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1.
J Biochem Mol Toxicol ; 38(7): e23764, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38963172

ABSTRACT

Obesity is an established risk factor for numerous malignancies, although it remains uncertain whether the disease itself or weight-loss drugs are responsible for a greater predisposition to cancer. The objective of the current study was to determine the impact of dulaglutide on genetic and epigenetic DNA damage caused by obesity, which is a crucial factor in the development of cancer. Mice were administered a low-fat or high-fat diet for 12 weeks, followed by a 5-week treatment with dulaglutide. Following that, modifications of the DNA bases were examined using the comet assay. To clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms, oxidized and methylated DNA bases, changes in the redox status, levels of inflammatory cytokines, and the expression levels of some DNA repair genes were evaluated. Animals fed a high-fat diet exhibited increased body weights, elevated DNA damage, oxidation of DNA bases, and DNA hypermethylation. In addition, obese mice showed altered inflammatory responses, redox imbalances, and repair gene expressions. The findings demonstrated that dulaglutide does not exhibit genotoxicity in the investigated conditions. Following dulaglutide administration, animals fed a high-fat diet demonstrated low DNA damage, less oxidation and methylation of DNA bases, restored redox balance, and improved inflammatory responses. In addition, dulaglutide treatment restored the upregulated DNMT1, Ogg1, and p53 gene expression. Overall, dulaglutide effectively maintains DNA integrity in obese animals. It reduces oxidative DNA damage and hypermethylation by restoring redox balance, modulating inflammatory responses, and recovering altered gene expressions. These findings demonstrate dulaglutide's expediency in treating obesity and its associated complications.


Subject(s)
DNA Damage , DNA Methylation , DNA Repair , Diet, High-Fat , Glucagon-Like Peptides , Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments , Oxidation-Reduction , Recombinant Fusion Proteins , Animals , Glucagon-Like Peptides/analogs & derivatives , Glucagon-Like Peptides/pharmacology , DNA Methylation/drug effects , Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments/pharmacology , DNA Damage/drug effects , Mice , DNA Repair/drug effects , Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects , Recombinant Fusion Proteins/pharmacology , Male , Oxidation-Reduction/drug effects , Inflammation/metabolism , Inflammation/genetics , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , Obesity/metabolism , Obesity/drug therapy , Obesity/genetics , Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects , Mice, Inbred C57BL
2.
Saudi Dent J ; 36(6): 868-872, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38883893

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Maxillary sinus pathology, particularly its association with odontogenic infections, is a significant concern in dentistry. This retrospective study explored the prevalence of maxillary sinus pathologies and their association with odontogenic infections in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This retrospective study included 411 patients aged 20-80 years. Cone-beam computed tomography was performed to identify the presence, location, and characteristics of odontogenic infections and maxillary sinus pathologies. Patients' age and sex were also recorded. Results: Sinusitis was prevalent in 50.6 % of the cases, with no significant sex or age differences in the pathology distribution. A notable association was found between odontogenic and sinus pathologies, particularly on the left side. Conclusion: A significant prevalence of sinus pathologies, particularly sinusitis, was observed, with an association between odontogenic and sinus pathologies, notably on the left side. While acknowledging the limitations of the study, these findings underscore the need for integrated dental and sinus health assessments.

3.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38821673

ABSTRACT

Diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder resulting from the interplay of environmental, genetic, and epigenetic factors that increase the risk of cancer development. However, it is unclear whether the increased cancer risk is due to poor glycemic control or the use of some antidiabetic medications. Therefore, we investigated the genetic and epigenetic changes in somatic cells in a mouse model of diabetes and studied whether multiple exposures to the antidiabetic medication dapagliflozin influence these changes. We also elucidated the mechanism(s) of these ameliorations. The micronucleus test and modified comet assay were used to investigate bone marrow DNA damage and methylation changes. These assays revealed that dapagliflozin is non-genotoxic in the tested regimen, and oxidative DNA damage and hypermethylation were significantly higher in diabetic mice. Spectrophotometry also evaluated oxidative DNA damage and global DNA methylation, revealing similar significant alterations induced by diabetes. Conversely, the dapagliflozin-treated diabetic animals significantly reduced these changes. The expression of some genes involved in DNA repair and DNA methylation was disrupted considerably in the somatic cells of diabetic animals. In contrast, dapagliflozin treatment significantly restored these disruptions and enhanced DNA repair. The simultaneous effects of decreased oxidative DNA damage and hypermethylation levels suggest that dapagliflozin can be used as a safe antidiabetic drug to reduce DNA damage and hypermethylation in diabetes, demonstrating its usefulness in patients with diabetes to control hyperglycemia and decrease the development of its subsequent complications.


