Methylglyoxal-Modified Albumin Effects on Endothelial Arginase Enzyme and Vascular Function

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) contribute significantly to vascular dysfunction (VD) in diabetes. Decreased nitric oxide (NO) is a hallmark in VD. In endothelial cells, NO is produced by endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) from L-arginine. Arginase competes with NOS for L-arginine to produce urea and ornithine, limiting NO production. Arginase upregulation was reported in hyperglycemia; however, AGEs’ role in arginase regulation is unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of methylglyoxal-modified albumin (MGA) on arginase activity and protein expression in mouse aortic endothelial cells (MAEC) and on vascular function in mice aortas. Exposure of MAEC to MGA increased arginase activity, which was abrogated by MEK/ERK1/2 inhibitor, p38 MAPK inhibitor, and ABH (arginase inhibitor). Immunodetection of arginase revealed MGA-induced protein expression for arginase I. In aortic rings, MGA pretreatment impaired acetylcholine (ACh)-induced vasorelaxation, which was reversed by ABH. Intracellular NO detection by DAF-2DA revealed blunted ACh-induced NO production with MGA treatment that was reversed by ABH. In conclusion, AGEs increase arginase activity probably through the ERK1/2/p38 MAPK pathway due to increased arginase I expression. Furthermore, AGEs impair vascular function that can be reversed by arginase inhibition. Therefore, AGEs may be pivotal in arginase deleterious effects in diabetic VD, providing a novel therapeutic target

CO2 concentration and UV-B radiation changes the photosynthetic pigments and biochemical concentrations in UAE native plants grown in open top chambers

The interactive impacts of the elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration and ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation on the morpho-physiological traits of UAE native plants are not clearly understood. Elevations of increased atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration and ultraviolet-B (UV-B) irradiation in the growth environment may have a high impact on the accumulation of carbon in plants, and the different factors may work in opposite directions or induce additive effects. In this study, the mitigating effects of three native plants (Aerva javanica, Capparis spinosa, and Lycium shawii) on environmental stress were evaluated in open top chambers (OTC) under transparent conditions in the hot climate of the United Arab Emirates. The physiological attributes such as photosynthesis, tissue content of chlorophyll and carotenoids with simultaneous determination of biochemical constituents were assessed to understand the plant response mechanisms to the interaction of CO2 and UV-B. Under prevalent experimental conditions, UV-B radiation did not affect the measured physiological parameters. Results revealed that traits and varieties tolerant to a combination of stress situation provide novel insight into the mechanisms of tolerance and adaptations and will be useful to devise strategies for development of improved native plants suitable for this region through breeding programs and genetic engineering

CO2 concentration and UV-B radiation changes the photosynthetic pigments and biochemical concentrations in UAE native plants grown in open top chambers

The interactive impacts of the elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration and ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation on the morpho-physiological traits of UAE native plants are not clearly understood. Elevations of increased atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration and ultraviolet-B (UV-B) irradiation in the growth environment may have a high impact on the accumulation of carbon in plants, and the different factors may work in opposite directions or induce additive effects. In this study, the mitigating effects of three native plants (Aerva javanica, Capparis spinosa, and Lycium shawii) on environmental stress were evaluated in open top chambers (OTC) under transparent conditions in the hot climate of the United Arab Emirates. The physiological attributes such as photosynthesis, tissue content of chlorophyll and carotenoids with simultaneous determination of biochemical constituents were assessed to understand the plant response mechanisms to the interaction of CO2 and UV-B. Under prevalent experimental conditions, UV-B radiation did not affect the measured physiological parameters. Results revealed that traits and varieties tolerant to a combination of stress situation provide novel insight into the mechanisms of tolerance and adaptations and will be useful to devise strategies for development of improved native plants suitable for this region through breeding programs and genetic engineering

Assessment of Fraction of Exhaled Nitric Oxide and Soluble Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products Biomarkers for Jordanian Asthmatic Children

Ebaa M Alzayadneh,1 Suzan A Al Bdour,1 Eman R Elayeh,2 Mai M Ababneh,3 Ruqaya A Al-ani,3 Alia Shatanawi,4 Montaha Al-Iede,3 Enas Al-Zayadneh3 1Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan; 2Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan; 3Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan; 4Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, JordanCorrespondence: Ebaa M Alzayadneh, Tel +962796972717, Fax +96265300820, Email [email protected]: Fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and soluble advanced glycation end-product receptor (sRAGE) are proposed as biomarkers of asthma, therefore we sought to assess their use in asthmatic children of Jordan.Patients and Methods: We conducted a case-control study at The University of Jordan Hospital. A total of 141 asthmatic children followed by respiratory pediatricians and 118 healthy children aged 4– 18 years were recruited. FeNO was measured by NObreath device and serum sRAGE by ELISA that detect endogenously soluble isoform (esRAGE) and total soluble RAGE (sRAGE).Results: sRAGE in asthmatic was half of the control (p < 0.001). In addition, ratio of esRAGE/sRAGE was two-fold higher in asthmatic (p = < 0.001). Neither FeNO nor esRAGE levels were significantly different between groups. FeNO and asthma control test (ACT) score were negatively correlated corrected for age and body mass index (BMI), (r = − 0.180, p= 0.034). For the uncontrolled asthma group, esRAGE/sRAGE negatively correlated with ACT score (r = − .329, p = 0.038). Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis revealed significant predictive value (PV) for sRAGE and esRAGE/sRAGE in asthma detection with area under the curve (AUC) of (0.751 ± 0.031) and (0.711± .033), consequently. However, no biomarker had a significant PV for lack of control.Conclusion: The current study supports utilizing sRAGE as a marker for asthma and present a potential therapeutic target. However, our results indicate that both FeNO and sRAGE have a limited role in the management of asthmatic children or assessment of asthma control.Keywords: childhood asthma, allergy, inflammation, asthma control tes

Assessing pharmacists' awareness of financial indicators in community pharmacy management: A cross-sectional study

Background: Community pharmacists play a vital role in the healthcare system, serving as accessible healthcare providers and entrepreneurs. To effectively manage community pharmacies, pharmacists must possess financial literacy and utilize appropriate financial indicators. However, studies addressing community pharmacists' awareness of financial indicator concepts are scarce. This study assesses the awareness of community pharmacists in Jordan regarding financial indicators. Methods: Employing a cross-sectional study design, we utilized a structured and validated questionnaire to collect data from 353 community pharmacy owners across Jordan. The questionnaire assessed pharmacists' awareness and utilization of financial indicators in pharmacy management. Descriptive statistics summarized demographic data, while analytical statistics examined associations between demographic factors and financial indicator awareness. Results: The study revealed varying levels of awareness among pharmacists regarding financial indicators, with younger pharmacists exhibiting higher awareness levels. Factors such as educational background and years of experience were found to influence awareness. Furthermore, pharmacists predominantly utilize profitability indicators to assess financial performance. Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of enhancing pharmacists' financial literacy and integrating financial management principles into pharmacy education. Continuous professional development programs are essential to improve financial competence among pharmacists. This study provides valuable insights into the awareness of financial indicators among community pharmacists in Jordan, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts from policymakers, pharmacy faculties, and associations to enhance financial education and promote research in this critical area

The analysis of the most relevant pharmacists’ financial performance indicators utilized (N = 353).

The analysis of the most relevant pharmacists’ financial performance indicators utilized (N = 353).</p