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1.
PLoS One ; 16(7): e0253036, 2021.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34264954

BACKGROUND: Although COVID-19 is an acute disease that usually resolves rapidly in most cases, the disease can be fatal and has a mortality rate of about 1% to 56%. Alveolar injury and respiratory failure are the main causes of death in patients with COVID 19. In addition, the effect of the disease on other organs is not fully understood. Renal system affection has been reported in patients with COVID 19 and is associated with a higher rate of diverse outcomes, including mortality. Therefore, in the present work, we reported the clinical characteristics and laboratory data of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and analyzed the manifestations that indicated renal system involvement and their impact on clinical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an observational retrospective study conducted at King Fahd Specialist Hospital, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia. All patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to this Hospital from April to December 2020 were included in the study. The patients' findings at presentation were recorded. Demographic data and laboratory results (hematuria, proteinuria, urinary sediment cast and pus cell presence, and kidney function tests) were retrieved from electronic patient records. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-three patients with confirmed COVID 19 were included in the study. Dipstick examinations of all urine samples showed proteinuria and hematuria in 53.9% and 22.3% of patients, respectively, whereas microscopic examination revealed the presence of pus and brown muddy granular casts in 33.7% and 12.4% of samples, respectively. Acute kidney injury was reported in 23.3% of patients. A multivariable analysis demonstrated that hematuria was associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.2-4.9; P = 0.001), ICU admission (OR, 3.789; 95% CI, 1.913-7.505; P = 0.003), and mortality (OR, 8.084; 95% CI, 3.756-17.397; P = 0.002). Conversely, proteinuria was less significantly associated with the risk of AKI (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.91-7.50; P = 0.003), ICU admission (OR, 2.493; 95% CI, 1.25-4.72; P = 0.001), and mortality (OR, 2.764; 95% CI, 1.368-5.121; P = 0.003). Patients with AKI had a higher probability for mortality than did those without AKI (OR, 14.208; 95% CI, 6.434-31.375; P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: The manifestations of the involvement of the renal system are not uncommon in COVID-19. These manifestations included proteinuria, hematuria, and AKI and were usually associated with a poor prognosis, including high incidences of both ICU admission and mortality.


Acute Kidney Injury/pathology , COVID-19/complications , Acute Kidney Injury/epidemiology , Acute Kidney Injury/etiology , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , COVID-19/pathology , Female , Humans , Inpatients/statistics & numerical data , Male , Middle Aged , Saudi Arabia
2.
Biomed Pharmacother ; 140: 111726, 2021 Aug.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34111725

Bronchial asthma (BA) is a heterogeneous allergic respiratory disease with diverse inflammatory symptoms, pathology, and responses to treatment. Thyme is a natural product which is consisted of multiple phenolic compounds of therapeutic significance for treatment of cough and bronchitis. This study evaluated the efficacy of thyme oil against ovalbumin (OVA)-induced BA in an experimental rabbit model. Forty male rabbits were divided into four equal groups [control group (G1), OVA (G2), thyme oil (G3), and OVA plus thyme oil (G4)]. Animals were treated for 30 days, and clinical, histopathological (HP), histochemical (HC), immunohistochemical (IHC), morphometric, biochemical and flow cytometry methods were performed, followed by statistical analysis. All used methods revealed normal structure of the lung tissues in rabbits of G1 and G3. In contrast, the clinical examination of G2 rabbits revealed an obvious increase in the respiratory rate, sneezing and wheezing, whereas the HP, HC and IHC techniques exhibited substantial inflammatory changes in the peribronchio-vascular lung tissues with thinning, degeneration, apoptosis (using the TUNEL assay), necrosis, and shedding of the airway epithelium. Furthermore, the morphometric results confirmed significant increases in the numbers of inflammatory cells, goblet cells, eosinophils and apoptotic cells from (12, 0, 2, 2 cells) to (34,10, 16, 18 cells) respectively, as well as the area percentage of collagen fiber deposition and immunoexpression of eotaxin-1/10 high power fields. Additionally, the biochemical results revealed significant increases in the serum levels of TSLP, IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, IL-13, IgE and eotaxin-1 cytokines from (140, 40, 15, 38, 120, 100, 48) pg./ml to (360, 270, 130, 85, 365, 398, 110) pg./ml respectively, while analysis of ROS by flow cytometry revealed remarkable oxidative stress effects in G2 rabbits. On the other hand, treatment of rabbits with thyme oil in G4 substantially alleviated all OVA-induced alterations. Overall, our findings indicate for the first time that thyme oil can ameliorate OVA-induced BA via its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antioxidant effects on the lung tissues of rabbits.


