Olive Leaf Extract Downregulates the Protein Expression of Key SARS-CoV-2 Entry Enzyme ACE-2, TMPRSS2, and Furin.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 poses ongoing global health challenges due to its propensity for mutations, which can undermine vaccine efficacy. With no definitive treatment available, urgent research into affordable and biocompatible therapeutic agents is extremely urgent. Angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACEII), transmembrane protease serine subtype 2 (TMPRSS2), and Furin enzymes, which allow the virus to enter cells, are particularly important as potential drug targets among scientists. Olive leaf extract (OLE) has garnered attention for its potential against COVID-19, yet its mechanism remains understudied. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of OLE on ACEII, TMPRSS2, and Furin protein expressions by cell culture study. Total phenol, flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacity were measured by photometric methods, and oleuropein levels were measured by liquid LC-HR-MS. Cell viability was analyzed by ATP levels using a luminometric method.  ACEII, TMPRSS2, and Furin expressions were analyzed by the Western Blotting method. ACEII, TMPRSS2, and Furin protein expression levels were significantly lower in dose dependent manner and the highest inhibition was seen at 100 ug/ml OLE. The results showed that OLE may be a promising treatment candidate for COVID-19 disease.  However, further studies need to be conducted in cells co-infected with the virus.

The effect of perceived stress on menstrual complaints in university students.

Studies have examined the effect of stress on dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome. For this reason in this study, it was aimed to determine the impact of stress on menstrual symptoms (adverse effects, abdominal pain, and coping methods). This descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 351 university students in Turkey by sharing the link to the questionnaire on online social media platforms. It was determined that those whose income was equal to their expenses had lower menstrual symptoms, having a chronic disease and smoking increased menstrual symptoms (F = 3.19/p = .04; t = 2.33/p = .02; t = 3.96/p = .00). The study identified that there was a positive low-level correlation (r: 0.25, p < .01) between the Perceived Stress Scale-14 and the Menstruation Symptom Questionnaire, and the 6.5 percent change in menstrual symptoms was explained by perceived stress. In the study, it is thought that stress affects the experience of menstrual symptoms. Therefore, it is believed that by providing training on stress and effective coping methods by midwives and nurses, menstrual symptoms can be reduced, contributing to women's health. For future studies, it is recommended to examine the effects of stress coping methods training on stress and menstrual complaints.

Propolis Enhances 5-Fluorouracil Mediated Antitumor Efficacy and Reduces Side Effects in Colorectal Cancer: An in Vitro and in Vivo Study.

In this study, we investigated the combined treatment of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and Anatolian propolis extract (PE) on colorectal cancer (CRC)using in vitro and in vivo studies. We exposed luciferase-transfected (Lovo-Luc CRC) cells and healthy colon cells (CCD-18Co) to varying concentrations of 5-FU and PE to assess their genotoxic, apoptotic, and cytotoxic effects, as well as their intracellular reactive oxygen species (iROS) levels. We also developed a xenograft model in nude mice and evaluated the anti-tumor effects of PE and 5-FU using various methods. Our findings showed that the combination of PE and 5-FU had selectivity against cancer cells, particularly at higher doses, and enhanced the anti-tumor effectiveness of 5-FU against colon CRC. The results suggest that PE can reduce side effects and increase the effectiveness of 5-FU through iROS generation in a dose-dependent manner.

Interruption of Breastfeeding, Relactation, Relactation Awareness, and Related Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to investigate interruptions in breastfeeding, relactation, and relactation awareness-related factors. Methods and Study Design: This cross-sectional online survey was conducted in 2020 with women who had children between 6 and 36 months of age. Women >18 years of age and willing to consent to study participation (n = 392) were recruited throughout Turkey. Data were collected online through Google forms using the Personal Information Form, and Relactation Awareness Index (RAI). The dependent variables of the study were continuing breastfeeding, relactation, and breastfeeding awareness. Logistic and linear regression analyses were performed. Results: Of the participants, 53.1% exclusively breastfed their infants in the first 6 months of life, and 34.9% interrupted breastfeeding. Of those who interrupted breastfeeding, 39.4% achieved success in relactation. The rate of failed relactation was 9.16 times higher in primary school graduates and 2.37 times higher in those who perceived their milk supply as insufficient. The rate was also high in those whose RAI score was low (p < 0.05). Factors such as perception that milk supply is inadequate, lack of education and interruption of breastfeeding are associated with awareness of relactation. According to the linear regression analysis, breastfeeding within the first hour of delivery, length of time planned for breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life affected relactation awareness positively, whereas the perceived milk supply affected it negatively (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Awareness of relactation should be raised and trainings should be organized to increase the success of relactation. Especially mothers who have interrupted breastfeeding need supportive and professional interventions to continue breastfeeding.

Circulating furin, IL-6, and presepsin levels and disease severity in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has resulted in a vast number of infections and deaths that deeply affect the world. When the virus encounters the host cell, it binds to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, then the S protein of the virus is broken down by the transmembrane protease serine 2 with the help of furin, allowing the virus to enter the cell. The elevated inflammatory cytokines suggest that a cytokine storm, also known as cytokine release syndrome, may play a major role in the pathology of COVID-19. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between circulating furin levels, disease severity, and inflammation in patients with SARS-CoV-2. A total of 52 SARS-CoV-2 patients and 36 healthy control participants were included in this study. SARS- CoV-2 patients were scored by the disease activity score. Serum furin, presepsin, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mean furin, presepsin, and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in the peripheral blood of SARS-CoV-2 compared to the controls (p < 0.001). There were close positive relationship between serum furin and IL-6, furin and presepsin, and furin and disease severity (r = 0.793, p < 0001; r = 0.521, p < 0.001; and r = 0,533, p < 0.001, respectively) in patients with SARS-CoV-2. These results suggest that furin may contribute to the exacerbation of SARS-CoV-2 infection and increased inflammation, and could be used as a predictor of disease severity in COVID-19 patients.