Bioactive compounds from nature: Antioxidants targeting cellular transformation in response to epigenetic perturbations induced by oxidative stress

Oxidative stress results from a persistent imbalance in oxidation levels that promotes oxidants, playing a crucial role in the early and sustained phases of DNA damage and genomic and epigenetic instability, both of which are intricately linked to the development of tumors. The molecular pathways contributing to carcinogenesis in this context, particularly those related to double-strand and single-strand breaks in DNA, serve as indicators of DNA damage due to oxidation in cancer cases, as well as factors contributing to epigenetic instability through ectopic expressions. Oxidative stress has been considered a therapeutic target for many years, and an increasing number of studies have highlighted the promising effectiveness of natural products in cancer treatment. In this regard, we present significant research on the therapeutic targeting of oxidative stress using natural molecules and underscore the essential role of oxidative stress in cancer. The consequences of stress, especially epigenetic instability, also offer significant therapeutic prospects. In this context, the use of natural epi-drugs capable of modulating and reorganizing the epigenetic network is beginning to emerge remarkably. In this review, we emphasize the close connections between oxidative stress, epigenetic instability, and tumor transformation, while highlighting the role of natural substances as antioxidants and epi-drugs in the anti-tumoral context.

Molecular complexity of mammary glands development: a review of lactogenic differentiation in epithelial cells

The mammary gland is a dynamic organ with various physiological processes like cellular proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis during the pregnancy-lactation-involution cycle. It is essential to understand the molecular changes during the lactogenic differentiation of mammary epithelial cells (MECs, the milk-synthesizing cells). The MECs are organized as luminal milk-secreting cells and basal myoepithelial cells (responsible for milk ejection by contraction) that form the alveoli. The branching morphogenesis and lactogenic differentiation of the MECs prepare the gland for lactation. This process is governed by many molecular mediators including hormones, growth factors, cytokines, miRNAs, regulatory proteins, etc. Interestingly, various signalling pathways guide lactation and understanding these molecular transitions from pregnancy to lactation will help researchers design further research. Manipulation of genes responsible for milk synthesis and secretion will promote augmentation of milk yield in dairy animals. Identifying protein signatures of lactation will help develop strategies for persistent lactation and shortening the dry period in farm animals. The present review article discusses in details the physiological and molecular changes occurring during lactogenic differentiation of MECs and the associated hormones, regulatory proteins, miRNAs, and signalling pathways. An in-depth knowledge of the molecular events will aid in developing engineered cellular models for studies related to mammary gland diseases of humans and animals.

Differentiation of osteoblasts: the links between essential transcription factors

Osteoblasts, cells derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the bone marrow, are cells responsible for bone formation and remodeling. The differentiation of osteoblasts from MSCs is triggered by the expression of specific genes, which are subsequently controlled by pro-osteogenic pathways. Mature osteoblasts then differentiate into osteocytes and are embedded in the bone matrix. Dysregulation of osteoblast function can cause inadequate bone formation, which leads to the development of bone disease. Various key molecules are involved in the regulation of osteoblastogenesis, which are transcription factors. Previous studies have heavily examined the role of factors that control gene expression during osteoblastogenesis, both in vitro and in vivo. However, the systematic relationship of these transcription factors remains unknown. The involvement of ncRNAs in this mechanism, particularly miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, has been shown to influence transcriptional factor activity in the regulation of osteoblast differentiation. Here, we discuss nine essential transcription factors involved in osteoblast differentiation, including Runx2, Osx, Dlx5, β-catenin, ATF4, Ihh, Satb2, and Shn3. In addition, we summarize the role of ncRNAs and their relationship to these essential transcription factors in order to improve our understanding of the transcriptional regulation of osteoblast differentiation. Adequate exploration and understanding of the molecular mechanisms of osteoblastogenesis can be a critical strategy in the development of therapies for bone-related diseases.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Identification and optimization of TDP1 inhibitors from anthraquinone and chalcone derivatives: consensus scoring virtual screening and molecular simulations

Virtual screening aims to identify and rank compounds with drug/lead-like properties based on their affinity for the protein target. We developed a methodology that integrates structure- and ligand-based screening approaches to enhance hit rates against the TDP1 protein within a database of anthraquinone and chalcone derivatives, followed by evaluation of prioritized compounds through molecular simulations. This technique is particularly useful for training set imbalances. Four screening methods were used: QSAR, pharmacophore, shape similarity, and docking. Each method was individually trained to score compounds, and the scores were fused to create parallel Z-score fusion. The QSAR models exhibited satisfactory R2 values (0.84 to 0.75), whereas the pharmacophoric and shape similarity models demonstrated excellent performance (ROC:0.82-0.88). Docking enrichment analysis identified 6N0D as the optimal TDP1 crystal structure (ROC = 0.73). Remarkably, the consensus scoring method surpassed other screening methods, achieving the highest ROC value of 0.98. Docking screening prioritized compounds with binding modes resembling the co-crystallized ligands, whereas MMGBSA, consensus, and docking produced dynamic simulations that were as stable as the co-crystallized ligands. Additionally, the QSAR-selected compounds exhibited binding modes similar to those of commercially available TDP1 inhibitors. In this study, a strong correlation was found between the inhibitory concentrations and binding energy values of commercialized TDP1 inhibitors, indicating that the top-ranked compounds are expected to have potent inhibitory effects in the nano-/micromolar range. The results of this study establish that consensus scoring can be used as an adaptable mainstay virtual screening methodology, pending subsequent experimental validation for affirmation.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Molecular mechanisms underlying the clinical efficacy of panobinostat involve Stochasticity of epigenetic signaling, sensitization to anticancer drugs, and induction of cellular cell death related to cellular stresses

Panobinostat, also known as Farydak®, LBH589, PNB, or panobinostat lactate, is a hydroxamic acid that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its anti-cancer properties. This orally bioavailable drug is classified as a non-selective histone deacetylase inhibitor (pan-HDACi) that inhibits class I, II, and IV HDACs at nanomolar levels due to its significant histone modifications and epigenetic mechanisms. A mismatch between histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and HDACs can negatively affect the regulation of the genes concerned, which in turn can contribute to tumorigenesis. Indeed, panobinostat inhibits HDACs, potentially leading to acetylated histone accumulation, re-establishing normal gene expression in cancer cells, and helping to drive multiple signaling pathways. These pathways include induction of histone acetylation and cytotoxicity for the majority of tested cancer cell lines, increased levels of p21 cell cycle proteins, enhanced amounts of pro-apoptotic factors (such as caspase-3/7 activity and cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)) associated with decreased levels of anti-apoptotic factors [B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and B-cell lymphoma-extra-large (Bcl-XL)], as well as regulation of immune response [upregulated programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and interferon gamma receptor 1 (IFN-γR1) expression] and other events. The therapeutic outcome of panobinostat is therefore mediated by sub-pathways involving proteasome and/or aggresome degradation, endoplasmic reticulum, cell cycle arrest, promotion of extrinsic and intrinsic processes of apoptosis, tumor microenvironment remodeling, and angiogenesis inhibition. In this investigation, we aimed to pinpoint the precise molecular mechanism underlying panobinostat's HDAC inhibitory effect. A more thorough understanding of these mechanisms will greatly advance our knowledge of cancer cell aberrations and, as a result, provide an opportunity for the discovery of significant new therapeutic perspectives through cancer therapeutics.

Flumazenil Pretreatment Reduces Mefenamic Acid-Induced Central Nervous System Toxicity in Mice

BACKGROUND

Mefenamic acid (MFA), a common analgesic, causes central nervous system (CNS) toxicity at high doses with a proposed activity on the Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system. However, it remains unknown whether flumazenil (FMZ), a GABA type A receptor (GABAAR) antagonist, can reverse MFA toxicity.

METHODS

The behavioral and neurophysiological effects of MFA were investigated in mice with and without FMZ pre-treatment. The elevated zero maze (EZM) and marble burying tests were used to assess anxiety-like behaviors and burying activities, respectively. The standard bar test was used to evaluate catalepsy, while the actophotometer test was used to measure locomotor activity. Seizure intensity was scored, and fatalities were counted.

