Effect of empagliflozin in peripheral diabetic neuropathy of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most dominant cause of neuropathy worldwide, and there has been no specific treatment until now. The aim of the current study was to assess the probable protective effect of empagliflozin in type 2 diabetics who are suffering from DPN. METHODS: Fifty eligible type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) cases with diabetic peripheral neuropathy were recruited in this study and classified into 2 groups. Group I (n=25) (control group) received placebo tablets once daily. Group II (n=25) (empagliflozin group) received empagliflozin 25mg once daily for three months. Empagliflozin efficacy was evaluated using electrophysiological studies, and HbA1c levels, the brief pain inventory short-form item (BPI-SF) score, the diabetic neuropathy symptom (DNS) score, the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk score, and the serum levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE), malondialdehyde (MDA) and calprotectin (Calpro), lipid profile, and random blood glucose level (RBG). RESULTS: After three months, comparing the results of the empagliflozin arm to the control arm showed a significant improvement in the electrophysiological studies and a significant decrease in the BPI-SF score and the mean serum levels of NSE and MDA. However, no significant difference was determined in HbA1c, Calpro, lipid profile, and RBG levels. In addition, the DNS and ASCVD risk scores were not significantly different. The NSE and MDA levels were significantly negatively correlated with the electrophysiological parameters. However, the BPI-SF score showed a non-significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: Empagliflozin may be a promising neuroprotective and therapeutic agent for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Trial registration Identifier: NCT05977465.

Selenium protects against nesfatin-1 modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis during hypothyroidism in male rats.

Normal gonadal function can be disrupted by hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism disturbs testicular function directly and centrally by affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis with unclear mechanism. As nesfatin-1 neurons co-localized with TRH and GnRH neurons in the hypothalamus, it could play a role in centrally hypothyroidism induced testicular dysfunction. Selenium (Se), by affecting thyroid iodide supply, could relieve these disturbances. So, we aim to identify the role of nesfatin-1 as a link between testicular dysfunction and hypothyroidism through modulating the MAPK/ERK pathway while discussing the possible role of Se in alleviating hypothyroidism and associated testicular damage. Forty male rats were divided equally into: Control: distilled water, Se: Se orally, Propylthiouracil (PTU): PTU orally, PTU + Se: Se with PTU orally. Serum thyroid function, gonadal hormones, nesfatin-1, testicular redox status, sperm analysis, brain tissue GnRH, nucleobindin 2-derived polypeptide, pMAPK/ERK gene expression, histological changes and immunohistochemical expression of testicular proliferating cell antigen (PCNA) were done. PTU induced hypothyroidism and reduction of gonadal hormones which both were correlated with reduced nesfatin-1. There was testicular stress with reduced GnRH, NUCB2, pMAPK/ERK gene expression, and PCNA immunopositive cells. These parameters were reversed by Se. Nesfatin-1 could be the central link between hypothyroidism and disturbances of the hypothalamic pituitary testicular axis.

Stimulator of interferon genes/Interferon regulatory factor 3 (STING-IRF3) and inflammasome-activation mediated pyroptosis biomarkers: a network of integrated pathways in diabetic nephropathy.

Background: Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) is serious diabetic complication affecting the structure and function of the kidney. This study assessed the stimulator of interferon genes/ Interferon regulatory factor 3 (STING/IRF3) signaling pathway roles and inflammasome-activation mediated pyroptosis, being imperative pathways of inordinate importance in disease progression, in DN throughout its different stages. Methods: 45 Diabetic cases were categorized into three groups based on their albuminuric status as follow: Normoalbuminuric, Microalbuminuric and Macroalbuminuric diabetic groups and 15 healthy subjects as controls were included. We evaluated STING and absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions from whole blood using quantitative RT-PCR. Additionally, Serum levels of STING, AIM2, IRF3, Nod like receptor pyrins-3 (NLRP3), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and caspase-1 were assessed by ELISA technique. Results: The study documented that STING and AIM2 mRNA expressions had significantly increased in DN cases with highest value in macroalbuminuric diabetic groups (p < 0.001*). Parallel results were observed concerning serum STING, AIM2, IRF3, NLRP3, Caspase-1 in addition to IL-1ß levels (p < 0.001*). Conclusion: The study documented the forthcoming role of STING in DN progression and its positive correlation with inflammasome-activation mediated pyroptosis biomarkers throughout its three different stages; launching new horizons in DN pathogenesis by highlighting its role as a reliable prognostic biomarker.

