Journals of Rzeszow University - Open Journal System
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Diuretic efficacy and phytochemical profiling of the 80% methanol extract of Sida schimperiana Hochst. ex A. Rich
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. Diuretics are used for edema, heart failure, and hypertension, but may cause side effects and resistance. Sida schimperiana is used for urinary retention in Ethiopian folk medicine, although its diuretic effects are unverified. This study aims to evaluate the diuretic potential and phytochemical content of the 80% methanol extract of S. schimperiana.
Material and methods. Male rats were administered distilled water (2 mL/100 g), furosemide (10 mg/kg), or 80% methanol extract (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg). Diuretic effects were assessed by monitoring urination onset, urine volume, electrolyte levels, and pH. Phytochemical analysis was performed to explore underlying diuretic mechanisms.
Results. The 80% methanol extract demonstrated significant diuretic and natriuretic effects in a dose- and time-dependent manner, surpassing the negative control. At doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, diuresis (p<0.001) and sodium and chloride excretion (p<0.001) were notably increased at all time points. The treated group also showed significant changes in urine pH. Phytochemical analysis identified alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, and tannins, with high concentrations of flavonoids (187.3 mg quercetin equivalent/g) and polyphenols (128.4 mg quercetin equivalent/g).
Conclusion. This study affirmed the methanolic extract’s diuretic potency, comparable to furosemide, emphasizing its prospective therapeutic value
Hormonal profiles and metabolic changes in women diagnosed with concomitant Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and polycystic ovary syndrome via sonography
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. Women with both Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often experience hormonal imbalances and metabolic changes. We investigated the correlation between sonographic changes and hormonal abnormalities in women with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and PCOS.
Material and methods. A case-control study including 150 women with PCOS and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and 50 healthy women as a control group, was conducted at Al-Habobbi Teaching Hospital from 7/1/2023 to 7/10/2024. Lipid, blood sugar, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin, testosterone, and thyroid hormones were assessed, the groups had similar mean ages and smoking rates.
Results. When the case group was compared with the control group, significant hormonal and metabolic differences were observed. Specifically, levels of LH were significantly higher in the case group (14.68±1.21 vs. 3.31±1.03 mIU/mL, p=0.001), as were levels of FSH (14.85±1.07 vs. 5.26±0.51 mIU/mL, p<0.001), prolactin (28.90±1.34 vs. 7.02±1.16 ng/dL, p<0.001), and testosterone (57.71±2.61 vs. 12.41±2.27 ng/dL, p<0.001). In terms of lipid profile, the case group showed elevated total cholesterol (229.93±14.61 vs. 134.51±9.38 mg/dL, p<0.001), triglycerides (287.78±41.43 vs. 128.04±10.20 mg/dL, p<0.001), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (136.98±20.02 vs. 58.67±11.45 mg/dL, p<0.001), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) (57.55±8.28 vs. 25.60±2.04 mg/dL, p<0.001), while levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were significantly lower (35.39±3.54 vs. 50.23±4.55 mg/dL, p<0.001). Regarding thyroid function, thyroxine (T4) levels were significantly reduced in the case group (9.80±0.77 vs. 15.02±1.25, p<0.001), while thyroid-stimulating hormone levels were elevated (6.25±1.10 vs. 2.17±0.74 μIU/mL, p<0.001).
Conclusion. These findings suggest a potential complex interaction between the thyroid and reproductive glands, which may influence the pathogenesis and metabolic effects of these endocrine disorders. However, the individual and combined effects require further detailed investigation
Interleukin 6 as a key inflammatory predictor of gestational diabetes – clinical and biochemical evidence
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a prevalent metabolic disorder in pregnancy associated with significant maternal and fetal complications. Chronic low-grade inflammation is increasingly recognized as a key contributor to GDM pathophysiology, with interleukin 6 (IL-6) emerging as an important mediator of insulin resistance. The aim was to investigate the relationship between IL-6 levels and metabolic parameters in pregnant women with and without GDM, and to evaluate the diagnostic performance of IL-6 for distinguishing GDM.
Material and methods. A total of 45 pregnant women with GDM and 45 normoglycemic controls between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation were enrolled. Clinical data age, body mass index (BMI), gestational age, fasting insulin, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and lipid profile were assessed. IL-6 was quantified by high-sensitivity enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Correlation analysis, multiple linear regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed using SPSS.
