Serum Uric Acid Levels Research Articles

A potential marker for increased LDL and hypertriglyceridemia risk

Background and objectives. Serum uric acid (SUA), traditionally associated with gout, is increasingly recognized for its potential role in cardiometabolic disorders, including dyslipidemia. Elevated SUA levels may influence lipid metabolism, thus enhancing cardiovascular disease risk. This study aims to explore the association between SUA levels, dyslipidemia, and related risk factors in a cohort of patients, contributing to a better understanding of their interplay and implications for cardiovascular health. Material and methods. We conducted a retrospective case series involving 30 participants selected from the outpatient Department of General Medicine. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board, and informed consent was waived due to the retrospective design and use of de-identified data. Participants were aged 18 or older with available data on SUA, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, excluding those with a history of gout, renal impairment, or current use of urate-lowering medications. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Mann-Whitney U tests, with significance set at p <0.05. Results. The study population had a mean age of 54.7 ± 6.3 years and a mean BMI of 28.4 ± 2.4 kg/m². The mean SUA level was 6.9 ± 0.8 mg/dL, LDL cholesterol was 138 ± 13 mg/dL, and triglycerides were 162 ± 25 mg/dL. Dyslipidemia was present in 60% of the participants. Significant associations were found between hyperuricemia and dietary habits, family history of gout, CVD, and dyslipidemia, as well as the duration of hyperuricemia. Conclusion. Elevated SUA levels are significantly associated with dyslipidemia and other cardiovascular risk factors. The findings suggest the importance of managing SUA levels and lipid profiles concurrently to reduce cardiovascular risks. Further research is needed to explore the long-term cardiovascular outcomes of persistent hyperuricemia and dyslipidemia.

Serum Uric Acid Level and its Association with Severity in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background: Cerebrovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major public health issue around the world. Elevated serum uric acid levels may predict an increased risk for cerebrovascular events particularly acute ischemic stroke. Aim of the study: The aim of our study was to assess the association between serum uric acid level and severity of acute ischemic stroke. Methods: This observational case control study was conducted at the department of Neurology and at the department of Medicine in Dhaka Medical College Hospital from July 2018 to June 2020. This study included 50 acute ischemic stroke patients and 50 age and gender matched healthy controls. Along with the routine investigations, estimation of serum uric acid was done in all participants. The severity of stroke was assessed as per national institutes of health stroke scale (NIHSS). After collection of all the required data, analysis was done by SPSS 23.0. Results: The mean age and distribution of the age in different age group were matched between case and control groups (p=0.607 and 0.763 respectively). The mean age of the ischemic stroke cases was 62.14±9.77 years. The mean NIHSS score of the patients was 16.34±10.34. Of all, 18% had minor stroke, 32% had moderate stroke, 20% had moderate to severe stroke and 30% had severe stroke. Among stroke patients 58% had elevated uric acid level and among controls 20% had raised uric acid in serum. The number of patients having elevated serum uric acid is statistically significantly higher in case group than control group (p<0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed hypertension (OR 4.046; 95% CI 1.432–11.432; p=0.008), DM (OR 3.063; 95% CI 1.030-9.105; p=0.044), dyslipidemia (OR 3.031; 95% CI 1.062-8.654; p=0.038) and elevated serum uric acid level (OR 6.019, 95% CI 2.220–16.317; p<0.001) independently associated with acute ischemic stroke (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study shows elevated serum uric acid level significantly associated with severity of acute...........

Subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in gouty patients: relation to musculoskeletal ultrasonographic findings and serum sclerostin level

