Biochemical Profile Research Articles

Cystic echinococcosis due to Echinococcus equinus in a Swiss donkey

SummaryA 22‐year‐old donkey (Equus asinus) mare was presented for investigation of a 3‐day history of lethargy and anorexia. Serum biochemistry profile revealed severe increased liver‐derived enzymes. Abdominal ultrasound demonstrated several large round cysts in the liver. Broad‐spectrum antimicrobials and anti‐inflammatory therapy were started. However, exacerbation of the clinical signs occurred, and the donkey was euthanised. Necropsy and histopathological evaluation showed multiple hydatid cysts with protoscoleces from Echinocococcus spp. in the liver with replacement of parenchyma by fibrosis accompanied by liver atrophy, severe ascites and thorax effusion. The present report describes the first case of a molecularly confirmed Echinococcus equinus infection in a donkey in northern Switzerland.

Efficacy assessment of different cryoprotectants for preserving the viability of Enterobacterales strains at − 20 °C

The preservation of microorganisms is pivotal in microbiological practice. Currently, cryopreservation is assumed to be an effective and inexpensive approach for the storage of microorganisms, including bacteria. The key point of cryopreservation is optimal cryoprotectant selection. In the present study, different cryoprotectant compositions were tested for long-term storage of 15 Enterobacterales bacterial strains at − 20 °C. The survival rates of the bacterial strains were evaluated in four different cryoprotectant solutions containing 70% glycerin only (cryoprotectants 1 and 4), 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) with 70% glycerin (cryoprotectant 2), and 10% DMSO (cryoprotectant 3). In addition, cryoprotectants 1 and 2 contained peptone and yeast extract as nutritional supplements. The general survival rates of the bacterial strains were evaluated after 12 months of storage. After 12 months, the survival rates of the different cryoprotectants were as follows: cryoprotectant 1—88.87%; cryoprotectant 2—84.85%; cryoprotectant 3—83.50%; and cryoprotectant 4—44.81%. Thus, the composition of cryoprotectant 1 (70% glycerin with nutrient supplements) was optimal for preserving 15 tested strains of the order Enterobacterales. Despite these findings, the biochemical properties of the tested strains changed after cryopreservation for 12 months in the presence of 1 or 3 cryoprotectants. Alterations in the biochemical profile could be related to changes in environmental conditions and cold adaptation. We assume that the composition of cryoprotectant 1 can be optimal for storing the order Enterobacterales at − 20 °C. However, further investigations are needed to elucidate the problem of cryopreservation and to support our assumption.

Characterization of Mung Plants Treated with Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Using Raman and Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy Coupled with Chemometrics

In order to meet the demands of the expanding population, nanotechnology-based materials are being investigated for a potential solution to enhance crop yield. This study examines the effect of different concentrations (0.2, 0.6, 1.0, and 1.4 mM) of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3 NPs) on mung plants using confocal micro Raman and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The analysis shows that the biochemical profile of the plants is altered. The increased intensity values of carotenoids, pectin, lignin, proteins, cellulose, carbohydrates, and aliphatics observed in Raman spectroscopy, along with increased concentrations of photosynthetic pigments in ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, suggest that Fe2O3 NPs positively impact mung. In agro-related studies, Raman spectroscopy in assistance with chemometric analysis provides a reliable, noninvasive, fast, and label-free recognition and classification of plants under biotic or abiotic stress. Principal component analysis (PCA), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), and principal component analysis-linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA) were applied to the Raman spectra of treated and untreated mung leaves for rapid categorization and precise prediction. The results show that PCA-LDA achieved superior predicting performance and visualization, with an accuracy of 70%, along with higher recall, precision, f1 score, and area under receiver operating characteristics curves compared to LDA. The study reveals that spectroscopic techniques combined with chemometrics have great potential for confirmatory, nondestructive, and label-free assessments of biotic and abiotic stresses in plants.

