The Diuretic Activity of Ephedra alata and Plumbago europaea in Mice using an Aqueous Extract

Throughout history, man used various natural materials as a remedy for treatment of various diseases and recently witnessing a vastly growing and renewed interest in herbal medicine globally. In Palestinian folk medicine Ephedra alata and Plumbago europaea used as diuretics and for treatment of hypertension. This study aimed to evaluate the diuretic and acute toxicity effects of the aqueous extracts for these two plants in mice following oral administration. Aqueous E. alata and P. europaea extracts (500 mg/kg) were administered orally to adult mice. Urine output and electrolytes were then measured after 4 h of administration and compared with those received furosemide 10 mg/kg (positive control group) and those received normal saline (negative control group). Significant diuresis was noted in those received the aqueous extract of E. alata (p < 0.001), while the P. europaea aqueous extract had shown mild diuresis at the end of the forth hour compared to controls. Moreover, both aqueous extracts had an alkaline pH and a mild increase in the electrolyte excretion (Na, K). Our results revealed that E. alata aqueous extract has potential diuretic effect. Further studies are needed to evaluate this diuretic effect in the relief of diseases characterized by volume overload.

Carbohydrates and lipids metabolic enzymes inhibitory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic potentials of Anchusa ovata Lehm. from Palestine

Introduction: Throughout history, therapeutically active plant products have received substantial attention due to their valuable role in the discoveries of specific medications. The aim of this study was to assess, for the first time, the antimicrobial, antioxidant, antilipase, anti-α-amylase and cytotoxic properties of four fractions derived from Anchusa ovata Lehm. (AO) leaves. Methods: Antioxidant, antilipase and anti-amylase potentials of (AO) were established using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl- 2-picrylhydrazyl), p-nitrophenyl butyrate and dinitro-salicylic acid procedures, respectively, while antimicrobial activity was conducted using broth microdilution assay against eight Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacterial strains in addition to one fungal strain. Moreover, the MTS [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)- 2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium] cytotoxic assay was utilized against cervical cancer cells (HeLa). Results: The methanol fraction of AO showed potential antioxidant, antilipase, and α-amylase inhibitory activities with IC50 values of 9.55 ± 0.13, 53.7 ± 0.41 and 16.55 ± 1.84 μg/ml, respectively compared with the positive controls Trolox, Orlistat and Acarbose that had IC50 values of 3.23 ± 0.92, 12.3 ± 0.35 and 28.18 ± 1.22 μg/ml, respectively. Moreover, the hexane, acetone, and methanol fractions had wide ranges of antimicrobial potential. In addition, the cytotoxic activity outcomes which showed the best activity was for the aqueous followed by acetone, hexane and methanol fractions with IC50 values of 1.04, 2.72, 3.96 and 17.67 mg/ ml, respectively. Conclusion: Our data demonstrate a wide range of biological characteristics for each AO plant fraction. This profiling information about the methanol fraction provided important data for further research and pharmaceutical applications.The authors would like to acknowledge the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at An-Najah National University for facilitating the accomplishment of the current study

Impact of different antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens on the evolution of soluble markers of inflammation and immune activation in HIV-infected patients

Peu d'études ont étudié l'impact du traitement antirétroviral sur l'activation et l'inflammation chez les patients infectés par le VIH. Ces études ont inclus des personnes ayant un contrôle virologique variable, ce qui explique leurs résultats discordants. Les objectifs de ce travail étaient d'évaluer l'évolution des marqueurs d'activation et d'inflammation chez les patients initiant un traitement antirétroviral avec un succès virologique rapide et persistante au cours de 2 ans, et d'identifier les facteurs associés à la persistance des niveaux élevés des marqueurs post-traitement. De plus, comparer l'impact des différents traitements antirétroviraux sur l'évolution des marqueurs.Mon travail a permis de montrer qu'avant l'initiation de traitement, les niveaux d'IL-6, IP-10, MIG et sCD14 étaient plus élevés chez les patients que chez les témoins VIH-séronégatifs. Après deux ans, les niveaux d'IL-6, IP-10 et MIG ont diminué significativement alors qu'aucun changement de CRP-us et de sCD14 n'a été observé. Les niveaux élevés d'IP-10 et MIG ont été associées à l'âge. La seule différence observée entre les traitements était une moindre diminution d'IP-10 et MIG avec l'ATV/r qu'avec l'EFV.Ces résultats suggèrent que le contrôle virologique rapide et persistant sous traitement antirétrovirale est nécessaire mais pas suffisant pour atténuer l'activation immunitaire et l'inflammation. L'initiation de traitement antirétroviral avec un meilleur impact sur l'activation immunitaire pourrait être considérée en particulier chez les patients âgés. La mesure des marqueurs d'activation immunitaire pourrait être un critère utile lors de l'évaluation de nouvelles molécules antirétrovirales.The impact of antiretroviral therapy on immune activation and inflammation markers has been examined in few studies with variable results. These studies included individuals with variable levels of virologic control, explaining partially their variable results. The aims of my work were to evaluate the evolution of immune activation and inflammation markers among patients initiating first-line cART with rapid and persistent virological success through two years and to identify factors associated with elevated levels of these markers post-cART. In addition, the impact of different antiretroviral drugs on these markers was compared in a group of patients who kept their initial therapy over two years.My work showed that at cART initiation, IL-6, IP-10, MIG and sCD14 levels were higher in HIV-infected patients than in HIV-seronegative controls. After two years of effective cART, IL-6, IP-10 and MIG levels declined significantly while no change of sCD14 and hs-CRP levels was observed. Elevated levels of IP-10 and MIG persisted in some patients who tended to be older. The only observed difference between different antiretroviral drugs was a smaller decrease of IP-10 and MIG in patients receiving ATV/r compared to patients receiving EFV.These findings suggest that early and persistent virological control under cART is useful but might not be sufficient to attenuate immune activation and inflammation. Earlier initiation of cART regimens with more potent effect on immune activation and inflammation merits evaluation, in particular, in old patients. The measurement of immune activation markers could be useful criteria when evaluating antiretroviral drugs

