Effect of Justicia schimperiana (Acanthaceae) roots extract on blood glucose level and lipid profiles in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.

Background: Justicia schimperiana has been used traditionally for the treatment of different diseases, including, diabetes. Yet, no in vivo study was conducted to substantiate these claims. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Justicia schimperiana roots extract on blood glucose levels and lipid profiles in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Methods: Male Swiss albino mice weighing 25-35 g were induced diabetes with 150 mg/kg of STZ. Animals were randomly grouped into six groups of five each. Group I was a normal control, Group II was a Diabetic control, Group III-V were Diabetic Mice treated with the extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) respectively, and Group VI was standard control. The treatments were followed for 14 days. The FBG measurements were done on 0, 7th, and 14th days of treatment. On the 15th day, the mice were anesthetized with diethyl ether; blood samples were collected for the assessment of serum lipid profiles. The antioxidant and α-amylase inhibitory activities of the extract were also investigated in vitro using the DPPH and DNSA assay methods, respectively. The data were entered into EPI DATA version 4.6, exported to IBM, SPSS version 26.0, and analyzed using a one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The hydromethanolic extract of J. schimperiana roots exhibited no toxicity up to a dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight. In the STZ-induced diabetic mice, the extract reduced blood glucose levels at all tested doses: 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg on the 14th day as compared to diabetic control. The higher dose showed maximum reduction (29.73 %, p < 0.001) on the 14th day of treatment compared to the baseline. There were significant reductions in serum TG, TC, LDL, and a significant increase in body weight and HDL compared to the diabetic control. Besides, good antioxidant and α-amylase inhibitory activity were obtained from the in vitro laboratory tests. Conclusions: Evidence from our study revealed that the root extract of J. schimperiana has antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects in STZ-induced diabetic mice.

Diagnostic performance of plasma D-dimer, fibrinogen, and D-dimer to fibrinogen ratio as potential biomarkers to predict hypertension-associated acute ischemic stroke.

Background: Ischemic stroke is a common type of stroke that leads to death and functional disability in hypertensive patients. However, there are no well-studied non-invasive and less expensive fluid biomarkers routinely used to detect ischemic stroke in hypertensive patients. Hence, this study aimed to tease out the performance of D-dimer, fibrinogen, and the D-dimer to fibrinogen ratio (DDFR) in predicting hypertension-associated acute ischemic stroke. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was done from October 2022 to January 2022 at Yikatit 12 Hospital Medical College, Ethiopia. We recruited 55 hypertensive patients who had an ischemic stroke and 110 who did not. A ROC curve was used to calculate the areas under the curves (AUCs) and determine the diagnostic power of the D-dimer, fibrinogen, and DDFR. The Youden index was used to find the best cut-off points for biomarkers in detecting acute ischemic stroke. A De Long test was employed to show whether there was a significant difference between the AUCs of biomarkers in diagnosing ischemic stroke. Results: D-dimer yielded the highest diagnostic power (AUC = 0.776) in detecting acute ischemic stroke, followed by DDFR (AUC = 0.763) and fibrinogen (AUC = 0.694), but there was no significant difference between them. At 0.52 µg/ml cut-off point, D-dimer had 82.9% sensitivity, 66.7% specificity, 62.5% PPV, and 85.3% NPV to diagnose acute ischemic stroke. Fibrinogen could detect acute ischemic stroke at 405.85 mg/dl level, with 70.0% sensitivity, 57.1% specificity, 41.2% PPV and 81.6% NPV. At a 1.83 ratio, DDFR might also identify ischemic stroke with 80.0% sensitivity, 67.1% specificity, 51.1% PPV, and 88.7% NPV. Conclusion: We showed D-dimer, fibrinogen, and DDFR as promising, affordable, and non-invasive biomarkers for the detection of ischemic stroke among subjects with hypertension. This will help clinicians make an early diagnosis and better guide patient therapy.

Prevalence and determinants of anemia among children aged from 6 to 59 months in Liberia: a multilevel analysis of the 2019/20 Liberia demographic and health survey data.