Mathurameha ameliorates cardiovascular complications in high-fat diet/low-dose streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats: insights from histological and proteomic analysis.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global health concern with increasing prevalence. Mathurameha, a Thai herbal formula, has shown promising glucose-lowering effects and positive impacts on biochemical profiles in diabetic rats. The present study investigated the protective effects of Mathurameha on cardiovascular complications in high-fat diet/streptozotocin (HFD/STZ)-induced type 2 diabetic rats using histological and proteomic analyses. Thirty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into seven groups: normal diet (ND), ND with aqueous extract (ND + AE450), ND with ethanolic extract (ND + EE200), diabetes (DM), DM with AE (DM + AE450), DM with EE (DM + EE200), and DM with metformin (DM + Met). Mathurameha, especially at 200mg/kg EE, significantly reduced adipocyte size, cardiac and vascular abnormalities, collagen deposition, and arterial wall thickness in DM rats. Proteomic analysis of rat aortas revealed 30 significantly altered proteins among the ND, DM, and DM + EE200 groups. These altered proteins are involved in various biological processes related to diabetes. Biochemical assays showed that Mathurameha reduced lipid peroxidation (MDA), increased antioxidant levels (GSH), and decreased the expression of inflammatory markers (ICAM1, TNF-α). In conclusion, Mathurameha exhibited significant protective effects against cardiovascular complications in HFD/STZ-induced type 2 diabetic rats through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Effectiveness of cold plasma application in oral wound healing process: A scoping review.

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has shown an ability to promote wound healing by modulating biological processes without causing thermal damage. This scoping review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of CAP application in the oral wound healing process. An electronic literature search was conducted using PubMed/Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and grey literature (Google Scholar). The search included all articles published up to October 11, 2023. Only studies focusing on the different CAP types' effects on oral cavity wounds or cells were included in the review. This review analyzed 13 studies including seven cell culture studies, one animal study, and five human studies (three invivo and two exvivo). The findings from the reviewed articles suggest that CAP may have therapeutic potential. It can maintain cell viability and influence gene expression, accelerate wound healing, and modulate inflammation-related cytokines. DBD plasma exhibited time-sensitive effects on cellular behavior and microplasma irradiation positively impacted cell count, biochemical profiles, and cellular migration. The application of CAP has been shown to have a positive impact on the healing of oral wounds in cell culture, animal, and human studies.

Biochemical profile of renal amyloidosis in a Latin American cohort.

Two-thirds of patients with immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis have renal involvement. The biochemical profile of kidney damage is poorly described. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving patients diagnosed with AL amyloidosis and renal involvement between January 1, 2010, and April 30, 2022 at the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. Participants were retrospectively identified from the Institutional Amyloidosis Registry. Patients diagnosed with AL amyloidosis and evidence of renal involvement were included. Individuals with other types of amyloidosis were excluded. The selection process involved a thorough review of medical records and registry data to ensure accurate identification and inclusion of eligible participants. Seventy-seven patients were included. At diagnosis, 90% of the subjects had proteinuria, with a median of 4.3g/24h, 61% had renal failure, and 47% presented nephrotic syndrome. Semi-automated urinary electrophoresis revealed 55% with non-selective and 21% with moderately selective glomerular proteinuria. Urine immunofixation indicated 64% with lambda monoclonal free light chains and 12% with kappa. Serum immunofixation demonstrated 48% with lambda monoclonal type and 25% with lambda IgG.At the time of diagnosis of AL amyloidosis, the median age was 66years (IQR 53-72) and 49% were men. In addition to kidney involvement, other organs were also affected: heart in 53%, gastrointestinal system in 19%, peripheral nervous system in 16%, and liver in 16% of patients. Our study provides a biochemical profile in renal amyloidosis due to immunoglobulin light chains in a Latin American population. Proteinuria emerged as the most commonfinding in this cohort with frequent multiorgan involvement.

