Scripta Medica

Assessing the Efficacy of Methanol Extracts of Ocimum Sanctum Linn. and Ocimum Basilicum Linn. in Diabetic Neuropathy

2025-03-12T21:57:48+01:00

Background/Aim: Our nerves can be impacted by thousands of diseases and ailments, but diabetes-related neuropathy is the name given to the endocrine system issue that results in nerve damage. Herbal plants having antioxidant activity play an important role in managing diabetes and the associated complications. Ocimum sanctum and Ocimum basilicum plants have shown antihyperglycemic as well as neuroprotective activity but the effect of Ocimum sanctum and Ocimum basilicum on diabetic neuropathy (DN) has not been studied so far. So, the given manuscript was aimed to evaluate the effect of both plants by various in vitro biochemical parameters as well as in vivo studies.

Methods: The given manuscript describes the effect of methanol extracts of Ocimum sanctum and Ocimum basilicum, in DN induced Swiss albino mice of either sex weighing 25-35 g. Mice were divided into 6 groups viz control (I) receiving citrate buffer, diabetic (II) and test groups (III, IV, V, VI) receiving streptozotocin at a dose of 100 mg/kg to induce DN on 21st day followed by treatment of test groups (III, IV, V, VI) at a dose of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg daily for 14 days, with Ocimum basilicum and Ocimum sanctum, respectively.

Results: The results showed that the methanol extracts of Ocimum sanctum and Ocimum basilicum gave significant change in weight variation, tail immersion test and blood glucose in comparison to diabetic control. In brain tissue homogenate measurement of oxidative stress by thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), glutathione (GSH) and serum nitrite level, the methanol extract of both plants produced significant change when compared to diabetic control.

Conclusion: This study underscores the promising role of herbal adjuncts in addressing the complexities of diabetic neuropathy and warrants continued investigation into their clinical utility.

Neuroprotective Role of Ranolazine in Parkinson Disease: Drosophila Melanogaster Model

2025-02-28T15:01:13+01:00

Background/Aim: Among the neurological ailments, Parkinson disease (PD) might be one of the most mysterious and intricate ones. The brain produces less dopamine as PD worsens, making it harder for a person to control their movements. In literature the effect of ranolazine (Rn) in the CNS has been proposed for the management of pain and epilepsy. So, it was hypothesised that ranolazine could act in neuroprotection. Aim of this study was to explore ranolazine effect in Parkinson and neuronal cells.

Methods: Drosophila melanogaster has been employed. Five groups, each with 100 flies were: Group 1: control; Group 2: vehicle treated; Group 3: PD + ranolazine treated (1 mg/mL); Group 4: PD + ranolazine treated (2 mg/mL); Group-5: PD + ranolazine treated (4 mg/mL). PD was induced by paraquat. Part A involved the estimation of mortality index at 2-6 h. Estimation of climbing assay at 2 h, 4 h and 6 h and biochemical parameters such as oxidative stress were performed at 6 h.

Results: At different concentration of ranolazine percentage climbing of flies was found improved. Ranolazine at dose of 4 mg/mL showed significant reduction in percentage mortality at 24 h. Ranolazine at dose of 4 mg/mL showed a significant effect on total protein content level. Ranolazine 1 mg/mL showed significant effect and 2 mg/mL showed significant reduction in superoxide dismutase (SOD) level as compared to vehicle group. Ranolazine 1 mg/mL, 2 mg/mL and 4 mg/mL showed significant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) level as compared to vehicle group.

Conclusion: The present findings suggest that ranolazine has a good neuroprotective potential in the treatment of PD in flies. Further studies still required to be performed so as to explore its potential in clinical trials.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Plant-Based Hydrogels in Burn Wound Healing: Focus on Satureja Montana L. and Origanum Vulgare L.

