Effects of empagliflozin on gonadal functions of hyperglycemic male wistar rats.

Empagliflozin (EMPA) showed antiapoptotic, oxidative and anti-inflammatory potential effect. EMPA attenuates the inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers in patients with heart failure while significantly decreases the malondialdehyde (a lipid peroxidation marker) levels in the plasma of diabetic patients. The present study examined the effects of moderate hyperglycemia on reproductive function. Sixty male Wister rats were divided and randomly allocated into four groups of 15 animals each . Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of a prepared solution containing STZ diluted in 0.1 M sodium citrate buffer (pH 4.5) at a dosage of 40 mg/kg body weight in selected in groups II and III for seven days before starting the treatment with EMPA. The current study revealed that EMPA for eight weeks prevented testicular high glucose-induced oxidative stress markers such as penile nitric oxide (NO), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and total anti-oxidant capacity (TAC) in STZ-induced hyperglycemia in a rat model. In addition, EMPA ameliorated the high levels of endogenous Interleukin-6 (IL-6) present in gonads in response to an acute inflammatory found in the hyperglycemic STZ-induced rats. The present study further suggested the protective effects of EMPA and how it has a beneficial role and can effectively attenuate hyperglycemia-induced testicular oxidative damage and inflammatory markers as well as androgen dependent testicular enzymes activity as a protective role against the consequences of hyperglycemia and male sub-infertility.

Alpha Calcitonin Gene-related Peptide, Neuropeptide Y, and Substance P as Biomarkers for Diagnosis and Disease Activity and Severity in Multiple Sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Alpha calcitonin gene-related peptide (aCGRP), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and substance P (SP) are neuropeptides that have emerged recently as potent immunomodulatory factors with potential as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets in multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to detect serum levels of aCGRP, NPY, and SP in MS patients versus healthy controls and their association with disease activity and severity. METHODS: Serum levels were measured in MS patients and age and sex-matched healthy controls using ELISA. RESULTS: We included 67 MS patients: 61 relapsing-remitting MS (RR-MS) and 6 progressive MS (PR-MS), and 67 healthy controls. Serum NPY level was found to be lower in MS patients than in healthy controls (p < 0.001). Serum aCGRP level was higher in PR-MS compared to RR-MS (p = 0.007) and healthy controls (p = 0.001), and it positively correlated with EDSS (r = 0.270, p = 0.028). Serum NPY level was significantly higher in RR-MS and PR-MS than in healthy controls (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively), and it was lower in patients with mild or moderate/severe disease than in healthy controls (p < 0.001). Significant inverse correlations were found between SP level and MS disease duration (r = -0.279, p = 0.022) and duration of current DMT (r = -0.315, p = 0.042). CONCLUSION: Lower serum levels of NPY were revealed in MS patients compared to healthy controls. Since serum levels of aCGRP are significantly associated with disease activity and severity, it is a potential disease progression marker.

Clinical Outcomes and Direct Medical Expenditures Associated With Intensive Care Unit Admission for Inpatients With COVID-19 in Jordan: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe clinical outcomes and medical expenditures associated with COVID-19 admissions. In addition, this study aimed to investigate the impact of patients' characteristics and baseline comorbidities on intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mortality, and medical expenditures for hospitalized patients with COVID-19. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included all hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 in Prince Hamza Hospital and King Abdullah University Hospital, during the period from March 2020 to June 2021. Medical records and pharmacy data were followed and reviewed throughout their admissions. The ICU admission, inpatient mortality, hospital length of stay, and inpatient charges were described. Predictors of ICU admission and inpatient charges were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 7694 COVID-19 hospital admissions were included. Approximately 1189 patients (15.5%) were admitted to ICU and 21.4% died in the hospital. The fatality rate among those admitted to ICU was 82.6% compared with 10.2% for non-ICU admitted patients. The average admission charge and charge per admission day were 1598.2 and 200.2 Jordanian dinar, respectively, and both charges were higher in ICU admitted patients than non-ICU admitted patients. Being older in age, smoker or ex-smoker, and having chronic diseases were all significantly associated with a higher likelihood of ICU admission and mortality among admitted patients. CONCLUSIONS: ICU admission in patients with COVID-19 is associated with poor clinical outcomes and substantial medical expenditures and is more likely among older adults, smokers, and those with chronic diseases.

Time course of changes in inflammatory and oxidative biomarkers in lung tissue of mice induced by exposure to electronic cigarette aerosol.

