Arthrospira platensis nanoparticles defeat against diabetes-induced testicular injury in rat targeting, oxidative, apoptotic, and steroidogenesis pathways.

Varieties of studies have been used to investigate the health benefits of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis); however, more research is needed to examine if its nano form may be utilized to treat or prevent several chronic diseases. So, we designed this study to explore the effect and the cellular intracellular mechanisms by which Arthrospira platensis Nanoparticles (NSP) alleviates the testicular injury induced by diabetes in male Wistar rats. Eighty Wistar male rats (n = 80) were randomly allocated into eight groups. Group 1 is untreated rats (control), Group 2 including STZ-induced diabetic rats with 65 mg/kg body weight STZ (STZ-diabetic), Group 3-5: including diabetic rats treated with NSP1, NSP2, and NSP3 at 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg body weight, respectively, once daily orally by the aid of gastric gavage for 12 consecutive weeks and groups 6-8 include normal rats received NSP (0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg body weight once daily orally. The identical volume of normal saline was injected into both control and diabetic rats. After 12 weeks of diabetes induction, the rats were killed. According to our findings, NSP administration to diabetic rats enhances the total body weight and the weight of testes and accessory glands; in addition, NSP significantly reduced nitric oxide and malondialdehyde in testicular tissue improved sperm parameters. Intriguingly, it raises testicular GSH and SOD activity by a significant amount (p < 0.05). As well, Oral administration of NSP to diabetic rats resulted in a decrease in the blood glucose levels, HA1C, induced in the diabetic group, which overcame the diabetic complications NSP caused down-regulation of apoptotic genes with upregulation of BCL-2 mRNA expression (p < 0.05) and prominent up-regulation of steroidogenesis genes expression level in testes in comparison to the diabetic rats which resulted in improving the decreased levels of testosterone hormone, FSH, and LH induced by diabetes. In the same way, our histopathological findings support our biochemical and molecular findings; in conclusion, NSP exerted a protective effect against reproductive dysfunction induced by diabetes not only through its high antioxidant and hypoglycemic action but also through its down-regulation of Apoptotic genes and up-regulation of steroidogenesis regulatory genes expression level in diabetic testes.

Enhancing polycystic ovarian syndrome awareness using private social network.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of mobile health technology such as private social network (PCOS system) in creating awareness about the disease management among the women diagnosed with the polycystic ovarian syndrome. METHODS: A pilot study was conducted in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The study was carried out for a period of three months using a private social network as an intervention. The private social network is used as an interface to educate and create awareness among the participants in the study. Fifty women diagnosed with PCOS were randomly selected and were distributed in to control group (doesn't use PCOS system) and intervention group (use the private social network). The level of the polycystic ovarian syndrome awareness was measured using a structured questionnaire at the beginning and end of the follow-up period. RESULTS: More than 80 posts and 10 pictures contain data about PCOS were conveyed by medical staff. Also, about 120 private SMS messages between medical staff and the patients were refined. The after effects of this investigation demonstrated that the intervention had better awareness about polycystic ovary syndrome management compared to the control group (F =18.25; P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This study of the private social network among the PCOS patients demonstrated that mobile health technology such as the private social network can substantially enhance the PCOS disease awareness levels among Saudi women. The PCOS System can also help in reducing the costs as most of the disease management process is handled over the application through the messages and feedbacks is provided through the application, and in saving time by avoiding hospital visits. This study is first-of-its kind conducted in Saudi Arabia.

Risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease among women with polycystic ovary syndrome in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the commonest endocrine disorder at a reproductive age. It is associated with a high risk of metabolic syndrome (MS) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). OBJECTIVE: To measure the prevalence of MS in women with PCOS and to assess the global cardiovascular risk (CVR) among them. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at King Khalid Hospital, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia during the period from February through December 2014. A total of 404 infertile women were randomly selected, and checked for diagnosing PCOS, MS and estimated CVD probability. Data were analyzed by IBM-SPSS version 22, using independent-samples t-test, Chi-square, and conditional logistic regression. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: MS was diagnosed in 58% and 32% of women with and without PCOS respectively (p<0.00). Results showed a statistically significant association between the two syndromes. Patients with the two syndromes showed high averages of clinical and biochemical values (p<0.00), high rate of predicted CVR, a high percentage of clustering of MS factors, and that weight-waist circumference - HDL are predictive for the occurrence of MS. CONCLUSION: PCOS is associated with the risk of development of MS, and CVD. Screening for early detection of PCOS and MS and the application of cohort studies are recommended to better explore the role of PCOS in the development of CVD and to assess the significance of interventions.