Background: Anemia is a serious worldwide public health issue that happens at any stage of life but primarily affects young kids and pregnant mothers. Although anemia has a significant impact on child health, its magnitude and associated factors in children aged 6-59 months have not been yet studied in Liberia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the prevalence and determinants of anemia in children aged 6-59 months in Liberia. Methods: The data was extracted from Liberia Demographic and Health Survey, conducted from October 2019 to February 2020. The sample was obtained using a stratified two-stage cluster sampling technique. An overall weighted sample of 2,524 kids aged 6-59 months was involved in the final analysis. We used Stata version 14 software for data extraction and analysis. A multilevel logistic regression model was employed to identify factors associated with anemia. Variables with a P-value of <0.2 in the bivariable logistic regression analysis were selected as candidates for multivariable analysis. In multivariable analysis, the adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with the 95% confidence interval (CI) were declared as the determinants of anemia. Results: The prevalence of anemia in children aged 6-59 months in Liberia was 70.8% [95% CI: 68.9%, 72.5%]. Of these, 3.4% were severe anemia, 38.3% were moderate anemia and 29.1% were mild anemia. Children aged 6-23 and 24-42 months, being stunted, children from households with unimproved toilet facilities, children from households with unimproved water sources, and lack of media (television) exposure were significantly associated with higher odds of anemia. However, using mosquito bed nets, living in the Northwestern and Northcentral region were significantly associated with lower odds of anemia among children 6-59 months. Conclusion: In this study, anemia in kids aged 6-59 months in Liberia was a main public health issue. Age of the child, stunting, toilet facility, water source, exposure to television, mosquito bed net use, and region were significant determinants of anemia. Therefore, it is better to provide intervention for the early detection and management of stunted children. Similarly, interventions should be strengthened to address unimproved water sources, unimproved toilet facilities, and lack of media exposure.

Evaluation of thromboembolic event, basic coagulation parameters, and associated factors in patients with colorectal cancer: a multicenter study.

Background: Patients with colorectal cancer are at an increased risk of hemostatic disturbances, and recent studies have shown that coagulation disorders could be the first sign of malignancy. Although coagulopathy is a significant cause of cancer-related death and disability, it is usually underestimated, and there has been no recent scientific evidence regarding the exact burden and its specific determinants. Moreover, the public health importance of the risk of coagulopathy among patients with colorectal polyps has not been addressed. Materials and methods: An institution-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 500 study participants (250 colorectal cancer patients, 150 colorectal polyp patients, and 100 controls) from January to December 2022. Venous blood was collected for basic coagulation and platelet analysis. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn-Bonferroni pairwise comparisons) were used to compare study parameters among the groups. The test results were expressed as medians and interquartile ranges. Binary logistic regressions were fitted, and statistical significance was declared at a p-value of less than 0.05, with 95% CI. Results: The prevalence of coagulopathy among colorectal cancer patients was 198 (79.2%; 95% CI: 73.86, 83.64), while the prevalence was 76 (50.7%; 95% CI: 45.66, 54.34) among colorectal polyp patients. From the final model, age between 61 and 70 (AOR = 3.13: 95% CI: 1.03, 6.94), age > 70 years (AOR = 2.73: 95% CI: 1.08, 4.71), hypertension (AOR = 6.8: 95% CI: 1.07, 14.1), larger tumor size (AOR = 3.31: 95% CI: 1.11, 6.74), metastatic cancer (AOR = 5.8: 95% CI: 1.1, 14.7), and BMI ≥30 kg/m2 (AOR = 3.8: 95% CI: 2.3, 4.8) were positively associated with coagulopathy. Conclusion: This study showed that coagulopathy is a major public health concern among patients with colorectal cancer. Therefore, existing oncology care efforts should be strengthened to prevent coagulopathy among patients with colorectal cancer. Moreover, patients with colorectal polyps should receive more attention.

Assessment of fatty liver and its correlation with glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia.