Anti-Asthmatic Agents/therapeutic use , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use , Antioxidants/therapeutic use , Asthma/drug therapy , Plant Oils/therapeutic use , Thymus Plant , Allergens , Animals , Anti-Asthmatic Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Asthma/immunology , Asthma/pathology , Cytokines/blood , Cytokines/immunology , Goblet Cells/drug effects , Immunoglobulin E/immunology , Lung/drug effects , Lung/immunology , Lung/pathology , Male , Ovalbumin , Plant Oils/pharmacology , Rabbits , Reactive Oxygen Species/immunology , Th2 Cells/immunology
3.
Genes (Basel) ; 11(9)2020 08 20.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32825525

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is an outcome of an accelerated immune response that starts initially as a defensive measure, however, due to non-canonical signaling, it later proves to be fatal not only to the affected tissue but to the whole organ system. microRNAs are known for playing a decisive role in regulating the expression of genes involved in diverse functions such as lung development, repair, and inflammation. In-silico analyses of clinical data and microRNA databases predicted a probable interaction between miRNA-34a (miR-34a), mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (ERK), and kruppel like factor 4 (Klf4). Parallel to in silico results, here, we show that intra-tracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) to mice enhanced miR-34a expression in lung macrophages. Inhibition of miR-34a significantly improved lung histology, whereas over-expression of miR-34a worsened the lung injury phenotype. miR-34a over-expression in macrophages were also demonstrated to favour pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype and inhibition of M2 polarization. In a quest to confirm this likely interaction, expression profiles of Klf4 as the putative target were analyzed in different macrophage polarizing conditions. Klf4 expression was found to be prominent in the miR-34a inhibitor-treated group but down-regulated in the miR-34a mimic treated group. Immuno-histopathological analyses of lung tissue from the mice treated with miR-34a inhibitor also showed reduced inflammatory M1 markers as well as enhanced cell proliferation. The present study indicates that miR-34a intensified LPS-induced lung injury and inflammation by regulating Klf4 and macrophage polarization, which may serve as a potential therapeutic target for acute lung injury/ARDS.


Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors/metabolism , Lipopolysaccharides/toxicity , Lung Injury/prevention & control , Macrophages/drug effects , MicroRNAs/antagonists & inhibitors , Animals , Female , Gene Expression Regulation , Kruppel-Like Factor 4 , Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors/genetics , Lung Injury/chemically induced , Lung Injury/metabolism , Lung Injury/pathology , Macrophages/pathology , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , MicroRNAs/genetics , Signal Transduction
4.
Anticancer Agents Med Chem ; 20(17): 2025-2040, 2020.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32628596

Cancer is one of the most leading causes of death worldwide. It is one of the primary global diseases that cause morbidity and mortality in millions of people. It is usually caused by different carcinogenic agents that damage the genetic material and alter the cell signaling pathways. Carcinogens are classified into two groups as genotoxic and non-genotoxic agents. Genotoxic carcinogens are capable of directly altering the genetic material, while the non-genotoxic carcinogens are capable of producing cancer by some secondary mechanisms not related to direct gene damage. There is undoubtedly the greatest need to utilize some novel natural products as anticancer agents, as these are within reach everywhere. Interventions by some natural products aimed at decreasing the levels and conditions of these risk factors can reduce the frequency of cancer incidences. Cancer is conventionally treated by surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, but such treatments may be fast-acting and causes adverse effects on normal tissues. Alternative and innovative methods of cancer treatment with the least side effects and improved efficiency are being encouraged. In this review, we discuss the different risk factors of cancer development, conventional and innovative strategies of its management and provide a brief review of the most recognized natural products used as anticancer agents globally.


Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Biological Products/pharmacology , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Neoplasms/prevention & control , Apoptosis/drug effects , Cell Proliferation/drug effects , Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor , Humans , Neoplasms/pathology
5.
Oxid Med Cell Longev ; 2020: 3620192, 2020.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32617136

Asthma is characterized by the elevated level of Th2 immune responses, oxidative stress, and airway inflammation. Bilsaan, an exudate from the stem of Sambucus nigra, has been traditionally used in the treatment of various ailments in Saudi Arabia. Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential of Bilsaan against ovalbumin- (OVA-) induced allergic asthma in a mouse model. In order to induce allergic asthma, mice were intraperitoneally injected with alum-emulsified-OVA (20 µg/mouse) on days 0, 14, and 21 that is followed by an intranasal OVA exposure from days 22 to 30. During this time, mice were orally administered with Bilsaan at the doses of 5, 10, and 25 mg/kg. The numbers of total and differential inflammatory cells and the levels of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) and IgE were determined in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Moreover, the therapeutic effect of Bilsaan was also assessed to analyze the oxidative stress and inflammatory changes in the lung tissues. The results demonstrated that Bilsaan treatment significantly reduced the total and differential inflammatory cell count in the BALF. The BALF from the mice treated with Bilsaan showed significantly lower levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IgE. Interestingly, a similar pattern was observed in IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 secreted by OVA-sensitized splenocytes from the mice of various groups. Bilsaan treatment alleviated the status of oxidative stress by modulating malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase levels in the lung. Moreover, Bilsaan treatment reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells, thickening of alveolar wall, and congestion in the lung tissues. The findings of the present study demonstrated an antiasthmatic effect of Bilsaan through the modulation of Th2 immune responses, inflammation, and the oxidative stress.


Asthma/drug therapy , Hypersensitivity/drug therapy , Plant Exudates/therapeutic use , Plant Stems/chemistry , Sambucus nigra/chemistry , Animals , Asthma/complications , Asthma/immunology , Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid , Cytokines/metabolism , Female , Hypersensitivity/complications , Hypersensitivity/immunology , Immunoglobulin E/metabolism , Inflammation/pathology , Lung/pathology , Mice , Ovalbumin , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , Plant Exudates/pharmacology , Spleen/pathology , Th2 Cells/drug effects , Th2 Cells/immunology
6.
Curr Pharm Biotechnol ; 21(11): 1028-1041, 2020.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32297580

BACKGROUND: Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide and the current mode of cancer treatment causes side effects on normal cells and are still the key challenges in its' treatment. However, natural products or active compounds of medicinal plants have shown to be safe, affordable, and effective in diseases cure. METHODS: In this context, scientific studies evidence the health-promoting effects of natural products, which work through its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activity. Thymoquinone (TM), a predominant active compound of Nigella sativa, has confirmed anti-neoplastic activity through its ability to regulate various genetic pathways. In addition, thymoquinone has established anti-cancerous effects through killing of various cancerous cells,and inhibiting the initiation, migration, invasion, and progression of the cancer. The anti-cancer effects of TM are chiefly mediated via regulating various cell signaling pathways such as VEGF, bcl2/bax ratio, p53, NF-kB, and oncogenes. RESULTS: The anti-cancer drugs have limitations in efficacy and also causes adverse side effects on normal cells. The combination of anti-cancer drugs and thymoquinone improves the efficacy of drugs which is evident by decrease resistance to drugs and regulation of various cell signaling pathways. Moreover, combination of anti-cancer drugs as well as thymoquinone shows synergistic effect on killing of cancer cells and cells viability. Thus, TM, in combination with anti-cancer drugs, can be a good strategy in the management of various types of cancer. CONCLUSION: In this review article, we deliver an outline of thymoquinone role in cancer inhibition and prevention of cancer-based on in vivo and in vitro studies. Further studies on thymoquinone based on clinical trials are highly required to explore the benefits of thymoquinone in cancer management.


