This prospective, open-label, two-arm clinical study evaluated the efficacy and safety of prolonged gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) therapy exceeding 24 months, combined with norethisterone acetate (NETA) add-back, in women experiencing endometriosis-associated pain refractory to standard treatments. Eighty-one premenopausal women with confirmed endometriosis and/or adenomyosis received either Triptorelin SR 11.25 mg or Goserelin acetate 10.8 mg every three months, together with daily NETA 5 mg for 24 months. Significant reductions in dysmenorrhea and deep dyspareunia were observed, with mean visual analogue scale scores decreasing from 7.9 to 2.3 and 6.1 to 0.6, respectively (P < 0.0001), along with improvements in dyschezia, dysuria, bloating, alternating bowel habits, and cold intolerance. Mild osteopenia occurred in only 2.4% of participants, and no major adverse events were reported, confirming safety through laboratory and imaging follow-up. These findings suggest that long-term GnRH-a therapy with NETA add-back is highly effective and well-tolerated in women with severe, treatment-resistant endometriosis-related pain, and may serve as a viable second-line medical treatment when surgery is not feasible.

Haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Haplo-HSCT) serves as an effective therapeutic intervention for haematological disorders, including leukemia, lymphoma, and various benign conditions. The assessment of engraftment through the quantification of chimerism is a crucial criterion for Haplo-HSCT. This investigation was designed utilising a Human Leukocyte Antigen-A24 (HLA-A24) antibody panel for the flow cytometric evaluation of chimerism post-Haplo-HSCT. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) specimens were procured from both patients and their corresponding donors at the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC). The flow cytometric analysis quantified the proportion of HLA-A24 antigen expression across a serial dilution (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%). The FACS Diva software (Version 6.1, BD) facilitated the data evaluation, and a standard curve graph was constructed. The data were analyzed utilising the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Software Version 27 (SPSS Version 27), with the relationship examined through the Pearson correlation test. The findings reveal a statistically significant correlation (R² = 0.99) between serial dilution and the mean expression of HLA-A24 (p<0.05), suggesting the applicability of the standard curve. The standard curve illustrated that serial dilution exhibited a direct proportionality to the expression of HLA-A24. It is suggested that this preliminary test demonstrated sensitivity for detection of T cells, B cells, and NK cells expression, with a minimum frequency of 5%, was detectable. The HLA-A24 panel enabled the monitoring of dynamic shifts in cellular subpopulations after haplo-HSCT, thereby assisting clinicians in implementing proactive management strategies. Consequently, flow cytometric analysis is a valuable technique for assessing engraftment in haplo-HSCT.

This review explores the mechanistic role of finerenone, a selective nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonist, in the management of hypertension. Finerenone exerts its antihypertensive effects by selectively targeting MR pathways, thereby modulating blood pressure and offering substantial cardiorenal protection. By inhibiting aldosterone activity within the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, it reduces sodium and water retention, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and inflammation in renal and cardiovascular tissues. This narrative review is based on a comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed preclinical and clinical studies retrieved from databases such as PubMed and Scopus, using terms including “finerenone,” “hypertension,” “mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists,” and “cardiorenal protection.” The review highlights finerenone’s superior efficacy and safety profile compared to traditional MR antagonists such as spironolactone. These findings underscore its potential to reduce blood pressure and prevent hypertension-induced organ damage with fewer adverse effects. The dual action of finerenone in blood pressure regulation and organ protection positions it as a promising therapeutic candidate. Ongoing research is warranted to further optimize its clinical applications in hypertension and related complications.

Catharanthus roseus, which is commonly called Nayantara, is a member of the Apocynaceae family. Traditional medicine has long used it to treat a variety of conditions, including microbial infections. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial qualities of C. roseus leaf extracts against a variety of common microorganisms. Using a conventional procedure, C. roseus leaf extracts were made with ethanol, methanol, and water. A qualitative phytochemical analysis was then conducted. Extracts from the leaves of C. roseus were examined for their antibacterial properties against Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, and Gram-negative bacteria: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, and Escherichia coli. Alkaloids and phenolic compounds, among other medicinal substances, were detected in the C. roseus leaf extracts according to a phytochemical test. All three extracts exhibited the maximum antibacterial activity against E. coli. The lowest antibacterial activity was noted in the ethanolic, methanolic, and aqueous extracts of C. roseus against P. aeruginosa, S. typhi, and S. aureus, respectively. The leaf of C. roseus has great promise as a source of bioactive chemicals with considerable health advantages, even though it is a byproduct. These findings open doors to customized extraction methods and the exploration of other parts of C. roseus for broader health applications, offering a sustainable pathway for drug discovery that harnesses natural resources to promote both global health and environmental well-being.

