Uric Research Articles

Metal–Organic Framework-Derived CeO2/Gold Nanospheres in a Highly Sensitive Electrochemical Sensor for Uric Acid Quantification in Milk

In this work, CeBTC (a cerium(III) 1,3,5-benzene-tricarboxylate), was used as a precursor for obtaining CeO2 nanoparticles (nanoceria) with better sensor performances than CeO2 nanoparticles synthesized by the solvothermal method. Metal–organic framework-derived nanoceria (MOFdNC) were functionalized with spheric gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to further improve non-enzymatic electrode material for highly sensitive detection of prominent biocompound uric acid (UA) at this modified carbon paste electrode (MOFdNC/AuNPs&CPE). X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis were used for morphological structure characterization of the obtained nanostructures. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, both in an [Fe(CN)6]3−/4− redox system and uric acid standard solutions, were used for the characterization of material electrocatalytic performances, the selection of optimal electrode modifier, and the estimation of nature and kinetic parameters of the electrode process. Square-wave voltammetry (SWV) was chosen, and the optimal parameters of technique and experimental conditions were established for determining uric acid over MOFdNC/AuNPs&CPE. Together with the development of the sensor, the detection procedure was optimized with the following analytical parameters: linear operating ranges of 0.05 to 1 µM and 1 to 50 µM and a detection limit of 0.011 µM, with outstanding repeatability, reproducibility, and stability of the sensor surface. Anti-interference experiments yielded a stable and nearly unchanged current response with negligible or no change in peak potential. After minor sample pretreatment, the proposed electrode was successfully applied for the quantification of UA in milk.

Gambaran Kadar Asam Urat pada Wanita Usia Menopause di Desa Rancapanggung Kecamatan Cililin

gout attacks women who are generally women at the age of menopause. During menopause, women experience a decrease in the function of the ovaries, resulting in a decrease in the function of the hormone estrogen, so that during menopause, women are susceptible to an increase in uric acid levels in the blood. To find out the description of uric acid levels in menopausal women in the Rancapanggung Village area, Cililin District, West Bandung Regency. The research method used was descriptive observational, the sample consisted of 32 menopausal women in the Rancapanggung Village area, Cililin District, West Bandung Regency. The data collection technique uses a frequency distribution table with direct uric acid examination of menopausal women. The results of the study showed the frequency distribution of uric acid levels in menopausal women, most of the respondents had high uric acid levels because previously most of the respondents had a history of gout. Most respondents had high uric acid levels in the age range 50 years and above.The high levels of uric acid in menopausal women in the Rancapanggung Village area, Cililin District, West Bandung Regency are mostly in the age range 50 years and above.

Investigation of resveratrol as a xanthine oxidase inhibitor: Mechanistic insights and therapeutic implications for gout and hyperuricemia.

Gout predominantly stems from hyperuricemia, precipitating the accumulation of urate crystals and consequent joint inflammation, swelling, and pain, thereby compromising the quality of life and presenting a formidable medical dilemma. Although conventional treatments like allopurinol and febuxostat target uric acid reduction via xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibition, they often entail adverse effects, prompting the exploration of safer alternatives. Resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound abundant in fruits and vegetables, has emerged as a potential XO inhibitor. However, its precise inhibitory mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study aims to comprehensively investigate resveratrol's XO inhibition through mechanistic insights, molecular docking simulations, animal model experiments, and biochemical analysis, contributing valuable insights to the development of novel therapeutics for hyperuricemia and gout.

Uric acid mediates the association between testosterone and α-Klotho among males: results from the NHANES 2013-2016.

This study initially conducted a cross-sectional analysis to examine the association between total testosterone (TT), uric acid, and Klotho. The investigation examined whether uric acid mediates the association between TT and Klotho in males. Based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2016, this study performed weighted multivariable-adjusted linear regression to evaluate the association between TT, uric acid, and α-Klotho. Then, mediation analysis was conducted to delineate the potential mediating role of uric acid in the TT-Klotho association. Multivariable linear regression analyses revealed inverse relationships between TT and uric acid (β = -2.75, 95% CI: -4.21, 1.28, p < 0.001) and between uric acid and α-Klotho (β = -4.80, 95% CI: -6.47, -3.13, p < 0.001). Conversely, a positive correlation existed between TT and α-Klotho (β = 5.38, 95% CI: 2.23, 8.53, p < 0.001). Updated subgroup analyses show that the association strength between α-Klotho, TT, and uric acid levels was consistent across various population settings without significant variations. Restricted cubic spline analysis identified a non-linear association between TT and uric acid with an inflection point at 201ng/mL. Mediation analysis confirmed uric acid-mediated 18.59% of the association between TT and α-Klotho (p < 0.001), highlighting its significant intermediary role. This study elucidates the complex interrelationship between TT, uric acid, and α-Klotho, highlighting uric acid's significant mediating role. These findings provide novel insights into the hormonal and metabolic mechanisms underlying age-related processes and longevity.