The potential protective effect of liraglutide on valproic acid induced liver injury in rats: Targeting HMGB1/RAGE axis and RIPK3/MLKL mediated necroptosis.

Valproic acid (VPA) is a commonly used drug for management of epilepsy. Prolonged VPA administration increases the risk of hepatotoxicity. Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist that act as a novel antidiabetic drug with broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This study tested the protective effect of liraglutide against VPA-induced hepatotoxicity elucidating the possible underlying molecular mechanisms. Forty adult male rats were allocated in to four equally sized groups; Group I (control group) received oral distilled water and subcutaneous normal saline for 2 weeks followed by subcutaneous normal saline only for 2 weeks. Group II (liraglutide group) received subcutaneous liraglutide dissolved in normal saline daily for 4 weeks. Group III (valproic acid-treated group) received sodium valproate dissolved in distilled water for 2 weeks. Group IV (Combined valproic acid & liraglutide treated group) received valproic acid plus liraglutide daily for 2 weeks which was continued for additional 2 weeks after valproic acid administration. The hepatic index was calculated. Serum AST, ALT, GGT, and ALP activities were estimated. Hepatic tissue homogenate MDA, GSH, SOD, HMGB1, MAPK, RIPK1, and RIPK3 levels were evaluated using ELISA. However, hepatic RAGE and MLKL messenger RNA expression levels using the QRT-PCR technique. Hepatic NF-κB and TNF-α were detected immunohistochemically. Results proved that liraglutide coadministration significantly decreased liver enzymes, MDA, HMGB1, MAPK, RIPK1 RIPK3, RAGE, and MLKL with concomitant increased GSH and SOD in comparison to the correspondent values in VPA-hepatotoxicity group. Conclusions: Liraglutide's protective effects against VPA-induced hepatotoxicity are triggered by ameliorating oxidative stress, inflammation, and necroptosis.

The role of miR-433-3p in vascular calcification in type 2 diabetic patients: targeting WNT/ß-Catenin and RANKL/RANK/OPG signaling pathways.

BACKGROUND: Vascular calcification (VC) is a major predictor of cardiovascular diseases that represent the principal cause of mortality among type-2 diabetic patients. Accumulating data suggest the vital role of some microRNAs on vascular calcification as an epigenetic regulator. Thus, we assessed herein, the role of serum miR-433-3p in vascular calcification in type-2 diabetic patients. METHODS: Twenty healthy subjects (control group) and forty diabetic patients (20 without VC and 20 with VC) were involved in the study. miR-433-3p gene expression was measured. Runx2, Dickkopf-1 (DKK1), ß-catenin, Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels in serum were assessed by ELISA technique. RESULTS: Diabetes patients had significantly lower levels of miR-433-3p expression in comparison to the control group, with the lowest levels being found in diabetic patients with VC. Furthermore, Runx2, ß-catenin, and RANKL levels were significantly increased with concomitant lower DKK1 and OPG levels detected in the two diabetic groups especially those with VC. CONCLUSION: Collectively, the study documented that down-regulation of miR-433-3p may contribute to the development of VC through activating WNT/ß-Catenin and RANKL/RANK/OPG signaling pathways.

Ulinastatin ameliorated streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy: Potential effects via modulating the components of gut-kidney axis and restoring mitochondrial homeostasis.

