Effects of CDDO-EA in sepsis-induced acute lung injury: mouse model of endotoxaemia.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: The aim of this research is to clarify the potential effect of CDDO-EA against experimentally sepsis induced lung injury in mice. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: Mice have divided into four groups: Sham group CLP group, Vehicle-treatment group, CDDO-EA-treated group: mice in this group received CDDO-EA 2mg/kg intraperitoneally, 1hr before CLP, then the animals were sacrificed 24hr after CLP. After exsAngpuinations, tissue samples of lung were collected, followed by markers measurement including, TNF-α, IL-1ß, VEGF, MPO, caspase11, Angp-1and Angp-2 by ELISA, gene expression of TIE2 and VE-cadherin by qRT-PCR, in addition to histopathological study. RESULTS: Results: A significant elevation (p<0.05) in TNF-α, IL-1ß, MPO, ANGP-2, VEGF, CASPASE 11 in CLP and vehicle groups when compared with sham group. CDDO-EA group showed significantly lower levels p<0.05, level of ANGP-1 was significantly lower p<0.05 in the CLP and vehicle groups as compared with the sham group. Quantitative real-time PCR demonstrated a significant decrement in mRNA expression of TIE2&ve-cadherin genes p<0.05 in sepsis & vehicle. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: CDDO-EA has lung protective effects due to its anti-inflammatory and antiAngpiogenic activity, additionally, CDDO-EA showes a lung protective effect as they affect tissue mRNA expression of TIE2 and cadherin gene. Furthermore, CDDO-EA attenuate the histopathological changes that occur during polymicrobial sepsis thereby lung protection effect.

Role of ketogenic diet in neurodegenerative diseases focusing on Alzheimer diseases: The guardian angle.

The ketogenic diet (KD) is a low-carbohydrate, adequate protein and high-fat diet. KD is primarily used to treat refractory epilepsy. KD was shown to be effective in treating different neurodegenerative diseases. Alzheimer disease (AD) is the first common neurodegenerative disease in the world characterized by memory and cognitive impairment. However, the underlying mechanism of KD in controlling of AD and other neurodegenerative diseases are not discussed widely. Therefore, this review aims to revise the fundamental mechanism of KD in different neurodegenerative diseases focusing on the AD. KD induces a fasting-like which modulates the central and peripheral metabolism by regulating mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, gut-flora, and autophagy in different neurodegenerative diseases. Different studies highlighted that KD improves AD neuropathology by regulating synaptic neurotransmission and inhibiting of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. In conclusion, KD improves cognitive function and attenuates the progression of AD neuropathology by reducing oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and enhancing neuronal autophagy and brain BDNF.

LUNG PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF CLOPIDOGREL IN POLYMICROBIAL SEPSIS.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: The goal of this experiment was to examine if Clopidogrel might protect the lungs during sepsis by modulating the inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: Twenty-four adult male Swiss-albino mice aged 8-12 weeks, with a weighing of 20-30 g, were randomized into 4 equal groups (n=6): sham (Laparotomy without cecal ligation and puncture [CLP]), CLP (laparotomy plus CLP), vehicle (DMSO 1 hour prior to CLP), Clopidogrel (50 mg/g IP 1 hour before to CLP). ELISA was used to assess Lung tissue levels of pro-inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. RESULTS: Results: F2 isoprostane levels were significantly higher in the sepsis group (p<0.05) in comparison with sham group, while Clopidogrel was considerably lower (p<0.05) in the inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in comparison to sepsis group. Histologically, all mice in the sepsis group had considerable (p=0.05) lung tissue damage, but Clopidogrel considerably decreased lung tissue injury (p=0.05). CONCLUSION: Conclusion: Clopidogrel was found to reduce lung tissue cytokine concentrations (IL-1, TNF a, IL-6, F2 isoprostane, GPR 17, MIF) in male mice during CLP-induced polymicrobial sepsis by modulation of pro-inflammatory and oxidative stress cascade signaling pathways, to the best of our abilities, no study has looked at the effect of Clopidogrel on MIF levels.