2025-03-11T22:42:29+01:00

Background/Aim: Burn injuries present a critical issue for healthcare systems worldwide. They often lead to numerous complications, including persistent inflammation, impaired healing and heightened infection risks. The growing challenge of antibiotic resistance further complicates treatment, making bacterial infections harder to control and wound healing less effective. Existing treatment methods are often limited, highlighting the need for alternative approaches. Aim of this study was to analyse influence of hydrolate-based gels derived from Satureja montana L. and Origanum vulgare L. on the healing of burn wounds.

Methods: New Zealand white rabbits (n = 25) with standardised Grade IIIa thermal burns were assigned to treatment groups receiving hydrolate-based gels (Satureja montana L. or Origanum vulgare L.), conventional therapy (Betadine (povidone-iodine) and Levomecol (methyluracil, chloramphenicol)), or no treatment. Inflammatory responses were tracked by collecting blood samples at the study’s begin, on day 3 and at one- and two-weeks post-burn, with subsequent ELISA analysis. Histological evaluation of tissue regeneration and inflammatory response was conducted using haematoxylin and eosin staining on days 3, 7 and 14.

Results: By day 14, Satureja montana L. demonstrated the most effective reduction in interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, nearing baseline values. This biochemical improvement correlated with histological findings, showing advanced epithelial regeneration, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and clearer dermal-epidermal boundaries. The results highlight Satureja montana L. as the most effective treatment in both inflammation control and tissue repair compared to Origanum vulgare L. and conventional therapy.

Conclusion: Hydrolate-based gels from Satureja montana L. and Origanum vulgare L. represent a promising option for adjunctive burn wound therapy. The Satureja montana L. group demonstrated significant improvements in inflammation control and tissue regeneration, while Origanum vulgare L. showed results comparable to standard therapy.

Use of Psoriasis Epidemiology Screening Tool (PEST) to Identify Psoriatic Arthritis in Bosnia and Herzegovina

2025-03-11T22:45:42+01:00

Background/Aim: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is chronic inflammatory disease with estimated prevalence of 6 % to 41 % in patients with psoriasis. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of PsA in Bosnian patients with psoriasis in everyday dermatological practice by using psoriasis epidemiology screening tool (PEST) screening test for detection of PsA.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included patients with a confirmed diagnosis of psoriasis. Data on patient demographics, clinical characteristics and treatment history, were collected using a questionnaire. Clinical characteristics of psoriasis included clinical cutaneous manifestations and plaques and psoriasis area and severity index (PASI). The risk of having PsA was evaluated by PEST (scores ≥ 3 indicate risk of PsA). The data were analysed using the Chi-square and Independent t-test.

Results: Of 79 included psoriatic patients, 22.8 % had a PEST ≥ 3. Psoriatic patients with PEST ≥ 3 were more likely to have certain comorbidities such as cardiovascular diseases (p = 0.044) and psychological disorders (p = 0.022). The psoriatic patients with PEST < 3 and PEST ≥ 3 did not differ in PASI severity, but psoriatic patients with PEST ≥ 3 were more likely to have nail psoriasis (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: In the present study, using PEST questionnaire, one fifth of Bosnian patients were suspected of having PsA, highlighting a need for improved screening for PsA in daily dermatological practice. Earlier care is important because these patients were more likely to have cardiovascular diseases, psychological disorders and nail disease.

Effect of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension on Quality of Life: A Cross-Sectional Study

2025-02-28T15:01:13+01:00

Background/Aim: The quality of life (QOL) of the person is shown to be severely impacted by conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension. Aim of this study was to investigate how both these conditions affect QOL of patients dealing with those conditions.

Methods: A total of 276 participants were divided into three groups: T2DM (45.00 %), hypertension (14.75 %) and both conditions (40.25 %). The analysis included monitoring blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Participants completed a health quality evaluation questionnaire and data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation.

Results: The results indicated that the duration of these diseases significantly impacted individuals' health. Physically, women were more adversely affected (12 %) than men (9.2 %) across all groups. Additionally, participants with mixed diets and both conditions experienced more negative effects (10.86 %) compared to vegetarians (6.25 %). It was found that individuals with T2DM and hypertension concurrently had a considerably lower QOL compared to those without these conditions.