RESULTS

Without FMZ pre-treatment, MFA induced behavioral and neurophysiological effects in a dose-dependent manner as follows: At a dose of 20 mg/kg, i.p, MFA-treated mice exhibited anxiety-like behaviors, which was determined by a significant increase in the time spent in the closed areas and a significant decrease in the number of entries to the open areas of the EZM apparatus. These mice also showed a significant decrease in the burying activity, manifested as a significant decrease in the number of buried marbles. At 40 mg/kg, i.p., MFA-treated mice showed catalepsy that was associated with a significant decrease in locomotor activity. At a dose of 80 mg/kg, i.p., mice developed fatal tonic-clonic seizures (seizure score = 4). Pre-treatment with FMZ (5 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reversed the anxiety-like behaviors and restored marble-burying activity. Additionally, FMZ prevented catalepsy, significantly restored locomotor activity, reduced seizure intensity (seizure score = 0.3) and significantly reduced mortalities.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study's findings indicate that activation of the GABAAR is involved in the CNS toxicity of MFA, and FMZ reverses MFA toxicity by interfering with this receptor.

Hydroxychloroquine Toxicity in the Vital Organs of the Body: In Vivo Study

BACKGROUND

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) toxicity can adversely affect vital organs, cause pathologic ocular damage, and can have direct cardiovascular effects. This study aims to identify the biochemical, hematological, and histological alterations of the vital organs associated with the effects of HCQ.

METHODS

Male albino rats were exposed to the equivalent of HCQ therapeutic doses given to human patients being affected by malaria, lupus erythematosus, and COVID-19. The animal blood samples were subjected to hematological analysis, biochemical analysis, liver function tests, kidney function tests, and cardiac biomarkers. Liver, kidney, heart, spleen, and testis biopsies were subjected to histological examination.

RESULTS

HCQ significantly lowered the values of erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets, leucocytes, and lymphocytes but significantly increased the values of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), amylase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, cholesterol, and chlorine ions. The renal tissues of HCQ-treated animals demonstrated glomerular fragmentation, partial atrophy degeneration, renal tubules hydropic degeneration, hyaline cast formation, and interstitial edema formation. Additionally, the heart exhibited myofiber necrosis, myolysis, wavy appearance, disorganization, and disarray. The testicular tissues also demonstrated spermatocyte degeneration, spermatogenic cell sloughing, testicular interstitial edema, and occasional spermatogenic arrest. Additionally, the spleen showed a decrease in the number and size of the white pulp follicles, a decrease in the number of apoptotic activity, and a decline in the number of T-rich cells. However, the red pulp demonstrated a diffuse decline in B rich-lymphocytes and macrophages. The liver was also the least affected but showed Kupffer cell hyperplasia and occasional hepatocyte dysplasia.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that chronic exposure to HCQ could alter the structures and functions of the vital organs.

The pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-Iβ alteration by deer (Rusa unicolor) antler extract on osteoarthritis rat model

Osteoarthritis is a disease associated with articular cartilage degradation, intra-articular area inflammation, and subchondral bone replacement. Cytokine IL-1β has a prominent function in the inflammations process that passes in the joints. The 70% ethanol extracts of deer antler (250 and 500 mg/kg BW) and glucosamine sulfate (250 kg/BW) were evaluated for four weeks in reducing cytokine IL-1β to rat model OA-induced Monosodium iodoacetate. Measurements of joint diameter in rat's knee and hyperalgesia were performed on weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. The presence of a significant difference in the stimulation thermal latency (p = 0.00) and the resulting increase in swelling of joint diameter (p = 0.00) are evidence that MIA has successfully induced the rat modeling of OA. A significant decrease in cytokine IL-Iβ levels was shown on week 3 after MIA injection (p = 0.00). Both concentrations of deer extracts significantly reduced knee joint diameter (p = 0.00), latency thermal stimulation (p = 0.00), and cytokine IL-1β levels (p = 0.00). Based on the results, it can be concluded that the 70% ethanol extract of deer antler is a potential medicine for OA therapy.

Phytochemical analysis and evaluation of antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities of essential oils from Moroccan medicinal plants: Mentha suaveolens, Lavandula stoechas, and Ammi visnaga

Mentha suaveolens, Lavandula stoechas, and Ammi visnaga are widely used in Moroccan folk medicine against several pathological disorders, including diabetes and infectious diseases. This work was designed to determine the chemical profile of M. suaveolens (MSEO), L. stoechas (LSEO), and A. visnaga (AVEO) essential oils and assess their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antidiabetic effects. The volatile components of LSEO, AVEO, and MSEO were analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The in vitro antidiabetic activity was assessed using α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, while DPPH, FRAP, and β-carotene/linoleic acid methods were used to determine the antioxidant capacity. The antimicrobial activities were investigated using disc diffusion and broth-microdilution assays. GC-MS investigation revealed that the main components were fenchone (29.77 %) and camphor (24.9 %) for LSEO, and linalool (38.29 %) for AVEO, while MSEO was mainly represented by piperitenone oxide (74.55 %). The results of the antimicrobial evaluation showed that all examined essential oils (EOs) had noticeable antimicrobial activity against both bacteria and yeast, especially Micrococcus luteus and Bacillus subtilis. The MIC, MBC, and MFC values were ranged from 0.015 % to 0.5 %. The MBC/MIC and MFC/MIC ratios were less than or equal to 4.0 % (v/v), indicating their noticeable bactericidal and candidacidal efficacy. Moreover, the three EOs showed significant inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase (p < 0.05). It also exerted remarkable activity on FRAP, β-carotene, and DPPH radicals. These findings demonstrated that the tested plants have promising biological activities, validating their ethnomedicinal value and providing potential applications as natural drugs.

Reviewing the Prospective Pharmacological Potential of Isothiocyanates in Fight against Female-Specific Cancers

Gynecological cancers are the most commonly diagnosed malignancies in females worldwide. Despite the advancement of diagnostic tools as well as the availability of various therapeutic interventions, the incidence and mortality of female-specific cancers is still a life-threatening issue, prevailing as one of the major health problems worldwide. Lately, alternative medicines have garnered immense attention as a therapeutic intervention against various types of cancers, seemingly because of their safety profiles and enhanced effectiveness. Isothiocyanates (ITCs), specifically sulforaphane, benzyl isothiocyanate, and phenethyl isothiocyanate, have shown an intriguing potential to actively contribute to cancer cell growth inhibition, apoptosis induction, epigenetic alterations, and modulation of autophagy and cancer stem cells in female-specific cancers. Additionally, it has been shown that ITCs plausibly enhance the chemo-sensitization of many chemotherapeutic drugs. To this end, evidence has shown enhanced efficacy in combinatorial regimens with conventional chemotherapeutic drugs and/or other phytochemicals. Reckoning with these, herein, we discuss the advances in the knowledge regarding the aspects highlighting the molecular intricacies of ITCs in female-specific cancers. In addition, we have also argued regarding the potential of ITCs either as solitary treatment or in a combinatorial therapeutic regimen for the prevention and/or treatment of female-specific cancers. Hopefully, this review will open new horizons for consideration of ITCs in therapeutic interventions that would undoubtedly improve the prognosis of the female-specific cancer clientele. Considering all these, it is reasonable to state that a better understanding of these molecular intricacies will plausibly provide a facile opportunity for treating these female-specific cancers.

Natural sources, biological effects, and pharmacological properties of cynaroside

Cynaroside is a flavonoid, isolated from several species belonging to the Apiaceae, Poaceae, Lamiaceae, Solanaceae, Zingiberaceae, Compositae and other families and it can be extracted from seeds, roots, stems, leaves, barks, flowers, fruits, aerial parts, and the whole plant of these species. This paper discloses the current state of knowledge on the biological/pharmacological effects and mode of action to better understand the numerous health benefits of cynaroside. Several research works revealed that cynaroside could have beneficial effects on various human pathologies. Indeed, this flavonoid exerts antibacterial, antifungal, antileishmanial, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. Additionally, cynaroside exhibits its anticancer effects by blocking MET/AKT/mTOR axis by decreasing the phosphorylation level of AKT, mTOR, and P70S6K. For antibacterial activity, cynaroside reduces biofilm development of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Moreover, the incidence of mutations leading to ciprofloxacin resistance in Salmonella typhimurium was reduced after the treatment with cynaroside. In addition, cynaroside inhibited the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which reduced the damage to mitochondrial membrane potential caused by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). It also enhanced the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and lowered that of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax. Cynaroside abrogated the up-regulation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p53 protein expression triggered by H₂O₂. All these findings suggest that cynaroside could be used to prevent certain human diseases.

