Public Knowledge and Belief Regarding Antibiotic Use and Antimicrobial Resistance in Qatar

Background: Antibiotics act as a therapeutic weapon in eradicating pathogens. Antibiotics are the most common group of drugs misused for self-medication. This is a global public health concern and is one of the major contributing factors to antibiotic resistance (ABR). This study aimed to assess the knowledge and beliefs of the public in Qatar regarding appropriate antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance. Methods: A cross-sectional research design was used to collect the information from the participants based on an adapted questionnaire from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) between September – November 2018. The study enrolled 1000 par-ticipants who visited two large emergency departments (ED) of public hospitals in Qatar. Results: The mean knowledge and belief scores were 55.07±15.87 and 66.57±23.13 respectively. 42% of the participants had moderate knowledge regarding antibiotic and antimicrobial resistance. The majori-ty of the participants (64.8%) believed that antibiotics fight against bacteria and viruses. The educational level significantly influences the belief of the participants. Graduates possess a higher belief score of 11.75±12.5 (P=0.001) compared to others. Conclusion: The key findings of this study highlighted the existing gap in knowledge among the public. A community-based health education program should be launched to promote judicious of use antibiotics

Characterization of Solid Waste Leachate and Its Impact on Surface Water Quality: A Case Study at Rajbandh, Khulna, Bangladesh

The present study was carried out to characterize leachate from waste dumping site and its impact on surrounding surface water quality at Rajbandh in Khulna. For this purpose, surface water samples (10) and leachate samples (5) were taken from the site during two season the monsoon season and post monsoon respectively. The samples were taken during the daytime from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m because at midday the temperature rises and the physico-chemical parameters of the water are modified. Some physico-chemical parameters such as pH, Electrical conductivity (EC), Total dissolved Solids (TDS), Dissolve Oxygen (DO), Chloride (Cl-), Magnesium (Mg2+), Calcium (Ca2+), Sodium (Na+), Potassium (K+), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD5), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Iron (Fe2+), Phosphate (PO43-), Sulfate (SO42-), Nitrate (NO32-) were analyzed in the laboratory in accordance with standard laboratory procedure. As well as some heavy metals such as Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, Manganese, Iron and Zinc were also analyzed in the laboratory. It is observed that, the physicochemical characteristics of surface water and leachate samples vary among the parameters in two seasons throughout the study period. The concentration of TDS and EC were found to be high in leachate compare to surface water samples that might be caused due to the existence of high-level various anions and soluble salts with other inorganic components. In monsoon the TDS values ranged from 3227 � 2357 for leachate and 737 � 498 for surface water samples whereas in post-monsoon the variation followed by 4640 � 1790 and 803 � 232 for surface water and leachate respectively. In case of EC for leachate it varied from 3630 � 1397 and 4900 � 1734 for monsoon and post-monsoon seasons correspondingly but varied from 1473 � 498 in monsoon and 1627 � 473 in post-monsoon for surface water samples. The high concentration of BOD (3.91 � 1.54 in monsoon and 6.25 � 3.27 in post- monsoon) and COD (117.80 � 58.31 in monsoon and 229.39 � 166.55 in post-monsoon) value were found in surface water samples compared to leachate samples. In case of Cr for leachate it varied from 0.081 � 0.029 and 0.070 � 0.026 for monsoon and post-monsoon seasons correspondingly. As well as the concentration of Cd (0.023� 0.006 in monsoon and 0.087�068 in post monsoon) and Pb (0.35�109 in monsoon and 0.025�013 in post monsoon) varied greatly during both season. The concentration of heavy metals such as Pb, Zn, Cr and Mn in surface water samples was also greater than 0.001mg/l. Further for leachate COD was very strongly correlated with TDS and cadmium. Magnesium was significantly correlated with potassium. For surface water sample TDS was significantly correlated with EC and pH. Chloride was significantly correlated with Cd and pb was correlated with calcium. This study recommended that the authority should take proper steps for the management of waste as well as give emphasis on the leachate collection.