Effects of ertugliflozin on uric acid and gout-related outcomes in persons with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease: Post hoc analyses from VERTIS CV.

To conduct post hoc analyses of the VERTIS CV (NCT01986881) trial to explore the effects of ertugliflozin on serum uric acid (UA) and gout-related outcomes. Participants with type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease were randomised (1:1:1) to placebo, ertugliflozin 5 mg or ertugliflozin 15 mg. Mean UA over time (260 weeks) was evaluated for pooled ertugliflozin versus placebo overall, and by baseline quintile of UA (≤4.3 mg/dL [≤255.8 µmol/L], >4.3-5.1 mg/dL [>255.8-303.4 µmol/L], >5.1-5.8 mg/dL [>303.4-345.0 µmol/L], >5.8-6.9 mg/dL [>345.0-410.4 µmol/L] and >6.9 mg/dL [>410.4 µmol/L]), glycated haemoglobin level, albuminuria status, estimated glomerular filtration rate and KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes in Chronic Kidney Disease) risk category. The effect of ertugliflozin on a composite of gout onset or initiation of anti-gout medication was assessed. The mean UA levels at baseline were 5.67 and 5.62 mg/dL in the placebo and ertugliflozin groups, respectively. Ertugliflozin reduced UA over Weeks 6-260 compared with placebo, with least squares mean (LSM) changes (95% confidence interval [CI]) from baseline at Week 260 of 0.07 mg/dL (-0.02, 0.15) and -0.19 mg/dL (-0.25, -0.13) in the placebo and pooled ertugliflozin groups, respectively. At Week 260, placebo-adjusted LSM change (95% CI) from baseline in UA was -0.26 mg/dL (-0.36, -0.16) with ertugliflozin. Ertugliflozin was associated with reductions in UA across baseline UA quintiles compared with placebo. The incidence of the composite of gout-related outcomes was 84/2539 (3.3%) for placebo and 133/5091 (2.6%) for ertugliflozin (hazard ratio for the composite 0.76 [95% CI 0.580, 1.002]). Ertugliflozin was generally associated with lowering UA overall and across subgroups compared with placebo, and numerically reduced rates of gout-related outcome events.

Structural basis of transcriptional regulation by UrtR in response to uric acid.

Uric acid (UA)-responsive transcriptional regulators (UrtRs), which belong to the multiple antibiotic resistance regulator (MarR) superfamily, transcriptionally coordinate virulence and metabolism in bacteria by modulating interactions with operator DNA in response to UA. To elucidate the transcriptional regulatory mechanism of UrtR, we structurally analyzed UrtR proteins, including PecS, MftR, and HucR, alone and in complex with UA or DNA. UrtR contains a dimerization domain (DD) and a winged helix-turn-helix domain (wHTHD) and forms a homodimer primarily via the DD, as observed for other MarR superfamily proteins. However, UrtRs are characterized by a unique N-terminal α-helix, which contributes to dimerization and UA recognition. In the absence of UA, the UrtR dimer symmetrically binds to the operator double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) by inserting its α4 recognition helix and β-stranded wing within the wHTHD into the major and minor grooves of dsDNA, respectively. Upon exposure to UA, UrtR accommodates UA in the intersubunit pocket between the DD and wHTHD. UA binding induces a conformational change in the major groove-binding core element of the UrtR wHTHD, generating a DNA binding-incompatible structure. This local allosteric mechanism of UrtR completely differs from that generally observed in other MarR superfamily members, in which the entire wHTHD undergoes effector-responsive global shifts.

