Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

Glycan synthesis: An update

Qais Abualassal, Zead Abudayeh, Manal Al-Najdawi, Samer H Hussein-Al-Ali — Fri, 10 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Carbohydrate synthesis presents several challenges due to the intricate nature of molecules and their complex structures. Since certain pathogens are difficult to culture in the laboratory under some circumstances, and the isolation of glycans in pure structural forms is an arduous undertaking, the medicinal chemistry approach offers a fascinating and attractive option. The efforts being made to develop an automated system for oligosaccharide synthesis are expected to produce immense effects and revolutionize the understanding of the role of carbohydrates in biological systems. Glycovaccines aid in saving millions of lives around the world annually by protecting children and adults from bacterial infections. These vaccines further expand the therapeutic armamentarium against several microbial infectious diseases. This review highlights the different clinical applications of glycan and the progress made in their synthetic process.

Effect of dose-rate on nitric oxide-induced apoptosis in A375 human melanoma cells

Seo Hyun Moon, Min Young Kim — Fri, 10 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: To investigate the effect of dose-rate on nitric oxide (NO)-induced apoptosis in A375 human melanoma cells.

Methods: The A375 cells were exposed to NO at a steady-state concentration of 7 μM, similar to the level estimated to occur in vivo in inflamed tissues, and delivered by diffusion through silastic tubing. Trypan blue dye exclusion assay was used to assess cell proliferation and viability. Cell cycle was studied by propidium iodide (PI) staining while Annexin V-FITC and PI assays were used to evaluate apoptosis. Western blotting assay was carried out to determine protein levels of p53, Bax, DR4, DR5, Fas (CD95), Procaspase 8, Procaspase 9 and Procaspase 3.

Results: Viability of A375 cells was reduced by 22 % after 24 h leading to extensive apoptosis and cell cycle arrest following exposure to a cumulative dose of 3360 μM/min NO. Treatment with NO stimulated p53 and triggered mitochondrial apoptotic events by inducing conformational changes in Bax. Also, activation of caspase 9 and 3, DR4, DR5, Fas (CD95) and caspase 8 appeared to be mediated concurrently by death receptor processing and downstream caspases.

Conclusion: Nitric oxide (NO) induces programmed cell death, thus indicating that it could serve as an effective inhibitor to halt the progression of melanoma or as an enhancer to improve therapeutic strategies for treatment.

Effect of antidepressants on bone mineral density and bone metabolism in ovariectomized depressed rats

Chao Liu, Chao Liang, Yiming Wang, Jie Huang — Fri, 10 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: To investigate the effect of antidepressants on bone mineral density and bone metabolism in ovariectomized rats with depression.

Methods: 48 female rats were randomly and equally assigned to six groups, namely, sham (Sn), ovariectomized depression (OD), ovariectomized depression rats treated with sertraline (ODs), citalopram (ODx), reboxetine (ODr), and venlafaxine groups (ODw). Behavioral alterations and bone-related parameters were evaluated before and after treatment.

Results: After treatment, ODs, ODx, ODw, and ODr groups had higher levels of horizontal and vertical exercise scores, sugar water consumption, osteoclasts, and serum CTX-1 (p < 0.05) compared to OD group. Osteocytes, serum serotonin (5-HT), osteocalcin (BGP), and type I procollagen N-terminal propeptide (PINP) were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) after treatment in ODs, ODx, ODw, and ODr groups. A positive correlation was observed between 5-HT, BGP, PINP, and whole-body bone mineral density (r = 0.931, 0.907, and 0.843, p < 0.05) respectively, while a negative correlation was observed between collagen type I C-terminal propeptide (CTX-I) and bone mineral density (r = -0.855, p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Antidepressants reduce bone mineral density and osteocyte proliferation, while increasing osteoclast proliferation. These effects are associated with reductions in 5-HT, PINP and BGP levels, and increase in CTX-I.

Biological activity and mechanism of action of Gotu kola oil in skin wound repair

Biao Xu, Yushun Duan, Deshun Yu, Panpan Jia — Fri, 10 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: To investigate the biological activity and mechanism of action of Gotu Kola oil in skin wound repair.

