Dry eye disease (DED) represents a prevalent visual ailment, defined by insufficient wetting and lubrication of the ocular surface. The principal management strategy for dry eye involves the application of artificial tear solutions to mitigate eye discomfort. Moreover, immune-modulating agents such as cyclosporine A and tacrolimus (FK506) are employed in the therapeutic regimen for this condition. These drugs regulate the immune response and reduce ocular inflammation. Tacrolimus (TAC) is 10-100 times more effective than cyclosporine and has a better safety profile. Nevertheless, the modest aqueous solubility and substantial molecular size of TAC present obstacles to its efficient administration to the eye. Consequently, a range of TAC formulations including ointments, micelles, liposomes, and nanocarriers are under exploration to enhance ocular delivery. Findings from this investigation indicated that TAC impedes the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and dampens immune activity by restraining the activation of T and B lymphocytes. Furthermore, TAC elevates goblet cell populations in the conjunctiva, pivotal for mucin production and the preservation of ocular surface integrity. Additionally, using TAC-loaded liposomes can further enhance its therapeutic efficacy by improving ocular bioavailability. Furthermore, 0.03% TAC eye drops applied directly to the eye successfully improve tear film stability and the health of the eye’s surface in patients with DED. Overall, TAC has shown promising effects in treating DED by reducing inflammation and improving tear secretion in experimental and clinical studies. However, more studies are needed to fully understand the mechanism of action and long-term effects of TAC on DED.

Peptic ulcer disease is a common gastrointestinal disorder. The current treatment for gastric ulcers (GUs) is pharmacological interventions including antacids, mucosal defensive agents, H2-receptor blockers, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) as well as antibiotics targeting H. pylori infections. Additionally, there has been an increasing focus on the application of natural treatments, such as pomegranate extracts, which have significant potential in the prevention and management of GUs. The therapeutic effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum) on GUs include its ability to inhibit ulcer formation, reduce gastric acidity, and promote the healing of gastric mucosal lesions. This is attributed to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties of the active constituents in pomegranate such as polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, and anthocyanins. The results of this study showed that pomegranate extracts could significantly suppress gastric ulceration, reduce tissue lipid peroxidation, and enhance the levels of antioxidative enzymes. Pomegranate exerts its anti-inflammatory effects through the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokine synthesis, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Additionally, pomegranate extracts increase the production of gastric mucosal protective factors such as PGE2 and NO, and have antimicrobial activity against H. pylori. Overall, while pomegranate showed promise as a natural remedy for the prevention and management of GUs, further research is needed to optimize its therapeutic efficacy.

Dry eye disease (DED) represents a prevalent visual ailment, defined by insufficient wetting and lubrication of the ocular surface. The principal management strategy for dry eye involves the application of artificial tear solutions to mitigate eye discomfort. Moreover, immune-modulating agents such as cyclosporine A and tacrolimus (FK506) are employed in the therapeutic regimen for this condition. These drugs regulate the immune response and reduce ocular inflammation. Tacrolimus (TAC) is 10-100 times more effective than cyclosporine and has a better safety profile. Nevertheless, the modest aqueous solubility and substantial molecular size of TAC present obstacles to its efficient administration to the eye. Consequently, a range of TAC formulations including ointments, micelles, liposomes, and nanocarriers are under exploration to enhance ocular delivery. Findings from this investigation indicated that TAC impedes the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and dampens immune activity by restraining the activation of T and B lymphocytes. Furthermore, TAC elevates goblet cell populations in the conjunctiva, pivotal for mucin production and the preservation of ocular surface integrity. Additionally, using TAC-loaded liposomes can further enhance its therapeutic efficacy by improving ocular bioavailability. Furthermore, 0.03% TAC eye drops applied directly to the eye successfully improve tear film stability and the health of the eye’s surface in patients with DED. Overall, TAC has shown promising effects in treating DED by reducing inflammation and improving tear secretion in experimental and clinical studies. However, more studies are needed to fully understand the mechanism of action and long-term effects of TAC on DED.