Cardioprotective Effects of α-Asarone Against Hexavalent Chromium-Induced Oxidative Damage in Mice.

Introduction: This comprehensive study investigated the therapeutic potential of α-asarone in mitigating myocardial oxidative damage, primarily induced by hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) exposure in mice. Methods: In this experiment, 24 mice were divided into four groups to assess the cardioprotective role of α-asarone. The study focused on two treatment groups, receiving 25 mg and 50 mg of α-asarone, respectively. These groups were compared against a control group subjected to Cr(VI) without α-asarone treatment, and a normal control negative group. The key biochemical parameters evaluated included serum levels of Creatine Kinase-MB (CK-MB) and Troponin I, markers indicative of myocardial damage. Additionally, the levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured to assess lipid peroxidation, alongside the evaluation of key inflammatory biomarkers in cardiac tissue homogenates, such as Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) and Interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß). Results Remarkably, α-asarone treatment resulted in a significant reduction in these markers compared to the control group. The treatment also elevated the activity of cardinal antioxidant enzymes like catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced the glutathione (GSH). Furthermore, a notable upregulation of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma (PPAR-γ) in cardiac tissue homogenates was observed, highlighting a potential pathway through which α-asarone exerts its protective effects. Histopathological analysis of cardiac tissues revealed that α-asarone ameliorated the structural lesions induced by Cr(VI). The study thus provides substantial evidence that α-asarone ameliorates Cr(VI)-induced cardiotoxicity through a multifaceted approach. It enhances cardiac enzyme function, modulates free radical generation, improves antioxidant status, and mitigates histopathological damage in cardiac tissues. Given these findings, α-asarone emerges as a promising agent against Cr(VI)-induced myocardial injury. Purpose: This study paves the way for further research into the cardioprotective properties of α-asarone and its potential application in clinical settings by specifically exploring the protective efficacy of α-asarone against Cr(VI)-induced cardiotoxicity and delineating the underlying biochemical and molecular mechanisms involved.

Perspectives from the 2nd International Post-Tuberculosis Symposium: mobilising advocacy and research for improved outcomes.

In 2020, it was estimated that there were 155 million survivors of TB alive, all at risk of possible post TB disability. The 2nd International Post-Tuberculosis Symposium (Stellenbosch, South Africa) was held to increase global awareness and empower TB-affected communities to play an active role in driving the agenda. We aimed to update knowledge on post-TB life and illness, identify research priorities, build research collaborations and highlight the need to embed lung health outcomes in clinical TB trials and programmatic TB care services. The symposium was a multidisciplinary meeting that included clinicians, researchers, TB survivors, funders and policy makers. Ten academic working groups set their own goals and covered the following thematic areas: 1) patient engagement and perspectives; 2) epidemiology and modelling; 3) pathogenesis of post-TB sequelae; 4) post-TB lung disease; 5) cardiovascular and pulmonary vascular complications; 6) neuromuscular & skeletal complications; 7) paediatric complications; 8) economic-social and psychological (ESP) consequences; 9) prevention, treatment and management; 10) advocacy, policy and stakeholder engagement. The working groups provided important updates for their respective fields, highlighted research priorities, and made progress towards the standardisation and alignment of post-TB outcomes and definitions.

En 2020, il est estimé qu'il y a 155 millions de survivants de la TB dans le monde, tous exposés à un risque d'invalidité post-TB. Le deuxième Symposium International Post-Tuberculose (Stellenbosch, Afrique du Sud) a été organisé dans le but de sensibiliser davantage à l'échelle mondiale et de permettre aux communautés touchées par la TB de contribuer activement à la mise en œuvre de l'agenda. De plus, nous avons entrepris de mettre à jour les connaissances sur la vie et les maladies post-TB, de déterminer les domaines de recherche prioritaires, d'établir des partenariats de recherche et de souligner l'importance d'intégrer les résultats sur la santé pulmonaire dans les essais cliniques et les services de soins de la TB. Le symposium était une réunion de travail pluridisciplinaire rassemblant des praticiens, des chercheurs, des personnes ayant survécu à la TB, des donateurs, des décideurs politiques et d'autres acteurs clés. Dix groupes de travail académiques ont établi leurs propres objectifs et ont abordé les sujets thématiques suivants : 1) engagement et perspectives des patients ; 2) épidémiologie et modélisation ; 3) pathogénie des séquelles post-TB ; 4) maladie pulmonaire post-TB (PTLD, pour l'anglais «post-TB lung disease ¼) ; 5) complications cardiovasculaires et vasculaires pulmonaires ; 6) complications neuromusculaires et squelettiques ; 7) complications pédiatriques ; 8) conséquences économiques, sociales et psychologiques (ESP, pour l'anglais «economic-social and psychological¼) ; 9) prévention, traitement et gestion ; 10) plaidoyer, politique et engagement des parties prenantes. Les groupes de travail académiques ont apporté des mises à jour significatives dans leurs domaines respectifs, ont mis en évidence les priorités de recherche et ont avancé vers la normalisation et l'harmonisation des résultats et des définitions de la post-TB.