Growing evidence supports the role of the gut-kidney axis and persistent mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Ulinastatin (UTI) has a potent anti-inflammatory effect, protecting the kidney and the gut barrier in sepsis, but its effect on DN has yet to be investigated. This study aimed to assess the potential mitigating effect of UTI on DN and investigate the possible involvement of gut-kidney axis and mitochondrial homeostasis in this effect. Forty male Wistar rats were divided equally into four groups: normal; UTI-treated control; untreated DN; and UTI-treated DN. At the end of the experiment, UTI ameliorated DN by modulating the gut-kidney axis as it improved serum and urinary creatinine, urine volume, creatinine clearance, blood urea nitrogen, urinary albumin, intestinal morphology including villus height, crypt depth, and number of goblet cells, with upregulating the expression of intestinal tight-junction protein claudin-1, and counteracting kidney changes as indicated by significantly decreasing glomerular tuft area and periglomerular and peritubular collagen deposition. In addition, it significantly reduced intestinal and renal nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), serum Complement 5a (C5a), renal monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), renal intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1), and renal signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), mitochondrial dynamin related protein 1 (Drp1), mitochondrial fission 1 protein (FIS1), mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), renal hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels. Furthermore, it significantly increased serum short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and mitochondrial ATP levels and mitochondrial transmembrane potential. Moreover, there were significant correlations between measured markers of gut components of the gut-kidney axis and renal function tests in UTI-treated DN group. In conclusion, UTI has a promising therapeutic effect on DN by modulating the gut-kidney axis and improving renal mitochondrial dynamics and redox equilibrium.

Empagliflozin Ameliorates Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Rats by Modulating Sesn2/AMPK/Nrf2 Signaling and Targeting Ferroptosis and Autophagy.

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a life-threatening disorder that severely disrupts normal lung architecture and function, resulting in severe respiratory failure and death. It has no definite treatment. Empagliflozin (EMPA), a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, has protective potential in PF. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects require further elucidation. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the ameliorative effect of EMPA against bleomycin (BLM)-induced PF and the potential mechanisms. Twenty-four male Wister rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, BLM treated, EMPA treated, and EMPA+BLM treated. EMPA significantly improved the histopathological injuries illustrated by both hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome-stained lung tissue sections, as confirmed by electron microscopic examination. It significantly reduced the lung index, hydroxyproline content, and transforming growth factor ß1 levels in the BLM rat model. It had an anti-inflammatory effect, as evidenced by a decrease in the inflammatory cytokines' tumor necrosis factor alpha and high mobility group box 1, inflammatory cell infiltration into the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and the CD68 immunoreaction. Furthermore, EMPA mitigated oxidative stress, DNA fragmentation, ferroptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress, as evidenced by the up-regulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor expression, heme oxygenase-1 activity, glutathione peroxidase 4 levels, and a decrease in C/EBP homologous protein levels. This protective potential could be explained on the basis of autophagy induction via up-regulating lung sestrin2 expression and the LC3 II immunoreaction observed in this study. Our findings indicated that EMPA protected against BLM-induced PF-associated cellular stress by enhancing autophagy and modulating sestrin2/adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase 1 signaling.

The cardioprotective effect of human glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (semaglutide) on cisplatin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats: Targeting mitochondrial functions, dynamics, biogenesis, and redox status pathways.

