Crossing horizons: unraveling perspectives on enhancing medical students' success through at-risk factor exploration.

BACKGROUND: Medical universities often face the ongoing challenge of identifying and supporting at-risk students to enhance retention rates and academic success. This study explores a comprehensive analysis of perceived at-risk factors impeding academic and career aspirations and compares the perspectives of students and faculty in a medical school. METHODS: We focused on first and second-year medical (MBBS) students and teaching faculty in an international medical college offering a twinning program in India and Malaysia. Our investigation involved a comprehensive assessment of 25 at-risk factors through Likert-type questionnaires distributed to 250 MBBS students and 50 teaching faculty. RESULTS: Our findings revealed distinct disparities in perceptions between faculty and students regarding mean scores of classroom engagement (p = 0.017), procrastination (p = 0.001), unrealistic goals (p = 0.026), emotional/behavioral problems (p = 0.008), limited key social skills (p = 0.023), and a non-supportive home environment (p = 0.001). These differences underscore the need for increased communication and understanding between faculty and students to address these risk factors effectively. In contrast, no significant disparities were observed among faculty and students' perceptions concerning mean scores of various potential at-risk factors, including academic unpreparedness, cultural/language barriers, individual guidance/mentoring, limited communication skills, racism/sexism, self-confidence, self-respect, self-concept, motivation, underprepared for current academic challenges, self-discipline, negative social network, negative peer culture, transportation time, college financial cost, college evaluation culture bias, broken college relationships, teaching methodology, and learning disabilities. However, varying degrees of influence were perceived by faculty and students, suggesting the importance of individualized support. CONCLUSION: This study contributes to the academic community by shedding light on the multifaceted nature of at-risk factors influencing student success. It underscores the need for proactive measures and tailored interventions to enhance student retention in higher education and academic achievement, fostering a sustainable foundation for lifelong learning and growth.

Endogenous Sex Hormones Modulate the Analgesic Effect of Tramadol in Lean and High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Wistar Rats: A Preclinical Molecular Approach.

INTRODUCTION: Differences in pain thresholds may have implications in pain management, as they may account in part for the variability in analgesic requirements between individuals. We planned to investigate the influence of endogenous sex hormones on the analgesic modulation of tramadol in lean and high-fat diet-induced obese Wistar rats. METHODS: The whole study was carried out on 48 adult Wistar rats (24 male: 12 obese and 12 lean and 24 female: 12 obese and 12 lean). Each male and female rat group was further subdivided into two groups (n = 6/group) and treated with normal saline/tramadol for 5 days. On the fifth day, 15 min after tramadol/normal saline treatment, animals were tested for pain perception toward noxious stimuli. Later, endogenous 17 beta-estradiol and free testosterone levels in serum were estimated through ELISA methods. RESULTS: The present study revealed that female rats experienced more pain sensitivity to noxious stimuli compared to male rats. High-fat diet-induced obese rats experienced more pain sensations to noxious stimuli than lean rats. Obese male rats were found to have significantly low free testosterone and high 17 beta-estradiol levels compared to lean male rats. An increase in serum 17 beta-estradiol level led to increased pain sensation to noxious stimuli. While an increase in free testosterone level resulted in the lowering of pain sensation to noxious stimuli. CONCLUSION: The analgesic effect of tramadol was more pronounced in male rats compared to female rats. The analgesic effect of tramadol was more marked in lean rats compared to obese rats. Additional research to elucidate obesity-induced endocrine changes and the mechanisms driving sex hormones in pain perception is needed to foster future interventions to reduce disparities in pain.

Grape seed extract and Zinc containing nutritional food supplement delays onset and progression of Streptozocin-induced diabetic cataract in Wistar rats.