Anticarcinogenic Agents/pharmacology , Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacology , Benzoquinones/pharmacology , Nigella sativa/chemistry , Anticarcinogenic Agents/isolation & purification , Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/isolation & purification , Benzoquinones/isolation & purification , Humans , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Neoplasms/metabolism , Neoplasms/prevention & control , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Plants, Medicinal/chemistry , Signal Transduction/drug effects
7.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31886754

BACKGROUND: Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a group of oxidoreductase isoenzymes catalyzing the reversible reaction between pyruvate and lactate. The five isoforms of this enzyme, formed from two subunits, vary in isoelectric points and these isoforms have different substrate affinity, inhibition constants and electrophoretic mobility. These diverse biochemical properties play a key role in its cellular, tissue and organ specificity. Though LDH is predominantly present in the cytoplasm, it has a multi-organellar location as well. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this review article is to provide an update in parallel, the previous and recent biochemical views and its clinical significance in different diseases. METHODS: With the help of certain inhibitors, its active site three-dimensional view, reactions mechanisms and metabolic pathways have been sorted out to a greater extent. Overexpression of LDH in different cancers plays a principal role in anaerobic cellular metabolism, hence several inhibitors have been designed to employ as novel anticancer agents. DISCUSSION: LDH performs a very important role in overall body metabolism and some signals can induce isoenzyme switching under certain circumstances, ensuring that the tissues consistently maintain adequate ATP supply. This enzyme also experiences some posttranslational modifications, to have diversified metabolic roles. Different toxicological and pathological complications damage various organs, which ultimately result in leakage of this enzyme in serum. Hence, unusual LDH isoform level in serum serves as a significant biomarker of different diseases. CONCLUSION: LDH is an important diagnostic biomarker for some common diseases like cancer, thyroid disorders, tuberculosis, etc. In general, LDH plays a key role in the clinical diagnosis of various common and rare diseases, as this enzyme has a prominent role in active metabolism.


Energy Metabolism/physiology , L-Lactate Dehydrogenase/physiology , Animals , Biomarkers/blood , Biomarkers/metabolism , Diagnostic Techniques, Endocrine , Humans , Isoenzymes/metabolism , Isoenzymes/physiology , Kinetics , L-Lactate Dehydrogenase/metabolism , Metabolic Networks and Pathways/physiology , Protein Processing, Post-Translational , Pyruvic Acid/metabolism
8.
Anticancer Agents Med Chem ; 19(11): 1314-1324, 2019.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30963982

BACKGROUND: Cancer is a multi-factorial disease including alterations in the cell signalling pathways. Currently, several drugs are in use to treat cancer but such drugs show negative side effects on normal cells and cause severe toxicity. METHODS: The current research is mainly focused on medicinal plants with potential therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of cancer without any adverse effects on normal cells. In this regard, garlic and its active compounds including diallyl sulfide, diallyl trisulfide, ajoene, and allicin have been established to suppress the growth of cancer and killing of cancer cells. RESULT: The review focuses on garlic and its active compounds chemopreventive effect through modulating various cell signalling pathways. Additionally, garlic and its active compound were established to induce cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase and G2/M phases in cancer cells, increase the expression of tumor suppressor genes, inhibit the angiogenesis process, induction of apoptosis and modulation of various other genetic pathways. CONCLUSION: This review sketches the diverse chemopreventive activities of garlic and their active ingredients in the management of cancer mainly focusing on cell signalling pathways.


