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1.
J Adv Nurs ; 80(2): 745-755, 2024 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37675886

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Abusive supervision has detrimental effects on nurses, but the mechanisms connecting abusive supervision to negative outcomes for nurses have not been well-established in the nursing literature. AIM: This study aimed to investigate whether work alienation mediates the relationship between abusive supervision and nurses' service sabotage. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from November to December 2021 with 204 nurses working at a teaching hospital in Damanhour, Egypt. Data were collected using a demographic information form, the Abusive Supervision Scale, the Work Alienation Scale and the Service Sabotage Scale. Study hypotheses were evaluated using structural equation modelling. RESULTS: Our findings revealed a significant association between abusive supervision, work alienation, and service sabotage among nurses. Abusive supervision was found to be linked to nurses' service sabotage through work alienation. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that nurses who are subject to abusive supervision are more likely to feel alienated, which increases the probability of them engaging in behaviours that have a negative impact on the quality of care they provide. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution.


Subject(s)
Emotions , Humans , Cross-Sectional Studies
2.
Arch Biochem Biophys ; 717: 109121, 2022 03 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35065059

ABSTRACT

Acute liver failure (ALF) is considered a fatal clinical disorder and novel therapeutic interventions are mandatory. Naringenin is a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects that have displayed beneficial effects in different animal models of ALF. The current study aimed at investigating the hepatoprotective effect and the possible underlying molecular mechanisms of naringenin in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/D-galactosamine (D-Gal) mouse model of ALF. Interestingly, naringenin pretreatment substantially alleviated LPS/D-Gal-induced liver injury, enhanced survival, improved liver function and ameliorated histopathological liver changes. Importantly, naringenin potently activated autophagy as evidenced by the increased Beclin-1 expression and LC3 II/LC3 I ratio. Furthermore, results demonstrated that naringenin alleviated oxidative stress by inducing nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and increasing hepatic SOD activity and GSH level as well as ameliorated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Likewise, naringenin mitigated LPS/D-Gal-triggered inflammation by suppressing NF-κB and NLRP3 pathways. Accordingly, apoptotic cell death provoked by LPS/D-Gal challenge was markedly attenuated as depicted by the decrease in caspase-3 and p53 in naringenin-treated mice. To investigate the contribution of autophagy to naringenin-conferred hepatoprotection, autophagy was inhibited using 3-methyladenine (3 MA). Strikingly, 3 MA co-treatment abolished the hepatoprotective effect of naringenin, a finding that strongly suggests that naringenin-afforded protection is, at least in part, attributed to autophagy. Taken together, the present study revealed that naringenin exerted a prominent hepatoprotective effect by promoting autophagy with consequent attenuation of inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, ER stress and apoptosis. Our results provide evidence that naringenin use holds a promise as a potential therapeutic agent for ALF management.


Subject(s)
Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Autophagy/drug effects , Flavanones/pharmacology , Galactosamine/metabolism , Lipopolysaccharides/metabolism , Liver Failure, Acute/chemically induced , Animals , Apoptosis/drug effects , Beclin-1/genetics , Beclin-1/metabolism , Caspase 3/metabolism , Disease Models, Animal , Humans , Liver , Liver Failure, Acute/prevention & control , Male , Mice , Microtubule-Associated Proteins/genetics , Microtubule-Associated Proteins/metabolism , NF-E2-Related Factor 2 , NF-kappa B , Oxidative Stress , Signal Transduction , Superoxide Dismutase-1/metabolism , Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/metabolism
3.
J Biochem Mol Toxicol ; 35(11): e22899, 2021 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34435724