Significance: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have become a popular way to smoke all over the world. Chronic exposure to e-cigarette aerosol may influence lung health. This study uses an animal model to explore the time course of the effect of exposure to e-cigarette aerosols on the lung. Methods: Lung samples were collected after exposure of Balb/c mice to e-cigarette aerosols for 1 h/day (6 times/week) for 1, 2 and 4 weeks and compared to sham-exposed controls. Examined biomarkers including inflammatory cells, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Results: Exposure of animals to e-cigarette aerosols induced significant increases (P < 0.05) in total inflammatory cells, eosinophils, macrophages and TNFα in the lung tissue after 1, 2 and 4 weeks of exposure. Furthermore, level of IL-10 significantly decreased, whereas levels of neutrophils and basophils significantly increased (P < 0.05) after 1 week of exposure. Exposure of animals to e-cigarette aerosol also induced significant decreases (P < 0.05) in the GSH/GSSG ratio, and GPx levels after 2 and 4 weeks of exposures. The activity of catalase was also reduced (P < 0.05) after 4 weeks of exposure. Level of TBARS showed a trend of elevation with time and it reached a significant elevation after 4 weeks (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Current results indicate that inhalation of unflavored e-cigarette aerosol might be associated with inflammation in lung tissue that worsen as the duration of exposure increases. Further experiments including more time points, histopathology and pulmonary physiology experiments are needed to confirm the current results.

The effect of beetroot juice on airway inflammation in a murine model of asthma.

The effects of beetroot juice on airways inflammation, cytokine levels, and oxidative stress biomarkers were evaluated using an allergen-induced murine model of asthma. Ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized and challenged BALB/c mice were used as an asthma model. BALB/c mice were randomly assigned into four groups: control (Ova sensitization and normal saline challenge), control and beetroot (Ova sensitization and normal saline challenge plus beetroot juice), Ova S/C [Ova sensitization and challenge (Ova S/C)], Ova S/C and beetroot juice (Ova S/C plus beetroot juice). The bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was analyzed for total and differential inflammatory cells count. The levels of cytokines [interleukin (IL)-10, IL-13, and IL-18], and oxidative stress biomarkers [glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)] were analyzed in the lung tissue. Simultaneous administration of beetroot juice and Ova S/C significantly increased the total inflammatory cells compared to the control (p = .0001) and Ova S/C (p = .013) groups and significantly increased the number of eosinophils (p ˂ .0001) and macrophages (p ˂ .0001) compared to the control. Moreover, the simultaneous administration of beetroot juice and Ova S/C did not affect the level of IL-10, IL-13, IL-18, GPx, or TBARS compared to the control (p > .05), but it significantly increased the level of catalase (p = .002). Results suggest that beetroot juice aggravates asthma by enhancing airway inflammation. However, it does not affect airway inflammation in healthy mice. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disease that is characterized by variable degrees of airways inflammation and obstruction. Paradox data are reported in the literature regarding beetroot and asthma. The present study revealed that beetroot juice exacerbates asthma by enhancing airway inflammation. However, it is safe and has no effects on airway inflammation in healthy mice. Patients having asthma or a history of asthma are advised to avoid the consumption of beetroot.

A Prospective Non-Randomized Open-Label Comparative Study of The Effects of Matcha Tea on Overweight and Obese Individuals: A Pilot Observational Study.

Matcha tea has been used as an adjunct in weight loss programs. The weight loss effects of matcha tea were evaluated in a prospective non-randomized open-label comparative study of overweight and obese individuals who followed a specified low-calorie diet (LCD) plan. A total of 40 participants were enrolled and assigned to either matcha tea or control groups. The matcha tea group followed a LCD plan and received matcha tea once daily, whereas the control group followed only the LCD diet plan. The study lasted 12 weeks. The main outcome measures included anthropometric measurements, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), lipid profile, obesity-related hormone peptides, pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress biomarkers. Thirty-four participants had completed the study. The matcha tea and control groups showed significant reductions in body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, water content, minerals, and fat mass at week 12. The post-treatment body composition and anthropometric measurements were not significantly different between the two groups. The matcha tea group showed a potential increase in HDL-C, a potential decrease in blood glucose, and a potential increase in HbA1c. Furthermore, the study indicated a potential decrease in insulin and leptin levels, a potential increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase, and a potential decreased activity of glutathione peroxidase. IL-10 was increased by matcha tea consumption. The data suggest that matcha tea may have some potential effect on weight loss, along with anti-inflammatory properties. The findings of this study will be used to design a multicenter randomized clinical trial to examine the potential weight loss benefits of matcha tea.