Conclusions: The study highlights that the type of diet and the duration of the disease significantly influence the QOL of patients. These factors were found to have a substantial impact on the overall well-being of individuals with T2DM and hypertension.

Factors Associated With Paroxysmal Arrhythmias in Ambulatory ECG Monitored Patients

2025-03-11T22:49:39+01:00

Background/Aim: Arrhythmia is a heart rhythm disorder that can appear suddenly without any symptoms and has the risk of causing other diseases and even death. This study aimed to determine predicting factors for the incidence of paroxysmal arrhythmias.

Methods: This retrospective observational cohort study used patients' medical records in the Cardiovascular Outpatient Service Unit at RSUD Budhi Asih, Jakarta, Indonesia, from 2017-2021. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 406 patients were analysed. The occurrence of paroxysmal arrhythmias based on the doctor's diagnosis in medical record data was divided into paroxysmal atrial, supraventricular, ventricular and atrioventricular block (AV block) arrhythmias. Data analysis used the Chi-square test.

Results: A total of 39.4 % of patients had paroxysmal atrial arrhythmias. Factors associated with the occurrence of paroxysmal atrial arrhythmias were age, gender, smoking behaviour, comorbidities and heart-pumping ability. On the other hand, body mass index, hypertension and diabetes mellitus were shown to be significantly associated with paroxysmal supraventricular arrhythmias. Gender, smoking behaviour, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, thyroid disease and heart pumping ability were predicting factors for paroxysmal ventricular arrhythmias. Meanwhile, only gender and heart disease were factors associated with paroxysmal AV block arrhythmias.

Conclusion: Sociodemographic and individual clinical conditions were associated with paroxysmal arrhythmias. However, these factors vary according to the outbreak of the arrhythmia.

Antihypertensive Activities of Peronema Canescens Jack Extract: An In Vivo Study

2025-02-28T15:01:14+01:00

Background/Aim: Hypertension commonly known as high blood pressure is characterised by a systolic readings of 140 mm Hg or higher and/or a diastolic readings of 90 mm Hg or above. Elevated blood pressure can lead to a heightened release of nitric oxide, a crucial factor in vascular relaxation. Peronema canescens Jack, commonly referred to as Sungkai, is known to contain flavonoids with antihypertensive properties and antioxidants that may help prevent cellular oxidation. This research aimed to evaluate the antihypertensive effects of ethanol extract from Peronema canescens Jack leaves and its impact on nitric oxide levels in hypertensive rats.

Methods: This study used hypertensive male Wistar rats induced by NaCl (3.75 g/kg BW) and prednisone (1.5 mg/kg BW) administered orally. Blood pressure measurements were conducted using the non-invasive tail-cuff method and nitric oxide levels were analysed by reacting the sample with the Griess Reagent Assay.

Results: The study's findings demonstrated a decrease in systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure, along with an increase in nitric oxide levels after administering ethanol extract of Peronema canescens Jack leaves (EEPC) at dosages of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg BW. The most significant reduction in blood pressure was noted at the 100 and 200 mg/kg BW dosages (p < 0.05), while the highest elevation in nitric oxide levels was observed at the 200 mg/kg BW dosage (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The study concludes that administering the EEPC to hypertensive rats, induced by NaCl and prednisone, can lower blood pressure and elevate nitric oxide levels. These findings suggest that Peronema canescens Jack leaves hold potential as an antihypertensive agent.