Effect of L-Carnosine in Patients with Age-Related Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

L-carnosine has been found to have multimodal activity.

AIM

The aim of this review was to find out the efficacy of L-carnosine in patients with age-related diseases.

METHODS

Clinical studies evaluated the effect of L-carnosine on cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders were searched in electronic bibliographic databases. The protocol has been registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022314033). The revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials was used to assess all of the reports for risk of bias. RevMan 5.4 was used to conduct the meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Following the screening process, 14 papers were selected for systematic review, with 9 of them being qualified for meta-analysis. Many of the included studies showed that L-carnosine has potential therapeutic activity in age related diseases. Results from the meta-analysis showed that in diabetes mellitus, HbA1c [mean difference (MD) 95% CI = -1.25 (-2.49, -0.022); p = 0.05; p = 0.001; I2 = 85%] and fasting blood sugar (FBS) [MD 95% CI = -12.44 (-22.44, -2.44); p = 0.01; p = 0.40; I2 = 0%] and in neurodegenerative disorder, Wechsler Memory Scale Logical Memory 2 (WMS-LM2) [MD 95% CI = 1.34 (0.83, 1.85); p < 0.00001; p = 0.43; I2 = 0%], showed statistically significant difference, favoring the L-carnosine group over the control group. While in neurodegenerative disorder, Alzheimer 's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS) [MD 95% CI = 0.98 (-1.55, -0.42); p = 0.0007; p = 0.86; I2 = 0%] and Back Depression Inventory (BDI) [MD 95% CI = -1.12 (-1.87, -0.37); p = 0.003; p = 0.73; I2 = 0%] showed statistically significant difference, favoring the control group over L-carnosine group.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical studies were conducted to manage chemotherapy induced toxicities and there are no clinical studies available for its anti-cancer use, and the current evidence does not support its use in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Pharmaceutical Development of Intraperitoneal Arachis hypogaea as a Renal Protective Agent

BACKGROUND

Kidneys are among the vital organs of the human body; therefore, damage from any exogenous/endogenous agent may put human life at risk. Arachis hypogaea (AH) contains different free radical scavenging flavonoids, stilbenes, and tannins. This research aimed to elucidate the possible nephroprotective mechanism of AH methanolic crude extract (AHcr) and n-hexane oil fraction (AHO) against gentamycin-induced nephrotoxicity.

METHODS

After the extraction of the crude oil of the plant, they were tested against a Gentamycin (GM)-treated group of Swiss Albino mice for their nephroprotective action. Animals were divided into six (6) equal groups with five (5) animals in each group. These groups were: control group (0.5 mL normal saline via intraperitoneal -i.p), gentamycin group (gentamycin 100 mg/kg i.p), Silymarin + gentamycin group (Silymarin 50 mg/kg and gentamycin 100 mg/kg i.p), plant extract (AHcr1) and gentamycin group (AHcr1 250 mg/kg and gentamycin 100 mg/kg i.p), AHcr2 + gentamycin group (AHcr2; 500 mg/kg and gentamycin 100 mg/kg i.p) and the hexane oil fraction (AHO) + gentamycin (AHO 1 mL/kg and GM 100 mg/kg i.p). After completion of doses, animals were sacrificed for the collection of blood to further investigate biochemical changes and histopathological changes in kidney tissues.

RESULTS

Serum creatinine, urea, and blood urea nitrogen significantly increased (p < 0.001) in the gentamycin-treated group as compared to the control group. The elevated level of serum creatinine, urea, and blood urea nitrogen was decreased significantly (p < 0.001) in groups treated with AHcr and AHO compared to the gentamycin group. Similarly, the histopathological study of kidney tissues from the gentamycin group showed tubular necrosis, vacuolation, and fibrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of crude extract and hexane soluble fraction of AH caused a significant reversal of gentamycin-induced nephrotoxicity.

Computational approach in searching for dual action multitarget inhibitors for osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is a common primary malignant bone tumor that typically manifests in the second decade of life. This study aimed to identify osteogenic compounds that potentially serve as multitarget inhibitors for osteosarcoma. The study was a molecular docking study of nine Food and Drug Administration-approved compounds with osteogenic properties to the key membrane proteins of osteosarcoma. The ligands used were raloxifene, simvastatin, dexamethasone, risedronate, ibandronate, zoledronic acid, ascorbic acid, alendronate, and β-glycerophosphate, whereas the target proteins used were RET, fibroblast growth factor receptor 1, KIT, PDGFRA, VEGFR1, and VEGFR2. Chem3D version 15.0.0.106 was used for ligand preparation, and AutoDockTools version 1.5.6 was used for protein preparation, whereas molecular docking was conducted using AutoDock Vina. Raloxifene, simvastatin, and dexamethasone had the lowest binding activity to the target proteins. The binding affinity of raloxifene was from -8.4 to -10.0 kcal mol-1, that of simvastatin was -8.3 to -9.2 kcal mol-1, whereas dexamethasone ranged from -6.9 to -9.1 kcal mol-1. Most types of interactions were hydrophobically followed by hydrogen bonding. The current study suggests that raloxifene, simvastatin, and dexamethasone have the potential to act as multitarget inhibitors for osteosarcoma with the ability to induce bone remodeling.

Bovine hydroxyapatite-based scaffold accelerated the inflammatory phase and bone growth in rats with bone defect

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a biomaterial widely used to treat bone defect, such as due to traffic accident. The HA scaffold is obtained from synthetic HA or natural sources, such as bovine hydroxyapatite (BHA). This study aims to compare the characteristics and in vivo performance of BHA-based and HA-based scaffolds. For this purpose, the scaffold was formulated with gelatin (GEL) and characterised by SEM-EDX, FTIR and mini autograph. The defect model was carried out on the femur area of Wistar rats classified into three animal groups: defect, HA-GEL and BHA-GEL. Postoperatively (7, 14 and 28 days), the bone was radiologically evaluated, and stained with haematoxylin-eosin, anti-CD80 and anti-CD163. The BHA-GEL scaffold showed a regular surface and spherical particle shape, whereas the HA-GEL scaffold exhibited irregular surface. The BHA-GEL scaffold had higher pore size and compressive strength and lower calcium-to-phosphorus ratio than the HA-GEL scaffold. In vivo study showed that the expression of CD80 in the three experimental groups was not significantly different. However, the expression of CD163 differed significantly between the groups. The BHA-GEL group showed robust expression of CD163 on day 7, which rapidly decreased over time. It also showed increased osteoclasts, osteoblasts and osteocytes cell count that contributed to the integrity of the defect area. In conclusion, the BHA-based scaffold exhibited the desired physical and chemical characteristics that benefit in vivo performance versus the HA-based scaffold. Thus, the BHA-based scaffold may be used as a bone graft.

Illuminating the Molecular Intricacies of Exosomes and ncRNAs in Cardiovascular Diseases: Prospective Therapeutic and Biomarker Potential

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Accumulating evidences have highlighted the importance of exosomes and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in cardiac physiology and pathology. It is in general consensus that exosomes and ncRNAs play a crucial role in the maintenance of normal cellular function; and interestingly it is envisaged that their potential as prospective therapeutic candidates and biomarkers are increasing rapidly. Considering all these aspects, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent understanding of exosomes and ncRNAs in CVDs. We provide a great deal of discussion regarding their role in the cardiovascular system, together with providing a glimpse of ideas regarding strategies exploited to harness their potential as a therapeutic intervention and prospective biomarker against CVDs. Thus, it could be envisaged that a thorough understanding of the intricacies related to exosomes and ncRNA would seemingly allow their full exploration and may lead clinical settings to become a reality in near future.

Bisacodyl overcomes morphine-induced constipation by decreasing colonic Aquaporin-3 and Aquaporin-4 expression

Introduction: Morphine is an opioid prescribed to treat aches and pains. However, morphine often causes opioid-induced constipation (OIC). Aquaporin (AQP) transporters, especially AQP3 and AQP4, play an essential role in mediating constipation. Bisacodyl is a common laxative used to treat constipation. To date, the effects of bisacodyl on AQP3 and AQP4 expression and the role this interaction plays in constipation are unclear. This study aimed to determine the effects of bisacodyl on AQP3 and AQP4 expression in mice after induction of constipation with morphine.