Objectives: The purpose of conducting this study was to assess fatty liver disease and its correlation with glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. In addition, evaluation of associated factors and correlation analysis between the fatty liver index and hemoglobin A1C level in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus was another aim of this study. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients attending at diabetes clinic of Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital located in south Wollo, Ethiopia. It was conducted from July to August 2021. The fatty liver index was calculated to assess fatty liver disease. Simple descriptive statistics, multivariate analysis, and an independent sample t-test were utilized for statistical analysis. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the associated factors of fatty liver. The p value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: In this study, the mean ± standard deviation values of body mass index among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were 25.82 ± 3.64, 28.04 ± 2.43, and 22.70 ± 2.62 in both fatty and non-fatty liver cases, respectively. In this study, the prevalence of fatty liver among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients was 58.4%. There was a significant positive correlation between the level of Hemoglobin A1C or glycated hemoglobin and fatty liver index (p value = 0.008, r = 0.35). The development of fatty liver was 4.6 times more likely among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who had insufficient physical exercise than sufficient exercise. Patients with insulin and oral hypoglycemic drugs were 0.8 folds less likely to have a fatty liver as compared to oral hypoglycemic drug treatment. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was elevated among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who had higher levels of body mass index, waist circumference, triglycerides, glycated hemoglobin, and gamma-glutamyltransferase. Therefore, glycemic control, sufficient physical exercise, and insulin treatment may reduce the risk of fatty liver disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practices of tuberculosis patients towards DOTs regimen in Jimma health center, Jimma zone, southwest Ethiopia.

Objectives: The purpose of conducting this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of tuberculosis patients towards dots regimen in Jimma health Center. In addition, assessing the attitude of tuberculosis towards factors, modern, and traditional medicine was another aim of this study. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted based on patient card and registration book at TB follow-up clinic at Jimma health center, southwest Ethiopia. The study population comprises 150 participants, who were selected from the patient registration book by interviewing and questionnaires. Additionally, cross-tabulation and OR with 95% confidence interval were computed. Results: In this study, only 103 (68.7%) and 47 (31.3%) patients scored higher and lower knowledge status respectively. Of the total enrolled governmental employee, 25 (16.7 %) patients had an overall high knowledge status. On the other hand, 101 (67.3%) and 49 (32.7 %) patients scored high and low overall attitude respectively. Conclusions: In this study, the knowledge and attitude of patients about TB and its treatment were found within a low level of perception. Therefore, implementation of health education and awareness creation through different mobilization mechanisms are required to avoid the problem for patients.

Association of atherogenic indices with C-reactive protein and risk factors to assess cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis patient at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune systemic chronic inflammatory disorder, which is characterized by joint stiffness, damage, and destruction of bone. In RA patients, the risk of cardiovascular disease is increased by 2-3 folds as compared to the general population. The major burden of RA is the development of cardiovascular diseases, including congestive heart failure, stroke, and myocardial infarction. OBJECTIVES: Assessment of the association of atherogenic indices with C-reactive protein to evaluate CVD risk was one of the purposes of this study. In addition, the association of atherogenic indices with elevated levels of cardiovascular risk factors (LDL-C and TG) was another aim of this study. METHODS: The preferred study design for this study was a hospital based comparative cross-sectional study method. Data were cleaned, coded, and entered into Epi Data version 4.6 software, and exported to SPSS version 20 for further analysis of atherogenic indices, C-reactive protein, and risk factors. The comparison of atherogenic indices and other variables among the case and control groups was estimated by the independent t-test statistical analysis method. All variables with a p-value less than 0.2 during binary linear regression analysis were selected for multinomial logistic regression analysis. The association of atherogenic indices with C-reactive protein and risk factors was computed using multiple logistic regressions. The data were presented using tables and figures for clarification of the study. RESULTS: The levels of atherogenic indices were computed for both RA patients and the control group. The values of atherogenic indices were significantly associated with cardiovascular risk factor (CRP ≥ 2mg/L). Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and TC/HDL-C ratio had a statistically significant association with an elevated levels of triglycerides (P<0.01). The TC/HDL-Cratio value of the patient had 2.38 folds more likely to have an elevated low density lipoprotein level. In addition, AIP of RA patients had 57.51 and 23.65 folds more to have elevated low density lipoprotein and triglycerides respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The result of this study showed that TC/HDL-C, LDL/HDL-C ratio values, and atherogenic index of plasma had a statistically significant association with elevated level of low density lipoprotein and triglycerides. In addition to this, they have a statistically significant association with the level of C-reactive protein. There was a highly significant statistical association between atherogenic indices, elevated low density lipoprotein, and triglycerides values. Therefore, the result of this finding confirmed that atherogenic indices have a potential role in the prediction and management of CVD risk in RA patients.