Objectives. To detect subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in gout patients and its relation to musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK US) manifestations and serum sclerostin (SCL) levels. Patients and methods. Thirty Egyptian gouty patients were classified into two groups: Group A included 15 patients with diagnostic MSK US manifestations of gout (double contour sign), and Group B included 15 patients without MSK US findings. MSK US was done for both knees and the first MTP joints. Carotid duplex ultrasonography was done to evaluate carotid intima-media-thickness (CIMT) and serum SCL level was measured in all patients by ELISA technique. Results. Gouty patients with MSK US findings had a significantly higher increase in serum SCL levels than those without MSK US findings (p <0.01). Group A patients had a significantly greater CIMT than patients of group B (p <0.01). Serum uric acid and SCL levels were found to be significantly positively correlated. The ROC curve revealed that the optimal SCL cutoff value for detecting positive MSK US findings in gout patients was >25.05 ng/ml. At this level, there was a significant difference between the patients with a CIMT >0.9 mm and the patients with a CIMT ≤0.9 mm (p <0.05). Conclusions. Patients with MSK US manifestations of gout are more liable to have subclinical carotid atherosclerosis than patients without these manifestations. SCL at a certain level >25.05 ng/ml in gout patients might predispose patients to radiographic findings of MSK US of gout and subclinical atherosclerosis.

Integration of UPLC-MS/MS-based metabolomics and desorption electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry imaging reveals that Shouhui Tongbian Capsule alleviates slow transit constipation by regulating bile acid metabolism

Slow transit constipation (STC) is a common intestinal disorder. Some studies reported that Shouhui Tongbian Capsule (SHTB) can effectively mitigate STC symptoms. A detailed understanding of the changes in the endogenous metabolite profile of rats is crucial for a more accurate comprehension of the molecular pathological characteristics of SHTB in treating STC. In the present study, a method integrating metabolomics based on Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) and Desorption electrospray ionization (DESI)-mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) was proposed to investigate serum, feces and colon tissue metabolic alterations of STC rats induced by diphenoxylate and the effect of SHTB treatment on metabolism. Then, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot (WB) analysis for verifying the potential mechanism of SHTB in treating STC. As a result, we first indicated that SHTB significantly improved intestinal peristalsis and low fecal water content in STC rats. Furthermore, after treatment with SHTB, the thickness of muscle layers was increased, demonstrated SHTB’s effectiveness in reducing intestinal injury in STC rats. Besides, bile acid (BA) metabolomics based on UPLC-MS/MS revealed significant increase in serum levels of Cholic acid (CA), Deoxycholic acid (DCA), Chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), and Glycolithocholic acid (GLCA), whereas the contents of CA and DCA in feces were significantly decreased in STC rats. Nonetheless, they returned to the control levels after the SHTB administration. ELISA results showed that SHTB significantly hindered the excessive reabsorption of BAs by inhibiting apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT), organic solute transporter alpha (OSTα) and organic solute transporter beta (OSTβ) in the ileum tissue of STC rats. Furthermore, the DESI-MSI analysis revealed that SHTB remarkably enhanced DCA in the colon tissue of STC rats. The WB results indicated that SHTB reinstated Takeda G-protein–coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) expression, a receptor for BAs and a key regulator of colonic motility. Consequently, DCA exerted its effects on TGR5, leading to the promotion of colonic motility. This study provided more comprehensive and detailed information about the BA metabolomics in the serum, feces and colon of STC rats. These findings highlighted the promising potential of metabolomics based on UPLC-MS/MS and DESI-MSI method for application in the study of STC diseases.

The predictive significance of uric acid to high density lipoprotein- cholesterol ratio and uric acid for the severity and mortality of coronavirus disease-19

ObjectiveThe non-invasive and inexpensive predictive indicators seem to be essential for the evaluation of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) prognosis. Uric acid to high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio (UHR) have been known as inflammatory and metabolic biomarker in some disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of serum uric acid (UA) and UHR values on admission as prognostic indicators for the severity and mortality of COVID-19. Regression models were accomplished to assess the association between UA and UHR with the severity and mortality of COVID-19.ResultsThis study was performed with 424 confirmed COVID-19 patients. The mean UA and UHR values of the severe group and deceased group were statistically higher than those mild group and survivor group, respectively (P < 0.05). Compared to the survivor cases, deceased subjects had lower serum concentrations of HDL-c (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that UHR and UA values statistically are correlated with the severity (OR = 1.20 CI:1.07–1.35, OR = 1.19 CI:1.023–1.381 respectively) and mortality (OR = 10.04 CI:1.50–67.30, OR = 10.73 CI:1.47–87.11, respectively) of COVID-19. Compared with a reference range, serum UA levels ≥ 7.3 mg/dl and a UHR value greater than 0.185 increase the risk of critical care of COVID-19 almost 2.5 and 3.5 times, respectively. In summary, our results revealed that UHR index value and serum UA levels are useful biochemical indicators for predicting the severity and mortality of COVID-19.