Significance of serum VIP and PACAP in multiple sclerosis: an exploratory case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system. Vasoactive and intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) are neuropeptides that play roles in anti-inflammation and neuroprotection in MS. In this study, we aimed to determine the serum levels of VIP and PACAP in MS patients versus healthy controls and to correlate them with demographics and clinical characteristics. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from MS patients (n = 145) and healthy controls (n = 73) to measure serum levels VIP and PACAP. RESULTS: VIP serum levels were lower in MS patients than healthy controls (p < 0.001). Serum PACAP levels were the same among the two groups. Gender-based analysis showed that VIP levels were lower in healthy females (1238.840 pg/ml) than healthy males (3300.105 pg/ml; p < 0.001), and PACAP serum levels were significantly lower in male MS patients (48,516.214 fg/ml) than female MS patients (62,466.400 fg/ml; p = 0.029). ROC curve suggested that serum VIP level can discriminate patients with MS from healthy controls. Relapsing-remitting MS, progressive-MS, and clinically isolated syndrome groups were different in age, MS disease duration, EDSS score, and VIP levels (p < 0.05). MS disease type and history of previous relapses in the preceding 24 months predicted serum VIP levels, while gender predicted PACAP levels. CONCLUSION: VIP serum levels are decreased in MS patients and can be used to differentiate between MS patients and healthy controls. Further studies with larger sample sizes are required to investigate VIP as a marker to reflect MS disease progression.

E-cigarettes use among university students in Jordan: Perception and related knowledge.

The use of e-cigarettes has been increasing in popularity among people, especially young adults. Assessing young individuals' perceptions of e-cigarettes can help to identify factors that may influence their decision to use e-cigarettes. To examine prevalence, perceptions, and knowledge of e-cigarettes among university students in Jordan, an observational cross-sectional study using an online self-administered questionnaire was conducted among students from public and private universities between October 2020 and January 2021. A total of 1259 university students completed the questionnaire. Approximately, 11% of participants reported e-cigarettes use. Among users, 26.5% used it for the purpose of smoking cessation, while 22% of them used it out of curiosity, and 20.5% used it as they believed it is less harmful than other tobacco products. Multivariate analysis showed that conventional cigarette smokers were independently associated with a better knowledge about e-cigarettes (OR = 1.496, 95CI% = 1.018-2.197, p-value = 0.040). In addition, medical students showed a significantly better knowledge compared to non-medical students (OR = 1.710, 95CI% = 1.326-2.204, p-value = <0.001). In Jordan, e-cigarettes use is less popular compared to other countries. Nonetheless, educational interventions are needed to correct misconceptions about e-cigarettes among young adults.

Effect of E-cigarettes aerosol exposure during lactation in rats: Hormonal and biochemical aspects.

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have been marketed as a less lethal substitute for smoking traditional cigarettes. This study aims to investigate the impact of e-cigarettes aerosol exposure on lactating dams and pups, whose dams were exposed. Lactating dams received fresh air (control) or e-cigarettes aerosol during lactation (day 4-21). Maternal exposure to e-cigarettes aerosol during lactation induced significant reduction (P < 0.0001) in the fat content of the milk and serum Leptin level (P < 0.005) compared to control dams. Furthermore, pups whose dams were exposed to e-cigarettes during lactation showed an increased level of glucose, thyroxine and decreased level of insulin. The exposure to e-cigarettes aerosol during lactation altered the composition of milk as well as the hormonal and biochemical profile in dams and pups. This result, if observed in women using e-cigarettes, suggests that e-cigarettes' use during lactation may have consequences on the milk production and hormonal and biochemical profile in breastfeeding mothers and nursing babies.

Remdesivir: A Closer Look at Its Effect in COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiology of COVID-19 pandemic, resulted in significant harm to the affected countries in every aspect of life. The virus infected over 139 million patients and resulted in over 2.9 million deaths until April 16, 2021. New variants of this virus were identified that spread rapidly worldwide. SUMMARY: Remdesivir, a prodrug of adenosine nucleotide analog, is an antiviral with a broad spectrum of activity that was tested on SARS and Middle East respiratory syndrome infections. In vitro studies conducted on SARS-CoV-2 revealed that remdesivir inhibited viral replication with high selectivity index in cell cultures. In vivo studies showed that remdesivir reduced viral load in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and attenuated pulmonary infiltrates in infected animals. Further, remdesivir showed promising results in terms of clinical improvement, shortening the recovery time, mortality rate, and the duration of oxygen need, despite that some clinical trials did not reveal significant effect on remdesivir use. Several studies showed positive results of remdesivir against the new variants. Key Messages: Remdesivir showed a promising beneficial effect against new variants of SARS-CoV-2, but more clinical evidence is needed to confirm this effect.

