Δευτέρα 29 Αυγούστου 2022

Antiviral activities of Polygonum Perfoliatum L. extract and related phenolic acid constituents against hepatitis B virus

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader

Abstract

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is an important public health problem. Polygonum perfoliatum L. is a traditional medicinal herb and has been reported having pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral. In this study, the antiviral activities and mechanisms of Polygonum perfoliatum L. extract against HBV and the effective components were investigated. The results showed that, the total extract of Polygonum perfoliatum L. reduced the levels of HBV e antigen (HBeAg) secretion and the viral covalently closed circular DNA (CCC DNA) formation, but had little or no negative effects on viral capsid assembly and pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) packaging. Further fractionation showed that the water extract fraction exerted comparable anti-HBV activities with the total extract, especially in inhibiting the CCC DNA formation and HBeAg production, indicating that the effective antiviral components are mainly dis tributed in this fraction. Further study showed that the phenolic acids constituents, protocatechuic acid and gallic acid, but not ethyl caffeate, which are reported enriched in the water extract fraction, showed strong anti-HBV activities in inhibiting viral core DNA synthesis, CCC DNA formation and HBeAg production. These results suggested that the Polygonum perfoliatum L. total extract and the related phenolic acids like protocatechuic acid and gallic acid could inhibit HBV replication and also indicated the potential utility of Polygonum perfoliatum L. and related constituents as sources of novel antivirals against HBV.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
View on Web
Αναρτήθηκε από στις Δεν υπάρχουν σχόλια:

Curcumin reduces inflammation in rat apical periodontitis

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader

Abstract

Aim

To evaluate the effect of systemic curcumin administration on the severity of apical periodontitis (AP).

Methodology

Forty male Wistar rats weighing 250-280g each, age 2.5 months, were distributed into four groups (n=10): control untreated rats (C), control rats treated with curcumin (CUR), rats with pulp exposure-induced apical periodontitis (AP), and rats with pulp exposure-induced apical periodontitis treated with curcumin (AP-CUR). Curcumin treatment was administered orally once daily for 15 days before pulp exposure and continued for 30 days after pulp exposure. The rats were sacrificed at 30 days, and the jaws were collected and reconstructed in a program specific for micro-CT. The jaws were processed for analysis of the inflammatory process using Haemotoxylin and Eosin staining and immunohistochemical assays for interleukin tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (Il)-6, and Il-1β. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and osteocalcin (OCN) staining were used to analyze the resorptive process on the bone surface of periapical area. Kruskal–Wallis with Dunn's test was performed for nonparametric data, and ANOVA with Tukey's test for parametric data, p < .05.

Results

Micro-CT revealed no statistically significant differences in bone resorption between the AP and AP-CUR groups (p > .05). The levels of inflammatory cell infiltration and immunoreactivity for the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, Il-6, and Il-1β were significantly higher in the periapical lesions of the AP group than in the AP-CUR group (p < .05). The number of TRAP-positive multinucleated cells was higher in the AP group than in the AP-CUR group (p < .05). In OCN-positive cells, no differences were observed between the AP and AP-CUR groups (p > .05).

Conclusions

Oral supplementation with curcumin had a significant effect on the AP severity in rats, suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin on AP development.
View on Web
Αναρτήθηκε από στις Δεν υπάρχουν σχόλια:

Risk Factors for Recurrence of Peritonsillar Abscess

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the risk factors associated with peritonsillar abscess (PTA) recurrence in adult patients.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used a nationwide insurance claims database in Japan. Adult patients (aged ≥ 20 years) who received intravenous antibiotics or surgical therapy within 5 days of their first PTA diagnosis were included. Multivariable Cox proportional modeling was used to investigate the risk factors for PTA recurrence using the variables: age, sex, comorbidities, tobacco use, history of recurrent tonsillitis, duration of intravenous antibiotics, and surgical therapy for PTA.

Results

This study included 12,012 patients (8784 men, 73.1%). Of them, 1358 (11.3%) experienced PTA recurrence. An age ≥40 years and treatment with intravenous antibiotics for 3 days or more were associated with a lower risk of PTA recurrence (aged ≥ 40 years: adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.62–0.78, treated with intravenous antibiotics for 3 days or more: adjusted HR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.76–0.96). Patients with a history of recurrent tonsillitis were associated with a higher risk of recurrence (adjusted HR: 1.79; 95% CI: 1.47–2.19).

Conclusion

A median age of 20–39 years, a history of recurrent tonsillitis, and less than 3 days of intravenous antibiotic therapy may be risk factors for PTA recurrence among adult patients. Further studies exploring more detailed clinical data are necessary to confirm the risk factors for PTA recurrence.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 2022
View on Web
Αναρτήθηκε από στις Δεν υπάρχουν σχόλια:

Infants Receiving Very Early ART Have High CD4 Counts in the First Year of Life

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader
ABSTRACT
We followed 54 infants with in utero HIV after initiating very early antiretroviral treatment. At Weeks 24 and 48, ≥80% had CD4 ≥ 1500 cells/mm3 and CD4% ≥25%. Routine Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia prophylaxis in the first year of life may not be necessary for all very early treated infants.
View on Web
Αναρτήθηκε από στις Δεν υπάρχουν σχόλια:

Fra‐1 induces apoptosis and neuroinflammation by targeting S100A8 to modulate TLR4 pathways in spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader
Fra-1 induces apoptosis and neuroinflammation by targeting S100A8 to modulate TLR4 pathways in spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury

Schematic illustration depicting the mechanism by which Fra-1-mediated S100A8/TLR4/NF-κB and ERK signaling in the regulation of apoptosis and neuroinflammation during spinal I/R.