Intravascular Foreign Bodies Retrieval: Navigating Differences From Childhood to Adulthood

2025-02-28T15:01:14+01:00

Background/Aim: The increasing number of cardiovascular procedures is coupled with higher cardiovascular foreign bodies (FB) embolisation into the circulation. Aim of this study was to analyse centre’s experience with percutaneous retrieval of FB, emphasising the differences between paediatrics and adults and highlighting failure-related parametres.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent percutaneous retrieval FB in the heart and major blood vessels from February 2013 to April 2024 in the catheterisation lab at a specialised cardiovascular centre was performed. Data were subdivided into two groups: paediatric and adult. A collection was made of patient demographic and FB details, including type, site, the reason for introduction, duration of impaction, details of retrieval procedure including access site, types of catheters, device and sheath used, the time needed for extraction and whether the retrieval was successful.

Results: Twenty-two patients were included, 15 (68.2 %) adults and 7 (31.8 %) paediatric patients. The most common FB retrieved was a guide wire 7 (33 %) followed by an atrial septal occluder 6 (29 %). The right femoral artery was commonly accessed in both subgroups. Snare techniques were used in all patients. There were no complications or deaths reported. Overall procedure success was 18 cases (81.8 %), while the procedure failed in 4 (18.2 %) cases and those patients were referred to open surgery. No statistically significant differences were found between the patient’s age, gender, the type of FB, the site of FB and the duration of FB impaction concerning the outcome of the procedure.

Conclusion: Percutaneous retrieval of cardiovascular FB is a safe, successful alternative to surgery. The success rate was comparable between adult and paediatric patients.

Bone Marrow - Mesenchymal Stem Cell and Platelet Rich Fibrin: A Promising Step of Growth Plate Injury Treatment in Rabbit

2025-02-28T15:01:14+01:00

Background/Aim: Paediatric physeal injuries account for about 30 % of all bone injuries, often affecting growth plates. Current treatments emphasise prevention, as regenerating the damaged physis is challenging. This study aimed to analyse whether combining bone marrow mesenchymal stem-cell (BM-MSC) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) can regenerate physis bone.

Methods: The twenty-four New Zealand white rabbits, aged 6 weeks, were acclimatised for 1 week. BM-MSC and PRF were then prepared. A physis injury was induced in the proximal tibia of the rabbits, then divided into four groups: control, BM-MSC treatment, PRF treatment, combination of BM-MSC and PRF treatment. After 4 weeks, rabbits were sacrificed and evaluated. The bony bar diameter was measured using haematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, while the expression of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX-9) was evaluated using immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Results: Histology showed that the BM-MSC and PRF combination led to better regeneration than the control, BM-MSC alone, or PRF alone in terms of osteochondral union. SOX-9 indicators showed significant differences between the control vs BM-MSC groups (p = 0.099); BM-SC vs PRF groups (p = 0.032). TNF-α indicators showed no significant differences at all. VEGF indicators showed significant differences between the control vs BM-MSC and PRF groups (p = 0.008); PRF vs BM-MSC and PRF groups (p = 0.021).

Conclusion: Administration of BM-MSC, PRF or a combination of BM-MSC and PRF showed comparable effectiveness in osteochondral union based on histological outcomes. Conversely, PRF alone exhibited the highest effectiveness in IHC analysis. However, none of these results were statistically significant.

Implementation of a Patient Safety Policy in Hospitalisation of Surgical Cases

2025-02-28T15:01:15+01:00

Background/Aim: The Seven Steps to Patient Safety is a reference guide for hospitals implementing a patient safety program. The seven steps are building awareness of the value of patient safety, leading and supporting staff, integrating risk reporting activities, developing reporting systems, involving and communicating with patients, learning and sharing experiences about patient safety and preventing injuries through the implementation of patient safety systems. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the implementation of a patient safety policy in the hospitalisation of surgical medical cases.

Methods: In this cross-sectional research, 360 nurses from several Gresik City public and private hospitals participated. Questionnaires on the application of the patient safety policy and a questionnaire that modified the seven steps of patient safety as implemented by nurses in the medical-surgical inpatient wards were used as the study instruments. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the data.