The effect of electronic cigarettes exposure on learning and memory functions: behavioral and molecular analysis.

Objective: Electronic cigarettes (ECIGs) are battery-powered devices that emit vaporized solutions for the user to inhale. ECIGs are marketed as a less harmful alternative to combustible cigarettes. The current study examined the effects of ECIG aerosol exposure on learning and memory, expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the hippocampus.Methods: Male Wistar rats were exposed to ECIG aerosol, by a whole-body exposure system, 1 h/day for 1 week, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks. Spatial learning and memory were tested using the Radial Arm Water Maze (RAWM). Hippocampal BDNF protein level, and oxidative stress biomarkers (GPx, SOD, GSH, GSSG, GSH/GSSG ratio) were also assessed.Results: ECIG aerosol exposure for 4 and 12 weeks impaired both short- and long- term memory and induced reductions in the hippocampus BDNF, SOD and GPx activities, and GSH/GSSG ratio (p < 0.05). No changes in any examined biomarkers were observed after 1-week exposure to ECIG aerosol (p > 0.05).Conclusions: ECIG aerosol exposure impaired functional memory and elicited changes in brain chemistry that are consistent with reduced function and oxidative stress.

The knowledge of community pharmacists about appropriate dosing of antibiotics among paediatrics: A national study from Jordan.

OBJECTIVE: Paediatric patients are highly exposed to medication errors especially dosing errors. This study assessed the community pharmacists' knowledge about appropriate dosing of antibiotics among paediatric patients, factors affecting community pharmacists' knowledge and barriers that lead to inappropriate dosing of antibiotics. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 1283 Jordanian pharmacists who worked in community pharmacies. Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression were conducted. RESULTS: The response rate was 87.1%. The majority of pharmacists (86.4%) were non-knowledgeable about appropriate dosing of antibiotics among paediatrics. The monthly income of the pharmacist was positively associated with pharmacists' knowledge. The case of azithromycin dosing in acute bacterial pharyngitis was answered correctly by the highest percentage of community pharmacists (55.8%) while the case of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole dosing in lower urinary tract infection was answered correctly by the lowest percentage (15.7%). Poor scientific knowledge about dose calculation was the most reported barrier by the participants (54.7%). CONCLUSION: Most community pharmacists were non-knowledgeable about appropriate dosing of antibiotics in paediatrics and the level of knowledge was affected by monthly income. Implementing adequate and appropriate educational programmes, constructing specific guidelines that regulate antibiotics practice among community pharmacists are highly recommended.

Attitudes and Knowledge of the Harmful Effects of Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking among university students: A study from Jordan.

Waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS) is an emerging behavior worldwide, especially among the youth. It continues to spike in the Middle-Eastern region. WTS is associated with many harmful health-related outcomes.Objective: Herein, the attitude, knowledge, and factors affecting the knowledge of university students toward the detrimental effects of WTS were examined. This was a cross-sectional study where university students filled an online questionnaire that was available between October 2019 and May 2020. A total of 966 questionnaires were filled. About 40% of participants were current waterpipe smokers. Around 30% of participants stated that WTS is not addictive, and about third of them indicated that smoking waterpipe is an essential part of social gathering and is socially accepted behavior. Half of participants (55.8%) were knowledgeable about the major harmful consequences of WTS. Older students were more knowledgeable as compared to younger ones. In contrast, students from non-medical colleges and waterpipe smokers were less knowledgeable in comparison to those in medical colleges and non-smokers, respectively. More targeted health campaigns to control the use of WTS among university students should be implemented.

Acceptance and attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines: A cross-sectional study from Jordan.