Abstract

Spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury (SCII) is a severe complication driven by apoptosis and neuroinflammation. An increase in the expression of c-Fos, a member of the AP-1 family, is known as a neuronal activation marker in SCII. The AP-1 family is composed of Jun, Fos, and is associated with the regulation of cytokines expression and apoptosis. Fra-1 is a member of the Fos family, however, the contribution of Fra-1 to SCII is still unclear. In our study, Fra-1 was highly upregulated especially in neurons and microglia and promoted apoptosis by changing the expression of Bax/Bcl-2 after SCII. Furthermore, we found that Fra-1 directly regulated the transcription expression of S100A8. We demonstrated that knockdown of Fra-1 alleviated S100A8 mediated neuronal apoptosis and inflammatory factor release, thus improved motor function after SCII. Interestingly, we showed that administration of TAK-242, the TLR4 inhibitor, to the ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury induced rats suppress ed the activation of the ERK and NF-κB pathways, and further reduced Fra-1 expression. In conclusion, we found that Fra-1-targeted S100A8 was expressed the upstream of Fra-1, and the Fra-1/S100A8 interaction formed a feedback loop in the signaling pathways activated by SCII.
View on Web
Αναρτήθηκε από στις Δεν υπάρχουν σχόλια:

The emergence, spread and vanishing of a French SARS‐CoV‐2 variant exemplifies the fate of RNA virus epidemics and obeys the Mistigri rule

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader

Abstract

The nature and dynamics of mutations associated with the emergence, spread and vanishing of SARS-CoV-2 variants causing successive waves are complex. We determined the kinetics of the most common French variant ("Marseille-4") for 10 months since its onset in July 2020. Here, we analysed and classified into subvariants and lineages 7,453 genomes obtained by next-generation sequencing. We identified two subvariants, Marseille-4A, which contains 22 different lineages of at least 50 genomes, and Marseille-4B. Their average lifetime was 4.1±1.4 months, during which 4.1±2.6 mutations accumulated. Growth rate was 0.079±0.045, varying from 0.010 to 0.173. Most of the lineages exhibited a bell-shaped distribution. Several beneficial mutations at unpredicted sites initiated a new outbreak, while the accumulation of other mutations resulted in more viral heterogenicity, increased diversity and vanishing of the lineages. Marseille-4B emerged when the other Marse ille-4 lineages vanished. Its ORF8 gene was knocked out by a stop codon, as reported in SARS-CoV-2 of mink and in the Alpha variant. This subvariant was associated with increased hospitalization and death rates, suggesting that ORF8 is a nonvirulence gene. We speculate that the observed heterogenicity of a lineage may predict the end of the outbreak.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
View on Web
Αναρτήθηκε από στις Δεν υπάρχουν σχόλια:

Radiological anatomical variations of the lateral nasal wall and anterior skull base amongst different populations: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader

Abstract

Objectives

To determine the anatomical variations of the lateral nasal wall and anterior skull base amongst populations in different geographical regions.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

Using PRISMA guidelines, SCOPUS and PUBMED databases were searched from inception until 1st March 2022. The regions and populations identified were from Europe, Asia, Middle East, Australia-New Zealand-Oceania, South America, North America and Africa. Random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed using the I 2 statistic and Cochran's Q test.

Main outcome measures

Anatomical variations of the lateral nasal wall and anterior skull base confirmed by computed tomography scan.

Results

56 articles were included with a total of 11805 persons. The most common anatomical variation of the ostiomeatal complex was pneumatization of the agger nasi (84.1%), olfactory fossa was Keros type 2 (53.8%) and ethmoids was asymmetry of the roof (42.8%). Sphenoethmoidal and suprabullar cells have a higher prevalence in North Americans (53.7%, 95% CI: 46.00-61.33) while asymmetry of ethmoid roof more common in Middle Easterns (85.5%, 95% CI: 0.00-100). Bent uncinate process has greater prevalence in Asians while supraorbital ethmoid cells and Keros type 3 more common in non-Asians. The overall studies have substantial heterogeneity and publication bias.

Conclusions

Certain anatomic variants are more common in a specific population. The 'approach of analysis' plays a role in the prevalence estimates and consensus should be made in future studies regarding the most appropriate 'approach of analysis' either by persons or by sides.
View on Web
Αναρτήθηκε από στις Δεν υπάρχουν σχόλια:

The analgesic and anti‐hemorrhagic efficacy of platelet‐rich plasma in tonsillectomy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader

Abstract

Aim

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the analgesic and anti-hemorrhagic efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) among patients undergoing tonsillectomy.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Google Scholar databases were screened from inception until July 2021, and updated in December 2021. Risk of bias of the included studies was evaluated according to the Cochrane Collaboration tool. The efficacy endpoints were summarized as risk ratio (RR) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Seven RCTs were analyzed, comprising a total of 392 patients. Risk of bias evaluation showed an overall high risk in one RCT, low risk in four RCTs, and some concerns in two RCTs. The pooled results revealed that the mean postoperative pain score was significantly reduced in favor of the PRP group compared with the control group (SMD=-1.38, 95% CI [-1.91, -0.85], p<0.001). Subgroup analysis showed the effect estimate was statistically significant for early postoperative pain (day 0 to day 3), without substantial difference between both groups on late postoperative pain (day 5 and day 7). Moreover, the rate of postoperative hemorrhage was significantly reduced in favor of the PRP group compared with the control group (RR=0.16, 95% CI [0.05, 0.50], p=0.001). Subgroup analysis showed the effect estimate was statistically significant for the rate of primary and secondary hemorrhage.

Conclusion

PRP was associated with significant reduction in postoperative pain and hemorrhage among patients undergoing tonsillectomy.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
View on Web
Αναρτήθηκε από στις Δεν υπάρχουν σχόλια:
Εγγραφή σε: Αναρτήσεις (Atom)

Δημοφιλείς αναρτήσεις