Prevention of hyperglycemia and enhancement of antioxidant defense mechanisms remain major goals in the treatment of diabetic cataract. Earlier, we reported strong anti-hyperglycemic and in vitro antioxidant potential of the combined formulation of grape seed extract and Zincovit tablets. Therefore, the current study was designed to investigate effects of combined formulation of grape seed extract and Zincovit tablets against streptozocin-induced diabetic cataract in Wistar rats. Adult Wistar rats were selected and diabetes was induced by streptozocin (35 mg/kg, i.p) and divided into four groups (group II-V). The normal control (group I) and streptozocin-induced diabetic cataract control rats received only vehicle. Groups III, IV and V animals received orally 40, 80 and 160 mg/kg of combined formulation of Zincovit tablets with grape seed extract respectively for a period of 150 days. The biochemical pathways involved in the pathogenesis of cataract such as oxidative stress, polyol pathway and alterations in adenosine triphosphate, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and blood glucose were investigated, to understand the possible mechanism of action of combined formulation of grape seed extract and Zincovit tablets. Rats treated with combined formulation of grape seed extract and Zincovit tablets delayed the progression of diabetic cataract as well as it showed significant alterations in oxidative stress markers along with blood glucose, aldose reductase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and adenosine triphosphate level in lens. Over all, the results suggest that single combined formulation of grape seed extract and Zincovit tablets may be of great value in delaying diabetic cataract of human subjects as nutritional food supplement.

Dapagliflozin: A Promising Strategy to Combat Cisplatin-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Wistar Rats.

Recognizing the challenges posed by chemotherapy, specifically the hepatotoxic effects of drugs like cisplatin, this study aimed to examine the hepatoprotective potential of dapagliflozin to mitigate cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity in a rat model. This study focused on repurposing drugs such as dapagliflozin and natural agents like silymarin as potential interventions to address cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity. Thirty adult female Wistar rats were distributed into five groups and treated with cisplatin alone, silymarin, dapagliflozin, or a combination of dapagliflozin and silymarin accordingly for 45 days. Body weight, fasting blood glucose levels, liver function tests, and histopathological analysis were conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects. Cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity significantly (p < 0.05) increased the serum levels of ALT, AST, TB, and reduced the TP and albumin levels. Dapagliflozin administration led to significant reductions in ALT, AST, TB, and increased albumin levels. Silymarin demonstrated comparable effects. Combining dapagliflozin and silymarin showed synergistic effects, further reducing the liver enzymes and improving albumin levels. Histopathological examination supported these findings, revealing the restoration of liver structure with dapagliflozin and silymarin treatment. Dapagliflozin and silymarin exhibited substantial hepatoprotective benefits against cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The combination therapy demonstrated synergistic effects, highlighting a potential therapeutic approach for mitigating chemotherapy-induced liver damage. Further research into molecular mechanisms and clinical translation is warranted, offering hope for improved clinical outcomes in cancer patients undergoing cisplatin-based chemotherapy.

Unlocking Synergistic Hepatoprotection: Dapagliflozin and Silymarin Combination Therapy Modulates Nuclear Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2/Heme Oxygenase-1 Pathway in Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Wistar Rats.

This study was aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective potential of dapagliflozin and silymarin alone and in combination to combat carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity and the anticipated mechanisms. Thirty female Wistar rats were randomly allocated into five different groups. All the experimental animals except the normal control (Group I) were administered CCl4. Additionally, Groups II, III, IV, and V were treated with gum acacia, silymarin, dapagliflozin, and a combination of dapagliflozin and silymarin, respectively, for 14 days. Dapagliflozin, silymarin alone, and in combination, significantly reduced (p < 0.05) serum levels of ALT, AST, AST:ALT ratio, and total bilirubin compared to CCl4-intoxicated control rats. There was a notable reduction (p < 0.05) observed in the levels of IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha, nitrites, and 4-hydroxynonenal, accompanied by an elevation in catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in liver homogenates of the groups treated with dapagliflozin, silymarin alone, and in combination, as compared to the CCl4-intoxicated control group. Dapagliflozin in combination with silymarin showed a synergistic hepatoprotective effect. Our study reveals the profound hepatoprotective potential of dapagliflozin alone and in combination with silymarin in CCl4-intoxicated Wistar rats by modulating the Nrf2 and HO-1 signaling pathways.

