RNA methylation machinery and m6A target genes as circulating biomarkers of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease: Correlation with disease activity, location, and inflammatory cytokines.

Accurate diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), the main subtypes of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), has been challenging due to the constraints of the current techniques. N6-methyl adenosine (m6A) regulators have evolved as key players in IBD pathogenesis; however, their relation to its clinical setting is largely unexplored. This study investigated the potential of selected RNA methylation machinery and m6A target genes as serum biomarkers of UC and CD, their predictive and discriminating capabilities, and their correlations with laboratory data, interleukin (IL)-6, interferon-γ, disease activity scores, and pathological features. Fifty UC and 45 CD patients, along with 30 healthy volunteers were enlisted. The mRNA expression levels of the m6A writers methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) and Wilms-tumor associated protein (WTAP), and the reader YTH domain family, member 1 (YTHDF1), along with the m6A candidate genes sex determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2), hexokinase 2 (HK2), and ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 L3 (UBE2L3) were upregulated in UC patients, whereas only METTL3, HK2, and UBE2L3 were upregulated in CD patients versus controls. Serum WTAP (AUC = 0.94, 95 %CI = 0.874-1.006) and HK2 (AUC = 0.911, 95 %CI = 0.843-0.980) expression levels showed excellent diagnostic accuracy for UC, METTL3 showed excellent diagnostic accuracy for CD (AUC = 0.91, 95 %CI = 0.828-0.992), meanwhile, WTAP showed excellent discriminative power between the two diseases (AUC = 0.91, 95 %CI = 0.849-0.979). Multivariate logistic analysis unveiled the association of METTL3 and UBE2L3 expression with the risk of CD and UC diagnosis, respectively, controlled by age and sex as confounders. Remarkable correlations were recorded between the gene expression of studied m6A regulators and targets in both diseases. Among UC patients, serum METTL3 and WTAP were correlated with UC extent/type, while WTAP was correlated with IL-6. Among CD patients, serum METTL3 and HK2 were correlated with CD activity index (CDAI) and CD location. In conclusion, m6A regulators and target genes are distinctly expressed in UC and CD clinical samples, correlate with disease activity and extent/location, and could serve as a novel approach to empower the diagnosis and stratification of IBD subtypes.

Association of long noncoding RNA H19 rs2839698 C/T with hepatitis B virus infection and hepatocellular carcinoma risk.

The intricate pathogenesis of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and its progression to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not yet been fully elucidated. H19 is one of the earliest imprinted long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) associated with liver pathobiology. This study investigated the association of H19 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs2839698 C/T and rs217727 C/T with HBV and HBV-related HCC and their correlation with H19 expression level. A total of 230 subjects were enrolled in this study including 100 HBV-infected patients, 30 HBV-related HCC patients, and 100 apparently healthy controls. TaqMan genotyping human assays were utilized to assess allelic discrimination for H19 SNPs. H19 expression was assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Our findings showed that H19 rs2839698 was linked to a higher incidence of HBV infection and HBV-related HCC. Individuals who bear the CT genotype of rs2839698 were more susceptible to HBV infection (OR = 3.05; 95% CI 1.714-5.457; p < 0.001). Those harboring the TT genotype were more prone to develop HCC (OR = 2.625; 95% CI 1.037-6.64; p = 0.038). Our data revealed that rs2839698 could function as a promising predictor of HCC risk. Furthermore, H19 was significantly downregulated in HBV (p < 0.01) and HCC (p < 0.01) patients versus the control group. Significant upregulation of H19 in HCC patients with cirrhosis (p < 0.001) was detected. Altogether, this is considered the first prospective case-control study to address the implication of the genetic variations of H19 SNPs in HBV and HBV-related HCC in Egyptian patients.

Expression, Functional Polymorphism, and Diagnostic Values of MIAT rs2331291 and H19 rs217727 Long Non-Coding RNAs in Cerebral Ischemic Stroke Egyptian Patients.

Cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS) is a severe cerebral vascular event. This research aimed to evaluate the role of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the lncRNAs MIAT rs2331291 and H19 rs217727 and epigenetic methylation in the expression patterns of serum lncRNA H19 in CIS Egyptian patients. It included 80 CIS cases and 40 healthy subjects. Serum MIAT expression levels decreased, whereas serum H19 expression levels increased among CIS compared to controls. For MIAT rs2331291, there were significant differences in the genotypic and allelic frequencies between the CIS and healthy subjects at p = 0.02 and p = 0.0001, respectively. Our findings illustrated a significantly increased MIAT T/T genotype frequency in hypertensive CIS compared to non-hypertensive CIS at p = 0.004. However, H19 rs217727 gene frequency C/C was not significantly higher in non-hypertensive CIS than in hypertensive CIS. The methylation of the H19 gene promoter was significantly higher in CIS patients compared to healthy subjects. The level of MIAT was positively correlated with serum H19 in CIS. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis revealed that serum MIAT and H19 have a high diagnostic potential for distinguishing CIS subjects from healthy ones. In conclusion, the MIAT-rs2331291 polymorphism might serve as a novel potential indicator of CIS.

Diagnostic and prognostic value of the RUNXOR/RUNX1 axis in multiple sclerosis.

The runt-related transcription factor-1 (RUNX1) gene with its lncRNA RUNXOR are recently becoming a research focus in various diseases, specifically immune-related diseases as they are implicated in multiple pathways. Interestingly, their role in multiple sclerosis (MS) remains unstudied. The present study explored the role of RUNXOR/RUNX1 in the development and progression of MS and investigated their possible mechanism of action. We measured the serum expression levels of lncRNA RUNXOR, as well as RUNX1, microtubule associated protein 2 (MAP2), nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNAs in 30 healthy controls and 120 MS patients subdivided into 4 groups: 30 clinically isolated syndrome patients, 30 relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients in relapse, 30 RRMS patients in remission and 30 secondary progressive MS patients. Additionally, we measured the serum protein levels of RUNX1, MAP2, NGF, BDNF and interleukin-10 (IL-10). All measured RNA expression levels were markedly downregulated and, consequently, the protein levels of RUNX1, MAP2, NGF, BDNF and IL-10 were significantly decreased in MS patients compared to healthy controls. Moreover, the levels of the measured parameters varied significantly within the MS groups. According to receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curve and logistic regression analyses, lncRNA RUNXOR, RUNX1 mRNA and its protein levels were predictors of disease progression, in addition to RUNX1 mRNA exhibiting a diagnostic potential. Altogether, this study suggests the implication of the RUNXOR-RUNX1 axis in MS development, progression, and increased MS-related disability, and highlights the potential utility of the studied parameters as promising diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers for MS.

Modulation of p38 MAPK and Nrf2/HO-1/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling and pyroptosis outline the anti-neuroinflammatory and remyelinating characters of Clemastine in EAE rat model.

There is vast evidence for the effect of NOD-like receptor protein-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome on multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis. Clemastine (CLM) targets NLRP3 in hypoxic brain injury and promotes oligodendrocyte differentiation. However, no previous study pointed to the link of CLM with inflammasome components in MS. Herein, the study aimed to verify the action of CLM on NLRP3 signaling in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) as an MS rat model. Homogenate of spinal cord with complete Freund's adjuvant was administered on days 0 and 7 to induce EAE. Rats received either CLM (5 mg/kg/day; p.o.) or MCC950 (2.5 mg/kg/day; i.p) for 15 days starting from the first immunization day. In EAEs' brains, NLRP3 pathway components; total and phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), caspase-1, interleukins 1ß and -18 along with pyroptotic marker; gasdermin D (GSDMD) were upregulated. These were accompanied with diminished nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and total antioxidant capacity levels. CLM improved these perturbations as well as signs of MS; weight loss, clinical scores, and motor disorders observed in the open field, hanging wire and rotarod tests. Histopathological examinations revealed improvement in H&E abnormalities and axonal demyelination as shown by luxol fast blue stain in lumbar sections of spinal cord. These CLM's actions were studied in comparison to MCC950 as a well-established selective blocker of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Conclusively, CLM has a protective role against neuroinflammation and demyelination in EAE via its anti-inflammatory and anti-pyroptotic actions.

Phosphatidylethanolamines Are Associated with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in Obese Adults and Induce Liver Cell Metabolic Perturbations and Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation.

