Scopus Research — Maytham Ahmed AbdulAemah Bahrani

The chromones found in the dried roots of Saposhnikovia divaricata include cimifugin; in fact, Saposhnikovia divaricata is a main source of cimifugin. Vinpocetine is a synthetic version of vincamine derived from periwinkle; it is characterized by potent anti-inflammatory properties that allow it to reduce immune cell infiltration and suppress the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential influence of a topically-applied combination of cimifugin and vinpocetine gels on a model of a psoriasis-like inflammatory skin reaction. To this end, we divided 48 albino BALB/c mice into six groups. All groups except for the negative control group received imiquimod topically (daily, for 7 days) for the induction of psoriasis-like skin lesions. A group received imiquimod (5%) only (positive control), while four other groups were also treated with a clobetasol (0.05%) cream, a cimifugin (3%) gel, a vinpocetine (3%) gel, or a combination of cimifugin (3%) and vinpocetine (3%) gels, once daily, for 7 days; the aforementioned treatments were first applied 7 days after the pharmacological induction of the lesions. Our findings revealed that the topically-applied combination of cimifugin-and vinpocetine-containing gels had an important anti-psoriatic effect, as seen by the diminishing of the skin levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-17, and interleukin-23, thereby improving the imiquimod-induced histological changes in mice. We conclude that a topically-applied combination of cimifugin and vinpocetine can exert substantial anti-psoriatic activity. © 2025, ZITA Medical Management. All rights reserved.

A cytokine storm is a severe and potentially fatal condition resulting from an excessive immune response. Epicatechin and huperzine A have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, suggesting their potential utility in mitigating tissue damage and cytokine storm severity. This study aimed to compare the protective effects of huperzine A and epicatechin in a cytokine storm-like murine model. Sixty male Swiss albino mice were randomly allocated into six groups. Except for the control group, all animals received a single intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 5 mg/kg) in order to induce a cytokine storm. The induction group received LPS without further intervention. The remaining groups were pre-treated for three consecutive days prior to LPS administration as follows: vehicle group (1% dimethyl sulfoxide), methylprednisolone group (50 mg/ kg/day methylprednisolone), huperzine A group (0.2 mg/kg/day huperzine A), and epicatechin group (25 mg/kg/day epicatechin). The histological analysis of lung tissues and the quantification of serum cytokines – interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) – revealed that all pre-treated groups exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effects. Notably, epicatechin conferred a more pronounced protective effect than either methylprednisolone or huperzine A, as evidenced by reduced pulmonary histopathological alterations and lower serum cytokine concentrations. In conclusion, both huperzine A and epicatechin demonstrated protective efficacy against the LPS-induced cytokine storm, with epicatechin showing superior performance in attenuating systemic inflammation and lung injury. © 2025, ZITA Medical Management. All rights reserved.

Methotrexate is an antimetabolite used in the treatment of various cancers and autoinflammatory disorders. However, it can adversely affect oral tissues, particularly impairing salivary gland function. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of rutin may counteract these toxic effects. This study aimed at examining whether rutin confers protective effects on the salivary glands of rats exposed to methotrexate. Twenty-four male rats were randomly assigned to three groups. The control group received normal saline intraperitoneally for 10 days. On day six of the experiment, the methotrexate group was administered methotrexate intraperitoneally at a dose of 20 mg/kg. The methotrexate + rutin group also received rutin intraperitoneally at 50 mg/kg once daily for 10 days. On day 11, the animals were euthanized, and their salivary gland tissues were harvested for histological and biochemical analyses. Rutin markedly ameliorated the methotrexate-induced histopathological changes and biochemical alterations, as indicated by reduced levels of the tumour necrosis factor-α and malondialdehyde, alongside elevated levels of interleukin-10 and superoxide dismutase. These findings suggest that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of rutin may offer a promising strategy for mitigating the methotrexate-associated toxicity in submandibular gland tissues. © 2025, ZITA Medical Management. All rights reserved.

Introduction: Dengue fever-associated acute kidney injury (AKI) has multifactorial nature. These glomerular changes are likely mediated by the host immune response to dengue virus infection, particularly the deposition of immune complexes and the release of inflammatory cytokines like IL-17. The glomerular injury can lead to proteinuria, hematuria, and even acute glomerulonephritis. Dengue fever-associated glomerulonephritis is diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, renal biopsy, imaging studies, and serological tests. Laboratory tests revealed proteinuria, hematuria, and granular casts. Additionally, elevated levels of inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate are often detected. Glomerular abnormalities in kidney biopsy consisted of mesangial proliferation, endothelial swelling, thrombotic microangiopathy, inflammatory cell infiltration and immune complex deposition. Treatment of dengue-associated glomerulonephritis is primarily supportive, with management of fluid and electrolyte balance, blood pressure control, and dialysis if necessary. In some cases, immunosuppressive therapy may be required. © 2025, Society of Diabetic Nephropathy Prevention. All rights reserved.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) can lead to various paraneoplastic syndromes, both endocrine and non-endocrine. Endocrine manifestations include hypercalcemia, hypertension, polycythemia, galactorrhea, Cushing’s syndrome, and alterations in glucose metabolism. These syndromes are not necessarily indicative of metastatic disease or poor prognosis but can present as paraneoplastic manifestations of primary or recurrent RCC. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for diagnosis and treatment, as they may be the initial signs of the disease. © 2025 The Author(s); Published by Society of Diabetic Nephropathy Prevention.