Expression Assessment of Some Immunity-related Genes in Buffalo Infected with Endometritis

Background and Aim: Despite the economic importance of buffalo as a main source of milk and meat, only little attention has been directed to its immune and reproductive performance. The early diagnosis of subclinical endometritis may reduce the economic loss of buffalo’s production. The difference in expression profiles of immunity-related genes has an important role in the early detection of subclinical endometritis. This study aimed to assess the expression of five immunity-related genes: TGFBR1, PTGER2, PTGER4, HP and CXCL5 in endometritis-infected buffaloes. Materials and Methods: Total RNA was extracted from 120 buffalo uterine samples; 60 infected with endometritis and 60 healthy ones. Qt-PCR was performed on cDNA synthesized from extracted RNA using Sybr green and GAPDH as a house-keeping gene. Results: The results showed the up-regulation of two tested genes; TGFBR1 and CXCL5 in endometritis-infected buffalo compared to healthy animals by 7.9 and 4.3 folds, respectively at a significance level of p<0.05. The other three tested genes; PTGER2, PTGER4 and HP were down-regulated in buffalo during endometritis infection at different levels; PTGER2 and HP (0.6 folds, p<0.05) and PTGER4 (0.4 fold, p= 0.2). Conclusions: It is to be concluded that the assessment of expression of inflammation-related immunity genes may have an effective role on the detection of endometritis infection in buffalo during its early stages and this early diagnosis can reduce the economic loss of buffalo production and reproduction.

Explore the antiproliferative phytocompounds from ethanolic extracts of Citrus paradisi against liver cancer cell line by chemical analysis using TLC and FT-IR spectroscopy

Abstract The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro antiproliferative activity of ethanolic extract of leaves and fruits Citrus paradisi plant on HepG-2 liver cell lines by MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-terazolium bromide) assay and to isolate and characterize the antiproliferative compounds by TLC (Thin layer chromatography) and FT-IR (Fourier transforms Infrared) spectroscopy. Qualitative phytochemical screening tests were performed to detect phytochemicals compounds from the crude extracts. Antioxidant activity of the plant extracts were characterized by using DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging method. The results showed that antioxidant activity using DPPH were found to be increased in a concentration dependent manner and decreased cell viability and cell growth inhibition in a dose dependent manner. The findings from this study indicated that fruit extract exhibited good antiproliferation and antioxidant potential. The seven functional groups of phytocompounds such as carboxylic acid, amine salt, aromatic compounds, cyclic alkene, aldehyde, fluoro compounds and alkene were detected by FT-IR which indicated that fruit extracts of Citrus paradisi possessed vast potential as a medicinal drug especially in liver cancer treatment.

Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a atividade antiproliferativa in vitro do extrato etanólico de folhas e frutos da planta Citrus paradisi em linhagens de células hepáticas HepG-2 por MTT (3- (4, 5-dimetil-2-tiazolil) -2, Ensaio de brometo de 5-difenil-2H-terazólio) e isolar e caracterizar os compostos antiproliferativos por espectroscopia de TLC (cromatografia de camada fina) e FT-IR (infravermelho com transformadas de Fourier). Testes qualitativos de triagem fitoquímica foram realizados para detectar compostos fitoquímicos nos extratos brutos. A atividade antioxidante dos extratos vegetais foi caracterizada pelo método de eliminação de radicais livres DPPH (2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazil). Os resultados mostraram que a atividade antioxidante usando DPPH aumentou de uma maneira dependente da concentração e diminuiu a viabilidade celular e a inibição do crescimento celular de uma maneira dependente da dose. Os resultados deste estudo indicaram que o extrato de fruta exibiu bom potencial antiproliferação e antioxidante. Os sete grupos funcionais de fitocompostos, como ácido carboxílico, sal de amina, compostos aromáticos, alceno cíclico, aldeído, compostos de flúor e alceno, foram detectados por FT-IR, o que indicou que extratos de frutas de Citrus paradisi possuíam vasto potencial como medicamento, especialmente no tratamento de câncer do fígado.