Pathogenesis roles of phospholipids (PLs) in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remain incompletely understood. This study investigated the role of PLs in the progression of NAFLD among obese individuals via studying the alterations in serum PL composition throughout the spectrum of disease progression and evaluating the effects of specific phosphatidylethanolamines (PEs) on FLD development in vitro. A total of 203 obese subjects, who were undergoing bariatric surgery, were included in this study. They were histologically classified into 80 controls (C) with normal liver histology, 93 patients with simple hepatic steatosis (SS), 16 with borderline nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (B-NASH) and 14 with progressive NASH (NASH). Serum PLs were profiled by automated electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). HepG2 (hepatoma cells) and LX2 (immortalized hepatic stellate cells or HSCs) were used to explore the roles of PL in NAFLD/NASH development. Several PLs and their relative ratios were significantly associated with NAFLD progression, especially those involving PE. Incubation of HepG2 cells with two phosphatidylethanolamines (PEs), PE (34:1) and PE (36:2), resulted in significant inhibition of cell proliferation, reduction of mitochondrial mass and membrane potential, induction of lipid accumulation and mitochondrial ROS production. Meanwhile, treatment of LX2 cells with both PEs markedly increased cell activation and migration. These effects were associated with a significant change in the expression levels of genes involved in lipogenesis, lipid oxidation, autophagy, apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Thus, our study demonstrated that elevated level of PEs increases susceptibility to the disease progression of obesity associated NAFLD, likely through a causal cascade of impacts on the function of different liver cells.

Repaglinide Elicits a Neuroprotective Effect in Rotenone-Induced Parkinson's Disease in Rats: Emphasis on Targeting the DREAM-ER Stress BiP/ATF6/CHOP Trajectory and Activation of Mitophagy.

Repaglinide, a meglitinide insulinotropic antidiabetic, was unraveled as a promising therapeutic agent for Huntington's disease by targeting the neuronal calcium sensor downstream regulatory element antagonist modulator (DREAM). However, its mechanistic profile in Parkinson's disease (PD) especially its impact on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, mitophagy, and their interconnections is poorly elucidated. This study is the first to examine the neuroprotective potential of repaglinide in rotenone-induced PD in rats by exploring its effects on DREAM, BiP/ATF6/CHOP ER stress pathway, apoptosis, mitophagy/autophagy, oxidative stress, astrogliosis/microgliosis, and neuroinflammation. Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups: groups 1 and 2 received the vehicle or repaglinide (0.5 mg/kg/day p.o). Groups 3 and 4 received rotenone (1.5 mg/kg/48 h s.c) for 21 days; meanwhile, group 4 additionally received repaglinide (0.5 mg/kg/day p.o) for 15 days starting from day 11. Interestingly, repaglinide lessened striatal ER stress and apoptosis as evidenced by reduced BiP/ATF6/CHOP and caspase-3 levels; however, it augmented striatal DREAM mRNA expression. Repaglinide triggered the expression of the mitophagy marker PINK1 and the autophagy protein beclin1 and alleviated striatal oxidative stress through escalating catalase activity. In addition, repaglinide halted astrocyte/microglial activation and neuroinflammation in the striatum as expressed by reducing glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ionized calcium-binding adaptor protein 1 (Iba1) immunostaining and decreasing interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1ß levels. Repaglinide restored striatum morphological alterations, intact neuron count, and neurobehavioral motor performance in rats examined by an open field, grip strength, and footprint gait analysis. Conclusively, repaglinide modulates the DREAM-ER stress BiP/ATF6/CHOP cascade, increases mitophagy/autophagy, inhibits apoptosis, and lessens oxidative stress, astrocyte/microglial activation, and neuroinflammation in PD.

Cromolyn chitosan nanoparticles reverse the DNA methylation of RASSF1A and p16 genes and mitigate DNMT1 and METTL3 expression in breast cancer cell line and tumor xenograft model in mice.