Assessment of liver function test and associated factors among visceral leishmaniasis patients attending university of gondar leishmaniasis research and treatment center, Northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is one of the major public health burden, mainly distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Among the Sub-Saharan African countries, Ethiopia is the second most affected country with VL. An Alteration of liver function is a typical manifestation of the disease. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of conducting this study was to assess liver function tests and associated risk factors among VL patients at Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Center of University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, North West Ethiopia. METHOD: Hospital based comparative cross-sectional study design was conducted. A total of 102 study participants were involved in this study. Newly diagnosed VL patients who were attended at Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Center of University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from 21st February 2020 to 30th September 2020 were included under case group category. On the other hand, age-sex matched apparently healthy study subjects were categorized as control group. Written consent was obtained willingness of patients to participate after ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of School of Medicine, University of Gondar. After overnight fasting, 5ml venous blood was drawn from both VL patients and controls to evaluate liver function tests, including AST, ALT, total bilirubin, albumin, and total protein. Thus, senior health professionals (laboratory technologist) investigate the results using Cobas Integra 400 Plus clinical chemistry analyzer. Data was entered into Epi-data version 4.6 and exported to STATA 14 for analysis of liver function tests and associated risk factors. RESULT: The result of this study showed that significant mean difference was exhibited in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin, serum albumin, and total protein level among VL patients and controls. It showed that there was a statistically significant elevation in the level of AST, ALT, and total bilirubin among cases as compared to control. The serum AST level was significantly (p<0.001) elevated among cases as compared to controls. Serum ALT was significantly (p<0.001) elevated among cases compared to controls. Additionally, the total serum bilirubin level was significantly increased (P<0.001) among cases as compared to controls. There was a statistically significant (P<0.001) reduction of serum albumin level among VL patients as compared to controls. Similarly, serum total protein was significantly (P<0.001) reduced in VL patients than control groups. CONCLUSION: There were significantly higher mean levels of serum AST, ALT, and total bilirubin among VL patients as compared to controls. On the other hand, VL patients showed significantly lowered level of albumin and total protein as compared to controls.

Assessment of serum amylase, lipase and associated factors among patients with visceral leishmaniasis treated with sodium stibogluconate/paromomycin at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a life-threatening parasitic disease next to malaria, which is responsible for the death of 50,000 patients annually. It has three major clinical stages, including visceral, cutaneous, and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. Ethiopia is one of the east African countries commonly affected with leishmanisis disease. There are many drugs for leishmaniasis, including sodium stibogluconate and paromomycin combined therapy. However, the adverse effect of those combined drugs is not well-defined. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess serum amylase, lipase, and associated factors among patients with VL treatment with those combined drugs. METHODS: Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Center from February to September 2020 G.C. Simple random sampling technique was utilized to select study participants. The study participants who fulfill the inclusion criteria were included in the study with written informed consent. 5 ml of blood was withdrawn by an experienced health professional to analyze serum amylase and lipase level. Descriptive data was presented by tables, charts and graphs. Data was cleared, entered by Epi-data version 3.1 then transfer to STATA 14.1 SE version and for analysis paired t-test was used, for factors correlation and regression was used. Those factor variable who have p-value <0.25 was filtered and goes to multivariate regression and p-value <0.05 was considered as significant variables. RESULTS: The result of this study showed that there was a significant mean difference between serum pancreatic amylase and lipase before and after treatment. The mean ± SD level of serum amylase after treatment showed a statistically significant elevation (P<0.001) as compared to its level before treatment. Similarly, the mean ± SD level of serum lipase after treatment showed a statistically significant elevation (P<0.001) as compared to its level before treatment. There was also significant association between age and baseline serum amylase as compared to serum amylase after treatment. Similarly, there was also significant relation of age and serum lipase with serum lipase after treatment. CONCLUSION: In this study, the level of serum amylase and lipase at treatment of cure was higher and there was an increase in mean serum amylase and lipase after a patient taking sodium stibogluconate and paromomycin combined drugs. Consequently, the elevated result of these biochemical profiles mainly associated with drug induced adverse effect and associated risk factors in VL patients.

