Protective effect of thymoquinone nanoemulsion in reducing the cardiotoxic effect of 5-fluorouracil in rats.

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), which is one of the most widely used chemotherapy drugs, has various side effects on the heart. Thymoquinone (TMQ), the main bioactive component of Nigella sativa, has antioxidant and protective effects against toxicity. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of thymoquinone against cardiotoxicity caused by 5-FU in vitro and in vivo models. H9C2 cells were exposed to 5-FU and TMQ, and cell viability was evaluated in their presence. Also, 25 male Wistar rats were divided into five control groups, 5-FU, 2.5, and 5 mg TMQ in nanoemulsion form (NTMQ) + 5-FU and 5 mg NTMQ. Cardiotoxicity was assessed through electrocardiography, cardiac enzymes, oxidative stress markers, and histopathology. 5-FU induced cytotoxicity in H9c2 cells, which improved dose-dependently with NTMQ cotreatment. 5-FU caused body weight loss, ECG changes (increased ST segment, prolonged QRS, and QTc), increased cardiac enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase [AST], creatine kinase-myocardial band [CK-MB], and lactate dehydrogenase [LDH]), oxidative stress (increased malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, nitric acid; decreased glutathione peroxidase enzyme activity), and histological damage such as necrosis, hyperemia, and tissue hyalinization in rats. NTMQ ameliorated these 5-FU-induced effects. Higher NTMQ dose showed greater protective effects. Thus, the results of our study indicate that NTMQ protects against 5-FU cardiotoxicity likely through antioxidant mechanisms. TMQ warrants further research as an adjuvant to alleviate 5-FU chemotherapy side effects.

Kaempferol alleviates bisphenol A reproductive toxicity in rats in a dose-dependent manner.

BACKGROUND: Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including bisphenol A (BPA), are a major cause of male infertility by disrupting spermatogenesis. OBJECTIVE: Here, we examined the potential protective benefits of kaempferol (KMF), a flavonol known for its antioxidant properties, on BPA-induced reproductive toxicity in adult male rats. METHODS: Human skin fibroblast cells (HNFF-P18) underwent cell viability assays. Thirty-five male Wistar rats were assigned to four groups: 1) control, 2) BPA (10 mg/kg), 3,4) BPA, and different dosages of KMF (1 and 10 mg/kg). The study examined the rats' testosterone serum level, antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), oxidative markers malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), body weight, weight ratios of testis and prostate, and histopathological examinations. RESULTS: The study revealed that using KMF to treat rats exposed to BPA increased cell viability. Moreover, the rats' testosterone levels, which BPA reduced, showed a significant increase after KMF was included in the treatment regimen. Treatment with BPA led to oxidative stress and tissue damage, but simultaneous treatment with KMF restored the damaged tissue to its normal state. Histopathology studies on testis and prostate tissues showed that KMF had an ameliorative impact on BPA-induced tissue damage. CONCLUSIONS: The research suggests that KMF, a flavonol, could protect male rats from the harmful effects of BPA on reproductive health, highlighting its potential healing properties.

Therapeutic benefit of melatonin in 5-fluorouracil-induced renal and hepatic injury.

Nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity include increased oxidative stress and apoptosis; as a result, liver and kidney damage are related to its pathogenesis. These are significant side effects caused in cancer patients treated with 5-FU. In the research, 25 rats were divided into five groups, including control, 5-FU and 5-FU + 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg melatonin (MEL), and the protective impact of MEL against 5-FU-induced hepatorenal damage in rats was investigated. 5-FU caused significant harm, resulting in severe renal failure and histopathological changes. It also increased BUN, creatinine and hepatic function markers levels while decreasing superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity. Additionally, 5-FU led to a notable increase in malondialdehyde content. However, MEL co-administration to rats reversed most biochemical and histologic effects. In the control and MEL + 5-FU groups, the values were comparable. The doses of MEL treatment had a significant positive impact on 5-FU-induced oxidative stress, apoptosis, lipid peroxidation and kidney damage. Our data concluded that MEL has an ameliorative effect on hepatorenal damage caused by 5-FU.

5-Flourouracil-induced toxicity in both male and female reproductive systems: A narrative review.

The chemotherapeutic drug 5-flourouracil (5FU) is frequently used to treat a wide range of solid malignant tumors, such as colorectal, pancreatic, gastric, breast, and head and neck cancers. Its antitumoral effects are achieved by interfering with the synthesis of RNA and DNA and by inhibiting thymidylate synthase in both malignant and non-malignant cells. Therefore, it can be responsible for severe toxicities in crucial body organs, including heart, liver, kidney, and reproductive system. Given the fact that 5FU-induced reproductive toxicity may limit the clinical application of this drug, in this study, we aimed to discuss the main locations and mechanisms of the 5FU-induced reproductive toxicity. Initially, we discussed the impact of 5FU on the male reproductive system, which leads to damage of the seminiferous epithelial cells and the development of vacuoles in Sertoli cells. Although no noticeable changes occur at the histopathological level, there is a decrease in the weight of the prostate. Additionally, 5FU causes significant abnormalities in spermatogenesis, including germ cell shedding, spermatid halo formation, polynucleated giant cells, and decreased sperm count. Finally, in females, 5FU-induced reproductive toxicity is characterized by the presence of atretic secondary and antral follicles with reduced numbers of growing follicles, ovarian weight, and maturity impairment.

Evaluation of acceptance, attitude, and knowledge towards artificial intelligence and its application from the point of view of physicians and nurses: A provincial survey study in Iran: A cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study.

