Avicenna Journal of Medical Biochemistry
Volume:11 Issue: 1, Jun 2023

Adipogenesis is affected by multiple factors, among which all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and Ca2+are considered important factors.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of calcium, ATRA, and their underlying molecular mechanisms, alone and in combination, on adipocyte differentiation.

Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAD-MSCs) were differentiated into adipocytes and simultaneously exposed to 0.5 μM ATRA or 2.5 mM calcium, or both in combination for 14 days.

Higher intracellular Ca2+was observed in both Ca2+and Ca2+plus ATRA groups. Assessment of triglyceride content and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) activity indicated lower differentiation levels in all treatment groups than in the control group. Furthermore, the results demonstrated a higher expression of retinoic acid receptor alpha (RAR-α) and lower expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ2 (PPARγ2) and glucose transferase-4 (GLUT4) in the treatment groups as compared with the control group. It is noteworthy that Ca2+plus ATRA treatment caused more significant effects on gene expression levels (P<0.05).

In conclusion, combined treatment with Ca2+and ATRA has a more pronounced inhibitory effect on adipocyte differentiation, indicating their cumulative effect.

 The skin is the largest organ of the body and provides the main barrier between the internal and external environment. Assessment of skin permeability is of critical importance for understanding and predicting in vivo efficacy and bioavailability of bioactive phenolic compounds.

 This study investigated the relationship between skin permeability and phenolic compounds using in silico methods.

 Screening of skin permeability was performed on 475 randomly selected phenolic compounds. Molecules were expressed in SMILE format downloaded from Phenol-Explorer Database (version 3.6, 2016). Then, their skin permeability was determined by the linear model of the quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR). The obtained results were investigated for normal distribution and correlation with pharmacological properties.

 Our investigation showed that ferulate hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives were the most important phenolic subclass with a permeability of -1.65 cm/s. The relationship between permeability and lipophilicity, water solubility, synthetic accessibility, and bioavailability was evaluated. The statistical analysis revealed that the highest skin permeability was associated with three parameters: the topological polar surface area (TPSA), molecular weight, and lipophilicity (iLog P).

 The cutaneous permeability depended on several chemical parameters of the molecule used. The classification of phenolic compounds according to their structures proved a wide variability in this permeability.

Tooth decay (TD) is a multifactorial disorder, and several factors are involved in its etiology.

The present study aimed to unravel the main genes and molecular mechanisms underlying TD.

The dataset GSE1629 in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was analyzed to uncover differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in patients with TD compared to patients with sound teeth. A protein-protein interaction network was built, and the most important clusters, hub genes, transcription factors (TFs), and protein kinases involved in the regulation of TFs were disclosed. Signaling pathways and Gene Ontology terms dysregulated in TD were also identified.

A total of 196 DEGs were determined (false discovery rate<0.001; |Log2 fold change|>1). PTPRC, ITGB2, TYROBP, MMP9, CXCL8, CD44, CCL2, C1QB, C3, and SPP1 were considered hub genes. Further, BPTF and MAPK1 were demonstrated to be the highest TFs and protein kinases likely involved in the pathogenesis of TD, respectively.

PTPRC, ITGB2, TYROBP, MMP9, CXCL8, CD44, CCL2, C1QB, C3, SPP1, BPTF, and MAPK1 may be regarded as potential markers for the therapeutic purposes of TD.

 Reducing uric acid (UA) levels can provide some improvements in terms of the development risk and course of various diseases. Early diagnosis and treatment of UA elevation have become an important research area in recent years.

 The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between diets and the change in serum UA levels after diets with different carbohydrate, and fat ratios were applied in male and female patients with or without high serum UA levels.

 In the study, three different diets were applied, including a low-carbohydrate diet, a low-fat diet, and a diet low in both carbohydrates and fat. The research was performed with a total of 41 patients (10 males and 31 females) who were referred to the diet polyclinic. Diet programs containing different carbohydrate and fat ratios were applied to the patients. The UA parameters of the participants were evaluated retrospectively. Afterward, pre-diet and post-diet serum UA levels were measured, and the results were compared statistically.

