Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

Regulatory mechanism of lncRNA miR143HG in miR-504 and its effect on proliferation and apoptosis of non-small cell lung cancer cells

Zhe Li, Jinhua Liu, Yingqun Zhu, Qian Cai — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: To investigate the expression and functional role of miR143HG in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and its effect on human lung adenocarcinoma cell behavior.

Methods: Differential expression of miR143HG between NSCLC tissues and healthy counterparts was identified through bioinformatic analysis. Subsequently, this expression difference in A549 and BEAS2B cells was validated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Overexpression of miR143HG in A549 cells was achieved through liposome-mediated transfection, while cell proliferation as well as apoptosis levels were assessed using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, flow cytometry, and protein blotting. Expression of miR-504 (predicted as a target of miR143HG) was determined. Furthermore, A549 cells that overexpress both miR143HG and miR-504 were generated for comparison with cells overexpressing only miR143HG.

Results: Compared to BEAS-2B cells, A549 cells showed significantly reduced miR143HG and elevated miR-504 levels (p < 0.05). In A549 cells with miR143HG overexpression, cell proliferation and miR-504 expression significantly reduced while pro-apoptotic proteins (BAX, p53) significantly increased (p < 0.05). Simultaneous overexpression of miR143HG and miR-504 in A549 cells counteracted the effect of miR143HG alone, thus enhancing proliferation and diminishing pro-apoptotic protein expression, similar to control.

Conclusion: Downregulation of MiR143HG occurs in human lung adenocarcinoma cells. Upregulation of MiR143HG impedes A549 cell proliferation, promotes apoptosis through pro-apoptotic protein modulation and suppresses miR-504. Co-overexpression of miR143HG and miR-504 reverses these effects, resembling control conditions. Thus, miR143HG exerts its anti-cancer effect in A549 cells by modulating miR-504 and activating p53 pathway.

Ginsenoside R3 alleviates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by regulating the PPARγ/miR-103-3p pathway

Chenyi Li, Danjun Fan — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: To determine the effect of ginsenoside R3 (Rg3) on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and the mechanism involved.

Methods: High-fat diet (HFD) was used to establish an NAFLD mouse model. The mice were daily and intraperitoneally injected with Rg3 at a dose of 1 mg/kg. Blood lipid levels and levels of liver inflammatory markers were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) while liver pathological changes and lipid accumulation were assessed with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining and oil red O staining, respectively. The mRNA and protein expressions of miR-103-3p and PPARγ were determined with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blot assay, respectively. Furthermore, an in vitro hepatocyte NAFLD model was established, and Rg3 was used to treat the cells; PPARγ was overexpressed in the cells. Lipid accumulation, inflammatory factors, as well as PPARγ and miR-103-3p expressions were assessed as indicated for the in vivo studies above. Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry.

Results: Rg3 alleviated the NAFLD-induced decreases in liver function, reversed NAFLD-mediated pathological injury in liver tissue injury, and decreased hepatic lipid build-up and inflammatory lesions (p < 0.05). It also significantly reversed the upregulation of PPARγ and miR-103-3p in the liver tissue of NAFLD mice. At the cellular level, Rg3 significantly inhibited free fatty acid (FFA)-induced lipid accumulation, apoptosis and inflammatory factors in primary mouse hepatocytes. The PPARγ overexpression counteracted the inhibitory effect of Rg3 on hepatocyte apoptosis, and increased miR103-3p expression (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: These data suggest that Rg3 mitigates NAFLD through regulation of the PPARγ/miR-103- 3p pathway. Therefore, Rg3 may be suitable for the treatment of NAFLD. However, clinical trials are required to ascertain the validity of this therapeutic strategy in clinical practice.

Assessment of organ weight changes in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats treated with Olea europaea L. leaf extract

Dalila Bencheikh, Seddik Khennouf, Saliha Dahamna — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: To evaluate the antidiabetic activity of crude extract of Olea europaea L. (CEOE) leaves in streptozotocin induced-diabetic rats and also to determine its tannin content.

Methods: Thirty (30) male, normoglycemic Wistar rats (170 - 250 g) were randomly divided into five groups of six rats each. Group 1, which served as the normal control group, received distilled water while groups 2 and 3, were administered 200 and 600 mg/kg of CEOE extract daily for 18 days, respectively. Group 4 was given glibenclamide (Glibil; 3 mg/kg) while group 5 served as the untreated diabetic control group. Diabetes was induced with a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg) and rats with blood glucose levels ≥ 250 mg/dL were confirmed to be diabetic. The blood glucose concentration, water and feed intake, tannin content of CEOE as well as the weight of organs were determined.