Carbon dots modified hydrange-shaped ZnCo(OH)F used as a flexible electrode for sensitive detection of dopamine and uric acid

Dopamine (DA), widely recognized as the most prevalent catecholamine neurotransmitter in the brain, functions as a vital regulator of various physiological processes within the central nervous system. Meanwhile, uric acid (UA) serves as the terminal product of purine metabolism, and hyperuricemia emerges as a significant risk factor for gout, with a steep escalation in risk as blood uric acid levels surge. Consequently, monitoring the concentrations of DA and UA in biological fluids is crucial not only for the treatment of related disorders but also for enhancing disease prevention strategies. In this work, the blooming hydrangea shaped ZnCo(OH)F/carbon dots (CDs) composite was grown on carbon cloth (CC) substrate by a simple hydrothermal method, which was used as a flexible sensor for the detection of DA and UA. The unique open structure and morphologic adjustment strategy of ZnCo(OH)F/CDs/CC provided a large surface area and highly exposed active site. After screening the experimental variables that affect the sensor performance, the optimal ZnCo(OH)F/CDs/CC flexible electrode achieved individual and simultaneous detection for DA and UA in the concentration ranges of 1.0220.0µM and 1.0500.0µM, the detection limits (LOD) of DA and UA were 0.0129 and 0.044μM, respectively (S/N=3). In addition, the sensor exhibited good repeatability, stability and selectivity, realizing the detection of DA and UA in human serum with recovery rate of 95.20% 105.3%. Also, the density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to explore the interaction between electrode material and detected substrate. A simple hydrothermal method was utilized to grow the ZnCo(OH)F/CDs composite onto the CC substrate. The presence of F− in ZnCo(OH)F can increase the charge mobility and improve the conductivity. ZnCo(OH)F/CDs/CC as flexible electrode material can determine DA and UA simultaneously in human serum with a satisfactory recovery rate. This flexible sensor has a broad application prospect in the manufacture of wearable devices.

Biomimetic nanozyme-based electrochemical sensor integrated with microfluidic cell for on-site uric acid detection

Uric acid (UA) is the key indicator highly associated with gout, and on-site UA detection is of great significance for personalized health management. Herein, we propose an integrated microfluidic electrochemical sensing platform for real-time UA detection. The platform mainly consists of a biomimetic nanozyme-based electrochemical sensor and a microfluidic cell. The biomimetic nanozyme with desirable catalytic activity can effectively promote UA oxidation, and the corresponding working mechanism is clarified through density functional theory calculation. Besides, the well-designed microfluidic cell is capable of impurity removal and sample storage. Based on these designs, the whole process of sample pretreatment and target detection can all be achieved on one integrated platform, allowing for user-friendly test. This developed platform shows satisfactory sensing performance for UA with a detection limit of 4.2 μM. In addition, it is successfully applied to UA determination in artificial saliva and serum samples, showing desirable application prospects in clinical diagnosis.

Enhanced enzyme-like DNAzyme@MOFs for non-enzymatic uric acid detection in interstitial fluid

The increased uric acid (UA) level is closely related to many diseases. However, the detection of UA remains great challenges due to the pain of blood testing and the complexity of common methods. Therefore, the detection of UA is of great significance for public health. In this paper, a new method for UA detection is proposed. The swellable hydrogel microneedles (hydrogel MNs) can be used for minimally invasive extraction of skin interstitial fluid (ISF). The colorimetric detection of trace UA in ISF can be successfully achieved by virtue of DNAzyme@MOFs with enhanced peroxidase activity. This study provides a powerful tool for minimally invasive, painless, rapid and convenient detection of UA in clinical applications. This study not only avoids the use of expensive and unstable natural enzymes but also expands the applications of DNAzyme@MOFs in biomedical detection.

A novel dual-function fluorescence sensor Eu/CDs@MOF-808 for the sensitive detection of adenosine triphosphate and uric acid

Designing and developing a reliable method for the detection of potential biomarker molecules are crucial for the early prevention and diagnosis of diseases. In this study, we present a novel functionalized metal–organic framework material (MOF-808) that is developed to construct ratiometric fluorescence sensing platforms (Eu/CDs@MOF-808) for the detection of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and uric acid (UA). The fluorescent probe Eu/CDs@MOF-808 prepared through the in-situ encapsulation of fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) within the structure of MOF-808 exhibits excellent optical properties. Additionally, rare earth ions (Eu3+) are incorporated into the CDs@MOF-808 using a post-synthetic modification strategy. The presence of ATP significantly enhances the characteristic peak of carbon dots (CDs) at 440 nm, while the peak of Eu3+ at 614 nm remains relatively unchanged. Furthermore, the concentration of ATP exhibits a strong linear relationship with the ratiometric fluorescence intensity (F440/F614) in the concentration range of 0.5–450 μM, with a detection limit of 0.22 μM. Notably, the addition of uric acid (UA) to this fluorescence sensing platform leads to a marked reduction in the characteristic peak intensity of Eu3+, which results in a satisfactory linear relationship between the ratiometric fluorescence intensity and UA concentration in the concentration ranges of 0.04–300 μM and 300–650 μM, with a detection limit of 0.04 μM. Additionally, the fluorescent sensor has been successfully applied for the detection of ATP and UA in real serum and urine samples.