Subject(s)
Benzhydryl Compounds , DNA Damage , DNA Methylation , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental , Glucosides , Oxidative Stress , Animals , Benzhydryl Compounds/pharmacology , Glucosides/pharmacology , DNA Methylation/drug effects , DNA Damage/drug effects , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/drug therapy , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/genetics , Mice , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , Male , Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology , Micronucleus Tests , DNA Repair/drug effects , Comet Assay
5.
J Pharm Bioallied Sci ; 15(Suppl 2): S1329-S1331, 2023 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37693959

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To assess the outcome of implant diameter and length on THE distribution of stress using a three-dimensional (3D) finite elements (FE) analysis, with immediate loading implants. Materials and Methods: This study made use of a 3D FE model of an implant encased in a chunk of bone. The LEADER/ITALIA-Fix type implant was created specifically for immediate loading. To create a solid model of the implant and bone and to carry out the FE analysis, the ANSYS V.12 programme was used. Results: The findings indicated that the neck of dental implants is the area of highest stress for all implant diameters and lengths, with an increase in implant length from 10 mm to 12 mm resulting in a slight raise in stress at the interface of implant-bone, and an increase in diameter from 3.75 mm to 4.25 mm having no appreciable impact on the value of stresses around dental implants. Conclusion: It was concluded that an increase in length has a negative effect on stress, while a diameter increase has no discernible impact on stress values.

6.
J Pharm Bioallied Sci ; 15(Suppl 2): S1149-S1151, 2023 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37693970

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The goal of the current research was to compare the failure rate of dental implants in medically compromised patients to healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: In this seven years retrospective study, 50 patients from Group A who were medically compromised had 63 implants, while 50 patients from Group B who were healthy had 67 implants. Over 1 mm of bone loss around the implant in the first year and over 0.2 mm of bone loss per year after that were considered failure rates. Result: Two (2.9%) of the dental implants in Group B and 18 (28.6%) in Group A, both failed. The average bone loss around the implant in Group A during the first year was 1.21 mm, compared to 0.3 mm in Group B. Conclusion: Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus group had greater implant failure.

7.
J Pharm Bioallied Sci ; 15(Suppl 2): S1298-S1300, 2023 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37693973

ABSTRACT

Objectives: Compare 5% amlexanox, 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide, and 0.03% tacrolimus in the management of oral lichen planus (OLP). Materials and Methods: A received 0.03% tacrolimus, group B received 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide and group C received topical 5% amlexanox. All patients were evaluated for pain on visual analog scale (VAS) and erosive area on day 1, 7, and 15. Results: There was decrease in visual analogue score (VAS) for pain in all tested group after 15 days. There was significant decrease in erosive area in left and right buccal mucosa in all groups after 15 days for inter and intra group comparison. Conclusion: All the drugs used were effective in management of patients with OLP and thus it can be advised to consider these agents as alternatives.

8.
J Pharm Bioallied Sci ; 15(Suppl 2): S1185-S1187, 2023 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37693994

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The present research was done to assess the crestal bone changes in immediate and delayed dental implant placement. Materials and Method: Twenty four implant sites in participants within the age group of 25-60 years in both genders were done with immediate (Group I) and delayed implant (Group II) placement method. Clinical parameters such as pain, mobility, and radiographic assessment for crestal bone alterations were recorded at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Results and Conclusion: On intergroup assessment, the mean variation of the pain, mobility, and crestal bone loss was insignificant.