The Association between Serum Uric Acid Level and Acute Coronary Syndrome in-Hospital Outcomes

The Association between Serum Uric Acid Level and Acute Coronary Syndrome in-Hospital Outcomes

Uric Acid Levels in Overweight and Obese Children, and Their Correlation With Metabolic Risk Factors.

Obesity is an ongoing medical condition that continues to rise on a global scale. Numerous metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and hyperuricemia, are closely associated with obesity. This particular study aims to investigate the occurrence of hyperuricemia and its association with other metabolic factors among children and adolescents aged 6 to 14 years who are overweight or obese residing in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In this research, a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study was carried out on 339 children and adolescents. These participants were selected randomly from a list of patients who had sought medical care for overweight and obesity at the pediatric endocrinology, general pediatrics, and family medicine clinics in King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC), located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the period from January 2020 to January 2022. To gather the necessary data, the electronic medical records of the participating individuals were carefully reviewed, encompassing various relevant variables, including demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, serum uric acid levels, lipid profiles, and fasting blood sugar. Out of the total 339 participants, 48 (14.2%) were identified as overweight, while 291 (85.8%) were classified as obese. The study revealed that the overall prevalence of hyperuricemia among the participants was 54%. There was an increased risk of hyperuricemia associated with male gender and elevated levels of LDL and TG. The significant prevalence of hyperuricemia among children and adolescents who are overweight or obese is evident. In order to improve control and management of this condition, it is crucial to prioritize the promotion of a healthy lifestyle among these individuals.

Huangqi Decoction reduces liver fibrosis in rats by modulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling and promoting autophagy.

Liver fibrosis is a chronic condition caused by various factors, and currently, there are no widely effective treatments. Autophagy plays a crucial role in maintaining liver energy homeostasis, and its disruption can contribute to the development of liver fibrosis. This study investigates the effects and molecular mechanisms of Huangqi Decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine, on autophagy and apoptosis in fibrotic liver tissue. Tissue staining indicated that Huangqi Decoction mitigated CCL4-induced liver injury and apoptosis in rats. Western blot analysis of liver fibrosis markers revealed that Huangqi Decoction significantly reduced the expression levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), type I collagen, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Additionally, serum markers of liver fibrosis and biochemical indicators of hepatocyte injury showed that Huangqi Decoction effectively lowered serum levels of hyaluronic acid (HA), lymph node (LN), type I collagen, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Furthermore, Western blot analysis confirmed that Huangqi Decoction alleviated hepatocyte injury by promoting autophagy and inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. In conclusion, Huangqi Decoction enhances autophagy and inhibits apoptosis through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in rats with liver fibrosis.

Beneficial effects of extravascular lung water index-guided volum management in patients with cardiogenic shock