Allyl Compounds/pharmacology , Disulfides/pharmacology , Garlic/chemistry , Neoplasms/prevention & control , Plants, Medicinal/chemistry , Signal Transduction/drug effects , Sulfides/pharmacology , Sulfinic Acids/pharmacology , Allyl Compounds/chemistry , Cell Proliferation/drug effects , Disulfides/chemistry , Humans , Neoplasms/pathology , Sulfides/chemistry , Sulfinic Acids/chemistry , Sulfoxides
9.
Curr Pharm Biotechnol ; 20(1): 5-16, 2019.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30659535

Numerous studies have been performed in understanding the development of cancer. Though, the mechanism of action of genes in the development of cancer remains to be explained. The current mode of treatment of cancer shows adverse effects on normal cells and also alter the cell signalling pathways. However, ginger and its active compound have fascinated research based on animal model and laboratories during the past decade due to its potentiality in killing cancer cells. Ginger is a mixture of various compounds including gingerol, paradol, zingiberene and shogaol and such compounds are the main players in diseases management. Most of the health-promoting effects of ginger and its active compound can be attributed due to its antioxidant and anti-tumour activity. Besides, the active compound of ginger has proven its role in cancer management through its modulatory effect on tumour suppressor genes, cell cycle, apoptosis, transcription factors, angiogenesis and growth factor. In this review, the role of ginger and its active compound in the inhibition of cancer growth through modulating cell signalling pathways will be reviewed and discussed.


Cell Cycle/drug effects , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Plant Extracts/therapeutic use , Signal Transduction/drug effects , Zingiber officinale , Animals , Antioxidants/isolation & purification , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Antioxidants/therapeutic use , Apoptosis/drug effects , Apoptosis/physiology , Catechols/isolation & purification , Catechols/pharmacology , Catechols/therapeutic use , Cell Cycle/physiology , Fatty Alcohols/isolation & purification , Fatty Alcohols/pharmacology , Fatty Alcohols/therapeutic use , Humans , Neoplasms/metabolism , Plant Extracts/isolation & purification , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Signal Transduction/physiology
10.
Open Access Maced J Med Sci ; 6(6): 1159-1162, 2018 Jun 20.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29983820

BACKGROUND: Cement contains various types of chemicals in addition to lime and silica, and such chemicals cause different health complications and pathogenesis in addition to respiratory disorders. The most important occupational hazards for cement workers are allergy and complication related to respiratory system. AIM: The current study was performed by analysing the questionnaire distributed among the workers and also by the sputum collected from them to study the general health conditions and other life activities. METHODS: Sputum samples were assayed for cytological analysis by Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. RESULTS: In this study, it was observed that majority of these workers suffered from different types of respiratory complications, such as a cough, asthma and lung infections. In addition to this, few subjects showed allergy and other complication like hypertension, diabetes and backache. Moreover, cytological analysis of the sputum was made, and it was observed that majority of the subjects showed severe inflammation. CONCLUSION: Based on these finding, we concluded that long-term cement dust exposure and inhalation causes respiratory complications due to epithelial tissue damage and that can lead to secondary complications as well.

11.
Med Sci (Basel) ; 6(2)2018 Apr 18.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29669993

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) belongs to the family of heme-containing peroxidases, produced mostly from polymorphonuclear neutrophils. The active enzyme (150 kDa) is the product of the MPO gene located on long arm of chromosome 17. The primary gene product undergoes several modifications, such as the removal of introns and signal peptides, and leads to the formation of enzymatically inactive glycosylated apoproMPO which complexes with chaperons, producing inactive proMPO by the insertion of a heme moiety. The active enzyme is a homodimer of heavy and light chain protomers. This enzyme is released into the extracellular fluid after oxidative stress and different inflammatory responses. Myeloperoxidase is the only type of peroxidase that uses H2O2 to oxidize several halides and pseudohalides to form different hypohalous acids. So, the antibacterial activities of MPO involve the production of reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species. Controlled MPO release at the site of infection is of prime importance for its efficient activities. Any uncontrolled degranulation exaggerates the inflammation and can also lead to tissue damage even in absence of inflammation. Several types of tissue injuries and the pathogenesis of several other major chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, liver diseases, diabetes, and cancer have been reported to be linked with MPO-derived oxidants. Thus, the enhanced level of MPO activity is one of the best diagnostic tools of inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers among these commonly-occurring diseases.