Results: The results showed that O. europea contained a large amount of tannins (806.22 ± 0.036 μg Tannic Acid Equivalent/g Extract). Administration of the extract (200 and 600 mg/kg) significantly decreased polydipsia and polyphagia, and reversed weight loss in rats with diabetes (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) in comparison with glibenclamide.

Conclusion: The antidiabetic activity of the crude extract of O. europea was higher than that observed with glibenclamide, thus validating the folkloric use of this plant in diabetes care. Further investigation of Olea europea, including thorough chemical and pharmacological studies, are required.

Effect of Lonicerae japonicae caulis extract on the growth and apoptosis of human osteosarcoma U2OS cells

XiaoWei Dong, RuShan Yan, QiJun Yao, Yu Lei, Haidong Liang — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: To determine the effect of Lonicerae japonicae Caulis extract (LJCE) on the proliferation, apoptosis, and cycle distribution of human osteosarcoma U2OS cells.

Methods: Human osteosarcoma U2OS cells were treated with LJCE at doses of 10, 20, 30 and 40 mg/mL, with untreated U2OS cells as the control group. Cell proliferation was measured using MTT method, while flow cytometric analysis was used for determination of apoptosis and cell cycle distribution.

Results: As LJCE concentration increased, the viability of U2OS cells gradually decreased, while the apoptosis rate gradually increased. The LJCE treatment had no marked effect on G1 phase cells (p > 0.05). However, the population of G2 cells in each group increased with increasing LJCE concentration, while the S phase cells in each group decreased with increasing concentration. The cells were significantly blocked in the G2 phase (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Lonicerae japonicae Caulis extract inhibits the proliferation of U2OS cells and promotes apoptosis of U2OS cells. Therefore, LJCE possesses potentials as a novel therapeutic agent for osteosarcoma.

Immunomodulatory potential and toxicological assessment of methanol extract and fractions of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta root

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: To evaluate the paramunity induction potentials of crude methanol extract (CME) and methanol fractions (MF) of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (CS) root (Fam. Periplocaceae).

Method: A total of forty (40) albino rats were divided into two sets of four groups, with five animals per group. Groups 1 – 3 of both animal sets were orally administered 200, 300 and 500 mg/kg bw of CME and MF, respectively once daily for 14 days. Furthermore, Group 4 of both sets served as negative control. The effect of extracts on early-type hypersensitivity (ETH), delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH), leukocyte count and haemagglutinin titer using sheep red blood cell (SRBC) as antigen were evaluated.

Results: Significant (p < 0.05) body weight gains were recorded in the animal groups treated with the ME while no changes were observed in the relative organ weight of all the animals in all the groups. Acute toxicity studies yielded no adverse effect. The CME and MF elicited significant (p < 0.05) increases and decreases in ETH and DTH, respectively, at all doses. They showed a significant (p < 0.05) dose-dependent, stimulatory effect on primary and secondary antibody titer across the treated groups. Packed cell volume and red blood cell count increased significantly (p < 0.05), while a dosedependent increase occurred in neutrophil counts in rats receiving CME, but the MF-treated rats had significantly decreased (p < 0.05) neutrophil counts at 300 mg/kg compared to control. Both CME and MF did not affect lymphocyte counts.

Conclusion: Cryptolepis sanguinolenta extract and MF produce significant stimulatory effects on humoral immunity (antibody) with non-significant impact on cellular and innate immunity. Future studies will require isolation and characterization of the bioactive compounds in the plant extracts.

Determination of optimal dosage of extract of Angelica gigas Nakai against benign prostatic hyperplasia

Jae Seon Kang, Jin Young Lee — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: To investigate the effect of Angelica gigas Nakai ethanol extract (AGNEX) on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) models induced by castration and testosterone propionate (TP) injection.

