Effects of different corticosteroids on the immune system Research Paper

Effects of different corticosteroids on the immune system - Research Paper Example The glucocorticoids are used in replacement therapies for various inflammatory diseases, in severe allergic reactions such as asthma, in the management of some autoimmune disorders and in some cancers as well (Howland, Mycek, Harvey, Champe, & Mycek, 2006). The therapeutic role of corticosteroids has expanded since their first application for the treatment of reheumatoid arthritis in 1949 (Doan, Melvold, & Waltenbaugh, 2005). Different therapeutic corticosteroids are available for replacement therapies, and they play an important immunosuppressive role by mediating the adaptive and innate immune cells of our body. Cortisol is the basic and fundamental glucocorticoid produced in the human body. The three main functions for which corticosteroids are widely used therapeutically include their use as anti-inflammatory agents, for suppression of the immune system, and as a replacement therapy for replacing the hormones not produced at normal levels by the body (NHS Choices, 2013). The prod uction of cortisol reaches its peak during the early morning followed by a drop and then again a peak, relatively smaller, in the late afternoon. Cortisol has various body functions. It promotes the production of glucose and protein catabolism and the degradation of lipids by lipolysis. Cortisol increases the body’s resistance to stress by elevating the blood glucose levels, which helps in more energy production, and fighting stress situations such as cold, trauma, infections, fright, and bleeding. Cortisol also plays an important role in decreasing the blood cell levels which include eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes. This particular action is important in the treatment of leukemia. The lowering of peripheral lymphocytes and macrophages also helps in mediating an anti-inflammatory action. Cortisol increases the production of growth hormone (Howland et al., 2006). The immunosuppressive action of corticosteroids is used in the treatment of many autoimmune diso rders such as inflammatory bowel disease, systemic lupus erythematous, and rheumatoid arthritis. Corticosteroids are also helpful in treating several renal autoimmune diseases such as nephrotic syndrome (Doan, Melvold, & Waltenbaugh, 2005). Numerous corticosteroid preparations are used for therapeutic purposes. Hydrocortisone is used as a topical preparation or in an injectable form. The injections are given to reduce inflammation in joints and tendons of affected individuals. Dexamethasone is used in acute conditions such as severe breathing allergic reactions, and is utilized mainly in the intravenous form. Prednisolone is used in several autoimmune conditions and allergic reactions and is available in suppository form, injections and as oral tablets. Fludrocortisone’s fundamental usage is for Addison’s disease, in which there is a deficiency of normal body steroid production (NHS Choices, 2013). Cortef contains hydrocortisone and is readily absorbed from the gastroi ntestinal tract. It has a wide variety of indications including rheumatic disorders, adrenal insufficiency, SLE, dermatological conditions such as psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, exfoliative dermatitis, allergic conditions such as asthma, serum sickness, rhinitis, drug hypersensitivity reactions, ophthalmic diseases such as conjunctivitis, keratitis, herpes zoster ophthalmicus, optic neuritis, haematological diseases such as acquired haemolytic anemia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic

Supply chain strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Supply chain strategy - Essay Example Supply chain strategy calls for alignment of the strategy of the business house with that of suppliers, distributors and even customers to have improvements in operations, shipping and logistics. However supply chain management have gained significant importance in the recent past, it has its own complexities and challenges. The supply chain management is complex due to its organic nature and the boundaries of its stability are not defined. The lack of visibility and inability to identify constraints leads to issues like increased cost, time and risks. Also managing bottlenecks is a major issue in supply chain management. Thus there is a constant need of models that can comprehend the complexities and provide a better visibility of the supply chain management. There is a need for developing better processes for standards and also the need for international e-commerce, e-business and e-supply (Birchak, n.d.). The British Army is considered to be one of the most reputed armies in the world because of their discipline. Apart from fulfilling their duties of protecting their own country they have also been involved in some major operations to help build a safer world in places like Balkans, Gulf, East Timor, Afghanistan and Iraq. Due to their huge presence globally there is an inherent need of the latest supply chain management techniques that would deliver the right ammunitions and resources at the right place and of course with military precision timing. Thus the role of supply chain management is huge in the British Army (Army, n.d.). E-Supply chain is driven by the internet enabled information and is significance in the global arena. Supply chain visibility is necessary requisite for e-supply chain. The visibility can be achieved by integrating the information system of all the supply chain partners. By automating the supply chain greater productivity can be achieved