Safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled and randomized clinical trials.

Vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been discovered within a very small duration of time as compared to the traditional way for the development of vaccines, which raised the question about the safety and efficacy of the approved vaccines. The purpose of this study is to look at the effectiveness and safety of vaccine platforms against the incidence of COVID-19. The literature search was performed on PubMed/Medline, Cochrane, and clinical trials.gov databases for studies published between 1 January 2020 and 19 February 2022. Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis Statement guidelines were followed. Among 284 articles received by keywords, a total of 11 studies were eligible according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria (studies in special populations, e.g., pregnant women, paediatric patients, editorials, case reports, review articles, preclinical and in vitro studies) of the study. A total of 247,186 participants were considered for randomisation at baseline, among them, 129,572 (52.42%) were provided with vaccine (Intervention group) and 117,614 (47.58%) with the placebo (Control group). A pooled fold change estimation of 0.19 (95% CI: 0.12-0.31, p < 0.0001) showed significant protection against the incidence of COVID-19 in the vaccines received group versus the placebo group. mRNA based, inactivated vaccines and non-replicating viral vector-based vaccines showed significantly protection against the incidence of COVID-19 compared to placebo with pooled fold change estimation was 0.08 (95% CI: 0.06-0.10), 0.20 (95% CI: 0.14-0.29) and 0.36 (95% CI: 0.28-0.46), respectively. Injection site discomfort and fatigue were the most common side effect observed in mRNA, non-replicating viral vector, inactivated, and protein subunit-based vaccines. All the approved vaccines were found safe and efficacious but mRNA-based vaccines were found to be more efficacious against SARS-CoV-2 than other platforms.

Effect of corticosteroid therapy on mortality in COVID-19 patients-A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The effect of corticosteroid therapy is still controversial on prevention of mortality in coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of corticosteroids on mortality. This systematic review was performed as per preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. A systematic search was performed at different databases namely Medline/PubMed, Cochrane and Google scholar on 10 February 2022. A pooled estimate for effect of corticosteroid therapy on mortality was calculated as outcome of study. Risk bias analysis and Newcastle Ottawa Scale were used to assess the quality of randomized control trial (RCT) and cohort studies, respectively. Cochran's Q test and the I2 statistic were conducted for heterogeneity and accordingly study model was applied. A total 43 studies were included, having sample size of 96,852 patients. Amongst them, 19,426 and 77,426 patients received corticosteroid therapy (intervention group) or standard treatment without corticosteroid (control group), respectively. Mortality observed in the intervention and control group was 14.2% (2749) and 7.1% (5459), respectively. The pooled estimate 2.173 (95% CI: 2.0690-2.2820) showed significantly increased mortality in intervention as compared to control. The pooled estimate of methyprednisolone 1.206 (95% CI: 1.0770-1.3500) showed significantly increased mortality while the pooled estimate of dexamethasone 1.040 (95% CI: 0.9459-1.1440) showed insignificantly increased mortality as compared to control. In conclusion, corticosteroid therapy produced a negative prognosis as depicted by increased mortality among COVID-19 patients. The possible reasons might be delay in virus clearance and secondary infections due to corticosteroids initiated at high dose in the early stage of infection.

Effect of soya phosphatidylcholine and possible underlying mechanism on ischemia/reperfusion injury in isolated perfused rat heart: an experimental and computational study.

This study was designed to assess the effect of soya phosphatidylcholine (SPC) against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and the possible underlying mechanism using experimental and computational studies. I/R injury was induced by global ischemia for 30 min followed by reperfusion for 120 min. The perfusion of the SPC was performed for 10 min before inducing global ischemia. In the mechanistic study, the involvement of specific cellular pathways was identified using various inhibitors such as ATP-dependent potassium channel (KATP) inhibitor (glibenclamide), protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor (chelerythrine), non-selective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (L-NAME), and endothelium remover (Triton X-100). The computational study of various ligands was performed on toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) protein using AutoDock version 4.0. SPC (100 µM) significantly decreased the levels of cardiac damage markers and %infarction compared with the vehicle control (VC). Furthermore, cardiodynamics (indices of left ventricular contraction (dp/dtmax), indices of left ventricular relaxation (dp/dtmin), coronary flow, and antioxidant enzyme levels were significantly improved as compared with VC. This protective effect was attenuated by glibenclamide, chelerythrine, and Triton X-100, but it was not attenuated by L-NAME. The computational study showed a significant bonding affinity of SPC to the TLR4-MD2 complex. Thus, SPC reduced myocardial I/R injury in isolated perfused rat hearts, which might be governed by the KATP channel, PKC, endothelium response, and TLR4-MyD88 signaling pathway.

