Journals of Rzeszow University - Open Journal System
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Therapeutic effect of naringenin on ethanol-induced liver fibrosis in rats
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. Liver fibrosis, a progressive disorder marked by the surplus buildup of extracellular matrix proteins, frequently results from long-term ethanol intake. Our aim of study is to investigate how naringenin’s antifibrotic properties impact ethanol induced liver fibrosis in rats.
Material and methods. Rats were divided into four groups: groups 1 and 2 received carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) containing 0.5% glucose, while groups 3 and 4 received 20% ethanol (6 g/kg of body weight) over a 60-day period. In the last 30 days, naringenin (50 mg/kg) was administered each day to groups 2 and 4.
Results. Rats treated with ethanol exhibited liver damage and fibrosis, leading to elevated serum concentrations of aspartate and alanine transaminases. Expression levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and related proteins were compared with the control group.
Conclusion. Ethanol-fed rats showed an increase in serum matrix metalloproteinases, TIMPs, α-SMA, transaminases, and other proteins compared to the control group. The administration of ethanol led to liver damage and fibrosis. During the final 30 days of the trial, the inclusion of naringenin in the diets of rats notably reduced the levels of α-SMA, MMP2, MMP9, TIMP1, along with serum levels of aspartate and alanine transaminase levels and significant differences were observed compared to control group
Effects of Ganoderma lucidum (“lingzhi”) supplementation on blood lipids – a systematic review of clinical trials
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. Impaired blood lipid profile is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Supplementation of Ganoderma lucidum (“lingzhi”) has been postulated to have a positive impact on blood lipids. This review aims to evaluate the evidence on this topic.
Material and methods. A systematic search of Google Scholar, PubMed and clinicaltrials.gov databases was performed to identify randomized clinical trials and cross-over trials which assessed the effects of lingzhi supplementation on blood lipids. The gathered data were reviewed and analyzed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines.
Analysis of the literature. Of the 805 records identified in the initial search, a total of 7 studies met all the inclusion criteria and were qualified for the review. None of them reported a statistically significant change in triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, or low-density lipoprotein during lingzhi supplementation. Only 2 out of 7 trials showed a moderate decrease in total cholesterol level.
Conclusion. There is no evidence to support any effect of G. lucidum supplementation on triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein or low-density lipoprotein. Its influence on total cholesterol also remains highly doubtful based on the present systematic review
The effect of exercises on the quality of life in individuals undergoing hip arthroplasty following hip fractures – a systematic review and meta-analysis
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. The increasing burden of hip fractures and hip arthroplasties (HA) requires a deeper understanding of physiotherapy rehabilitation, facilitating the development of evidence-based strategies to enhance patient recovery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of exercises in improving quality of life after HA.
Material and methods. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Pedro, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Studies (CENTRAL) was conducted from inception until April 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were recovered that compare exercises with any comparator to improve quality of life were retrieved. The quality was evaluated using PeDro. Data were pooled using random-effects models.
Analysis of the literature. Analysis of eight RCTs, comprising 1,560 individuals, revealed that comprehensive exercise programs produced superior outcomes in quality of life compared to standard treatment, with a notable effect size (SMD, 0.68; 95% CI, -0.01 to 1.37; I2=89%) and progressive resistance exercises have a statistically significant positive impact on quality of life.
Conclusion. This review underscores the importance of comprehensive exercise programs, including progressive resistance training to improve quality of life in patients undergoing hip arthroplasty, and recommends further investigation to determine the most effective exercise parameters for the development of personalized rehabilitation programs
Assessing the impact of sleeve gastrectomy on micronutrient levels and inflammatory markers – a case-control study
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. Sleeve gastrectomy has become one of the most common surgical procedures in the world recently, due to its role in promoting weight loss and reducing the risk of obesity-related diseases. This study aims to determine the levels of inflammatory and nutritional factors in patients undergoing gastric sleeve surgery.
Material and methods. A case-control study was conducted including 150 patients who underwent gastric sleeve surgery and 50 healthy participants as a control group. Inclusion criteria included patients aged 45–65 years with a BMI ≥35 kg/m². Levels of interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), adiponectin, interferon-gamma, IL-10, IL-1β, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum amyloid A, iron, ferritin, calcium, and vitamin D3 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results. The study revealed that the control group (22.8±3.6 kg/m²) had a significantly reduced BMI compared to the patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy (35.5±7.1 kg/m², (p<0.001). Elevated levels of C-reactive protein, IL-6, TNF-α, and FBG were seen in the postoperative group, although adiponectin levels were dramatically reduced (p<0.001). Furthermore, the postoperative patients manifested significantly reduced levels of iron, calcium, and vitamin D3, suggesting a profound insufficiency in these vital nutrients and their possible consequences on their long-term well-being.
