE JOURNAL MONTHLY MAGASINE

SHOULD WE RESEARCH OUR MEDICATIONS?

By Naima Rauf
In the realm of the pharmaceutical world, Chances are, that the new medication you just bought
where there is always groundbreaking contains the same formula as the past three you had
research emerging, it is normal for us to on your counter. But, with the rise of marketing and
place our trust in information we receive social media, the promotion of reused formulas is very
through word of mouth or the media. But common. Some medications may pose harm that we
is this enough? Do we possess the overlook, as some information and research are
prerogative to scrutinise and comprehend suppressed to encourage consumers to continue
the medications we take? taking drugs.

Embracing my role as a dedicated student By researching the prescriptions, we are putting in

pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Health our bodies, we can discover what is suitable for us and
Sciences and double minoring in Human sometimes make decisions about what is necessary for
Studies and Rehabilitation Services, I us by discussing with their providers. On the negative
wholeheartedly affirm that we should! scope of things, there can also be side effects. There
Although the Pharmaceutical world is are millions of cases every year where rare or
closely integrated into the world of undiscovered side effects of medications like aspirin
healthcare, some things can go unsaid. or discovered and because of the small margin of risk
Most healthcare providers aim to prescribe involved, patients are blinded to this information.
their patients the medications they need to Even when considering seemingly forward choices of
embrace their quality of life and provide over-the-counter medication like Tylenol or Aleve
cures, but this may not be the same in the painkillers, delving into research on these products
world of pharmaceuticals. could reshape our perspective on how often we choose
to rely on them. Although medications are approved
In 2022, the pharmaceutical revenues by the FDA, risks of profit and benefit for the promises
worldwide totaled to 1.48 trillion USD (2). of the global world are high.
Over the last two decades, the
pharmaceutical market has experienced a So the next time you open your medicine cabinet,
notable surge in profits, unveiling a meet with your provider, or visit your local drugstore
multitude of innovative formulas and to buy medication, do some research before that, or
medications each year. Prioritising our consult with a medical professional about what is best
well-being is necessary, and we should for you.
urge ourselves to research medications
and formulas before introducing them to References
1. A just culture approach to managing medication errors. (n.d.). PubMed
our bodies, to see what is right for us; Central (PMC).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5424837/#:~:text=In%20the
Because medication errors harm at least 1.5
%20United%20States%2C%20medication,result%20of%20a%20medication%2
million people annually in the United 0error
2. Topic: Global pharmaceutical industry. (2022, October 12). Statista.
States (1). https://www.statista.com/topics/1764/global-pharmaceutical-
industry/#topicOverview

MEDIUNITE.CA ISSUE N.6