Praziquantel as the preferred treatment for schistosomiasis.

Schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma trematode worms, represents a significant global health challenge. This review offers a thorough examination of the disease's epidemiology, transmission dynamics, diagnostic modalities, and treatment options. Diagnostic techniques encompass direct parasitological methods, immunological assays, DNA/RNA detection, and biomarker utilization, each with distinct advantages and limitations. There is an urgent need for improved diagnostic tools with enhanced sensitivity and specificity. Praziquantel remains the cornerstone of treatment, exhibiting efficacy against all Schistosoma species, while the potential of artemisin derivatives in combination therapy is also explored. In this review, we focus on the importance of praziquantel administration as the central aspect of schistosomiasis treatment, highlighting ongoing efforts to optimize its utilization for improved patient outcomes.

Cytotoxicity and Apoptosis Studies of Brucein D against T24 Bladder Cancer Cells.

OBJECTIVE: Brucein D (BrD), a quassinoid isolated from Brucea javanica fruit, reportedly demonstrates anti-cancer activity. This study's objective is to evaluate the cytotoxicity of Brucein D and its ability to induce apoptosis in T24 bladder cancer cells. METHODS: We investigated the cytotoxic activity of BrD against the T24 cell through the induction of apoptosis in vitro. This cytotoxic activity was evaluated with ΜΤΤ assay and followed by Calcein-AM/PI viability staining. Apoptotic activity was determined with Hoechst 33342 nuclear staining and DNA fragmentation. Doxorubicin and docetaxel were used as a positive control. Evaluation of apoptotic-related gene expression, Bax, Bak, Bcl2, and p53 was also performed using semi-quantitative PCR analysis. Statistical analysis was conducted using One-way ANOVA followed by post hoc test Turkey's HSD (Honestly Significance Difference). RESULTS: Results show that BrD had high toxicity against T24 bladder cancer cells with an IC50 value of 7.65 ± 1.2 µg/mL but relatively less toxic to 1BR3 normal skin fibroblast cells compared to the doxorubicin and docetaxel treated cells. The viability assay shows that BrD significantly increases the percentage of dead cells relative to control in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the percentage of cells with apoptotic appearance was significantly higher in group treated with BrD IC50 (56.04±3.09%) compared to control (9.42±2.88). The result was similar to doxorubicin IC50 (58.97±12.31) but lower than docetaxel IC50 (74.42±9.79). DNA fragmentation in gel electrophoresis was also observed in T24 cells treated with BrD. Apoptosis was also verified by an alteration in the expression of apoptosis-related genes, upregulation of Bax, Bak, and p53, and downregulation of Bcl-2. CONCLUSION: BrD has shown a cytotoxic effect against T24 bladder cancer cells. Hence, it is a promising natural compound for the management of bladder cancer by induction of apoptosis through activation of the intrinsic pathway, with low toxicity to normal cells.

The Effects of High Fat Diet on the Incidence of Obesity and Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 Levels on Histological Changes in Prostate Wistar Rats.

Introduction: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a histopathological diagnosis characterized by the increase in stromal cells and epithelial cells of the prostate gland in the transitional zone surrounding the urethra. Obesity is the risk factor of BPH. The most frequent cause of obesity is a high-fat diet (HFD). Obesity and HFD lead to pro-inflammatory conditions. One of the pathomechanisms for the occurrence of BPH is a low-degree inflammatory factor, one of which is the level of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1/MCP-1. This study aims to determine the influence of HFD on the incidence of obesity and inflammatory factors (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1/MCP-1 levels) on the histopathological picture of the prostate. Methods: Experimental research was performed on male Wistar rats with each of the 6 rats given normal fat (ND) and HFD intake and terminated at 8 weeks and 6 rats given each ND and HFD were terminated at 16 weeks. The determination of obesity was determined based on Lee's criteria which were categorized as obese if the Lee index >0.3 and non-obese if ≤0.3. Examination of circulating MCP-1 was carried out by the ELISA method and determination of prostatic hyperplasia was done by calculating the percentage of prostate glands that had a large per-field cystic dilatation on light microscopy examination. All data are analyzed statistically with the Fisher Exact Test and Spearman Correlation Test. Results: Of the 12 rats that were given ND, none of them became obese according to Lee's criteria, on the other hand, of the 12 rats that were given HFD 8 became obese (66.7%, p = 0.001). Serum MCP-1 levels and the percentage of prostate glands that had cystic dilatation were significantly higher in mice receiving HFD than ND; both at week-8 (MCP-1; 18.87 vs 15.66) and (prostate gland experiencing cystic dilatation; 63.46% vs 47.24%) and week-16 (MCP-1; 21.27 vs 21.27) and (prostate gland experiencing cystic dilatation; 67.79% vs 56.39%). Spearman correlation analysis showed that only circulating MCP-1 levels were significantly correlated (p < 0.05) to the percentage of the prostate gland that had cystic dilatation; especially in week 16 (r = 0.713 and p < 0.001). At 8 weeks, it was not statistically significant (r = 0.406 and p = 0.095). Conclusion: High fat intake has been shown to increase the risk of obesity, but obesity does not increase inflammatory status and the incidence of prostate glands with cystic dilatation. On the other hand, high-fat intake increases inflammatory status which in turn causes prostate glands to develop cystic dilatation.