Investigation of the chemiluminescence behavior of Ti3C2 MXene quantum dots as a sensing platform for uric acid

The current study explores the application of Ti3C2 MXene quantum dots (MQDs) as a chemiluminescent (CL) probe to determine uric acid (UA) in biological samples. The MQDs sensor was synthesized using ultrasonic-assisted hydrothermal method and characterized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The presence of MQDs significantly enhances the ultra-weak Fe(II)–S2O82− CL system. Subsequently, quenching of the probe’s CL signal was observed in the presence of UA. Thus, the designed CL sensor offers an excellent analytical capability for determining UA in the 0.15–2.5 µM range, with a limit of detection of 0.093 µM. The method was effectively used to analyze UA in human serum and urine, yielding recovery rates between 94.4 % and 108.3 % with relative standard deviations (RSD) ranging from 1.9 % to 5.9 %.

Comparison of uric acid elevation between aspirin-ticagrelor and aspirin-clopidogrel during dual antiplatelet therapy.

This study investigated whether serum uric acid levels are more elevated in the aspirin-ticagrelor group than in the aspirin-clopidogrel group. Materials and Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study with patients between 2013 and 2020. Baseline and maximum serum uric acid levels within a 6-month follow-up period were analyzed to determine the increase in both groups. A total of 41,877 patients were enrolled. A statistically significant elevation of serum uric acid levels was found in the aspirin-ticagrelor group compared to the aspirin-clopidogrel group (odds ratio (OR; 95% confidence interval (CI)) = 1.36 (1.15 - 1.60), p < 0.001). Kidney dysfunction and diuretic use were also identified as risk factors for uric acid elevation. Monitoring serum uric acid levels is recommended during aspirin-ticagrelor therapy, especially in patients with kidney dysfunction or those using diuretics.

Fat Distribution and Urolithiasis Risk Parameters in Uric Acid Stone Formers and Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Key Points Under a controlled diet, uric acid stone formers (UASFs) and diabetic patients have higher endogenous net acid production.Under a controlled diet, UASFs have lower ammonium-to-net acid excretion ratio.Body fat inversely correlates with urine buffer capacity in normal individuals, but this relationship is lost in diabetic patients and UASFs. Background Uric acid (UA) nephrolithiasis affects approximately 10% of kidney stones, with a greater preponderance among patients with obesity and diabetes mellitus (DM). UA lithogenicity is driven by abnormally acidic urine pH. Distinguishing the contribution of intrinsic (e.g., body adiposity) versus external (e.g., dietary) factors to UA stone propensity is challenging because of uncontrolled diets in outpatients in previously published studies. Methods This compilation of metabolic studies with body composition examined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan and blood and urine biochemistry collected under a controlled metabolic diet was conducted across three distinct populations: 74 UA stone formers (UASF group), 13 patients with type 2 DM without kidney stones (DM group), and 51 healthy volunteers (HV group). Results Compared with HVs, both UASFs and patients with DM exhibited higher levels of net acid excretion (NAE) and significantly lower urine pH and lower proportion of NAE excreted as ammonium (NH4 +/NAE), all under controlled diets. UASFs exhibited significantly lower NH4 +/NAE compared with patients with DM. UASFs also showed higher total body and truncal fat compared with HVs. Among the HVs, lower NH4 +/NAE ratio correlated with higher truncal and total fat. However, this association was abolished in the UASF and DM groups who exhibit a fixed low NH4 +/NAE ratio across a range of body and truncal fat. Conclusions The findings suggest a dual defect of diet-independent increase in acid production and impaired kidney NH4 + excretion as major contributors to the risk of UA stone formation. There is an inverse physiologic association between body fat content and NH4 +/NAE in HVs, whereas NH4 +/NAE is persistently low in UASFs and patients with DM, regardless of body fat, representing pathophysiology.