Anti-inflammatory agents are essential for managing inflammation-driven diseases, with COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) and NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B) serving as key molecular targets. Vindoline, a phytochemical derived from Catharanthus roseus, has demonstrated potential pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory activity. This study aims to evaluate the binding affinity and interactions of vindoline with COX-2 and NF-κB through molecular docking studies using AutoDock Vina. Diclofenac sodium was used as the reference standard. The 3D structure of vindoline was obtained from PubChem, and protein structures of COX-2 (PDB ID: 6COX) and NF-κB (PDB ID: 1NFK) were retrieved from the Protein Data Bank. Molecular docking was performed using AutoDock Vina to analyze binding affinities, and protein-ligand interactions were visualized using BIOVIA Discovery Studio 2025. ADME/T analysis was performed using SwissDock and Protox 3.0. The results demonstrated strong binding interactions of vindoline with COX-2 (-9.4 kcal/mol) and NF-κB (-7.0 kcal/mol) compared to Diclofenac Sodium (-8.0 kcal/mol and -6.4 kcal/mol, respectively). Key interactions, including hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic contacts at the active sites, supported its potential inhibitory activity. The results of egg albumin denaturation assay revealed that Vindoline (50–250 µg/mL) significantly inhibits protein denaturation and exhibits superior inhibition compared to Diclofenac Sodium. Vindoline also demonstrated high solubility and a potentially safer profile than Diclofenac Sodium. It suggests its potential as a lead compound for the development of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Recent studies have focused on the pharmacological potentials of natural compounds as potent medicinal agents. Annona reticulata Linn. (Family: Annonaceae) has long been used as a remedy for a wide range of ailments by many tribes and ethnic groups worldwide. According to reports, the plant has a variety of medicinal properties, such as anthelmintic, antipyretic, antihyperglycemic, antiulcer, and antinociceptive activities. In addition to evaluating the plant's antioxidant, cytotoxic, and anti-cancer potentials, the current study used GC-MS analysis to identify the compounds causing these effects. Six established methodologies were utilized to evaluate the antioxidant potential. Good antioxidant properties were demonstrated by the extract in DPPH and nitric oxide radical scavenging tests, with IC50 measurements of 96.15 µg/ml and 124.85 µg/ml. In both DPPH and nitric oxide radical scavenging tests ascorbic acid was used as standard; the observed IC50 values for ascorbic acid in these two tests were 14.38 µg/ml and 67.31 μg/ml. In reducing power assay, the extract's antioxidant activity increased with increasing concentration. 136.4±6.35 mg/gm Ascorbic acid equivalents was the total antioxidant capacity value that was determined. The aqueous extract demonstrated total flavonoid content value of 89.15±0.4 mg/gm Quercetin equivalents and total phenol content value of 61.48±0.17 mg/gm Gallic acid equivalents.Good cytotoxic potential was demonstrated by the extract in the brine shrimp lethality test. This test yielded LC50 value of 93.37 μg/ml for the aqueous leaf fraction and 1.63 μg/ml for standard vincristine sulphate; while the obtained LC90 values for the aqueous leaf extract and standard vincristine sulphate were 516.65 μg/ml and 7.17 μg/ml.Additionally, the plant extract exhibited notable anti-cancer potential against the EAC cell line in in-vivo study. The groups of mice treated with 400 mg/kg dose of aqueous leaf fraction and 20 mg/kg dose of 5-FU demonstrated tumour weight and EAC cell number values of 3.00±0.38 g and 7.40±0.81; 5.08±0.35 g and 9.20±0.86, respectively. Therefore, the values obtained from aqueous extract were less than those of the standard medication 5-FU.

Senescence is a hallmark of the natural ageing process across species. It is an irreversible arrest of the cells in a non-dividing state, restricting completion of cell cycle. Increased number of senescent cells is associated with declining health span. The switching between a normal cell to a senescent cell is governed by diverse factors, such as activation of DNA damage response, telomere attrition, raised redox imbalance etc. The senescent cells are detected through increased molecular markers of cell cycle arrest, chromatin remodeling indicators, lipofuscin, increased autophagic flux, and increase activity of senescence-associated β-galactosidase. A hyper secretory inflammatory response referred as Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP) is also attained. SASP contributes to low grade chronic inflammation in elderly and contributes to pathophysiology of most geriatric diseases. Cellular senescence can be managed by inclusion of dietary entities that can clear senescent cells (senolytic action), rein the SASP response (senomorphic action) or facilitate re-entry to cell cycle (senoreversal). This scoping review presents the current understanding of cellular senescence activation and detection and compiles the findings from studies wherein dietary components - bioactive polysacchrides, peptides and proteins, fatty acids, lipids and probiotic formulations, that are reported to provide nutrition as well as confer an anti-senescent advantage.