Conclusion. The study results indicate that patients who underwent gastric sleeve surgery had significantly lower levels of iron, ferritin, calcium, and vitamin D3, compared to the control group. This is due to the effect of surgery on the absorption of nutrients, which causes a deficiency in vitamins and minerals necessary for bone and body health
Morphological and genetic identification of yeasts from skin and oral infection in children in the Basrah province
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. Human fungus infections are widespread and can lead to a variety of diseases in children. The purpose of this study was to isolate and identify yeasts from various places in children, including skin (diaper area) and oral cavity, utilizing morphological and molecular approaches for precise categorization.
Material and methods. One hundred swabs were collected from children clinically diagnosed with fungal skin infections. The isolated yeast species were examined, purified, and morphologically. The sequences have been deposited in GenBank of Japan as new strains under accession numbers LC790886 to LC79098. including Candida albicans, Pichia kudriavzevii, Magnusiomces capitatus, Nakaseomyces glabratus, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Candida tropicalis, Meyerozyma guiliermonolii, Clavispora lusitaniae, Candida parapsilosis, Trichosporon ashii. The isolates were cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar with chloramphenicol, and species identification was carried out using CHROMagar Candida medium and lactophenol cotton blue staining. Molecular identification was performed using PCR amplification of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA region, followed by DNA sequencing.
Results. The presence of 10 yeast species, with C. albicans 56% representing the highest percentage of these, while the percentage of other yeasts was 44%. The Candida species was found to have the highest percentage of occurrence, 58% followed by the C. tropicalis species, 19%, which had a lower percentage of occurrence.
Conclusion. The phenotypical and genetic characteristics of yeast have been identified by the use of clinically isolated samples of children
Associations between antenatal booking body mass index and postnatal placental weight: maternal health implications in HIV-positive and HIV-negative pregnant women in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. Maternal body mass index (BMI) and placental weight are important indicators of maternal-fetal health, and their relationship may be influenced by HIV status. This study examined the association between antenatal booking BMI and postnatal placental weight among HIV-positive and HIV-negative pregnant women in Uyo, Nigeria.
Material and methods. We conducted a retrospective comparative cross-sectional study based on medical records review of 143 women (48 HIV-positive, 95 HIV-negative) who attended antenatal care and delivered at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital between December 2015 and May 2016. BMI was calculated from early pregnancy weight and height measured at the first antenatal visit; whole placental weight was measured post-delivery. Linear regression, adjusted for gestational age, evaluated associations between BMI, HIV status, and placental weight.
Results. Among 143 participants (48 HIV-positive, 95 HIV-negative), mean placental weight was significantly lower in HIV-positive women (602.94±174.92 g) compared with HIV-negative women (684.53±139.38 g; p=0.012). Gestational age was the strongest predictor of placental weight (p=0.009), while HIV infection was independently associated with lower placental weight (p=0.016). BMI was positively but not significantly associated with placental weight.
Conclusion. Antenatal BMI and postnatal placental weight are interrelated, with differing patterns by HIV status. These findings underscore the need to integrate routine nutritional assessment and targeted HIV care into antenatal programs to support healthy placental growth and improve pregnancy outcomes in high HIV-prevalence populations
Molecular analysis of BCR-ABL1 fusion transcripts in acute leukemia patients in Southern Odisha, India
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. The occurrence of BCR-ABL1 fusion transcript in acute-leukemia cases are limited and is characterized with various subtypes. This study was based on investigation of the BCR-ABL1 fusion transcript in acute-leukemia cases in a tertiary care hospital.
Material and methods. This cross-sectional study was carried out in suspected cases of acute leukemia. Cases were analyzed for complete blood counts, peripheral smear, bone marrow and flow-cytometry for the diagnosis of acute-leukemia. Additionally, diagnosed cases were investigated for BCR-ABL1 fusion transcript by PCR amplification using reverse transcriptase enzyme followed by documentation.
Results. Approximately 55 acute leukemia cases included, diagnosed by flow cytometric analysis. Analysis of the BCR-ABL1 fusion-transcript in 55 cases showed its occurrence in only 2 cases, where one case with the B-ALL was characterized with e1a2 subtype and a other case with AML was characterized with the e13a2 subtype.