High inflammatory indices are significant predictors of disease severity in maintenance hemodialysis patients with COVID-19: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe patients with kidney failure who undergo maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) at high risk of morbidity and mortality from COVID-19. Previous studies showed that inflammation plays an important role in the progression of COVID-19. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of the inflammatory indices in MHD patients with COVID-19. MethodsWe included 141 patients receive MHD in this single-center. SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed by a positive result in RT-PCR analysis of nasal and pharyngeal swab samples, and the demographic, clinical, and laboratory data from December 1, 2022, to January 31, 2023 were reviewed. Inflammatory indices including PLR, NLR and SII were calculated. Binary logistics regression was used to examine the association between inflammatory indices and SARS-CoV-2 infection in MHD patients. The ROC curves were used to detect the sensitivity and specificity of these inflammatory indices in prediction of SARS-CoV-2 infection status in MHD patients. ResultsSARS-CoV-2 infection was detected in 76.43% of the 141 MHD patients. Lymphocyte (LY), aspartate transaminase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid (UA), PLR, NLR and SII were significant predictors of no SARS-CoV-2 infection and symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition, LY, serum ferritin (SF), AST, BUN, UA, PLR and NLR were significant predictors of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection and symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. The ROC curves showed the best sensitivity and specificity of PLR (66.7% sensitivity; 68.8% specificity) and NLR (51.9% sensitivity; 86.3% specificity) in predicting symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. ConclusionPLR and NLR can be used as simple and inexpensive biomarkers in predicting the prognosis of COVID-19 in MHD patients.

Multifunctional CeO2:Fe3+ electrodes: Superior uric acid sensing and high-efficiency supercapacitor application

This study investigates the versatile capabilities of iron-doped CeO2-modified carbon paste electrodes (FCO MCPE) for both enhanced uric acid (UA) detection and efficient energy storage applications. Iron-doped CeO2 nanoparticles were synthesized via combustion synthesis. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) showed a 29 % increase in anodic peak current (2.05 µA) with the FCO MCPE compared to bare carbon paste electrodes (BCPE) (1.59 µA), indicating improved catalytic properties. Analysis of scan rates revealed a diffusion-controlled oxidation process. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) demonstrated excellent linearity (R2 = 0.999) and low detection limits (LOD: 0.132 µM, LOQ: 0.442 µM). Selectivity tests confirmed the superior ability of the FCO MCPE to differentiate UA from dopamine (DA), with a high linearity (R2 = 0.998). Stability tests showed only an 11 % decrease in performance after 15 cycles. In super capacitor evaluations, FCO materials exhibited a high specific capacitance of 200.43 F g−1 at 2 mV/s and impressive cycling stability with 87.5 % capacitance retention after 5000 cycles. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) revealed efficient charge transfer with a peak specific capacitance of 52.39 F g−1 at 0.01 Hz. These findings underscore the potential of FCO MCPEs for both effective UA detection and efficient super capacitor applications.

Evaluating causal influence of serum uric acid on psoriasis via observational study and transethnic Mendelian randomization analyses

Psoriasis mimics uric acid in terms of inflammation, but the association has not been well defined. This study aimed to identify the causal link between serum uric acid (SUA) and psoriasis in an observational study using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2004–2006, and 2011–2014) and transethnic Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses. We utilized weighted multivariable-adjusted logistic regression and transethnic MR in European and East Asian populations to assess the association. Inverse variance weighted (IVW) was the main analysis. To test the robustness and pleiotropy, further sensitivity analyses were also conducted. Weighted regression analysis suggested that SUA positively related to psoriasis risk (OR = 1.339, 95% CI: 1.092–1.642, P = 0.006) in women. For all participants and males, neither association was significant. IVW showed that SUA levels were not significantly associated with psoriasis in Europeans (OR = 1.099, 95% CI: 0.963–1.254, P = 0.159) or East Asians (OR = 1.297, 95% CI: 0.576–2.918, P = 0.528). Furthermore, sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the present MR results. In females, SUA and psoriasis were significantly correlated; findings from transethnic MR analysis did not indicate a causal relationship between SUA and psoriasis.