Evaluation of C-Reactive Protein and Associated Factors Among Patients Suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder, which is associated with increased pro-inflammatory mediators to induce an elevation in acute-phase response, migration of immune cells and swelling of synovial joints. Evaluation of the level of C-reactive protein and associated risk factors in RA patients was the main aim of this study. Identifying the association between disease activity of RA (hsCRP) and socio-demographic characteristics was another aim of the study. METHODS: Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the Rheumatology Clinic of Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital. In this study, the level of hsCRP was measured in both case and control groups. Simple descriptive statistics, multivariate analysis, independent sample t-test were utilized for statistical analysis. The strength of association between different risk factors and hsCRP was measured using odds ratio and 95% confidence interval. P-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULT: The result of this study showed that the hsCRP level was significantly higher among RA patients as compared to the control groups (P-value = 0.004). There was an association between smoking and high disease activity status (AOR= 20.03, p= 0.40). Low economic status had a statistically significant association with high hsCRP level (AOR = 12.79, p=0.00). In this study, 42 RA patients had >3mg/l hsCRP level with different occupational exposures. On the other hand, 31 RA patients had <3mg/l hsCRP level among different exposures. Although there was no statistically significant association, the association between associated risk factors (oil consumption, physical exercise, educational status) and disease activity was computed in this study. CONCLUSION: The inflammatory marker, hsCRP was significantly higher among patients as compared to controls. The higher hsCRP showed a high grade of systemic inflammation in RA patients. C-reactive protein was elevated in rheumatoid factor positive patients and patients with high BMI value. Additionally, the result of our study showed that different socio-economic factors had an association with disease activity of RA.

Effect of Leptin on Chronic Inflammatory Disorders: Insights to Therapeutic Target to Prevent Further Cardiovascular Complication.

In response to obesity-associated chronic inflammatory disorders, adipose tissue releases a biologically active peptide known as leptin. Leptin activates the secretion of chemical mediators, which contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and psoriasis. Conversely, adiposity and obesity are the major aggravating risk factors in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MetS), including type II diabetes mellitus and obesity-associated hypertension. Elevated level of leptin in obesity-associated hypertension causes an increase in the production of aldosterone, which also results in elevation of arterial blood pressure. Hyperleptinemia is associated with the progress of the atherosclerosis through secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, like interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), IL-17, and other cytokines to promote inflammation. The release of those cytokines leads to chronic inflammatory disorders and obesity-associated MetS. Thus, the aberrant leptin level in both MetS and chronic inflammatory disorders also leads to the complication of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Therapeutic target of leptin regarding its pro-inflammatory effect and dysregulated sympathetic nervous system activity may prevent further cardiovascular complication. This review mainly assesses the mechanism of leptin on the pathogenesis and further cardiovascular risk complication of chronic inflammatory disorders.

Role of Serine Proteases and Host Cell Receptors Involved in Proteolytic Activation, Entry of SARS-CoV-2 and Its Current Therapeutic Options.

The current global pandemic of a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 continues with its public health disaster beginning from late December 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. The scientific community has tried to fight against this novel coronavirus through vaccine development and designing different candidate drugs. However, there is no well-defined therapy to prevent 2019-nCov infection, thus complete prevention of the virus remains difficult. Therefore, it is a critical factor for death of millions worldwide. Many clinical trials and insights are ongoing in the struggle with this pandemic of SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 entry into the host cell requires host cell angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) and glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78). On the other hand, proteolytic activation of the viral spike protein (S protein) needs the host cell serine proteases, including transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), cathepsins, trypsin and furin. This review focuses on the protein involved in the mechanism of entry, and proteolytic activation. In addition, it looks at current therapeutic options for SARS-CoV-2.