Objective: To evaluate the role of volume management guided by extravascular lung water index(EVLWI) in improving the clinical outcomes and cardiac function for patients with cardiogenic shock. Methods: This study was a single-center, prospective cohort study. Patients with cardiogenic shock admitted to the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital from July 2022 to December 2023 were enrolled. Patients were matched 1∶1 by propensity score and divided into EVLWI group and control group. In the control group, the volume management strategy was determined by the attending physician based mainly on conventional factors, including clinical features, biochemical assessments, and certain blood pressure measurements. In EVLWI group, the volume management plan was formulated by integrating conventional factors with EVLWI derived from pulse index continuous cardiac output (PiCCO) monitoring. Baseline clinical data, in-hospital treatment, and hemodynamic data were collected. Major adverse cardiovascular events and cardiac function related parameters were compared at 30 d after treatment between the two groups. Baseline EVLWI levels were compared between the non-survivors and the survivors in the EVLWI group. The receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted to assess the accuracy of baseline EVLWI and central venous pressure in predicting all-cause mortality at 30 d after treatment in patients with cardiogenic shock, and subgroup analysis was performed according to ischemic/non-ischemic etiology and with/without use of inotropic drugs. Kaplan-Meier curve was used for survival analysis, with log-rank tests comparing all-cause mortality, cardiac death, and readmission rate for heart failure at 30 d after treatment. Results: A total of 200 patients with cardiogenic shock were enrolled, aged (71.35±12.82) years, 144(72%) males, EVLWI group and control group 100 patients each. Compared with the control group, EVLWI group had lower all-cause mortality (16%(16/100) vs. 42%(42/100), log-rank P<0.01), cardiac death (14%(14/100) vs. 34%(34/100), log-rank P<0.01), and readmission rate for heart failure (4%(4/100) vs. 12%(12/100), log-rank P=0.03) at 30 d after treatment. Subgroup analysis showed that EVLWI-guided volume management was associated with lower all-cause mortality at 30 d after treatment in patients with cardiogenic shock of ischemic or non-ischemic etiology and with or without inotropic drugs (all P<0.05). In EVLWI group, baseline EVLWI levels were higher in non-survivors than those in survivors [(15.99±6.47) ml/kg vs.(9.75±2.55) ml/kg, P<0.01]. The baseline EVLWI could predicting all-cause mortality at 30 d after treatment in patients with cardiogenic shock, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.84 (95%CI: 0.75-0.94, P<0.01), while the baseline central venous pressure had no predicting value (AUC=0.54, 95%CI: 0.40-0.69, P=0.60). The optimal cutoff value of EVLWI in pridicting all-cause mortality at 30 d after treatment in patients with cardiogenic shock was >10.3 ml/kg. With the optimization of hemodynamic parameters, left ventricular ejection fraction was improved in EVLWI group, and serum levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase and lactic acid were decreased (all P<0.05). Conclusion: EVLWI-guided volume management exerts a beneficial effect on therapeutic decision-making and improves clinical outcomes and cardiac function in patients with cardiogenic shock.

The role of arginase estimation to predict hypertensive disorder of pregnancy at an earlier stage.

To determine the significance of serum arginase estimation as a predictor of pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia at an early stage. The observational, cross-sectional study was conducted from October 15, 2021, to October 15, 2022, at the Department of Chemical Pathology, in collaboration with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pakistan Railway Hospital, Islamic International Medical College Trust, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and comprised pregnant women with 20-25 weeks of gestation who were divided into three groups. Those having no complications were placed in control group A, those with pregnancy-induced hypertension in group B, and those with preeclampsia in group C. Serum arginase, uric acid, alanine transaminase, platelet count and spot urinary protein levels were measured for each subject. Data was analysed using SPSS 26. Of the 90 women, 30(33.3%) were in group A with mean age 27.27±2.90 years, 30(33.3%) were in group B with mean age 30.17±2.48 years, and 30(33.3%) were in group C with mean age 29.33±3.11 years. There were significant intergroup differences in the mean levels of serum arginase, serum uric acid, alanine transaminase, platelet count and spot urinary protein (p<0.05). A moderate to marked increase in serum arginase levels in pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia cases, combined with abnormal serum uric acid and alanine transaminase levels along with low platelet count suggested that serum arginase estimation could be used to predict hypertensive disorders of pregnancy at an early stage.

Association between serum uric acid levels and cardio-ankle vascular index stratified by circulating level of CD34-positive cells among elderly Japanese men: a cross-sectional study

Although serum uric acid (UA) has been reported to be positively associated with increased arterial stiffness as evaluated by cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), UA also has an antioxidative effect that prevents endothelial damage. Therefore, the status of endothelial repair induced by endothelial damage might affect the correlation between UA and CAVI. To clarify the correlation between UA and CAVI in relation to endothelial repair activity, we performed a cross-sectional study with 246 Japanese men aged 60–69 years undergoing a general health check-up. The analysis was stratified by the median circulating level of CD34-positive cells because circulating levels of CD34-positive cells could indicate the degree of endothelial repair activity. Independent of known cardiovascular risk factors, among participants with high circulating levels of CD34-positive cells (0.95 cells/μL ≤), UA was significantly positively correlated with CAVI (standardized parameter estimate β = 0.23, p = 0.009), but not among participants with low circulating levels of CD34-positive cells (< 0.95 cells/μL) (β = 0.07, p = 0.445). Independent of established cardiovascular risk factors, UA levels were significantly positively correlated with increased arterial stiffness only among participants with aggressive endothelial repair as evaluated by circulating levels of CD34-positive cells. These results might help clarify some background mechanisms related to endothelial activity.