9.
J Pharm Bioallied Sci ; 15(Suppl 2): S1168-S1170, 2023 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37693995

ABSTRACT

Objectives: This research was done to assess the efficacy of I-PRF and bone graft in immediate dental implant placement. Materials and Method: Twenty patients were selected randomly into 2 groups with 10 samples in each as Group I- using I-PRF and Group II with synthetic bone replacement alloplast (biograft-HT) after immediate implant placement. Postoperative clinical assessment after graft placement was done based on visual analog scale for pain, modified gingival index and modified plaque index at 2nd, 4th, and 6th months. A radiographic assessment of bone density was performed two and six months after the placement of the implant. Result: There was a statistically considerable variation between the change in modified plaque index and modified gingival index. There was a statistically insignificant divergence in the mean visual analog scale between the two groups at 1, 3, and 6 days. Group I demonstrated a higher change in bone density than group II, with a statistically significant difference (P = .002). Conclusion: An innovative, safe, and efficient method for controlling the healing process around immediate dental implants is provided by the use of I-PRF in conjunction with immediate dental implant placement.

10.
Cureus ; 15(5): e38462, 2023 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37153840

ABSTRACT

Background In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and their association with psychological distress in the central region of Saudi Arabia. Methodology In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire was sent randomly to residents of Al-Qassim province. They were asked to complete a TMD pain screener, the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7). Correlations between symptoms of pain-related TMDs and PHQ-4 and GAD-7 scores were analyzed using Spearman's correlation test. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for sex, age, TMD, PHQ-4, GAD-7, and TMD pain-screener responses. A chi-square test was performed to determine the association between demographic data and psychological profiles. Results The majority of the respondents (59.4%) reported at least one symptom of pain-related TMDs. The TMD pain score was positively correlated with PHQ-4 and GAD-7 scores. Conclusions Residents of the Al-Qassim region who experienced elevated levels of psychological distress had significantly more pain-related TMD symptoms. These findings imply a link between psychological distress and TMD symptoms.

11.
J Stomatol Oral Maxillofac Surg ; 124(1S): 101310, 2023 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36261062

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate anatomical changes in the maxillary sinus after LeFort I osteotomy. METHODS: The study protocol was developed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols, and it was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews under registration number CRD42021236412. RESULTS: Our search strategy yielded 64 articles. Of these, 31 were duplicate studies, and 33 were independently reviewed by two authors for eligibility. Of these 33 studies, 24 were excluded as they did not meet the inclusion criteria. Finally, nine studies met the criteria for inclusion, and they were critically reviewed. CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that maxillary sinus volume decreases after one-piece and multisegment osteotomies in both skeletal class II and class III male and female patients, with one-piece LeFort I osteotomy technique showing a greater reduction in the sinus volume than the multisegment osteotomy technique. The maxillary sinus thickness remained constant postoperatively.


Subject(s)
Maxillary Sinus , Orthognathic Surgery , Humans , Male , Female , Maxillary Sinus/surgery , Osteotomy
12.
Ann Afr Med ; 21(3): 217-222, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36204906

ABSTRACT

Background: Abutment surfaces are being designed to promote gingival soft tissue attachment and integration. This confirms implant survival for long term by forming a seal around the prosthetics. Objectives: This study was done to compare the biocompatibility of three implant abutments: titanium uncoated, Ti-nitride coated, and modified polyetheretherketone (PEEK) with human gingival keratinocytes. Materials and Methods: The titanium-uncoated, titanium-nitride-coated, and modified PEEK discs (13 mm × 3 mm) were fabricated and compared with uncoated polyester cell culture discs, which were used as controls. These three implant abutments were evaluated for biocompatibility with respect to human gingival keratinocytes for viability, morphology, proliferation, and migration by scanning electron microscopy imaging and scratch wound healing assays. Measurements of roughness show changes between the investigated surfaces. Results: Keratinocytes cultured on all examined surfaces indicated adhesion and attachment. An assay of cell viability showed no substantial variances among the groups. The modified PEEK surface showed greater cell proliferation and migration among the three abutment materials. Conclusion: All three abutment material surface types showed similar epithelial biological responses. However, modified PEEK material showed the highest biocompatibility.