Colorectal cancer patients' outcome in correlation with dietary and nutritional status: a systematic review.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide and it involves various biomolecular and cellular levels. CRC has possibly happened due to aging, urbanization, and diet. Different foods have varying effects on the gastrointestinal cells, that's why additional research is necessary to create effective medical interventions. This review aimed to evaluate the correlation between dietary and nutritional status on the outcome of CRC patients. Study results showed that a healthy diet such as fruit and vegetables is the best diet for improving colorectal cancer outcomes. Moreover, nutritional status affected CRC patients' outcomes, where high BMI increases the risk of having CRC. However, low BMI was associated with CRC progression and poor quality of life.

Virgin Coconut Oil: A Dietary Intervention for Dyslipidaemia in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus.

Hyperlipidaemia is causally related to coronary artery diseases (CAD) and peripheral artery diseases (PAD) in people with Diabetes Mellitus (DM). An in vivo study confirmed that virgin coconut oil (VCO) could maintain levels of lipids in the blood as effectively as conventional therapy. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of VCO on the lipid profiles and ankle-brachial index (ABI) of patients with DM. In this experimental study with pre- and post-test design and a control group, the participants were selected purposively. The ABI was evaluated on the first visit. Baseline lipid profile readings were taken. Each participant took 1.2 mL/kgBW of VCO daily and divided it into three doses. After 30 days of taking VCO, laboratory examinations and ABI were repeated, and adverse events were evaluated. The dependent t-test and Wilcoxon sign rank test with a significance level of α ≤ 0.05 showed a significant decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (p = 0.002), a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels (p = 0.031), a significant decrease in energy intake (p = 0.046) and cholesterol intake (p = 0.023) at the endpoint in the VCO group. In conclusion, this therapy is beneficial for maintaining lipid profile when combined with dietary therapy. Future studies should investigate the duration and dosage of VCO on patients to maintain lipid-linked protein.

Review: Correlation between bladder obstruction with bladder function and erectile dysfunction in mice.

Bladder obstruction, including due to benign prostate enlargement (BPH), will trigger its anatomy and physiological function changes. Men with BPH have a 6 times higher risk of erectile dysfunction than those without BPH. Morphological and functional changes in subjects with partial bladder outlet obstruction (pBOO) occur differently depending on the duration of pBOO that has been experienced. The underlying pathophysiology of BPH is closely related to erectile dysfunction. Anatomically, functionally, and psychologically changes due to BPH will also have an impact on sexual function. Chronic pBOO causes lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) through a complex pathophysiological pathway. LUTS and bladder obstruction can lead to erectile dysfunction. The severity of LUTS and sexual dysfunction is inversely related to the quality of life. The treatment of LUTS symptoms will also enhance sexual function.

Analysis of mRNA and protein kidney injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1) expression in a kidney model during the initiation phase of ischemia reperfusion injury.