Assessment of Serum Lipid Profiles and High-sensitivity C-reactive Protein Among Patients Suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by severe joint pain, swelling, damage, and disability which leads to joint destruction and loss of function. The complication of RA is associated with cardiovascular diseases, particularly due to systemic inflammation and dyslipidemia. The purpose of this study was to assess the development of atherosclerosis, which acts as a major risk factor for cardiovascular complications in RA patients. METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the Rheumatology Clinic of Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital. The study made a comparison of risk factors (dyslipidemia and inflammatory status) between individuals having RA as a case group and apparently healthy individuals as a control group. Simple descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, independent sample t-test and multivariate analysis were utilized for statistical analysis. p-value of <0.05 at the 95% confidence level was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: The result of this study demonstrated that there was a significant elevation of mean ±SD of TC, TC/HDL, LDL/HDL, and lowered value of HDL-C was seen among RA patients than controls (P-value <0.05). The mean ±SD of inflammatory marker, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), was significantly higher among RA patients compared to controls (P<0.05). HDL-C had a significant negative correlation with a hsCRP whereas TC/HDL-C and LDL/HDL-C had a significant positive correlation with hsCRP (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: In this study, RA patients had lipid abnormalities and elevated systemic inflammation than controls. An increase in hsCRP and dyslipidemia status among RA patients indicates the possible development of an atherosclerotic event. Therefore, assessment of lipid profiles and hsCRP in early RA patients may be helpful to assess the possible development of cardiovascular complications.

Role of Stem-Cell Transplantation in Leukemia Treatment.

Stem cells (SCs) play a major role in advanced fields of regenerative medicine and other research areas. They are involved in the regeneration of damaged tissue or cells, due to their self-renewal characteristics. Tissue or cells can be damaged through a variety of diseases, including hematologic and nonhematologic malignancies. In regard to this, stem-cell transplantation is a cellular therapeutic approach to restore those impaired cells, tissue, or organs. SCs have a therapeutic potential in the application of stem-cell transplantation. Research has been focused mainly on the application of hematopoietic SCs for transplantation. Cord blood cells and human leukocyte antigen-haploidentical donors are considered optional sources of hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. On the other hand, pluripotent embryonic SCs and induced pluripotent SCs hold promise for advancement of stem-cell transplantation. In addition, nonhematopoietic mesenchymal SCs play their own significant role as a functional bone-marrow niche and in the management of graft-vs-host disease effects during the posttransplantation process. In this review, the role of different types of SCs is presented with regard to their application in SC transplantation. In addition to this, the therapeutic value of autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation is assessed with respect to different types of leukemia. Highly advanced and progressive scientific research has focused on the application of stem-cell transplantation on specific leukemia types. We evaluated and compared the therapeutic potential of SC transplantation with various forms of leukemia. This review aimed to focus on the application of SCs in the treatment of leukemia.

Hepatocellular Expression of SIRT1 and Its Effect on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression: A Future Therapeutic Perspective.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive primary hepatic malignancy with a significant morbidity and mortality rate. Although chemotherapy along with surgical incision is believed to be an effective therapeutic approach, to date recurrence is being lifted a major concern. Thus, identifying another best therapeutic approach is becoming the main aim of physicians and scholars. In support of this, recently, several studies reported a significant observation of Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) overexpression in the malignant tumor cells, including HCC. As a result, they believed that overexpression of SIRT1 may have an effect on the progression of HCC by targeting growth and/or apoptotic controlling transcriptional factors/signaling pathways. Similarly, other reports confirmed that SIRT1 inhibition had a direct or indirect role in the control of tumor cell growth and metastasis. Therefore, inhibiting the expression and activity of SIRT1 might have a therapeutic effect to handle HCC. However, there are a limited number of reviews regarding the issue, and here, we summarized hepatocellular expression of SIRT1 and its role on HCC progression.

Physiological Effect of Ghrelin on Body Systems.