Results: Most nurses have worked in medical-surgical for 6-10 years with work hours 40-59 every week. Implementation of patient safety had negative responses from nurses in Step 3 (integrated risk management) and Step 5 (open communication to patients and families). The simple logistic regression results for all steps were significant. Therefore, multiple logistic regression has shown that steps 1, 2, 4, 6 and 7 were significant to the implementation of patient safety policies.

Conclusions: Patient safety policy remains a shared commitment that needs to be implemented. Hospitals as healthcare institutions that directly treat patients must prioritise safe, quality, anti-discriminatory and effective health services, prioritising the interests of patients according to hospital service standards.

Secondary Failure of Oral Therapy in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes - How To Overcome It?

2025-02-28T15:01:15+01:00

Background/Aim: Secondary failure of oral therapy occurs after a long period of successful use of oral antidiabetic drugs. The exact mechanism of its occurrence is not known. Recent data suggest heterogeneity of this phenomenon, analogous that of type 2 diabetes pathogenesis. Research objective was to assess glucoregulation and insulin secretory function before, three months after the use of insulin therapy and three months after the exclusion and re-introduction of oral antidiabetic therapy.

Methods: Forty-nine patients with unsatisfactory glycaemic control were selected and insulin therapy in four daily doses (basal-bolus regimen) was subsequently initiated. Glycaemic regulation and beta cell function (C-peptide and insulinemia) were monitored at three time points: before starting insulin therapy, three months after initiating insulin and three months after discontinuing insulin and resuming the previously used oral antidiabetics.

Results: After the introduction of insulin therapy, there was a significant improvement in glycaemic regulation parameters (p < 0.001). Improvements in beta-cell function and reductions in insulin resistance were confirmed during the period after insulin therapy (p < 0.001). However, a certain deterioration in these parameters was observed following the discontinuation of insulin therapy. Additionally, there was a slight decrease in C-peptide and an increase in insulinemia, though these changes were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Application of intensified insulin therapy for three months leads to improvement of glucoregulation and partial recovery of the secretory function of the endocrine pancreas. The reintroduction of oral antidiabetic therapy led to a slight worsening of the observed parameters, although this change was not statistically significant.

Association of GPX1 Pro198Leu and SOD1 A251G Polymorphisms With Risk of Acute Kidney Rejection

2025-02-28T15:01:15+01:00

Background/Aim: Acute rejection is one factor threatening the success of kidney transplantation. One of the factors that can cause graft rejection is oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between GPX1 Pro198Leu and SOD1 A251G polymorphisms and acute renal allograft rejection.

Methods: A total of 262 healthy individuals and 262 patients who had undergone kidney transplantation were enrolled in the present study, of which 46 patients had acute rejection. The genotypes were determined using the PCR-RFLP technique. Case-control study between patients and control groups and cohort study between patients with and without acute rejection were then performed.

Results: Analysis showed that the incidence of kidney disease leading to kidney transplantation did not depend on the genotype of GPX1 and SOD1 polymorphisms. In the cohort study, no significant differences were observed between the cases with and without acute rejection for any of the two genes.

Conclusions: The genotypes of GPX1 and SOD1 polymorphisms were not found to be involved in the incidence of acute renal rejection. It is advised to continue further studies, because defects in the activities of these genes can be compensated by other members of their families.

No Evidence for an Association Between the Chemokine Receptor 5 Δ32 Polymorphism and Multiple Sclerosis Susceptibility: A Meta-Analysis

2025-02-28T15:01:16+01:00

Background/Aim: Numerous reports have been published on the association of the chemokine receptor 5 Δ32 genetic variation (rs333) with the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS), with results that are inconsistent. The relationship between rs333 and susceptibility to MS was evaluated in this study.

Methods: The PRISMA guidelines were followed in the current study. Twelve databases were used to find eligible articles. The investigators extracted the necessary information. The associations of the alleles and genotypes were evaluated in different models of inheritance: co-dominant, dominant and recessive genotype models and allele model.