Amelioration of intracerebroventricular streptozotocin-induced cognitive dysfunction by Ocimum sanctum L. through the modulation of inflammation and GLP-1 levels.

DPP-4 inhibitors have been shown to reverse amyloid deposition in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients with cognitive impairment. Ocimum sanctum L. leaves reported the presence of important phytoconstituents which are reported to have DPP-4 inhibitory activity. To investigate the effects of petroleum ether extract of Ocimum sanctum L. (PEOS) in Intracerebroventricular streptozotocin (ICV-STZ) induced AD rats. ICV-STZ (3 mg/kg) was injected bilaterally into male Wistar rats, while sham animals received the artificial CSF. The ICV-STZ-induced rats were administered with three doses of PEOS (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) for thirty days. All experimental rats were subjected to behaviour parameters (radial arm maze task and novel object recognition test), neurochemical parameters such as GLP-1, Aß42, and TNF-α levels, and histopathological examination (Congo red staining) of the left brain hemisphere. PEOS significantly reversed the spatial learning and memory deficit exhibited by ICV-STZ-induced rats. Furthermore, PEOS also shows promising results in retreating Aß deposition, TNF α, and increasing GLP-1 levels. The histopathological study also showed a significant dose-dependent reduction in amyloid plaque formation and dense granule in PEOS -treated rats as compared to the ICV-STZ induced rats (Negative control). The results show that extract of Ocimum sanctum L. attenuated ICV-STZ-induced learning and memory deficits in rats and has the potential to be employed in the therapy of AD.

Protective effects of Gαq-RGS2 signalling inhibitor in aminophylline induced cardiac arrhythmia.

An over activation of GPCR mediated Gαq dependent signalling pathway is widely associated with the development of cardiovascular abnormalities. The objective of study was to evaluate the effects of (1-(5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5(4H)-one) Gαq-RGS2 signalling inhibitor on aminophylline induced cardiac arrhythmia in rats. Rats were divided into four groups; normal rats, disease control (DC, aminophylline treated 100 mg/kg/d, i.p., 7 days), Gαq-RGS2 signalling inhibitor (1 and 10 mg/kg/d, p.o., 7 days) treated arrhythmic rats. Gαq-RGS2 signalling inhibitor was administered 1 hour prior to the administration of aminophylline from 1st day. At the end of study, heart rate (HR), QRS complex, QT and RR interval were measured by electrocardiogram (ECG) of anesthetized rats. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) by invasive method, cardiac damage markers (CK-MB, LDH) in the serum, antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase, glutathione) and cAMP level were measured. The treatment of Gαq-RGS2 signalling inhibitor (10 mg/kg) significantly abolished the aminophylline induced increase of heart rate, prolongation of RR and QT interval as compared to DC rats. Gαq-RGS2 signalling inhibitor (1 and 10 mg/kg) significantly attenuated the prolongation in QRS complex, increase of SBP, DBP and cardiac damage markers as compared to DC. Gαq-RGS2 signalling inhibitor treatment (10 mg/kg) significantly reduced the cAMP level and increased the antioxidant enzyme level as compared to DC. Gαq-RGS2 signalling inhibitor (10 mg/kg) showed the protective effect against the aminophylline induced cardiac arrhythmia and it might be due to improvement in cAMP level and antioxidant enzymes.

An anti-asthmatic activity of natural Toll-like receptor-4 antagonist in OVA-LPS-induced asthmatic rats.

Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) is a key component of the innate immune system and activation of TLR4 signaling has a significant role in the pathogenesis of asthma. Therefore, our objective was to identify the natural TLR4 antagonist and evaluate its activity in experimentally induced asthma. Soya lecithin origin phosphatidylcholine (soya PC) was identified as a natural TLR4 antagonist by computational study. Based on the computational study, TLR4 antagonist activity of soya PC was confirmed in in vitro lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neutrophil adhesion assay. In the in vivo study, rats were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) (100 µg/kg, i.p.) on the 7th, 14th and 21st days and challenged intranasally with OVA (100 µg/100 µL) and LPS (10 ng/100 µL), 4 days/wk for 3 weeks. At the end of the experiment, we performed lung function parameters (respiratory rate, tidal volume, airflow rate), inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-4, IL-5, IL-13), total and differential leukocytes in blood as well as bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALf) and histological examinations. The computational study indicated that TLR4 antagonist activity of soya PC is due to linoleic acid (18:2) fatty acid chain. Soya PC significantly suppressed the LPS-induced neutrophil adhesion in a concentration-dependent manner to 1 µg/mL. The treatment of soya PC (5 and 10 mg/kg, 18 days, i.p.) significantly improved the lung function parameters, total and differential leukocyte counts in blood and BALf in asthmatic rats. This efficacy of soya PC was in extent similar to dexamethasone (2.5 mg/kg, 18 days, i.p.). However, soya PC was superior to dexamethasone in terms of benefits. The protective action of soya PC may be due to TLR4 antagonist activity and linoleic acid composition.

