Protozoan infections (e.g., malaria, trypanosomiasis, and toxoplasmosis) pose a considerable global burden on public health and socioeconomic problems, leading to high rates of morbidity and mortality. Due to the limited arsenal of effective drugs for these diseases, which are associated with devastating side effects and escalating drug resistance, there is an urgent need for innovative antiprotozoal drugs. The emergence of drug repurposing offers a low-cost approach to discovering new therapies for protozoan diseases. In this review, we summarize recent advances in drug repurposing for various human protozoan diseases and explore cost-effective strategies to identify viable new treatments. We highlight the cross-applicability of repurposed drugs across diverse diseases and harness common chemical motifs to provide new insights into drug design, facilitating the discovery of new antiprotozoal drugs. Challenges and opportunities in the field are discussed, delineating novel directions for ongoing and future research.

Acute high-altitude (HA) illnesses (AHAIs), including acute mountain sickness (AMS), HA cerebral edema (HACE), and HA pulmonary edema (HAPE), represent significant health challenges for individuals rapidly ascending to high altitudes. Cytokines (interleukins (ILs)) and chemokines, which are involved in inflammatory and immunological responses, regulate the response of the body to hypoxic stress. Their dysregulation can contribute to the clinical symptoms of AMS, HACE, and HAPE by increasing vascular permeability, causing edema and damaging tissue. AHAIs elevate the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, such as IL-17, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), IL-1, IL-6, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL) 10, CXCL8, C-C motif ligand 2 (CCL2 (CCL2), and CCL3, exacerbating symptoms. Thus, this review focuses on the cytokines and chemokines involved in AHAIs and the molecular mechanisms that extend beyond these cytokines and chemokines in clinical and preclinical contexts. Identifying these mediators and pathways helps researchers design drugs that reduce symptoms, slow disease progression, and enhance outcomes. Cytokines and chemokines have complex functions in these disorders and may serve as prospective therapeutic targets. Finally, we discuss treatment possibilities for AHAIs (drugs, exercise, and other inhibitors). This knowledge will help us to protect and improve the health of individuals at high altitudes.

【Objective】 To explore the effect of intraoperative cell salvage on allogeneic blood transfusion requirements, coagulation function and electrolytes in postpartum hemorrhage patients. 【Methods】 A study on postpartum hemorrhage patients undergoing cesarean section in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University form September 2016 to May 2022 was conducted retrospectively. A total of 137 patients were enrolled and divided into experimental group (n=70) and control group (n=67) according to whether intraoperative cell salvage was used during operation. The blood loss, proportion and volume of allogeneic red blood cells (RBCs) and coagulation component transfusion, hemoglobin (Hb) level, coagulation function, electrolyte, the incidence of complications, proportion of ICU admission, ICU stay and in-hospital stay were compared between the two groups. 【Results】 The proportion of patients receiving allogeneic RBCs in the experimental group and in the control group was 31.4% vs 100.0% (P<0.05). The experimental group also had lower use of plasma (31.4% vs 53.7%, P<0.05). The postoperative 24 h of activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT) in the two groups was longer than preoperative, and APTT in the control group did not recover at discharge (P<0.05). Fibrinogen (Fib) decreased postoperative 24 h in the two groups (P<0.05). The blood calcium in the two groups decreased 30 minutes after operation, but the decrease in the experimental group was slight, and two groups did not recover 24 h after operation (P<0.05). There was no statically significant difference in blood loss, volume of allogeneic RBCs and coagulation component transfusion, Hb level, incidence of complications, the proportion of ICU admission, ICU stay and in-hospital stay (P>0.05). 【Conclusion】 This study demonstrated that intraoperative cell salvage could reduce the requirement for allogeneic RBCs without compromising coagulation function in postpartum hemorrhage patients undergoing cesarean section, but the changes of calcium need to be concerned after transfusion.