Methods: In this study, a total of 40 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were meticulously chosen to establish a skin wound model. The rats were randomly allocated to a study group, which received topical application of Gotu kola oil, and control group, which served as the model control. Each group consisted of 20 rats to ensure an adequate sample size. The wound area was measured using precise digital imaging software to quantitatively determine the rate of wound healing. Expression levels of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) were determined by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) while the extent of microvassel regeneration at the wound site was determined by immunohistochemical method using CD34 as a marker.

Results: The wound healing rate in the study group was higher than in the control group. In the study group, the transcription levels of HGF and VEGF were higher than in the control group on days 3, 7, and 14, while the transcription level of TGF-β1 was higher on days 7 and 14. Microvessel density (MVD) in the study group was higher than in the control group on days 3 and 7 (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Gotu kola oil facilitates wound healing by promoting the generation of capillaries at the wound site. Harnessing this potential of Gotu kola oil may lead to the development of more efficacious treatment strategies for skin wound repair, ultimately enhancing the quality of life of the patients.

Molecular characteristics of the protective effect of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin against neonatal sepsis

Chen Kou, Adong Shen — Fri, 10 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: To investigate the molecular characteristics and potential mechanisms underlying the immune-protective effect of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) against neonatal sepsis (NS).

Methods: Data on transcriptome sequencing of BCG infection, NS, post-BCG infection sepsis, and the respective controls were retrieved from public databases. Systems biology screening was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) amongst the groups, and common DEGs with high connectivity were selected using protein-protein interaction network analysis.

Results: A total of 15 common DEGs were related to the expressions of macrophages and neutrophils after BCG infection and NS infection. Some of the genes were involved in IL-4/IL-13 signal pathway and neutrophil degranulation pathway, and they were highly correlated with the expressions of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and type I interferon-response signal pathway. This may reduce the poor prognosis of NS after BCG infection.

Conclusion: These findings provide insights into how BCG-induced trained immunity may provide protection against NS.

Effect of sequential gemcitabine and epirubicin therapy on high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer following transurethral bladder tumour resection

Jinhai Zhu, Zeping Zuo, Hongtao Yu, Junjie Qian — Fri, 10 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy of sequential gemcitabine and epirubicin therapy on high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) after transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT).

Methods: The records of 100 high-risk NMIBC patients, who underwent TURBT at the Tongling People's Hospital, Tongling City, China between January 2020 and March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 46 patients, treated with epirubicin after operation, were assigned to control group, while 54 patients, treated with both gemcitabine and epirubicin, were included in the study group. DKK-1 and YKL-4 levels were assayed by immunomagnetic bead‐based liquid chip technology and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Furthermore, treatment efficacy was determined and compared between the two groups.

Results: There were no significant differences in the pre-treatment DKK-1 and YKL-40 levels between the two groups (p > 0.05). However, both groups experienced a significant drop in post-treatment levels, with significantly lower post-treatment levels in the study group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in catheter retention time and hospitalization time between the two groups (p > 0.05). The study group achieved a significantly better overall response rate than the control group. The pre-treatment SF-36 scores of the two groups were similar, while their post-treatment SF-36 scores increased significantly (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Sequential therapy with gemcitabine and epirubicin is effective in the therapy of high-risk NMIBC after TURBT. It significantly lowers DKK-1 and YKL-40 levels, improves postoperative quality of life and reduces the postoperative recurrence rate without increasing adverse reactions and affecting the catheter retention and hospitalization times. A more comprehensive analysis is required to obtain improved outcomes.

Diabetic self-care practice and quality of life among diabetes patients in the Hail region of Saudi Arabia

Fri, 10 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: To determine the association between type 2 diabetic patients' adherence to self-care routines, medication use, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Methods: This analytical and cross-sectional study was conducted in Hail Region of Saudi Arabia. The sample population comprised 400 men and women diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, all above the age of 18 years. A modified Euro QoL-five-dimensional (EQ-5D) health questionnaire was utilized to evaluate self-care habits and their association with health-related quality of life.

