Propolis restored adiponectin level in type 2 diabetes through PPARγ activation

AbstractAdipose tissue regulates insulin sensitivity via the circulating adipocytokines, leptin, resistin and adiponectin. Hypoadiponectinemia contributes to the development of obesity and related disorders such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we investigated the effects of Brazilian propolis on adiponectin levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the mechanism of signaling pathway was explored as well. T2DM was induced in male Wistar rats using high fat diet and low dose of streptozotocin (STZ, 35 mg/kg, i.p.). Propolis was administered by oral tubes. Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) levels in sub abdominal adipose tissue, serum levels of adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and insulin were detected by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in sub abdominal adipose tissue, fasting plasma glucose, plasma triglycerides and total cholesterol levels were measured by colorimetric method. Results showed that Brazilian propolis ameliorated hypoadiponectinemia in T2DM rats and relieved high glucose-induced adiponectin decrease. The signaling pathway analysis indicated that PPARγ regulation was involved. In conclusion, Brazilian propolis could have beneficial effect in T2DM by increasing tissue PPARγ levels, restoring serum adiponectin levels, enhancing insulin sensitivity and subsequently, attenuating elevated glucose level

Burnout among surgeons before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: an international survey

Background: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had many significant impacts within the surgical realm, and surgeons have been obligated to reconsider almost every aspect of daily clinical practice. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study reported in compliance with the CHERRIES guidelines and conducted through an online platform from June 14th to July 15th, 2020. The primary outcome was the burden of burnout during the pandemic indicated by the validated Shirom-Melamed Burnout Measure. Results: Nine hundred fifty-four surgeons completed the survey. The median length of practice was 10 years; 78.2% included were male with a median age of 37 years old, 39.5% were consultants, 68.9% were general surgeons, and 55.7% were affiliated with an academic institution. Overall, there was a significant increase in the mean burnout score during the pandemic; longer years of practice and older age were significantly associated with less burnout. There were significant reductions in the median number of outpatient visits, operated cases, on-call hours, emergency visits, and research work, so, 48.2% of respondents felt that the training resources were insufficient. The majority (81.3%) of respondents reported that their hospitals were included in the management of COVID-19, 66.5% felt their roles had been minimized; 41% were asked to assist in non-surgical medical practices, and 37.6% of respondents were included in COVID-19 management. Conclusions: There was a significant burnout among trainees. Almost all aspects of clinical and research activities were affected with a significant reduction in the volume of research, outpatient clinic visits, surgical procedures, on-call hours, and emergency cases hindering the training. Trial registration: The study was registered on clicaltrials.gov "NCT04433286" on 16/06/2020

Dapagliflozin, Liraglutide, and Their Combination Attenuate Diabetes Mellitus-Associated Hepato-Renal Injury—Insight into Oxidative Injury/Inflammation/Apoptosis Modulation

In this study, we aim to explore the beneficial therapeutic impacts of dapagliflozin (Dapa), a highly potent, reversible, and selective sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor, and liraglutide (Lira), a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, as hypoglycaemic agents for the management of diabetes mellitus (DM), as well as their combination against DM-induced complications, including hepato-renal injury. Indeed, the progression of DM was found to be associated with significant hepatic and renal injury, as confirmed by the elevated biochemical indices of hepatic and renal functions, as well as histopathological examination. Dapa, Lira, and their combination effectively attenuated DM-induced hepatic and renal injury, as confirmed by the recovery of hepatic and renal functional biomarkers. The administration of both drugs significantly reduced the tissue contents of MDA and restored the contents of GSH and catalase activity. Moreover, NF-κB and TNF-α expression at the protein and gene levels was significantly reduced in the liver and the kidney. This was in parallel with the significant reduction in the caspase-3 content in the liver and the kidney, as well as suppressed cleaved caspase-3 expression in the hepatic and renal specimens, as confirmed by immune–histochemical analysis. Notably, the combined Dapa/Lira treatment demonstrated an additive superior hepato-renal protective impact compared with the use of either drug alone. Thus, it appears that Dapa and Lira, through the coordinated modulation of oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic signalling, confer a significant hepato-renal protective impact against DM-induced complications and tissue injury