Résumé Contexte: Les surfaces des piliers sont conçues pour favoriser la fixation et l'intégration des tissus mous gingivaux. Cela confirme l'implantation survie à long terme en formant un joint autour des prothèses. Objectifs : Cette étude a été réalisée pour comparer la biocompatibilité de trois Piliers Implantaires : titane non revêtu, revêtu de nitrure de titane et polyétheréthercétone modifié (PEEK) avec des kératinocytes gingivaux humains. Matériaux et Méthodes: les disques PEEK non revêtus de titane, revêtus de nitrure de titane et modifiés (13 mm × 3 mm) ont été fabriqués et comparés à des disques de culture cellulaire en polyester non revêtus, qui ont été utilisés comme témoins. Ces trois piliers implantaires ont été évalués pour biocompatibilité vis-à-vis des kératinocytes gingivaux humains pour la viabilité, la morphologie, la prolifération et la migration par balayage électronique l'imagerie microscopique et les tests de cicatrisation des plaies. Les mesures de rugosité montrent des changements entre les surfaces étudiées. Résultats: Les kératinocytes cultivés sur toutes les surfaces examinées ont indiqué une adhérence et une fixation. Un test de viabilité cellulaire n'a montré aucune écarts entre les groupes. La surface PEEK modifiée a montré une plus grande prolifération et migration cellulaire parmi les trois matériaux de pilier. Conclusion: Les trois types de surfaces de matériaux de pilier ont montré des réponses biologiques épithéliales similaires. Cependant, le matériau PEEK modifié a montré la biocompatibilité la plus élevée. Mots-clés: Biocompatibilité, implant, kératinocytes, prothèses, microscopie électronique à balayage.


Subject(s)
Keratinocytes , Titanium , Benzophenones , Humans , Ketones , Polyesters , Polyethylene Glycols , Polymers , Surface Properties , Titanium/toxicity
13.
Ann Afr Med ; 21(3): 244-249, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36204910

ABSTRACT

Background: Selection of instruments is important to prevent any complications such as ledge formation and instrument breakage. The main drawback linked with instrumentation is smear layer formation. Objectives: This study was done for comparison of manual hand file, rotary ProTaper Ni-Ti, erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser, ultrasound, and CanalBrush (CB) methods for smear layer removal. Methodology: Sixty freshly extracted single-rooted mandibular first premolars extracted for orthodontic treatment purpose were selected and classified into six groups. Group I was negative control in which no final agitation of irrigant was performed. In Group II, solution activation was performed with ProTaper Universal System, in Group III, solution activation was done with canal brush, in Group IV, ultrasound activation was done, in Group V, solution agitation was performed with Er:YAG laser agitation, and in Group VI, canal preparation with hand files was performed. Smear layer score was evaluated after canal preparation with each method. Results: Score 1 was seen in 3 (30%) in Group IV and 6 (60%) in Group V, score 2 was seen in 3 (30%) in Group I, 8 (80%) in Group II, 7 (70%) in Group III, 5 (50%) in Group IV, 3 (30%) in Group V, and 4 (40%) in Group VI. Score 3 was observed in 7 (70%) in Group I, 2 (20%) in Group II, 3 (70%) in Group III, 2 (20%) in Group IV, 1 (10%) in Group V, and 6 (60%) in Group VI. A statistically significant difference was found in smear layer removal score in all groups (P < 0.05) except between Group I versus VI (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Complete removal of the smear layer was not observed in any of the methods used in the study; however, Er: YAG laser was found to be better as compared to other methods.