A Cluster of Diutina catenulata Funguria in Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Hospitalized in a Tertiary Reference Hospital from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, fungal infections, especially pulmonary aspergillosis, mucormycosis, and invasive candidiasis, have emerged as a significant health concern. Beyond Candida albicans, the most common cause of invasive candidiasis, other rare ascomycetous yeast species have been described in tertiary care units, potentially posing a broader health threat. We have isolated, from September 2020 to June 2021, nine Diutina catenulata strains from urine samples of six patients. This was intriguing as this fungus had not been previously identified in our institution, nor after June 2021. Therefore, we decided to outline the clinical features of the patients with this rare pathogen, to describe phenotypic characteristics, including antifungal susceptibility profiles, of this yeast species and to identify the genetic makeup through whole-genome sequencing analysis to evaluate if this was a cluster of genetically similar D. catenulata isolates in our institution. The strains were identified through MALDI-TOF MS analyses and Sanger sequencing of two rDNA regions. All patients yielding D. catenulata from urine samples needed ventilator support and used urinary catheters during hospitalization for treatment of COVID-19. None of them had received COVID-19 vaccines. Morphological and biochemical profiles of the nine strains were largely consistent, although fluconazole susceptibility varied, ranging from 4 to 32μg/mL. Phylogenomic analysis revealed minimal genetic variation among the isolates, with low intrapopulation variation, supported by the identification of only 84 SNPs across all strains. Therefore, we propose that the yeast strains isolated were part of a cluster of D. catenulata funguria in the context of COVID-19.

Investigation of Hepatozoon Canis Related Alterations in the Haemato Biochemical Profile of Dogs

Aims: Hepatozoonosis, caused by a protozoan parasite Hepatozoon canis, is important for canine health due to its ability to cause chronic, debilitating disease, and the challenges it presents in terms of diagnosis and management. The present study was conducted to see the effect of H. canis infection on various haematological and biochemical parameters as compared to the normal healthy dogs in order to understand the disease pattern and suspecting the disease. Study Design: The clinically affected dogs that come to the veterinary hospital with symptoms of hepatozoonosis were included in the study. Haematological and biochemical parameters of dogs found positive for hepatozoonosis were analysed. The values of these parameters were subsequently compared to healthy animals in order to identify any significant difference caused by H. canis. Place and Duration of Study: The studied was conducted at Department of Veterinary Medicine, DUVASU Mathura, India. Total 212 blood samples were collected from the dogs that were brought for the treatment in between February 2023 to March 2024. Methodology: Total 212 dogs were included in the present study out of this 46 dogs were found positive with H. canis using PCR based molecular test. These positive animals were subjected to study the changes in biochemical parameters like blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, aspartate amino transferase, total leucocyte count, total erythrocyte count, haemoglobin, haematocrit, erythrocyte indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC), differential leucocyte count, platelet count and platelet indices (MPV, PDW) using autoanalyzer. Student's t-test in Graphpad Prism was used to compare these values to healthy animals. Results: The study confirms that Hepatozoonosis leads to significant haematological and biochemical changes in dogs. Infected dogs have lower Hb, TEC, and PCV than healthy animals, indicating anaemia. Thrombocytopenia and leukocytosis were also observed in the infected animals. Non-significant differences in MCV, MCH, and MCHC indicate normocytic, normochromic anaemia. Anisocytosis and non-regenerative anaemia is indicated by significant RDW-CV increases with decrease in MCV values. Increased liver-specific enzymes like ALT, AST, and ALP and kidney-related enzymes like BUN and CRT suggest hepatic and renal involvement in disease pathophysiology. Conclusion: In hepatozoonosis, haemato- biochemical parameters like non-regenerative anaemia. anisocytosis, thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis, low serum protein concentration and increased ALT, AST, ALP and BUN values may be used as non-specific biomarkers. The results can be used in making clinical decisions and monitoring therapeutic responses in cases of hepatozoonosis.

