Src Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitory and Antioxidant Activity of Black Chokeberry and Bilberry Fruit Extracts Rich in Chlorogenic Acid.

Edible berries such as the fruits of black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott) and bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) are considered to be rich in phenolic compounds, which are nowadays attracting great interest due to their promising health benefits. The main objective of our study was to investigate, for the first time, their inhibitory properties on Src tyrosine kinase activity, as this enzyme plays an important role in multiple cellular processes and is activated in both cancer and inflammatory cells. In hydroethanolic fruit extracts, 5.0-5.9% of total polyphenols were determined spectrophotometrically, including high amounts of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives. HPLC analysis revealed that the black chokeberry and bilberry extracts contained 2.05 mg/g and 2.54 mg/g of chlorogenic acid, respectively. Using a time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET) assay, the extracts studied were found to have comparable inhibitory effects on Src tyrosine kinase, with IC50 values of 366 µg/mL and 369 µg/mL, respectively. The results also indicated that chlorogenic acid contributes significantly to the observed effect. In addition, both fruit extracts exhibited antioxidant activity by scavenging DPPH and NO radicals with SC50 values of 153-352 µg/mL. Our study suggested that black chokeberry and bilberry fruits may be beneficial in cancer and other inflammation-related diseases.

Artemisia annua L. Extracts Irreversibly Inhibit the Activity of CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 Enzymes.

Artemisia annua L. has long been known for its medicinal properties and isolation of ingredients whose derivatives are used for therapeutic purposes. The CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 enzymes belong to a large family of cytochrome P450 enzymes. These enzymes are involved in the metabolism of drugs and other xeonobiotics. It is known that various compounds can induce or inhibit the activity of these enzymes. The aim of this study was to investigate the nature of the inhibitory effect of Artemisia annua extract on CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 enzymes, as well as the type of inhibition, the presence of reversible or pseudo-irreversible inhibition, and the possible heme destruction. The methanolic extract of Artemisia annua showed an inhibitory effect on CYP2B6 (by almost 90%) and CYP3A4 enzymes (by almost 70%). A significant decrease in heme concentration by 46.8% and 38.2% was observed in different assays. These results clearly indicate that the studied plant extracts significantly inhibited the activity of CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 enzymes. Moreover, they showed irreversible inhibition, which is even more important for possible interactions with drugs and dietary supplements.

Association between Duration of Dialysis and Helicobacter Pylori Infection in Dialysis Patients at the University Clinical Hospital Mostar.

INTRODUCTION: Association of Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection with the length of dialysis in dialysis patients is contradictory. This study was conducted in order to determine the association between the duration of dialysis and the HP infection status in the dialysis patients. Furthemore, biochemical parameters were monitored in two subject groups that were included in this study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study included 51 patients on chronic hemodialysis program who had gastrointestinal symptoms. The subjects were divided in two groups per the length of dialysis treatment. In this study we analyzed age, gender, the time period since the onset of the chronic hemodialysis program, body mass index, biochemical parameters, and whether the patients have arterial hypertension and/or diabetes. The presence of HP antigen was determined in the stool samples with use of he UlcoGnost AG test plate. RESULTS: The incidence of HP infection in hemodialysis patients, with some of the gastrointestinal symptoms, was 25.5%. Patients on hemodialysis for less than 24 months had lower incidence of HP infection than those on hemodialysis program for more than 24 months. HP positive and HP negative subjects were also compared by gender, age, biochemical parameters and body mass index. There was no statistical significant difference between the groups in any of those characteristics. When comparing the HP status of the subjects with the presence of arterial hypertension and diabetes, no statistically significant difference was found between the groups. CONCLUSION: This study showed negative correlation between HP infection and the length of hemodialysis program. Analysis of age, gender, body mass index, biochemical parameters, presence of arterial hypertension and/or diabetes showed no statistically significant difference was found between the hemodialysis patients who were HP positive and those who were HP negative. Additional studies are needed to elucidate the correlation mechanism between the HP infection and the duration of dialysis, in order to examine how long the dialysis time period is the most susceptible to HP infection, and then to improve the prognosis of patients with renal disease.

Inappropriate Use of Topical Corticosteroides in the Dermatology Outpatient.

INTRODUCTION: Topical corticosteroids are group of drugs which have anti-in?ammatory, immuno-suppressive, anti-proliferative and vasoconstrictive effects and are among the most commonly prescribed medication, important and efficacious for management of various dermatological disorders. Strict implementation of the existing regulations is the need of the hour to prevent their widespread abuse. Aim of the study was to investigate the usage of topical corticosteroids therapy with the recipe of a doctor and without it. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The subjects were patients who visited Pharmacies in Mostar from April to July 2020 and were buying topical corticosteroids with or without a recipe or medical report from the doctor. 80 subjects completed a questionnaire themselves included: the way of buying a topical corticosteroids, the information about using topical corticosteroids earlier, the information about subject's visits to the doctor; the length of time using topical corticosteroids, the type of topical corticosteroids used, the part of body the topical corticosteroids was applied on. RESULTS: A total of 80 subjects were treated in the observed period, 58.8% were female. 72.5% subjects had already used local corticosteroids, 62.50% purchased the drug at the recommendation of the pharmacist, 66.30% had no recent diagnosis or no diagnosed disease at all, 21.25% used the drug for more than a month, the most often purchased one was moderate potent local corticosteroid Betamethasone diproprionate 0.05%. Most commonly subjects applied local corticosteroids on arms (50%). CONCLUSION: Strict regulations regarding only prescription-based dispensing of local corticosteroids must be put into practice. This will hopefully bring down both the extremes of ever increasing cases of steroid-induced dermatoses in everyday dermatology practise on one hand and the irrational fears of using TCs in well justified indications on the other.

Sensitive Skin in the Population of Herzegovina-Neretva County: Prevalenceand Clinical Data.

INTRODUCTION: Sensitive skin has been described as a syndrome defined by the occurrence of unpleasant sensations (stinging, burning, pain, pruritus, and tingling sensations) in response to stimuli that normally should not provoke such sensations. Although often transient, and in many cases unaccompanied by visual dermatological responses, sensitive skin affects the quality of life. The aim of this survey was to assess the prevalence of sensitive skin and collect clinical data on sensitive skin in the population of Herzegovina-Neretva County. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The survey included a total of 73 participants, 45 female and 28 male, aged 20 years and above, with a diagnosis of sensitive skin syndrome (SSS) confirmed by physicians. A dermatological exam assessing skin type, phototype and skin sensitivity was performed. The survey collected an assortment of information including demographics and included customized standardized questionnaires that closely examine skin sensitivity and the burden of sensitive skin. RESULTS: Findings concurred with existing evidence that individuals with sensitive skin represent almost half the examined population. The prevalence of perceived sensitive skin was significantly higher in females than in males. The main skin symptom was itching, followed by prickling, warmth and numbness. Our results clearly show that there is a burden of sensitive skin. CONCLUSION: This study investigated the prevalence of sensitive skin and the burden of sensitive skin in the population of Herzegovina-Neretva County. It is the first to focus on sensitive skin among Herzegovina-Neretva County population. Further studies are needed to bolster epidemiological data and physiological pathways of sensitive skin syndrome.