Results: The analysis included 14 articles reporting 16 studies involving 3265 MS patients and 3735 healthy controls. There was no substantial heterogeneity between studies for any of the comparisons. The significance level was not reached for the association between rs333 and MS susceptibility.

Conclusion: The findings of this study could not confirm the relationship between the rs333 and susceptibility to multiple sclerosis.

Molecular Mechanisms for Pathophysiology and Therapy of Cardiac Dysfunction in Heart Failure

2025-03-11T22:52:18+01:00

Extensive work over the past 6 decades in the field of cardiovascular medicine has revealed that haemodynamic, hormonal, metabolic, cellular and molecular mechanisms of heart failure are not only complex but are also dependent upon the type and stage of heart disease. Although various agents such as β-adrenoreceptor blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists and vasodilators are available for the treatment of heart failure, these interventions delay the progression of heart failure without reducing mortality and morbidity. In this article, literature on the pathophysiology of heart failure due to myocardial infarction and haemodynamic overload to identify molecular targets for future drug development is reviewed. Particularly, objective was to focus on the mechanisms of heart failure involving pathways for the generation of oxidative stress, myocardial inflammation and Ca²⁺-handling abnormalities. It is evident that elevated levels of plasma vasoactive hormones and growth factors as well as increased preload and afterload play critical roles in stimulating various signal transduction pathways for the occurrence of increased ventricular wall stress, cardiac remodelling and subsequent cardiac dysfunction. These alterations are associated with development of oxidative stress, myocardial inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, metabolic defects, intracellular Ca²⁺-handling abnormalities, apoptosis, fibrosis and changes in the extracellular matrix. In view of such pathogenic abnormalities in failing hearts, it is suggested these parameters may serve as excellent targets for drug development for the therapy of heart failure. In addition, there occurs activation of proteases and phospholipases as well as depression in cardiac gene expression for the induction of subcellular remodelling in failing hearts and thus interventions affecting these parameters may also be considered to exert beneficial effects in heart failure. There is also an urgent need to develop some existing and newer agents such as metabolic inhibitors, antioxidants and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors as well as gene and RNA based therapies for the treatment of heart failure.

Diverse Routes in the Development of Obesity

2025-02-28T15:01:16+01:00

Obesity, a prevalent community health concern, is a diseased state characterised by an abundance of adipose tissue. This condition arises from notable transformations resulting from modern civilisation, where overconsumption and sedentary behaviours have become commonplace in contemporary society. Obesity’s prevalence and associated health effects present a significant public health challenge affecting both physical and cognitive health and executive function impairments are commonly observed. In obese individuals, suggesting a complex interplay between weight and cognitive well-being, the gut microbiota serves as a bridge between external factors like diet and lifestyle and the body’s physiological processes, potentially illuminating the intricate pathways connecting these health issues. Unhealthy dietary patterns characteristic of Western diets contributes to imbalances in the gut microbiota, which can exacerbate obesity-related complications. Research indicates that the gut microbiota linked to obesity may instigate various changes in the body, including disruptions in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. These disruptions can lead to disturbances in hormone regulation, desensitisation of leptin receptors, resistance and neuroinflammation. It is crucial to grasp the interplay between altered the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity and long-term consequences of obesity, considering factors like age, gender and racial disparities. Examining the intricate connection between neuro-immunology and immune metabolism, particularly in adipose tissue where immune cells and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) play crucial roles, can provide insights into the complex mechanisms of obesity-related health issues. This review emphasises the multifaceted mechanisms in the development of obesity, laying the groundwork for understanding various avenues that could be explored for innovative and effective pharmaceutical interventions in obesity management.

Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery Systems: A Promising Approach for Targeted Ulcerative Colitis Therapy

2025-02-28T15:01:17+01:00

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), includes ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), is characterised by recurrent, chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal system. For the treatment of UC, oral medication delivery to the colon is largely favoured since it increases their effectiveness while lowering systemic toxicity. To deliver oral a medication to the colon, which is at the distal end of the gastrointestinal system is however challenging, because of physiological difficulties, biochemical barriers and environmental obstacles, such as those brought on by mucus and epithelium. Recent preclinical studies have suggested that targeted medication administration to the colon using nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems (DDS) may be a promising strategy for the treatment of UC. Additionally, this study offers a thorough assessment of newly discovered naturally produced nanoparticles (such as extracellular vesicles and plant-derived nanoparticles) as well as DDS based on synthetic nanoparticles. These innovative UC treatment plans based on nanoparticles may present a chance for the clinical application of nanoparticle formulae.

Heat Shock Protein 60 in Vascular Biology

2025-03-11T22:56:22+01:00

The response of heat shock proteins (HSPs) to stress-induced stimuli is now well documented and understood. Specific HSPs like HSP70 play an important role in vascular diseases like atherosclerosis and hypertension. However, the involvement of other HSPs in these vascular pathologies has been largely ignored. HSP60 plays a particularly critical role in vascular cell growth, an important component of many vascular pathologies. HSP60 directly induces vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. The mechanism may involve an HSP60-induced stimulation of the rate of nuclear protein import in the smooth muscle cell. HSP60 expression levels also correlate with the severity of the disease. In conclusion, HSP60 may have an important role to play in vascular diseases like atherosclerosis. HSP60 may be a promising future pharmaceutical target to focus upon in order to deter the pathological effects of disease conditions like hypertension and atherosclerosis.

Overview of Monkeypox Virus

2025-03-11T23:01:33+01:00

Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is a close relative of the Variola (smallpox) virus, which was formerly prevalent throughout West and Central Africa. Nonetheless, instances have lately been verified outside of Africa in several nonendemic nations. Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) defined the recent monkeypox spread health emergency for the public for global significance on 23 July 2022. This worldwide community may be in danger because of the increased number of confirmed cases. The monkeypox virus (MPXV), the etiologic agent, was isolated from diseased monkeys in 1959, and its pathogenicity in humans was first documented in the 1970s, primarily in Western and Central African endemic countries. But in 2022, this disease shows extreme return at a never-before-seen rate, raising concerns about its communicative expansion in non-endemic areas and its potential for human-to-human transmission. Healthcare professionals, public health regulators and the general people around the world must possess substantial expertise for such relatively unknown viral diseases to mitigate the situation. Here, a thorough and current pathogenesis overview, epidemiology and clinical characteristics, along with monkeypox therapy is presented. This current review also covers future research fields, vaccine advancements and preventive and control methods for this reemerging viral disease that is currently recognised as a global crisis in public health.

Dysthanasia

2025-03-11T23:04:06+01:00

Dysthanasia in medicine is the artificial prolongation and delay of death in a terminal patient, using all available means. With the advancement of sophisticated medical technologies and care, the patient can be kept alive as long as possible in the terminal stages of the disease. Such a procedure brings little benefit to the patient, while increasing suffering and sorrow for the patient and their families. The ethical implications of using medical technology in dysthanasia are complex. The challenge lies in the ethical and judicious use of modern technologies to respect the dignity and wishes of patients while avoiding unnecessary suffering.

Paediatric Post-Traumatic Tenosynovial Chondromatosis of the Foot: A Case Report

2025-03-11T23:07:06+01:00

Tenosynovial chondromatosis (TC) is a rare benign condition characterised by the formation of cartilaginous nodules from tendon sheaths or articular membranes. It primarily affects the hand and wrist structures. The condition predominantly affects individuals in their thirties to fifties. The post-traumatic TC is not reported in a paediatric patient, to the best of our knowledge. The purpose of this case was to describe a five-year-old girl's case of TC, which had a highly unusual localisation in the foot following a post-traumatic event. In order to handle this challenging lesion, the clinical presentation, imaging modalities, histopathology and surgical treatment is presented. Performing surgery with wide margins is the gold standard.