BACKGROUND: Developing epigenetic drugs for breast cancer (BC) remains a novel therapeutic approach. Cromolyn is a mast cell stabilizer emerging as an anticancer drug; its encapsulation in chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) improves its effect and bioavailability. However, its effect on DNA and RNA methylation machineries has not been previously tackled. METHODS: The possible anticancer effect of cromolyn CSNPs and its potential as an epigenetic drug was investigated in vitro using MCF-7 human BC cell line and in vivo using Ehrlich ascites carcinoma-xenograft model in mice symbolizing murine mammary adenocarcinoma. Mice were injected with a single dose of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells subcutaneously for the induction of tumor mass, and then randomized into three groups: control, cromolyn CSNPs (equivalent to 5 mg cromolyn/kg, i.p.) and plain CSNPs twice/week for 2 weeks. RESULTS: Cromolyn CSNPs showed prominent anticancer effect in MCF-7 cells by reducing the cell viability percent and enhancing DNA damage in the comet assay demonstrating its apoptotic actions. Mechanistically, cromolyn CSNPs influenced potential epigenetic processes through mitigating DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) expression, reversing the hypermethylation pattern of the tumor suppressor RASSF1A and p16 genes and attenuating the expression of the RNA N6-methyladenosine writer, methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3). Cromolyn CSNPs diminished ERK1/2 phosphorylation, a possible arm influencing DNMT1 expression. In vivo, cromolyn CSNPs lessened the tumor volume and halted DNMT1 and METTL3 expression in Ehrlich carcinoma mice. CONCLUSIONS: Cromolyn CSNPs have the premise as an epigenetic drug through inhibiting ERK1/2 phosphorylation/DNMT1/DNA methylation and possibly impacting the RNA methylation machinery via mitigating METTL3 expression.

Empagliflozin alleviates endoplasmic reticulum stress and augments autophagy in rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease in rats: Targeting the GRP78/PERK/eIF2α/CHOP pathway and miR-211-5p.

Empagliflozin, a selective sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor, has been demonstrated to provide additional non-glycemic benefits, including neuroprotection. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a key player in neurodegeneration and occurs at the crossroads of other pathologic mechanisms; however, its role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) is still elusive. miR-211-5p regulates neuronal differentiation and viability and was predicted to target CHOP, a downstream effector in the ER stress pathway. For the first time, this study investigated the possible neuroprotective effect of empagliflozin in a rotenone-induced rat model of PD from the perspective of ER stress. Rotenone (1.5 mg/kg) was administered subcutaneously every other day for 3 weeks. Meanwhile, the treated group received empagliflozin 10 mg/kg/day orally for 15 consecutive days post-PD induction. On the molecular level, the ER stress pathway components; GRP78, total and phosphorylated PERK, eIF2α and CHOP, along with miR-211-5p expression were upregulated in the striatum of rotenone-injected rats. Concurrently, the untreated rats showed elevated striatal α-synuclein levels along with diminished autophagy and the proteasome system as evidenced by reduced beclin-1 protein and ELF2/NERF mRNA expression levels. The rotenone-induced striatal oxidative stress and neuroinflammation were expressed by reduced catalase activity and elevated interleukin (IL)-1ß levels. miR-211-5p was positively correlated with PERK/eIF2α/CHOP, IL-1ß and α-synuclein, while negatively correlated with ELF2/NERF, beclin-1 and catalase activity. Empagliflozin treatment showed a restorative effect on all biochemical alterations and improved the motor function of rats tested by open field, grip strength and footprint gait analysis. In the histopathological examination, empagliflozin increased the intact neuron count and attenuated astrogliosis and microgliosis by reducing the glial fibrillary acidic protein and ionized calcium-binding adaptor protein 1 immunostaining. Conclusively, these results emphasize the neurotherapeutic impact of empagliflozin in PD by moderating the GRP78/PERK/eIF2α/CHOP ER stress pathway, downregulating miR-211-5p, resolving oxidative stress, lessening astrocyte/microglial activation and neuroinflammation, along with augmenting autophagy.

Impact of FOXP1 rs2687201 genetic variant on the susceptibility to HCV-related hepatocellular carcinoma in Egyptians.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) constitutes a challenging health problem in Egypt due to the high incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Improved understanding of genetic mechanisms underlying the individual predisposition to HCC will lead to enhancements in the early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of this disease. Transcription factor forkhead box P1 (FOXP1) is involved in the cellular processes of proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, and longevity. In addition, it has been implicated in hepatic tumorigenesis. The present study explored the association of C/A single-nucleotide polymorphism in the FOXP1 gene (rs2687201) with HCC susceptibility in HCV Egyptian patients. The study included 108 patients with HCV-dependant HCC, 86 HCV patients, and 80- age and gender-matched healthy controls. rs2687201 genotyping was performed by allelic discrimination method using TaqMan real-time PCR assays while FOXP1 gene expression and protein level were determined using qRT-PCR and enzyme-linked immunoassay, respectively. Our results revealed a significant association between FOXP1 rs2687201 and HCC risk where (A) allele was significantly more frequent in patients with HCC compared to controls (odds ratio [OR]: 1.88, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17-3.04, p = 0.01) and to HCV patients (OR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.62-2.94, p = 0.012). Furthermore, FOXP1 gene and protein expression levels were remarkably higher in (CA + AA) than in CC genotype carriers in a dominant model. The (CA + AA) genotype displayed a significantly shorter overall survival than the CC genotype in HCC patients. In conclusion, FOXP1 gene polymorphism rs2687201 is significantly associated with HCC, but not with HCV infection, in Egyptian patients.

