In Memoriam Dimitrios Trichopoulos (1938-2014)

In Memoriam Dimitrios Trichopoulos (1938-2014)

Mohamed Farouk Allam, MPH, PhD [1,2]

1. Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

2. Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cordoba, Spain.

Correspondence:

Mohamed Farouk Allam, Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, 11566 Abbasia, Cairo, Egypt.

Phone: + (202) 24346888 Mobile: + (2) 011 43559946

E-mail: farouk.allam@med.asu.edu.eg

Cite as: Mohamed Farouk Allam. In Memoriam Dimitrios Trichopoulos (1938-2014). Authorea. February 05, 2025.

DOI: 10.22541/au.173879100.08304719/v1

Short Title: Dimitrios Trichopoulos.

Word count: 262.

Keywords: Athens, cancer epidemiology, case control study, Dimitrios Trichopoulos, Greece, In memoriam, Lung cancer. 

Abstract

In 2024, the 10th anniversary of Prof. Dimitrios Trichopoulos’s passing commemorated his remarkable contributions to public health. Born in Volos, Greece, in 1938, Trichopoulos revolutionized the understanding of secondhand smoke with his groundbreaking 1983 study published inThe Lancet . This research, focusing on Greek non-smoking women married to smokers, demonstrated a clear link between secondhand smoke and lung cancer. The findings provided critical evidence that led to widespread smoking bans in enclosed public spaces, ultimately saving countless lives. In addition to this pioneering work, Trichopoulos was a passionate advocate for the Mediterranean Diet and a leading figure in cancer epidemiology. His tenure at institutions such as the University of Athens, the Karolinska Institute, and the Harvard School of Public Health left an indelible mark on global cancer prevention efforts. A decade after his passing, his legacy continues to shape public health policies and enhance awareness of cancer risks.

Keywords: Dimitrios Trichopoulos, Memoriam, Epidemiology, Cancer Prevention, Lung Cancer, Smoking.

Perspective

From May 9-11, 2024, the International Primary Care Respiratory Group (IPCRG) held its 12th World Conference in Athens. Throughout the conference, I couldn’t help but remember one of the most influential epidemiologists in recent history: Prof. Dimitrios Trichopoulos.

This extraordinary epidemiologist was born in Volos, Greece, in 1938 and passed away in Athens in 2014. It has now been ten years since the death of a scientist who significantly changed our understanding of smoking. In 1983, Dimitrios Trichopoulos published a groundbreaking article in The Lancet, clearly demonstrating that secondhand smoke is a major risk factor for lung cancer. He conducted a case-control study on Greek non-smoking women married to smoking men [1]. The results confirmed Trichopoulos’s hypothesis that secondhand smoke increases the risk of developing cancer, particularly lung cancer. We all remember that before this article, smoking was permitted on airplanes, in restaurants, and in libraries. Thanks to his pioneering study, along with other subsequent cohort and case-control studies, smoking restrictions were implemented in enclosed public spaces [2,3,4].

Undoubtedly, the findings from Dimitrios Trichopoulos’s study and the resulting regulations have helped prevent many deaths attributed to secondhand smoke [5]. Prof. Dimitrios Trichopoulos was an outstanding epidemiologist and a pioneer in cancer epidemiology. He was also a leading advocate for the Mediterranean Diet. His contributions at the University of Athens, the Karolinska Institute, and the Harvard School of Public Health have profoundly influenced global perspectives on cancer epidemiology and prevention.

Celebrating the IPCRG 12th World Conference in Athens this year is a fitting tribute to Dimitrios Trichopoulos, marking 10 years since his passing.

Ethics Approval and Consent to Participate: Not Applicable (Opinion).

Consent for publication: Single author (corresponding author).

Availability of data and material: Not Applicable (Opinion).

Competing interests: None.

Funding: No funding was obtained for this study.

Authors’ contributions: Single author (corresponding author).

Acknowledgements: Not Applicable (Opinion).

References

1. Trichopoulos D, Kalandidi A, Sparros L. Lung cancer and passive smoking: conclusion of Greek study. Lancet 1983;2(8351):677-8. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(83)92549-7.

2. Peto J, Doll R. Passive smoking. Br J Cancer 1986;54(3):381-3. doi: 10.1038/bjc.1986.187.

3. Lee PN, Chamberlain J, Alderson MR. Relationship of passive smoking to risk of lung cancer and other smoking-associated diseases. Br J Cancer 1986;54(1):97-105. doi: 10.1038/bjc.1986.157.