ABSTRACT

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Lutein (LU) possesses numerous pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic effects. This study aimed to investigate the cardioprotective potential of LU in isoprenaline (ISO)-induced MI and to explore its molecular mechanisms of action. AMI was induced by two consecutive subcutaneous doses of ISO (65 mg/kg; s.c.). The LU group was pretreated with LU (20 mg/kg; p.o.) for 30 days followed by ISO injections on Days 29 and 30. ISO group showed elevated serum creatine kinas-MB (CK-MB) and considerable electrocardiographic changes along with reduced ejection fraction compared to the normal group. LU pretreatment could decrease serum CK-MB activity, normalize QRS and QTc intervals and restore ejection fraction compared to the untreated group. The ISO group demonstrated infarcted-like lesions, which were ameliorated in the LU-pretreated group. Immunohistochemical investigation revealed upregulated cardiac troponin T (cTn T) and desmin expressions in the LU-pretreated group. LU pretreatment also enhanced cardiac thioredoxin (Trx) and glutathione (GSH) contents as well as reduced lipid peroxidation, compared to the untreated group. Importantly, LU pretreatment could downregulate long noncoding MI associated transcript (lncRNA MIAT) and thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) and augment micro RNA (miR)-200a and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expressions compared to the ISO group. Moreover, a significant inverse correlation between MIAT and miR-200a was observed. In conclusion, this study revealed that LU could ameliorate ISO-induced MI in rats by modulating MIAT/miR-200a/Nrf2 pathway.


Subject(s)
Isoproterenol/toxicity , Lutein/pharmacology , Myocardial Infarction/chemically induced , Signal Transduction , Animals , Cardiotonic Agents/pharmacology , Disease Models, Animal , MicroRNAs/metabolism , Myocardial Infarction/metabolism , NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism , RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism , Rats
4.
Inflammopharmacology ; 28(5): 1407-1420, 2020 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32785828

ABSTRACT

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a nonmalignant enlargement of the prostate common in older men. Diallyl sulfide (DAS), a major component of garlic, has been reported to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative effects. However, the underlying protective immunomodulatory mechanism of DAS on BPH remains vague. Herein, experimental BPH was induced in rats by daily subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate (TP) (3 mg/kg, s.c.) for 4 weeks. In parallel, finasteride (Fin) (5 mg/kg, p.o) or DAS (50 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered orally during BPH induction. TP-induced histological alterations and the immune-inflammatory cascade. On the other hand, DAS or Fin administration alleviated all abnormalities induced testosterone. Fin and DAS administration markedly reduced prostate weight by 53% with Fin, and by 60% with DAS. Moreover, serum testosterone and DHT were reduced by 55% and 52%, respectively, with Fin and by 68% and 75%, respectively, with DAS, in concordance with decreased protein expression of androgen receptor (AR), and prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Furthermore, both regime lessen immune-inflammatory milieu, as evidenced by decrease CD4+ T-cells protein expression and associated inflammatory cytokines. Concomitantly, Fin and DAS exhibited marked mitigation in insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-ß1), and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) signaling. Besides alleviating oxidative stress by 53% and 68% in prostatic MDA and by 27% and 7% in prostatic iNOS with Fin and DAS, respectively. In conclusion, this work highlighted a potential therapeutic approach of DAS as a dietary preventive agent against BPH via its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effect along with suppression of the ERK pathway.


Subject(s)
Allyl Compounds/pharmacology , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology , Immunologic Factors/pharmacology , Prostatic Hyperplasia/prevention & control , Sulfides/pharmacology , Animals , CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology , Disease Models, Animal , Finasteride/pharmacology , Interleukin-17/immunology , MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects , Male , Prostate-Specific Antigen/metabolism , Prostatic Hyperplasia/pathology , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Receptors, Androgen/metabolism , Testosterone Propionate , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/immunology
5.
Int Immunopharmacol ; 128: 111481, 2024 Feb 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38232534

ABSTRACT

Clemastine (CLM) is repurposed to enhance remyelination in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. CLM blocks histamine and muscarinic receptors as negative regulators to oligodendrocyte differentiation. These receptors are linked to the canonical and non-canonical Notch-1 signaling via specific ligands; Jagged-1 and F3/Contactin-1, respectively. Yet, there are no previous studies showing the influence of CLM on Notch entities. Herein, the study aimed to investigate to which extent CLM aligns to one of the two Notch-1 arms in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) rat model. Three groups were utilized where first group received vehicles. The second group was injected by spinal cord homogenate mixed with complete Freund's adjuvant on days 0 and 7. In the third group, CLM (5 mg/kg/day; p.o) was administered for 15 days starting from the day of the first immunization. CLM ameliorated EAE-associated motor and gripping impairment in rotarod, open-field, and grip strength arena beside sensory anomalies in hot plate, cold allodynia, and mechanical Randall-Selitto tests. Additionally, CLM alleviated depressive mood observed in tail suspension test. These findings harmonized with histopathological examinations of Luxol-fast blue stain together with enhanced immunostaining of myelin basic protein and oligodendrocyte lineage gene 2 in corpus callosum and spinal cord. Additionally, CLM enhanced oligodendrocyte myelination and maturation by increasing 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase, proteolipid protein, aspartoacylase as well. CLM restored the level of F3/Contactin-1 in the diseased rats over Jagged-1 level; the ligand of the canonical pathway. This was accompanied by elevated gene expression of Deltex-1 and reduced hairy and enhancer-of-split homologs 1 and 5. Additionally, CLM suppressed microglial and astrocyte activation via reducing the expression of ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule-1 as well as glial fibrillary acidic protein, respectively. These results outlined the remyelinating beneficence of CLM which could be due to augmenting the non-canonical Notch-1 signaling over the canonical one.


