Arch Med Sci
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Thymoquinone (TQ) is one of the principal bioactive ingredients proven to exhibit anti-diabetic effects. Recently, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) has been found to be involved in antidiabetic effects in rats. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mediation of GLP-1 in the antidiabetic effect of TQ and to understand the possible mechanisms. ⋯ This report demonstrates that TQ may promote GLP-1 secretion through I-R activation to reduce hyperglycemia in type-1 diabetic rats.
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Surfactant administered in the delivery suite might prevent or reduce the severity of subsequent respiratory distress syndrome. This review describes the evidence for surfactant delivery methods with relationship to their relevance in the delivery suite. The techniques include delivery using a thin catheter with the first breath, by the intubation-surfactant extubation procedure, less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) technique, using a laryngeal mask airway (LMA), or by nebulisation. ⋯ Currently, practitioners favour use of nasal continuous positive airway pressure with early rescue surfactant. Whether prophylactic surfactant given by the LISA technique or other techniques, such as via a LMA in the delivery suite, is more beneficial merits testing. This will require appropriately designed randomised trials with long-term outcomes.
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Identification and purification of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) expanded in culture for therapeutic use is crucial for improved yield and optimal results. Fibroblasts are the most common cell type in connective tissue and are commonly found as contaminants of MSC cultures, affecting cell yield and potentially causing tumour formation after cell transplantation. In the current study, we wished to identify cell surface markers that can differentiate MSCs of different origins from fibroblasts. ⋯ The results of our study indicate that cell surface markers may prove to be a useful tool in the discrimination between MSCs of different origins and fibroblasts, and thus may be used to authenticate the identity of the isolated cells.
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Statins are inhibitors of β-hydroxy β-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase (HMGCR). They are used in patients with cardiovascular risk and/or suffering with cardiovascular disease. ⋯ The focus of this review is to highlight the role of statins in modulating the function and differentiation of various blood cells. Given the proposed wider application of these medicines and their potentially important advantages in treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, more studies are needed with special focus on the molecular targets of statins included in regulating the immune response.
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This study aims to investigate the effects of ivabradine (IVA) on ventricular electrophysiological remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. ⋯ IVA can reduce the incidence of ventricular arrhythmia after MI in male rats by improving both structural and electrical remodeling, and the combination of IVA and MET is even more effective.