Polysaccharide from Rosa roxburghii Tratt fruit attenuates high-fat diet-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction and inflammation in mice by modulating gut microbiota

Obesity-induced colonic inflammation-stimulated colitis is one of the main causes of colorectal cancer. Dietary polysaccharides are considered an effective agent for relieving obesity-induced inflammatory diseases such as diabetes and colitis....

Lysozyme Treatment Makes 16S rRNA Amplicon Sequencing Results Less Biased

Background Amplicon sequencing is widely applied in gut bacteria structure analysis. However, the proportion of Gram-positive bacteria may greatly affect the results of microbial community analysis. Lysozyme is an effective agent to extract DNA of Gram-positive bacteria. In this study, we assessed the influence of lysozyme treatment on results of Bactrocere dorsalis rectal bacteria structure. Result The results indicated that the total bacteria content can be significantly increased in lysozyme treated samples. Moreover, rectal bacteria diversity was significantly higher in lysozyme treated samples. A detail analysis revealed that abundance of Gram-positive bacteria significantly increased in samples treated with lysozyme. Conclusion This study indicates that lysozyme treatment before DNA extraction is an effective way to reduce bias in bacteria structure analysis, especially for samples with high proportion of Gram-positive bacteria.

Azoximer Bromide: Mystery, Serendipity, and Promise

Azoximer bromide (AZB) was identified as an immunomodulator, and was initially developed and currently successfully indicated as one of several natural polyelectrolytes, a vaccine adjuvant, and an effective agent for the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases of viral, bacterial, and fungal origin. AZB has the potential to increase an individual’s resistance to local and general infection and is indicated for the treatment of viral infections, and has also demonstrated clinical efficacy in the treatment of a variety of secondary immunodeficiencies. However, AZB may offer long-term promise beyond use against infection. Multiple clinical trials and research studies in cancer patients have reported favourable outcomes with AZB as well as an optimal safety and tolerability profile. The findings raise the possibility of direct antitumor properties. This literature review analyses the novel mechanisms that mediate the AZB direct anticancer effects. Overall, the evidence suggests that AZB has the hallmark of an agent that could be used to support existing cancer treatments at different stages of disease.

Composite Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles - Containing Polysaccharide Hydrogel as Effective Agent for Burn Wound Healing

A high risk of complications in burn injuries is associated with the development of systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Thermal injury (burn) causes the release of cytokines and prostaglandia, resulting in increased interaction between leukocytes, platelets and endothelial cells. Activation of leukocytes leads to an increase in the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrogen, which is normally compensated by the activation of protective antioxidant enzymes. An imbalance between the activity of the radical-producing and antioxidant systems leads to an excess of free radicals and the development of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress limits the repair of damaged tissue and also leads to localized chronic inflammation. Thus, the removal of inflammation and a decrease in the ROS level, which exceeds the physiological level in the burn zone, seems to be expedient for accelerating the healing process of burn injuries of the skin. In this study, we used a polysaccharide hydrogel modified with cerium dioxide (CeO2) nanoparticles, which have unique anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as an effective agent for the treatment of thermal burns. It has been shown that modification of the hydrogel with CeO2 nanoparticles provides accelerated healing of a model burn wound in rats. Already on the 5th day after the treatment of damage to the skin with the modified hydrogel, a decrease in the area of ​​the burn wound that is different from the control is observed. The use of a hydrogel accelerates the healing process of a burn wound on the 25th day by 25.42% (p <0.05) and ensures complete healing of burn wounds on average 5 days earlier in comparison with the control group with Levomekol ointment. Treatment of burn wounds using a hydrogel leads to the formation of a small post-burn scar. Thus, a polysaccharide hydrogel modified with CeO2 nanoparticles can be considered as an effective wound healing agent in the treatment of thermal burns and skin lesions of various etiologies.

Loganin Inhibits Angiotensin II–Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy Through the JAK2/STAT3 and NF-κB Signaling Pathways

Loganin is an iridoid glycoside extracted from Cornus officinalis, which is a traditional oriental medicine, and many biological properties of loganin have been reported. Nevertheless, it is not clear whether loganin has therapeutic effect on cardiovascular diseases. Hence, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of loganin on Ang II–induced cardiac hypertrophy. In the present study, we reported for the first time that loganin inhibits Ang II–provoked cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac damages in H9C2 cells and in mice. Furthermore, loganin can achieve cardioprotective effects through attenuating cardiac fibrosis, decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, and suppressing the phosphorylation of critical proteins such as JAK2, STAT3, p65, and IκBα. Besides, the outstanding findings of the present study were to prove that loganin has no significant toxicity or side effects on normal cells and organs. Based on these results, we conclude that loganin mitigates Ang II–induced cardiac hypertrophy at least partially through inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 and NF-κB signaling pathways. Accordingly, the natural product, loganin, might be a novel effective agent for the treatment of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.