Impact de différents traitements antirétroviraux (ARV) sur l'évolution des marqueurs d'inflammation et d'activation immunitaire plasmatiques chez les patients infectés par le VIH

The impact of antiretroviral therapy on immune activation and inflammation markers has been examined in few studies with variable results. These studies included individuals with variable levels of virologic control, explaining partially their variable results. The aims of my work were to evaluate the evolution of immune activation and inflammation markers among patients initiating first-line cART with rapid and persistent virological success through two years and to identify factors associated with elevated levels of these markers post-cART. In addition, the impact of different antiretroviral drugs on these markers was compared in a group of patients who kept their initial therapy over two years.My work showed that at cART initiation, IL-6, IP-10, MIG and sCD14 levels were higher in HIV-infected patients than in HIV-seronegative controls. After two years of effective cART, IL-6, IP-10 and MIG levels declined significantly while no change of sCD14 and hs-CRP levels was observed. Elevated levels of IP-10 and MIG persisted in some patients who tended to be older. The only observed difference between different antiretroviral drugs was a smaller decrease of IP-10 and MIG in patients receiving ATV/r compared to patients receiving EFV.These findings suggest that early and persistent virological control under cART is useful but might not be sufficient to attenuate immune activation and inflammation. Earlier initiation of cART regimens with more potent effect on immune activation and inflammation merits evaluation, in particular, in old patients. The measurement of immune activation markers could be useful criteria when evaluating antiretroviral drugs.Peu d'études ont étudié l'impact du traitement antirétroviral sur l'activation et l'inflammation chez les patients infectés par le VIH. Ces études ont inclus des personnes ayant un contrôle virologique variable, ce qui explique leurs résultats discordants. Les objectifs de ce travail étaient d'évaluer l'évolution des marqueurs d'activation et d'inflammation chez les patients initiant un traitement antirétroviral avec un succès virologique rapide et persistante au cours de 2 ans, et d'identifier les facteurs associés à la persistance des niveaux élevés des marqueurs post-traitement. De plus, comparer l'impact des différents traitements antirétroviraux sur l'évolution des marqueurs.Mon travail a permis de montrer qu'avant l'initiation de traitement, les niveaux d'IL-6, IP-10, MIG et sCD14 étaient plus élevés chez les patients que chez les témoins VIH-séronégatifs. Après deux ans, les niveaux d'IL-6, IP-10 et MIG ont diminué significativement alors qu'aucun changement de CRP-us et de sCD14 n'a été observé. Les niveaux élevés d'IP-10 et MIG ont été associées à l'âge. La seule différence observée entre les traitements était une moindre diminution d'IP-10 et MIG avec l'ATV/r qu'avec l'EFV.Ces résultats suggèrent que le contrôle virologique rapide et persistant sous traitement antirétrovirale est nécessaire mais pas suffisant pour atténuer l'activation immunitaire et l'inflammation. L'initiation de traitement antirétroviral avec un meilleur impact sur l'activation immunitaire pourrait être considérée en particulier chez les patients âgés. La mesure des marqueurs d'activation immunitaire pourrait être un critère utile lors de l'évaluation de nouvelles molécules antirétrovirales

Knowledge and attitudes toward the use of anabolic–androgenic steroids among physical education university students: a cross-sectional study from Palestine