 Following diet programs, there was a significant decrease in both serum UA levels and weight loss in patients. No significant difference was found between the diets applied in terms of reducing serum UA levels. Further, no significant correlation was observed between serum UA levels and diet duration. However, in the correlation graph, there was a more pronounced reduction trend in serum UA levels with an increase in the diet period. No significant correlation was found between weight values and duration of diet. Finally, the difference between UA levels and weight changes was statistically significant (P<0.001).

 In addition to examinations for various diseases, adding UA levels to the test panel in routine biochemistry screenings and evaluating the results together with clinical findings and taking necessary precautions in a timely manner are of critical importance for public health.

Lead is a highly toxic metal of great public health importance.

This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the kidney and liver function status and the markers of oxidative stress among lead recycling factory workers in Anambra State, Nigeria.

A total of 82 subjects (41 experimental and 41 control subjects) aged 20-60 years were recruited in this study. Lead levels in whole blood were measured using atomic absorption spectrometry. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and uric acid levels as well as the activities of glutathione S-transferase (GST), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and γ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT) were measured using the spectrophotometric method. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities were determined using colorimetric method and Berthelot’s and Jaffe slot methods were used to measure urea and creatinine levels, respectively.

The mean activities of SOD, GST, and catalase as well as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were significantly lower in lead recycling workers compared with control group (P<0.05), whereas the mean activities of ALT, AST, ALP, and γ-GT, as well as blood lead, MDA, urea, creatinine, and uric acid levels significantly increased in lead recycling workers (P<0.05). Furthermore, blood lead level was found positively correlated with MDA and creatinine levels but negatively with eGFR and GST levels (P<0.05). MDA level showed positive and negative correlations with creatinine and eGFR (P<0.05), respectively.

This study revealed significant alterations in the levels of some biochemical and oxidative stress parameters in liver and kidney in lead recycling factory workers and showed a possible link between oxidative stress and the toxic effects of lead on the kidney and liver.

 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a major public health problem with a global prevalence of approximately 13% with the majority stage 3 and is a global threat to health in general and for developing countries in particular, because therapy is expensive and life-long. In India 90% patients cannot afford the cost of treatment for CKD, over 1 million people worldwide alive on dialysis or with a functioning graft. It is the need of the time to find alternate treatment to control CKD. Hence this study aims to evaluate clinically the efficacy of Kabab Chini (Piper cubeba) in CKD stage 1-3 and also to compare the effectiveness of the marketed drug NEERI KFT® scientifically.

 To evaluate the efficacy of Kabab Chini (Piper cubeba) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 1-3 patients.

 In this open-labeled randomized controlled clinical trial, 30 participants, randomly allocated to two groups, received 4 g of either sufoof (powder) of Kabab Chini in a divided dose thrice a day (Test group, n=15) or 10 mL of Syrup NEERI-KFT three times a day (Control group, n=15) for 42 days. The objective parameters were serum creatinine, blood urea (BU), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and urine routine and microscopy, whereas subjective parameters were anorexia, easy fatigability, and edema. Objective and subjective parameters were assessed at weekly follow-ups, and safety parameters were assessed at baseline and after 42 days.

 Intragroup data suggest significant improvements in anorexia, easy fatigability, and eGFR in both groups (P=0.001), whereas the intragroup serum creatinine value was significantly reduced in the test (P=0.028) and control (P=0.256) groups. No significant improvement in edema and albumin was observed in both groups (P>0.05). The test drug was found to be tolerable with no adverse effects.

 The results of the present study revealed that Kabab Chini is effective in reducing serum creatinine, eGFR, anorexia, and easy fatigability moderately superior to Syrup NEERI-KFT® with respect to efficacy without any adverse effect and accepted alternate hypothesis.

 Nepeta is a large genus belonging to the Lamiaceae family. So far, no study has been reported on Nepeta leucostegia compounds and biological effects.

 In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative analysis of Nepeta leucostegia essential oil components along with antioxidant activity.

 Essential oil compounds of N. leucostegia were qualitatively and quantitatively identified and analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and GC with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) analysis. Besides, the evaluation of the antioxidant property was performed using DPPH assay.