4. Zaridze DG, Zemlianaia GM. Passivnoe kurenie kak faktor riska vozniknoveniia raka legkogo [Passive smoking as a risk factor in the occurrence of lung cancer]. Vopr Onkol 1991;37(11-12):1027-34. Russian.

5. Trichopoulos D. Passive smoking and lung cancer. The Ipsen lecture 1987. Scand J Soc Med 1988;16(2):75-9. doi: 10.1177/140349488801600203.

Psychological Support for Healthcare Workers in the Aftermath of the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Psychological Support for Healthcare Workers in the Aftermath of the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Francisco Marmol Bernal (1) and Mohamed Farouk Allam (2*)

1. Delegación Territorial de Salud, Cordoba, Spain

2. Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain

 

Juniper Online Journal of Public Health 2024; 9(3): 555762.

 

DOI: 10.19080/JOJPH.2024.09.555762

 

• What is the current psychological state of HCWs following the COVID-19 pandemic?

• Do HCWs require psychological support in the aftermath of the pandemic?

• Which professional category within the healthcare sector was more profoundly affected?

• Did the COVID-19 pandemic lead HCWs engaged in clinical practice to seek alternative roles, distancing themselves from direct patient contact?

• Are HCWs adequately trained to confront potential health disasters or future pandemics?

• What insights can be gleaned from COVID-19 regarding the care for the general population and, specifically, for HCWs?

• Is there a need to formulate new plans addressing potential health disasters or pandemics, with a specific focus on providing care for HCWs?

• Did the COVID-19 pandemic serve as either a motivating factor or a deterrent for the new generation considering careers in the health sector?

 

Keywords: Mental Health; Psychological Support; Depression; Healthcare Workers; COVID-19.

 

Francisco Marmol B, Mohamed Farouk A. Psychological Support for Healthcare Workers in the Aftermath of the COVID-19 Pandemic?. JOJ Pub Health. 2024; 9(3): 555762.

 

https://juniperpublishers.com/jojph/JOJPH.MS.ID.555762.php

A Comprehensive Review of Colchicine: An Ancient Drug with many Therapeutic Potentials. International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Phytopharmacological Research

A Comprehensive Review of Colchicine: An Ancient Drug with many Therapeutic Potentials. International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Phytopharmacological Research

 

Kholoud Elshiwy (1), Ghada Essam El-Din Amin (1,2), Mohamed Nazmy Farres (3), Rasha Samir (3), Mohamed Farouk Allam(1,4*)

1. Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

2. Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

3. Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

4. Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cordoba, Cordoba 14004, Spain.

 

International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Phytopharmacological Research 2024;14(4):17-22.

 

DOI: 10.51847/Hsll58k7kS

 

ABSTRACT

In this study, we aimed to review the literature and formulate a comprehensive understanding of colchicine and its therapeutic potential. Colchicine is one of the oldest treatments which are still used today. Colchicine is an alkaloid agent that has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. It has been used to treat inflammatory diseases such as gout, familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), and Behcet’s disease. Colchicine's ability to reduce inflammation is linked to its interaction with tubulin, a cytoskeletal structure. Colchicine inhibits neutrophil adhesion, migration, and chemotaxis. Tyrosine phosphorylation, which is crucial for neutrophil activation, is specifically inhibited by colchicine. Additionally, colchicine inhibits neutrophil deformability, which influences neutrophil extravasation. Colchicine inhibits the production of superoxide and the release of interleukin 1β and IL-6. Colchicine decreases the production of inflammasomes that stimulate caspase-1 activation and release of interleukins. Colchicine has gained attention during the COVID-19 pandemic to treat severe COVID-19 cases and to decrease mortality. Colchicine is considered a safe drug with high availability and affordability. Colchicine metabolism is affected by cytochrome P450 (CYP3A4) and P glycoprotein inhibitors, and renal and hepatic function impairment. The most documented adverse effects of colchicine are gastrointestinal symptoms e.g., diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea.

 

Key Words: Colchicine, Mechanism of action, Indications, Review, Ain Shams University.

 

Elshiwy Kh, Amin GEED, Farres MN, Samir R, Allam MF. A Comprehensive Review of Colchicine: An Ancient Drug with Many Therapeutic Potentials. Int J Pharm Phytopharmacol Res. 2024;14(4):17-22.

 

https://eijppr.com/article/a-comprehensive-review-of-colchicine-an-ancient-drug-with-many-therapeutic-potentials-nyokaryx62ld1th?html

Innovative Topical Therapy for Extensive Psoriasis: A New Approach to Treatment

Innovative Topical Therapy for Extensive Psoriasis: A New Approach to Treatment

 

José Miguel Ingelmo Calvo (1), José Ruiz Cobo (2), Mohamed Farouk Allam (3)*

1. Department of Plastic Surgery, Hospital HM Malaga, Malaga, Spain.

2. Distrito Sanitario Costa del Sol, SUAP Torremolinos, Malaga, Spain.

3. Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

 

European Journal of Medical and Health Sciences 2024;6(6):6-8.