Results. Women with GDM exhibited significantly higher IL-6 levels (25.35±11.76 ng/L) than controls (11.02±3.59 ng/L, p<0.001). IL-6 showed strong positive correlations with fasting insulin (r=0.900, p<0.001) and OGTT (r=0.684, p<0.001). Multiple regression indicated that gestational age, BMI, and total cholesterol were significant predictors of IL-6 in GDM (p<0.05). ROC analysis revealed an area under the curve of 0.923 (p<0.001) for IL-6, with a sensitivity of 88.9% and specificity of 78.3% at the cutoff of 13.243 ng/L.
Conclusion. Elevated IL-6 is strongly associated with insulin resistance and dyslipidemia in GDM, suggesting a potential role as an inflammatory biomarker for early risk stratification. Incorporating IL-6 measurement into GDM screening protocols may enhance diagnostic accuracy and facilitate timely interventions to improve pregnancy outcomes
Significance of C-reactive protein to albumin ratio and thrombus burden in acute coronary syndrome
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. Thrombus burden (TB) is a critical factor in the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) pathogenesis with biomarkers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum albumin that reflect systemic inflammatory and nutritional states. The CRP and albumin ratio (CAR) has emerged as a new composite marker, offering enhanced prognostic value. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between CAR and TB in patients with ACS and to assess the predictive utility of CAR compared to CRP and albumin individually.
Material and methods. A hospital cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 93 patients ages 18–60 years with ACS who underwent coronary angiography (CAG). CAR was calculated and its association with TB was analyzed.
Results. Of the participants, 9.7% had high tuberculosis. CAR, CRP, and albumin were significantly associated with TB (p<0.001). CAR showed the highest correlation (r=0.728) and perfect diagnostic accuracy (AUC=1), outperforming CRP (AUC=0.987) and albumin (AUC=0.030). High TB was significantly associated with the presentation of grade 1 TIMI and ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) presentation (p<0.05).
Conclusion. CAR is a reliable, accessible and independent biomarker for predicting TB in ACS, and its incorporation into standard clinical protocols could improve early risk stratification, therapeutic decision-making, and patient outcomes. More multicentric study are warranted to validate its broader clinical applicability
The knowledge of society regarding health-promoting behaviors in oncology
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. Enhancing awareness, early detection, and fostering health-seeking behavior is imperative to address the growing problem of cancer, advocating for basic health education from an early age to reduce morbidity and mortality.
Material and methods. The survey was carried out in two forms: paper and online. The research tool was a questionnaire, consisting of 25 closed-ended questions.
Results. While 95.5% denied the presence of personal cancer, 63% reported family history. Despite awareness of the impact (83% women; 81% men), 44% consume fast food monthly. Self-examination rates are low: only 37% perform it regularly; 45% of men lack knowledge of testicular examination.
Conclusions. Health campaigns across all age groups are necessary to promote cancer prevention and early detection, with a focus on educating both men and women on self-examination due to inadequate knowledge levels
Exploring the role of B complex vitamins in reproductive health ‒ valuable insights and unresolved issues regarding premature ovarian failure
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a condition distinguished by a decline in ovarian follicles in women under 40 leading to a disruption in the normal menstrual cycle and fertility. Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine) and vitamin B-12 (cyanocobalamin) play an important role in ovarian health. The aim was to investigate the effects of vitamins B-6 and B-12, for predicting POF via the association of these vitamins with other biochemical parameters.
Material and methods. A total of 80 participants with age ≤ 40 years, 40 POF women, and 40 fertile control women were recruited in this study from November 2023 to March 2024. Serum levels of prolactin (PRO), thyroid hormones, estradiol (E-2), progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), 17-alpha hydroxylase, and inhibin alpha (INH-α) were measured using the ELISA technique while vitamins B-6 and B-12 were measured by HPLC.
Results. Serum levels of reproductive hormones (LH, E2, progesterone, and testosterone), vitamin B-6, B-12, T3, T4, 17-alpha hydroxylase, and INH-α were markedly reduced in POF patients, while levels of FSH, TSH, and PRO were significantly elevated compared to healthy controls.
Conclusion. This study highlights the critical role of vitamins B-6 and B-12 in the pathophysiology of POF, suggesting their potential as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis
Comparison of clinical profile and outcomes in patients with carbapenem resistant and carbapenem sensitive gram-negative bacteraemia
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. Carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteraemia (CR-GNB), an emerging public health concern due to limited treatment options and high mortality rates. Carbapenems, face reduced efficacy against resistant strains, posing a significant challenge. The aim was to compare clinical profiles and outcomes between CR-GNB and carbapenem-sensitive (CS-GNB) and to identify factors influencing mortality among these patients.
Material and methods. This prospective study was conducted at the tertiary care teaching hospital, enrolling 115 patients with GNB (55 CR-GNB and 60 CS-GNB). Following institutional approval and informed consent, patients underwent standardized testing (blood culture and susceptibility testing) with the VITEK method.