Ghrelin is a relatively novel multifaceted hormone that has been found to exert a plethora of physiological effects. In this review, we found/confirmed that ghrelin has effect on all body systems. It induces appetite; promotes the use of carbohydrates as a source of fuel while sparing fat; inhibits lipid oxidation and promotes lipogenesis; stimulates the gastric acid secretion and motility; improves cardiac performance; decreases blood pressure; and protects the kidneys, heart, and brain. Ghrelin is important for learning, memory, cognition, reward, sleep, taste sensation, olfaction, and sniffing. It has sympatholytic, analgesic, antimicrobial, antifibrotic, and osteogenic effects. Moreover, ghrelin makes the skeletal muscle more excitable and stimulates its regeneration following injury; delays puberty; promotes fetal lung development; decreases thyroid hormone and testosterone; stimulates release of growth hormone, prolactin, glucagon, adrenocorticotropic hormone, cortisol, vasopressin, and oxytocin; inhibits insulin release; and promotes wound healing. Ghrelin protects the body by different mechanisms including inhibition of unwanted inflammation and induction of autophagy. Having a clear understanding of the ghrelin effect in each system has therapeutic implications. Future studies are necessary to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of ghrelin actions as well as its application as a GHSR agonist to treat most common diseases in each system without any paradoxical outcomes on the other systems.

Caspase-1 as a regulatory molecule of lipid metabolism.

Caspase-1 is an evolutionarily conserved inflammatory mediated enzyme that cleaves and activates inflammatory cytokines. It can be activated through the assembly of inflammasome and its major effect is to activate the pro-inflammatory cytokines; interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß) and interluekine-18 (IL-18). In addition to IL-1ß and IL-8, several lines of evidence showed that caspase-1 targets the substrates that are involved in different metabolic pathways, including lipid metabolism. Caspase-1 regulates lipid metabolism through cytokine dependent or cytokine independent regulation of genes that involved in lipid metabolism and its regulation. To date, there are several reports on the role of caspase-1 in lipid metabolism. Therefore, this review is aimed to summarize the role of caspase-1 in lipid metabolism and its regulation.

Role Of Vitamin-D Supplementation In TB/HIV Co-Infected Patients.

OBJECTIVE: This review aimed to assess the role of vitamin D supplementation on the decrement of mortality and morbidity rate among tuberculosis (TB)/human immune deficiency virus (HIV) co-infected clients.Method: Pub Med, google scholar and google search were accessed to find out all document to describe this review article. RESULTS: Nowadays TB/HIV co-infection has become a major global concern, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Mycobacterium tuberculosis and HIV infections are co-endemic and more susceptible to the progression of TB. Immunosuppression associated with HIV is a strong risk factor for the reactivation of latent TB to the active form. Immune cells like macrophages recognized Mycobacterium tuberculosis through TLR2/1, and it increases the expression of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and CYP27B1. The synthesis of 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D promotes VDR-mediated transactivation of the antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin and the killing of intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Cathelicidins have a direct antimicrobial effect through membrane disruption. Besides, it has also antiviral effects via inhibition of retrovirus (HIV) replication. In fact, as some studies showed, there was a lower induction of cathelicidin in monocytes who have low vitamin D levels.Conclusion: Therefore, vitamin D supplementation can be directly involved in the reduction of TB/HIV co-infection and its progression.

Assessment of liver marker enzymes and its association with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Northwest Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the level of aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), and their association with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Northwest Ethiopia. RESULTS: Using a cross-sectional study, blood samples were collected from 192 Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) participants and 192 healthy age and sex-matched volunteers. The study was carried out from May to August 2017. The serum concentration of aspartate aminotransaminase, alanine aminotransaminase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase were measured using A25 Bio-system fully automatic chemistry analyzer and using the manufacturer's kit of the machine. Liver function test results of T2DM participant were significantly higher than those of the control group, serum ALT (46.06 ± 22. 38 IU/L) and serum AST (42.94 ± 19. 08 IU/L), P < 0.001, while the level of GGT in both study groups was not significantly associated (P = 0.065). In conclusion, the evaluation of liver marker enzymes showed a significant association with Type 2 diabetes participants compared with the controls.