Novel Targets for the Development of Tuberculosis Vaccine.

In underdeveloped nations, tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a major source of morbidity and mortality. The currently available vaccine against tuberculosis in endemic areas is mainly ineffective, which triggers the need for a clinically effective vaccine against tuberculosis. In the present review, we emphasized the impact of genetic variations in the BCG strains, which influence the efficacy of BCG vaccines. We also discussed the current status of BCG vaccines and their potential mechanisms on the modulation of B cells and, thereby, humoral immunity, which trigger immune responses against various intracellular pathogens. Further, we also elaborated upon the pre-clinical and clinical studies demonstrating the efficacy and safety of the vaccines. Moreover, we also presented the putative novel targets such as polysaccharide-induced antibodies for the protection against Mtb, PGRS domain as an important target for Humoral immunity, HLA-E pathway-Target strategy for new TB vaccine, Coronin-1a - Novel player for Mycobacterial survival, IRGM, IFN-I3, an autophagy inducer with Irgm1 serving as a core part in the Tuberculosis vaccine development.

Polycystic ovary syndrome: Insights into its prevalence, diagnosis, and management with special reference to gut microbial dysbiosis.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) represents major endocrine and metabolic disorder among women largely characterized by hyperandrogenism and oligomenorrhea precipitates serious complications such as type 2 diabetes, early atherosclerosis, infertility, and endometrial cancer. Several etiological theories were proposed to define the exact cause of the PCOS, which is characterized, by the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, ovarian morphology, and release of adrenal steroid hormones, metabolic syndrome, and hereditary factors. The review explored the role of dysbiosis and the mechanisms through which microbial dysbiosis can affect PCOS development. In recent time, various research groups highlighted the role of microbial gut dysbiosis associated with obesity as potential etiological factor for the PCOS. In the present review, we reviewed the mechanisms attributed to the microbial dysbiosis and treatment approaches to deal with the situation.

Inhibition of Uridine 5'-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferases A10 and B7 by vitamins: insights from in silico and in vitro studies.

Uridine 5'-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) have been considered as a family of enzymes responsible for the glucuronidation process, a crucial phase II detoxification reaction. Among the various UGT isoforms, UGTs A10 and B7 have garnered significant attention due to their broad substrate specificity and involvement in the metabolism of numerous compounds. Recent studies have suggested that certain vitamins may exert inhibitory effects on UGT activity, thereby influencing the metabolism of drugs, environmental toxins, and endogenous substances, ultimately impacting their biological activities. In the present study, the inhibition potential of vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, D3, E, and C) on UGT1A10 and UGT2B7 was determined using in silico and in vitro approaches. A 3-dimensional model of UGT1A10 and UGT2B7 enzymes was built using Swiss Model, ITASSER, and ROSETTA and verified using Ramachandran plot and SAVES tools. Molecular docking studies revealed that vitamins interact with UGT1A10 and UGT2B7 enzymes by binding within the active site pocket and interacting with residues. Among all vitamins, the highest binding affinity predicted by molecular docking was - 8.61 kcal/mol with vitamin B1. The in vitro studies results demonstrated the inhibition of the glucuronidation activity of UGTs by vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B9, C, D, and E, with IC50 values of 3.28 ± 1.07 µg/mL, 24.21 ± 1.11 µg/mL, 3.69 ± 1.02 µg/mL, 23.60 ± 1.08 µg/mL, 6.77 ± 1.08 µg/mL, 83.95 ± 1.09 µg/ml, 3.27 ± 1.13 µg/mL and 3.89 ± 1.12 µg/mL, respectively. These studies provided the valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying drug-vitamins interactions and have the potential to guide personalized medicine approaches, optimizing therapeutic outcomes, and ensuring patient safety. Indeed, further research in the area of UGT (UDP-glucuronosyltransferase) inhibition by vitamins is essential to fully understand the clinical relevance and implications of these interactions. UGTs play a crucial role in the metabolism and elimination of various drugs, toxins, and endogenous compounds in the body. Therefore, any factors that can modulate UGT activity, including vitamins, can have implications for drug metabolism, drug-drug interactions, and overall health. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40203-023-00182-0.