Role of Labetalol in Control of Hypertension during Pregnancy

Aim: To valuate the effectiveness of labetalol in controlling hypertension during pregnancy. Study design: Descriptive case series Place and duration of study: Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Allama Iqbal Medical College/Jinnah Hospital Lahore from 1st September 2018 to 31st March 2019. Methodology: Sixty four patients were enrolled. All the patients were started with lowest effective dose of100mg orally three times daily and if required after 72 hours, the escalation dose up to 200mg every 8hours. When adequate reduction in blood pressure was obtained it was labelled as achievement of primary end point. Results: The age range between 18-35 years with mean age 25.8±5.0 years. There were 12 primigravida (18.8%) and multigravida 52(81.2%). Reduction in blood pressure was observed in56 cases (87.5%). Conclusion: The labetalol appears to be an effective agent in controlling hypertension during pregnancy with possible advantages and no apparent disadvantage during its use. Keywords: Pregnancy-induced hypertension; Labetalol, Control of hypertension

Effectiveness of antibacterial agents against cell-invading bacteria such as Streptococcus pyogenes and Haemophilus influenzae

Background Recurrent tonsillitis is one of the most common otolaryngological disorders caused by cell-invading bacteria, such as Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes) and Haemophilus influenzae. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of antibacterial agents against cell-invading bacteria. Methods The intracellular invasion of Detroit 562 cells by five strains of nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) and four strains of S. pyogenes was investigated. The antibacterial agents used were garenoxacin (GRNX), clarithromycin (CAM), amoxicillin (AMPC), cefditoren pivoxil (CDTR-PI), and levofloxacin (LVFX). Results Both NTHi and S. pyogenes fully invaded Detroit 562 cells in 6 h and were less sensitive to CAM. GRNX, CAM, and LVFX were effective against bacteria invading the cells, but AMPC and CDTR-PI were not effective. GRNX was the most effective. Conclusion GRNX was the most effective agent against bacteria invading cells.

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D deficiency accelerates male reproductive senescence in aging mice and 1,25(OH)2D3 alleviates oxidative stress via NF-κB/SOD

Based on this studies, we propose that 1,25(OH)2D3 can delay male reproductive aging, and we also propose that 1,25(OH)2D3 regulates NF-κB to exert antioxidant effect. Therefore, by targeting a fundamental aging mechanism, 1,25(OH)2D3 may be an effective agent in maintaining fertility and postponing male reproductive senescence.

The effectiveness comparisons of eugenosedin-A, glibenclamide and pioglitazone on diabetes mellitus induced by STZ/NA and high-fat diet in SHR

Objectives Eugenosedin-A (Eu-A), an adrenergic and serotonergic antagonist, is known to have anti-metabolic syndrome effects. In this study, we evaluated its protective effects against diabetes mellitus (DM) in spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) and compared it with two anti-diabetes medications, glibenclamide (Gli) and pioglitazone (Pio). Methods We divided 10-week-old SHRs into five groups: a control group fed a normal diet; an untreated DM group induced by injecting the SHRs with STZ/NA and feeding them a high-fat diet (HFD); and three treated groups (after giving STZ/NA and HFD) gavage given with Eu-A, Gli or Pio (5 mg/kg per day) for 4 weeks. Key findings The untreated DM group weighed less and had hyperglycaemia, hypoinsulinemia and hyperlipidemia. They were also found to have aberrant glucose-dependent insulin pathways, glucose metabolism and lipid synthesis proteins, while the controls did not. Eu-A, Gli and Pio ameliorated the above biochemical parameters in the treatment groups. Eu-A and Pio, but not Gli, improved hypertension and tachycardia. Conclusions Taken together, Eu-A ameliorated DM, hypertension and tachycardia by improving glucose, lipid homeostasis and anti-adrenergic, serotonergic activities. We concluded that Eu-A could be used in the development of an effective agent for controlling DM and its complications.

Can 2-Aticyto Complex be an Effective Agent for Recovery of The Symptoms and Enhancing Laboratory Parameters in COVID-19 Patients?

Background: SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) pandemic which was firstly identified in Wuhan/China in December 2019.There still exists no precise treatment for this pandemic yet despite many agents are tried in prophylaxis and treatment for Covid-19. In this study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of 2-aticyto complex in clinical course in these patients. Materials and Methods: 150 patients who applied to the Infection Diseases Polyclinics between dates September 2020-November 2020 having diagnosed with Covid-19 were included in our study. The patients were randomized into 2 groups (75 in each group) of which the first group only had the treatment of National Guideline and the second group had Viruthol® including 2-aticyto complex (at the dose of 27000 mcg/day) in addition to the treatment of the National Guideline. The laboratory parameters, clinical outcomes and the first day on which PCR result turned into negative of the patients were compared. Results: In Viruthol® group, LDH, CRP, D-Dimer and ferritin levels were significantly decreased compared to the control group, while lymphocyte levels were higher. (p=0.02, p=0.001, p=0.01, p=0.02, p=0,001 respectively). In addition to that, clinical symptoms such as fever, headache, weakness, loss of taste and smell and muscle-joint pain recovered more rapidly in contrast with the control group (p=0.001, p=0.05, p=0.001, p=0.001, p=0.001, respectively). PCR results of the Viruthol® group turned negative in a statistically significant shorter period of time with respect to the control group (p=0.001). Conclusion: Viruthol® containing 2-aticyto complex may be an agent that can be used both symptomatic treatment and improving the clinical situation and recovery of the patients followed up for Covid-19.