12.
Open Access Maced J Med Sci ; 6(2): 263-268, 2018 Feb 15.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29531585

BACKGROUND: Angiogenesis plays a pivotal role in the progression of tumours through the formation of new blood vessels. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a chief factor responsible for inducing and regulating angiogenesis. Additionally, the human epidermal growth factor receptor family of receptors also plays an important role in the pathogenesis of tumours. AIM: This study aimed to examine the association between VEGF and Her-2 protein expression and its correlation with clinic-pathological characteristics; in particular, prognosis. METHODS: A total of 65 cases of cervical carcinoma and 10 samples of inflammatory lesions were evaluated for VEGF and Her-2 protein expression. RESULTS: Expression of VEGF and Her-2 was detected in 63.07% and 43.07% in cervical carcinoma cases respectively whereas control cases did not show any expression. The difference in the expression pattern of both markers comparing cancer and control cases was statistically significant (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference in the expression pattern of VEGF protein was observed among the different grades and stages of tumours (p > 0.05). Comparing different grades of a tumour, expression of Her-2 was detected in 31.8% of well-differentiated tumours, 36.0 % in moderately differentiated tumours and 66.66 % in poorly differentiated cancers. The expression of Her-2 was increased in high-grade tumours, and the difference of expression level between tumour grades was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The expression level of Her-2 protein was not correlated with the stage of a tumour (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study supports earlier findings that over-expression / up-regulation of VEGF and Her - 2 is linked with poor prognosis and may play a vital role in the development and progression of cervical cancer.

13.
J Drug Target ; 26(8): 709-719, 2018 09.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29307241

Natural Killer T (NKT) cells play an important role in host's anti-tumour immune response. Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) isolated from Sphingomonas paucimobilis have the ability to stimulate NKT cells. In this study, the activity of free GSLs or GSLs-incorporated liposomes (glycosphingosomes) was investigated against dimethyl-α-benzanthracene (DMBA)-induced tumours in mice. The anti-tumour immunity of GSLs- or glycosphingosomes-loaded bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) was investigated in tumour-bearing mice. The Immunotherapeutic potential of co-administration of liposomal doxorubicin (Lip-Dox) and GSLs or glycosphingosomes was assessed by measuring cytokine levels and VEGF in the tumour tissues. Pretreatment with glycosphingosomes significantly delayed the frequency of tumour formation. Immunotherapy with glycosphingosomes-loaded BMDCs increased serum IFN-γ level and survival rate in mice. The effect of immunotherapy was dependent on effector functions of NK cells because the depletion of NK cells abolished the effects of immunotherapy. There was reduced tumour growth with low expression of VEGF in the group of mice treated with glycosphingosomes and Lip-Dox combination. Moreover, the splenocytes secreted higher levels of IFN-γ, IL-12 and lower TGF-ß level. The results of this study indicate that glycosphingosomes can induce better antitumour immunity and may be considered a novel formulation in antitumour therapy.


Glycosphingolipids/physiology , Liposomes , Neoplasms, Experimental/immunology , Sphingomonas/immunology , Animals , Female , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Neoplasms, Experimental/metabolism , Neoplasms, Experimental/pathology
14.
Pharmacogn Rev ; 11(22): 136-140, 2017.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28989248

The treatment based on plant or plant derivatives is a promising strategy in the killing of cancers cells. Moreover, wide-ranging finding has established that medicinal plant and its ingredient modulate several cells signaling pathways or inhibiting the carcinogenesis process. In this vista, pomegranates fruits, seeds and peels illustrate cancer preventive role seems to be due to rich source of antioxidant and other valuable ingredients. Furthermore, anti-tumour activities of pomegranates have been evidences through the modulation of cell signaling pathways including transcription factor, apoptosis and angiogenesis. In this review article, anti-tumor activity of pomegranates and its components or its different type of extracts are described to understand the mechanism of action of pomegranates in cancer therapy.