HEMATOLOGY AND BIOCHEMICAL REFERENCE INTERVALS FOR FREE-RANGING PRONGHORN (ANTILOCAPRA AMERICANA) IN WEST TEXAS.

Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) are considered a keystone species of North American grasslands and an important economic source for many landowners in Texas. Pronghorn restoration projects routinely capture and translocate individuals from surplus populations to restoration areas. The objective of this study was to generate normal hematological and biochemical reference intervals (RI) for free-ranging pronghorn populations in Texas as a health monitoring tool for pronghorn restoration efforts. Blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture and divided among an EDTA tube, serum separator tube, and a single blood smear on site. Complete blood counts and biochemical profiles were completed at the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory. In total, 417 individuals (41 males, 376 females) were included in the analysis. RI were determined by robust methods (R Studio) and mixed models' analysis of variance (SPSS 28) to examine differences in blood parameters due to fever, sex, age (adult versus yearling [<1 yr of age]), cell abnormalities, and pathogen exposure reported by the testing laboratory. Sex, age, and pathogen exposure affected mean blood values, but did not warrant development of separate RI by class. Bluetongue virus was identified in 46.8% (195/417) of pronghorns and epizootic hemorrhagic disease in 89.4% (194/217) of pronghorns; 84.8% (184/217) of the pronghorns tested positive for both diseases. This information provides baseline hematology and biochemical parameters to assess the health of free-ranging pronghorn and guide wildlife managers in decision-making for future translocations and restoration objectives.

The effects of trophic mode and medium composition on the biochemical profile and antioxidant capacity of Tetraselmis chuii (CCAP 66/21B)

Microalgal cultivation influences the bioaccumulation of high-value compounds such as omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acids and carotenoid pigments. Therefore, cultivation optimisation is essential to upregulate high-value compound yields. The present study investigated the effects of trophic mode (autotrophy, heterotrophy and mixotrophy) and media composition on the biochemical make-up, pigment signature, fatty acid profile, and antioxidant capacity of the marine chlorophyte, Tetraselmis chuii (CCAP 66/21 B). The 13 conditions significantly affected the biochemical profile of T. chuii (CCAP 66/21 B) with high variation in carbohydrates (78.5–151.7 mg glucose eq g−1dw), lipids (208.3–475.1 mg g−1dw) and soluble proteins (47.3–373.9 mg BSA eq g−1dw). Trophic mode influenced the yields of high-value nutraceutical carotenoids (lutein and β-carotene) with the highest returns observed in photoautotrophic conditions (e.g., 2.51 ± 0.11 mg β-car g−1dw and 1.96 ± 0.14 mg lut g−1dw for K medium). Organic supplementation also induced significant shifts in the proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 and ω-6 PUFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and saturated fatty acids (SFAs). Here, heterotrophy and mixotrophy significantly upregulated MUFA content (33.2 ± 4.0%) and SFA content (31.29 ± 0.9%), respectively. Moreover, mixotrophy significantly enhanced biomass yield (6.3-fold), soluble protein content (3.9-fold) and the antioxidant capacity (5.2-fold) of T. chuii (CCAP 66/21 B) compared to obligate photoautotrophy and heterotrophy. As such, trophic mode is a principal growth parameter that can modulate the content of T. chuii (CCAP 66/21 B) for potential downstream applications such as biofuels, pharmaceuticals, nutracurticals or aquaculture probiotics.