Relationship between Serum Uric acid levels and Cerebrovascular risk factors in Acute Stroke

Relationship between Serum Uric acid levels and Cerebrovascular risk factors in Acute Stroke

Single-center retrospective study of serum uric acid levels in a group of hospitalized geriatric patients

Single-center retrospective study of serum uric acid levels in a group of hospitalized geriatric patients

Relationships between Serum Lipid, Uric Acid Levels and Mild Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson's Disease and Multiple System Atrophy.

Mild cognitive impairment is one of the non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Few studies have previously been conducted on the correlation between serum uric acid (SUA) and lipid levels and mild cognitive impairment in PD and MSA. Participants included 149 patients with PD and 99 patients with MSA. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were used to evaluate cognitive function. Evaluations were conducted on SUA and lipid levels, which included triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC). Patients with PD and MSA diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment demonstrated multiple cognitive domain impairment when compared with patients with normal cognition. Attentional impairment was more pronounced in patients with MSA when compared with PD (p = 0.001). In PD, the risk of mild cognitive impairment was lower in the highest quartiles and secondary quartile of SUA than in the lowest quartiles (odds ratio [OR] = 0.281, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.097-0.810, p = 0.019; and OR = 0.317, 95% CI: 0.110-0.911, p = 0.033). In MSA, the risk of mild cognitive impairment was lower in the third and highest quartile of SUA than in the lowest quartile (OR = 0.233, 95% CI: 0.063-0.868, p = 0.030; and OR = 0.218, 95% CI: 0.058-0.816, p = 0.024). In patients with PD, the MoCA scores were negatively correlated with TC levels (r = -0.226, p = 0.006) and positively correlated with SUA levels (r = 0.206, p = 0.012). In MSA, the MoCA scores were positively correlated with SUA levels (r = 0.353, p = 0.001). Lower SUA levels and higher TC levels are a possible risk factor for the risk and severity of mild cognitive impairment in PD. Lower SUA levels are a possible risk factor for the risk and severity of mild cognitive impairment in MSA.

Serum uric acid-lowering effect of sacubitril/valsartan in hypertensive patients: evaluation by switching from angiotensin II receptor blockers.

Since hyperuricemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease, it is necessary to pay attention to trends in uric acid levels when treating hypertensive patients with drugs. The present study investigated the effect of switching from angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) to sacubitril/valsartan on serum uric acid levels in treated hypertensive patients and further examined what factors could be associated with its effect. In 75 hypertensive patients under treatment with at least one antihypertensive agent including ARB, clinic blood pressure and biochemical parameters were assessed before and after drug switching to sacubitril/valsartan (200 mg/day). Clinic SBP and DBP significantly decreased after drug switching to sacubitril/valsartan (P < 0.0001, respectively). Serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and urinary protein did not change after switching to sacubitril/valsartan, but serum uric acid significantly decreased (5.70 ± 1.44 to 5.40 ± 1.43 mg/dl, P = 0.0017). The degree of uric acid lowering was greater in patients switching from ARB plus diuretic than in those switching from ARB, but switching to sacubitril/valsartan from ARB only (except losartan) also significantly decreased uric acid levels. In all subjects, the change in serum uric acid after drug switching to sacubitril/valsartan was closely correlated with the change in eGFR (r = -0.5264, P < 0.0001). Our findings indicate that switching from ARB to sacubitril/valsartan reduces serum uric acid levels in hypertensive patients and suggest that this uric acid-lowering effect may be associated with an increase in eGFR.

Serum Homocysteine Levels and Their Relationship With Serum Vitamin B12, Folate, and Ferritin Levels in Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemic Children.

