Exploring the therapeutic potential of pomegranate juice for uterine relaxation.

BACKGROUND: The effects of pomegranate juice (PJ) and its components on uterine smooth muscle are unknown. Hence, this study unequivocally demonstrates that pomegranate juice (PJ) significantly impacts myometrial function, providing crucial insights into its relaxant properties and their potential therapeutic applications for uterine-related disorders. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Rat uterine smooth muscle horn strips were suspended in Krebs solution organ baths. Contractions were measured isometrically using a transducer (AD instrument Australia). The effects of PJ were evaluated on contractile activity elicited by potassium chloride (KCl 60 Mm) depolarization. Inhibitors of nitric oxide (L-NAME 3 X 10-4), guanylate cyclase (methylene blue 1 X 10-5), and Prostaglandin I2 (indomethacin 3 X 10-5), as well as Potassium Channels blockers, were determined. RESULTS: The juice at concentrations from 1.5-5 mg/ml significantly decreased the rat uterine horn contraction induced by KCl. The NO, cGMP, and PGI2 inhibitors did not block the relaxation response. Furthermore, the PGI2 inhibitor significantly enhanced the relaxation effects; K+ channel blockers had no inhibitory effects on the relaxation responses. Contrarily, GLIB improved considerably relaxation. CONCLUSION: Research suggests pomegranate juice's active ingredient may reduce uterine contractions and treat uterotonic disorders, potentially preventing preterm birth and dysmenorrhea. Further research is needed to determine its mechanism of action. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Code: AEC-013.

Nitric oxide-cyclic GMP role in Ang II induced hyperpolarization in bovine aortic endothelium cell line (BAE-1).

Angiotensin II (Ang II), a mitogen-activated peptide, exerts numerous effects on the cardiovascular system including the regulation of blood pressure. The current study focused on the potential mechanisms that seem to be involved in Ang II vasodilation using bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAE-1) cell lines. Expression of the Ang II receptor (AT2) in BAE-1 was checked by western blots in the presence of valsartan (AT1 inhibitor). To check if Ang II's vasodilator impact was mediated by the nitric oxide (NO) pathway, the Griess reagent was used. Furthermore, cell-attached patch-clamp and fire-polished borosilicate electrodes with a resistance of 3-5 MΩ in the working solutions was used to record membrane currents from treated BAE-1. BEA-1 revealed 50 kDa immunoreactive bands that matched AT2. The concentration of AT2 was elevated in valsartan-treated cells in comparison to control cells. The biochemical experimental data indicated that the NO level increased in a concentration-dependent manner. Meanwhile, Ang II at a concentration of 1 µM, the level of NO increased more than at 100 µM. In patch-clamp experiments, K current and chord conductance were enhanced after incubation of Ang II with valsartan. When 100 µM Ang II was added, the current peaked rapidly and after 15 min of incubation, the maximum value was obtained, as opposed to 10 min and control (110.9 ± 13.3 pA control, 141.4 ± 30.4 pA after 10 min and 174.4 ± 49.3 pA after 15 min). Ang II type two receptor inhibitor (PD1231777) reduced the current and conductance induced by Ang II. The presented data revealed that Ang II released NO via the activation of AT2. K currents were stimulated by Ang II and evoked mainly a current consistent with the activation of K channels.

Genetic and clinical study of myeloperoxidase's association with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Unraveling myeloperoxidase's (MPO) correlation with coronary artery disease (CAD) and genetic variations, this study seeks to enhance diagnostic precision and therapeutic strategies. RESULTS: CAD patients were found to be older and more male than controls. Several clinical parameters, including glucose, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, and troponin levels, showed significant variations. Moreover, CAD patients had lower red cell distribution width (RDW%) and mean platelet volume (MPV) than controls. Serum MPO levels did not differ significantly between CAD patients and controls, and no correlation was found with other clinical parameters except for glucose, creatinine, and total bilirubin. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that serum MPO levels are not substantially related to CAD patients, as indicated by lower MPO levels in CAD patients compared to controls. While highlighting the potential of MPV and RDW% as predictors of severe atherosclerosis in CAD. Further research is needed to validate the diagnostic and prognostic value of RDW%, MPV, and MPO levels in CAD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: 15092021-9-12. Registered 15 September 2021.