The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is steadily rising in Morocco and across North Africa, largely linked to dyslipidemia and persistent inflammatory states. This study was conducted to evaluate lipid profiles alongside High-Sensitivity Troponin I (hs-cTnI) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels. A cohort of 240 healthy individuals served as controls, compared with 351 patients diagnosed with acute CVD. Patients exhibited significantly higher levels of LDL-C (1.48 ± 0.45 g/L vs. 1.14 ± 0.24 g/L), hs-cTnI (10.2 ± 5.3 ng/mL vs. 3.1 ± 1.8 ng/mL), and CRP (9.8 ± 7.9 mg/L vs. 2.4 ± 1.6 mg/L), with all differences reaching statistical significance (p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified LDL-C, hs-cTnI, and CRP as independent predictors of acute CVD, with odds ratios (OR) of 1.82 (95% CI: 1.45-2.29), 1.06 (95\% CI: 1.03-1.09), and 1.12 (95\% CI: 1.04-1.21), respectively Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that hs-cTnI had moderate discriminative ability (AUC = 0.70), whereas CRP displayed limited predictive performance (AUC = 0.62). These findings suggest that hs-cTnI, and to a lesser extent CRP, may enhance risk stratification for acute CVD in Moroccan populations, highlighting the need for biomarker-guided protocols that are both effective and resource-conscious in clinical practice.

Ginger Simplicia (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) contains various secondary metabolic active compounds, but their levels often vary due to differences in plant variety, harvesting, drying, and storage. Standardization is crucial to ensure consistent quality, efficacy, and safety. This study analyzed the chemical composition of active compounds in standardized ginger simplicia. Key quality parameters, including water- and ethanol-soluble extractives, moisture, ash content, microbial contamination, and phytochemical profiles, were evaluated. Extracts were prepared using water and n-hexane solvents, and volatile oils were analyzed by LC-MS and GC-MS. All parameters met established quality standards. Total phenolic content was 3.15 ± 0.04 mg GAE/g, flavonoid content 1.42 ± 0.46 mg QE/g, and total terpenoid content 38.82 ± 0.13 mg/g. Water extracts contained simple phenols (ellagic acid), flavonoid glycosides (quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside), flavonoids (kaempferide), diarylheptanoids ([6]-shogaol), and sesquiterpenoids (alpha-zingiberene). n-hexane extracts were rich in diarylheptanoids ([6]-gingerol), monoterpenoids ((E)-3,7-dimethyl-3,6-octadienal), and steroids (beta-sitosterol). The volatile oil fraction was dominated by sesquiterpenoids (L-zingiberene) and monoterpenoids (geranial). These findings highlight the diverse bioactive compounds in standardized ginger simplicia, supporting its therapeutic potential and emphasizing the importance of rigorous standardization for quality assurance.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been linked to reproductive impairments. Medicinal plants have shown potential in alleviating diabetes-induced reproductive dysfunction in male. The Primary aim of the study was to assess the influence of an extract derived from Cassia fistula pod on reproductive hormone levels and testicular dysfunction in diabetic rats. A streptozotocin (STZ) dose (60 mg/kg b.wt.) was intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected to Wistar male rats to induce diabetes. 36 male rats were randomly assigned to six different groups: a healthy control group, a diabetic control group, three diabetic groups administered varying amount of Cassia fistula extract (100, 250, 500 mg/kg body weight per day), and a diabetic group receiving glibenclamide (5 mg/kg body weight per day). The treatment was given every day for 60 consecutive days. Levels of reproductive hormones including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH), along with oxidative stress in testicular tissue, were assessed. Histomorphometric and histopathological alterations in the testes were also examined. Diabetic control group exhibited significant decline in testicular weight, the testicular germ cells population, seminiferous tubular diameter and reproductive hormones like testosterone, FSH and LH as compared to control rats. Additionally, significant rise in lipid peroxidation (TBARS) alongside a simultaneous reduction in SOD and CAT activities as well as ascorbic acid and glutathione levels within the testicular tissues were observed compared to control rats. The administration of Cassia fistula extract or glibenclamide via oral route in diabetic rat led to improvements in serum insulin and reproductive hormone concentrations. Additionally, a reversal of histopathological and histomorphometric changes was noted relative to the diabetic reference group. Furthermore, the administration with the extract decreased lipid peroxidation and increased antioxidant levels in testicular tissue in comparison to the untreated diabetic rats. The outcomes of this research reveal that the hydroalcoholic extract from Cassia fistula pod exhibits significant antioxidant activities and can also modulate testicular dysfunction in diabetic male rats.