Conclusion. The BCR-ABL1 fusion transcript in acute-leukemia cases was found in 3.64% (2/55) of cases. The diagnosis of BCR-ABL1 fusion transcript in acute-leukemia cases is important for its poor prognosis, as well as calls for the use of ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The diagnosis of BCR-ABL1 fusion-transcript in acute leukemia cases in a tertiary health care facility will be helpful for better treatment of patients in the study area
Neuroendocrine and metabolic predictors of the effects of balneotherapy at the Truskavets Spa on physical working capacity in men with maladaptation
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. The effect of balneotherapy in the Truskavets Spa on physical working capacity is complex and individ ualized. This study aims to identify an optimal constellation of predictors for the actotropic effects of balneotherapy.
Material and methods. We observed 34 men with maladaptation against the background of chronic pyelonephritis in remis sion. We recorded physical working capacity, heart rate variability, electroencephalography, adaptation hormones, and blood and urine metabolites before and after a standardized balneotherapy regimen.
Results. Standard balneotherapy resulted in various effects on physical working capacity150 : an increase in 9 patients (26.5%), no significant change in 16 patients (47.1%), and a decrease in 9 patients (26.5%). Through discriminant analysis, we identified a constellation of 25 initial parameters that could predict the nature of the actotropic effect with 100% accuracy. These parameters included measures of physical working capacity, cardiorespiratory fitness, electroencephalography, heart rate variability, hormones, and metabolism. Furthermore, multiple linear regression analysis allowed us to predict quantitative changes in physical work capacity150 with a standard error of 0.28 W/kg. This predictive model incorporated hemodynamic and Electroen cephalography parameters, achieving an adjusted R2 of 0.555.
Conclusion. The directionality and magnitude of physical working capacity150 changes under the influence of balneofactors at the Truskavets Spa are determined by a complex constellation of initial physiological parameters, which forms the body’s reactivity. This finding has significant implications for personalizing balneotherapy treatments
Psychological consequences of war as a real threat to young people with post-traumatic stress disorder
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. The consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have led to a violation of the mental health of youth, children, and adults in Ukraine. Increased cases of mental disorders related to war trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to violence, loss of family and friends, loss of normal life, fear, uncertainty, and constant stress, are leading to long-term PTSD, which can negatively affect their quality of life, such as physical, mental, and social well-being. Determination of symptoms of PTSD in students (men and women) of medical and technical higher education institutions during the war in Ukraine.
Material and methods. At the beginning of 2024, the survey was attended by 452 students of Ukrainian higher education in stitutions (medical and technical), of which 24.6% were male and 75.4% were female, aged 15–19 (65.8%), aged 20–28 (21.1%), and over 29 (13.1%). The methodology ‘Identification of potentially traumatic events in life among applicants’ was used to iden tify students with signs of PTSD out of a total of 452 surveyed students. The next step was to assess the degree of PTSD symp toms in 121 students of the total number of students who were identified as having PTSD symptoms using the ‘PTSD symptoms list’. Research was conducted with the help of the STATISTICS program, by the Pearson’s Chi-square method, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (rS ).
Results. The severity of the consequences of the war was assessed based on the results of a survey among students of high er education institutions during the hostilities in Ukraine. Students who participated in hostilities or were in the war zone represented 45.9% of respondents from technical universities (TU) and 24.8% of the respondents from medical universities (MU). Students who experienced sexual violence (rape, attempted rape, coercion to perform any type of sexual act by force or threats) made up 18.9% of the students in the TU and 16.9% in the MU.
Conclusion. Sexual violence (rape, attempted rape, coercion to perform any type of sexual act by force or threats) among students in higher education institutions was experienced by 18.9% of respondents of technical specialization and 16.9% of respondents of medical specialization. The identified unfavorable features of students’ mental health during hostilities may lead to long-term negative consequences in the future. Particular attention should be paid to risk groups, including female students
Wound healing potential of Apamarga Ksharodaka (herbal alkaline water made from Achyranthus aspera Linn.) in excision rodent wound model
Get PDFIntroduction and aim. Wound healing is a biological process that aims to restore tissue integrity and function. Despite medical advances, wound management remains challenging. Traditional medicinal preparations, like Apamarga ksharodaka (AK), offer promising therapeutic potential due to their phytochemical richness. This study evaluated wound healing and antimicrobial activity of AK. This study aimed to validate the traditional claim of AK’s wound healing potential using an excision wound model.
Material and methods. An excision wound model was created using 24 male Wistar rats. A positive control group applied 5% w/w povidone-iodine (PI) ointment. Wound contraction (WC), epithelialization period (ET), wound closure day, and histopathology were assessed. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against Escherichia coli, Streptococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii.
Results. AK showed slightly better wound healing than PI ointment, with significant results in WC rate, wound closure, and ET. Histopathology revealed normal skin and organ architecture. The minimum MIC was 6.25 mg/ml against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with a maximum inhibition zone of 15 mm.
Conclusion. AK is safe and effective for wound healing