Metformin and Dapagliflozin Attenuate Doxorubicin-Induced Acute Cardiotoxicity in Wistar Rats: An Electrocardiographic, Biochemical, and Histopathological Approach.

Doxorubicin is a widely used anticancer drug whose efficacy is limited due to its cardiotoxicity. There is no ideal cardioprotection available against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. This study aimed to investigate the anticipated cardioprotective potential of metformin and dapagliflozin against doxorubicin-induced acute cardiotoxicity in Wistar rats. At the beginning of the experiment, cardiac screening of experimental animals was done by recording an electrocardiogram (ECG) before allocating them into the groups. Thereafter, a total of thirty healthy adult Wistar rats (150-200 g) were randomly divided into five groups (n = 6) and treated for eight days as follows: group I (normal control), group II (doxorubicin control), group III (metformin 250 mg/kg/day), group IV (metformin 180 mg/kg/day), and group V (dapagliflozin 0.9 mg/kg/day). On the 7th day of the treatment phase, doxorubicin 20 mg/kg was administered intraperitoneal to groups II, III, IV, and V. On the 9th day (immediately after 48 h of doxorubicin administration), blood was collected from anesthetized animals for glucose, lipid profile, CK-MB & AST estimation, and ECG was recorded. Later, animals were sacrificed, and the heart was dissected for histopathological examination. We found that compared to normal control rats, CK-MB, AST, and glucose were significantly increased in doxorubicin control rats. There was a significant reversal of doxorubicin-induced hyperglycemia in the rats treated with metformin 250 mg/kg compared to doxorubicin control rats. Both metformin (180 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg) and dapagliflozin (0.9 mg/kg) significantly altered doxorubicin-induced ECG changes and reduced the levels of cardiac injury biomarkers CK-MB and AST compared to doxorubicin control rats. Metformin and dapagliflozin protected the cellular architecture of the myocardium from doxorubicin-induced myocardial injury. Current study revealed that both metformin and dapagliflozin at the FDA-recommended antidiabetic doses mitigated doxorubicin-induced acute cardiotoxicity in Wistar rats. The obtained data have opened the perspective to perform chronic studies and then to clinical studies to precisely consider metformin and dapagliflozin as potential chemoprotection in the combination of chemotherapy with doxorubicin to limit its cardiotoxicity, especially in patients with comorbid conditions like type II diabetes mellitus.

Neuronutraceuticals Combating Neuroinflammaging: Molecular Insights and Translational Challenges-A Systematic Review.

Neuropathologies, such as neuroinflammaging, have arisen as a serious concern for preserving the quality of life due to the global increase in neurodegenerative illnesses. Nowadays, neuronutraceuticals have gained remarkable attention. It is necessary to investigate the bioavailability, off-target effects, and mechanism of action of neuronutraceuticals. To comprehend the comprehensive impact on brain health, well-designed randomized controlled trials testing combinations of neuronutraceuticals are also necessary. Although there is a translational gap between basic and clinical research, the present knowledge of the molecular perspectives of neuroinflammaging and neuronutraceuticals may be able to slow down brain aging and to enhance cognitive performance. The present review also highlights the key emergent issues, such as regulatory and scientific concerns of neuronutraceuticals, including bioavailability, formulation, blood-brain permeability, safety, and efficacy.

Methyl Gallate Attenuates Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Rats by Suppressing Oxidative Stress.

Doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among cancer survivors. The present study was aimed to investigate the cardioprotective potential of methyl gallate; an active polyphenolic nutraceutical, against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in Wistar rats. Twenty-four female Wistar rats (150-200 g) were divided into four groups (n = 6) which consist of normal control (group I), doxorubicin control (group II), test-A (group III), and test-B (group IV). Group III and group IV animals were prophylactically treated with methyl gallate 150 mg/kg/day and 300 mg/kg/day orally, respectively, for seven days. Doxorubicin (25 mg/kg; single dose) was administered through an intraperitoneal route to group II, III, and IV animals on the seventh day to induce acute cardiotoxicity. On the 8th day, besides ECG analysis, serum CK, CK-MB, LDH, AST, MDA, and GSH were assayed. Following gross examination of isolated hearts, histopathological evaluation was performed by light microscopy. A significant (p < 0.05) cardiac injury, as well as oxidative stress, was observed in doxorubicin control rats in comparison to normal control rats. Methyl gallate at both the doses significantly (p < 0.05) reduced doxorubicin-induced ECG changes, dyslipidaemia, and elevation of CK, CK-MB, LDH, AST, MDA and increased GSH level. Methyl gallate reversed the doxorubicin-induced histopathological changes in the heart. The present study revealed that methyl gallate exerts cardioprotection against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in female Wistar rats by suppressing oxidative stress. Our study opens the perspective to clinical studies for consideration of methyl gallate as a potential chemoprotectant nutraceutical in the combination chemotherapy with doxorubicin to limit its cardiotoxicity.

Chia Seed Oil Ameliorates Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Female Wistar Rats: An Electrocardiographic, Biochemical and Histopathological Approach.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a potent anti-cancer antibiotic that was widely used for treatment of various cancers. It produces free radicals which result in extreme dose-limiting cardiotoxicity. This study investigated the cardioprotective potential of chia seed oil, an active polyphenolic nutraceutical against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in Wistar rats. Twenty-four female Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 6) which consist of normal control, DOX control, test-A and test-B group. Animals were prophylactically treated with two different doses of test drug, i.e. chia seed oil 2.5 ml/kg/day and 5 ml/kg/day in test-A and test-B groups orally for 7 days. Doxorubicin (25 mg/kg; single dose) was administered intraperitoneally to DOX control, Test-A and Test-B animals on the seventh day to induce cardiotoxicity. ECG analysis was done before and after treatment. Besides ECG, CK, CK-MB, LDH, AST, MDA and GSH were analyzed. DOX had significantly altered ECG, CK, CK-MB, LDH, AST, MDA and GSH. Pre-treatment with chia seed oil significantly alleviated DOX-induced ECG changes and also guarded against DOX-induced rise of serum CK, CK-MB and AST levels. Chia seed oil alleviated histopathological alteration in DOX-treated rats. It also significantly inhibited DOX-induced GSH depletion and elevation of MDA. The present study revealed that chia seed oil exerts cardioprotection against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in female Wistar rats. Our study opens the perspective to clinical studies to precisely consider chia seed oil as a potential chemoprotectant nutraceutical in the combination chemotherapy with doxorubicin to limit its cardiotoxicity.

Influence of grape seed extract and zinc containing multivitamin-mineral nutritional food supplement on lipid profile in normal and diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats.

BACKGROUND: Zincovit tablet is combination of grape seed extract and zinc containing multivitamin-mineral nutritional food supplement. AIMS: To investigate the influence of single combined formulation of grape seed extract and zinc containing multivitamin-mineral nutritional food supplement tablets (Zincovit) on lipid profile in normal and diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anti-hyperlipidemic activity of combined formulation of grape seed extract and Zincovit tablets doses ranged from 40 to 160 mg/kg, p.o. was evaluated in normal and diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats. RESULTS: Hypercholesterolemic animals treated with combined formulation of grape seed extract and Zincovit tablets (nutritional food supplement) at 40, 80 and 160 mg/kg exhibited drastic decrease in serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-C, VLDL-C and rise of HDL-C in comparison to hypercholesterolemic control group animals. The anti-hyperlipidemic effect of single combined formulation of grape seed extract and Zincovit tablet was comparable with the standard drug atorvastatin treated animals and the variations were statistically non-significant. There was no significant impact of combined formulation of grape seed extract and Zincovit tablets on lipid profile among normal animals in comparison with normal control group. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that the single combined formulation of grape seed extract and Zincovit tablet is the potential functional nutritional food supplements that could offer a novel therapeutic opportunity against diet-induced hypercholesterolemia in Wistar rats.