Efficacy and Safety of Valganciclovir in Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection with Isolated Intrahepatic Cholestasis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection affects the hepatic, neurologic, hematopoietic, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and other organs, resulting in a high mortality rate and long-term sequelae. It may cause acute or chronic hepatitis, or even lead to hepatic cirrhosis. Valganciclovir (VGCV) is an effective, safe, and well-tolerated treatment for congenital CMV infection, without any serious adverse effects. This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical, biochemical, and virological profiles of infants with CMV with intrahepatic cholestasis and to determine the outcomes with or without treatment with VGCV. Twenty infants aged <6 months diagnosed with congenital CMV infection with evidence of intrahepatic cholestasis were included in this study. Randomization was used to divide the study participants into 2 groups. The control group (n=10) was treated with only supportive management, and the intervention group (n=10) was treated with oral VGCV at 16 mg/kg/dose 12 hours a day for 6 weeks plus supportive treatments. Physical examinations and biochemical, serological, and virological tests were performed at the time of diagnosis and at the end of 6 weeks and 6 months. The control and intervention groups were compared in terms of clinical and laboratory parameters such as jaundice, dark urine, pale stool, hepatomegaly, total bilirubin, aminotransferases, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, and CMV polymerase chain reaction load, which showed a significant reduction after treatment in the intervention group (p<0.05) with oral VGCV, with very few side effects, whereas the control group showed no significant changes. Oral VGCV can be used to effectively treat CMV infection with intrahepatic cholestasis without notable side effects.

Unlocking the potential of biostimulants in sustainable agriculture: Effect of wood distillate on the nutritional profiling of apples

In this work, we report the investigation of the effect of exposure of apple trees to the bioeffector wood distillate (WD), a plant biostimulant used for improving the nutritional profiling of crop plants. We measured the effect by evaluating the biochemical and nutritional profile of both pulps and skin of fruits. WD (0.2 %, v/v) was applied once a week by foliar application, from May 2023 until September 2023. The results indicate that the WD-treated apples have a significant increase in several analyzed parameters (i.e., phenols, flavonoids, tannins, total antioxidant power, sugars, pectin, free amino acids, and mineral element content), especially in the pulp. These data were also confirmed by NMR and LC-ESI-MS techniques. This study pointed out that WD could be a handy tool for the cultivation of fruit trees.

Abstract P420: Amino acid and organic acid signature in urine of prepubescents with higher cardiometabolic risk evaluated by waist-to-height ratio

The waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is a valuable tool for assessing central obesity and cardiometabolic risk, even in non-obese individuals. Childhood obesity is linked to metabolic abnormalities underlying cardiovascular diseases. Amino acids are fundamental in several metabolic processes, such as synthesizing proteins, ATP, and neurotransmitters. Organic acids are products of the metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates, and fats. We assessed the hypothesis that their levels can serve as biomarkers for exposure, disease progression, and susceptibility, aiding in early intervention strategies. This cross-sectional study assessed amino acids and organic acids profiles in urine from prepubescent children categorized by WHtR. The 110 Brazilian participants aged 9-10 were classified as higher (n=48) or normal (n=62) cardiovascular risk. LC-MS/MS analyzed 47 amino acids and 73 organic acids in 12-hour urine samples, concentration values were adjusted by urinary creatinine. Standard protocols were used to obtain biochemical profiles, cardiovascular and anthropometric parameters. A metabolic signature in the urine of prepubescents at higher cardiometabolic risk was characterized by increased levels of the aromatic amino acids [Tyr ( 131 vs 90, p &lt; 0.01 ), Trp ( 109 vs 95, p =0.02 ) and Phe ( 65 vs 46, p = 0.04 )], Lys ( 212 vs 160, p &lt; 0.01 ), α-aminoadipic acid (61 vs 49, p &lt; 0.01 ), and cystathionine ( 25 vs 21 nmol/mg of creatinine, p = 0.03 ) while the levels of the organic acids p-OH-phenyl lactic (4.82 vs 3.7 ug/mg of creatinine, p = 0.02 ), suberylglycine (0.37 vs 0.18 , p = 0.01 ), and benzoic acid (2.67 vs 1.77 , p = 0.01 ) were found to be reduced. These amino acids were correlated with increased anthropometric measurements, low HDL-C, and hypertriglyceridemia. Also, Lys and Tyr were positively associated with higher systolic blood pressure. The organic acids were negatively correlated with anthropometric measurements and benzoic acid showed a positive correlation with time of exclusive breastfeeding. Findings indicate that children at higher cardiometabolic risk present an amino acid and organic acid signature in urine, this amino acid signature is commonly reported in type 2 diabetes and adults with cardiovascular disease. The organic acid signature in the urine of children in the context of cardiometabolic risk is reported for the first time.