Materials and methods: The laxative effects of bisacodyl on both acute and chronic morphine-induced constipation were determined. Fecal water content, colonic bead expulsion, and colonic mRNA levels for AQP3 and AQP4 mRNA were measured.

Results and discussion: The administration of morphine to mice resulted in decreased fecal water content, longer bead expulsion times, and increased AQP3 and AQP4 mRNA levels in the colon. Meanwhile, bisacodyl administration prevented the morphine-induced changes in fecal water content, bead expulsion time, and AQP3 and AQP4 mRNA levels in the colons of mice.

Conclusion: This study suggests that bisacodyl may prevent morphine-induced constipation by preventing morphine-induced increases in AQP3 and AQP4 expression in the colon.

Graphical abstract:

Prolonged Maternal Separation Reduces Anxiety State and Increases Compulsive Burying Activity in the Offspring of BALB/c Mice

BACKGROUND

The elevated plus maze (EPM) and the marble burying (MB) tests are common behavioral tests used for behavioral phenotyping in mouse models for neurodevelopmental disorders. However, the behavioral effects of maternal separation (MS), a standard paradigm for early life stress in animals, in both the EPM and MB tests remain incompletely known.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the behavioral effects of prolonged MS in the offspring of mice using the EPM and MB tests.

METHODS

Male BALB/c mice were isolated from their mothers for 4 h each day during the first 30 days after birth. On day 50 postnatal, groups of separated and non-separated mice (n = 18/each group) were subjected to the EPM and MB tests for comparative behavioral evaluations. In addition, the locomotor activity of mice was evaluated using the actophotometer test.

RESULTS

The findings of the EPM test revealed that separated mice exhibited anxiolytic-like behaviors, as evidenced by a significant increase in the latency to closed arms and the time spent in the open arms compared with non-separated mice. Separated mice also showed compulsive burying activity in the MB test, as determined by a significant increase in the number of buried marbles. The results of the actophotometer test did not show any significant change in locomotor activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Prolonged MS caused the adult offspring of mice to exhibit a decrease in anxiety state and increased compulsive burying activity, which were not associated with a change in locomotor activity. Further investigations with validated tests are needed to support these findings.

Acceleration of Bone Fracture Healing through the Use of Bovine Hydroxyapatite or Calcium Lactate Oral and Implant Bovine Hydroxyapatite-Gelatin on Bone Defect Animal Model

Bone grafts a commonly used therapeutic technique for the reconstruction and facilitation of bone regeneration due to fractures. BHA-GEL (bovine hydroxyapatite-gelatin) pellet implants have been shown to be able accelerate the process of bone repair by looking at the percentage of new bone, and the contact between the composite and bone. Based on these results, a study was conducted by placing BHA-GEL (9:1) pellet implants in rabbit femoral bone defects, accompanied by 500 mg oral supplement of BHA or calcium lactate to determine the effectiveness of addition supplements. The research model used was a burr hole defect model with a diameter of 4.2 mm in the cortical part of the rabbit femur. On the 7th, 14th and 28th days after treatment, a total of 48 New Zealand rabbits were divided into four groups, namely defect (control), implant, implant + oral BHA, and implant + oral calcium lactate. Animal tests were terminated and evaluated based on X-ray radiology results, Hematoxylin-Eosin staining, vascular endothelial growth Factor (VEGF), osteocalcin, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and calcium levels. From this research can be concluded that Oral BHA supplementation with BHA-GEL pellet implants showed faster healing of bone defects compared to oral calcium lactate with BHA-GEL pellet implants.

Role of Immunotherapy in the Treatment of Cancer: A Systematic Review

Tremendous progress has been made in cancer research over the years, and, as a result, immunotherapy has emerged as an important therapy for the treatment of cancer, either as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with other cancer therapies. Immunotherapy has demonstrated encouraging outcomes and offers a viable strategy for not only enhancing the quality of life but also dramatically boosting the overall survival rate of cancer patients. The objective of this systematic review was to assess the efficacy of immunotherapy in the treatment of cancer. Databases such as PubMed and Science Direct were searched from their inception until September 2021, using the following keywords: cancer immunotherapy, cancer recurrence, cancer treatment options, and cancer therapies. The systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA protocol. There were a total of 599 articles; however, after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the final review ended up with 34 publications. In conclusion, the studies have demonstrated that immunotherapy is a viable alternative treatment option for patients with recurrent or metastatic cancer, since the overall survival rate and progression-free survival rate were shown to be successful.

Effectiveness of Indonesian house dust mite allergenic extract in triggering allergic rhinitis sensitivity in a mouse model: A preliminary study

Background and Aim:

Perennial allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic upper respiratory disease, with inflammation mediated by immunoglobulin E in the nasal mucosa caused by house dust mites. Recently, allergen immunotherapy showed promising allergic healing in patients with a definite history of sensitization. Based on this finding, a product was developed using Indonesian house dust mite (IHDM). This study aimed to optimize the allergenic rhinitis mouse model that was generated using IHDM to test the in vivo sensitivity and safety of this product.

Materials and Methods:

Seven groups of mice were used for effectiveness testing – normal, negative control with IHDM challenge, positive control with 0.1% histamine challenge, and AR group by both IHDM-induced sensitization at 12.5, 50, 250, or 500 μg and IHDM challenge. Mice were sensitized by intraperitoneal administration of IHDM once a week for 3 consecutive weeks. Thereafter, the challenge was given intranasally 5 times on alternate days. The number of nose rubbing and sneezing was noted. Eosinophil infiltration was assessed histologically using hematoxylin and eosin staining. The expression of interleukin-5 (IL-5) mRNA in the nasal mucosa was determined using semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

Results:

The induction of AR with IHDM significantly increased the number of nose rubbing and sneezing in the mouse model. Eosinophil infiltration was observed in the nasal mucosa; however, no significant change occurred in the expression of IL-5 mRNA.

Conclusion:

Overall, these data indicate that IHDM allergenic extract could be an effective sensitizing agent in a mouse model of AR. Although the use of IHDM is a limitation of this study because other sources of house dust mites might have different effects, this study provides a proper model for immunotherapy effectivity testing for in vivo pre-clinical studies.

Carrageenophyte Kappaphycus malesianus Inhibits Microglia-Mediated Neuroinflammation via Suppression of AKT/NF-κB and ERK Signaling Pathways

Neuroinflammation is an inflammatory response in any part of the central nervous system triggered by the activation of microglia and astrocytes to produce proinflammatory cytokines in the brain. However, overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines further contributes to the development of neurodegenerative disorders. Red seaweed, Kappaphycus malesianus, is a predominant carrageenophyte commercially cultivated in Semporna, Sabah, Malaysia. It is an important source of raw material for kappa-carrageenan productions in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. However, no studies have been conducted focusing on the antineuroinflammatory effects of K. malesianus. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of the antineuroinflammatory activity of K. malesianus extracts (ethyl acetate, ethanol and methanol) on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV2 microglia and the underlying mechanisms involved in the regulation of neuroinflammatory pathways. Extract with the most promising antineuroinflammatory activity was analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Our results show that methanol extract has a convincing antineuroinflammatory effect by suppressing both AKT/NF-κB and ERK signaling pathways to inhibit the expression of all proinflammatory cytokines without causing a cytotoxicity effect. LC-MS analysis of methanol extract revealed two compounds: prosopinine and eplerenone. Our findings indicated that metabolites of K. malesianus are potent antineuroinflammatory agents with respect to prevention of neurological disorders.