Amelioration of cyclophosphamide toxicity via modulation of metabolizing enzymes by avocado (Persea americana) extract.

OBJECTIVES: Cyclophosphamide (CPA) is highly effective in treating several human tumours and autoimmune disorders; but, it triggers deleterious side effects. Avocado, Persea americana (Mill.), is a widely consumed fruit with pronounced nutritional and medicinal value. Though many studies examined the protective mechanisms of natural products against CPA toxicity, almost none investigated the modulation of CPA metabolism as a potential underlying mechanism for protection. Here, we investigated the modulating effect of avocado extract (AE) on certain CPA metabolizing enzymes and its correlation with the extent of CPA-induced pulmonary toxicity and urotoxicity. METHODS: Rats received oral AE (0.9 g/kg body weight/day) 7 days before a single CPA injection (150 mg/kg body weight) and continued AE intake for 2, 7 or 28 days to study three phases of CPA-induced urotoxicity and pulmonary toxicity. KEY FINDINGS: CPA acutely elevated then reduced hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) content and significantly suppressed bladder and lung glutathione-S-transferase activity. Furthermore, CPA elevated lung myeloperoxidase activity, DNA content and hydroxyproline level and bladder blood content. AE ameliorated CPA-induced derangements through suppression of CYP2B6 and myeloperoxidase and augmentation of glutathione-S-transferase activity in CPA-treated rats. CONCLUSIONS: AE modulation of CPA metabolizing enzymes and potential anti-inflammatory effect may mitigate CPA-induced toxicity.

rs62139665 Polymorphism in the Promoter Region of EpCAM Is Associated With Hepatitis C Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk in Egyptians.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a universal health problem that is particularly alarming in Egypt. The major risk factor for HCC is hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection which is a main burden in Egypt. The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a stem cell marker involved in the tumorigenesis and progression of many malignancies, including HCC. We investigated the association of -935 C/G single nucleotide polymorphism in EpCAM promoter region (rs62139665) with HCC risk, EpCAM expression and overall survival in Egyptians. A total of 266 patients (128 HCV and 138 HCC cases) and 117 age- and sex-matched controls participated in this study. Genotyping, performed using allelic discrimination and confirmed by sequencing, revealed a significant association between EpCAM rs62139665 and HCC susceptibility, with higher GG genotype and G allele distribution in HCC patients than in non-HCC subjects. Such association was not detected in HCV patients compared to controls. EpCAM gene expression levels, determined in blood by RT-qPCR, and its serum protein expression levels, determined by ELISA, were significantly higher in GG relative to GC+CC genotype carriers in HCV and HCC patients in a recessive model. ROC analysis of EpCAM protein levels revealed significant discriminatory power between HCC patients and non-HCC subjects, with improved diagnostic accuracy when combining α-fetoprotein and EpCAM compared to that of α-fetoprotein alone. Altogether, EpCAM rs62139665 polymorphism is significantly associated with HCC and with EpCAM gene and protein expression levels in the Egyptian population. Moreover, serum EpCAM levels may hold promise for HCC diagnosis and for improving the diagnostic accuracy of α-fetoprotein.