Methods: 30 rats were randomly divided into six groups of five rats each. One group was used as a normal control (CON) and the other groups were castrated and injected intraperitoneally with TP to induce BPH. Positive control group (PCON) was administered finasteride (5 mg/kg) for 4 weeks and BPH-induced group without treatment was used as negative control (NCON). Groups administered AGNEX (1.25 mg/kg (AG1.25), 5 mg/kg (AG5), or 10 mg/kg (AG10)) instead of finasteride were assigned as study groups. The complete blood cell and lipid profiles, liver and kidney function assays, serum 5α-reductase activity and DHT levels as well as the histological examination of prostate tissues were determined.

Results: The prostate volume of AG10 group decreased by approximately 35 % compared to BPH induced group (NCON). The prostate weight ratio decreased by 10 % in BPH + finasteride group compared to NCON group, and by 24 and 22 % in the AG5 and AG10 groups, respectively. AG10 group exhibited the lowest levels of 5α-reductase and dihydrotestosterone. Histopathological observations of prostate tissue showed normal cell shapes and reduced intraluminal polyp formation in the control and AGNEX-administered groups.

Conclusion: The administration of 10 mg/kg of AGNEX is optimal dose for protective effect against BPH. Therefore, AGNEX has potentials for further investigations as source of lead agents for BPH management.

In vivo acute toxicity, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of phenolic extract of Matricaria pubescens

Hassiba Metrouh-Amir, Nadir Amir — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: To evaluate the in vivo acute toxicity, analgesic and anti-inflammatory proprieties of the phenolic extract of Matricaria pubescens (Desf.) Schultz (Asteraceae).

Methods: Acute toxicity assessment was carried out on 18 mice that were divided equally into three groups and treated orally with saline, 2500 and 5000 mg/kg of M. pubescens extract, respectively. The evaluation of peripheral analgesic activity was done by applying acetic acid-induced contortion test on 40 mice. The mice were divided into 5 equal groups of 8 mice each. Negative and positive control groups were treated orally with saline (1 %) and acetylsalicylic acid (200 mg/kg), respectively. Other groups were treated with 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of M. pubescens extract. Study groups were administered saline, diclofenac potassium (10 mg/kg) and M. pubescens extract orally at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg. Central analgesic activity was carried out using the tail immersion test. The distribution and treatment of the mice was similar to the analgesic model. Anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated by carrageenan-induced mice paw edema.

Results: Acute toxicity results showed that the LD50 of M. pubescens phenolic extract is above 5000 mg/kg, which means that this extract is safe. Peripheral and central analgesic data revealed that different doses of extract significantly inhibited abdominal contractions and reduced pain caused by heat compared to control (p ˂ 0.05). Anti-inflammatory activity data indicate significant inhibition of inflammatory edema at various doses compared to diclofenac potassium (p ˂ 0.05).

Conclusion: The phenolic extract of M. pubescens exerts significant peripheral, central analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities in mice. However, further investigations are required to ascertain the potentials of the extract for its clinical development.

Diversity of curcuminoids, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities in three species of Curcuma

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: To investigate the physical characteristics, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of curcuminoids, phenolic acids, and flavonoid compounds in three Curcuma species (C. mangga, C. zedoria, and C. longa).

Methods: Rhizomes of three Curcuma species (C. mangga, C. zedoria, and C. longa) were collected, and then curcuminoids, phenolics and flavonoid acids were determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy. Antioxidant activities were assessed by 2,2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays.

Results: Variations in colour metrics such as lightness (L*), red-green (a*), and yellow-blue (b*) indicated different bioactive compounds. C. longa exhibited significantly higher concentration of curcuminoids (333.2 µg/g DW), total phenolic content (TPC, 116.7 mg GAE/g DW) and total flavonoid content (TFC, 16.1 mg RE/g DW) compared to C. mangga, and C. zedoria (p < 0.05). Furthermore, C. longa exhibited significantly higher antioxidant activity than C. mangga, and C. zedoria (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The results indicate significant variations in bioactive composition between the three species of the genus Curcuma. Curcuma longa shows significantly higher concentration of curcuminoids, TPC, and TFC as well as antioxidant activity compared to C. mangga and C. zedoria. Future studies are required to examine the impact of natural variables, growing conditions, and processing techniques on the prevalence of bioactive chemicals and correlation with biological activities.