Résumé Contexte: La sélection des instruments est importante pour éviter toute complication telle que la formation de rebords et la rupture d'instruments. Les Le principal inconvénient lié à l'instrumentation est la formation d'une couche de frottis. Objectifs: Cette étude a été réalisée pour comparer des limes manuelles, méthodes rotatives ProTaper Ni-Ti, laser erbium:yttrium-aluminium-grenat (Er:YAG), ultrasons et CanalBrush (CB) pour l'élimination des frottis. Méthodologie: Soixante premières prémolaires mandibulaires monoracinaires fraîchement extraites à des fins de traitement orthodontique ont été sélectionnées et classés en six groupes. Le groupe I était un témoin négatif dans lequel aucune agitation finale de l'irrigant n'a été effectuée. Dans le groupe II, l'activation de la solution a été réalisée avec le système universel ProTaper, dans le groupe III, l'activation de la solution a été effectuée avec une brosse canalaire, dans le groupe IV, l'activation par ultrasons a été fait, dans le groupe V, l'agitation de la solution a été effectuée avec une agitation au laser Er:YAG, et dans le groupe VI, la préparation du canal avec des limes manuelles a été effectué. Le score de la couche de frottis a été évalué après la préparation du canal avec chaque méthode. Résultats: le score 1 a été observé chez 3 (30 %) dans le groupe IV et 6 (60 %) dans le groupe V, le score 2 a été observé chez 3 (30 %) dans le groupe I, 8 (80 %) dans le groupe II, 7 (70 %) dans le groupe III, 5 (50 %) dans le groupe IV , 3 (30%) dans le groupe V, et 4 (40 %) dans le groupe VI. Le score 3 a été observé chez 7 (70 %) dans le groupe I, 2 (20 %) dans le groupe II, 3 (70 %) dans le groupe III, 2 (20 %) dans Groupe IV, 1 (10 %) dans le groupe V et 6 (60 %) dans le groupe VI. Une différence statistiquement significative a été trouvée dans le score d'élimination des frottis dans tous les groupes (P < 0,05) sauf entre le groupe I et VI (P > 0,05). Conclusion: L'élimination complète de la frottis n'a été observée dans aucun des méthodes utilisées dans l'étude; cependant, le laser Er:YAG s'est avéré meilleur par rapport aux autres méthodes. Mots-clés: Brosse canalaire, erbium : laser yttrium-aluminium-grenat, ProTaper, frottis, ultrasons.


Subject(s)
Lasers, Solid-State , Smear Layer , Aluminum , Erbium , Humans , Lasers, Solid-State/therapeutic use , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning , Nickel , Root Canal Irrigants , Titanium , Yttrium
14.
J Pharm Bioallied Sci ; 14(Suppl 1): S2-S6, 2022 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36110677

ABSTRACT

Dental practice has evolved over time and has adapted to the challenges that it has faced. The risk of infection spread via droplet and airborne routes poses a significant risk to the dentist who works close to patients. The risk of cross-infection between dental health-care personnel and patients can be very high due to the peculiar arrangements of dental settings. Dental clinics should have air purification systems with high volume excavators and negative pressure rooms for COVID-19 screening. Mucormycosis is a fungal disease that mostly occurs in immunocompromised individuals and those with uncontrolled diabetes. Dental extraction can trigger the occurrence. Increased occurrence of mucormycosis is seen in COVID-affected patients. This article gives a review on the dentistry-related transmission of COVID 19, the relation of COVID and mucormycosis.

16.
Case Rep Pathol ; 2022: 2955030, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35265386

ABSTRACT

Oncocytoma of the lacrimal sac is an extremely rare tumor. In this report, we present the case of an 82-year-old woman who presented with swelling in the region of the lacrimal sac. Systemic examination and ophthalmic examination of both eyes were unremarkable. Computed tomography of the brain and orbits revealed a mass lesion involving the right lacrimal sac with expansion of the related nasolacrimal duct. Neither bone destruction nor tissue invasion was observed. Right external dacryocystectomy and debulking of the tumor were performed. Histopathological examination of the surgical specimen showed oncocytic cells arranged in an adenomatous fashion, and a diagnosis of benign oncocytoma was made. Three years later, the same patient presented with a similar complaint that was pathologically proven to be a recurrent benign oncocytoma of the lacrimal sac.