ASSESSMENT OF THE ASSOCIATION OF SEROTONIN TRANSPORTER GENE (5-HTTVNTR & 5-HTTLPR) POLYMORPHISM IN PATIENTS WITH FIBROMYALGIA SYNDROME.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To study the clinical and the genetic association of 5-HTTVNTR and the 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms in women with FMS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: 105 FMS patients and 105 controls were enrolled in the study. Polymerase chain method was used to analyse the 5-HTTLPR & 5-HTTVNTR gene polymorphism. The psychopathology status of the 105 FMS patients and 105 healthy controls was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) questionnaires. RESULTS: Results: In FMS patients and controls, the 10/10, 10/12, and 12/12 genotypes of the 5-HTTVNTR polymorphism were found in 3.8% and 2.9%, 20% and 15.2%, and 76.28% and 81.90%, respectively. Additionally, the L/L, S/L, and S/S genotypes of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism were found in 4.8% and 2.9%, 36.2% and 40%, 59% and 57.1%, in FMS patients and healthy controls, respectively. There were no significant differences in the frequency of genotypes between FMS patients and controls. There were no significant differences in the BDI and the SCL-90-R scores according to the serotonin transporter genotypes. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: We found no significant difference between 5-HTT gene polymorphism (5-HTTVNTR and 5-HTTLPR) and the psychiatric test results (P>0.05) in FMS patients. Hence, we conclude that serotonin gene polymorphism (5-HTTLPR & 5-HTTVNTR) is not associated with FMS in north Indian women. Our results suggests that the serotonin transporter polymorphism does not seem to be a susceptibility factor for FMS.

NEPHROPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF GAMMA-SECRETASE INHIBITOR ON SEPSIS- INDUCED RENAL INJURY IN MOUSE MODEL OF CLP.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: This study was set out to assess the potential protective impact of MK0752 (a gamma secretase inhibitor) on sepsis-induced renal injury through modulation of inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: Twenty-four Swiss-albino mice aged between eight and twelve week and weighted twenty to thirty-seven grams were randomly allocated into four groups (n=6 in each group). Sham group (laparotomy without cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), sepsis group (laparotomy with CLP), vehicle-treated group (equivalent volume of DMSO before the CLP), MK0752 treated group (5 mg/kg) single daily dose for three days before the CLP. Blood samples were used to assess the serum levels of urea and creatinine. The kidneys were used to assess tissue levels of the TNF-α, IL-10, IL-6, TNFR1, VEGF, notch1, jagged1 and tissue damage by histopathological analysis. RESULTS: Results: The current study shows that pretreatment with MK0752 ameliorates the renal damage by significantly reducing the proinflammatory cytokines and notch1 signaling. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Taken together, these results suggest that MK0752 could be protective against the renal injury induced by sepsis through its ameliorative impact on renal architecture and modulating cytokines and Notch1 singling pathway. Further studies regarding the role of Notch signaling pathways would be worthwhile.

RISK FACTORS FOR DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY IN DIABETES MELLITUS TYPE 1.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To find the risk factors of microalbuminuria and estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: One hundred ten patients of type 1 diabetes mellitus in this cross-sectional study at diabetic and endocrinology center in Al-Najaf during the period from September 2021 to March 2022. All patients were asked about sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender, smoking, duration of DM type1, family history of DM type1), measured (body mass index BMI, blood pressure) and laboratory investigations done to all patients (G.U.E, s. creatinine, lipid profile, HBA1C, calculated estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) and Spot Urine Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (ACR). RESULTS: Results: Out of 110 patients, 62 male and 48 female, the mean age was (22±12). The patients with microalbuminuria (ACR ≥ 30 mg/g) show statistically significant with increase HBA1C, duration of DM type 1, total cholesterol (T.C), low density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TG) and family history of DM type 1, while there were not statistically significant with age, gender, smoking, BMI, eGFR, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and hypertension. Patients with eGFR<90mL/min/1.73m2 show statistically significant with increase HBA1C, duration of DM type1, LDL, TG, T.C, while significantly decrease in HDL and there were not statistically significant with age, gender, smoking, family history of DM type 1, BMI and hypertension. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The degree of glycemic control, duration of type1 (DM) and dyslipidemia were associated with increased microalbuminuria and reduced eGFR (nephropathy). Family history of DM type1 was risk factor for microalbuminuria.