Vaccines are effective interventions that can reduce the high burden of diseases globally. However, public vaccine hesitancy is a pressing problem for public health authorities. With the availability of COVID-19 vaccines, little information is available on the public acceptability and attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccines in Jordan. This study aimed to investigate the acceptability of COVID-19 vaccines and its predictors in addition to the attitudes towards these vaccines among public in Jordan. An online, cross-sectional, and self-administered questionnaire was instrumentalized to survey adult participants from Jordan on the acceptability of COVID-19 vaccines. Logistic regression analysis was used to find the predictors of COVID-19 vaccines' acceptability. A total of 3,100 participants completed the survey. The public acceptability of COVID-19 vaccines was fairly low (37.4%) in Jordan. Males (OR = 2.488, 95CI% = 1.834-3.375, p < .001) and those who took the seasonal influenza vaccine (OR = 2.036, 95CI% = 1.306-3.174, p = .002) were more likely to accept COVID-19 vaccines. Similarly, participants who believed that vaccines are generally safe (OR = 9.258, 95CI% = 6.020-14.237, p < .001) and those who were willing to pay for vaccines (OR = 19.223, 95CI% = 13.665-27.042, p < .001), once available, were more likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccines. However, those above 35 years old (OR = 0.376, 95CI% = 0.233-0.607, p < .001) and employed participants (OR = 0.542, 95CI% = 0.405-0.725, p < .001) were less likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccines. Moreover, participants who believed that there was a conspiracy behind COVID-19 (OR = 0.502, 95CI% = 0.356-0.709, p < .001) and those who do not trust any source of information on COVID-19 vaccines (OR = 0.271, 95CI% = 0.183-0.400, p < .001), were less likely to have acceptance towards them. The most trusted sources of information on COVID-19 vaccines were healthcare providers. Systematic interventions are required by public health authorities to reduce the levels of vaccines' hesitancy and improve their acceptance. We believe these results and specifically the low rate of acceptability is alarming to Jordanian health authorities and should stir further studies on the root causes and the need of awareness campaigns. These interventions should take the form of reviving the trust in national health authorities and structured awareness campaigns that offer transparent information about the safety and efficacy of the vaccines and the technology that was utilized in their production.

Waterpipe Tobacco Smoke Exposure during Lactation-Susceptibility of Reproductive Hormones and Oxidative Stress Parameters in Male Progeny Rats.

There is a growing evidence for the public health hazards associated with waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS). While the adverse effects of WTS exposure during pregnancy on the offspring are widely reported, its impact during breastfeeding remains less understood. The effects of WTS exposure during lactation on the reproductive hormones and oxidative stress biomarkers of adult male progeny were examined. Lactating rats received either fresh air (controls) or mainstream WTS for 1 h twice/day from day 4 to day 21 of lactation. The offspring was then followed up until week 20. The data indicated that WTS exposure in the lactating animals reduced the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin (P < 0.05), luteinizing hormone (LH) (P = 0.1146), and estradiol (P = 0.0773) in the blood in male progeny. While the activities of testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and blood levels of testosterone (P >0.05) remained unaltered, the activity of catalase increased significantly indicating an increased oxidant load in the WTS exposed rats compared to the controls. WTS exposure during lactation impairs male reproductive hormonal profile, augments oxidative damage, and potentially affects male fertility in male offspring rats.

Maternal waterpipe tobacco smoke exposure during lactation induces hormonal and biochemical changes in rat dams and offspring.

Waterpipe smoking is common among pregnant and breastfeeding women. Herein, the effects of waterpipe tobacco smoke (WTS) exposure during lactation on milk composition, hormonal levels and biochemical profile in dams and pups were investigated. Lactating Wistar rats were randomly assigned to receive either WTS (2 hours per day) or fresh air (control group). Milk was collected on day 21 and analysed for protein, lactose and total fat. Blood, from dams and pups, was analysed for insulin, glucose, lipid profile, leptin, prolactin and corticosterone. WTS exposure during lactation increased the blood level of HDL and corticosterone in dams (P < .05). However, the level of milk lactose and blood glucose was reduced in dams after the exposure to WTS during lactation (P < .05). WTS during lactation significantly increased levels of triglycerides, LDL and leptin (P < .05), and a trend of increase in blood level of nicotine and prolactin in pups. Levels of other parameters were not affected by WTS exposure in dams and pups. In conclusion, WTS exposure during lactation altered the milk composition and altered lipid profile, glucose homeostasis and hormonal levels in dams and pups. It is necessary to adopt strategies to enhance tobacco cessation during breastfeeding.

Effect of E-Cigarette aerosol exposure on airway inflammation in a murine model of asthma.