17.
Front Immunol ; 12: 772288, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34912341

ABSTRACT

Seasonal influenza epidemics represent a significant global health threat. The exacerbated immune response triggered by respiratory influenza virus infection causes severe pulmonary damage and contributes to substantial morbidity and mortality. Regulator of G-protein signaling 10 (RGS10) belongs to the RGS protein family that act as GTPase activating proteins for heterotrimeric G proteins to terminate signaling pathways downstream of G protein-coupled receptors. While RGS10 is highly expressed in immune cells, in particular monocytes and macrophages, where it has strong anti-inflammatory effects, its physiological role in the respiratory immune system has not been explored yet. Here, we show that Rgs10 negatively modulates lung immune and inflammatory responses associated with severe influenza H1N1 virus respiratory infection in a mouse model. In response to influenza A virus challenge, mice lacking RGS10 experience enhanced weight loss and lung viral titers, higher mortality and significantly faster disease onset. Deficiency of Rgs10 upregulates the levels of several proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines and increases myeloid leukocyte accumulation in the infected lung, markedly neutrophils, monocytes, and inflammatory monocytes, which is associated with more pronounced lung damage. Consistent with this, influenza-infected Rgs10-deficent lungs contain more neutrophil extracellular traps and exhibit higher neutrophil elastase activities than wild-type lungs. Overall, these findings propose a novel, in vivo role for RGS10 in the respiratory immune system controlling myeloid leukocyte infiltration, viral clearance and associated clinical symptoms following lethal influenza challenge. RGS10 also holds promise as a new, potential therapeutic target for respiratory infections.


Subject(s)
Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype , Orthomyxoviridae Infections/immunology , Pneumonia/immunology , RGS Proteins/immunology , Animals , Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid/immunology , Cytokines/immunology , Female , Lung/immunology , Lung/pathology , Lung/virology , Male , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Mice, Knockout , Orthomyxoviridae Infections/pathology , Orthomyxoviridae Infections/virology , Pneumonia/pathology , Pneumonia/virology , RGS Proteins/genetics
18.
Saudi Dent J ; 33(8): 805-812, 2021 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34938019

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Identify specific maxillofacial trauma patterns associated with cervical spine injuries. METHODS: The protocol was developed according to (PRISMA-P) and was admitted to PROSPERO under accreditation code #CRD42020177816. Furthermore, the reporting of the present SR was conducted based on the PRISMA checklist. RESULTS: Of the 1,407,750 patients recorded, a total of 115,997 patients (12.13%) had MFF with an associated CSI with a gender proportion (M:F) of 3.63:1 respectively. Motor vehicle accident was the most common cause of the combined Maxillofacial Trauma (MFT) and CSI. The most common CSI location was at the C2, followed by the C5 cervical spines. The most common location of a maxillofacial fracture resulting in a CSI was the mandible. CONCLUSION: The incidence of the association of CSIs with MFT has been low (12.13%). Nevertheless, in cases of an isolated mandibular trauma due to a severe blow presenting with a low Glasgow Coma Scale, maxillofacial surgeons should be at a high alert of an associated CSI.