UNRAVELING THE CLINICO-GENETIC ASSOCIATION OF CATECHOL-O-METHYLTRANSFERASE-RS4680 G>A GENE POLYMORPHISM IN WOMEN WITH FIBROMYALGIA SYNDROME.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To determine the clinical and the genetic association of the COMT rs4680 SNP in women with FMS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: Extracted DNA from peripheral blood samples were utilized as template for the PCR and RFLP analysis. RESULTS: Results: A significant difference was found in the distribution of the COMT genotype between FMS patients and controls (P<0.05). The frequency of GG, AG, AA genotypes were 12%, 72%, 21% in FMS patients and 32%, 62%, 11% in controls. The clinical features of FMS reveal that FIQR and the severity of pain measured by VAS were significantly associated with the COMT rs4680 SNP (P=0.042; P=0.016). The co-dominant model for GG verse v. AG genotype (P=0.004) and AG v. AA genotype (P=0.002) has shown to be high risk for FMS. An increased risk of FMS in the dominant model for (AG+AA) v. GG genotype (P=0.001) and no significant difference was found between (GG+AG) v. AA genotype (P=0.08) in the recessive model. The result indicated that A allele considerably increase the risk of FMS (P=0.004) in comparison to the G allele. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: AA genotype and A allele of the COMT rs4680 SNP were significantly associated with severity in FMS patients and also plays a significant role in the clinical manifestation of this disease.

Relationship Between Vitamin D Receptor Gene BsmI Polymorphism and Fibromyalgia Syndrome.

Purpose Vitamin D receptor (VDR) has been proposed as a possible marker for fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The purpose of this study is to characterize the expression pattern of BsmI polymorphism (rs1544410) in the VDR gene in women with FMS and the genotype-phenotype association. Methods A total of 105 FMS patients and 105 controls were included in this study. VDR gene BsmI polymorphism was assessed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymerase (RFLP) method. Results There was no significant difference in the frequency distribution of both genotypes and alleles for VDR gene BsmI polymorphism between FMS patients and controls (p>0.05). The frequencies of BB, Bb, and bb in the VDR gene BsmI polymorphism were 19%, 43%, and 37% in patients, while in controls were 22.9%, 55.2%, and 21.9%. However, we did not find any significant association between the clinical symptoms of this disease and VDR BsmI genotypes among FMS patients (p>0.05). Conclusions The relationship between the VDR gene BsmI polymorphism and FMS could not be determined in this study. However, further studies with a larger sample size may be required to show a relation between the VDR gene BsmI polymorphism and FMS.

EVALUATION OF COVID-19 VACCINES EFFICACY IN IRAQI PEOPLES.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: The present study was carried out on patients recovered from COVID-19, including those patients who have taken vaccine and those who have not. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The patients were recruited via an online panel and surveyed at different regions of Iraq from June 1, 2021, to August 30, 2021. RESULTS: Results: Our results demonstrated that the highest percentage of people recommended Pfizer vaccine followed by Sinopharm, while AstraZeneca vaccine was least recommended. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The efficacy of different vaccines differed significantly; the highest effectiveness was observed with Pfizer vaccine followed by AstraZeneca and Sinopharm with effectiveness ranging from 94%, 89%, and 74%, respectively. Further, the highest percentage of re-infected patients was observed with Sinopharm vaccine followed by Astra Zeneca and Pfizer vaccine, respectively. Also, the highest percent of re-infection with masking used was seen in the case of Sinopharm vaccine followed by AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccine. Although, we observed that post-vaccination symptoms were lowest than pre-vaccination symptoms, the percent of asymptomatic cases post-vaccination was highest than pre-vaccination cases for all vaccines.

CORRELATION BETWEEN RS6265 SNP IN BDNF AND THE CONTEXT OF DIABETES TYPE II INVOLVEMENT IN IRAQI PATIENTS.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: In this study, we looked into the possible link between the G196A polymorphism in the BDNF gene and DM in Iraqi patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: By using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) approach, 100 subjects were genotyped for the G196A SNP of the BDNF gene, 50 as DM and 50 as controls, age-sex and ethnically matched healthy controls. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to assess the association of this polymorphism, and genotype frequencies were compared between patients and healthy controls. RESULTS: Results: Our result show that patient with the AG (Val-Met) genotype had a 40%of total DM patients than those and GG (Val-Val) genotypes. Therefore, we concluded that as a future aspect of the report the work can be further extended on proteomic level wherein the corresponding change occurred due to the mutation in the protein can be further detected at structural and functional level. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: conclusion of our result was any patient with covid-19 must need to follow up for at least 1 month after recovery to notified of the post-Covid symptoms especially the male gender.