Effect of the combination of dexmedetomidine and sufentanil after laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with gallbladder diseases

Yan Chen, Xiangliu Liu, Gaohua Wang, Haifeng Guo — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: To investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine plus sufentanil on in-patients after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

Methods: A total of 120 patients with gallbladder disease in Jingxian Hospital, China who were treated with LC were assigned equally to control and study cohorts. Control group received sufentanil, while study group received dexmedetomidine and sufentanil after surgery. The extent of sedation, degree of pain, and dosage of self-controlled analgesia pump drug, were evaluated within 48 h. Serum levels of stress indicators such as cortisol (Cor), norepinephrine (NE), angiotensin II (AngII), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and inflammatory factors: interleukin-17 (IL-17), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were determined.

Results: Values of Ramsay sedation scores after surgery in study group were significantly higher than those in control group (p < 0.05). The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were significantly lower in study group than in control group. The self-controlled analgesia pump drug dosages were significantly lower in study cohort (p < 0.05). Study cohort had lower levels of Cor, NE, AngII, TNF-α, and hs-CRP after surgery than control cohort, while SOD level was higher in study cohort than in control cohort (p < 0.05). There was a significantly lower incidence of adverse reactions in study cohort.

Conclusion: The combination of dexmedetomidine and sufentanil as postoperative analgesia in LC significantly improves sedation and analgesia, reduces sufentanil use, alleviates stress response and inflammation, and reduces adverse reactions. Future long-term and large-scale monitoring is required to further validate these findings.

Effect of mecobalamin dispersible tablets and surgical treatment on nerve conduction velocity and skin sympathetic reflex in cervical spondylotic radiculopathy patients

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: To investigate the effect of mecobalamin dispersible tablets and surgical treatment on nerve conduction velocity and skin sympathetic reflex in patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR).

Methods: 82 patients diagnosed with CSR between February 2019 and January 2022 in Inner Mongolia Medical University School of Basic Medicine, Hohhot City, China were randomized into control and study groups comprising 41 patients each. The control group was treated with anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion, while the study group was treated with mecobalamin dispersible tablets in addition to surgery. Efficacy was assessed 3 months after surgery.

Results: Efficacy in the study group was significantly higher than in the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the study group had significantly greater motor and sensory nerve conduction velocity of the median and ulnar nerve as well as reduced initial wave latency (p < 0.05). Scores of subjective symptoms, clinical signs, and life-work-social adaptability were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Range of motion of the neck significantly improved and brainderived neurotrophic factor and glial neurotrophic factor were significantly increased in the study group compared to control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Mecobalamin dispersible tablets in combination with surgery improve nerve conduction velocity, skin sympathetic reflex function, neurotrophic factor level, cervical motion, and cervical spine function in patients with CSR. Multicenter long-term controlled studies with larger sample sizes are required in future studies.

Effect of intestinal microecological agents on perioperative gastrointestinal function and complications in congenital megacolon

Kunfeng He, Jun Liao, Jun Du, Jiafei Yang, Yingquan Zhuo, Huajian Gu — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy of intestinal microecological agents in enhancing gastrointestinal function in perioperative period of Hirschsprung disease.

Methods: 30 cases with surgically managed Hirschsprung in The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, China between March 2020 and March 2022, were randomized into control and study groups comprising 15 patients each. Both groups underwent laparoscopic-assisted megacolon-modified Swenson radical surgery. Control group received preoperative oral cefaclor suspension for three days, while the study group received Bacillus subtilis diphtheriae granules in addition to preoperative oral cefaclor suspension for four days prior to surgery, and continued from day 10 to day 24 after surgery. Symptoms, efficacy, safety, intestinal microecology, gastrointestinal function, inflammation, and nutrition were assessed upon admission, and 10 days after surgery. Postoperative complications were compared.

Results: Bacterial counts in both groups increased significantly on Day 10 after surgery compared to the counts at admission (p < 0.05). The study group exhibited significantly higher counts compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The bacilli- to-cocci ratio in the study group did not change significantly (p > 0.05). Nutritional status was significantly higher in the study group compared to control group 10 days after surgery (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the incidence of small bowel colitis was lower in the study group compared to control group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications in both groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Perioperative use of intestinal microecological agents effectively corrects dysbiosis, improves gastrointestinal function, regulates nutritional indices, and reduces postoperative complications in patients with Hirschsprung disease. Future studies involving a larger number of participants from different ethnic extractions would be required to improve the quality of results obtained from this investigation.