Analgesics Induce Alterations in the Expression of SARS-CoV-2 Entry and Arachidonic-Acid-Metabolizing Genes in the Mouse Lungs

Paracetamol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are widely used in the management of respiratory viral infections. This study aimed to determine the effects of the most commonly used analgesics (paracetamol, ibuprofen, and diclofenac) on the mRNA expression of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) entry and arachidonic-acid-metabolizing genes in mouse lungs. A total of twenty eight Balb/c mice were divided into four groups and treated separately with vehicle, paracetamol, ibuprofen, and diclofenac in clinically equivalent doses for 14 days. Then, the expressions of SARS-CoV-2 entry, ACE2, TMPRSS2, and Ctsl genes, in addition to the arachidonic-acid-metabolizing cyp450, cox, and alox genes, were analyzed using real-time PCR. Paracetamol increased the expressions of TMPRSS2 and Ctsl genes by 8.5 and 5.6 folds, respectively, while ibuprofen and diclofenac significantly decreased the expression of the ACE2 gene by more than 2.5 folds. In addition, all tested drugs downregulated (p < 0.05) cox2 gene expression, and paracetamol reduced the mRNA levels of cyp4a12 and 2j5. These molecular alterations in diclofenac and ibuprofen were associated with pathohistological alterations, where both analgesics induced the infiltration of inflammatory cells and airway wall thickening. It is concluded that analgesics such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, and diclofenac alter the expression of SARS-CoV-2 entry and arachidonic-acid-metabolizing genes in mouse lungs.

Synthesis and In-Vivo Evaluation of Benzoxazole Derivatives as Promising Anti-Psoriatic Drugs for Clinical Use

2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-5-benzoxazoleacetic acid (CBA) and its ester, methyl-2-(4-chloro-phenyl)-5-benzoxazoleacetate (MCBA), were synthesized, and their structures were confirmed by 1HNMR, IR, and mass spectrophotometry. The anti-psoriatic activities of CBA and MCBA were tested using an imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriatic mouse model, in which mice were treated both topically (1% w/w) and orally (125 mg/kg) for 14 days. The erythema intensity, thickness, and desquamation of psoriasis were scored by calculating the psoriasis area severity index (PASI). The study also included the determination of histopathological alterations in the skin tissues of treated mice. Topical and oral administration of CBA and MCBA led to a reduction in erythema intensity, thickness, and desquamation, which was demonstrated by a significant decrease in the PASI value. In addition, skin tissues of mice treated with CBA and MCBA showed less evidence of psoriatic alterations, such as hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, scale crust, edema, psoriasiform, and hyperplasia. After administration of either topical or oral dosing, the anti-psoriatic effects were found to be stronger in MCBA-treated than in CBA-treated mice. These effects were comparable to those produced by Clobetasol propionate, the reference drug. This drug discovery could be translated into a potential new drug for future clinical use in psoriasis treatment.

Molecular Docking Studies for Protein-Targeted Drug Development in SARS-CoV-2

Background:

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a global pandemic and emergency. Currently, there is no therapeutic agent that has been proven effective against the virus.

Objective:

We investigated and screened for 401 antiviral compounds that could inhibit one or more of the three protein targets in SARS-CoV-2 chymotrypsin-like (3CL) protease, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, and spike glycoprotein) using the in-silico approach.

Methods:

Lipinski’s rule of five was used as an initial screening for relevant compounds. Ligand preparation was conducted using JChem software and Schrödinger’s LigPrep module, while protein elucidation was conducted using AutoDockTools-1.5.6. Molecular docking was analyzed using AutoDockVina.

Results:

Five antiviral compounds were obtained from each SARS-CoV-2 protein with ideal and potential binding energy as a candidate for target protein inhibition on SARS-CoV-2, TAK-981; lopinavir, mefloquine, and sitagliptin were potent inhibitors of 3CL protease; imatinib, relacatib, AZD7986, imatinib, and TAK-981 proteins showed potential as inhibitors of RdRp tetrandrine, and, selinexor, imatinib, lopinavir, and ciclesonide, showed potential as inhibitors of glycoprotein AZD7986. These compounds have better binding energy than the three comparator drugs, remdesivir, chloroquine, and hydroxychloroquine.

Conclusion:

We obtained several antiviral compounds with reliable binding energies to the SARSCoV- 2 proteins and potentially better efficacy than the three comparator drugs. Furthermore, this research will help accelerate the development of Covid-19 drugs.

Andrographolide and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) lower the risk of addiction induced by nicotine and cigarette smoke extract (CSE) in mice

Background: Nicotine, a psychoactive compound from the tobacco plant, produces a reward effect that potentially causes addiction. It is postulated that nicotine addiction occurs through increased reactive oxygen species production in nucleus accumbens, which causes damage to the endogenous antioxidant defense system resulting in an increased need for nicotine intake, which leads to addiction. The antioxidants, andrographolide and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), are expected as potential substances to decrease the risk of nicotine addiction. This study aimed to analyze the effect of andrographolide and EGCG on the risk of addiction induced by nicotine and cigarette smoke extract (CSE) in mice. Methods: Thirty-five Balb/c male mice, divided into seven groups, were used in this study. The administered drugs were normal saline 1.0 mL/kg BW as control group, nicotine 0.5 mg/kg BW, CSE 1.0 mg/kg BW, andrographolide 50 mg/kg BW, and EGCG 50 mg/kg BW as pre-treatment. Conditioned place preference (CPP) with a biased design method was used to evaluate the reward effects induced by nicotine and CSE. Several stages were carried out, namely pre-conditioning, conditioning, post-conditioning, extinction, and reinstatement tests. Results: Based on the CPP score, both nicotine (p<0.001) and CSE (p<0.001) groups increased the reward effect significantly compared to that of the normal saline group. The andrographolide + nicotine (p<0.001) and EGCG + nicotine (p<0.001) groups decreased the reward effect significantly compared to that of the nicotine group without pharmacological treatment. Similarly, the andrographolide + CSE (p<0.001) and EGCG + CSE (p<0.01) groups decreased the reward effect significantly compared to that of the CSE group without pharmacological treatment. Conclusions: Andrographolide and EGCG lower the risk of addiction induced by nicotine and CSE.

The effects of quercetin on nicotine-induced reward effects in mice

OBJECTIVES

Tobacco smoking remains the primary cause of preventable mortality and morbidity in the world. The complexity of the nicotine dependency process included the withdrawal effect that triggers recurrence being the main problem. Quercetin, known as an antioxidant, binds free radicals and modulates endogenous antioxidants through Nrf2 activations is expected as a potential agent to reduce the risk of nicotine dependence. This research aims to evaluate quercetin's effects on reducing the risk of nicotine addiction.

METHODS

Conditioned Place Preference (CPP) with a biased design was used to evaluate nicotine's reward effects in male Balb/C mice. Preconditioning test was performed on day 1; conditioning test was done twice daily on day 2-4 by administering quercetin (i.p.) 50 mg/kg along with nicotine (s.c.) 0.5 mg/kg or Cigarette Smoke Extract (CSE) (s.c.) contained nicotine 0.5 mg/kg; and postconditioning test was performed on day 5 continue with extinction test on day 6, 8, 10, 12, and reinstatement test on day 13. The duration spent in each compartment was recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

Nicotine 0.5 mg/kg and CSE 0.5 mg/kg significantly induced reward effects (p<0.05). There was no decrease of reward effect during the extinction-reinstatement stage of the postconditioning phase (p>0.05), while quercetin 50 mg/kg both induced along with nicotine or CSE was able to inhibit the reward effect of nicotine (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Quercetin reduced the risk of nicotine dependence and has a potential effect to use as a therapy for nicotine dependence, especially as a preventive agent.

Resveratrol ameliorates physical and psychological stress-induced depressive-like behavior

OBJECTIVES

Depression is a mental disorder that profoundly affects all aspects of life, but currently, antidepressants have some problems with their effectiveness and side effects. Resveratrol is a compound that has the ability to regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. This study aimed to determine resveratrol's effect on physical and psychological stress-induced depressive-like behavior.

METHODS

Mice were divided into control, physical stress, psychological stress groups. Treatment was conducted with fluvoxamine 20 mg/kg and resveratrol 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg for seven days. The depressive-like state was evaluated using a forced swim test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), and open field test (OFT).

RESULTS

Physical stress and psychological stress induction increase the immobility time on FST and TST. Besides, there is an increase in time in central on OFT, which indicates an anxiety or mental illness-like behavior. However, the OFT examination on sniffing, rearing, grooming, and crossing behavior did not show a significant difference. Resveratrol 80 mg/kg and fluvoxamine 20 mg/kg were significantly reduced immobility time at TST compared to the physical stress group. While in psychological stress, resveratrol 80 mg/kg tended to decrease immobility time but not significant. A significant increase in time in central duration was seen in the resveratrol 40 mg/kg compared to the psychological stress. Stress induction causes increased amygdala corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) mRNA expression. However, neither resveratrol nor fluvoxamine affected amygdala CRF mRNA expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Resveratrol ameliorates depressive-like behavior induced by physical and psychological stress.