BACKGROUND: Kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed predominantly on the proximal tubular epithelium. OBJECTIVE: We wanted to see if there was a critical time for increased tubular damage and its related biomarker, KIM-1 mRNA, and protein expressions during the first 24 h of ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHOD: An Experimental research used five male Rattus Norvegicus rats in each group. Bulldog clamp was used to clamp renal arteries and veins to create renal ischemia. Immunohistochemistry was used for the analysis of KIM-1 protein expression. While Tubular Injury Score was examined by Histopathology. RT-PCR was used for KIM-1 mRNA expression. RESULTS: Tubular Injury Score (TIS) was significantly higher in ischemia than control. TIS remained similar after IR 30 min, peaked at IR 2 h, and decreased to the level of IR 30 min at IR 24 h.The KIM-1 mRNA expression was also higher in ischemia than in control. Similarly, KIM-1 mRNA expression increased more after IR 30 min, IR 2 h, and IR 24 h.The KIM-1 protein expression was higher in ischemia than in control. KIM-1 protein increased more after IR 30 min, IR for 2 h, and remained similar at IR for 24 h.KIM-1 mRNA and protein expressions at IR 2 h were significantly different compared to ischemia but not significantly different compared to that in IR 24 h. CONCLUSIONS: KIM-1 mRNA and protein expressions increased within 24 h IR with the critical time was in the 2 h IR.

Prognostic properties of hypoalbuminemia in COVID-19 patients: A systematic review and diagnostic meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) elicits robust inflammatory reaction that may result in a declining albumin serum level. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the prognostic properties of hypoalbuminemia for poor prognosis and factors that may influence the relationship. METHOD: A systematic literature search of PubMed was conducted from inception to April 22, 2021. The main exposure was albumin level below normal range-defined by the included studies. The outcome of interest was composite poor outcome that comprises of mortality, severity, and the requirement of mechanical ventilation or intensive care unit. RESULTS: There were 6200 patients from 19 studies. Meta-analysis showed that hypoalbuminemia was associated with composite poor outcome (OR 6.97 (95% CI 4.20-11.55), p < 0.001; I2 = 91.3%, p < 0.001). Meta-regression analysis showed that age (p = 0.44), gender (p = 0.76), HT (p = 0.97), DM (p = 0.40), CKD (p = 0.65), liver disease (p = 0.72), and malignancy (p = 0.84) did not affect the association. Subgroup analysis showed that hypoalbuminemia increased mortality (OR 6.26 (95% CI 3.26-12.04), p < 0.001; I2 = 69.6%, p < 0.01) and severity of the disease (OR 7.32 (95%CI 3.94-13.59), p < 0.001; I2 = 92.5%, p < 0.01). Pooled diagnostic analysis of hypoalbuminemia yielded a sensitivity of 0.63 (95% CI 0.52-0.72), specificity of 0.81 (95% CI 0.73-0.87), and AUC of 0.77. The probability of poor outcome was 70% in patients with hypoalbuminemia and 24% in patients with normal albumin level. CONCLUSION: Hypoalbuminemia was associated with poor prognosis in COVID-19 patients.

High-fat diet increases the level of circulating Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 in Wistar rats, independent of obesity.

INTRODUCTION: Low-grade chronic inflammation has emerged as a key pathogenic link between high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and the increased risk of chronic diseases. Evidence has shown that HFDs may induce inflammation in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1) is a product of various cells that is known to be an inflammatory marker. This study investigated whether a HFD could induce obesity and increase the level of MCP-1 in Wistar rats. METHODS: The Wistar rats were randomized into two groups: normal diet (ND) and HFD (n = 12 per group). Both groups were fed for 8 and 16 weeks, thus dividing the rats into 4 arms: ND8, ND16, HFD8, and HFD16 (n = 6 per sub-group). Obesity in rats was measured using the Lee index. Blood samples were taken to measure the level of MCP-1. RESULTS: Our results showed that obesity did not occur in the group with a normal diet (ND8 and ND16). However, in the HFD group (HFD8 and HFD16), 4 of the 6 rats became obese. However, MCP-1 was significantly higher among non-obese rats in the HFD group compared with the ND group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: HFDs have been shown to increase the risk of obesity. In addition, increases in circulating MCP-1 were significantly different between Wistar rats given a HFD compared with the ND group.