Explore the antiproliferative phytocompounds from ethanolic extracts of Citrus paradisi against liver cancer cell line by chemical analysis using TLC and FT-IR spectroscopy / Explorar os fitocompostos antiproliferativos de extratos etanólicos de Citrus paradisi contra linhagem de células de câncer de fígado por análise química usando espectroscopia de TLC e FT-IR

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro antiproliferative activity of ethanolic extract of leaves and fruits Citrus paradisi plant on HepG-2 liver cell lines by MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2Hterazolium bromide) assay and to isolate and characterize the antiproliferative compounds by TLC (Thin layer chromatography) and FT-IR (Fourier transforms Infrared) spectroscopy. Qualitative phytochemical screening tests were performed to detect phytochemicals compounds from the crude extracts. Antioxidant activity of the plant extracts were characterized by using DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging method. The results showed that antioxidant activity using DPPH were found to be increased in a concentration dependent manner and decreased cell viability and cell growth inhibition in a dose dependent manner. The findings from this study indicated that fruit extract exhibited good antiproliferation and antioxidant potential. The seven functional groups of phytocompounds such as carboxylic acid, amine salt, aromatic compounds, cyclic alkene, aldehyde, fluoro compounds and alkene were detected by FT-IR which indicated that fruit extracts of Citrus paradisi possessed vast potential as a medicinal drug especially in liver cancer treatment.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a atividade antiproliferativa in vitro do extrato etanólico de folhas e frutos da planta Citrus paradisi em linhagens de células hepáticas HepG-2 por MTT (3- (4, 5-dimetil-2-tiazolil) -2, Ensaio de brometo de 5-difenil-2H-terazólio) e isolar e caracterizar os compostos antiproliferativos por espectroscopia de TLC (cromatografia de camada fina) e FT-IR (infravermelho com transformadas de Fourier). Testes qualitativos de triagem fitoquímica foram realizados para detectar compostos fitoquímicos nos extratos brutos. A atividade antioxidante dos extratos vegetais foi caracterizada pelo método de eliminação de radicais livres DPPH (2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazil). Os resultados mostraram que a atividade antioxidante usando DPPH aumentou de uma maneira dependente da concentração e diminuiu a viabilidade celular e a inibição do crescimento celular de uma maneira dependente da dose. Os resultados deste estudo indicaram que o extrato de fruta exibiu bom potencial antiproliferação e antioxidante. Os sete grupos funcionais de fitocompostos, como ácido carboxílico, sal de amina, compostos aromáticos, alceno cíclico, aldeído, compostos de flúor e alceno, foram detectados por FT-IR, o que indicou que extratos de frutas de Citrus paradisi possuíam vasto potencial como medicamento, especialmente no tratamento de câncer do fígado.

Steroids from Diplazium esculentum: Antiplasmodial activity and molecular docking studies to investigate their binding modes

@#Diplazium esculentum is an edible fern commonly consumed by the local community in Malaysia either as food or medicine. Isolation work on the ethyl acetate extract of the stem of D. esculentum resulted in the purification of two steroids, subsequently identified as stigmasterol (compound 1) and ergosterol5,8-endoperoxide (compound 2). Upon further testing, compound 2 displayed strong inhibitory activity against the Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 (chloroquine-sensitive) strain, with an IC50 of 4.27±1.15 µM, while compound 1 was inactive. In silico data revealed that compound 2 showed good binding affinity to P. falciparum-Sarco endoplasmic reticulum calcium-dependent ATPase (PfATP6); however, compound 1 did not show an antiplasmodial effect due to the lack of a peroxide moiety in the chemical structure. Our data suggested that the antiplasmodial activity of compound 2 from D. esculentum might be due to the inhibition of PfATP6, which resulted in both in vitro and in silico inhibitory properties.

A conventional multiplex PCR for the detection of four common soil-transmitted nematodes in human feces: development and validation