Significance of Some Non-Invasive Biomarkers in the Early Diagnosis and Staging of Egyptian Breast Cancer Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer is one of the most relevant malignancies among women. Early diagnosis and accurate staging of breast cancer is important for the selection of an appropriate therapeutic strategy and achieving a better outcome. AIM: This study aimed to explore the significance of some non-invasive biomarkers in the early diagnosis and staging of Egyptian breast cancer patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 135 female patients with physically and pathologically confirmed breast cancer and 40 unrelated controls as well as 40 patients with benign breast mass were enrolled in this study. The malignant breast cancer group was further divided into four groups according to tumor size. Serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule-1 (CEACAM1), resistin and visfatin were determined by enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: Elevated levels of CEACAM1, resistin and visfatin were observed in breast cancer patients when compared with normal control and benign groups. The cutoff values, sensitivities and specificities of these biomarkers were appropriate for the discrimination of breast cancer from controls. Additionally, the serum levels of visfatin increased positively with tumor size and consequently with breast cancer stages. CONCLUSION: CEACAM1, resistin and visfatin are valuable in early diagnosis of breast cancer, with visfatin being preferentially used in staging.

Glycolytic and immunological alterations in human U937 monocytes in response to H1N1 infection.

We monitored changes that took place in glycolytic enzymes, the pyruvate end product of glycolysis, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), and toll-like receptors (TLRs) both at the transcriptional and translational levels upon direct interaction between PR8-H1N1 and the human monocytes U937 in vitro system. U937 were first treated with H1N1 infectious viral particles or phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) or left untreated and later infected with the H1N1 virus. Levels of phosphofructokinase 1 (PFK1) and pyruvate were biochemically quantified. In addition, levels of TNFα, TLR3, and TLR7 were measured by ELISA. The transcriptional profiles of PFKs, inflammatory cytokines, TLR3 and TLR7 were relatively quantified by qRT-PCR. The results generally revealed significant changes in both the transcriptional and translational profiles of the studied biochemical and immunological parameters upon influenza infection in a time-dependent manner. In conclusion, H1N1 infection triggers transcriptional and translational changes in immortalized human monocytes, which might serve as markers for infection subject for further validation for their specificities.

Ameliorative Effect of Necrosulfonamide in a Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease: Targeting Mixed Lineage Kinase Domain-like Protein-Mediated Necroptosis.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressively debilitating neurodegenerative disorder that has no effective remedy, so far, with available therapeutic modalities being only symptomatic and of modest efficacy. Necroptosis is a form of controlled cell death with a recently emerging link to the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases. This study investigated the role of necroptosis in the pathogenesis of AD and evaluated the potential beneficial effect of the necroptosis inhibitor, necrosulfonamide (NSA), in a rat model of AD. AD was induced by oral administration of AlCl3 (17 mg/kg/day) for 6 consecutive weeks. Administration of NSA (1.65 mg/kg/day) intraperitoneally for 6 weeks significantly amended AlCl3-induced spatial learning and memory deficits, as demonstrated by enhanced rat performance in Morris water and Y-mazes. NSA alleviated the abnormally high hippocampal expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), ß-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), ß-amyloid, glycogen synthase kinase-3ß (GSK-3ß), phosphorylated tau protein, and acetylcholinesterase with concordant replenishment of acetylcholine. The amendments of AD perturbations achieved by NSA correlated with its inhibitory effect on the phosphorylation of the key necroptotic executioner, mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL). Histopathological alterations supported the biochemical findings. In conclusion, NSA treatment represents a promising anti-Alzheimer's approach, mitigating AD neuropathologies via targeting MLKL-dependent necroptosis.

H1N1 Infection Reduces Glucose Level in Human U937 Monocytes Culture.

Infection with influenza A (H1N1) virus contributes significantly to the global burden of acute respiratory diseases. Glucose uptake and metabolic changes are reported in different cell types after infections with different virus types, including influenza A virus. Alteration of glucose metabolism specifically in immune cells has major health consequences. The aim of this study was to monitor glucose concentration in unstimulated and stimulated U937 human monocytes with infectious or heat inactivated H1N1 or Staphylococcus aureus or in nonpathogenically stimulated monocytes with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate. Stimulated or unstimulated U937 human monocytes were subjected to H1N1 infection for different time points and the glucose profile in the growth medium was measured post infection. Results showed that regardless to whether the initial stimuli on U937 cells were of pathogen or nonpathogen origins, challenge infection by H1N1 causes a significant reduction of glucose levels 36 h post infection. In conclusion, H1N1 infection has a direct effect on the glucose uptake of U937 cells in vitro. This effect can be related to either H1N1 infection or cell differentiation status that might occur due to the exerted stimuli.