The purpose of this study was to assess serum homocysteine levels and their relationship with serum vitamin B12, folate, and ferritin levels in transfusion-dependent thalassemic children. This study was proposed due to a paucity of literature regarding the status of homocysteine levels in thalassemic children and their relationship with the levels of vitamins and iron overload (serum ferritin values). A descriptive observational study was conducted on transfusion-dependent thalassemic children aged 1-18 years, who were registered at the Thalassemia Day Care Centre (TDCC), Umaid Hospital, Dr. SN Medical College, Jodhpur, over a period of six months. A total of 100 children were enrolled in the study, with a mean age of 8.89±4.50 years. The mean pre-transfusion hemoglobin level in the last six months was 8.23±1.02 gm/dL. The mean serum levels of homocysteine, vitamin B12, folic acid, and ferritin were 10.93±3.72 µmol/L, 164.03±80.54 pg/mL, 7.69±5.77 ng/mL, and 2175.78±1341.39 ng/mL, respectively. A statistically significant negative correlation was detected between serum vitamin B12 concentration and serum homocysteine concentration (r=-0.285, p=0.004). Statistically non-significant positive correlations were detected between serum folic acid and serum homocysteine levels (r=0.033, p=0.748) and between serum ferritin and serum homocysteine levels (r=0.179, p=0.075). A statistically significant negative correlation between serum homocysteine and vitamin B12 levels was noted, whereas statistically non-significant positive correlations were observed between serum homocysteine andserum folic acid levels and between serum homocysteine andserum ferritin levels.

Risk Factors Associated with Angiographic Severity of Coronary Artery Disease Based on Serum Uric Acid: A Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Chattogram, Bangladesh

Background: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a leading cause of death worldwide, identifying risk factors and severity is crucial for management and prevention. Serum Uric Acid (SUA) has been proposed as a potential marker for the severity of CAD. Elevated SUA levels are associated with endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation, all of which contribute to the development and progression of atherosclerosis. This study aims to determine the association of risk factors with the severity of CAD using SUA levels. Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted in the Department of Cardiology at CMCH in Chattogram over one year from October 2020 to September 2021. After case selection demographic data were collected and transthoracic echocardiography was performed on study patients. Results: The study analyzed the association between SUA level and CAD severity in 130 patients undergoing coronary angiography. The mean SUA level was 5.06 mg/dl and was significantly associated with the presence of CAD, number of vessel involvement and severity of CAD assessed by the Gensini score. The mean SUA level in cases with CAD was significantly higher (5.26 ± 1.32 mg/dl) than in cases without CAD (4.22 ± 1.03 mg/dl). Conclusion: This study concluded that demographic variables and risk factors are associated with the severity of CAD. The severity of CAD was higher in elderly and male patients. The study suggests that when assessing the risk in a CAD patient, hyperuricemia should be considered. IAHS Medical Journal Volume 6(2) December 2023; 48-52

Saffron (Crocus Sativus Linnaeus) based protection against Aflatoxin B1 induced organ damage in rats

Saffron is well-known for its anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Saffron's nutritional and medicinal properties support its numerous uses as a flavouring and herbal remedy. This study investigated the protective efficacy of saffron administration against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced toxicity in adult male Wistar albino rats during an experimental period of 21 days. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a common mycotoxin of soils and foodstuffs. Thirty-two rats were divided into four groups (Control group, AFB1 group, Saffron group, and AFB1+ Saffron group), and their body weights were measured on days 1, 7, 14, and 21. Blood samples were collected on the 21st day for haematological and biochemical studies (testosterone, kidney and liver function tests, and oxidative stress markers). Tissue samples from testes, liver, and kidney were subjected to histological examinations. The results depicted a significant decrease in the body weights after 7, 14, and 21 days of Saffron, AFB1, and AFB1+ Saffron treatments in comparison to control. Haematological investigations showed that basophils, platelets, monocytes, lymphocytes, and eosinophils greatly increased compared to the control group, whereas neutrophils and eosinophils dramatically decreased. There was a significant rise in the serum levels of uric acid, creatinine, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, nitric oxide, and malondialdehyde. Contrarily, testosterone levels notably reduced in AFB1-administered rats as compared to controls. AFB1 group exhibited several histological modifications in testes, liver, and kidney tissues. Oxidative stress biomarkers, testosterone, kidney and liver functions, and haematological parameters of the AFB1+ Saffron group remained similar to the control group. Kidney and liver tissues of Saffron-treated rats also displayed normal structure similar to the control group, which confirmed its protective efficacy against AFB1-induced toxicity. Saffron's bioactive components and antioxidant and pharmacological properties might have contributed to its promising anti-AFB1-toxicity potential.