Influence of floral-derived natural pigments on the growth, coloration, and biochemical profiles of golden trevally (Gnathanodon Speciosus Forskal, 1775)

Influence of floral-derived natural pigments on the growth, coloration, and biochemical profiles of golden trevally (Gnathanodon Speciosus Forskal, 1775)

Epibiotic Bacteria Isolated from the Non-Indigenous Species Codium fragile ssp. fragile: Identification, Characterization, and Biotechnological Potential.

Due to their richness in organic substances and nutrients, seaweed (macroalgae) harbor a large number of epiphytic bacteria on their surfaces. These bacteria interact with their host in multiple complex ways, in particular, by producing chemical compounds. The released metabolites may have biological properties beneficial for applications in both industry and medicine. In this study, we assess the diversity of culturable bacterial community of the invasive alga Codium fragile ssp. fragile with the aim to identify key groups within this epiphytic community. Seaweed samples were collected from the Northern Tunisian coast. A total of fifty bacteria were isolated in pure culture. These bacterial strains were identified by amplification of the ribosomal intergenic transcribed spacer between the 16S and the 23S rRNA genes (ITS-PCR) and by 16S rRNA sequencing. Antimicrobial activity, biochemical, and antibiotic resistance profile characterization were determined for the isolates. Isolated strains were tested for their antimicrobial potential against human and fish bacterial pathogens and the yeast Candida albicans, using the in vitro drop method. About 37% of isolated strains possess antibacterial activity with a variable antimicrobial spectrum. Ba1 (closely related to Pseudoalteromonas spiralis), Ba12 (closely related to Enterococcus faecium), and Bw4 (closely related to Pseudoalteromonas sp.) exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against E. coli. The isolated strain Ba4, closely related to Serratia marcescens, demonstrated the most potent activity against pathogens. The susceptibility of these strains to 12 commonly used antibiotics was investigated. Majority of the isolates were resistant to oxacillin, cefoxitin, tobramycin, and nitrofurantoin. Ba7 and Ba10, closely related to the Vibrio anguillarum strains, had the highest multidrug resistance profiles. The enzymes most commonly produced by the isolated strains were amylase, lecithinase, and agarase. Moreover, nine isolates produced disintegration zones around their colonies on agar plates with agarolitic index, ranging from 0.60 to 2.38. This investigation highlighted that Codium fragile ssp. fragile possesses an important diversity of epiphytic bacteria on its surface that could be cultivated in high biomass and may be considered for biotechnological application and as sources of antimicrobial drugs.

Diagnostic challenges and outcome of fatty acid oxidation defects in a tertiary care center in Lebanon