Results: Participants' mean age ± standard deviation (SD) was 53 ± 9.4 years, with 50.5 % being female. Non-adherence rates measured were 32.7 % for foot care, smoking (28.2 %), diet (28 %), insulin usage (26.2 %), exercise (23.2 %), and blood sugar monitoring (15.2 %). Mobility challenges were reported in 14.2 % of cases, 26.2 % self-care, 28.2 % everyday activities, 48.2 % pain or discomfort, and 28.2 % anxiety or depression. Significant associations occurred between poor foot care and mobility difficulties (58.2 %), impairment in everyday activities (53.7 %), and experiencing pain and discomfort (63.9 %) with p-values of 0.002, 0.003, and 0.03, respectively. Likewise, significant correlations (p < 0.05) exist between self-care (47.5 %), pain/discomfort (58.7 %), anxiety/depression (31.1 %), and non-adherence to exercise. Regression analysis indicated a positive correlation between respondents' EQ-5D index and oral hypoglycemic agent non-adherence (R² = 0.25; p = 0.001). A significant relationship exists between EQ-5D index and smoking non-adherence after normalization (p = 0.003; 95 % CI: 0.0001 to 0.0001).

Conclusion: In Hail region of Saudi Arabia, the health-related quality of life for diabetics diminishes as self-care practices are neglected.

Effect of aspirin combination/clopidogrel combination on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and P-selectin levels in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Renfen Xie, Shengwang Xu, Daojiao Ao, Yalan Wang, Junmin Huang — Fri, 10 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: To investigate the effect of combining aspirin with clopidogrel on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and P-selectin in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods: The medical records of 198 ACS patients treated at Zhaotong Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Zhaotong, China between January 2022 and January 2023 were analyzed retrospectively. Control group (88 patients) received aspirin (300 mg once, and subsequently a maintenance dose of 100 mg daily for 6 months), while the study group (118 patients) received the same dose of aspirin and clopidogrel (150 mg once, and a maintenance dose of 75 mg daily for 6 months). Levels of P-selectin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), hs-CRP, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), efficacy, and incidence of adverse reactions in both groups were determined.

Results: There was no significant difference in P-selectin and hs-CRP levels between the two groups before treatment (p > 0.05). However, P-selectin and hs-CRP levels in the study group decreased significantly compared to control group (p < 0.0001). Similarly, there was no significant difference in IL-8, IL-6 and TNF-α levels between the two groups before treatment (p > 0.05). However, IL-8, IL-6, and TNF-α reduced significantly after treatment (p < 0.0001), with more significantly lower levels observed in the study group (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups.

Conclusion: Aspirin combined with clopidogrel significantly lowers P- selectin, and hs-CRP, IL-8, IL-6, and TNF-α levels without worsening adverse reactions. A more comprehensive analysis of the combined use of aspirin with clopidogrel including all the associated mechanisms in the treatment of ACS is necessary.

Effect of the intraoperative infusion of recombinant activated coagulation factor VII on short-term prognosis and thoracic complications after acute aortic coarctation

Fri, 10 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: To investigate the impact of intraoperative infusion of recombinant human-activated coagulation factor VII (rFVIIa) on postoperative outcomes in patients with acute aortic dissection (AAD).

Methods: This study involved 120 individuals who underwent aortic coarctation surgery between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2022 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang, China. The participants were divided into control (receiving only conventional treatment) and study (receiving rFVIIa infusion in addition to conventional treatment) groups. Various parameters, including patient status, postoperative measures, and complications were evaluated.

Results: There was no significant difference in age, gender distribution, duration of myocardial block, onset time, or surgery duration (p > 0.05) between both groups. However, the study group exhibited longer extracorporeal circulation duration (p < 0.05). The study group also demonstrated lower levels of chest drainage compared to the control group 12 and 24 h after surgery (p < 0.05). Moreover, fewer concentrated red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma transfusions were administered to study group (p < 0.05). Despite having longer stays in the ICU (p < 0.05), the study group required less postoperative mechanical ventilation (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference in the incidence of postoperative thrombosis cases, positive gram-negative bacilli sputum culture results, and deaths within the study group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Intraoperative rFVIIа infusion in AAD patients enhances short-term prognosis, with elevated risk of chest complications. However, further studies with larger sample sizes is essential to comprehensively assess clinical advantages and drawbacks.