Subject(s)
Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental , Multiple Sclerosis , Humans , Rats , Animals , Jagged-1 Protein , Clemastine , Contactin 1 , Receptors, Notch , Models, Theoretical
6.
Int Immunopharmacol ; 123: 110647, 2023 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37499399

ABSTRACT

Radiation has been applied in cancer treatment to eradicate tumors and displayed great therapeutic benefits for humans. However, it is associated with negative impacts on normal cells, not only cancer cells. Irradiation can trigger cell death through several mechanisms, such as apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy. This study aimed to investigate the radioprotective efficacy of ubiquinol against radiation-induced splenic tissue injury in animals and the related involved mechanisms. Animals were classified into four groups: group 1 (normal untreated rats) received vehicle 5 % Tween 80; group 2 received 7 Gy γ-radiation; group 3 received 10 mg/Kg oral ubiquinol post-irradiation; and group 4 received 10 mg/Kg oral ubiquinol before and after (pre/post-) irradiation. Ubiquinol restored the spleen histoarchitecture, associated with improved immunohistochemical quantification of B and T lymphocyte markers and ameliorated hematological alterations induced by irradiation. Such effects may be due to an enhanced antioxidant pathway through stimulation of p62, Nrf2, and GSH, associated with reduced Keap1 and MDA. Moreover, ubiquinol decreased mTOR, thus enhanced autophagy markers viz. LC3-II. Furthermore, ubiquinol showed an antiapoptotic effect by enhancing Bcl-2 and reducing caspase-3 and Bax. Consequently, ubiquinol exerts a splenic-protective effect against irradiation via enhancing antioxidant, autophagic, and survival pathways.


Subject(s)
Antioxidants , Spleen , Humans , Rats , Animals , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1/metabolism , NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism , Apoptosis , Autophagy
7.
Arch Pharm Res ; 45(7): 475-493, 2022 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35767208

ABSTRACT

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) represents a severe microvascular condition that dramatically affects diabetic patients despite adequate glycemic control, resulting in high morbidity. Thus, recently, anti-diabetic drugs that possess glucose-independent mechanisms attracted attention. This work aims to explore the potentiality of the selective sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor, empagliflozin (EMPA), to ameliorate streptozotocin-induced DPN in rats with insight into its precise signaling mechanism. Rats were allocated into four groups, where control animals received vehicle daily for 2 weeks. In the remaining groups, DPN was elicited by single intraperitoneal injections of freshly prepared streptozotocin and nicotinamide (52.5 and 50 mg/kg, respectively). Then EMPA (3 mg/kg/p.o.) was given to two groups either alone or accompanied with the AMPK inhibitor dorsomorphin (0.2 mg/kg/i.p.). Despite the non-significant anti-hyperglycemic effect, EMPA improved sciatic nerve histopathological alterations, scoring, myelination, nerve fibers' count, and nerve conduction velocity. Moreover, EMPA alleviated responses to different nociceptive stimuli along with improved motor coordination. EMPA modulated ATP/AMP ratio, upregulated p-AMPK while reducing p-p38 MAPK expression, p-ERK1/2 and consequently p-NF-κB p65 as well as its downstream mediators (TNF-α and IL-1ß), besides enhancing SOD activity and lowering MDA content. Moreover, EMPA downregulated mTOR and stimulated ULK1 as well as beclin-1. Likewise, EMPA reduced miR-21 that enhanced RECK, reducing MMP-2 and -9 contents. EMPA's beneficial effects were almost abolished by dorsomorphin administration. In conclusion, EMPA displayed a protective effect against DPN independently from its anti-hyperglycemic effect, probably via modulating the AMPK pathway to modulate oxidative and inflammatory burden, extracellular matrix remodeling, and autophagy.


Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 , Diabetic Neuropathies , MicroRNAs , Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors , Animals , Rats , AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism , Benzhydryl Compounds/pharmacology , Benzhydryl Compounds/therapeutic use , Diabetic Neuropathies/drug therapy , Diabetic Neuropathies/pathology , Glucose , Glucosides , Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors/pharmacology , Streptozocin
8.
Life Sci ; 311(Pt A): 121049, 2022 Dec 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36209830

ABSTRACT

Dyskinesia is characterized by abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs). Such movements are considered restrictive problem associated with the chronic use of L-dopa in Parkinson's disease (PD) treatment; the thing that renders the definite pathological mechanism unclear. However, there is a correlation between excitotoxicity of glutamatergic NMDA receptors, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress in the lesioned nigrostriatal pathway; which mediates the firing of basal ganglia neurons involved in dyskinesia. AIMS: The current study investigated the novel neuroprotective effect of agmatine in ameliorating both PD and dyskinesia with a focus on its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic potentiality through Nrf2 activation and suppression of HMGB1/RAGE/TLR4/MYD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. MAIN METHODS: PD was induced in animals by ten consecutive doses of rotenone (3 mg/kg/day; s.c.). Agmatine (100 mg/kg/day; i.p.) was injected for 16 days after modeling PD either alone or in combination with L-dopa/carbidopa (50/25 mg/kg/day; i.p.). KEY FINDINGS: A statically significant deteriorating effect was showed on the behavioral, neurochemical, histopathological, and immunochemical analysis of PD rats. Moreover, dyskinesia observed in PD rats that received L-dopa. Agmatine improved animals' behavior and abolished dyskinetic AIMs. It inhibited NMDA receptors expression in nigral tissues leading to inhibition of inflammatory and oxidative stress cascades. It increased both nigral TH immunoreactive cells and striatal dopamine contents. Besides, it increased the antioxidant defense mechanism of Nrf2/TAC contents along with a significant decrease of HMGB1/RAGE/TLR4/MYD88/NF-κB protein expression. SIGNIFICANCE: The current investigated data signifies the novel role of agmatine in ameliorating both PD and dyskinesia through mediating NMDA receptors, Nrf2, and HMGB1/RAGE/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways.


Subject(s)
Agmatine , Dyskinesias , HMGB1 Protein , Parkinson Disease , Rats , Animals , Levodopa/pharmacology , Rotenone/toxicity , NF-kappa B/metabolism , Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/metabolism , Agmatine/pharmacology , NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism , HMGB1 Protein/metabolism , Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88/metabolism , Toll-Like Receptor 4/metabolism , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Antioxidants/therapeutic use , Signal Transduction , Parkinson Disease/drug therapy , Oxidopamine/pharmacology
9.
Biomed Pharmacother ; 145: 112395, 2022 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34775239

ABSTRACT

Inosine is a dietary supplement that is widely used for managing numerous central neurological disorders. Interestingly, recent experimental investigation of inosine revealed its potential to promote peripheral neuroprotection after sciatic nerve injury. Such investigation has guided the focus of the current study to expose the potential of inosine in mitigating diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in rats and to study the possible underlying signaling pathways. Adult male Wistar rats were arbitrarily distributed into four groups. In the first group, animals received saline daily for 15 days whereas rats of the remaining groups received a single injection of both nicotinamide (50 mg/Kg/i.p.) and streptozotocin (52.5 mg/Kg/i.p.) for DPN induction. Afterward, inosine (10 mg/Kg/p.o.) was administered to two groups, either alone or in combination with caffeine (3.75 mg/Kg/p.o.), an adenosine receptor antagonist. As a result, inosine showed a hypoglycemic effect, restored the sciatic nerve histological structure, enhanced myelination, modulated conduction velocities and maintained behavioral responses. Furthermore, inosine increased GLO1, reduced AGE/RAGE axis and oxidative stress which in turn, downregulated NF-κB p65 and its phosphorylated form in the sciatic nerves. Inosine enhanced Nrf2 expression and its downstream molecule HO-1, resulting in increased CAT and SOD along with lowered MDA. Moreover, pain was relieved due to suppression of PKC and TRPV1 expression, which ultimately lead to reduced SP and TGF-ß. The potential effects of inosine were nearly blocked by caffeine administration; this emphasizes the role of adenosine receptors in inosine-mediated neuroprotective effects. In conclusion, inosine alleviated hyperglycemia-induced DPN via modulating GLO1/AGE/RAGE/NF-κB p65/Nrf2 and TGF-ß/PKC/TRPV1/SP pathways.


Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/drug therapy , Diabetic Neuropathies/drug therapy , Inosine/pharmacology , Neuroprotective Agents/pharmacology , Animals , Caffeine/pharmacology , Hyperglycemia/drug therapy , Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology , Male , Niacinamide , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Receptors, Purinergic P1/drug effects , Receptors, Purinergic P1/metabolism , Signal Transduction/drug effects , Streptozocin
10.
Open Forum Infect Dis ; 9(5): ofac066, 2022 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35392460

ABSTRACT

Background: Data conflict on whether vaccination decreases severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral load. The objective of this analysis was to compare baseline viral load and symptoms between vaccinated and unvaccinated adults enrolled in a randomized trial of outpatient coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment. Methods: Baseline data from the first 433 sequential participants enrolling into the COVID-OUT trial were analyzed. Adults aged 30-85 with a body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2 were eligible within 3 days of a positive SARS-CoV-2 test and <7 days of symptoms. Log10 polymerase chain reaction viral loads were normalized to human RNase P by vaccination status, by time from vaccination, and by symptoms. Results: Two hundred seventy-four participants with known vaccination status contributed optional nasal swabs for viral load measurement: median age, 46 years; median (interquartile range) BMI 31.2 (27.4-36.4) kg/m2. Overall, 159 (58%) were women, and 217 (80%) were White. The mean relative log10 viral load for those vaccinated <6 months from the date of enrollment was 0.11 (95% CI, -0.48 to 0.71), which was significantly lower than the unvaccinated group (P = .01). Those vaccinated ≥6 months before enrollment did not differ from the unvaccinated with respect to viral load (mean, 0.99; 95% CI, -0.41 to 2.40; P = .85). The vaccinated group had fewer moderate/severe symptoms of subjective fever, chills, myalgias, nausea, and diarrhea (all P < .05). Conclusions: These data suggest that vaccination within 6 months of infection is associated with a lower viral load, and vaccination was associated with a lower likelihood of having systemic symptoms.

11.
Neurochem Int ; 148: 105082, 2021 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34052296

ABSTRACT

Since the role of estrogen in postmenauposal-associated dementia is still debatable, this issue urges the search for other medications. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is a drug used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and has shown a neuroprotective effect against other neurodegenerative diseases. Accordingly, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of DMF on an experimental model of Alzheimer disease (AD) using D-galactose (D-Gal) administered to ovariectomized (OVX) rats, resembling a postmenopausal dementia paradigm. Adult 18-month old female Wistar rats were allocated into sham-operated and OVX/D-Gal groups that were either left untreated or treated with DMF for 56 days starting three weeks after sham-operation or ovariectomy. DMF succeeded to ameliorate cognitive (learning/short- and long-term memory) deficits and to enhance the dampened overall activity (NOR, Barnes-/Y-maze tests). These behavioral upturns were associated with increased intact neurons (Nissl stain) and a reduction in OVX/D-Gal-mediated hippocampal CA1 neurodegeneration and astrocyte activation assessed as GFAP immunoreactivity. Mechanistically, DMF suppressed the hippocampal contents of AD-surrogate markers; viz., apolipoprotein (APO)-E1, BACE1, Aß42, and hyperphosphorylated Tau. Additionally, DMF has augmented the neuroprotective parameters p-AKT, its downstream target CREB and BDNF. Besides, it activated AMPK, and enhanced SIRT-1, as well as antioxidant defenses (SOD, GSH). On the other hand, DMF inhibited the transcription factor NF-κB, IL-1ß, adiponectin/adiponectin receptor type (AdipoR)1, GSK-3ß, and MDA. Accordingly, in this postmenopausal AD model, DMF treatment by pursuing the adiponectin/AdipoR1, AMPK/SIRT-1, AKT/CREB/BDNF, AKT/GSK-3ß, and APO-E1 quartet hampered the associated tauo-/amyloidopathy and NF-κB-mediated oxidative/inflammatory responses to advance insights into its anti-amnesic effect.


Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease/drug therapy , Amyloidosis/drug therapy , Dimethyl Fumarate/pharmacology , Neuroprotective Agents/pharmacology , Ovariectomy , Signal Transduction/drug effects , Signal Transduction/genetics , Tauopathies/drug therapy , Adiponectin/genetics , Alzheimer Disease/chemically induced , Amyloidosis/chemically induced , Amyloidosis/psychology , Animals , Behavior, Animal/drug effects , Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/drug effects , Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/genetics , Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein/drug effects , Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein/genetics , Female , Galactose , Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta/drug effects , Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta/genetics , Interleukin-1beta/drug effects , Interleukin-1beta/genetics , MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects , NF-kappa B/drug effects , Oncogene Protein v-akt/drug effects , Oncogene Protein v-akt/genetics , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Reactive Oxygen Species , Tauopathies/chemically induced , Tauopathies/psychology
12.
Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) ; 12: 587801, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34367059

ABSTRACT

Metformin is the first-line medication for type 2 diabetes, but it also has a long history of improved outcomes in infectious diseases, such as influenza, hepatitis C, and in-vitro assays of zika. In the current Covid-19 pandemic, which has rapidly spread throughout the world, 4 observational studies have been published showing reduced mortality among individuals with home metformin use. There are several potential overlapping mechanisms by which metformin may reduce mortality from Covid-19. Metformin's past anti-infectious benefits have been both against the infectious agent directly, as well as by improving the underlying health of the human host. It is unknown if the lower mortality suggested by observational studies in patients infected with Covid-19 who are on home metformin is due to direct activity against the virus itself, improved host substrate, or both.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 Drug Treatment , Hypoglycemic Agents/therapeutic use , Metformin/therapeutic use , Humans , Treatment Outcome
13.
Chem Biol Interact ; 331: 109276, 2020 Nov 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33002459

ABSTRACT

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic disease driven primarily by uncontrolled pervasive inflammatory responses affecting the colon and rectum. Currently available medications carry multiple detrimental adverse effects, which have emphasized the mandatory need for safer and more efficient novel therapeutic alternatives. Melittin is the main constituent of bee venom and exhibits potent anti-inflammatory properties. The antiulcerogenic effect of oral melittin (40 µg/kg) was explored in the current study using the acetic acid-induced colitis model. Increase in body weight and decrease in colon mass index were observed in the melittin group. Microscopically, melittin ameliorated acetic acid-induced histological damage. Melittin administration has efficiently amended the elevated levels of the cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) seen in the colitis group. This was accompanied by inhibition of the upstream signaling molecules, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNF-R)-associated factor (TRAF6), mitogen-activated protein kinase 38 (p38 MAPK), and nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) in the melittin group. Moreover, treatment with melittin resulted in marked decrease in colonic level of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) together with the enzymes involved in its synthesis, secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). Additionally, melittin has attenuated acetic acid-induced oxidative stress as manifested by the significant diminishment in malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as the increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. Therefore, melittin mitigated UC pathogenesis and could be considered as a potent and promising therapeutic alternative for UC treatment.


Subject(s)
Anti-Ulcer Agents/pharmacology , Melitten/pharmacology , Signal Transduction/drug effects , TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 6/metabolism , Toll-Like Receptor 4/metabolism , Acetic Acid/toxicity , Administration, Oral , Animals , Anti-Ulcer Agents/therapeutic use , Colitis, Ulcerative/chemically induced , Colitis, Ulcerative/drug therapy , Colitis, Ulcerative/pathology , Colon/metabolism , Colon/pathology , Cyclooxygenase 2/metabolism , Interleukin-6/metabolism , Malondialdehyde/metabolism , Melitten/therapeutic use , Mice , NF-kappa B/metabolism , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism , p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism
15.
Sci Rep ; 8(1): 16814, 2018 11 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30429582