Results. CR-GNB patients had significantly longer hospital stays (12.88 vs. 8.87 days, p=0.001), higher ICU admissions (90% vs 49.3%), and prolonged antibiotic use (8.7 vs 6.04 days, p=0.001). Pneumonia was more prevalent in CR-GNB (42.5%) while UTIs dominated in CS-GNB cases (64%). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed increased mortality risk in CR-GNB, with hazard ratios of 1.82 (day-14) and 2.12 (day-28).
Conclusion. Thus, in our study CR-GNB posed a significant hazard for mortality risk. Thus, early identification, stringent infection control measures, and antimicrobial stewardship are crucial and to develop effective treatment strategies tailored to high-risk populations can enhance patient survival and limit the resistance
Evaluation of lipid profile, malondialdehyde, hemoglobin and ferritin in Iraqi women with polycystic ovarian syndrome
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. The concept of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is defined as a biochemical complex statement that affects many young and adult females (single and married). This case presents a variety of medical and biological concerns related to the reproductive system. The aim of the study was to investigate and estimate the levels of the lipid profile, malondialdehyde, hemoglobin and ferritin in women with PCOS.
Material and methods. Blood samples were collected from 180 women who were divided into 100 PCOS patients and 80 healthy women according to the variables of age and body mass index. Triglycerides (TG) levels were measured in blood sera by spectrophotometric method, total cholesterol (TC) levels were estimated using enzymatic methods and the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was determined by the HDL-phosphotungstic acid precipitation method.
Results. Total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoproteins, and very low-density lipoproteins recorded a highly significant increase (p<0.001) whereas high-density lipoproteins decreased significantly (p<0.001) in women with PCOS women when compared to the control group depending on age and body mass index variables. The results showed that hemoglobin, ferritin and malondialdehyde levels increased significantly (p<0.001) in female PCOS compared to the healthy group according to age and body mass index variables.
Conclusion. The importance of thorough medical management of PCOS includes minimizing oxidative stress, metabolic function, and lipid profiles for avoidance of chronic health conditions
D-dimer as a potential biomarker in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. Despite signs of drop in tuberculosis in the middle of the twentieth century, up to 75% of men were smokers at that time, which contributed to the epidemic of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the latter half of the century. The present study was conducted with the main focus of establishing a relation between D-dimer and lung function in patients with COPD.
Material and methods. A hospital-based observational cross-sectional study involved 108 subjects, divided into 54 cases (COPD patients) and 54 healthy controls (41-80 years old). The dry volume spirometer was used to assess the lung health of the study population. D-dimer assay was performed on peripheral blood drawn from study subjects using the second generation latex-enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay on the Diagon Fully Automatic COAG XL Coagulation Analyzer.
Results. Spirometry tests revealed COPD patients showing reduced lung function (42.59% with normal, 51.85% with mild, and 5.56% with moderate degree of forced expiratory volume in 1 second and forced expiratory volume in 1 second/ forced vital capacity). Patients with COPD under different age groups and both the genders showed an elevated level (p<0.05) of D-dimer in correlation with the spirometry measurements.
Conclusion. The D-dimer is promising plasma biomarker which demonstrated a strong correlation with the spirometry measurements and different morphological categories in patients with COPD. The D-dimer could serve as a reliable biomarker for validating and confirming the various morphological classifications among individuals with COPD
Cytopathological diagnoses obtained in endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration – a single-center one-year analysis
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EBUS-FNA) is a widely adopted technique that replaces mediastinoscopy for the diagnosis of mediastinal lesions, significantly improving patient safety. This study assesses its diagnostic effectiveness and compares procedural quality with the existing literature, in order to identify characteristics of the patient population referred to the center.
Material and methods. During a year-long retrospective analysis, data from 312 EBUS-FNA procedures were collected, resulting in a final study group of 274 patients. For patients initially without a definitive diagnosis, reinterventions were conducted, typically with additional EBUS or tissue biopsy, followed by precise statistical analyses and calculations.
Results. The sensitivity of the EBUS examination to detect sarcoidosis, non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, and lymphoproliferative disorders was determined to be 87.36%, 87.23%, 91.30% and 20%, respectively, based on false negative findings. Among patients who received a final diagnosis (n=237), a significant majority, i.e. 206 individuals or 86.92%, obtained it based on the first intervention.
Conclusion. EBUS-TBNA is an effective method to diagnose the cause of mediastinal lymphadenopathy, allowing for a definitive diagnosis in a significant majority of patients in the first intervention and showing high sensitivity in detecting metastatic malignant lymph node involvement and sarcoidosis