Medical principles and practice : international journal of the Kuwait University, Health Science Centre
-
Ovarian cancer is one of the most common gynecologic malignancies. Recurrence and metastasis often occur after treatment, and it has the highest mortality rate of all gynecological tumors. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small population of cells with the ability of self-renewal, multidirectional differentiation, and infinite proliferation. ⋯ Ovarian cancer side population (SP) cells, a type of CSC, have been shown to play roles in tumor formation, colony formation, xenograft tumor formation, ascites formation, and tumor metastasis. The rapid progression of tumor angiogenesis is necessary for tumor growth; however, many of the mechanisms driving this process are unclear as is the contribution of CSCs. The aim of this review was to document the current state of knowledge of the molecular mechanism of ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSCs) in regulating tumor angiogenesis.
-
Comparative Study
Retrospective Cohort Study Comparing the Clinical Profile and Outcomes of Critically Ill Pregnant Patients in Kuwait During the COVID-19 Pandemic Waves.
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2 virus). This virus evolved into several variants, each with different severity. There are surges in the number of infected patients, commonly described as "waves." In Kuwait, three waves occurred. Our study describes and compares the clinical presentation and outcomes of critically ill pregnant patients infected with different variants. ⋯ In Kuwait, the number of admissions and the rate of maternal complications, morbidity, and mortality increased with successive waves.
-
Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) are known for their prolonged and persistent effects on patients. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the PASC on the quality of life (QOL) of patients, their levels of activity participation, and satisfaction with these levels, in addition to exploring whether the duration of post-intensive care unit (ICU) discharge is associated with the effects of PASC. ⋯ PASC adversely affected the daily functioning of patients, especially in leisure, social, and religious aspects. However, these effects lessened over time, with corresponding improvement in QOL. Additionally, patient satisfaction with functional performance increased over time. These findings shed light on the rehabilitation needs of patients with COVID-19.
-
Bariatric surgery is a well-established treatment for obesity and type 2 diabetes. Tirzepatide, a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, has emerged as a promising therapy for type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to compare the effects of bariatric surgery, semaglutide (a GLP-1 receptor agonist), and tirzepatide in Sprague-Dawley rats fed a high-fat diet. ⋯ Bariatric surgery and tirzepatide treatment significantly improved metabolic parameters in obese rats. Tirzepatide, particularly at higher concentrations, showed pronounced improvements compared to surgery and semaglutide. These findings suggest that high doses of tirzepatide could be explored as an alternative to bariatric surgery for the treatment of obesity.
-
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide. Studies have shown that insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 5 (IGFBP5) may contribute to methamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity and neuronal apoptosis in PC-12 cells and rat striatum. Here, we studied the expression and role of IGFBP5 in the 6-OHDA-toxicant model of PD. ⋯ Elevated IGFBP5 expression may be involved in 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity through regulation of the SHH signaling pathway.