Effect of glucocorticoids on anti-infective efficacy and prognosis of children with bronchiolitis caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Fei Jiang, Wenjie Mao, Yu Wan, Qianyuan Yang, Fei Fan, Zhiying Huang — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: To investigate the effect of glucocorticoid administration on anti-infective efficacy and prognosis of children diagnosed with bronchiolitis caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP).

Methods: 100 children from January 2021 to June 2023 diagnosed with MP- induced bronchiolitis at the Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China were randomized into study (n = 45) and control groups (n = 55). The study group received conventional medication (azithromycin at 10 mg/kg on the first day followed by 5 mg/kg/day for 5 days) in addition to glucocorticoids, while control group received the same conventional medication without glucocorticoids. The study group was treated with prednisone (2 mg/kg/day), once a day for 5 days. Inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) levels) before and after treatment, duration of medication, disease course, clinical efficacy, and prognosis were compared.

Results: There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between both groups (p > 0.05). The study group showed significantly reduced CRP and PCT levels, shorter medication and disease duration, and a higher efficacy compared to control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Administration of glucocorticoids in addition to conventional medication in MP-induced bronchiolitis reduces levels of inflammatory markers, improves clinical symptoms, and enhances efficacy. Future studies using prospective, randomized controlled trials, larger sample sizes that cut across multicenter sites, standardized treatment protocols, and long-term follow-up will be required to more accurately confirm the safety and efficacy of glucocorticoids in the management of MP-induced bronchiolitis.

Effect of N-acetylcysteine aerosol inhalation on serum levels of inflammatory factors and immune function in children with upper airway cough syndrome

Mengmeng Zhong, Nan Zheng, Hui Huang — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: To investigate the influence of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) aerosol inhalation on serum inflammatory factors and immune function in children with upper airway cough syndrome (UACS).

Methods: 118 children with UACS who were on admission at Wenzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, China between September 2021 and February 2023, were enrolled in the study. They were assigned to control and study cohorts, with 59 patients per group. Control group received routine treatment (3 mL of normal saline via nebulized inhalation 2 times/day), while the study group received 3 mL of NAC aerosol inhalation via nebulized inhalation 2 times/day. Both groups were treated for 2 weeks. Thereafter, the two groups were compared with respect to total treatment effectiveness, cough symptom and Lund-Kennedy ratings, levels of inflammatory factors (interleukin-13 (IL-13), interleukin-27 (IL-27), C-reactive protein (CPR)) and concentrations of immune function indices (CD3 + , CD4 + and CD8 + ) before and after treatment, and adverse reactions.

Results: Treatment effectiveness (efficacy) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in study cohort than in control cohort (89.83 vs 71.19 %). The 2 cohorts had significant reductions in scores on cough symptoms and Lund-Kennedy, with smaller values in study cohort. In both groups, the levels of IL-13 and CPR were decreased, while IL-27 level was increased. Levels of IL-13 and CPR in study group were significantly lower than those in control group, while IL-27 level was significantly higher than that in control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: N-acetylcysteine aerosol inhalation enhances curative effect, relieves clinical symptoms, reduces inflammation, and improves immunity in UACS children, and shows good degree of safety. However, its long-term efficacy needs to be studied.

Effect of dexmedetomidine on postoperative arrhythmias in children undergoing direct cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation (cardiopulmonary bypass)

Dandan Zhou, Chen Ma, Shi Dong, Xiaofei Wang, Xiaodong Han — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: To investigate the potential of dexmedetomidine in preventing or reducing postoperative arrhythmias in pediatric patients undergoing direct vision cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation (cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB)).

Methods: 62 children undergoing elective CPB cardiac surgery in Northwest Women and Children’s Hospital, Xian, China between May 2020 and June 2023 were randomly and equally divided into study and control groups. The study group received a loading dose of 1 μg/ kg dexmedetomidine followed by continuous intravenous infusion during surgery, while control group received an equivalent volume of saline infusion during surgery. Clinical data, perioperative indices (adverse reactions and intraoperative use of vasoactive drugs), levels of lactic acid, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and postoperative arrhythmias were compared between the two groups at the end of the surgery.