Gut microbiota and metabolomic profile changes play critical roles in tacrolimus-induced diabetes in rats.

Hyperglycemia is one of the adverse effects of tacrolimus (TAC), but the underlying mechanism is not fully identified. We used multi-omics analysis to evaluate the changes in the gut microbiota and metabolic profile of rats with TAC-induced diabetes. To establish a diabetic animal model, Sprague Dawley rats were divided randomly into two groups. Those in the TAC group received intraperitoneal injections of TAC (3 mg/kg) for 8 weeks, and those in the CON group served as the control. 16S rRNA sequencing was used to analyze fecal microbiota. The metabolites of the two groups were detected and analyzed by nontargeted and targeted metabolomics, including amino acids (AAs), bile acids (BAs), and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The rats treated with TAC exhibited hyperglycemia as well as changes in the gut microbiota and metabolites. Specifically, their gut microbiota had significantly higher abundances of Escherichia-Shigella, Enterococcus, and Allobaculum, and significantly lower abundances of Ruminococcus, Akkermansia, and Roseburia. In addition, they had significantly reduced serum levels of AAs including asparagine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and methionine. With respect to BAs, they had significantly higher serum levels of taurocholic acid (TCA), and glycochenodeoxycholic acid (GCDCA), but significantly lower levels of taurodeoxycholic acid (TDCA) and tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA). There were no differences in the levels of SCFAs between the two groups. Correlations existed among glucose metabolism indexes (fasting blood glucose and fasting insulin), gut microbiota (Ruminococcus and Akkermansia), and metabolites (glutamic acid, hydroxyproline, GCDCA, TDCA, and TUDCA). Both AAs and BAs may play crucial roles as signaling molecules in the regulation of TAC-induced diabetes.

IN VITRO AND IN VIVO INVESTIGATION OF PROBIOTICS ISOLATED FROM HUMAN MILK

People all over the world are embracing probiotics as a result of growing awareness of the health advantages connected to ingesting living bacteria. Proper administration of probiotics has been shown to provide numerous health advantages to the host. The Lactobacillus genus, which naturally resides in the mucosal linings of humans and animals, and it is essential for stabilizing the gastrointestinal tract and protecting intestinal health from infections. There has been a great deal of interest in their potential uses as probiotics, mucosal vaccine vectors, and agents regulating metabolic activities. The present study aimed at isolating and characterizing novel probiotics from human milk and functionally assessing them in vivo for their physiological, enzymatic and antimicrobial activity. Probiotic isolates from human milk were amylolytic, proteolytic and lipolytic and were found to be tolerant to low pH of 3.5, 10% salt and 0.3% bile salt. Primary method of cross streaking and secondary streaking by agar diffusion method revealed antagonistic activity of the isolates against tests pathogens of humans viz., S. aureus Newman, P. fluorescens, S. epidermis and S. aureus. Antibiofilm activity of probiotic isolates in vivo against P. fluorescens and S. aureus Newman indicated that the metabolites present in the Cell Free Supernatant (CFS) of the isolates may have the ability to inhibit the formation of biofilm of pathogenic strains. The most efficient probiotic isolates was identified as Weissella confusa and the NCBI GenBank accession number was obtained. The infected mice administered with probiotic isolate Weissella confusa PS17 showed reduced mortality rate than the mice infected with pathogenic strain S. aureus Newman, thus indicating that probiotic strain boosted the immune response of the mice. The Serum uric acid levels was normalised after the infected mice was treated with W. confusa PS17 and this in turn enhanced the survival rate of mice. The present study indicates that isolate W. confusa PS17 can be a promising candidate in improving the condition of health.