Allopurinol, primarily used to treat gout, has shown potential as an antihypertensive agent due to its effects on oxidative stress and endothelial function. This agent is not typically used as a firstline treatment for hypertension; however, some studies have suggested that it may have potential antihypertensive effects. More research is needed to establish its efficacy and mechanisms in treating hypertension. © 2025 The Author(s); Published by Society of Diabetic Nephropathy Prevention.

Interested medicinal essential oils had important role in combating various diseases, including skin and soft tissue diseases therefore the purpose of study to design, prepare and evaluate an antibacterial myrtle oil nanoemulgel and compare their efficacy against two bacterial strains, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Nanoemulsions was prepare and pseudoternary phase diagram was constructed including three of structural components wthich are myrtle oil, polyoxyethylene (80) sorbitan monooleate and propylene glycol mixture 3:1 (w/w)% and double distilled water using the microwaves-based method. Six samples of nanoemulsion (N1-N6) were selected for characterization process and preparation nanoemulgel (G1-G6). Blank gel (G7) was also prepared to compare the antibacterial activity against G1-G6 formulations. The myrtle oil nanoemulgel (G1-G6) formulations were subjected for different evaluation. The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was statistical test, where the level at (P≤0.05) was kept as significant value. The outcomes indicate that N1-N6 formulations has acceptable physicochemical features. The evaluation process for G1-G6 formulations indicate translucent, homogenous, with distinctive odor of essential oil represented by myrtle oil and no syneresis, slightly acidic pH, spreadability were (126.033 to 86.361g*cm/sec), non-Newtonian plastic flow, no skin irritation and obvious antimicrobial activity. The preparation of essential oil nanoemulsion and nanoemulgel formulations were exhibited suitable characterization, physical stability and antimicrobial activity that made it promise delivery system for treatment skin and soft tissue infection. © RJPT All right reserved.

Changes in liver enzymes and bilirubin in patients with thalassemia depend on genetic changes and the association of other genetic determinants. Iron overload is associated with increased morbidity in both transfusion-dependent and non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients. The main objective was to evaluate hepatic enzymes, bilirubin, and plasma proteins in beta-thalassemia major (βTM) patients and to study the correlations of these parameters with serum hemoglobin and ferritin concentrations in βTM patients. To achieve these, the study had two groups, the first is case group includes 39 patients with βTM and the second control group includes 34 subjects. Serum ALT, AST, total bilirubin, albumin, and total protein concentrations were measured by UV-Vis spectrophotometer, while the concentration of serum ferritin was measured by ELISA Kit. Our results showed that there were highly significant differences between βTM and ferritin, furthermore, there were highly significant differences between βTM and liver enzymes such as AST, ALT, total protein, albumin, and total bilirubin. In addition, our findings showed that there was correlation between serum ferritin concentrations and liver function parameters in βTM patients, where there are highly significant differences between βTM and ALT, while the correlation between serum hemoglobin concentration and liver function parameters showed highly significant differences between βTM and AST. The study concluded that the increase in serum liver enzymes (ALT, AST) and total bilirubin concentrations in patients with βTM are indicator to liver dysfunction that is correlated to iron overload. © 2023, Bangladesh Society for Microbiology, Immunology and Advanced Biotechnology. All rights reserved.

Heart failure (HF) is one of the world's most serious public health issues. The HF is a growing worry all around the world. Early detection of HF is significant because morbidity associated with the illness can be reduced. Galectin-3 (Gal-3), a soluble ß-galactoside binding lectin created by activated cardiac macrophages, has been shown in animal models to play an essential role in pathological ventricular remodeling. Galectin-3 has an important function in chronic inflammation and is a pathogenesis marker for inflammatory and/or fibrotic illnesses. This case control study was implemented to reveal the alliance of human Gal-3 with HF, which included 44 HF patients in the study group and 43 normal persons in the control group. The serum levels of human Gal-3 were determined by using sandwich ELISA technique. The results showed that the serum human Gal-3 level was significantly higher in the patient group than that in the control group. The study concluded that the human Gal-3 might be associated with HF. © (2023), (Bio Tech System). All Rights Reserved.

Aims One extremely important public health challenge worldwide is diabetes mellitus. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a rising concern around the globe. Early revealing of Type 2 diabetes mellitus is very significant in that morbidity associated with the condition can be decreased. Studies have proposed that insulin-like growth factor-1 has roles similar to that of insulin. The existing study was implemented to reveal the alliance of single nucleotide polymorphism rs10860860 of the IGF-1 gene with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Materials & Methods This case-control study was conducted in Merjan Hospital in Babylon Province, Iraq, in 2022. The available random sampling method selected two groups of healthy individuals (n=50 as control) and Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients (n=158 as study). The serum levels of glucose and zinc were determined by spectrophotometric method. The serum IGF-1 level was estimated using the sandwich ELISA technique. The students’ T and Chi-square tests were used to assess data in SPSS 21 software. Findings The different levels of glucose, zinc, and IGF-1 were significant between the two groups. Genotyping frequencies of the IGF-1 gene deviated from Hardy Weinberg equilibrium in the control group (χ2=9.158; p=0.002) while were consistent in the study group (χ 2=2.482; p=0.115). The AT genotype was associated with lower odds of Type 2 diabetes mellitus than those of the wild genotype AA. Conclusion The AT genotype of IGF-1 gene SNP rs10860860 negatively associates with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. © 2023, the Authors.