Precise Fabrication of Ocular Inserts Using an Innovative Laser-Driven CaliCut Technology: In Vitro and in Vivo Evaluation.

Ocular inserts offer distinct advantages, including a preservative-free drug delivery system, the ability to provide tailored drug release, and ease of administration. The present research paper delves into the development of an innovative ocular insert using CaliCut technology. Complementing the hot melt extrusion (HME) process, CaliCut, an advanced technology in ocular insert development, employs precision laser gauging to achieve impeccable cutting of inserts with desired dimensions. Its intelligent control over the stretching process through auto feedback-based belt speed adjustment ensures unparalleled accuracy and consistency in dosage form manufacturing. Dry eye disease (DED) poses a significant challenge to ocular health, necessitating innovative approaches to alleviate its symptoms. In this pursuit, castor oil has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent, offering beneficial effects by increasing the thickness of the lipid layer in the tear film, thus improving tear film stability, and reducing tear evaporation. To harness these advantages, this study focuses on the development and comprehensive characterization of castor oil-based ocular inserts. Additionally, in-vivo irritancy evaluation in rabbits has been undertaken to assess the inserts' safety and biocompatibility. By harnessing the HME and CaliCut techniques in the formulation process, the study demonstrates their instrumental role in facilitating the successful development of ocular inserts.

Investigating a novel therapeutic composition for dry eye syndrome management: In vitro and in vivo studies.

Dry eye syndrome (DES) presents a significant challenge in ophthalmic care, necessitating innovative approaches for effective management. This research article introduces a multifaceted strategy to address DES through the development of ocular inserts utilizing advanced technologies such as hot-melt extrusion (HME) and the CaliCut post-extrusion system. The formulation includes key ingredients targeting different layers of the tear film and associated inflammation, including hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), polyethylene glycol (PEG), castor oil, and dexamethasone. The study incorporates a Design of Experiments (DoE) approach, integrating HME and the precise stretching and cutting technique of CaliCut for manufacturing consistency and dimensional control of the inserts. The developed insert(s) have been systematically characterized for their physicochemical properties, release profile, and in vivo efficacy. In silico molecular docking studies have also been conducted to assess the binding affinities of formulation components with ocular mucin, elucidating their binding affinities. Preliminary results demonstrate promising potential for the developed insert in managing DES, offering preservative-free treatment, sustained drug delivery, and improved patient compliance. This study highlights the integration of advanced technologies and formulation strategies in ocular drug delivery for effective DES management.

Tankyrase: a promising therapeutic target with pleiotropic action.

Tankyrase 1 (TNKS1) and tankyrase 2 (TNKS2) enzymes belong to the poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) family participates in process of poly-ADP-ribosylation of different target proteins which leads to ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation. Tankyrases are also involved in the pathophysiology of many diseases, especially cancer. Their functions include cell cycle homeostasis (primarily in mitosis), telomere maintenance, Wnt signaling pathway regulation, and insulin signaling (particularly GLUT4 translocation). Studies have implicated that genetic changes, mutations in the tankyrase coding sequence, or up regulation and down regulation of tankyrase are reflected in the numerous disease conditions. Investigations are pursued to develop putative molecules that target tankyrase in various diseases such as cancer, obesity, osteoarthritis, fibrosis, cherubism, and diabetes, thereby providing a new therapeutic treatment option. In the present review, we described the structure and function of tankyrase along with its role in different disease conditions. Furthermore, we also presented cumulative experimental evidences of different drugs acting on tankyrase.

Nanocarriers for the Delivery of Neuroprotective Agents in the Treatment of Ocular Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Retinal neurodegeneration is considered an early event in the pathogenesis of several ocular diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma. At present, there is no definitive treatment to prevent the progression or reversal of vision loss caused by photoreceptor degeneration and the death of retinal ganglion cells. Neuroprotective approaches are being developed to increase the life expectancy of neurons by maintaining their shape/function and thus prevent the loss of vision and blindness. A successful neuroprotective approach could prolong patients' vision functioning and quality of life. Conventional pharmaceutical technologies have been investigated for delivering ocular medications; however, the distinctive structural characteristics of the eye and the physiological ocular barriers restrict the efficient delivery of drugs. Recent developments in bio-adhesive in situ gelling systems and nanotechnology-based targeted/sustained drug delivery systems are receiving a lot of attention. This review summarizes the putative mechanism, pharmacokinetics, and mode of administration of neuroprotective drugs used to treat ocular disorders. Additionally, this review focuses on cutting-edge nanocarriers that demonstrated promising results in treating ocular neurodegenerative diseases.