BackgroundFatty acid oxidation defects are rare autosomal recessive disorders with variable clinical manifestations and outcome. Early detection by systematic neonatal screening may improve their prognosis. Long-term outcome studies of these disorders in the Middle East and North Africa region are limited. The purpose of this study is to report the diagnostic challenges and outcome of fatty acid oxidation defects in a major tertiary care center in Lebanon, a resource-constrained country in the Middle East.MethodsA retrospective review of charts of all fatty acid oxidation defects sequential patients diagnosed and followed at our center was conducted. Collected data included: parental consanguinity, age at diagnosis, clinical presentation, biochemical profile, confirmatory diagnosis, treatment and outcome. A genotype–phenotype correlation was also performed, when available.ResultsSeven types of fatty acid oxidation defects were identified in a total of 34 patients from 21 families. Most families (79%) were consanguineous (first-degree cousins). The majority were diagnosed when clinically symptomatic (78%), at various ages between 10 days and 19 years (average: 2 years). Follow-up duration spanned between 2 months and 15 years (average: 5 years). The remainder of the patients were detected while still asymptomatic by systematic neonatal screening (9%) or due to positive family history (9%). The most common defect was carnitine transporter deficiency (50%) with an exclusive cardiac presentation related to a founder variant c.981C > T, (p.Arg254*) in the SLC22A5 gene. Medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency was found in 13% only, which could be explained by the absence of systematic neonatal screening. Rare gene variants were detected in very long chain and multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency. The worse prognosis was observed in very long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency. The overall survival at last follow-up reached 75% with a complete reversal of symptoms with treatment in most patients (63%), despite their late diagnosis.ConclusionsOur experience highlights the diagnostic challenges and outcome of fatty acid oxidation defects in a resource-constrained country with high consanguinity rates. Physicians’ awareness and systematic neonatal screening are key for diagnosis. Larger genotype–phenotype studies are still needed to understand the natural history of these rare diseases and possibly improve their outcome.

Exploring phytochemicals and pharmacological properties of Populus × tomentiglandulosa.

Populus × tomentiglandulosa (PT), a tree endemic to Korea, shows promising potential as a natural therapeutic agent owing to its potent anti-inflammatory properties. However, the isolation and analysis of phytochemical compounds in PT and related species remains underexplored. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the biochemical profile of PT and evaluate its extracts and fractions for anti-inflammatory activities. Nine compounds were isolated, including two novel flavonoids (luteolin 7-O-β-d-glucuronide butyl ester and chrysoeriol 7-O-β-d-glucuronide butyl ester) from the Salicaceae family for the first time. The ethyl acetate fraction exhibited significant radical scavenging activity against various radicals, including DPPH, ABTS+, •OH, and O2 - radicals. PT extracts and the ethyl acetate fraction showed minimal cytotoxicity in Raw 264.7 macrophages at concentrations below 500 and 100μg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, PT extracts and fractions significantly suppressed the protein expression of proinflammatory mediators (iNOS and IL-6) in LPS-stimulated Raw 264.7 macrophages, highlighting their potent anti-inflammatory effects. These findings suggest that PT holds promise as a valuable natural therapeutic intervention for various oxidative stress and inflammation-related disorders, underscoring the need for further exploration of its clinical applications.

The role of kidney biopsy in deciphering diabetic versus non-diabetic origin of kidney disease among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and nephrotic range proteinuria: A retrospective study

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus (DM) is tightly associated with the increased prevalence of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Nonetheless, severe renal function impairment and/or nephrotic range-proteinuria could also result from non-diabetic renal disease (non-DRD) among patients with DM. The ‘Gold standard’ for the differential diagnosis between DKD and non-DRD is kidney biopsy, although no real consensus exists. Thus, this study intends to associate the clinical and biochemical profile of patients with DM and renal disease with the histopathological data of kidney biopsy.In addition, we aimed to evaluate the role of kidney biopsy, especially when other causes, other than DM, are highly suspected among patients with DM and kidney disease. MethodsThirty two patients with T2DM and nephrotic range levels of proteinuria or with co-existing factors pointing towards a non-diabetic origin of kidney disease were studied, retrospectively. All 32 patients underwent kidney biopsy and were classified according to histopathological findings into 3 groups: a) isolated diabetic kidney disease (DKD), b) non-diabetic kidney disease (NDKD) and c) mixed kidney disease (MKD). ResultsFifteen out of the 32 patients had findings of an isolated DKD, while 17 out of 32 patients suffered from NDKD (13 patients) or MKD (4 patients). DKD patients were younger (p = 0.016) and had a higher HbA1c value (p = 0.069, borderline statistical significance), while the NDKD patients had significantly shorter disease duration (p = 0.04). Furthermore, the incidence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) was lower among the NDKD patients (p < 0.001), who had also significantly less interstitial fibrosis (p = 0.02). Finally, the presence of DR, higher levels of interstitial fibrosis and longer T2DM duration were recognized as factors, which were positively associated with DKD. ConclusionThis study advocates the usefulness of kidney biopsy in patients with T2DM and nephrotic range levels of proteinuria, especially when DR is absent and shorter disease duration is observed.