@#Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections, mainly caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworms, are among the most common intestinal parasites that infect humans. The infections are widely distributed throughout tropical and subtropical countries, including Malaysia, particularly in underprivileged communities. Microscopic and culture techniques have been used as a gold standard for diagnostic techniques. However, these methods yield low sensitivity and specificity, laborious and time-consuming. Therefore, simple, rapid, and accurate alternative methods are needed for the simultaneous detection of STH infections. Although advanced technologies such as real-time multiplex PCR have been established, the use of this technique as a routine diagnostic is limited due to the high cost of the instrument. Therefore, a single-round multiplex conventional PCR assay for rapid detection of four STH species in the fecal sample was developed in this study. To perform the single-round multiplex PCR, each pair of species-specific primers was selected from target genes, including Ancylostoma duodenale (Internal Transcribed Spacer 2; accession No. AJ001594; 156 base pair), Necator americanus (ITS 2; accession No. AJ001599; 225 base pair), Ascaris lumbricoides (Internal Transcribed Spacer 1; accession No. AJ000895; 334 base pair) and Trichuris triciura (partial ITS 1, 5.8s rRNA and partial ITS 2; accession No. AM992981; 518 base pair). The results showed that the newly designed primers could detect the DNA of STH at low concentrations (0.001 ng/μl) with no cross-amplification with other species. This assay enables the differentiation of single infections as well as mixed infections. It could be used as an alternative and is a convenient method for the detection of STHs, especially for the differentiation of N. americanus and A. duodenale.

Oral bacteria detection among children with cancer in a tertiary teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

@# This study sought to determine the prevalence of pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavities of children with cancer. There were 68 paediatric patients with cancer who were included in this study. Oral swab samples from the dorsum of tongues and mouth floors of these patients were subjected to culture, staining, and molecular methods to detect the bacteria. The overall prevalence of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria was 79.4% (54/68; 95% CI = 68.4 – 87.3) and 25% (17/68; 95% CI = 16.2 – 36.4), respectively. Streptococcus salivarius and Streptococcus parasanguinis were the predominant pathogenic grampositive bacteria, while Neisseria subflava and Neisseria perflava were the most common pathogenic gram-negative bacteria. The results revealed that the number of bacteria isolates recovered in patients receiving cancer treatment was higher (55.9%) than those who had not received treatment (16.2%). Therefore, more isolated pathogenic bacteria were observed post-therapy (54.4%). Pathogenic organisms can have significant implications on patient health. Awareness of the types of bacteria inhabiting the oral cavity is essential to predict and prevent dental problems, and their associated systemic complications. Findings on the diversity of oral microflora can also provide a better understanding of the aetiology of oral diseases in paediatric patients receiving cancer treatment.

Prevalence and Pattern of Musculoskeletal Injuries Among Malaysian Hockey League Players

@#Introduction: Hockey is a team sport that involves running, sprinting, and making sudden changes in directions of movement to control a ball against the opposing team. Therefore, due to its nature of fast movement, hockey players may be at risk of various musculoskeletal injuries. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and pattern of musculoskeletal injuries sustained among Malaysian Hockey League players. Materials and Method: Data were collected from 84 field hockey players that participated in the Malaysian Hockey League competition from June 2016 until December 2016. All injuries were recorded by the participating medical team using a structured questionnaire. A descriptive statistical analysis and Chi-Square test were used to explore the prevalence of the injury. Result: More than half of the players were reported to have lower limb injuries (51.6%). Sprain and strain were the most prevalent injuries (63%) and mostly affected the ankle (29%). Male players sustained more injuries (50.8%) compared to female players (49.2%). Conclusion: This study suggests that a guideline is needed for injury prevention strategies that will benefit the hockey players in preventing injuries.

Nutritional Status and Health-Related Quality of Life among Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis Patients under Rehabilitation Care in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia

@#Introduction: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has estimated that 80% of people with osteoarthritis (OA) have movement limitations while 25% of them cannot perform their major daily activities, thus resulting in a decline of their nutritional status and quality of life (QOL). Therefore, this study aimed to compare the nutritional status and healthrelated quality of life (HRQOL) of OA patients between gender and age group. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 131 OA patients in Rehabilitation Health Organisation, Terengganu. Socio-demographic, clinical, lifestyle histories, 24-hour dietary intake and HRQOL were assessed using a structured questionnaire. Results: Knee and/or hip OA patients recruited consisted of 19.1% of men and 80.9 % of women collectively with a mean age of 61.81 (9.28) years ranging from 38 to 83 years. The percentages of underweight, normal, overweight, and obese patients were 1.5%, 12.2%, 36.7%, and 49.6%, respectively. Further assessment of HRQOL showed that the highest mean score was obtained by the social functioning (SF) domain of 41.25 (27.16), while the mental domain scored the least mean score of 21.15 (20.92). In terms of gender breakdown, the males had significantly greater weight and height but lower body fat (BF) compared to their female counterparts, as well as a significantly higher energy, carbohydrate and protein intake. According to the age group, patients aged < 60 years had significantly greater weight, height, and BF than those aged ≥ 60 years. Conclusion: This study is an important baseline reference for proper OA management and prevention by providing crucial nutritional status and HRQOL information.