Potential therapeutic effects of antagonizing adenosine A2A receptor, curcumin and niacin in rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease mice model.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second common age-related neurodegenerative disease. It is characterized by control loss of voluntary movements control, resting tremor, postural instability, bradykinesia, and rigidity. The aim of the present work is to evaluate curcumin, niacin, dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic drugs in mice model of Parkinson's disease through behavioral, biochemical, genetic and histopathological observations. Mice treated with rotenone rerecorded significant increase in adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) gene expression, α synuclein, acetylcholinesterase (AchE), malondialdehyde (MDA), angiotensin-II (Ang-II), c-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), caspase-3 (Cas-3) and DNA fragmentation levels as compared with the control group. While, significant decrease in dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), serotonin (5-HT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), ATP, succinate and lactate dehydrogenases (SDH &LDH) levels were detected. Treatment with curcumin, niacin, adenosine A2AR antagonist; ZM241385 and their combination enhanced the animals' behavior and restored all the selected parameters with variable degrees of improvement. The brain histopathological features of hippocampal and substantia nigra regions confirmed our results. In conclusion, the combination of curcumin, niacin and ZM241385 recorded the most potent treatment effect in Parkinsonism mice followed by ZM241385, as a single treatment. ZM241385 succeeded to antagonize adenosine A2A receptor by diminishing its gene expression and ameliorating all biochemical parameters under investigation. The newly investigated agent; ZM241385 has almost the same pattern of improvement as the classical drug; Sinemet®. This could shed the light to the need of detailed studies on ZM241385 for its possible role as a promising treatment against PD. Additionally, food supplements such as curcumin and niacin were effective in Parkinson's disease eradication.

Impact of betanin against paracetamol and diclofenac induced hepato-renal damage in rats.

Context: Paracetamol (PAR) and diclofenac (DF) are the most popular consumed analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications.Objective: This study aimed to explore the protective effect of betanin (Bet) against PAR or DF induced hepato-renal damage in rats.Methods: Rats were randomly divided into five groups: Normal control (NC) group rats were given saline only. PAR group rats received PAR (400 mg/kg). PAR/Bet treated group rats administered PAR (400 mg/kg) plus Bet (25 mg/kg). DF group rats received DF (10 mg/kg). DF/Bet treated group rats administered DF (10 mg/kg) plus Bet (25 mg/kg). All drugs were given by gavage for 28 consecutive days.Results: PAR and DF administration in high dose and long-time induced liver and kidney injury, disrupted serum lipid profile, enhanced serum levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, triggered DNA fragmentation and caused drastic changes in the histopathological pictures of the two organs. Bet supplementation succeeded to ameliorate most of the biochemical changes and protected DNA from damage as obtained from comet assay. Histological features in H&E taken to different groups also mirrors this findings.Conclusion: Bet exerted a potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect against hepato-renal damage induced by PAR or DF overconsumption.

Protective effects of betanin against paracetamol and diclofenac induced neurotoxicity and endocrine disruption in rats.

Context: Overconsumption of paracetamol (PAR) and diclofenac (DF) have been reported to induce neurotoxicity and endocrine disruption. Objective: The current study was designed to explore the protective potential of betanin against PAR and DF inducing neurotoxicity and endocrine disruption in a rat model. Material and Methods: Forty rats were equally divided into five groups: group I served as control, group II received PAR (400 mg/kg), group III received PAR plus betanin (25 mg/kg), group IV received DF (10 mg/kg) and group V received DF plus betanin orally for 28 consecutive days. Thyroid axis hormones, sex hormone, neurotransmitters, paraoxonase-1, hemeoxygenase-1 and nuclear factor-2 were measured by ELISA. While, the oxidative stress markers were colorimetrically estimated. Moreover, DNA damage and histopathological picture of the brains were investigated. Results: A marked reduction in thyroid axis hormones, brain neurotransmitters and serum testosterone as well as enhanced oxidative stress and brain DNA damage accompanied by drastic changes in the brain histopathological picture were recorded in the challenged PAR and DF groups. Betanin supplementation ameliorated most of the biochemical and histopathological changes induced by PAR or DF. Conclusion: The study suggests betanin of potential protective effects against neurotoxicity and endocrine disruption induced by PAR and DF overconsumption.