The cardiotoxic effect of chemotherapeutic agents as cisplatin has become a major issue recently. Interference with mitochondrial dynamics, biogenesis, redox status, and apoptosis are the most possible underlying mechanisms. Semaglutide is a human glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1R), which is used primarily for the treatment of DM. Various recent studies have investigated (GLP-1R) role in cardiovascular diseases due to antiapoptotic and antioxidant effects. The current study aimed to investigate the curative role of semaglutide's against cisplatin- induced cardiotoxicity and its relation to mitochondrial functions, dynamics, biogenesis, apoptosis, and redox status pathways. The study included 30 male rats divided into three groups: control, cisplatin-induced cardiotoxicity, and cisplatin-induced cardiotoxicity treated with semaglutide. At the end of the experiment heart index, serum cardiotoxicity markers, SOD, GPX activities and H2 O2 level were estimated. Mitochondrial transmembrane potential, complex I and citrate synthase enzyme activities, ATP level, Mfn2 in addition to PGC-1 α levels were assessed as biogenesis markers. Mitophagy markers PINK1 and Parkin mRNA gene expression were estimated. Histopathological examination of cardiac muscles of all studied groups and immunoassay of P53 and caspase 3 in cardiac tissue were examined to assess apoptosis. Cisplatin has disturbed mitochondrial function and dynamics, dysregulate redox status and induced mitophagy and apoptosis, in the other hand semaglutide treatment has normalized dysregulated mitochondrial function and dynamics, redox status and suppressed mitophagy and apoptosis. Semaglutide has ameliorative effect against cisplatin- induced cardiotoxicity via modulation of mitochondrial functions, dynamics, biogenesis, apoptosis, and redox status pathways.

Adrenomedullin Mitigates Doxorubicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats: Role of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, Apoptosis, and Pyroptosis.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anticancer antibiotic which has various effects in human cancers. It is one of the commonly known causes of drug-induced nephrotoxicity, which results in acute renal injury. Adrenomedullin (ADM), a vasodilator peptide, is widely distributed in many tissues and has potent protective effects. Therefore, the current study aimed to examine the protective potential mechanisms of ADM against DOX-induced nephrotoxicity. A total of 28 male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups: control group, doxorubicin group (15 mg/kg single intraperitoneal injection of DOX), adrenomedullin + doxorubicin group (12 µg/kg/day intraperitoneal injection of ADM) 3 days prior to DOX injection and continuing for 14 days after the model was established, and adrenomedullin group. Kidney function biomarkers, oxidative stress markers, and inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, NLRP3, IL-1ß, and IL-18) were assessed. The expressions of gasdermin D and ASC were assessed by real-time PCR. Furthermore, the abundances of caspase-1 (p20), Bcl-2, and Bax immunoreactivity were evaluated. ADM administration improved the biochemical parameters of DOX-induced nephrotoxicity, significantly reduced oxidative damage markers and inflammatory mediators, and suppressed both apoptosis and pyroptosis. These results were confirmed by the histopathological findings and revealed that ADM's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-pyroptotic properties may have prospective applications in the amelioration of DOX-induced nephrotoxicity.

Irisin improves adiposity and exercise tolerance in a rat model of postmenopausal obesity through enhancing adipo-myocyte thermogenesis

The prevalence of obesity and its associated metabolic disorders, along with their healthcare costs, is rising exponentially. Irisin, an adipomyokine, may serve as a critical cross-organ messenger, linking skeletal muscle with adipose tissue and the liver to integrate the energy homeostasis under diet-induced obesity. We aimed to explore the putative role of irisin in the protection against obesity in a postmenopausal rat model by modulating energy expenditure (EE). Bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) was performed. After 3 weeks of recovery, the OVX rats were classified according to their dietary protocol into rats maintained on normal diets (ND) (OVX) or high-fat diet (HFD) groups. The HFD-fed animals were equally divided into OVX/HFD, or irisin-treated OVX/HFD groups. Sham rats, maintained on ND, were selected as the control group. We evaluated anthropometric, EE, and molecular biomarkers of browning and thermogenesis in inguinal white adipose tissue and skeletal muscle, and the activity of the proteins related to mitochondrial long chain fatty acid transport, oxidation, and glycolysis. HFD of OVX further deteriorated the disturbed glucose homeostasis, lipid profile, and the reduced irisin, thermogenic parameters in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle, and EE. Irisin treatment improved the lipid profile and insulin resistance. That was associated with reduced hepatic gluconeogenic enzyme activities and restored hepatic glycogen content. Irisin reduced ectopic lipid infiltration. Irisin augmented EE by activating non-shivering thermogenesis in muscle and adipose tissues and decreasing metabolic efficiency. Our experimental evidence suggests irisin’s use as a potential thermogenic agent, therapeutically targeting obesity in postmenopausal patients. (AU)

Irisin improves adiposity and exercise tolerance in a rat model of postmenopausal obesity through enhancing adipo-myocyte thermogenesis.