Background and Aims: The prospect of using artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare is bright and promising, and its use can have a significant impact on cost reduction and decrease the possibility of error and negligence among healthcare workers. This study aims to investigate the level of knowledge, attitude, and acceptance among Iranian physicians and nurses. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted in eight public university hospitals located in Tehran on 400 physicians and nurses. To conduct the study, convenient sampling was used with the help of researcher-made questionnaires. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS 21 The mean and standard deviation and Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used. Results: In this study, the level of knowledge among the research subjects was average (14.66 ± 4.53), the level of their attitude toward AI was relatively favorable (47.81 ± 6.74), and their level of acceptance of AI was average (103.19 ± 13.70). Moreover, from the participant's perspective, AI in medicine is most widely used in increasing the accuracy of diagnostic tests (86.5%), identifying drug interactions (82.75%), and helping to analyze medical tests and imaging (80%). There was a statistically significant relationship between the variable of acceptance of AI and the participant's level of education (p = 0.028), participation in an AI training course (p = 0.022), and the hospital department where they worked (p < 0.001). Conclusion: In this study, both the knowledge and the acceptance of the participants towards AI were proved to be at an average level and the attitude towards AI was relatively favorable, which is in contrast with the very rapid and inevitable expansion of AI. Although our participants were aware of the growing use of AI in medicine, they had a cautious attitude toward this.

Vaccination status and outcomes of COVID-19 patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in Iran during the dominant Delta variant period.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the characteristics, vaccination status, and outcomes of confidence interval (COVID-19) patients, admitted to a tertiary hospital in Iran during the predominant severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Delta variant period. METHODS: This retrospective study assessed the medical records of all hospitalized COVID-19 patients, who were admitted to a tertiary hospital from July 10 to September 15, 2021. Adjusted binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine factors associated with poor outcomes. RESULTS: More than 25% of hospitalized patients received at least one vaccine dose of SARS-CoV-2. The Sinopharm BIBP vaccine (China) was the most commonly received vaccine (73.3%). After adjusting for age and comorbidities, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for poor outcomes was significantly lower in hospitalized patients who received Remdesivir compared to those not receiving Remdesivir (AOR: 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.15, 0.78; p < .010). Besides, age ≥50 years (AOR: 2.51; 95% CI: 1.38, 4.59; p < .003), low educational level (AOR: 3.99; 95% CI: 1.17, 13.53; p < .027), work outside in the past year (AOR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.02, 3.00; p < .041), and diabetes mellitus (AOR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.66, 3.26; p = .011) were associated with more poor outcomes. CONCLUSION: Based on the present results, the risk of mortality and the risk of poor outcomes were lower in patients who received Remdesivir compared to those not receiving Remdesivir. The number of vaccinated patients was smaller than the unvaccinated among hospitalized patients. It is important to emphasize that vaccination reduced the need for hospitalization and that only vaccinated patients with comorbidities required hospitalization.

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) Variant: A Challenge with COVID-19.

Since the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there have been multiple peaks of the SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus virus 2) infection, mainly due to the emergence of new variants, each with a new set of mutations in the viral genome, which have led to changes in the pathogenicity, transmissibility, and morbidity. The Omicron variant is the most recent variant of concern (VOC) to emerge and was recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 26 November 2021. The Omicron lineage is phylogenetically distinct from earlier variants, including the previously dominant Delta SARS-CoV-2 variant. The reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test, rapid antigen assays, and chest computed tomography (CT) scans can help diagnose the Omicron variant. Furthermore, many agents are expected to have therapeutic benefits for those infected with the Omicron variant, including TriSb92, molnupiravir, nirmatrelvir, and their combination, corticosteroids, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor blockers. Despite being milder than previous variants, the Omicron variant threatens many lives, particularly among the unvaccinated, due to its higher transmissibility, pathogenicity, and infectivity. Mounting evidence has reported the most common clinical manifestations of the Omicron variant to be fever, runny nose, sore throat, severe headache, and fatigue. This review summarizes the essential features of the Omicron variant, including its history, genome, transmissibility, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, management, and the effectiveness of existing vaccines against this VOC.

Androgens' Role in Severity and Mortality Rates of COVID-19.

By the end of December 2019 new corona virus began to spread from Wuhan, China and caused a worldwide pandemic. COVID-19 deaths and prevalence represented sex discrepant patterns with higher rate of deaths and infection in males than females which could be justified by androgen-mediated mechanisms. This review aimed to assess the role of androgens in COVID-19 severity and mortality. Androgens increase expressions of Type II transmembrane Serine Protease (TMPRSS2) and Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2), which both facilitate new corona virus entry into host cell and their expression is higher in young males than females. According to observational studies, prevalence of COVID-19 infections and deaths was more in androgenic alopecic patients than patients without androgenic alopecia. The COVID-19 mortality rates in aged men (>60 years) were substantially higher than aged females and even young males caused by high inflammatory activities such as cytokine storm due to hypogonadism in this population. Use of anti-androgen and TMPRSS2 inhibitor drugs considerably modified COVID-19 symptoms. Androgen deprivation therapy also improved COVID-19 symptoms in prostate cancer: overall the role of androgens in severity of COVID-19 and its associated mortality seemed to be very important. So, more studies in variety of populations are required to define the absolute role of androgens.

COVID-19 vaccination challenges: A mini-review.

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has led to the infection of many people across the globe, over six million deaths, and has placed an unprecedented burden on public health worldwide. The pandemic has led to the high-speed development and production of vaccines against the COVID-19, as vaccines can end the pandemic. At the beginning of the program, vaccinations were initially targeted only at high-risk groups, such as the elderly, those with comorbidities, or healthcare workers. Although most of the mentioned populations have received the two recommended doses, limited resources have left many authorities with an effective vaccine undersupply. Therefore, policies have been implemented to manage the available doses of the vaccines more efficiently. As there is no universally agreed consensus on this topic, we discuss the different recommendations and guidelines regarding the time interval between the two vaccine doses and explain the different scenarios for applying the two doses.