Arch Med Sci
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Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene) belongs to a family of polyphenolic compounds known as stilbenes, particularly concentrated in grape and red wine. The aim of our review was to critically review the available evidence of resveratrol effects on brain function and its potential impact on therapy. In preclinical models of cognitive decline, resveratrol displays potent antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals, reducing quinone reductase 2 activity and upregulating endogenous enzymes. ⋯ Treatment with resveratrol can affect multiple signaling pathway effectors involved in cell survival, programmed cell death and synaptic plasticity. Direct and/or indirect activation of the deacetylase sirtuins by resveratrol has also been suggested. In humans, clinical evidence derived from randomized clinical trials suggests that resveratrol is able to improve cerebral blood flow, cerebral vasodilator responsiveness to hypercapnia, some cognitive tests, perceived performances, and the Aβ40 plasma and cerebrospinal fluid level.
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To determine the microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in the plasma of acute gouty arthritis (AGA) patients and investigate the effects of colchicine and etoricoxib treatment on the differential expression of miRNAs. ⋯ In AGA patients, 21 differentially expressed miRNAs were detected in the plasma. Colchicine could upregulate miR-223-3p and downregulate IL-1β in the plasma, while etoricoxib may treat AGA by upregulating miR-451a and downregulating COX-2.
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Premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) refers to rupture of the fetal membranes prior to the onset of regular uterine contractions. Premature rupture of the membranes continues to be one of the most vexing issues of obstetrics due to increased maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Many studies have focused on how management should be in these cases. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether dinoprostone (PGE2 analogue) administration is necessary for cervical ripening and labor induction in term women with premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes between oxytocin usage and dinoprostone usage in PROM. ⋯ Vaginal dinoprostone appears to be a relatively inefficient method of inducing labor compared with oxytocin in term pregnancies with PROM and unfavorable cervixes. However, dinoprostone may maintain uterine contractions as effectively as oxytocin once uterine contractions are established.
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One of the major causes of cataract in diabetes is oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Nowadays, new substances with antioxidative properties that may prevent cataract development are needed. One such substance is caffeine - an alkaloid with well-documented antioxidative activity. ⋯ The results of the present study may be of relevance in determining the effect of caffeine on the processes induced by ROS in vivo. Further, they can be an indication for clinical observations aiming at the assessment of both preventive and therapeutic effects of caffeine in cataract.
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Urotensin II (UII) is an important vasoactive peptide involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Monocytes/macrophages play important roles in every step of atherosclerosis. Although UII has a chemoattractant effect on monocytes, it is unclear whether UII regulates inflammatory responses in macrophages. The present study sought to explore whether UII can promote leukotriene B4 (LTB4) production by macrophages. ⋯ Urotensin II may promote 5-lipoxygenase expression and LTB4 release in RAW264.7 macrophages via UT-ROS-Akt pathways. These results indicate that UII may participate in macrophage activation and suggest a potential new mechanism underlying atherosclerosis.