Benzodiazepines (BZDs) exert their effects in the CNS by binding to a modulatory site on GABAA receptors. Individual amino acids have been implicated in BZD recognition and modulation of the GABAA receptor, but the secondary structure of the amino acids contributing to the BZD binding site has not been elucidated. In this report we used the substituted cysteine accessibility method to understan...

Chondrocyte apoptosis triggered by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). Bushen Zhuangjin decoction (BZD) has been widely used in the treatment of OA. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for the inhibitory effects of BZD on chondrocyte apoptosis remain to be elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the ef...

Many clinically important drugs target ligand-gated ion channels; however, the mechanisms by which these drugs modulate channel function remain elusive. Benzodiazepines (BZDs), anesthetics, and barbiturates exert their CNS actions by binding to GABA(A) receptors and modulating their function. The structural mechanisms by which BZD binding is transduced to potentiation or inhibition of GABA-indu...

Introduction Despite the scientific requirements and restrictive recommendations, there is a significant disparity between theory practice in prescription of benzodiazepine(BZD). Long-term prescribing, defined by duration exceeding six months has been commonly reported worldwide, some authors explained this physician’s perceptions. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate perception general prac...

INTRODUCTION The elderly are the biggest consumers of Benzodiazepines (BZD) and/or BZD equivalents. However, the risks of developing addiction in this age group are often underestimated. METHOD This study describes the nature and extent of addiction in the elderly using DSM IV items. RESULTS We noted a high prevalence of addiction in our population and identified a two-factor profile in sub...

OBJECTIVES In the context of widespread opioid use, increased emphasis has been placed on the potentially deleterious effects of concurrent benzodiazepine (BZD) and opioid use. Although use of opioids in chronic pain has been a major focus, BZD use is equally concerning. Thus, the primary aim of this study was to determine the associations between BZD and opioid use in adults with chronic pain ...

The development of an instrument to estimate the incidence, characteristics, and risk factors of benzodiazepine (BZD) dependence broadly in Taiwan is an important task. This study assessed the validity of the Chinese version of the Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS([Ch])) among regular BZD users in Taiwan (n=228). A positive correlation was shown between SDS([Ch]) and Mini-International Neurops...

OBJECTIVE To examine the prevalence and secular trends in benzodiazepine (BZD) prescribing in the Irish paediatric population. In addition, we examine coprescribing of antiepileptic, antipsychotic, antidepressant and psychostimulants in children receiving BZD drugs and compare BZD prescribing in Ireland to that in other European countries. SETTING Data were obtained from the Irish General Med...

Bushen Zhuangjin Decoction (BZD), a well-known formulation in Traditional Chinese Medicine, has been widely used for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). Due to the poor intrinsic repair capacity of chondrocytes, promoting the proliferation of chondrocytes is an efficient treatment to delay the progression of cartilage degradation. The present study, therefore, focused on the effect of BZD on ...

INTRODUCTION Long-term benzodiazepine (BZD) treatment in patients with mental disorders is widespread in clinical practice, and this is also the case of patients with schizophrenia, although the evidence is weak and BZD prescription is discouraged by guidelines and medical authorities. Data on BZD prescription are usually derived from national or regional databases whereas information on the us...