 After analysis, 96.63% of essential oil compounds were identified. Among the 36 identified compounds, 1,8-cineole (39.1%), epi-α-cadinol (6.9%), α-Terpineol (6.0%), α-fenchene (5.8%), and Camphene (5.5%) were the main compounds, respectively. The essential oil showed a significant antioxidant effect (IC50=75 μg/mL).

 The results of this study complete the information on the Nepeta genus and can be used in the chemotaxonomic study of the Nepeta genus. Due to its antioxidant effect, N. leucostegia has the potential for use in pharmaceutical and food industries.

 Manganese (Mn) is absolutely necessary for several biological functions in the body, but higher concentrations may be extremely harmful to male reproductive health.

 This study aimed to determine Mn, zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) levels in serum and seminal plasma and correlate their concentrations with sperm quantity and quality among men investigated for infertility.

 A total of 70 infertile males in the age range of 25-45 years and 50 control subjects were evaluated in this study. The semen samples were analyzed by the microscopic technique, while Mn, Zn, and Cu were analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Socio-demographic parameters were obtained using a semi-structured questionnaire. Then, unpaired Student’s t test and chi-square test were used to compare the discrete data between infertile males and controls and categorical data, respectively. Finally, Pearson’s correlation coefficient was employed to correlate measured elements with sperm induces.

 The sperm count, sperm motility, viability, and serum/seminal plasma Zn and Cu levels were significantly lower (P<0.001), while the Mn and Cu/Zn ratios were significantly higher (P<0.001) among infertile men than control subjects. Serum/seminal plasma Mn levels were inversely correlated with the sperm count (r=-0.279, P=0.02), motility (r=-0.279, P=0.02), and morphology (r=-0.275, P0.04), while Zn levels were positively correlated with sperm motility (r=0.238, P=0.04) and morphology (r=0.258, P<0.03). Eventually, Cu was inversely correlated with motility (r=-0.237, P=0.04) and morphology (r=-0.235, P=0.04).

 Overall, high levels of Mn in the serum and seminal plasma may have an adverse effect on sperm quantity and quality, and thus, there is a need for routine Mn determination as part of the investigation in the evaluation of infertile males irrespective of the occupation of subjects.

 Previous reports suggest flavonoids as potent analgesic compounds.

 Based on these observations, the present study investigated the anti-nociceptive action of troxerutin and neural interactions with opioidergic, serotoninergic, and nitrergic systems in mice.

 A total of 340 male mice were randomly divided into 2 categories. Each category included four experiments with four groups. In the first experiment of formalin examination, the animals intraperitoneally received saline and troxerutin (50, 150, and 300 mg/kg). In the second experiment, the animals received saline, naloxone (2 mg/kg), troxerutin (300 mg/kg), and troxerutin+naloxone. In the third and fourth experiments, L-NAME (L-NG-Nitroarginine methyl ester) and cyproheptadine were injected. In this test, formalin was injected and paw licking time (pain sense) was recorded. In the writhing test, experimental groups were treated similarly and the mice were injected with acetic acid. Then, the inhibition of the writhing movements was recorded.

 According to the findings, troxerutin decreased pain in the formalin test and writhing movements in the writhing test (P=0.001). Naloxone and troxerutin decreased licking time and writhing movements (P=0.001). L-NAME+troxerutin significantly diminished the anti-nociceptive effect of troxerutin on paw licking and inhibited pain response (P=0.001).

 These results suggested that troxerutin decreases inflammatory pain in mice, and this effect is mediated by opioidergic and nitrergic systems.

 The incidence of cardiovascular complications may increase after menopause. Hypertension (HTN) is one of the most remarkable causes leading to heart disease. The increased prevalence of HTN is associated with aging, causing adverse cardiovascular events in postmenopausal elderly women.

 The present study aimed to compare HTN with the increasing age of elderly postmenopausal women with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and then to find an association between estradiol (E2) levels and the increased prevalence of HTN in these women.