The prevalence of obesity and its associated metabolic disorders, along with their healthcare costs, is rising exponentially. Irisin, an adipomyokine, may serve as a critical cross-organ messenger, linking skeletal muscle with adipose tissue and the liver to integrate the energy homeostasis under diet-induced obesity. We aimed to explore the putative role of irisin in the protection against obesity in a postmenopausal rat model by modulating energy expenditure (EE). Bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) was performed. After 3 weeks of recovery, the OVX rats were classified according to their dietary protocol into rats maintained on normal diets (ND) (OVX) or high-fat diet (HFD) groups. The HFD-fed animals were equally divided into OVX/HFD, or irisin-treated OVX/HFD groups. Sham rats, maintained on ND, were selected as the control group. We evaluated anthropometric, EE, and molecular biomarkers of browning and thermogenesis in inguinal white adipose tissue and skeletal muscle, and the activity of the proteins related to mitochondrial long chain fatty acid transport, oxidation, and glycolysis. HFD of OVX further deteriorated the disturbed glucose homeostasis, lipid profile, and the reduced irisin, thermogenic parameters in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle, and EE. Irisin treatment improved the lipid profile and insulin resistance. That was associated with reduced hepatic gluconeogenic enzyme activities and restored hepatic glycogen content. Irisin reduced ectopic lipid infiltration. Irisin augmented EE by activating non-shivering thermogenesis in muscle and adipose tissues and decreasing metabolic efficiency. Our experimental evidence suggests irisin's use as a potential thermogenic agent, therapeutically targeting obesity in postmenopausal patients. Irisin modulates the non-shivering thermogenesis in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue in postmenopausal model.

The evolving role of long noncoding RNA HIF1A-AS2 in diabetic retinopathy: a cross-link axis between hypoxia, oxidative stress and angiogenesis via MAPK/VEGF-dependent pathway.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) signifies a frequent serious diabetic complication influencing retinal structure and function. Dysregulation of lncRNAs drives a wide array of human diseases especially diabetes; thus, we aimed to study lncRNA HIF1A-AS2 role and its interplay with hypoxia, oxidative stress (OS), and angiogenesis in DR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 60 DM patients in addition to 15 healthy subjects. were enrolled. LncRNA HIF1A-AS2 mRNA relative gene expression was assessed. Hypoxia inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK), and endoglin levels were assessed. Detection of DNA damage using comet assay, and Redox status parameters were also detected. RESULTS: LncRNA HIF1A-AS2 expression was significantly increased in diabetic patients with the highest levels in proliferative DR patients. Moreover, HIFα, VEGF, MAPK, and Endogolin levels were significantly higher in the diabetic patients compared to control group with the highest levels in in proliferative DR patients. Significant DNA damage in comet assay was observed to be the highest in this group. CONCLUSION: We observed for the first time the imminent role of long noncoding RNA HIF1A-AS2 in DR throughout its stages and its interplay with hypoxia, OS, and angiogenesis via MAPK/VEGF-dependent pathway.