Enhanced production of short-peptide tagged Ss3a recombinant protein as a novel potential biomarker for strongyloidiasis

@#Strongyloidiasis is a mysterious yet important parasitic disease that is hard to diagnose. While microscopic examination remains a “controversial” gold standard method, improved diagnosis is achieved through confirmatory assays with serological and/or molecular diagnostic approaches. In the current serodiagnosis of strongyloidiasis, recombinant proteins have been adopted in place of the use of native parasite antigens, although the availability of diagnostically potential proteins are still limited. Here, we introduce a novel Strongyloides recombinant protein that is uniquely attached to two different short peptide tags as a potential diagnostic biomarker for serodiagnosis of strongyloidiasis, namely lysine (7K) and aspartic acid (7D). The work presented focus on improving the yield and purity of the previously unexpressed recombinant protein. Preliminary diagnostic evaluation of the recombinant favors Ss3a7K protein owing to its higher antigenicity performance with 80% sensitivity and 100% specificity, respectively.

Toxoplasma gondii infection among selected indigenous community in Sarawak, East Malaysia

@#Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that causes toxoplasmosis in humans. To date, little is known about T. gondii infection among the indigenous community, particularly in East Malaysia. This study was conducted to determine the status of T. gondii infection and to investigate associated risk factors among the indigenous community of Sarawak, East Malaysia. The sociodemographic data was obtained using a pretested questionnaire. A serological test was done to detect the presence of specific IgM and IgG antibodies against T. gondii in serum samples. A nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to determine acute infection among seropositive individuals. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was 50% (95% CI = 43.3 – 56.7). From this subset, 40.1%, 5.7%, and 4.2% were positive for anti-T. Gondii IgG antibodies, IgM, and both IgG and IgM, respectively. Four seropositive samples were amplified through PCR. None of the pregnant women tested positive for T. gondii infection based on the serological and PCR assays. A significant association was found between age, low monthly household income, unemployment, usage of untreated water and close contact with T. gondii seropositive cats. These results provide basic information on T. gondii infection and may be useful for policymakers to initiate prevention and control programs, especially amongst pregnant women and women of childbearing age in the indigenous community.

A Review On The Pharmacological And Traditional Properties Of Mimosa Pudica

Consumption of fruits and vegetables fight against oxidative damage by inhibiting or reducing free radicals and reactive oxygen species. Mimosa pudica is a perennial herb and belongs to the family Fabaceae. Epidemiological studies have shown that M. pudica contains metabolites such as phenols and flavonoid compounds which possess pharmacological properties such as antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antiulcer, antidepressants and anti-inflammatory. Ecological studies have shown that M. pudica grows in all types of soil which can survive in soil with low nutrient concentration. It usually requires disturbed soil to establish itself. It is commonly seen in the wastelands and along roadsides, which is an ethnomedical plant that may be used in managing various types of disease. Valuable information and literature on M. pudica are analysed and consulted using a different database such as Google Scholar, Google, Science Direct, Web of Science, Academic Journals and Pubmed. This review article summarises the pharmacological properties of M. pudica.

Management of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in Children & Adolescents in Primary Care

The Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in Children & Adolescents was developed by a multidisciplinary development group and approved by the Ministry of Health Malaysia in 2015. A systematic review of 15 clinical questions was conducted using the evidence retrieved mainly from MEDLINE and Cochrane databases. Critical appraisal was done using the Critical Appraisal Skills. Recommendations were formulated on the accepted 136 evidences using the principles of Grading Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation tailored to the local setting. Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease, which usually occurs at an early age, and is associated with various complications including retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy and cardiovascular morbidity. Good glycaemic control early in the disease results in lower frequency of chronic diabetes complications, which in turn reduces the healthcare cost. Accurate classification of diabetes and optimum management with the aim to achieve glycaemic targets is of utmost importance.