Exploring the role of Sirtuin 3 gene polymorphisms and oxidative stress markers in the susceptibility to coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a complex disorder influenced by genetic and environmental factors. This case-control study investigated the association between Sirtuin SIRT3 gene polymorphisms, serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and CAD susceptibility. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 70 CAD cases and 30 controls at the Cardiac Center, Azadi Teaching Hospital, Duhok, Iraq. Genomic DNA was extracted, and PCR-based allele genotyping determined SIRT3 rs11246029 T/C polymorphisms. Serum MDA levels were measured using ELISA. Statistical analysis included t-tests, Mann-Whitney tests, and Spearman correlations. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) assessed genotypes/alleles and CAD associations. The accuracy of serum MDA in predicting the severity of CAD was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS: There were no significant variations in serum MDA levels between controls and CAD patients in the study. The diagnostic accuracy of serum MDA for CAD severity prediction was modest (Area Under Curve (AUC) = 0.56). Correlations revealed associations between MDA and total bilirubin (negative) and Troponin (positive). CRP correlated positively with LDH, glucose, cholesterol, LDL, CKmB, and Troponin. CKmB and Troponin are positively associated with clinical characteristics. Genotype analysis identified a significantly higher CAD risk with the CC genotype compared to controls. CONCLUSION: These findings shed light on the potential role of SIRT3 gene polymorphisms and serum MDA levels in CAD susceptibility. Further research is needed to understand underlying mechanisms and therapeutic implications based on these markers. TRIAL REGISTRATION: 15092021-9-12. Registered 15 September 2021.

Exploring nitric oxide as a crucial prognostic biomarker of coronary artery disease.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to examine if the polymorphism of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) and the serum NO levels are associated with CAD. MATERIALS/METHODS: Case-control study, 70 CAD and 30 control subjects were enrolled. The eNOS gene polymorphism was measured by polymerase chain reaction-agarose gel electrophoresis and the serum NO was assessed by using an ELISA plate and reader covering 540 nm. RESULTS: Uncovering the area under curve (AUC) for serum NO, which was (0.6821), indicating that NO seemed to be a critical prognostic biomarker of CAD; also, glucose, serum creatinine and total bilirubin proved to be significant predictors of CAD with AUC (0.6793, 0.6717 and 0.6662) respectively. Furthermore, higher serum NO levels were associated with the eNOS (ab) genotype. Revealing the intron (a) allele was protective against CAD. Moreover, diminished levels of serum NO in CAD groups compared to controls (P < 0.05). Additionally, Multiple logistic regression analysis shows a significantly high Odds ratio associated with CAD in the Duhok population. CONCLUSIONS: The eNOS (ab) variant seems to be a protective CAD factor for patients. Low serum NO levels are another risk factor for the advancement of CAD, suggesting their involvement in atherosclerosis. The (a) allele's protective effect is mediated through changes in eNOS promoter activity and higher NO levels.

Components of Volatile Fractions from Eucalyptus camaldulensis Leaves from Iraqi-Kurdistan and Their Potent Spasmolytic Effects.

Inhalation of vapors from a hot tea of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. leaves is considered by Iraqi-Kurdistan people an effective spasmolytic and antipyretic remedy for the treatment of respiratory diseases. The constituents of volatile fractions isolated by hydrodistillation from dried leaves of the plant collected in Kurdistan were determined by GC-FID and GC-MS analyses. More than 90% components were identified. The most abundant constituents were 1,8-cineole, p-cymene, α-pinene, terpinen-4-ol, aromadendrene, and α-terpineol. The different volatile fractions induced relaxation on rat isolated aortic and tracheal rings in concentration-dependent manner. These effects appeared to be due to a complex interaction between various terpenoid components rather than being only due to the main oil constituent, 1,8-cineole. The KCa channel and the NO pathway were not significantly involved in the relaxation mechanism, while Ca2+ channels played a major role in the spasmolytic effects.

A New Ursane-type Triterpenoid and Other Constituents from the Leaves of Crataegus azarolus var. aronia.

A new ursane-type triterpene acid, named azarolic acid (1), along with four known phenolic compounds and four known triterpene acids, was isolated from the crude EtOAc extract of the leaves of Crataegus azarolus var. aronia L. The structure of 1 was determined from 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data. Euscaphic acid showed high anti-vasoconstriction effects on aortic rings, supporting the use of this medicinal plant in cardiovascular disease.