Cross talk between Hsp72, HMGB1 and RAGE/ERK1/2 signaling in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma in obese patients.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of obesity-related asthma has shown a remarkable increase. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to explore the role of heat shock protein 72 (Hsp72) and receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) axis with its downstream signaling in the pathogenesis of obesity-related asthma. METHODS: We enrolled a total of 55 subjects and divided them into three groups. Groups I and II included healthy, normal weight (n = 15) and obese (n = 15) subjects, respectively. Twenty-five obese asthmatics (group III) were subdivided into group IIIa (10 patients with mild to moderate asthma) and group IIIb (15 patients with severe asthma). High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), interleukin 8 (IL-8), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), and urinary Hsp72 were immunoassayed. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and free fatty acids (FFAs) levels were photometrically measured. RAGE mRNA expression was relatively quantified by real-time PCR. RESULTS: We found significant elevations of serum HMGB1, IL-8, MCP1, ERK1/2, FFAs, and H2O2 levels as well as urinary Hsp72 levels in obese subjects compared to healthy control. These were more evident in patients with severe asthma (group IIIb). Multivariate regression analysis identified Hsp72 and ERK1/2 as independent predictors of bronchial asthma severity. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that areas under the curve (AUC) for Hsp72 and ERK1/2 were 0.991 and 0.981, respectively, which denotes a strong predictive value for identifying the severity of bronchial asthma in obese patients. CONCLUSION: The current study highlights the role of Hsp72 and HMGB1/RAGE/ERK1/2 signaling cascade in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma and its link to obesity, which could be reflected on monitoring, severity grading, and management of this disease.

The role of circulating soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 in patients with diabetic foot ulcer: A possible mechanism of pathogenesis via a novel link between oxidative stress, inflammation and angiogenesis.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is one of the most devastating diabetic consequences leading to amputations. Oxidative stress, inflammation, vascular insufficiency and neuropathy have been linked to DFU development. Since soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) is one of the anti-angiogenic factors regulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) biological activity. So, we aimed to evaluate its role in pathogenesis of DFU and its correlation with oxidative stress and inflammatory markers. METHODS: 60 type 2 diabetic patients: 30 without DFU and 30 with DFU in addition to 20 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. sFlt-1 and VEGF mRNA relative gene expressions and levels and sFlt-1/VEGF ratio were assessed. Also, Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), malondialdhyde (MDA), Total thiol and, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels were measured. RESULTS: sFlt-1 expression and level, AOPPs, MDA and TNF-α were significantly higher in diabetic patients as compared with the control group with highest levels in DFU patients. However, there were significant decrease in total thiol level and VEGF expression and level in diabetic patients with DFU. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that sFlt-1 is a major player in DFU pathogenesis and may be considered as a novel diagnostic biomarker for early detection of DFU.

Incidence, predictors and outcomes of stress hyperglycemia in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: Stress hyperglycemia is a common finding during ST elevation myocardial infarction in diabetic patients and is associated with a worse outcome. However, there are limited data about stress hyperglycemia in non-diabetic patients and its outcome especially in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. METHODS: The study was conducted on 660 patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction who were managed with primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients were classified into two groups according to the presence of stress hyperglycemia: group I (patients with stress hyperglycemia) and group II (patients without stress hyperglycemia). Patients were analysed for clinical outcome including mortality and the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events. RESULTS: Incidence of stress hyperglycemia was 16.8%, multivariate regression analysis identified the independent predictors of stress hyperglycemia, that were family history of diabetes mellitus odds ratio 1.697 (95% confidence interval: 1.077-2.674, p = 0.023), body mass index >24 kg/m2 odds ratio 1.906 (95% confidence interval: 1.244-2.922, p = 0.003) and cardiogenic shock on admission odds ratio 2.517 (95% confidence interval: 1.162-5.451, p = 0.019). Mortality, cardiogenic shock, contrast induced nephropathy and no reflow phenomenon were significantly higher in stress hyperglycemia group with p value = 0.027, 0.001, 0.020 and 0.037, respectively. CONCLUSION: Stress hyperglycemia in non-diabetic patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention is associated with increased incidence of no reflow phenomenon, contrast induced nephropathy, cardiogenic shock and higher mortality.

Targeting ERK/COX-2 signaling pathway in permethrin-induced testicular toxicity: a possible modulating effect of matrine.