The effects of quercetin on the expression of SREBP-1c mRNA in high-fat diet-induced NAFLD in mice

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to determine the effect of quercetin on the expression of primary regulator gene involved in lipogenesis and triglycerides synthesis in the liver, and the sterol regulatory binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) mRNA in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with a high-fat diet (HFD) model.

METHODS

Fifty-six Balb/c mice were divided into seven groups: standard feed; HFD; HFD and quercetin 50 mg/kg for 28 days; HFD and quercetin 100 mg/kg BW for 28 days; HFD and quercetin 50 mg/kg for 14 days; HFD and quercetin 100 mg/kg for 14 days; HFD and repaired fed for 14 days. Quercetin was administered intraperitoneally. The animals were sacrificed 24 h after the last treatment; the liver was taken for macroscopic, histopathological staining using hematoxylin-eosin and reverse transcription-PCR analysis sample.

RESULTS

HFD significantly increased the expression of SREBP-1c mRNA; meanwhile, quercetin and repaired feed significantly reduced the expression of SREBP-1c mRNA in the liver. Quercetin at a dose of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg also improved liver cells' pathological profile in high-fat diet NAFLD.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggests that quercetin has an inhibitory effect on SREBP-1c expression and improved liver pathology in NAFLD mice.

Quercetin promotes behavioral recovery and biomolecular changes of melanocortin-4 receptor in mice with ischemic stroke

OBJECTIVES

Ischemic stroke is known as a common causes of disability, lower psychological well-being as well as preventable death. The pathogenesis of ischemic stroke process becomes worse immediately after oxidative stress occurs. One of the flavonoids with antioxidant abilities is quercetin. This study was aimed to investigate quercetin administration on the behavioral functions (motor and sensory) and expression of melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) in mice with ischemic stroke.

METHODS

Male ICR mice were divided into sham, stroke, stroke with quercetin 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg. The stroke model was performed by blocking the left common carotid artery for 2 h. Quercetin was intraperitoneally administered daily for seven days. Evaluation was conducted during two weeks after induction using ladder rung walking test and narrow beam test for motoric function and adhesive removal tape test for sensory function. On day-14 mice were sacrificed, MC4R expression in the dorsal striatum was determined using RT-PCR.

RESULTS

Stroke decreased the motor, sensory function and MC4R mRNA expression in dorsal striatum. Quercetin improved motor and sensory function, and upregulated expression of MC4R.

CONCLUSIONS

Quercetin administration after ischemic stroke improves behavioral function, possibly through the upregulation of MC4R in the brain.

The impact of glutaraldehyde on the characteristics of bovine hydroxyapatite-gelatin based bone scaffold as gentamicin delivery system

OBJECTIVES

Biomaterials are widely used as drug delivery systems targeting bone tissue, such as to treat bone infectious disease. However, the addition of drugs to biomaterials weakens their mechanical properties. Crosslinkers are compounds that improve the mechanical properties of biomaterials. This study aims to determine the effect of glutaraldehyde (GTA) as a crosslinker on the characteristics of bovine hydroxyapatite-gelatin-based bone scaffold with gentamicin as antibiotics (BHA-GEL-GEN-GTA).

METHODS

BHA-GEL-GEN-GTA scaffold with GTA solid content ranging from 0.1 to 1.4 wt% was made by direct compression. The compressive strength test was carried out using autograph. Scaffold degradation test was carried out by dissolving the scaffolds in PBS. Scaffold toxicity was performed by MTT assay using BHK-21 fibroblast cells.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference in the scaffolds' compressive strength due to differences in GTA volume. Scaffold crosslinked using GTA with solid content 0.1 and 0.2 wt% in 2 mL solution had higher compressive strength than those in 1 mL solution. Furthermore, GTA with solid content 0.6, 1, 1.2, and 1.4 wt% showed higher compressive strength than those without GTA. Degradation test results showed that GTA increased the percentage of weight loss and swelling of the scaffold. The scaffold exhibited a nontoxic profile in MTT assay.

CONCLUSIONS

GTA with optimum solid content shows great compressive strength, stable swelling profile with low percentage of scaffold's weight loss, and is considered as nontoxic.

Study on dosage range evaluation opioid analgesic for breakthrough pain in cancer patients: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Breakthrough pain is an exacerbation of pain occurring in patients with chronic pain who receive opioid therapy every day. Breakthrough pain has not been routinely recognized, evaluated and treated. This study aimed to analyze the utilization of opiates analgesics, including dose regimentation, frequency of use, and the actual adverse effects in cancer patients with breakthrough pain.

METHODS

Data were collected by the retrospective method in the period from January to December 2017. Patients involved received opioids around the clock for treating background pain and rescue medication for treating breakthrough pain. The percentage of the rescue medication dose was calculated based on the total daily opioid dose to treat background pain. Descriptive analysis was used.

RESULTS

From 335 visits, there were 334 of patient visit where the patient received immediate-release morphine as a rescue medication with a dose percentage between 6.67-60%, and 1 visit where the patient received codeine with a dose percentage of 16.67%. Of 335 visits, 233 patient visits received the right proportion of opioid rescue medication doses, while 102 patient visits received a greater dose proportion than the recommended dose of 5-20%.

CONCLUSIONS

Immediate-release morphine is the most commonly prescribed analgesic to treat breakthrough pain and used at 6.67-60% of daily dose with the frequency of use between 2 to 6 times a day. There were 189 (56.42%) patient visits when the patient experienced the adverse effects of the opioid. The identified actual adverse effects are constipation, nausea, and vomiting.

Alpha-lipoic acid ameliorates sodium valproate-induced liver injury in mice

Aim:

This study examines the effect of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) on sodium valproate-induced liver injury through histological features of mice liver tissue.

Materials and Methods:

Mice were divided into three groups; (1) vehicle group, (2) sodium valproate group, and (3) sodium valproate-ALA group. The vehicle group was injected with saline intraperitoneal (i.p.) for 28 days. The sodium valproate group was injected with sodium valproate 300 mg/kg, i.p. daily for 2 weeks, after which the vehicle was administered daily until day 28. The sodium valproate-ALA group was injected with sodium valproate 300 mg/kg daily for 2 weeks before the administration of ALA 100 mg/kg i.p. until day 28. The mice were euthanized, and the liver was extracted for histopathological examination.

Results:

Histopathological examination of the liver section of the vehicle group showed a normal structure of the liver. Two weeks after the administration of sodium valproate, histopathological examination showed an abnormal structure of the liver, with necrotic appearance and inflammatory cells. Moreover, treatment with ALA after the administration of sodium valproate notably ameliorated hepatic histopathological lesions and the liver structure corresponded to a normal liver structure.

Conclusion:

ALA ameliorates sodium valproate-induced liver injury in mice.

Production of the secondary metabolite catechin by in vitro cultures of Camellia sinensis L

Background Catechin is one of the secondary metabolites in Camellia sinensis L. that is alternatively produced through in vitro cultures. The in vitro culture product is possibly improved by optimizing the culture medium with the addition of growth regulators and precursors. The purpose of this study was to confirm the success of the secondary catechin metabolite production through the in vitro culture of C. sinensis L in a relatively short time. Methods The secondary catechin metabolite product is obtained in about 40 days. The study was conducted by (1) leaf cutting for inoculation in Murashige and Skoog media with 1 μg/mL of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid growth regulator; (2) the inoculation of callus multiplication on the same medium as a partially modified inoculation media condition with the addition of 1 μg/mL of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 2 μg/mL of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid at concentration; (3) callus multiplication developed on a new medium containing phenylalanine precursors (300 μg/mL); (4) testing growth by harvesting the callus and weighing the wet weight of its biomass and (5) identification of the callus qualitatively and quantitatively by using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results The level of secondary catechin metabolite produced was 2.54 μg/mL and 12.13 μg/mL in solid and suspension media, respectively. Conclusions It is concluded that the method is effective and efficient in producing catechin product from C. sinensis L.