 

DOI: 10.24018/ejmed.2024.6.6.2200

 

Abstract

We present a case of a patient with extensive psoriasis successfully treated with “Psorisbye,” our newly developed foamy lotion. A 36-year-old male presented to our outpatient clinic with extensive psoriatic lesions affecting the chest, abdomen, back, arms, and forearms. His past medical history was unremarkable. The patient’s primary concern was severe itching associated with the psoriatic lesions. Upon examination, extensive erythrodermic psoriatic lesions were observed, covering approximately 50% of the head and neck, 70% of the trunk, and 70% of both upper and lower limbs. He was advised to use our newly patented lotion, “Psorisbye,” once daily for one month, during which he applied a total of 480 ml over 28 days. No antihistamine was administered during this treatment period. After 28 days of using “Psorisbye,” the patient returned to the clinic, reporting significant improvement in itching and noticeable remission of the red lesions. A comparison of the lesions before and after 28 days of treatment showed a remarkable reduction in his PASI score, improving from 43.7 to 2.8. Our case report demonstrated promising results in treating extensive erythrodermic psoriatic lesions with “Psorisbye.” However, clinical trials with a larger sample size and longer follow-up are essential to further evaluate remission periods and assess any potential adverse effects of applying this innovative topical therapy to large body surface areas.

 

Keywords: Extensive psoriasis, Malaga, Psoriasis Area Severity Index, topical therapy.

 

Calvo JMI, Cobo JR, Allam MF (2024). Innovative Topical Therapy for Extensive Psoriasis: A New Approach to Treatment. European Journal of Medical and Health Sciences, 6(6), 6–8.

 

https://www.ej-med.org/index.php/ejmed/article/view/2200

The effect of probiotic supplementation on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) fibrosis score in patients attending a tertiary hospital clinic in Cairo, Egypt

The effect of probiotic supplementation on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) fibrosis score in patients attending a tertiary hospital clinic in Cairo, Egypt

 

Alaa Ahmed Abd El Hamid (1), Azza Emam Mohamed (2), Manal sabry Mohamed (2), Ghada Essam El-Din Amin (1,3), Hagar Ahmed Ahmed Elessawy (2) and Mohamed Farouk Allam (1*)

 

1 Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

2 Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Internal Medicine Department, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

3 Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

 

*Correspondence: Mohamed Farouk Allam (farouk.allam@med.asu.edu.eg)

Abd El Hamid et al. BMC Gastroenterology (2024) 24:354.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12876-024-03424-3

 

Abstract

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by hepatic fat accumulation (>5% of liver tissue) in the absence of alcohol abuse or other chronic liver diseases. NAFLD can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to assess the efficacy of probiotic (lactobacillus) supplementation on NAFLD fibrosis score. Methodology: A double-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted in the family medicine clinic of a tertiary hospital, enrolling patients with sonographic evidence of NAFLD. Fifty patients were divided into two groups: the Probiotic group received lifestyle modification instructions along with daily probiotic supplementation for twelve weeks, with regular monthly follow-up visits. The Standard Treatment group received low-fat diet and lifestyle modification instructions only. Results: The mean age of participants was 46.10 years (SD 10.11), with 70% females and 30% males. The study found a statistically significant difference in liver enzymes (ALT and AST) and BMI in the probiotic group before and after intervention. However, there was no significant difference in NAFLD fibrosis score between the two groups. Conclusión: Short-term probiotic treatment resulted in improvements in ALT, AST, and BMI in the probiotic group, but did not significantly affect NAFLD fibrosis score. Further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods is warranted.

 

Trial registration The clinical trial was registered at Protocol Registration and Results System with number NCT06074094 (12/09/2021).

 

Keywords: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, Probiotics, NAFLD fibrosis score.

 

Abd El Hamid AA, Mohamed AE, Mohamed MS, Amin GEE, Elessawy HAA, Allam MF. The effect of probiotic supplementation on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) fibrosis score in patients attending a tertiary hospital clinic in Cairo, Egypt. BMC Gastroenterol. 2024 Oct 8;24(1):354. doi: 10.1186/s12876-024-03424-3. PMID: 39379797; PMCID: PMC11462796.

 

https://bmcgastroenterol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12876-024-03424-3