Given the high mortality, early diagnosis and appropriate therapy can provide patients with a favorable prognosis.BACKGROUND sRAGE (soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products) is identified as playing a protective role in chronic inflammatory diseases, and it has been found to be related to arterial stiffness in hypertensive or diabetic patients. This cross-sectional study was designed to study the potential association of sRAGE with arterial stiffness in systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE) patients. METHODS Ninety-four female SLE patients were enrolled. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was measured by an automatic pulse wave analyzer. Those patients were divided into two groups according to baPWV values, those with values greater than 1400cm/s being defined as the high arterial stiffness group. Biochemical parameters were compared between the two groups. Linear and logistic regression analysis was used to observe the association between sRAGE and arterial stiffness in those patients. RESULTS Thirty-five patients were defined as being in the high arterial stiffness group in which sRAGE levels were lower (P less then 0.05). sRAGE levels were significantly related to baPWV(standardized β=1.18, P less then 0.01) by linear regression analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that sRAGE, SLE duration, systolic blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were independent predictors of arterial stiffness in those patients. CONCLUSION Our results revealed that sRAGE was negatively associated with arterial stiffness in Chinese female SLE patients. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.BACKGROUND Hypoxia (deprived oxygen in tissues) may induce molecular and genetic changes in cancer cells. OBJECTIVE Investigating the genetic changes of glucose metabolism in breast cancer cell line (MCF7) after exposure to continuous hypoxia (10 and 20 cycles exposure of 72 hours continuously on a weekly basis). METHOD Gene expression of MCF7 cells was evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction- array method. Furthermore, cell migration and wound healing assays were also applied. RESULTS It was found that 10 episodes of continuous hypoxia activated Warburg effect in MCF7 cells via the significant up-regulation of genes involved in glycolysis (ANOVA, p value less then 0.05). The molecular changes were associated with the ability of MCF7 cells to divide and migrate. Interestingly, after 20 episodes of continuous hypoxia, the expression glycolysis mediated genes has dropped significantly (from 30 to 9 folds). This could be attributed to the adaptive ability of cancer cells. CONCLUSION It is concluded that 10 hypoxic episodes increased the survival rate and the aggressiveness of MCF7 cells and induced Warburg effect by up-regulation of the glycolysis mediating genes expression. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.BACKGROUND Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) was tried in treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) using different routes, doses and treatment durations. The aim of this work is to assess the efficacy of oral 600mg ALA twice daily over 6 months in treatment of patients with DPN. METHODS This is a prospective, single-center, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study conducted at the outpatient clinics of Mansoura Specialized Hospital, Mansoura University. A total of 200 patients with DPN were randomly assigned to add on treatment with either oral 600mg twice daily ALA (n=100) or placebo (n=100) for 6 months. Treatment outcome was assessed using vibration perception threshold (VPT), neurological symptom score (NSS), neurological disability score (NDS), and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain at baseline and at each visit (1, 3 and 6 months) after the start of treatment. RESULTS Comparison between the study groups regarding the baseline data revealed no statistically significant differences. In respect to the outcome parameters, no significant differences were found between the studied groups at baseline. However, in subsequent visits, ALA treated patients had significantly better resultsregarding almost all the outcome parameters (NSS, NDS, VAS, VPT). Mild nausea was reported in 6 patients. None of the studied patients discontinued treatment. CONCLUSIONS Oral 600mg ALA twice daily treatment for DPN over 6 months is effective, safe and tolerable. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal symptoms are often the first symptoms of hypopituitarism. However, pseudo-intestinal obstruction is not a common manifestation of hypopituitarism. Some patients presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms as their chief complaint were admitted to the Department of Gastroenterology and were accurately diagnosed with hypopituitarism at the Department of Endocrinology. CASE SUMMARY This case pertains to a 57-year-old man with poor appetite, fatigue, weakness, and recent onset recurring abdominal pain. An erect, abdominal X-ray indicated flatulence and gas-fluid levels in the midsection of the abdomen, and pseudo-intestinal obstruction was diagnosed. Subsequently, the patient was referred to the Department of Gastroenterology to identify the cause of the pseudo-intestinal obstruction. An examination of the digestive system did not reveal any abnormalities, but the patient developed hyponatremia and exhibited drowsiness. The patient was transferred to the Department of Endocrinology for further treatment. The patient was eventually diagnosed with hypopituitarism, caused by empty sella syndrome. The patient received prednisone and euthyrox replacement therapy, and pseudo-intestinal obstruction did not occur again. CONCLUSION In general, endocrine diseases, including hypopituitarism, hypothyroidism, and hyponatremia, should be considered for patients with pseudo-intestinal obstruction combined with hyponatremia and drowsiness, especially if the symptoms of the digestive system are not complicated and the drowsiness is obvious. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers and a significant cause of tumor-related death worldwide. Traditional biomarkers, such as CEA and CA199, are not sensitive enough to provide useful information for early diagnosis and treatment and are rather used to track clinical progression of disease. There is growing evidence that microRNAs (miRNA) are potentially superior to traditional biomarkers as a promising non-invasive biomarker for the timely diagnosis, and prediction of prognosis or treatment response in management of CRC. In this review, we collected the latest studies on the dysregulation of miRNAs expression in CRC and the potential for miRNAs to serve as biomarkers. Given the limitations of miRNA as discussed in this paper, its clinical applications as a diagnostic biomarker should be limited to use in combination with other biomarkers. Further research is necessary to elucidate the clinical applications of miRNA in therapy for CRC. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.I was interested in reading the paper by Hagag A and colleagues that was published in the March 2020 edition of the Infect Disord Drug Targets [1]. Neonatal sepsis is a clinical syndrome characterized by symptoms and signs of infection in the first twenty-eight days of life. Serum thyroid, cortisol and hepcidin are affected by neonatal sepsis. The purpose of the authors was to assess the predictive value of serum thyroid hormones including free triiodothyronine (free TT3) and free tetraiodothyronine (free TT4), serum cortisol and hepcidin levels through comparison of their concentrations between normal neonates and neonates with high probable late onset sepsis. They carried out a case control study on 40 neonates with suspected high probable late onset neonatal sepsis and 40 healthy neonates matched in age and sex as a control group (group II). For patients and controls; blood culture, highly sensitive C-reactive protein (H-s CRP), serum hepcidin, serum cortisol and thyroid hormones levels including free TT3 il at epub@benthamscience.net.AIMS The study aimed to evaluate the antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant activities of Matricaria pubescens. BACKGROUND Matricaria pubescens (Desf.) Shultz belongs to Asteraceae family and it is commonly used traditionally for handling diabetes mellitus. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to assess the antioxidant activity of Matricaria pubescens (Desf.) Shultz and its effect on lipid and lipoprotein profile in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. METHODS The effect of repeated (7 days of treatment) oral administration of the aqueous extract of aerial part of Matricaria pubescens (MPAE) at a dose of 40 mg/kg on lipid and lipoprotein profile was examined in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Furthermore, a preliminary phytochemical screening and the quantification of phenolic, flavonoid and tannin contents as well as the antioxidant activity using two methods (FRAP and ABTS) were carried out. RESULTS MPAE demonstrated a potent antidyslipidemic effect in diabetic rats by reducing serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). In addition, the results showed that the extract is rich in several phytochemical compounds and revealed an important antioxidant activity. CONCLUSION In summary, this study proved that Matricaria pubescens (Desf.) Shultz. has a favorable effect on diabetic dyslipidemia. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.BACKGROUND AND AIMS Anemia is a common complication of heart failure and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Sacubitril-valsartan is a novel therapy for the treatment of chronic heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). We have evaluated the short-term effects of sacubitril-valsartan on the anemia of CRS. METHODS The study group comprised 39 patients with HFrEF, who were followed-up for three months. The study is a retrospective analysis of clinical data. Data of 3 months’ visit and baseline visit were recorded including plasmatic creatinine, glomerular filtration rate, cystatin C, kaliemia, haemoglobin, pro-BNP and albuminuria. RESULTS In all, 34 patients ended the follow-up. Mean sacubitril-valsartan dosage at baseline was 101±62 mg/day and 126±59 mg/day at end. Mean hemoglobin increased from 12.2±1.1 g/dl at baseline to 12.9±1.0 g/dl (p = 0.001,). Prevalence of anemia was 64.7% (95%CI,47.9-78.5%) at baseline and 38.4 (95%CI,23.9-55.0%) after the follow-up (p = 0.016). Serum cystatin C levels decreased from 2.71±1.0 to 2.48±1.0 mg/l (p = 0.028). Serum K levels remained unchanged (baseline 4.94±0.60, three months visit 4.94±0.61 mmol/l, p = 0.998). CONCLUSIONS Sacubitril-valsartan improves anemia in CRS patients. An improvement of serum cystatin levels was observed. Few untoward effects were detected. These findings should be confirmed in wider clinical trials. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.BACKGROUND Infertility is a global social issue, and reproductive health is a priority in global health. This review aimed to study the relation between physical activity (PA) and infertility in non-obese or non-overweight women. METHODS We used search strategies in the National Library of Medicine database including the PubMed database to October 2019 to find articles related to women and fertility, infertility, exercise, PA, pregnancy rate, live births, fecundability, and conception. Only cohort studies or randomized controlled trials in English were chosen for review that included outcomes directly related to becoming pregnant. We selected studies in which the participants were categorized by low or high body mass index (BMI). RESULTS We found 6 papers meeting our criteria. In the association between PA and outcome, vigorous PA in women with low BMI resulted in both positive and negative effects that were weaker than those in women with high BMI. Among women with low BMI, moderate PA was weakly but positively associated with outcome whereas walking was not. CONCLUSION We observed some trends and slight difference between outcomes of women with low versus high BMI. There are only a few studies on infertile women with low BMI, and further investigation is warranted. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.Several minimally invasive surgical procedures have been recently developed to treat hemorrhoids without any excision. About 25 years ago, a non-excisional procedure providing doppler-guided ligation of the hemorrhoidal arteries has been proposed – named „hemorrhoidal dearterialization”. The original technique has been modified over the years, and indications were expanded. In particular, a plication of the redundant and prolapsing mucosa/submucosa of the rectum (named „mucopexy”) has been introduced to treat hemorrhoidal prolapse, without excision of the hemorrhoidal piles. At present, the THD® Doppler procedure is one of the most used techniques to treat hemorrhoids. Aim of this technique is to realize a target dearterialization, using a Doppler probe with the final purpose to reduce the arterial overflow to the hemorrhoidal piles. In case of associated hemorrhoidal prolapse, a mucopexy is performed together with Doppler-guided dearterialization. The entity and circumferential extension of the hemorrhoidal prolapse guides the mucopexy, which can be considered tailored to a single patient; the dearterialization should be considered mandatory. Advantages of this surgical technique are the absence of serious and life-threatening postoperative events, chronic complications, and limited recurrence risks. The impact of the procedure on the anorectal physiology is negligible. However, a careful postoperative management is mandatory to avoid complications and to guarantee an improved long-term outcome. Therefore, regular physiologic bowel movements, excessive strain at the defecation and strong physical activity are advisable. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.1. INTRODUCTION Hemorrhoids are vascular cushions underlying the distal rectal mucosa and contributing for approximately 15-20% of the resting anal pressure with a complete closure of the anal canal. They can become pathological (hemorrhoidal disease, HD) being the most common cause of painless rectal bleeding during defecation with or without prolapsing anal tissue1 . In this case the blood is bright red, not mixed with faeces but instead coated on their outer surface, or dropping after bowel movement. HD is generally classified by its location in internal (originated above the dentate line and covered by anal mucosa) and external (originated below the dentate line and covered by anoderm). Internal hemorrhoids are commonly graded based on the degree of prolapse, according to Goligher’s classification2 . Its treatment must be tailored both to the severity of disease and patient’s expectation conservative treatment, including dietary and lifestyle modifications, is effective in managing the majority of patientriod can also be beneficial. Very few randomized controlled trials have been carried out and up to date we cannot know the real validity of these drugs27 . Moreover, in many trials funding by the pharmaceutical industry can bias results and this leaves doubts about the real benefit of all types of drugs in the treatment of early stages of HD. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.BACKGROUND Life style and jobs in current situations generate increased free radicals such as hydroxyl (OH•) and superoxide (O2•) radicals, thereby increasing stress in humans. Interest in search of antioxidants that trap these free radicals has increased to relieve stress. β-carotene (provitamin A), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), tocopherol or vitamin E, Trolox; butyl hydroxy toluene and phenolic compounds are the well-known antioxidants. Several methods evaluate the antioxidant property existing in natural substances (medicinal plants and agri-food products) and synthetic compounds (2-methyl-3- (pyrrolidin-2-ylideneamino) quinazolin-4 (3H) -one and 3,3′- (1,4- phenylenebis (methanylylidene)) bis (azanylylidene) (2- methyl-quinazolin-4 (3H) -one). OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to focus on complexes with p-hydroxycinnamic acids to trap free radicals in greener way. METHOD Spectroscopic shifts and structural studies were employed to attribute electronic properties responsible for antioxidant profile. Spectroscopic shifts in wavenumbers were attributed with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectra (FTIR) and Fourier Transform Raman spectra (FT Raman Spectra). Structural studies were performed with Gaussian package, electron density method the B3LYP method, basis set 6-31(d) for attributing electronic properties responsible for antioxidant profile. RESULT Interpretation of FTIR spectra revealed spectroscopic shifts in wavenumbers in all the complexes responsible for bonding. Further, studies confirmed formation of complex with reduced intensities in Raman spectra. Computational studies revealed enhancement in molecular and electronic properties responsible for antioxidant power. CONCLUSION Studies revealed that complex with p-nitroaniline contribute to greater acceptor and donor power responsible for antioxidant power. These higher powers suggest the best antiradicals to trap free radicals. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.BACKGROUND Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi represents a worldwide epidemiological, economic, and social problem. In the last decades, the trans-sialidase enzyme of Trypanosoma cruzi has been considered an attractive target for the development of new agents with potential trypanocidal activity. OBJECTIVE In this work, the aim was find new potential non-sugar trans-sialidase inhibitors using benzoic acid as a scaffold. METHOD A structure-based virtual screening of the ZINC15 database was carried out. Additionally, the enzyme and trypanocidal activity of the selected compounds was determined. RESULTS The results of this work detected 487 compounds derived from benzoic acid as potential trans-sialidase inhibitors with a more promising binding energy value ( less then -7.7 kcal/mol) than the known inhibitor 2,3-dehydro-2-deoxy-N-acetylneuraminic acid (DANA). In particular, two lead compounds, V1 and V2 turned out to be promising trans-sialidase inhibitors. Even though the trypanocidal activity displayed was low, these compounds showed trans-sialidase inhibition values of 87.6% and 29.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION Structure-based virtual screening using a molecular docking approach is a useful method for the identification of new transsialidase inhibitors. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.BACKGROUND Curcumin, as the substantial constituent of the turmeric plant (Curcuma longa), plays a significant role in the prevention of various diseases, including diabetes. It possesses ideal structure features as enzyme inhibitor, including a flexible backbone, hydrophobic nature, and several available hydrogen bond (H-bond) donors and acceptors. OBJECTIVE The present study aimed at synthesizing several novel curcumin derivatives and further evaluation of these compounds for possible antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties along with inhibitory effect against two carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes, α-amylase and α-glucosidase, as these enzymes are therapeutic targets for attenuation of postprandial hyperglycemia. METHODS Therefore, curcumin-based pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives were synthesized and identified using an instrumental technique like NMR spectroscopy and then screened for antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory potential. Total antioxidant activity, reducing power assay and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH• ) radical scavenging activity were done to appraisal the antioxidant potential of these compounds in vitro. RESULTS Compounds L6-L9 showed higher antioxidant activity while L4, L9, L12 and especially L8 exhibited the best selectivity index (lowest α-amylase/α-glucosidase inhibition ratio). CONCLUSION These antioxidant inhibitors may be potential anti-diabetic drugs, not only to reduce glycemic index but also to limit the activity of the major reactive oxygen species (ROS) producing pathways. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.BACKGROUND We found an excellent review in the literature of the Biginelli reaction that addresses the methodologies for obtaining enantiopure dihydropyrimidinones (DHPMs). In 1992, optically pure DHPMs were obtained by fractional crystallization of the diastereomeric ammonium salt derivative with (S)-(-) and (R)-(+)--methylbenzylamine and by other chiral resolution techniques, such chiral high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Asymmetric syntheses of these compounds are also found in the literature. The main strategy uses acid catalysts such as organophosphates, organometallic complexes, amines and diamines, nanocomposites, and chiral ionic liquids, e.g., L-prolinium sulfate (Pro2SO4). OBJECTIVE To study the Biginelli reaction with a chiral aldehyde. METHODS A mixture of ethyl acetoacetate (0.26 g, 3 mmol), urea (0.18 g, 3 mmol) and ethyl lactate (EL) (1 mL) is left under heating at 70 °C and stirring for 1 h. Next, (-)-(1R)-myrtenal (0.45 g, 3 mmol) is added, and the medium is heated for 5 h more unelli reaction. In addition, the process has the advantage of using EL as a green solvent. The product was characterized by 1H, 13C, and 2D NMR and IR spectroscopy, MS, HRMS, and X-ray crystallography. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.The natural beauty and purity of our planet has been contaminated deeply due to human selfish activities such as pollution, improper waste management, and various industrial and commercial discharges of untreated toxic by-products into the lap of nature. The collective impact of this hazardous suspension into the natural habitat is very deadly. Challenges due to human activity on the environment have become ubiquitous. The chemical industry has a major role in human evolution and, predictably, opened gates of increased risk of pollution if the production is not done sustainably. In these circumstances, the notion of Green Chemistry has been identified as the efficient medium of synthesis of chemicals and procedures to eradicate the toxic production of harmful substances. Principles of Green Chemistry guide the scientist in their hunt towards chemical synthesis which requires the use of solvents. These solvents contaminate our air, water, land and surrounding due to its toxic properties. Even though sufficient waste product and will remain human and nature friendly. During designing compounds for a particular reaction it is difficult to give assurance regarding the toxicity and biodegradability of the method. Chemists are still far away from predicting the various chemical and biological effects of the compounds on the back of the envelope. To achieve that point is formidable task but it will definitely act as inspiration for the coming generation chemists. The green solvents are undoubtedly a far better approach to eliminate the negative impacts and aftermath of any chemical synthesis on the environment. Our study in this review covers an overview of green solvents, their role in safer chemical synthesis with reference to some of the important green solvents and their detail summarization. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive and prevailing breast cancer subtype. The chemotherapeutics used in the treatment of TNBC suffer with chemoresistance, dose limiting toxicities and off-target side effects. As a result, conventional chemotherapeutics are unable to prevent tumor growth, metastasis and result in failure of therapy. Various new targets such as BCSCs surface markers (CD44, CD133, ALDH1), signaling pathways (IL-6/JAK/STAT3, notch), pro and anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, DR4, DR5), hypoxic factors (HIF-1α, HIF2α) and drug efflux transporters (ABCC1, ABCG2 and ABCB1) have been exploited to treat TNBC. Further, to improve the efficacy and safety of conventional chemotherapeutics, researchers have tried to deliver anticancer agents specifically to the TNBCs using nanocarrier based drug delivery. In this review, an effort has been made to highlight the various factors responsible for the chemoresistance in TNBC, novel molecular targets of TNBC and nano-delivery systems employed to achieve site specific drug delivery to improve efficacy and reduce off-target side effects. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.OBJECTIVE Early exposure to general anesthesia in children might be a potentially high-risk factor for learning and behavioral disorders. The mechanism of neurotoxicity induced by general anesthesia was not defined. miR-496 could regulate cerebral injury, while the roles of miR-496 in neurotoxicity were not elucidated. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of miR-496 in neurotoxicity induced by propofol. METHODS Primary prefrontal cortical (PFC) neurons were isolated from neonatal rats and treated with propofol to induce neurotoxicity. Cell viability was detected by (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and cell apoptosis was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The target relationship of miR-496 and Rho Associated Coiled-Coil Containing Protein Kinase 2 (ROCK2) was explored using luciferase assays. RESULTS Propofol decreased cell viability, promoted cell apoptosis, and decreased the expression of miR-496 in PFC neurons in a dose-dependent manner. Overexpression of miR-496 attenuated neurotoxicity induced by propofol in PFC neurons. ROCK2 was a target of miR-496, and miR-496 oppositely modulated the expression of ROCK2. Besides, propofol increased the expression of ROCK2 through inhibiting miR-496 in PFC neurons. Overexpression of miR-496 attenuated propofolinduced neurotoxicity by targeting ROCK2 in PFC neurons. CONCLUSION miR-496 was decreased in PFC neurons treated with propofol, and overexpression of miR-496 attenuated propofol-induced neurotoxicity by targeting ROCK2. miR-496 and ROCK2 may be promising targets for protecting propofol-induced neurotoxicity. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.BACKGROUND Myocardial fibrosis (MF) is an important physiological change after myocardial infarction (MI). MicroRNA-26b (MiR-26b) has a certain inhibitory effect on pulmonary fibrosis. However, the role of miR-26b in MI-induced MF rats and underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. MATERIAL AND METHODS Forty male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats weighing 200-250g were divided into four groups (n=10) Sham group, MF group, MF + negative control (NC) agomir group and MF+miR-26b agomir group. Cardiac fibroblasts were isolated from cardiac tissue. Fibrosis levels were detected by MASSON staining, while expression of related genes was detected by RT-qPCR, Western blotting and Immunohistochemistry, respectively. TargetScan and dual luciferase reporter assay were utilized to predict the relationship between miR-26b and high mobility group, AT-hook 2 (HMGA2). RESULTS Study found expression of miR-26b was down-regulated in myocardium of MF rats (p less then 0.01). miR-26b overexpression in vitro significantly reduced sul at epub@benthamscience.net.BACKGROUND A lowered concentration of adiponectin is viewed as an independent factor of the risk of inducing endometrial cancer. Cisplatin is a drug used in therapy of this type of neoplasm. However, knowledge on the effects of cisplatin on the adiponectin level is still limited. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to asses the impact of cisplatin depending on the concentration and time of exposition of the cells to the drug on the adiponectin level in the endometrial cancer cell line. METHODS Cells of endometrial cancer cell line Ishikawa were exposed for 12,24 and 48 hour periods to cisplatin with the following concentrations 2.5µM, 5µM, 10µM. The changes in the expression profile of adiponectin were compared to the RtqPCR reaction and ELISA test. The STATISTICA 13.0 PL program was used for statistical analysis (p less then 0.05). RESULTS In the culture without the drug, the concentration of adiponectin was statistically lower than in the cell culture incubated with the drug. Changes on the mRNA level seem to be clearer than on the protein level, although in both cases the same trend in the expression changes was noted. The longer the time of exposition of the cells to the drug, the expression of mRNA and the adiponectin protein increased. Changes in the expression profile were characterized statistically (p less then 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Cisplatin in a noticeable way changes the expression profile of adiponectin. Molecular analysis indicated, that in the case of endometrial cancer, therapy should be implemented with a concentration of no less than 5 µM. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.BACKGROUND The promising properties of zinc phosphate (ZnP) nanoparticles (NPs) have made them come into prominence as one of the most favorable catalysts in various industries with ever-increasing applications. Among several proposed synthetic methods, biological methods have mostly been desired for their sheer person-environment compatibility in comparison with those of chemical and physical ones. OBJECTIVE Therefore, the synthesis of ZnP NPs via biological route was developed in this study. METHOD Herein proposed a facile, applicable procedure for ZnP NPs via biosynthesis route, which included precipitation of zinc nitrate (Zn(NO3)2.6H2O) and diammonium hydrogen phosphate ((NH4)2HPO4) in the presence of Enterobacter aerogenes as the synthetic intermediate. Investigation of anti-corrosion behavior of the synthesized NPs was explored on carbon steel in hydrochloric acid corrosive environment to provide deeper insight into their unique anti-corrosion properties. Additionally, their antibacterial activities were also examined against the Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans. RESULTS The results of X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) and the Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) analyses confirmed the successful synthesis of ZnP NPs. Moreover, the examinations of both anti-corrosion and antibacterial properties, revealed that the synthesized NPs could be a promising anticorrosion/ antibacterial agent. CONCLUSION ZnP NPs with average size of 30-35 nm were successfully synthesized via simple, suitable biological method. Results implied that these particles could be used as a non-toxic, environmentally friendly, corrosion-resistant and antibacterial agent instead of toxic and uneco-friendly ones. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.BACKGROUND Fish is an essential source of nutrients for human nutrition due to the composition of proteins, vitamins, minerals, among other nutrients. Enzymatic hydrolysis represents an alternative for the use of by-products of the aquaculture industry. OBJECTIVE We propose to evaluate the effect of stirring speed, temperature, and initial protein concentration on the degree of hydrolysis of proteins and antioxidant activity of red tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) viscera hydrolysates. METHODS The effect of stirring speed, temperature, and initial protein concentration on the degree of hydrolysis of proteins and antioxidant activity was evaluated using an experimental design that was adjusted to a polynomial equation. The hydrolysate was fractioned to determine the antioxidant activity of the fractions, and functional properties were also measured. RESULTS Stirring speed, protein concentration, presented a statistically significant effect (p less then 0.05) on all the response variables. However, the temperature did not present a statistically significant effect on the degree of hydrolysis. The best conditions of hydrolysis were stirring speed of 51.44 rpm, a temperature of 59.15 °C, and the protein concentration of 10 g L-1 . The solubility of the hydrolysate protein was high at different pH, and the hydrolysate fraction with the highest antioxidant activity has a molecular weight less then 1 kDa. CONCLUSIONS The degree of hydrolysis and the biological activity of red tilapia viscera hydrolysates (Oreochromis spp.) are affected by temperature, substrate concentration, and stirring speed. The optimal conditions of hydrolysis allowed to obtain a hydrolysate with antioxidant activity that is due to the peptides with low molecular weight. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.ABO-incompatible (ABO-I) liver transplantation (LT) has been limited due to the increased rate of complications, including severe cellular and antibody-mediated rejection, hepatic necrosis, hepatic artery thrombosis, and biliary complications. However, several strategies for reducing preformed anti-donor ABO antibodies and B cell desensitization have improved the outcomes of ABO-I LT. As a result, ABOI LT has become a routine procedure and is a feasible option in countries with scarce deceased-organ donation or in cases without an available compatible organ donor. In this review, we describe past and present desensitizing protocols as well as emergent therapies for depleting B cell and anti-ABO antibodies with the objective of identifying approaches that could lead to new, refined strategies for maximizing the results of ABO-I LT. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.There is evidence that mental health disorders may have roots in fetal life and are associated with deficiencies in various micronutrients, including vitamin D. During pregnancy, vitamin D homeostasis is influenced by an increase in maternal calcitriol and a substantial increase in maternal Vitamin D Binding Protein concentrations. In the early stages of life, vitamin D is necessary to mediate numerous brain processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, and neurotransmission. Furthermore, Vitamin D has a recognized anti-inflammatory activity that normally suppresses inflammation. Increased activation of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) and inflammatory responses during pregnancy can affect maternal health and fetal neurodevelopment during and beyond pregnancy. Vitamin D deficiency and maternal stress during pregnancy, including perinatal depression, may both contribute to alter the efficacy of the immune system and modulate its activity. An association between Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy and a reduction in fetal brain development has been widely described and correlated with alteration in the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. To this regard, a growing body of evidence highlights that low maternal vitamin D dosage during pregnancy has been related to a significantly greater risk to develop schizophrenia and other severe mental illnesses in later life. Aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of maternal vitamin D in determining the fetal origins of mental health, with some references to the link between vitamin D levels, inflammatory responses to stress and mental disorders in adult life. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.BACKGROUND Though there are many patents on silk, patents on sea silk are rare. Sea silk is one of the most coveted materials in the world, and the technology to make sea silk is at an extremely high risk of extinction. Unlike spider dragline silk and silkworm silk, this natural silk has been forgotten in the academic commune for millennia, though it has many fascinating properties high strength, remarkable adhesion, extreme lightweight, and others. METHODS Here we report that mussel-derived silk fibers can be fabricated by electrospinning. Instead of extracting proteins from byssus, we directly use the protein solution from alive blue mussels, which are intensely commercially used. The protein solution and the polyvinyl alcohol solution are mixed together to produce mussel-based silk fibers. RESULTS The mussel-based silk fibers have many special properties like high mechanical strength, remarkable super-contraction and good wetting properties. CONCLUSION The electrospinning mussel-based silk fibers have the potential for use as a replacement for the rarest sea silk and as a new bio-inspired material with multi-functions. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.During the last decade, the disclosure of systemic effects of osteocalcin (OCN) in its undercarboxylated form contributed to switch the concept of bone from a merely structural apparatus to a fully endocrine organ involved in the regulation of systemic functions. Since that time, the role of OCN as osteokine has been more and more widened appreciated and detailed by the major use of animal models, starting from the original function in the bone extracellular matrix as Gla-protein and spanning from the protective effects towards weight gain, insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis, to the anabolic and metabolic roles in skeletal muscle, to the stimulating effects on the testis endocrine function and male fertility, to the most recent preservation from anxious and depressive states through a direct activity on the central nervous system. In this review, experimental data supporting the inter-organ communication roles of this protein are discussed, together with the available data supporting the consistency between experimental data obtained in animals and those reported in humans. In addition, a specific session has been devoted to the possible significance the OCN as a template agonist on its receptor GPRC6A, for the development of novel therapeutic and pharmacological approaches for the treatment of dismetabolic states and male infertility. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.The spermatozoon has classically been seen only as a paternal DNA transporter into the oocyte, thus underestimating the entire contribution of the male gamete to the embryo development. The advancement of the research supports that not only the sperm genome, but the entire sperm transcriptome and proteome carry crucial information for fertilization and embryo development. Altogether, 6871 proteins have been reported in spermatozoa so far. Their functional analysis has recently addressed to the sperm proteome a role in fertilization, preimplantation embryo development and paternal epigenetic inheritance. Targeted analysis of human spermatozoa is warranted to compile an evidence-based list of sperm-carried molecular targets in infertile patients. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.BACKGROUND Tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), especially the drug-resistant MTB, causes serious challenges for people healthcare worldwide. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) play a vital role in immune defense against MTB. OBJECTIVE To identify novel CTL epitopes that could induce cellular immunity against MTB infections. METHODS The HLA-A*0201 restricted CTL epitopes of the drug-resistant protein InhA from MTB were predicted by online algorisms and synthesized by the Fmoc solid phase method. The candidate peptides were used to induce CTLs from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of HLA-A*0201 healthy donors and the HLA-2.1/Kb mice. IFN-γ productions of CTLs were detected by enzyme linked immunospot assay (ELISPOT), flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and cytotoxicity was analyzed by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay. RESULTS A group of 4 epitopes were screened out with high affinity to HLA-A*0201. ELISPOT and flow cytometry analysis indicated these peptides significantly induced IFN-γ release of CTLs from the HLA-A*0201+/PPD+ donors, as the mutant analogues had more potent stimulation effects. LDH assay showed that CTLs from PPD+ donors and the immunized mice exhibited significant cytotoxicity and low cross-reactivity. ELISA analysis revealed comparative levels of IFN-γ were released by CTLs isolated from the mice spleen. CONCLUSION Our study has identified 4 novel CTL epitopes of InhA that could elicited potent CTL immunity, establishing foundation for development for multivalent peptide vaccine against the drug-resistant MTB. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.Obesity represents one of the most important health problems worldwide with increasing morbidity and mortality. Widespread prevalence of this disease justifies its actual definition of a „global epidemic”. Adipose tissue is nowadays considered a complex organ with lots of endocrine and metabolic functions. In addition to fulfilling its task for energy storage and thermal regulation, by virtue of its constituent white and brown cells, adipose tissue represents, considering its size, the biggest endocrine gland in the body. Both adipocytes and surrounding resident cells (macrophages, endothelial cells and others) produce a huge number of molecules, or adipokines, with endocrine or paracrine functions, that regulate various aspects of metabolism whose clinical relevance is emerging. By balancing proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects, the adipokines control insulin sensitivity and related glucose metabolism changes, lipid accumulation in the liver and other organs, and finally gonadal function. Collectively, literature data remains cloudy because of still conflicting results of pre-clinical and clinical studies. The aim of this review was to summarize scientific evidence about adipokines’ effects on human metabolism, by focusing on their role on either Metabolic Syndrome and NAFLD, or insulin-resistance in pregnancy, or finally, reproductive function disorders. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.Male hypogonadism is „a clinical syndrome that results from failure of the testis to produce physiological concentrations of testosterone and/or a normal number of spermatozoa due to pathology at one or more concentrations of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis”. The diagnostic protocol of male hypogonadism includes accurate medical history, physical exam, as well as hormone assays and instrumental evaluation. Basal hormonal evaluation of serum testosterone, LH, and FSH is important in the evaluation of diseases of the hypothalamus-pituitary-testis axis. Total testosterone levels less then 8 nmol/l profoundly suggest the diagnosis of hypogonadism. An inadequate androgen status is moreover possible if the total testosterone levels are 8-12 nmol/L. In this „grey zone” the diagnosis of hypogonadism is debated and the appropriateness for treating these patients with testosterone should be fostered by symptoms, although often non-specific. Up to now, no markers of androgen tissue action can be used in clinical practice. The identification of markers of androgens action might be useful in supporting diagnosis, testosterone replacement treatment (TRT) and clinical follow-up. The aim of this review is to analyze the main findings of recent studies in the field of discovering putative diagnostic markers of male hypogonadism in seminal plasma by proteomic techniques. The identified proteins might represent a „molecular androtest” useful as a seminal fingerprint of male hypogonadism, for the diagnosis of patients with moderate grades of testosterone reduction and in the follow-up of testosterone replacement treatment. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.BACKGROUND Prmt5 plays major role in regulation of gene expression, RNA processing, cell growth and differentiation, signal transduction, germ cell development, etc in mammals. Prmt5 is also related to cancer. Knowing the proteins interacting with Prmt5 is important to understand Prmt5’s function in cells. Although there have been reports on proteins binding with Prmt5 in mammals, the partner proteins of Prmt5 in fish are still unclear. OBJECTIVES The objective was to obtain proteins that bind with Prmt5 in medaka, a model fish. METHODS Yeast two hybridization was adopted to achieve the objective. Medaka Prmt5 was used as a bait to fish the prey, binding proteins in a cDNA library of medaka. Co-immunoprecipitation and in silicon analysis were performed to study the interaction of medaka Mep50 and Prmt5. RESULTS Eight proteins were identified to bind with Prmt5 from 69 preliminary positive colonies. The binding proteins are methylosome protein 50 (Mep50), apolipoprotein A-I-like (Apo-AI), PR domain containing protein 1a with zinc fingers (Prdm1a), Prdm1b, T-cell immunoglobulin mucin family member 3 (Tim-3), phosphoribosylaminoimidazole carboxylase and phosphoribosylaminoimidazolesuccinocarboxamide synthase (Paics), NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 (ND4) and sciellin (Scl). Co-immunoprecipitation confirmed the interaction of medaka Prmt5 and Mep50. Predicted structures of medaka Prtm5 and Mep50 are similar to that of human PRMT5 and MEP50. CONCLUSION Medaka Mep50, Prdm1a, Prdm1b, Apo-AI, Tim-3, Paics, ND4, and Scl bind with Prmt5. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.BACKGROUND Antibacterial peptides play important roles in the innate immune system of insects and are divided into four categories according to their structures. Although many antibacterial peptides have been reported in lepidopteran insects, the roles of an attacin-like gene in immune response of Antheraea pernyi remain unclear. OBJECTIVE In this study, the cloning and immunological functions of an attacin-like gene from Antheraea pernyi were investigated. METHODS In this article, the open reading frame of Ap-attacin-like gene was cloned by PCR using the specific primers and then was ligated to the pET-32a vector to construct the recombinant plasmids Apattacin-like-pET-32a. The recombinant Ap-attacin-like protein was expressed in E. coli (BL21 DE3) cells and purified by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. The expression patterns of Ap-attacin-like in different tissues or under microorganism challenges were investigated by real-time PCR and western blotting. Finally, agar well diffusion assay was performed to determine the antimicrobial activity of the recombinant Ap-attacin-like proteins based on the inhibition rate. RESULTS The expression level of Ap-attacin-like was highest in the fat body compared with the other examined tissues. The expression of Ap-attacin-like in the fat body was significantly elevated after E. coli, Beauveria bassiana, Micrococcus luteus or nuclear polyhedrosis virus challenges. In addition, the recombinant Ap-attacin-like proteins had obvious antibacterial activity against E. coli. CONCLUSION Ap-attacin-like was highly expressed in immune-related tissues and its expression level was significantly induced by different microorganism challenges, suggesting that Ap-attacin-like participated in the innate immunity of A. pernyi. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.OBJECTIVES The aim of our study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous treatment of ureteral obstructions and leak after renal transplant and to evaluate the long-term results and graft survival rates in a single center. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective study included 27 transplant recipients who received percutaneous treatment between January 2000 and December 2010 and who had follow-up data until December 2018. During this period, 294 renal transplants were performed at our institution, with 17 (5.7%) having a ureteral complication. Ten patients included in the study had their transplants at another center. Percutaneous nephrostomy, balloon dilatation, and double J stent placement were used in the management of complications. Cutting balloon dilatation and tandem ureteral stent placement were done in cases of resistant stenosis. Technical success and ureter patency rates were calculated. Graft survival rates were compared between early and late obstruction groups and between successful and unsuccessful interventional treatment. RESULTS Among included cases, 21 obstructions (7 early, 13 late) and 8 leaks were detected. The technical success rate of percutaneous nephrostomy was 100% in all groups. The technical success rates of balloon dilatation and double J stent were 100% and 88% in the early and late obstruction groups, respectively. Censored graft survival rates in all groups at 1, 5, and 10 years were 89%, 89%, and 73.9%, respectively. In long-term follow-up, ureter patency rates were 100%, 33%, and 50% for early obstruction, late obstruction, and urinary leak groups, respectively (P = .018). Graft survival rates between early and late obstruction groups were not significantly different. No major complication, allograft loss, or 30-day mortality was seen. CONCLUSIONS Percutaneous management of ureteral complications is safe and effective and should be considered as first-line treatment because of its less invasive nature and lower complication and morbidity rates.OBJECTIVES Pediatric orthotopic liver transplant recipients frequently need mechanical ventilation during the immediate posttransplant period. However, intensive care unit beds are costly and scarce; therefore, anticipating which patients will require postoperative mechanical ventilation support is important. In addition, immediate postoperative extubation may reduce the incidence of postoperative respiratory complications and improve patient outcomes after orthotopic liver transplant. Here, we aimed to determine the predictors of need for mechanical ventilation after orthotopic liver transplant in pediatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the records of 57 pediatric patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplant (performed by the same team at Baskent University Hospital from April 1996 to August 2009). Patients were divided into 2 groups according to whether they required postoperative mechanical ventilation or not. Collected data included demographic features; comorbidities; cause of liver failure; perioperative laboratory values; intraoperative hemodynamic parameters; use and volume of crystalloids, colloids, and blood products; albumin levels; portal vein clamping time, requirement of inotropes/vasopressors; and anesthesia duration.