Acute and 28-days subacute toxicity studies of Gαq-RGS2 signaling inhibitor.

BACKGROUND: The aim of study was to evaluate the single oral dose and 28 day repeated oral administration toxicity profile of the synthetic compound Gαq-RGS2 signaling inhibitor, (1-(5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-1 H-1,2,4-triazol-5(4 H)-one) as per OECD guideline 425 (2008a) and 407 (2008b), respectively. RESULTS: In acute toxicity study, a single oral dose administration of Gαq-RGS2 signaling inhibitor did not show any mortality at doses of 5, 50, 300 and 2000 mg/kg within 24 h and 14 days. The treatment of Gαq-RGS2 signaling inhibitor at dose 10 and 100 mg/kg for 28 days did not show any mortality, significant changes in the increase of body weight, various organ damage markers, hematological parameters, relative organ/body weight ratio and microscopic anatomical texture of essential organs as compared to vehicle and normal control. CONCLUSIONS: A single oral administration of Gαq-RGS2 signaling inhibitor up to dose of 2000 mg/kg in mice and repeated administration of Gαq-RGS2 signaling inhibitor at higher dose 100 mg/kg for 28 days in the rats is safe.

Embelin Alleviates Severe Airway Inflammation in OVA-LPS-Induced Rat Model of Allergic Asthma.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is a chronic lung disease, which causes wheezing, tightness in the chest, shortness of breath and coughing. In the wake of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which affect the lungs, asthma patients are at high risk. Embelin, a natural benzoquinone obtained mainly from Embelia ribes Burm, has excellent biological properties, including protection against acute asthma. However, since asthma is a chronic and multi-factorial inflammatory disease, asthma conferred by a single allergen in an animal may not be clinically significant. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effectiveness of embelin against ovalbumin (OVA)-lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced severe airway inflammation in experimental animals and to investigate the plausible mechanism of action. METHODS: Rats (n=36) were divided into six groups. Group I served as a normal control. Groups II-VI were sensitised with severe allergens (OVA and LPS) on day 7, 14 and 21, followed by OVA and LPS challenge for 30 min three times/week for 3 weeks. Group II acted as an asthmatic disease control and received only vehicle. On the other hand, groups III-V received embelin (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg, P.O. respectively) while group VI received a standard dexamethasone (2.5 mg/kg, P.O.) for 15 days from day 27. Lung function parameters, including the respiratory rate, tidal volume and airflow rate were measured at the end of the experiment (day 42). The total and differential counts of leukocytes in the blood and bronchoalveolar fluid (BALF) were calculated. Th2-mediated serum pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5 and IL-13 levels were analyzed. At the end of the study protocol, the lung tissues were removed for a histopathology study. Additionally, a molecular docking simulation on embelin and standard dexamethasone was applied to support the in vivo findings. RESULTS: Significant inhibition of eosinophils, neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes in the blood and the BALF was seen in the groups, which received embelin (25 and 50 mg/kg) and dexamethasone (2.5 mg/kg). Moreover, the lung function parameters were normalised by embelin (25 and 50 mg/kg) treatment significantly. The lung histopathological changes confirmed the protective effect of embelin against severe airway inflammation. The docking findings indicated good binding efficacy of embelin to IL-13. CONCLUSION: Overall, our findings indicate that embelin can alleviate severe airway inflammation in OVA-LPS-induced model of allergic asthma occurring by suppression of Th2-mediated immune response. Due to its promising anti-asthmatic effect, it is recommended that embelin should be investigated in clinical trials against asthma. It should also be further explored against COVID-19 or COVID-like diseases due to its ameliorative effects on cytokines and immune cell infiltration.

An experimental model of asthma in rats using ovalbumin and lipopolysaccharide allergens.