Permethrin (PER), the prevalent synthetic pyrethroid, was reported to have genotoxic effects along with male reproductive organs impairment. Matrine, the Chinese herb chief alkaloid constituent, is used extensively owing to its recognized pharmacological properties. The study included 30 rats allocated equally into three groups; Group I: Control group, Group II: PER group and Group III: Matrine treated PER group. All groups were subjected to the measurement of Steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) gene expression by PCR technique while testosterone, phosphorylated Extracellular signal-regulated Kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2) and Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) levels were assessed by ELISA technique. Malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were also detected spectrophotometrically in addition to assessment of DNA fragmentation. Testicular histological structure as well as sperm count and morphology were studied. Matrine improved testicular toxicity evidenced by significant upregulation of StAR gene expression, elevation of testosterone level and significant decrease of p-ERK1/2 and COX-2 levels. Moreover, enhancements of the antioxidant status together with improvement of the histological findings were observed. These findings could pave the way for matrine to be used as a promising therapeutic agent in treatment of PER toxicity.

Predictors of poorly developed coronary collateral circulation in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism suffered from chronic stable angina.

Background. The development of coronary collaterals is variable among patients with coronary artery disease and remains incompletely understood. We aimed to demonstrate the predictors of poorly developed coronary collateral circulation (CCC) in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism suffered from chronic stable angina. Methods. The study was conducted on 226 patients with subclinical hypothyroidism suffered from chronic stable angina, coronary angiography documented total occlusion at any major coronary artery or coronary artery lumen diameter stenosis >90%. Patients were divided into two groups according to grade of CCC, group A: 138 patients with (good collaterals) and group B: 88 patients with (poor collaterals). To classify CCC, we used Rentrop's classification. Results. Multivariate regression analysis was performed and identified the independent predictors of poor coronary collaterals: N/L ratio (OR 0.413, CI 95% [0.172-0.993], p = 0.048), and TSH (OR 2.511, CI 95% [1.784-3.534], p = 0.001). The ROC analysis provided a cut-off value of >4.6 for N/L ratio, and >9 µIU/mL for TSH to predict poor coronary collaterals. Conclusion. An elevated level of N/L ratio >4.6 and TSH level >9 µIU/mL were the independent predictors of poorly developed CCC in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism suffered from chronic stable angina.

Therapeutic potential of sodium selenite in letrozole induced polycystic ovary syndrome rat model: Targeting mitochondrial approach (selenium in PCOS).

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endorinopathy in fertile women with heterogeneous reproductive and metabolic phenotypes and unknown etiology. This study was undertaken to investigate the beneficial effect of selenium in management of letrozole induced PCOS and its role in modulating mitochondrial dynamics, and its associated signals. Twenty four adult female rats were enrolled and randomly divided into four equal groups; control group received 0.5% w/v carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC); PCOS group received letrozole (1 mg/kg, daily) in 0.5% CMC for 21 days. From day 22 to day 36, after letrozole PCOS induction, the (PCOS +Metformin) group received metformin (2 mg/kg, daily) while (PCOS + sodium selenite) group received sodium selenite (0.1 mg/kg, daily). All doses were given via oral gavage. At the study end, serum hormone levels, lipid profile and HOMA-IR were assessed. Ovaries were dissected, used for histopathological evaluation, immunohistochemical detection of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and its associated X protein (Bax) expression, measurement of redox status, mitochondrial dynamics markers and citrate synthase (CS) activity. Furthermore Mitofusins 2 (Mfn2) and dynamin related protein 1 (Drp1) mRNA expression was assessed by real time PCR. Selenium treatment of PCOS rats succeeded, comparable to metformin, to greatly improve the PCOS associated endocrine and metabolic phenotypes and histopathological changes, mostly through modulating mitochondrial dynamics, anti-apoptotic action, alleviating oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. So, selenium could provide a novel therapeutic strategy for PCOS.