ABSTRACT

Zymosan, a natural compound, provokes acute peritonitis and multiple organ dysfunction that affects the kidney, beside other organs via exaggerated inflammatory response. The aim of the present study is to test the role of cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) in alleviating acute kidney injury (AKI) induced by zymosan in BALB/c mice, using galantamine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, known to act via α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR) to stimulate CAP. Galantamine verified its anti-inflammatory effect by elevating acetylcholine (ACh) level, while abating the interleukin-6/ janus kinase 2 (Y1007/1008)/ signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Y705) (IL-6/ pY(1007/1008)-JAK2/ pY705-STAT3) inflammatory axis, with a consequent inhibition in suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3). This effect entails also the nuclear factor-kappa B (p65)/ high mobility group box protein-1/ (NF-κB (p65)/ HMGB-1) signaling pathway. Furthermore, the reno-curattive effect of galantamine was associated by a reduction in plasma creatinine (Cr), cystatin (Cys)-C, IL-18, and renal neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), as well as an improved histopathological structure. Blocking the α7 nAChR by methyllycaconitine abolished the beneficial effect of galantamine to document the involvement of this receptor and the CAP in the amelioration of AKI induced by zymosan.


Subject(s)
Acute Kidney Injury/prevention & control , Zymosan/adverse effects , alpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor/physiology , Acetylcholine/metabolism , Aconitine/analogs & derivatives , Aconitine/pharmacology , Acute Kidney Injury/chemically induced , Animals , Cholinesterase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Galantamine/pharmacology , Inflammation/chemically induced , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Signal Transduction , alpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor/metabolism
16.
PLoS One ; 10(2): e0117516, 2015.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25679220

ABSTRACT

Geraniol (GO) potent antitumor and chemopreventive effects are attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In the current study, the potential efficacy of GO (250 mg/kg) in ameliorating metabolic syndrome (MetS) induced by fructose in drinking water was elucidated. Moreover, the effect of pioglitazone (5 and 10 mg/kg; PIO) and the possible interaction of the co-treatment of GO with PIO5 were studied in the MetS model. After 4 weeks of treatment, GO and/or PIO reduced the fasting blood glucose and the glycemic excursion in the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test. GO and PIO5/10 restrained visceral adiposity and partly the body weight gain. The decreased level of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)-γ transcriptional activity in the visceral adipose tissue of MetS rats was increased by single treatment regimens. Though GO did not affect MetS-induced hyperinsulinemia, PIO5/10 lowered it. Additionally, GO and PIO5/10 suppressed glycated hemoglobin and the receptor for advanced glycated end products (RAGE). These single regimens also ameliorated hyperuricemia, the disrupted lipid profile, and the elevated systolic blood pressure evoked by MetS. The rise in serum transaminases, interleukin-1ß, and tumor necrosis factor-α, as well as hepatic lipid peroxides and nitric oxide (NO) was lowered by the single treatments to different extents. Moreover, hepatic non-protein thiols, as well as serum NO and adiponectin were enhanced by single regimens. Similar effects were reached by the combination of GO with PIO5; however, a potentiative interaction was noted on fasting serum insulin level, while synergistic effects were reflected as improved insulin sensitivity, as well as reduced RAGE and triglycerides. Therefore, GO via the transcriptional activation of PPAR-γ reduces inflammation and free radical injury produced by MetS. Thereby, these effects provide novel mechanistic insights on GO management of MetS associated critical risk factors. Moreover, the co-administration of GO to PIO5 exalted the antidiabetic drug anti-MetS efficacy.


Subject(s)
Fructose/adverse effects , Metabolic Syndrome/chemically induced , Metabolic Syndrome/drug therapy , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , Terpenes/pharmacology , Thiazolidinediones/pharmacology , Acyclic Monoterpenes , Adiponectin/blood , Adipose Tissue/drug effects , Adipose Tissue/metabolism , Adipose Tissue/pathology , Adiposity/drug effects , Animals , Blood Pressure/drug effects , Body Weight/drug effects , Drug Interactions , Glucose/metabolism , Glycated Hemoglobin/metabolism , Homeostasis/drug effects , Inflammation/drug therapy , Interleukin-1beta/blood , Liver/drug effects , Liver/metabolism , Male , Metabolic Syndrome/metabolism , Metabolic Syndrome/pathology , PPAR gamma/genetics , Pioglitazone , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Reactive Nitrogen Species/metabolism , Terpenes/therapeutic use , Thiazolidinediones/adverse effects , Thiazolidinediones/therapeutic use , Transcription, Genetic/drug effects , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/blood , Uric Acid/blood
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