Isolation and characterization of a Pseudomonas diesel-degrading strain from Antarctica.

A diesel-degrading bacterium from Antarctica has been isolated. The isolate was tentatively identified as Pseudomonas sp. strain DRYJ3 based on partial 16S rDNA molecular phylogeny and Biolog® GN microplate panels and Microlog® database. Growth on diesel was supported optimally by ammonium sulphate, nitrate and nitrite. The bacterium grew optimally in between 10 and 15 oC, pH 7.0 and 3.5% (v/v) diesel. The biodegradation of diesel oil by the strain increased in efficiency from the second to the sixth day of incubation from 1.4 to 18.8% before levelling off on the eighth day. n-alkane oxidizing and aldehyde reductase activities were detected in the crude enzyme preparation suggesting the existence of terminal n-alkane oxidizing activity in this bacterium.

Naphthaquinones of Alkanna Orientalis (L.) Boiss

The roots of Alkanna orientalis (L.) Boiss yielded a- methyl-n-butyl alkannin (compound 1) and alkannin acetate (compound 2). The compounds were identified by UV; MS; 1H NMR and 13C NMR. Quantitative determination of a- methyl-n-butyl alkannin and alkannin acetate in Alkanna orientalis (L) Boiss roots was established by TLC densitometry

lnterleukine-6 and acute phase response in chronic renal failure

The mortality rate is high among chronic renal failure [CRF] patients, and recent evidences suggest that this may be linked to chronic inflammation. IL-6, the main pro-inflammatory cytokine, promotes inflammatory events through, the activation of lymphocytes and the induction of acute phase protein response in the liver. In vitro and in vivo studies have suggested that markers of acute phase response such as serum CRP and serum albumin are both known as important predictors for the progression of CRF. The aim of this study is to investigate the IL-6 serum levels and its relation to acute phase reactants [CRP and albumin] in both dialyzed and non-dialyzed CRF patients in compare with normal healthy subjects. Our results show an enhanced production of IL-6 in the CRF non-dialyzed and dialyzed patients, as compared to controls. A strong impact of plasma IL-6 levels on the acute phase reactants were demonstrated by its significant statistical correlation with CRP and albumin. In conclusion an increase of IL-6 and CRP inversely related with creatinine clearance has been evidenced in our results. The possibility that IL-6 causes an activated acute phase response is claimed. A negative correlation between CRP and serum albumin was found confirming the link between chronic inflammation and malnutrition in CRF patients, this was confirmed the decreased cholesterol levels in CRF patients. These data provided evidence of the activation of mechanisms known to contribute to the increased morbidity and mortality in CRF patients

Renal oxidative stress induced by central morphine administration: uncoupled regulation of JNK/p38 MAP kinases

Oxidative stress following administration of morphine sulfate [MS] and related opioids involves activation of central nervous system opioid receptors coupled to depletion of the intracellular antioxidant gamma-glutamylcysteinylglycine [glutathione, GSH] in peripheral organs. Precise biochemical and molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying this novel central nervous system-peripheral organ physiological pathway remain to be fully elucidated. Employing a rodent model of MS-induced oxidative stress, we observed significant reduction in kidney GSH levels associated with induction of JNK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase [MAPK] activities, we monitored the effect of central MS administration on these biochemical parameters in kidney. We observed that p38 MAPK and JNK are inactive in kidney tissues. Following central MS administration, both p38 MAPK and JNK activities were significantly induced but were found to be temporally uncoupled. Pretreatment of rats with the GSH precursor N- acetylcysteine [NAC] prior to central MS administration resulted in inhibition of renal GSH depletion, and p38 MAPK activation. In contrast, JNK activation was potentiated by NAC pretreatment. The dependency of p38 MAPK [but not JNK] activation on intracellular GSH concentration indicates differential and potentially novel opioid regulation of transcriptional events in the kidney. We propose a model by which the p38 MAPK pathway is a specific sensor/effector of intracellular redox/GSH potential