Histological and Biochemical Alterations Underlying Statin-Associated Pancreatic Toxicity in a Rat Model

ObjectiveTo investigate the histological and biochemical alterations in the pancreas associated with statin-induced toxicity using a rat model. MethodologyA one-year laboratory-based experimental control trial conducted at department of anatomy of a public sector medical college in Rawalpindi, in collaboration with the National Institute of Health (NIH) Islamabad and Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) Rawalpindi. Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to the control group and another twenty to the experimental group. For a duration of 12 weeks, the experimental group was given 60 mg/kg/day of simvastatin orally, whereas the control group was given water and a conventional diet. The following characteristics were measured: body weight, pancreatic weight, biochemical parameters (cytokines, enzymes), and histological alterations (congestion, necrosis, fibrosis). Version 23 of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) program was used to analyze the data. Qualitative variables were expressed as percentages and frequencies. The statistical significance was defined as P &lt; 0.05. Chi-square analyses contrasted the qualitative factors among the groups. ResultsCompared to controls, the simvastatin group showed significantly increased mean pancreatic weight (p=0.043), congestion (55% vs 0%, p&lt;0.001), higher levels of CRP (p&lt;0.030), IL-6 (p&lt;0.040), and TNF-α (p&lt;0.040). Trends of mild necrosis (25% vs 5%, p=0.182) and interstitial fibrosis (15% vs 0%, p=0.231) were observed but not statistically significant. DiscussionThis work shows that simvastatin significantly affects the pancreatic histomorphology and biochemical parameters in rats. It causes a noticeable amount of necrosis, interstitial fibrosis, and changes the pancreatic biochemical profile. These changes raise the possibility of long-term statin-associated pancreatitis and endocrine/exocrine dysfunction. Using a stable animal model, these new findings offer distinctive insights into the impact of simvastatin on pancreatic morphology. Conclusion Simvastatin profoundly impacts pancreatic histomorphology, warranting further investigation into mechanisms of toxicity and close monitoring of patients for pancreatic adverse effects during statin therapy.

El impacto de la suplementación dietética con Azolla (Azolla pinnata R.Br.) sobre el rendimiento productivo y el perfil bioquímico sérico de los pollos de engorde

For decades, Algeria has faced difficulties related to importing raw materials for livestock feed, such as soybeans and corn. The aim of this study was to valorize Azolla as an important source of nutrients, particularly proteins, in broiler production. For this purpose, 60 broiler chicks of the Cobb 500 breed were divided into two groups, each containing three repetitions of 10 birds. The diets of the tested and control groups were the same, except for the tested group, which received Azolla as a supplement. The nutritional value of Azolla incorporated into the diet was assessed chemically. Liveweight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, offal weight, carcass yield, and biochemical profile for both groups were observed and compared. The intake of Azolla had no impact on production yield (p˃0.05); however, the best liveweight at sacrifice was obtained in the Azolla group, with a value of 2600.67 g, whereas the mean recorded in the control group was 2431.67 g. Regarding the weight and yield of offal and carcass, we found the same observation: the highest weight of thighs and wings was recorded in the Azolla group. All blood biochemical parameters examined (glucose, creatinine, cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), total protein, albumin, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)) showed no significant difference, except for aspartate aminotransferase (AST), which was found to be significantly higher in the Azolla group (P˂0.05). Azolla pinnata, a source of unconventional protein, may therefore be an alternative to the costly poultry feed used in Algeria. Keywords: Azolla supplementation, broiler diets, sacrifice.