15.
Biochimie ; 127: 205-13, 2016 Aug.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27265787

Some reports indicate that thymoquinone (TQ), the main constituent of Nigella sativa seeds, is hepatoprotective. The aim of this study was to determine whether TQ is able to bind directly to bilirubin, and whether TQ or liposomal formulation of TQ (Lip-TQ) can reduce cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced liver toxicity, serum bilirubin level in mice. The binding of TQ with bilirubin was studied by UV-VIS, fluorescence and Near-UV CD spectroscopy. Inhibition of binding of bilirubin to erythrocytes by TQ was also examined. To increase the in vivo efficacy, Lip-TQ was prepared and used against CYP-induced toxicity. The protective role of TQ or Lip-TQ against CYP-induced toxicity was assessed by determining the liver function parameters, the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and histological studies. It was found that TQ binds to bilirubin and significantly inhibits the binding of bilirubin to erythrocytes. Lip-TQ (10 mg/kg) significantly reduced the levels of aspartate transaminase (AST) from 254 ± 48 to 66 ± 18 IU/L (P < 0.001), alanine transaminase (ALT) from 142 ± 28 to 47.8 ± 16 IU/L (P < 0.05) and serum bilirubin from 2.8 ± 0.50 to 1.24 ± 0.30 mg/dl (P < 0.05). Treatment with Lip-TQ reduced the CYP-induced inflammation and hemorrhage in liver tissues. Moreover, treatment with free or Lip-TQ protected the activity of SOD and CAT in CYP-injected mice. Therefore, TQ can reduce the level of bilirubin in systemic circulation in disease conditions that lead to hyperbilirubinemia and liver toxicity and hence may be used as a supplement in the treatment of liver ailments.


Benzoquinones/metabolism , Benzoquinones/pharmacology , Bilirubin/metabolism , Cyclophosphamide/adverse effects , Hyperbilirubinemia/prevention & control , Liver/drug effects , Nigella sativa/chemistry , Animals , Antioxidants/metabolism , Benzoquinones/chemistry , Bilirubin/blood , Cytoprotection/drug effects , Drug Compounding , Erythrocytes/drug effects , Erythrocytes/metabolism , Female , Humans , Hyperbilirubinemia/metabolism , Hyperbilirubinemia/pathology , Liver/cytology , Liver/metabolism , Mice , Seeds/chemistry
16.
Obstet Gynecol Int ; 2016: 8790120, 2016.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27190522

Cervical cancer is one of the commonest types of cancers worldwide especially in developing countries. Intermediate filaments protein family has shown a role in the diagnosis of various cancers, but a few studies are available about the vimentin and cytokeratin roles in the cervical cancer. This case control study aimed to interpret the expression of vimentin and cytokeratin proteins in the development and progression of cervical cancer and its correlation with clinicopathological features. The cytoplasmic expression of vimentin was observed in 40% of cases, but not in inflammatory lesions of cervix. It was noticed that vimentin expression was increasing significantly with high grade of the tumour. Cytokeratin expression was observed in 48.33% and it was noticed that the expression was 62.5% in well differentiated (G1), 45% in moderately differentiated (G2), and 41.66% in poorly differentiated carcinoma, yet statistically insignificant. The expression of vimentin and cytokeratin proteins was not significantly associated with age groups. The current findings concluded a possible role of vimentin in the development and progression of cervical cancer and vimentin marker will be useful in the diagnosis and grading of cervical cancer.