ROLE OF PRE-CESAREAN SECTION CEFOTAXIME IN AMELIORATED POST-CESAREAN COMPLICATION.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of cefotaxime before and after skin incision in avoiding post-operative infection complications in caesarean section women, also evaluation the efficacy of cefotaxime in reducing post-caesarean section complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: We conducted 150 women who undergoing caesarean section in the Obstetrics & Gynecological Department, Babylon government from January, 2021 to March, 2021. The caesarean operations were done by using standard protocols. Each patient was examined daily and post-operative infectious. Women were randomly divided into three groups; each group contains 50 women; Group 1: (control) given normal saline 12 hr. before and after skin incision. Group 2 (pre-operation antibiotic): given single dose of cefotaxime 1 g intravenously 12 hr. before skin incision, and Group 3 (post-operation antibiotic): given single dose of cefotaxime 1 g intravenously 12 hr after operation. RESULTS: Results: The outcome measures were post-operative febrile morbidity, healing period and urinary tract infections, in addition to socioeconomic state of each woman. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: cefotaxime pre-cesarean section could ameliorate post-operative problems such as infection of surgical wound, febrile, and urinary tract infections.

EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF TOPICALLY APPLIED METHYLSULFONYLMETHANE AND THEIR COMBINATION WITH MINOXIDIL SOLUTION FOR IMPROVEMENT OF HAIR GROWTH IN MALE MICE.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: The purpose of this research was to find out the effect of Methylsulfonylmethane in minimizing hair loss. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: Twenty adult Wister Albino mice weighing 25-35g and aged 6-7 weeks were employed. Male mice's coat hairs on the dorsal skin were carefully clipped and then colored. Mice were randomly assigned into four groups, each with five animals: (1) Control group: Treated with D.W. (2), Minoxidil (5%) treated group (3), Methylsulfonylmethane (10%) treated group (4), Methylsulfonylmethane plus Minoxidil treated group. RESULTS: Results: We found that the tissue level of 8-isoprastanein the groups receiving medication are considerably lower than in the control (D.W.). We also discovered that the serum tissue vascular endothelial growth factor levels in the groups receiving medication are considerably greater than those in the control (D.W.) groups. On the other hand, we discovered that hair growth, hair follicle expansion and hair follicle number are much higher in the groups receiving medication than in the control groups. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: We concluded that MSM, through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, dramatically reduces hair loss in male mice.

NEPHROPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF OLMESARTAN ON RENAL ISCHEMIA REPERFUSION INJURY IN MALE RATS: THE ROLE OF NRF2/HO-1 SIGNALING PATHWAY.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To investigate the Nephroprotective potential of Olmesartan in RIRI via modulation of the Nrf2/OH-1 signaling pathway. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: Thirty male rats were equally divided into four groups. The sham group was exposed to surgical conditions without induction of RIRI. The control group was exposed to ischemia by clamping the renal pedicles for 30 min, followed by 2h of blood restoration. The vehicle-treated group was received dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) by intraperitoneal injection (IP) 30 min before clamping. RESULTS: Results: Olmesartan-treated group was pretreated with Olmesartan a dose of 10 mg/kg IP; 30 min prior to induction of ischemia. Following 30 min of ischemia, the clamps were released and allowed to the reperfusion for 2 h. Blood samples were collected to examine the levels of serum urea and creatinine. Kidney tissue was used to measure the levels of cytokines (TNFα, IL6, MCP, BAX, BCL2 and isoprostane F2. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess the levels of Nrf2 and HO-1. Histological analyses were used to detect the tubular damage in the kidney. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The results showed that Olmesartan alleviates renal tissue damage through activating the antioxidant effect mediated by Nrf2 signaling.

THE NEUROPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF TOCILIZUMAB IN BRAIN ISCHEMIA REPERFUSION INJURY.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: This research was conducted to assess the possible neuroprotective effect of Tocilizumab in brain ischemic reperfusion injury in rats. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: 24 adult Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups randomly. The sham group was given anesthesia at the same time as the other groups and was in the same condition as the other groups. Control group: 1 h of ischemia followed by 4 h of reperfusion. The vehicle group was the same as the control, but they were given the vehicle intraperitoneally (1 ml/kg of 0.9 % NaCl) for 7 days before the ischemia. The treatment group as the control group, but they were given tocilizumab (8 mg/ kg) intraperitoneally for 7 days before ischemia. RESULTS: Results: control group, inducing ischemia/reperfusion increased infarction size considerably (p<0.001), when comparison to the control and vehicle groups, tocilizumab at dose (8 mg/kg) showed a significantly (p<0.001) smaller infraction area. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: In a cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, a reduction in infarction area in injected with Tocilizumab medication was considered neuroprotective for cerebral ischemia/reperfusion.