Prevalence of metabolic sy ndrome and its risk factors among medical undergraduates at Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia

Ehtisham Khyzer, Tehreem Aftab — Fri, 10 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its associated factors among medical undergraduates of Northern Border University.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 200 medical undergraduates of Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia from August 2023 to October 2023. Data on demographic details and anthropometric measurements were collected. Complete lipid profile and blood glucose levels were measured after at least 8-h fast. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) recommendations were utilized for diagnosing MetS. The data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 20.0. Group differences were analyzed using Chi-square test and Post hoc analysis.

Results: The estimated overall prevalence of MetS was 21.5 %. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) was more prevalent among older students (37.36 %) and obese students (45.28 %) than among younger and non-obese students. Female students had a higher prevalence of MetS (29 %) than their male counterparts (14 %). The most frequent risk factors for MetS were elevated waist circumference (36 %) and low HDL levels (33 %). The majority of students (76.7 %) with high waist circumference had 2 or more risk factors for MetS. Students with a positive family history of hypertension and obesity showed greater prevalence of MetS.

Conclusion: The study has demonstrated a high prevalence of MetS among young adults in Arar, Saudi Arabia. High prevalence of obesity and elevated waist circumference suggests that early and targeted interventions are required to prevent the development of MetS and cardiovascular risk in later life.

Effect of 1, 25 dihydroxy v itamin D3 on T Helper 17 (TH17) cell pathways in diarrhea associated irritable bowel syndrome

Yongjian Li, Yan Wang — Fri, 10 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: To investigate the effect of 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3) on T-Helper 17 (TH17) cell pathways in diarrhea-associated irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D).

Methods: 120 children with IBS-D were treated with Smecta alone and Smecta in addition to 1,25-(OH)2D3 in Hangzhou Ninth Peoples Hospital, Hangzhou, China. Blood samples were taken to determine the levels of 1,25-(OH)2D3, IL-17, IFN-γ, IL-23, and IL-6, as well as Th17 cell ratio. Furthermore, IL-17 and RORγt expressions were evaluated.

Results: Serum 1,25-(OH)2D3 levels decreased in IBS-D patients and were negatively correlated with IL-17 levels in serum and Th17 cells in peripheral blood. Treatment with 1,25-(OH)2D3 significantly reduced serum IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-23 and IL-6 levels in IBS-D patients (p < 0.05). Percentage of Th17 cells, and IL-17 and RORγt expression levels were significantly reduced in IBS-D patients after 1,25-(OH)2D3 treatment (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: This study shows that 1,25-(OH)2D3 reduces serum IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-23, IL-6 levels, Th17 cells and RORγt expression in IBS-D patients. Additional studies with larger sample sizes are required to validate these findings.

Effect of remifentanil in clinical anesthesia and postoperative analgesia

Jing Lv, Yuzhu Zhang — Fri, 10 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: To investigate the effect of remifentanil in clinical anesthesia and postoperative intravenous analgesia.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of 100 patients who received remifentanil for anesthesia and postoperative intravenous analgesia at Zibo Center Hospital, Zibo, China from February 2020 to February 2023. The patients were divided into study and control groups comprising 50 patients in each group. The study group received remifentanil intravenously (8 g/kg) while the control group received fentanyl (3 - 4 μg/kg). Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and Bispectral Index (BIS) were monitored 5 min before anesthesia (T1), 10 min after (T2), 40 min after (T3), and 5 min before the end of surgery (T4). The levels of blood glucose (Glu), angiotensin II (Ang II), and cortisol (Cor) were measured at T1, T2, T3, and T4. Analgesic and sedative effects were evaluated 3, 12 and 24 h after surgery using the visual analog scale (VAS) and Ramsay sedation score.

Results: At T1, T2, T3, and T4, there were no significant differences in HR, MAP, and BIS between the two groups (p > 0.05), while the levels of Glu, Ang II, and Cor in study group were significantly lower (p < 0.05). At 3, 12 and 24 h after surgery, VAS score in the study group was significantly lower, while Ramsay's analgesia score was significantly higher (p < 0.05). Total effectiveness was significantly higher in the study group (p < 0.05). Recovery time for orientation, spontaneous breathing, awakening, stay in the recovery room, and incidence of adverse reactions were significantly lower in study group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The use of remifentanil for postoperative intravenous analgesia significantly lowers stress response, sedation and improves recovery time. It is, therefore, effective, and produces lower adverse effects than fentanyl. Large-scale investigation to determine the impact of confounding factors on the outcome of fentanyl/remifentanil combination is required.