17.
Dis Markers ; 2015: 204759, 2015.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26640315

The aim of study was to examine the localization and distribution of cytokeratin (CK) and vimentin protein and their association with clinical outcome of the TCC patients. Expression pattern of cytokeratin and vimentin was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in TCC cases and inflammatory lesions. Cytoplasmic expression of CK was noticed in 52.17% of TCC cases and its expression was not observed in inflammatory lesions of bladder specimens. Vimentin showed expression in 69.00% cases of TCC. Significant differences were noticed in expression pattern of CK and vimentin in inflammatory lesion and Transitional Cell Carcinoma cases. Vimentin expression increased with the grade of TCC and this difference was statistically significant whereas expression of CK decreased according to the grade of TCC. Furthermore, it was also observed that expression pattern of vimentin was high in ≥55 years as compared to <55 age group patients and these differences were significant in men as compared to women. Expression pattern of CK did not show any significant relation with age and gender. Therefore, it can be concluded that cytokeratin and vimentin will be helpful markers in the early diagnosis of Transitional Cell Carcinoma/bladder carcinoma.


Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism , Carcinoma, Transitional Cell/metabolism , Keratins/metabolism , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/metabolism , Vimentin/metabolism , Adult , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Carcinoma, Transitional Cell/diagnosis , Female , Humans , Keratins/genetics , Male , Middle Aged , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/diagnosis , Vimentin/genetics
18.
Pharmacogn Rev ; 9(18): 120-6, 2015.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26392709

Treatment based on natural products is rapidly increasing worldwide due to the affordability and fewer side effects of such treatment. Various plants and the products derived from them are commonly used in primary health treatment, and they play a pivotal role in the treatment of diseases via modulation of biochemical and molecular pathways. Aloe vera, a succulent species, produces gel and latex, plays a therapeutic role in health management through antioxidant, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory activities, and also offers a suitable alternative approach for the treatment of various types of diseases. In this review, we summarize the possible mechanism of action and the therapeutic implications of Aloe vera in health maintenance based on its modulation of various biological activities.

19.
Pharmacognosy Res ; 7(3): 217-24, 2015.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26130932

Cassia fistula Linn is known as Golden shower has therapeutics importance in health care since ancient times. Research findings over the last two decade have confirmed the therapeutics consequence of C. fistula in the health management via modulation of biological activities due to the rich source of antioxidant. Several findings based on the animal model have confirmed the pharmacologically safety and efficacy and have opened a new window for human health management. This review reveals additional information about C. fistula in the health management via in vivo and in vitro study which will be beneficial toward diseases control.

20.
Int J Clin Exp Med ; 8(3): 4508-14, 2015.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26064376

The present study was conducted to recognize the response of new-season Nile tilapia to Aeromonas hydrophila vaccine. Four hundred new-season Nile tilapia were used in this study and divided into two equal groups, the first group served as control and the 2(nd) group was vaccinated with Aeromonas hydrophila vaccine via intraperitoneal injection. The antibody titer, Hematocrit level (HCV), Nitroblue tetrazolium activity (NBT) and lysozyme activity of new-season Nile tilapia was measured at the end of the 1(st), 2(nd), 3(rd), 4(th), 6(th), 8(th) and 10(th) week post vaccination (PV). Challenge with A. hydrophila was carried out at the end of the 6(th), 8(th) and 10(th) week PV. The antibody titer of vaccinated new-season tilapia showed significant higher values than unvaccinated group at all periods. The hematocrit and lysozymes activity values showed, a non significant increased in comparison with unvaccinated group at all periods PV. The NBT was significantly increased in vaccinated tilapia in comparison with unvaccinated group at all periods except one week PV. The relative level of protection of vaccinated tilapia after challenge infection was highest at 6(th) week PV in the new-season tilapia. We conclude that, vaccination against A. hydrophila increase the resistance of tilapia to such infection and consequently improve the survival and economic outcome. Other more applicable routes of vaccination should be investigated to be used on a large scale.

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