Analysis of effectiveness and drug related problems of pain reliever for knee osteoarthritis: weighing clinical risk and benefit

Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease, characterized by physiological disorders, such as cartilage degradation, bone remodeling, osteophyte formation, and joint inflammation, which results in pain. Several studies have reported problems with the use of pain medications in OA, such as the use of a combination of many drugs and their long-term use. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the use of pain medications in OA patients. The study focused on the analysis of effectiveness and drug related problems (DRPs) with the category of drug interactions and adverse drug events (ADEs) in knee OA patients in Orthopedic and Traumatology Clinic, Universitas Airlangga Teaching Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia. Methods The study used a retrospective approach through tracking and recording of the medical data from the period of 1st January to 30th June, 2018. The potential of drug interactions was determined by analyzing data based on literature. The actual side effects of the drug were identified based on the patient's medical record through clinical data, laboratory data, and therapeutic data received by the patient. The study involved 143 subjects who met the inclusion criteria of 871 visits to the hospital. Results The results showed that women as much as 80.42% with an age distribution of at most 46-65 years are the most affected by OA cases. The predominant history of illness and comorbidities in OA patients was hypertension in 58.74% of patients. The use of analgesic meloxicam had a percentage of 26.06%, sodium diclofenac 20.21%, mefenamic acid 4.36% and paracetamol 4.25%. The effectiveness of the use of pain reliever was characterized by a decrease in VAS in each patient at the beginning and at the end of the study, where a decrease in pain intensity occurred in 79.72% of patients who received pain medications. Based on drug interactions, we were able to identify pharmacodynamic interactions of 43 events (4.94%) and onine events of pharmacokinetic interactions (1.03%), with a minor severity of 7 events (0.80%),44 moderate events (5.05%), and one major event (0.11%). Mostly identified side effects of the drugs were those due to the use of non-steroid anti inflammatory drugs, which occurred in 42 events (4.82%). Conclusions It can be concluded that OA therapy with a number of pain relievers shows an adequate therapeutic response with some side effects and interactions both pharmacokinetically and pharmacodynamically.

Evaluation to the chemotherapy use in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Background Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a large group of primary malignancies of solid lymphoid tissue. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of NHL. DLBCL has an aggressive natural history but responds well to chemotherapy. The objective of this study was to review the use of chemotherapy, identify its side effects, and examine the response to chemotherapy in patients with NHL at Dr. Soetomo General Hospital. Methods This study was a retrospective observational study using secondary data obtained from patients' medical records from 2016 to 2018. Demographic data (age, sex), clinical characteristics, chemotherapy regimens, side effects of chemotherapy, and response to chemotherapy were recorded. Results Results revealed that of the 43 patients (age ranged from 21 to 80 years) who were included in this study, the prevalence of DLBCL was higher in male patients (74%) and about 44% patients were at stage III. R-CHOP (rituximab-cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine/oncovin, prednisone) (53%) was the most used chemotherapy regimen in this study. A total of 65% of patients showed good responses and 35% showed no response to the therapy. The most common side effect was myelosuppression, including 25% and 8% of the patients having anemia and leukopenia, respectively. Conclusions R-CHOP is the most used regimen. Most of patients with NHL have a complete response and the predominant side effect is anemia.

Intravenous insulin therapy in diabetes mellitus with hyperglycemic crisis and intercurrent illness

Background Hyperglycemic crisis is one of the complications of diabetes mellitus, which is common in hospitalized diabetic patient with intercurrent illness, requiring immediate action to control blood glucose. As an effort to attain rapid, gradually and more definite blood glucose, insulin is given intravenously. This study aimed to explore the patterns of blood glucose in hyperglycemic crisis and intercurrent illness, precipitating conditions, insulin regimen and blood glucose (BG) level results. Methods It was a cross-sectional study conducted on type 2 diabetic patients. The inclusion criteria were as follows: hospitalized in the general/internal medicine ward with or without any complication or comorbidity receiving intravenous insulin therapy; have pre- and post-BG data after insulin intervention. Results In 3 months of the study period, 22 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria with 28 cases of intravenous insulin therapy, and 1 patient could get more than one intervention. The major condition toward a hyperglycemic crisis condition was infection. The patient's BG before interventions was 243 mg/dL to more than 600 mg/dL. The dosage of insulin varied from 4 to 10 units per hour, intravenously with a frequency of 1-4 times. The dosage consideration was not only based on BG levels but also on the patient's condition. The reduction in BG level varied greatly between 0.2 and 28.1 mg/dL per unit of insulin. The BG level of three patients did not decrease. On the other hand, one patient experienced mild hypoglycemia. Conclusions Infection conditions were the most common factor for the hyperglycemia crisis. Moreover, intravenous insulin dosing was done individually, and there was a large variation in the results of the decrease in BG levels.

Analysis of the use and cost of stress ulcer prophylaxis for surgical inpatients

Background Stress ulcer is a superficial and asymptomatic lesion and causes bleeding. As many as 50% of death cases are reported as the result of stress ulcer bleeding. Stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) is a drug used to prevent gastrointestinal tract injuries due to stress ulcers. The inappropriate use of SUP drugs can cause adverse drug reactions, and thus SUP drugs are only given to patients in accordance with guidelines in order to avoid the overuse of SUP drugs. The aim of this present study is to analyse the suitability of SUP drug usage based on the criteria from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the drug costs of SUP overuse. Methods An observational descriptive study was conducted from April 24, 2019, to May 17, 2019, in the inpatient surgical ward of Dr. Soetomo General Hospital. Data were obtained from patient medical health records. Results One hundred fifty-two patients used 1404 SUP drugs. Approximately 48% of usage did not suit the ASHP criteria and was considered as medication overuse. The cost of excessive SUP usage during the study period was more than US $65, which is 30.08% of the total drug cost of prescribed stress ulcer drugs. Conclusions The present study suggests that the relatively high excessive drug costs for SUP show a need for monitoring of the application of SUP therapy guidelines.

Attenuation of IL-1ß on the use of glucosamine as an adjuvant in meloxicam treatment in rat models with osteoarthritis

Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent joint disease and a common cause of joint pain, functional loss, and disability. The severity of this disease is always associated with increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines, which play an important role in cartilage damage, synovitis, and other damage to joint tissues. The discovery that many soluble mediators such as cytokines or prostaglandins can increase the production of matrix metalloproteinases by chondrocytes led to the first steps of an inflammatory state. Several studies show that cytokines, such as interleukin 1ß, have a major role in the development of inflammation that occurs in these joints. The use of glucosamine as an adjuvant to meloxicam therapy is expected to inhibit the development of inflammatory OA. Methods The OA model in rat was induced by single injection of intraarticular monosodium iodoacetate (MIA). The development of OA was observed for 21 days. Furthermore, the evaluation of glucosamine potency as an adjuvant of meloxicam therapy for reducing IL-1ß was done by combined treatment at a low dose of meloxicam 1 mg/kg BW with glucosamine at a dose of 125, 250, or 500 mg/kg BW orally for 28 days. Response to hyperalgesia and knee joint diameter was measured on days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, and 49. IL-1ß levels were measured on day 21 and day 49 after MIA injection. Results MIA injection successfully induced OA as marked by a significant difference in the time of latency to heat stimulus (p < 0.01) and a significant increase in joint diameter (p < 0.01). On day 21, IL-1ß levels showed a significant decrease in MIA injection (p = 0.05). The administration of meloxicam and glucosamine did not induce significant decrease in knee joint diameter (p > 0.10), but was able to significantly increase the latency time to heat stimulus (p < 0.01). IL-1ß levels also showed a significant decrease after administering a combination of glucosamine and meloxicam (p < 0.01). Conclusions Taken together, the use of glucosamine as an adjuvant in meloxicam therapy may be caused by the synergistic mechanism of meloxicam for the attenuation of OA development through systemically reducing IL-1ß.