THE RISK OF ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY AFTER ELECTIVE VERSUS EMERGENCY CORONARY INTERVENTION.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: A serious and common complication after percutaneous coronary intervention is acute kidney injury, which is associated with an increased risk of renal, cardiovascular and even mortality; therefore, early prognosis and identification of patients at higher risk are essential for early initiation of preventive measures. The aim of this study is to predict and compare the risk for the development of CI-AKI in patient with ACS who undergo emergency PCI or elective (i.e. after medical stabilization) PCI by utilizing the sensitivity of serum NGAL as an early and reliable predictor for CI-AK. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The study include 37 patients with acute coronary syndrome, baseline serum creatinine, complete blood count and pre and two hours post operative serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin were measured and all patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention according to the standard protocol used in Al Najaf Cardiac Center. RESULTS: Results: This is a Two-Arm study that included a total of 37 patients with acute coronary syndrome aged 38-83 years. Eighteen of them had emergency percutaneous coronary intervention while the remaining 19 had elective percutaneous coronary intervention (after medical stabilization). Elevation of serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin level two hours after percutaneous coronary intervention was found to be significantly higher among emergency percutaneous coronary intervention group compared to elective group. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Acute coronary syndrome patients are undergoing emergency percutaneous coronary intervention are at an increasing risk for the development of contrast induced acute kidney injury than those undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention.

LUNG PROTECTIVE POTENTIAL EFFECT OF ZILEUTON DURING ENDOTOXAEMIA MODEL IN MALE MICE.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: This study was undertaken to investigatethe possible lung protective potential effect of zileuton during polymicrobial sepsis, through modulation of inflammatory and oxidative stress pathway. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: 24 adult male Swiss-albino mice aged 8-12 weeks, with a weight of 25-35g, were randomized into 4 equal groups n=6, sham (laparotomy without CLP), CLP (laparotomy with CLP), vehicle (equivalent volume of DMSO 1 hour prior to CLP), and Zileuton (5 mg/kg 1 hour prior to CLP) group. After 24 hrs. of sepsis, the lung tissue harvested and used to assess IL-6, IL-1B, IL-17, LTB-4,12(S) HETE and F2-isoprostane as well as histological examination. RESULTS: Results: Lung tissue inflammatory mediators IL-6, IL-1B, IL-17, LTB, 12 (S) HETE) and oxidative stress were carried out via ELISA. Lung tissue levels of IL-6, IL-1B, IL-17, LTB4, 12(S) HETE and oxidative stress (F2 isoprostan)level were significantly higher in sepsis group (p<0.05) as compared with sham group, while zileuton combination showed significant (p<0.05) lower level in these inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress as comparedto sepsis group. Histologically, All mice in sepsis group showed a significant (p<0.05) lung tissue injury, while in zileuton pretreated group showed significantly (p<0.05) reduced lung tissue injury. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The results of the present study revealed that zileuton has the ability to attenuate lung dysfunction during CLP induced polymicrobial sepsis in male mice through their modulating effects on LTB4,12(S) HETE and oxidative stress downstream signaling pathways and subsequently decreased lungtissue levelsof proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, and IL-6,IL-17).

THE EFFECT OF SPIRONOLACTONE ON SERUM ELECTROLYTES AND RENAL FUNCTION TESTS IN PATIENTS WITH SEVERE CHRONIC HEART FAILURE.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To evaluate the effect of single daily 25 mg of spironolactone on serum electrolytes and kidney function tests in patients with severe chronic left sided heart failure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: 60 patients with severe chronic left sided heart failure were enrolled in this study and they were divided in to 2 equal groups' one group with standard therapy of HF and the other with spironolactone in a dose of 25 mg / day, as an additive therapy to the standard one. Serum electrolytes and kidney function tests were assessed at the beginning of the study and after 3 months. RESULTS: Results: A significant increment in serum potassium (p<0.05) was observed in the spironolactone group after 3 months treatment, while no significant reduction in serum sodium (p>0.05) and no significant increase in serum creatinine and blood urea (p>0.05) was noticed in the same group, control group showed no significant changes (p>0.05), in both serum electrolytes (S.K and S.Na) and renal function tests (S.C and B.U). CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Spironolactone caused a significant elevation of serum potassium level but this elevation is still with the clinically accepted ranges when low dose of spironolactone is used and with intact renal function. Serum creatinine level was not significantly increased with 25 mgl day of spironolactone. We conclude that Renal function tests namely blood urea and serum Creatinine, and serum potassium should be closely monitored in patients on spironolactone therapy especially those patients who use ACEI and ARBs in addition.