Abstract The use of androgenic–anabolic steroids (AASs) has increased in recent years, especially among athletes, due to their effect on body shape and performance. These agents could have serious side effects on this highly susceptible population, which tends to use these substances frequently to promote muscle growth and physical performance. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes toward the use of anabolic androgenic steroids among physical education university students in Palestine. A cross-sectional study of physical education students from November 2020 to January 2021 was conducted using an electronic questionnaire. The main outcome was to measure the level of knowledge and use of the AAS. A total of 380 students were included. The mean age of the students was 21 years (SD = 4.2), and the study participants were distributed almost equally according to sex. Approximately a quarter of the students were smokers. Eighty percent (80%) of the study participants were from the West Bank, while the remaining 20% were from Jerusalem and 48 territories. Furthermore, most of the students lived with their families; half lived in cities, approximately 152 (40%) lived in villages, and only 29 (8%) lived in camps. The average level of knowledge of the AAS was 2.95 out of 8 (37/100), with a median of three. Furthermore, only 36 (10%) of the participants had satisfactory knowledge, scoring 80% or more. Regarding the use of AAS, 11 (2.9%) participants, all males, confirmed that they were currently using AAS. Additionally, approximately 28 (7%) had previously used them, while 30 (8%) planned to try them in the future. Overall, 221 (58%) patients were confirmed to use vitamins and minerals. Our study showed that most of the participants had a substantial lack of information on the potential side effects of AAS, while the level of use was comparable with that of other populations

Comparative impact of antiretroviral drugs on markers of inflammation and immune activation during the first two years of effective therapy for HIV-1 infection: an observational study.

International audienceBACKGROUND: Few studies have compared the impact of different antiretroviral regimens on residual immune activation and inflammation with discordant results. Aim of the study was to investigate the impact of various antiretroviral regimens on markers of immune activation and inflammation during the first two years of effective therapy. METHODS: We studied HIV-infected antiretroviral-naive patients who began cART with either abacavir/lamivudine or tenofovir/emtricitabine, combined with ritonavir-boosted lopinavir (LPV/r), atazanavir (ATV/r) or efavirenz (EFV). All the patients had a virological response within 6 months, which was maintained for 2 years with no change in their ART regimen. C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), soluble CD14 (sCD14), monokine induced by interferon-gamma (MIG) and interferon-gamma-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) were measured in stored plasma obtained at cART initiation and 24 months later. Mean changes from baseline were analyzed on loge-transformed values and multivariable linear regression models were used to study the effect of the treatment components, after adjusting for factors that might have influenced the choice of ART regimen or biomarker levels. Differences were expressed as the mean fold change percentage difference (Delta). RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients (91% males) with a median age of 43 years met the inclusion criteria. Their median baseline CD4 cell count was 315/mm3 and HIV-1 RNA level 4.6 log10 copies/ml. During the 2-years study period, IL-6, IP-10 and MIG levels fell significantly, while hs-CRP and sCD14 levels remained stable. IP-10 and MIG levels declined significantly less strongly with ATV/r than with EFV (IP-10Delta -57%, p = 0.011; MIGDelta -136%, p = 0.007), while no difference was noted between LPV/r and EFV. The decline in IL-6 did not differ significantly across the different treatment components. CONCLUSIONS: After the first 2 years of successful cART, IL-6, IP-10 and MIG fell markedly while hs-CRP and sCD14 levels remained stable. The only impact of ART regimen was a smaller fall in markers of immune activation with ATV/r than with EFV. Our results suggest that these markers could be worthwhile when evaluating new antiretroviral drugs

Symptoms of Nomophobia, Psychological Aspects, Insomnia and Physical Activity: A Cross-Sectional Study of ESports Players in Saudi Arabia

(1) Background: ESports is a new trend of sports, which has gained considerable popularity worldwide. There is a scarcity of evidence that focuses on the lifestyle of ESports players (eSP) particularly on symptoms of nomophobia, level of anxiety, sleep quality, food consumption and physical activity. (2) Objective: to determine the prevalence and relationship between symptoms of nomophobia, psychological aspects, insomnia and physical activity of eSP in Saudi Arabia. (3) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between March and April 2021 using a convenient self-selection adult sample. A total of 893 (216 eSP vs. 677 non-eSP (NeSP)) participants aged over 18 years were included. All participants answered a seven-part validated questionnaire that included: (i) sociodemographic questions; (ii) a symptoms of nomophobia questionnaire; (iii) general anxiety disorder questions, (iv) an insomnia severity index, (v) an Internet addiction scale, (vi) the Yale food addiction scale 2.0 short form and (vii) an international physical activity questionnaire. (4) Results: Among the entire population, the prevalence of moderate to severe nomophobia, anxiety, insomnia, Internet addiction and low physical activity were 29.8%, 13.9%, 63.3%, 27% and 2.8%, respectively. The eSP and NeSP differed significantly in nomophobia scale, anxiety and insomnia values. Compared to NeSP, eSP had a higher level of severe nomophobia p = 0.003, a severe level of anxiety p = 0.025 and symptoms of insomnia p = 0.018. Except for food addiction and physical activity, a positive correlation was identified between symptoms of nomophobia, anxiety and insomnia among eSP. (5) Conclusion: This study reported high prevalence of nomophobia, anxiety and insomnia among eSP compared to NeSP