Results: The study group showed significantly lower postoperative lactate and BUN levels compared to the control group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in incidence of intraoperative hypotension, bradycardia, tachycardia, and vasoactive drug use between the two groups (p > 0.05). The study group showed significantly lower incidences of postoperative nausea and vomiting as well as supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias compared to control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, mean arterial pressure (MAP) at T2 and T3 was significantly lower in study group compared to control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine reduces postoperative lactate, BUN levels, incidence of postoperative supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias, maintains hemodynamic stability, attenuates stress responses, preserves renal function, and decreases postoperative nausea and vomiting in pediatric CPB cardiac surgery. Large-sample multicenter clinical trials are needed for validation in further studies.

Effect of the combination of radioiodine therapy and euthyrox in BRAF-mutated thyroid cancer post-total thyroidectomy

Qiang Fu, Xueyang Huang, Yu Yang, Yalan Huang — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: To investigate the effect of combining radioiodine therapy with euthyrox in treating thyroid cancer with BRAF gene mutation following total thyroidectomy (TT).

Methods: This retrospective study analyzed records of 98 differentiated thyroid cancer (TC) patients with BRAF gene mutation who underwent TT between February 2018 and January 2020 at Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China. The patients were randomized into control (46 patients) and study groups (53 patients). Control group received euthyrox, while the study group received euthyrox in addition to radioiodine following total thyroidectomy. Efficacy, thyroid function before and after treatment, incidence of adverse reactions, and 3-year recurrence rates were evaluated.

Results: The study group showed significantly higher overall response rate (ORR) compared to control group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in thyrotropin (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and free triiodothyronine (FT3) levels between the groups before treatment (p > 0.05). After treatment, both groups exhibited significant changes in thyroid function, with decreased TSH, and increased FT4 and FT3 levels (p < 0.05). Post-treatment TSH levels were significantly lower while FT4 and FT3 levels were significantly higher in the study group compared to control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Combining radioiodine therapy and Euthyrox following total thyroidectomy enhances therapeutic outcomes in patients with BRAF-mutated TC, improves thyroid function and reduces recurrent risk without increasing adverse reactions. Further studies will aim to expand the sample size and stratify patients by severity to comprehensively validate these findings

Efficacy of triple therapy inhalers in acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Weibiao Wang, Hong Teng — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of triple inhaled therapy, a combination of inhaled glucocorticoids, long-acting muscarinic antagonists, and long-acting β2 agonists in managing acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods: Medical data of 100 patients with acute exacerbation of COPD admitted to Shaoxing Second Hospital, Shaoxing, China between January 2020 to December 2022 was collected and retrospectively analyzed. The patients were randomized into control (n = 50) and study groups (n = 50). Control group received budesonide/formoterol inhalers while the study group received triple inhaled therapy (budesonide/glycopyrronium/formoterol inhalers). Arterial blood gas, pulmonary function, immune function, adverse effects, and efficacy were evaluated.

Results: The study group exhibited significantly higher pH, partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO₂), and lower partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO₂) compared to control group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the study group showed significantly higher levels of pulmonary function and immune function indices compared to control group (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (p > 0.05). The study group was associated with higher clinical efficacy compared to the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Triple inhaled therapy significantly alleviates the clinical symptoms of patients with COPD and enhances pulmonary and immune functions. Future studies should cover a larger and more diverse group of participants for broader validity.

Factors influencing bone metastasis in HER-2 negative breast cancer and the efficacy of capecitabine plus docetaxel

Wei Zhang, Tianzuo Chen, Yan Gao, Yapeng Hu, Jingjing Zhao, Chunluan Yuan — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: The clinical data of HER-2 negative breast cancer patients were analyzed to investigate factors that influence bone metastasis.

Methods: A total of 754 HER-2 negative breast cancer patients composed of the bone metastasis (237 patients) and non-bone metastasis (481 patients) group, were retrospectively and systematically evaluated for their clinicopathological characteristics, treatment modalities and their influencing factors. Both groups were administered a combined treatment of capecitabine and docetaxel and the statistical association between these factors and the development of bone metastases was investigated. Primary tumor location was identified through imaging while the hormone receptor status and tumour molecular classification were assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) on tumor samples and protein expression/genetic profiling, respectively.