Berberine Protests the Heart from Ischemic Reperfusion Injury via Interference with Oxidative and Inflammatory Pathways.

BACKGROUND: Ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) is a pathological condition characterized by an initial restriction of blood supply to an organ followed by the subsequent restoration of perfusion and concomitant reoxygenation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to assess the possible cardioprotective potential effect of berberine in myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury induced by ligation of coronary artery in a male rat model. METHODS: Total amount of 28 adult male albino rats were randomized into 4 equal groups: 1) Sham group, rats underwent the same anesthetic and surgical procedure as the control group except for LAD ligation; 2), Active control group, rats subjected to regional ischemia for 30 min by ligation of LAD coronary artery and reperfusion for 2 hours, 3), Control vehicle group, rats received dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) (vehicle of berberine) via IP route and subjected to ischemia for 30 minutes before ligation of LAD coronary artery & reperfusion for 2 hr; 4), Berberine treated group, rats pretreated with berberine10 mg/kg via IP injection 30minutes before ligation of LAD coronary artery & then subjected to reperfusion for 2 hr. RESULTS: In the control group, as compared with sham, tissue TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, caspase-3 and BAX, plasma cTn-T and serum MDA significantly increased (P<0.05), while serum GSH significantly decreased (P<0.05). The histopathological control group showed a significant cardiac injury (P<0.05) compared with the sham group. Berberine significantly counteracted (P<0.05) the increase of TNF-α, IL-6, caspase-3 and BAX and counteracted the increase in plasma cTn-T and serum MDA. Berberine produces a significant elevation (P<0.05) in cardiac IL-10 and serum GSH with a significant reduction in (P<0.05) cardiac injury. CONCLUSION: Berberine attenuates myocardial I/R injury in male rats via interfering with inflammatory reactions and apoptosis which were induced by I/R injury.

Transthyretin Gene Mutation Associated with Familial Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Sample of Iraqi Patients.

BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy in upper limbs. It affects women more frequently than men. CTS can be caused by many different systemic diseases and local mechanical conditions and it had signs and symptoms due to compression of median nerve at the carpal tunnel in wrist. OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to study whether Transthyretin (TTR) gene polymorphisms have association with the development of FCTS. METHODS: Sixty-four patients suffering from CTS were enrolled in this controlled cross sectional study. For all, nerve conduction study was performed to prove the diagnosis of CTS and to classify its severity. The mean age of all patients was 44.9±7.8 years, 89.1 % were female, 37.5 % had mild type CTS and 40.7 % had right side CTS. 3 mL of peripheral blood was collected from all patients which is a labeled (EDTA) tube at -20 C° for DNA extraction to identify a particular SNP (rs28933979; 148G/A; V50M) that locates at position chr18:31592974 on the exon-2 region which is reported to be associated to the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Exon-2 of TTR gene was amplified using the PCR technique and subjected to be tested for presence of SNP by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: According to genetic variation, the study cannot discover any TTR gene polymorphism that back to FCTS.

Evaluation of the Genetic Association and Expressions of Notch-2 /Jagged-1 in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the world's most common cause of chronic kidney diseases (CKD), with approximately 1 in 4 adults with DM having CKD and 1 out of 10 to 20% of DM patients die from CKD. OBJECTIVE: The current study aims to investigate the correlation between Notch-2 and Jag-1expressions and specific inflammation biomarkers IL-1ß and IL-6 with different stages of diabetic nephropathy. METHODS: From August 2018 to January 2019, three hundred subjects were recruited for this study. One hundred and fifty subjects were healthy and age-matched to the diabetic group and selected as a control group. Another 150 patients with an established diagnosis of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) according to the criteria of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) were also recruited. Blood specimens were eventually used to identify the expressions Notch-2 and Jagged-1 and the levels of inflammatory biomarkers IL-1ß and IL-6. RESULT: The current study shows a significant increase in gene expression and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with moderate and severe diabetic nephropathy compared to the control group. However, there was no significant difference between healthy control and mild diabetic nephropathy patients. This study shows a close association between the increase in the levels of inflammatory biomarkers IL-1ß and IL-6 as well as the gene expressions levels of both Notch-2 and Jag-1 with human diabetic nephropathy. CONCLUSION: According to our findings, we emphasize the use of Notch-2 and Jag-1 expressions and IL-1ß and IL-6 levels as potential biomarkers for different stages of diabetic nephropathy.