Asthma is chronic and multi-factorial inflammatory disease hence single allergen induced asthma in an animal is not identical to clinical asthma. Therefore, we developed a novel experimental model of asthma in rats using ovalbumin (OVA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) allergens. Rats were divided into four groups; normal (NC), OVA, LPS, and OVA-LPS treated. Rats were sensitized with OVA (100 µg/kg, adsorbed in 100 mg/mL aluminum hydroxide, i.p.), LPS (10 µg/kg, i.p.) and both (OVA-LPS) on 7th, 14th, 21st days and was followed by challenge with OVA (1%w/v), LPS (1%w/v), OVA (0.5%w/v) and LPS (0.5%w/v) for 30 min thrice/week for three weeks in the OVA, LPS and OVA-LPS groups, respectively. On 41 day, lung function parameters (respiration rate, tidal volume, and airflow rate), total and differential leukocytes count in the blood as well as BALf and inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) in serum were measured. Histology of lungs was performed. The results suggested that the tidal volume and airflow rate were significantly decreased while respiration rate, total and differential leukocytes count in blood as well as BALf and serum cytokines level were significantly increased in the OVA-LPS as compared to NC, OVA, and LPS. In conclusion, the combination of OVA and LPS induced phenotypes of severe asthma with eosinophilic, neutrophilic and lymphocytic inflammation.

A protective role of Gαq-RGS2 loop activator on streptozotocin induced diabetic complications in rats: An independent on elevated serum glucose level modulation.

An overactivation of Gαq dependent signaling pathway is crucial for development of metabolic and vascular abnormalities in diabetes. Therefore, our objective was to study effects of Gαq-RGS2 loop activator (1-(5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5(4H)-one) on STZ induced diabetic complications in rats. Animals were divided into four groups; normal rats, diabetic rats (Streptozotocin, STZ, 60mg/kg, i.p.), Gαq-RGS2 loop activator (1mg/kg/d, i.p., 15 d, at 6 wk after citrate buffer or STZ administration, respectively) treated normal rats and diabetic rats. At the end of 8 wk, the metabolic parameters, hemodynamic parameters, in-vivo vascular reactivity and aortic anti-oxidant status were evaluated. A treatment of Gαq-RGS2 loop activator significantly decreased serum cholesterol (P < 0.001), triglyceride (P < 0.01), systolic/diastolic/mean arterial blood pressure (P < 0.001), lactate dehydrogenase (P < 0.001), cardiac selective creatinine kinase (P < 0.001), urea (P < 0.05), creatinine (P < 0.001), aortic superoxide dismutase (P < 0.05) and catalase(P < 0.05) in diabetic rats whereas increased basal (P < 0.05) and stimulated (acetylcholine (P < 0.01) and nitroglycerine (P < 0.05)) serum nitric oxide level without affecting elevated serum glucose level. The nitroglycerin stimulated NO production was significantly (P < 0.01) increased by Gαq-RGS2 loop activator administration in normal rats, too. Collectively, Gαq-RGS2 loop activator protects rats against streptozotocin induce hemodynamic and metabolic modulation without affecting elevated serum glucose level.

Gαq-RGS2 loop activator modulates the activity of vario us agonists on isolated heart and aorta of normal rats

The Gαq-RGS2 loop activator, 1-(5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5(4H)-one has demonstrated Gαq signaling inhibitor activity. Therefore, we aimed to study the effect of Gαq-RGS2 loop activator on isolated heart and aorta of normal rats. Heart and aorta were isolated from the sacrificed rats (n=6) and mounted on the langendroff's and organ bath assembly, respectively. The effect of various receptor-dependent (acetylcholine, angiotensin II and adrenaline) and independent (calcium chloride and sodium nitroprusside) agonists in absence and presence of Gαq-RGS2 loop activator on left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP) and the contractile responseswere evaluated in isolated heart and aorta, respectively. Gαq-RGS2 loop activator (100 µM) significantly attenuated the adrenaline (p<0.001,) and angiotensin II (p<0.001) induced increase in LVSP in isolated heart and contractile response of adrenaline (p<0.01) and angiotensin II (p<0.01) in the aorta. However, effect calcium chloride did not significantly alter by Gαq-RGS2 loop activator. The effect of acetylcholinewas significantly (p<0.01, p<0.05) increased by Gαq-RGS2 loop activator in isolated heart and aorta. The effect of sodium nitroprusside significantly (p<0.01) potentiated by Gαq-RGS2 loop activator (100 µM) in isolated heart while it did not significantly alters in the aorta. Ultimately, the Gαq-RGS2 loop activator modulated the action of receptor-dependent agonists in isolated heart and aorta