Bratisl Med J
-
Obesity is a major health problem threatening humanity in medical, social and psychological dimensions. In this study, we aimed to determine the histological, immunohistochemical and biochemical effects of bee bread, added to diets of obese rats in different doses, on leptin and ghrelin expression. In the study, 40 female Sprague‒Dawley (200‒250 g) rats were randomly divided into 5 equal groups and then assigned to control and obesity groups. ⋯ There was a negative correlation between leptin and ghrelin levels. Apoptotic cells increased with obesity, but the application of beebread was similarly effective as metformin administration in reducing this increase (Tab. 5, Fig. 4, Ref. 51). Keywords: bee bread, leptin, ghrelin, stomach, obesity, rat.
-
This study aims to investigate the protective effects of thymoquinone and melatonin on the heart against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. ⋯ Our study showed that DXR induces cardiac injury and that melatonin improves biochemical parameters and offers histological protection; while thymoquinone improves ECG parameters and causes partial recovery of biochemical parameters (Tab. 4, Fig. 2, Ref. 41).
-
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a common cancer in Caucasian populations. Treatments registered for high-risk cSCC are still undetermined. Experimental data have demonstrated possibly useful effects of a combined application of beta‑blockers in cancer therapy. The goal of this study was to examine the efficacy of propranolol in the treatment of cSCC and its impact on apoptosis. Thus, we aimed to investigate the apoptotic pathway protein levels and activity in beta‑blocker‑treated cSCC cells. ⋯ Our results suggest that propranolol treatment has anti-cancer properties with an effect on various apoptotic pathways in cSCC. These data are important because propronalol may be involved in future cSCC treatment (Tab. 1, Fig. 3, Ref. 22).
-
Recent emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in human communities as the first major zoonotic pandemics of the new millennium following the emergence of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV has increased our awareness about the future threat of viral zoonosis. Although, several studies have been conducted for better understanding of these viruses` evolution, and designing the effective anti-viral drugs and vaccines, the impact of human beings on occurrence of zoonotic diseases has been less considered and discussed. Improvement in global health resulted in human population growth, increasing demand for animal proteins, more exposures to wildlife, zoonotic and degradation of environment, which have facilitated interspecies transmissions. ⋯ It seems that intensified revision of human lifestyle is the best strategy to prevent the potential devastating future zoonotic pandemics. Herein, the characteristics of SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, their transmission routs, their pathogenicity, the therapeutic and prevention approaches including of attempts for designing of effective prophylactic vaccines, anti-viral drugs, and the animal models that have been used for these studies have been reviewed (Ref. 134). Keywords: SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, pandemic, zoonosis, SARS, MERS.
-
To investigate the changes of water content in brain tissue, the expression of AQP4mRNA after cerebral hemorrhage in rats, and the intervention effect of Protease activated receptor 1 inhibitor (PAR1 inhibitor) on both. ⋯ Appropriate inhibition of PAR1 can alleviate cerebral edema around the hematoma and play a role in improving the function of nerve defects. The mechanism may be realized by down-regulating the expression of AQP4mRNA in brain tissue (Tab. 3, Fig. 3, Ref. 25).