QUERCETIN AND ELLAGIC ACID IN GASTRIC ULCER PREVENTION: AN INTEGRATED SCHEME OF THE POTENTIAL MECHANISMS OF ACTION FROM IN VIVO STUDY

  Objective: The present study was initiated to describe the gastroprotective role of quercetin (Qu) and ellagic acid (EA) on aspirin-induced gastric ulcer (GU) in rats.Methods: Forty adult female albino rats of Wistar strain were distributed into: Control group, GU group, Omeprazole group, Qu group, and EA group. Gross examination, biochemical analyses including serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), serotonin (ST), ferritin, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), interleukin-2 (IL-2), advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs), and fibronectin (FN) levels were estimated. Moreover, histopathological and histochemical examinations of stomach tissue samples were carried out.Results: Gross examination of gastric mucosa of rats in GU group revealed hyperemia of the stomach mucosa. Furthermore, rats in GU group experienced a significant rise in serum ACTH, ferritin, HO-1, IL-2 and AGEs levels accompanied with significant drop in serum ST and FN levels versus control counterparts. Pre-treatment of GU group with Omeprazole, Qu or EA caused marked improvement in the measured biochemical parameters. Histopathological and histochemical examinations of stomach tissue samples documented the protective action of Omeprazole, Qu and EA with different degrees against GU caused by aspirin.Conclusion: As a conclusion to this study, we can state that both Qu and EA have gastroprotective effect against aspirin-induced GU in rat model. Of note, Qu showed superior impact than EA as an antiulcer agent in this study. The corresponding mechanisms are speculated to be associated with inhibiting stress-induced gastric lesion, attenuating the oxidative stress, iron chelation and blunting ferritin level, modulating inflammatory cascade, and promoting the healing process

EXPERIMENTAL EVIDENCES FOR THE PROMISING HERAPEUTIC ROLE OF VITIS VINIFERA SEED EXTRACT AGAINST NONALCOHOLIC STEATOHEPATITIS

Objective: The present study was planned to investigate the possible therapeutic effect of methanolic extract of Vitis vinifera seeds on high fat diet-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in forty adult female Wistar rats.Methods: The animals were divided into four groups, (G1)was served as healthy control group and the other three groups received high fat diet for 32 weeks for induction of NASH were assigned as follow: (G2) in which the animals bearing NASH were left untreated, (G3) in which the animals bearing NASH were treated with Vitis vinifera seed extract in a dose of 0.28g/kg b. wt (GSH) and (G4) in which the animals bearing NASH were treated with Vitis vinifera seed extract in a dose of 0.14g/kg b. wt (GSL).Results: The results revealed significant increase in serum ALT activity, plasma glucose, insulin levels, serum resist in, NF-κB, TNF-α, HGF levels, hepatic TNF-α and HGF gene expression levels. While, serum albumin, adiponectin levels and hepatic adiponectin gene expression level were decreased significantly in NASH group. Conversely, treatment of NASH groups with GSH or GSL resulted in significant decrease in serum ALT activity, plasma glucose, insulin levels, serum resist in, NF-κB, TNF-α, HGF levels, hepatic TNF-α and HGF gene expression levels. However, serum albumin, adiponectin levels and hepatic adiponectin gene expression level were increased significantly as a consequence of treatment with GSH or GSL.Conclusions: The efficacy of Vitis vinifera extract against NASH might be attributed to its strong hepatoprotective potential and powerful anti-inflammatory activity in addition to its potent role in ameliorating insulin resistance indices.Â

T cell activation markers “CD45RO and CD45RA”; neutrophil CD11b expression and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor (p55) in early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis

Background: Neonatal sepsis is a common and life threatening disorder whose outcome and prognosis depend on early and efficient therapy. A sensitive and specific indicator at an early stage of the disease would certainly aid the early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. Objective: We sought to investigate the diagnostic value of measuring the up-regulation of T-lymphocyte activation markers CD45RA/CD45RO, CD45RO, neutrophil CD11b expression, and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor (P55) as tests for early detection of neonatal sepsis; as well as comparing them with the conventional methods of diagnosis. Methods: The subjects of this study comprised 39 neonates: 25 males (64%) and 14 females (36%). In addition to the clinical assessment, different laboratory investigations for the diagnosis of sepsis were done. These included a complete blood picture, quantitative measurement of C-reactive protein and blood and or CSF culture and sensitivity. Assays for T cell activation markers CD45RA/CD45RO and neutrophil CD11b by flow cytometry and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor sTNFR1 by ELISA were carried out as well as chest plain x-raying. Results: The up-regulation of CD45RA/ CD45RO dual expression and CD45RO expression on T-lymphocytes was observed in the septic group. The percent expression of CD45RA/CD45RO and CD45RO was significantly elevated in the high-risk group when compared to the control group. However, CD45RA/CD45RO and CD45RO showed no significant difference in percent expression between the septic group and the high-risk group. CD11b expression was also significantly higher in the septic (72.8± 17.8) than the control group (17.2 ±9.9%, p < 0.05) and also in the high- risk group (42.2 ± 25.9%, p < 0.05) as compared to the control group. sTNFR55 was significantly high in septic group (18.14 ± 9.38 ng/ml) as well as in the high risk group (26.90 ± 16.89 ng/ml) when compared to the control group (6.44 ± 1.49 ng/ml, p < 0.05) with no significant difference between the former two groups (p > 0.05). In addition and according to the follow up sample taken after one week, a significant increase in the expression of CD45RO was realized in the septic group. Conclusion: The surface activation markers of T-lymphocytes (CD45RA/ CD45RO, CD45RO), neutrophil activation marker (CD11b) and soluble TNF receptor 1 are useful early indicators of neonatal sepsis, and are superior to the hematological scoring system and CRP in the early detection of the disease.Keywords: neonatal sepsis, surface activation markers, neutrophil activation marker, CD45RA/CD45RO, CD45RO, CD11b, soluble TNF receptor 1Egypt J Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2003; 1(2): 110-

ANTIVIRAL AND IMMUNE STIMULANT ACTIVITIES OF GLYCYRRHIZIN AGAINST DUCK HEPATITIS VIRUS

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of glycyrrhizin as an immune stimulant against duck hepatitis virus (DHV). In vitro study was carried out to determine cytotoxic and antiviral effects of glycyrrhizin in VERO cells. In vivo study was performed on 40 one-day-old White Pekin ducklings. –and the birds weres divided into 4 groups: control, glycyrrhizin treated, vaccinated with live attenuated DHV vaccine and glycyrrhizin treated and vaccinated; to investigate the changes in immunity and challenge test. Blood samples were collected from each duckling for evaluation of cellular and humeral immunity. The in vitro results revealed that glycyrrhizin had antiviral and no toxic effects till 106 dilutions. Higher antibody titer was observed from the 5th week till the end of experiment in glycyrrhizin and vaccinated group. Treatment with glycyrrhizin alone or with DHV vaccine demonstrated a pronounced lymphocytic proliferation response after 4 days post-inoculation till the end of experiment, while vaccinated group revealed a pronounced proliferation response after 24 days post-inoculation. Treatment with glycyrrhizin alone or combination with DHV vaccine revealed good immune stimulant and antiviral effect against DHV