The change of proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor α level in the use of meloxicam in rat model of osteoarthritis

Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease in the joints. One of the proinflammatory cytokines that is thought to have a major role in the inflammatory process, the emergence of pain, and cartilage damage in OA is tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug class of drugs that is relatively selective in inhibiting the activity of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) formation. This study is conducted to prove the change in TNF-α level in the use of meloxicam with model in animals suffering from OA. Methods The OA rat model was induced with sodium monoiodoacetate intra-articularly. Rats were divided into 5 groups: negative control group, positive control group, and treatment groups with various doses of meloxicam. Hyperalgesia effect was evaluated using a warm plate test, and TNF-α level was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results The treatment groups that received meloxicam at a dose of 1.0, 3.0, or 10.0 mg/kg body weight (BW) did not show significant differences in rat knee joint diameter (p = 0.99), but showed a significant difference in sensitivity to heat stimulation (p = 0.02) compared to the control group. Osteoarthritis rats experienced a significant reduction in TNF-α level after being given meloxicam at a dose of 10 mg/kg BW compared with the control group. This shows that the 10 mg/kg BW of meloxicam is a potential dose in reducing the TNF-α level in OA rat models. Conclusions Based on these data, it can be concluded that the inhibition of pain and the development of OA by meloxicam in animal models may be assigned to a decreased level of TNF-α.

Quercetin attenuates acute predator stress exposure-evoked innate fear and behavioral perturbation

Background Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology and pathogenesis of mental diseases, such as depression or anxiety. Psychological stress induced by predatory stimulus is one of the models that explain how induced affective behavior is manifested as a depression-like state. Quercetin is a flavonoid that exhibits potential pharmacological activity on mental diseases. Thus, the present study was designed to investigate the effect of quercetin on innate fear and affective behavior induced by repeated predator stress exposure on mice. Materials and methods ICR mice were exposed to predatory stress for 3 days. Quercetin at a dose of 50 mg/kg was given intraperitoneally along with stress induction. The freezing behavior during the stress induction was analyzed. The anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors and cognitive and motor functions were examined on the last day of induction. Results Predatory stress increased the affective behaviors (anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors) and produced freezing behavior without alterations in the cognitive function and exploratory behavior. Treatment with quercetin 50 mg/kg attenuated the freezing, anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors. Conclusions Repeated predator stress exposure causes both innate fear and depression-like state for the prey animals. Quercetin may have a protective effect against depression and alleviates the fear of traumatic events.

Development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease model by high-fat diet in rats

Background Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is indicated by liver steatosis without excessive alcohol use or other liver disease. Several studies have reported that metabolic syndromes such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia have a linear correlation associated with NAFLD pathophysiology. One of the characteristics of dyslipidemia in NAFLD is increase in serum triglycerides. This study aimed to develop a model of NAFLD characterized by an increase in serum triglyceride levels and histological profile of liver steatosis by high-fat diet in rats. Methods Twelve Wistar rats were fed with pellets enriched with 60% fat. They were housed individually, and the remaining pellets were weighted every day for intake evaluation. Blood samples were collected at day 0 and at the end of each trial period at days 7, 14, 21, and 28 for the measurement of triglyceride levels. Every animal from each group was also sacrificed for liver histopathological examination. Results This study has established developing the NAFLD animal model by induction of a high-fat diet. The levels of serum triglycerides were increased from baseline 80.41 ± 12.82 to 1152.00 ± 73.62, 493.66 ± 159.98, 556.00 ± 120.79, and 489.00 ± 156.75 mg/dL at days 7, 14, 21, and 28, respectively. Liver histology also showed liver steatosis development, inflammation, and hepatocellular ballooning, which were associated with the NAFLD state. Conclusions High-fat diet in rats induced hypertriglyceridemia along with NAFLD-like liver histopathology.

GABAergic function in the lateral hypothalamus regulates feeding behavior: Possible mediation via orexin

Aim

The lateral hypothalamus (LH) is known as the hunger center, but the mechanisms through which the LH regulates food intake are unclear. Since GABA neurons are reported to project to the LH, the present study investigated the role of GABAergic function in the LH in the regulation of feeding behavior.

Methods

GABA levels in the LH were measured by in vivo microdialysis. Food intake after drug injection into the LH was measured every 1 hour for 4 hours. The mRNA levels were measured using RT‐PCR.

Results

Food intake significantly increased GABA levels in the LH, suggesting that food intake stimulates GABAergic function in the LH. Injection of the GABA_A receptor agonist muscimol into the LH significantly inhibited food intake, whereas injection of the GABA_A receptor antagonist bicuculline into the LH did not significantly affect food intake. The inhibitory effect of muscimol injected into the LH was blocked by co‐administration of bicuculline. These results indicate that the stimulation of GABA_A receptors in the LH inhibits food intake. We next examined whether the stimulation of GABA_A receptors affects hypothalamic neuropeptides that are known to regulate feeding behavior. The injection of muscimol significantly decreased preproorexin mRNA in the hypothalamus.

Conclusion

These results indicate that food intake activates GABAergic function in the LH, which terminates feeding behavior by stimulating GABA_A receptors. Moreover, it is suggested that the stimulation of GABA_A receptors in the LH reduces food intake through inhibition of orexin neurons.

We investigated whether GABAergic function in the lateral hypothalamus (LH) regulates feeding behavior. We showed that food intake increased GABA levels in the LH in in vivo microdialysis and that the GABA_A receptor agonist muscimol injected into the LH decreased food intake. These results suggest that food intake activates GABA neurons projecting to the LH, and it terminates feeding behavior through GABA_A receptors.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluvoxamine ameliorates stress- and NSAID-induced peptic ulcer possibly by involving Hsp70

Background Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have recently become potential candidates for a new therapeutic approach to ulcer and gastric bleeding. Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) plays an important role in cellular resistance to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, there is lack of evidence that fluvoxamine recruits Hsp70 to affect stress-induced gastric ulcer. Therefore, we investigated the effect of fluvoxamine on NSAID- and stress-induced gastric ulcer and the possible involvement of Hsp70. Methods ICR mice were used in the study. Stress induction was made by the water-immersion-plus-restraint method. NSAID-induced gastric ulcer was produced by oral administration of indomethacin. Fluvoxamine was given orally 30 min before stress induction and indomethacin treatment. Results Stress and indomethacin treatment significantly increased the ulcer index and intraluminal bleeding score. Stress and indomethacin treatment also significantly increased the expression of Hsp70. Fluvoxamine significantly decreased the ulcer index and intraluminal bleeding in both ulcer models. Moreover, fluvoxamine further increased the expression of Hsp70 in the gastric tissue of stress- and indomethacin-treated mice. Conclusions Our results indicate that fluvoxamine may have a protective effect against stress- as well as NSAID-induced gastric ulcer. In addition, the present study suggests the possible involvement of Hsp70 in the amelioration of gastric ulcer by fluvoxamine.

Inhibition of opioid systems in the hypothalamus as well as the mesolimbic area suppresses feeding behavior of mice

Opioid receptors, especially μ-opioid receptors, in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens (NAcc) are reported to regulate food motivation. However, the roles of μ-, δ- and κ-opioid receptors are not fully understood. Moreover, since μ-, δ- and κ-opioid receptors are reported to distribute in the hypothalamus, these receptors in the hypothalamus might regulate feeding behavior. Thus, the present study investigated the role of μ-, δ- and κ-opioid receptors in the VTA, the NAcc and the hypothalamus in the regulation of feeding behavior. Male ICR mice were subjected to a feeding test after food deprivation for 16h. The mRNA levels of proopiomelanocortin (POMC), preproenkephalin (PENK) and prodynorphin (PDYN), the precursors of endogenous opioid peptides, were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The systemic injection of non-selective (naloxone) and selective μ (β-funaltrexamine; β-FNA), δ (naltrindole) and κ (norbinaltorphimine; norBNI) opioid receptor antagonists markedly reduced food intake. In contrast, the systemic injection of preferential μ (morphine), selective δ (KNT-127) and κ (U-50,488) opioid receptor agonists did not change food intake. The mRNA levels of POMC, PENK and PDYN were decreased in the hypothalamus and the midbrain after food deprivation, whereas the mRNA levels of PENK and PDYN, but not POMC, were decreased in the ventral striatum. The injection of naloxone into the NAcc, VTA and lateral hypothalamus (LH), but not the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus, significantly decreased food intake. The injection of β-FNA and naltrindole into the LH, but not the VTA or NAcc, decreased food intake. The injection of norBNI into the LH and VTA, but not the NAcc, decreased food intake. These results indicate that μ-, δ- and κ-opioid receptors in the LH play a more important role in the regulation of feeding behavior than those receptors in the VTA and the NAcc.