Effect of mecobalamin combined with holographic copper acupuncture and scraping technique on tinnitus symptoms in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Zehua Tang, Ling Zhang — Fri, 10 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: To examine the effect of methylcobalamin combined with holistic copper acupuncture and scraping technique in ameliorating tinnitus symptoms in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

Methods: 80 patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss from Department of Otolaryngology, The Hefei First People’s Hospital, Hefei, China were selected as subjects for this study. They were divided into control and study groups, respectively, with 40 patients in each group, based on the different treatment interventions received by the patients. Conventional interventions included the use of Ginkgo biloba extract, Tianmasu injection, dexamethasone pharmacological treatments. The control group received methylphenidate tablets in addition to the conventional treatment, while the study group received further intervention comprising the combination of holistic copper acupuncture and scraping technique on the ear, in addition to the treatment received by the control group. The evaluated outcomes included efficacy, auditory threshold levels, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score.

Results: The overall efficacy of the treatment in the control group was 77.5 %, whereas, it was significantly higher in the study group at 97.5 % (p < 0.05). Prior to treatment, there were no significant differences in pure tone audiometry thresholds between the two groups (p > 0.05). However, post-treatment, the study group exhibited significantly lower pure tone audiometry thresholds compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Before PSQI scores were similar for the two groups (p > 0.05). However, after treatment, the PSQI scores in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The combined application of methylcobalamin, holistic copper acupuncture, and scraping technique is effective for the treatment of patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss. This integrated treatment approach significantly alleviates tinnitus and improves sleep-related symptoms in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Furthermore, it promotes the recovery of pure tone audiometry thresholds and other related parameters.

Efficacy and safety of the combination of paclitaxel, cisplatin and bevacizumab for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer

Fri, 10 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy and safety of the combined use of paclitaxel, cisplatin, and bevacizumab for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods: 98 NSCLC patients who received therapy at Hainan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China from January 2018 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The 45 patients who received paclitaxel and cisplatin injections were enrolled in a control group while 53 patients who received additional chemotherapy with bevacizumab injection were enrolled in a study group. Levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were compared before and after treatment. Furthermore, the efficacy and incidence of adverse reactions were evaluated and compared between the two groups.

Results: There was no significant inter-group difference in VEGF and bFGF levels (p > 0.05) before treatment. There was a significant reduction in VEGF and bFGF levels in the study group compared to control group (p < 0.05). The study group showed a significantly higher total remission rate compared to control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (p > 0.05). Also, age, tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) stage, metastasis, and smoking history are risk factors that influence patient prognosis.

Conclusion: Combination of paclitaxel, cisplatin and bevacizumab demonstrates significant efficacy in the treatment of NSCLC. The combination lowers VEGF and bFGF levels without worsening adverse reactions. Future large population studies would be required to obtain a more detailed and comprehensive outcome on this combination in NSCLC.

Effect of intra-articular injection of sodium hyaluronate on knee function and inflammatory state in knee osteoarthritis patients

Lei Zhu, Yuxi Wei, Jun Zhang — Fri, 10 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: To investigate the effect of intra-articular sodium hyaluronate injections in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients.

Methods: 110 patients with KOA admitted to Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China from September 2019 and October 2021 were enrolled in this study. Each patient was assigned a number based on the time of admission, and the patients were randomly divided into control and study groups. Total effectiveness (efficacy), and visual analog scale (VAS) scores in both groups were evaluated. Also, the levels of inflammatory factors, viz, IL-6, TNF-α, and TLR4 were investigated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)

Results: The total effectiveness in the study group was significantly higher compared to control group (p < 0.05), while the visual analog scale (VAS) scores of the study group were significantly lower than those of the control group one week and three months after treatment (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Intra-articular injection of sodium hyaluronate relieves pain, restores knee function, and reduces joint inflammation. Future long-term studies utilizing a larger number of patients from multiple centers will be required to validate treatment effects, potential for relapse, and recurrence of symptoms.