Results: A significant difference was seen between the groups in terms of T-stage, N-stage, hormone receptors, tumour molecular classification, axillary lymph node metastasis and quality of life scores (FACT-B) after combined therapy with capecitabine plus docetaxel (p < 0.05), while statistical significance was absent in terms of age and location of the primary site (p > 0.05). Furthermore, logistic regression analysis revealed that high T-stage, Luminal A molecular staging and the occurrence of axillary lymph node metastases were all risk factors for bone metastases in HER-2 negative breast cancer patients (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Combined therapy with capecitabine and docetaxel is effective in the treatment of bone metastases in patients with HER-2 negative breast cancer. A more comprehensive study involving a larger population of diverse patients will be conducted in the future to provide more reliable clinical data.

Efficacy of acupuncture combined with medication in the treatment of sciatica: A systematic review and metaanalysis of randomized clinical trials

Fanghan Cui — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy of acupuncture combined with medication in the treatment of
sciatica using a systematic review approach.
Methods: Databases such as CNKI, Wanfang database, VIP, and PubMed were searched using
keywords which include "acupuncture", "electro-acupuncture”, "millimeters", "non-steroidal antiinflammatory analgesic drugs", "corticosteroids", “sciatica”, and "vitamins", to identify relevant literature
on the treatment of sciatica using acupuncture and moxibustion combined with drugs. The review
adopted the Review Manager 5.3 software for meta-analysis of all data.
Results: The combined effect size RR = 1.12, Z = 3.5 (p < 0.05), 95 % CI (1.05, 1.20) in the forest plot
of overall effectiveness rate. Also, combined diamond of the effective outcome in the forest plot was
located on the right side of the midline, the combined effect size STD = -1.25, Z = 7.1 (p < 0.00001), 95
% CI (-1.59, -0.90) in the forest plot of VAS scores.
Conclusion: Acupuncture combined with medication treatment reduces pain, and improves total
effectiveness and cure rate of sciatica treatment. The exact efficacy still needs to be confirmed by largescale and multi-center randomized controlled trials (RCT).

Impact of human papillomavirus (HPV) prophylactic vaccination on infertile male patients with HPV semen infection: A systematic review

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: To characterize the impact of prophylactic vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) on infertile male patients with HPV semen infection.

Methods: This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. First, an electronic search of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases from 2018 to 2023 using specific keywords was conducted. Thereafter, three authors independently screened the articles and removed duplicates. Following the acquisition of the papers, a quality analysis was conducted using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology Criteria.

Results: A total of 41 pregnancies were reported out of which 15.3 % were in control group and 38.9 % were in the vaccinated group (p < 0.05). The clearance of HPV DNA correlated significantly with a serum HPV antibody titer of ≥ 1:125 at initial examination. Compared with individuals who tested negative for HPV, those who became seropositive at 12 (p = 0.039), 18 (p = 0.034) and 24 months (p = 0.034) had fewer multiple infections and a lower incidence of HPV infection in semen.

Conclusion: Examination of the association between male fertility and HPV reveals a clear correlation between HPV infection and male infertility, specifically asthenospermia and oligoasthenospermia. Further studies are needed to fully understand the benefits of this approach in managing male infertility.

Modulation of inflammatory signaling pathways by natural products in osteoarthritis: Mechanisms, challenges, and future directions

Thu-Thao Thi Huynh, Minh Trong Quang, Hai-Yen Thi Vu — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that is characterized by dysregulated inflammatory signaling that disrupts cartilage homeostasis and presents a significant therapeutic challenge. Although current treatments primarily focus on symptom management, this review explores the growing interest in anti-inflammatory natural products as potential disease-modifying therapies. This review aims to: identify key inflammatory pathways as promising drug targets, summarize recent findings on natural products that modulate these pathways, and discuss challenges and future directions. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed and Web of Science, focusing on studies published in the last decade. Central to OA pathogenesis is persistent inflammation resulting from cytokine /chemokine-driven catabolic signaling, which is exacerbated by the overactivation of NFκB, MAPK, and PI3K/AKT pathways. Numerous plant-derived compounds exert inhibitory effects on these inflammatory cascades through mechanisms including NF-κB nuclear translocation suppression, MAPK phosphorylation blockade, and modulation of PI3K/AKT activity. However, clinical translation faces several complexities, such as bioavailability, precise targeting, and disease heterogeneity. Addressing these challenges using advanced technologies could enable the development of natural product-based OA therapeutics. Innovative research strategies are needed to fully leverage the therapeutic potential of these compounds in the management of OA.

Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

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Modulation of inflammatory signaling pathways by natural products in osteoarthritis: Mechanisms, challenges, and future directions