19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34948761

ABSTRACT

Worldwide, over half of the global population is living in urban areas. The metropolitan areas are highly populated and environmentally non-green regions on the planet. In green space regions, plants, grass, and green vegetation prevent soil erosion, absorb air pollutants, provide fresh and clean air, and minimize the burden of diseases. Presently, the entire world is facing a turmoil situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigates the effect of the green space environment on air pollutants particulate matter PM2.5, PM10, carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), incidence and mortality of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in environmentally highly green and less-green countries. We randomly selected 17 countries based on the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) data. The 60% of the EPI score is based on seven categories: "biodiversity and habitat, ecosystem, fisheries, climate change, pollution emissions, agriculture, and water resources". However, 40% of the score is based on four categories: "air quality, sanitation and drinking water, heavy metals, and waste management". The air pollutants and SARS-CoV-2 cases and deaths were recorded from 25 January 2020, to 11 July 2021. The air pollutants "PM2.5, PM10, CO, and O3" were recorded from the metrological websites, Air Quality Index-AQI, 2021. The COVID-19 daily cases and deaths were obtained from the World Health Organization. The result reveals that air pollutants mean values for PM2.5 110.73 ± 1.09 vs. 31.35 ± 0.29; PM10 80.43 ± 1.11 vs. 17.78 ± 0.15; CO 7.92 ± 0.14 vs. 2.35 ± 0.03 were significantly decreased (p < 0.0001) in environmentally highly green space countries compared to less-green countries. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 cases 15,713.61 ± 702.42 vs. 3445.59 ± 108.09; and deaths 297.56 ± 11.27 vs. 72.54 ± 2.61 were also significantly decreased in highly green countries compared to less-green countries. The green environment positively impacts human wellbeing. The policymakers must implement policies to keep the living areas, surroundings, towns, and cities clean and green to minimize air pollution and combat the present pandemic of COVID-19.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants , Air Pollution , COVID-19 , Air Pollutants/analysis , Air Pollution/adverse effects , Air Pollution/analysis , Cities , Ecosystem , Environmental Monitoring , Humans , Incidence , Pandemics , Parks, Recreational , Particulate Matter/analysis , SARS-CoV-2
20.
Front Immunol ; 12: 682668, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34737733

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Placental malaria (PM) is characterized by accumulation of inflammatory leukocytes in the placenta, leading to poor pregnancy outcomes. Understanding of the underlying mechanisms remains incomplete. Neutrophils respond to malaria parasites by phagocytosis, generation of oxidants, and externalization of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs). NETs drive inflammation in malaria but evidence of NETosis in PM has not been reported. Neutrophil activity in the placenta has not been directly investigated in the context of PM and PM/HIV-co-infection. Methods: Using peripheral and placental plasma samples and placental tissue collected from Kenyan women at risk for malaria and HIV infections, we assessed granulocyte levels across all gravidities and markers of neutrophil activation, including NET formation, in primi- and secundigravid women, by ELISA, western blot, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Results: Reduced peripheral blood granulocyte numbers are observed with PM and PM/HIV co-infection in association with increasing parasite density and placental leukocyte hemozoin accumulation. In contrast, placental granulocyte levels are unchanged across infection groups, resulting in enhanced placental: peripheral count ratios with PM. Within individuals, PM- women have reduced granulocyte counts in placental relative to peripheral blood; in contrast, PM stabilizes these relative counts, with HIV coinfection tending to elevate placental counts relative to the periphery. In placental blood, indicators of neutrophil activation, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and proteinase 3 (PRTN3), are significantly elevated with PM and, more profoundly, with PM/HIV co-infection, in association with placental parasite density and hemozoin-bearing leukocyte accumulation. Another neutrophil marker, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP9), together with MPO and PRTN3, is elevated with self-reported fever. None of these factors, including the neutrophil chemoattractant, CXCL8, differs in relation to infant birth weight or gestational age. CXCL8 and MPO levels in the peripheral blood do not differ with infection status nor associate with birth outcomes. Indicators of NETosis in the placental plasma do not vary with infection, and while structures consistent with NETs are observed in placental tissue, the results do not support an association with PM. Conclusions: Granulocyte levels are differentially regulated in the peripheral and placental blood in the presence and absence of PM. PM, both with and without pre-existing HIV infection, enhances neutrophil activation in the placenta. The impact of local neutrophil activation on placental function and maternal and fetal health remains unclear. Additional investigations exploring how neutrophil activation and NETosis participate in the pathogenesis of malaria in pregnant women are needed.


Subject(s)
Coinfection , HIV Infections , HIV-1/metabolism , Malaria , Neutrophil Activation , Neutrophils/enzymology , Peroxidase/metabolism , Placenta , Plasmodium/metabolism , Adult , Biomarkers/metabolism , Coinfection/enzymology , Coinfection/parasitology , Coinfection/pathology , Coinfection/virology , Female , HIV Infections/enzymology , HIV Infections/parasitology , HIV Infections/pathology , Humans , Malaria/enzymology , Malaria/pathology , Malaria/virology , Placenta/metabolism , Placenta/parasitology , Placenta/virology , Pregnancy
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