Anti-infective and cytotoxic properties of Bupleurum marginatum

Bupleurum marginatum Wall. ex DC (Apiaceae) is a perennial herb widely used in traditional Chinese and Kampo medicine for the treatment of various infectious diseases. The biological activities of B. marginatum have not been fully investigated. This study aims to investigate the antitrypanosomal, antimicrobial and antiviral activities of methanol (ME) and dichloromethane (DCM) extracts of B. marginatum aerial parts and the ability of both extracts to inhibit the growth of different cancer cell lines. Methods Phytochemical characterization of the extracts was performed by LC-MS profiling. The antitrypanosomal activity was evaluated using the resazurin method. The antimicrobial activity was assessed using agar diffusion and microdilution methods, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined. The antiviral activity was determined for 6.25, 12.5, and 50 μg/mL doses using a plaque reduction assay. Cytotoxicity was investigated in eight cancer cell lines (Caco-2, CCL-81, CCRF-CEM, COS-7, HL-60, MIA PaCa-2, MCF-7, and PANC-1) using the MTT assay and the caspase 3/7 activity was determined over the range of 62.5–1000 μg/mL. Results Phytochemical analyses resulted in the characterization of 15 components, mainly flavonoids and lignans. The DCM extract showed significant antitrypanosomal activity (IC50: 36.21 μg/mL) and moderate activity against Streptococcus pyogenes (MIC value: 0.25 mg/mL). At a dose of 12.5 μg/mL, the DCM extract inhibited 73.6% of the plaque production by hepatitis A virus. CCRF-CEM cells were the most sensitive to both extracts (IC50: 12.5–22.7 μg/mL). The cytotoxicity was mediated by induction of apoptosis (19-fold increase in the cellular caspase 3/7 level after treatment with the DCM extract at 1 mg/mL). Conclusions ME and DCM extract of B. marginatum showed anti-infective and antiproliferative effects

Knowledge and attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination in Sudan: A cross-sectional study

Background: Vaccines are an essential part of public health interventions to mitigate the devastating health and non-health impacts of COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the fact that Sudan launched the COVID-19 vaccination program in March 2021, only 10% of the population received their two primary doses of vaccines by the end of May 2022. This delayed uptake of vaccines obviously warrants investigation. Therefore, we have conducted this study to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and acceptance of the general population in Sudan toward COVID-19 vaccines. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional community-based study. The data were collected using an electronic questionnaire from 403 individuals living in Khartoum, Sudan. The data were processed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), and data analysis was performed using appropriate tests. Results: 51% of the participants were found to have sufficient knowledge about the COVID-19 vaccine, and the knowledge level is higher among those educated beyond the secondary school and those who were employed. Among those unvaccinated, only 47% of the participants expressed their intention to take the vaccine when offered to them. The major reason for not trusting the vaccine is safety concerns expressed by 65.5% of the unvaccinated. Conclusion: Higher education levels and employment were associated with an increase in sufficient knowledge about the vaccine in around half of the participants. However, most of participants had not taken the vaccine at the time of the study, and the trust in vaccines is not high. Effective interventions by the health authorities are needed to address these issues in order to accelerate the COVID-19 vaccination program in Sudan

Impact of opioid-free analgesia on pain severity and patient satisfaction after discharge from surgery: multispecialty, prospective cohort study in 25 countries

Background: Balancing opioid stewardship and the need for adequate analgesia following discharge after surgery is challenging. This study aimed to compare the outcomes for patients discharged with opioid versus opioid-free analgesia after common surgical procedures.Methods: This international, multicentre, prospective cohort study collected data from patients undergoing common acute and elective general surgical, urological, gynaecological, and orthopaedic procedures. The primary outcomes were patient-reported time in severe pain measured on a numerical analogue scale from 0 to 100% and patient-reported satisfaction with pain relief during the first week following discharge. Data were collected by in-hospital chart review and patient telephone interview 1 week after discharge.Results: The study recruited 4273 patients from 144 centres in 25 countries; 1311 patients (30.7%) were prescribed opioid analgesia at discharge. Patients reported being in severe pain for 10 (i.q.r. 1-30)% of the first week after discharge and rated satisfaction with analgesia as 90 (i.q.r. 80-100) of 100. After adjustment for confounders, opioid analgesia on discharge was independently associated with increased pain severity (risk ratio 1.52, 95% c.i. 1.31 to 1.76; P < 0.001) and re-presentation to healthcare providers owing to side-effects of medication (OR 2.38, 95% c.i. 1.36 to 4.17; P = 0.004), but not with satisfaction with analgesia (beta coefficient 0.92, 95% c.i. -1.52 to 3.36; P = 0.468) compared with opioid-free analgesia. Although opioid prescribing varied greatly between high-income and low- and middle-income countries, patient-reported outcomes did not.Conclusion: Opioid analgesia prescription on surgical discharge is associated with a higher risk of re-presentation owing to side-effects of medication and increased patient-reported pain, but not with changes in patient-reported satisfaction. Opioid-free discharge analgesia should be adopted routinely