 The present cross-sectional study recruited 265 cases of menopausal women suffering from CVD and 258 controls as menopausal women not suffering from CVD. Serum E2 and serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. HTN was assessed in accordance with the guidelines of the Joint National Committee (VII) of high blood pressure. Anthropometric measurements such as weight, height, hip circumference, waist circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio, and body mass index (BMI) for all menopausal women were recorded according to the World Health Organization (WHO) (WHO) 2000 protocol.

 Overall, cases of>45.1 years of the menopausal age group conferred more risk toward CVD as compared to cases of≤45 years of the menopausal age group. A significant positive correlation (P<0.05) was detected for E2 with HTN and obesity profile with increasing age at menopause.

 High prevalence of HTN irrespective of the early onset of menopause is one of the crucial risk factors for CVD. Our findings revealed a significant positive correlation of HTN with age at menopause>45.1 years, along with increased levels of E2. Women in this age group were observed to be obese.

 Atherosclerosis is a disease that cholesterol plaque builds up inside arteries. The process of atherosclerosis starts when certain substances such as cholesterol, fats, and cellular waste products accumulate in the walls of arteries, and the immune system responds to these substances, triggering inflammation. Over time, this inflammation can cause the plaque to grow and harden, narrowing the artery and reducing blood flow. Carotid artery disease (CAD) is a conclusion of plaques in carotid artery. CAD can increase the risk of stroke, a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted.

 The objectives of this study were to detect the association between carotid artery stenosis and inflammatory markers.

 This study was designed prospectively and included 109 and 100 patients having mild carotid stenosis and severe carotid stenosis, respectively. Further, 101 patients were included in the control group. The carotid ultrasonography was evaluated in all patients. After classifying the plaques into<60% (mild stenosis) and 60%>(severe stenosis) categories, they were also grouped into echogenicity plaques, namely, echolucent (soft) and echogenic (hard) plaques.

 The uric acid (UA) values of the mild and severe stenosis groups were higher than that of the control group (P<0.01). The mean C-reactive protein (CRP) value was the highest in the severe stenosis group, and the lowest CRP value was found in the control group (P<0.01). A one-unit increase in UA could increase the risk by 2.203 times. The CRP value was higher in the soft lesion group without calcification than in the hard lesion group with calcification.

 Our findings demonstrated that age, UA, and CRP values were identified as predictors independent of each other in the development of carotid stenosis. Regarding plaque classification, our results identified CRP, mean platelet volume (MPV), white blood cell, and lymphocyte values as negative predictors. The findings of our study indicate that CRP and UA are valuable in predicting the severity of stenosis and the formation of soft plaque.

 Herbs have gained recognition as highly efficient tools in the treatment and management of diseases both in modern and traditional medicine. Datura stramonium is a good example of such a medicinal herb. D. stramonium is popularly called thorn apple or Jimson weed in the family of Solanaceae. It has both toxic as well as medicinal potentials. D. stramonium leaves, seeds, and stems have been extensively studied for various pharmacological properties. D. stramonium seed is among the top plants commonly abused as a drug by Nigerian youths. Chemical constituents are responsible for the medicinal potential of plants.

 This study was planned to investigate and compare the vitamin contents of ethanol extract of D. stramonium leaf and seed.

 The determination of vitamin levels was carried out using the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) and other standard methods.

 The order of vitamin composition in both leaves and seeds was E>C>A>B6>B9>B12>B2>B1>B3 . Moreover, the concentration of vitamins E, C, and A, being the most abundant, was 6.65:1.64 mg/100 g, 3.65:1.05 mg/100 g, 2.38:1.82 mg/100 g, for leaf and seed extracts, respectively. Further, there were significant differences (P<0.05) in the contents of vitamins A, C, E, and B2 of the leaves and seeds, with the leaves having higher vitamin levels than the seed.

 The number of vitamins present in the samples may be responsible for the highly nutritious and medicinal properties of D. stramonium. From the results of this study, it is obvious that D. stramonium leaves and seeds can serve as good nutritional supplements, which may also provide the users with adequate nutrients that help with the management of various health challenges. However, further studies are required to ascertain appropriate doses that could lead to toxicity.