OBJECTIVE: The popularity of electronic cigarettes (E-Cigs) smoking is increasing worldwide including patients with asthma. In this study, the effects of E-Cigs aerosol exposure on airway inflammation in an allergen-driven murine model of asthma were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Balb/c mice were randomly assigned to; control group (received fresh air, Ovalbumin (Ova) sensitization and saline challenge), E-Cig group (received E-Cig aerosol, Ova sensitization, and saline challenge), Ova S/C group (received fresh air, Ova sensitization and Ova challenge) and E-Cig + Ova S/C group. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue were evaluated for inflammatory cells and inflammatory mediators, respectively. RESULTS: Exposure to E-Cig aerosol significantly increased the number of all types of inflammatory cells in BALF (p < 0.05). Further, E-Cig aerosol reduced levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 in lung tissue homogenate (p < 0.05). Combined E-Cig aerosol and Ova S/C increased the airway recruitment of inflammatory cells, especially neutrophils, eosinophils, and lymphocytes (p < 0.05), increased the level of interleukin (IL)-13, and reduced the level of TGF-ß1 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: E-Cig aerosol exposure induced airway inflammation in both control mice and allergen-driven murine model of asthma. The inflammatory response induced by E-Cig was slightly higher in allergen-driven murine model of asthma than in healthy animals.

The difference in knowledge and concerns between healthcare professionals and patients about genetic-related issues: A questionnaire-based study.

Effective adoption of genetics in clinical practice requires the support of and interaction between the different partners of healthcare system; healthcare professionals (HCPs) and patients. The study aimed to assess and compare the knowledge, factors affecting the knowledge, and concerns of HCPs and patients regarding genetic-related issues such as lack of knowledge about genetics and genetic conditions, awareness of the importance of genetics in clinical practice and genetic services and resources deficits. A cross sectional study was conducted in different areas of Jordan using a convenient sampling approach. An English questionnaire was self-administered to HCPs. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with patients in Arabic by trained researcher. A total of 1000 HCPs and 1448 patients were recruited. There was a significant difference (p<0.001) in the knowledge between HCPs and patients. Among HCPs, physicians (OR = 2.278, 95%CI = 1.410-3.680, p = 0.001) and pharmacists (OR = 2.163, 95%CI = 1.362-3.436, p = 0.001) were more knowledgeable than nurses. In addition, females were more knowledgeable than males (OR = 1.717, 95%CI = 1.203-2.451, p = 0.003). Among patients, participants who had a bachelor degree (OR = 1.579, 95%CI = 1.231-2.025, p<0.001) were more knowledgeable compared to those who only had school education. HCPs appeared to have more concerns than patients (p<0.001) regarding all genetic-related issues. These findings suggested a positive association between education and genetic knowledge as well as concerns; as HCPs were more knowledgeable and concerned than patients. Appropriate integration and expansion of basic genetic knowledge courses and clinical genetic training in the curriculum should be adopted to prepare HCPs to enhance the integration of genetic information in clinical settings.

Effect of waterpipe tobacco smoke exposure on the development of metabolic syndrome in adult male rats.

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is increased worldwide. Tobacco smoking increases the risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Waterpipe tobacco smoking has become a global trend of tobacco consumption and is as common as cigarette smoking. In this study, the effect of waterpipe tobacco smoke (WTS) on the development of metabolic syndrome in rats was evaluated. Adult Wistar rats were exposed for 19 weeks to either fresh air (control) or WTS for 1 hour daily/ 5 days per week (WTS). Central obesity, systolic blood pressure, lipid profile, glucose hemostasis and levels of leptin and adiponectin were evaluated. The WTS exposure increased body weight, abdominal circumference, systolic blood pressure and fasting glucose compared to control animals (P<0.05), consistent with inducing metabolic syndrome. The retroperitoneal fat, lipid profile and levels of insulin, leptin and adiponectin were not affected by WTS exposure (P>0.05). In conclusion, exposure to WTS has detrimental health effects leading to the development of metabolic syndrome in experimental animals.

The CHRNA5 Polymorphism (rs16969968) and its Association with Waterpipe Smoking Addiction among Jordanians.

Waterpipe smoking is a form of tobacco use that causes nicotine/tobacco dependence and has become a global health problem. In the current study, the association of rs16969968 SNP in the CHRNA5 gene with waterpipe dependence was investigated. A total of 386 men and women who used a waterpipe to smoke tobacco were recruited and divided into less dependent and more dependent smokers based on their score on the Lebanon Waterpipe Dependence Scale (LWDS). Results showed a significant difference in the distribution of GG, GA, and AA genotypes by waterpipe dependence status (P<0.001). The more dependent group showed a higher frequency of the AA genotype than the less dependent smokers' group (38% versus 23% respectively). In addition, the more dependent smokers exhibited more A allele than less dependent smokers (53% versus 37% respectively, P<0.001). In conclusion, there is an association between the rs16969968 SNP and waterpipe dependence as assessed by the LWDS.