Waist-to-hip ratio as a contributor associated with higher atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk assessment in patients with diabetes: a cross-sectional study

IntroductionThis study aimed to identify the factors most strongly associated with an increased atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk score in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 4698 patients with T2D over an 11-year period (2010–2021). Patients were categorized into four groups based on their 10-year ASCVD risk score (< 5%, 5–7.5%, 7.5–20%, and > 20%). Multinominal regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between various modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors and the ASCVD risk score.ResultsOf the patients, 35.9% had a 10-year ASCVD risk score below 5%, 12.6% had a score between 5% and 7.5%, 30.8% had a score between 7.5% and 20%, and 19.7% had a score above 20%. Higher ASCVD risk scores were significantly associated with elevated waist-to-hip ratio (WHR > 0.93), pulse pressure, uric acid, triglycerides, and decreased glomerular filtration rate (all p-values < 0.05). WHR demonstrated the strongest association with higher ASCVD risk scores (OR: 4.55, 95% CI: 2.94–7.03, p < 0.001) when comparing patients with ASCVD scores > 5% to those with scores < 5%.ConclusionWHR was independently associated with higher ASCVD risk scores in patients with T2D. Incorporating WHR, along with traditional risk factors, could improve ASCVD risk assessments in this population.

Changes in Immunoglobulins G and A in the Saliva and Serum of Horses with Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) and Their Relationship with Other Immune and Redox Status Biomarkers

Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) is a widespread disease with a very high prevalence and importance in horses. It includes two conditions: Equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD), linked to acid disturbances, and Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD), associated with inflammation and immune system issues. In saliva, increased levels of immunological markers have been observed in this disease, indicating immune system involvement. In addition, changes in biomarkers of oxidative stress have been described. In horses, IgG and IgA are proteins that appear in saliva and serum and are considered to be the major proteins in specific immunity; however, their levels in horses with EGUS have not been previously studied. This report aims to evaluate IgG and IgA concentrations in the saliva and serum of horses with EGUS, measured by automated assays, and compare them with other biomarkers of the immune and oxidative stress system. This work validated the IgG and IgA assays in saliva and showed that IgA significantly increased in the saliva of horses with EGUS. When the correlation between IgG and IgA and other biomarkers of immune system issues and oxidative stress such as ADA, S100 A8-A9 (calprotectin), S100 A12 (calgranulin), uric acid, FRAS, and AOPP was studied, IgA in saliva showed a significant moderate correlation with adenosine deaminase, indicating its possible involvement in the immune reaction occurring in EGUS.

Design and green synthesis of carbon Dots/Gold nanoparticles Composites and their applications for neurotransmitters sensing based on emission Spectroscopy

Changes in the neurotransmitters are indications for several diseases. Several sensors were reported for monitoring dopamine (DA), but the simple and accurate DA detection in biological samples still faces many challenges. The research proposal aims to develop an optical sensor for detecting neurotransmitters based on luminescence emission spectra in different biological samples. Carbon dots (CDs) were fabricated based on a green synthesis route. Then the prepared CDs were decorated with varying concentrations of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). The synthesis process was optimized, and the obtained CDs/Au NPs nanocomposites were applied as neurotransmitters’ optical nanosensors. The optical nanosensor approach provides easy and sensitive multiplex analysis. A wide range of neurotransmitters was monitored. The developed sensor’s sensitivity, selectivity, and reproducibility were investigated. Au NPs act as CDs’ stabilizers, enhancing the emission effect, and scaffolds for binding DA with CDs’ surface. DA moieties bind to CDs through the interaction between the DA-NH2 groups and Au NPS. Due to electron transfer, the bonding of DA molecules leads to fluorescence quenching of AuNPs/CDs. The Au-CDs-based DA fluorescence showed high sensitivity with adetection limit, and limit quantification of 2.04 nM and 6.18 nM, respectively. Furthermore, the selectivity of the sensor was investigated in the presence of glucose, uric acid (UA), and ascorbic acid (AA), which showed no interference effect at 10 times higher concentrations. Moreover, the proposed sensor has been successfully utilized for DA detection in human serum samples with a high recovery efficiency between 98.83 % and 103.5 %.

Nephroprotective Effects of the Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase Stimulator, Riociguat in Doxorubicin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Rats

This study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of riociguat, a soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) stimulator, on kidney function and structure in rats with acute kidney injury (AKI) induced by the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DX). Rats were subjected to a single intraperitoneal injection of DX (13.5mg/kg) on the 5th day, either alone or in combination with low-dose riociguat (3mg/kg/day), or high-dose riociguat (10mg/kg/day) for 8 consecutive days. Various markers related to kidney function, oxidative stress, and inflammation were measured in plasma and urine. Kidney tissues were examined histopathologically. DX-induced nephrotoxicity was characterized by increased plasma urea, creatinine, uric acid and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL). DX also decreased creatinine clearance and albumin levels and increased urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) activity. Furthermore, DX increased the inflammatory markers interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 β), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). DX further induced oxidative stress injury evidenced by decreased glutathione reductase (GR) activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase levels and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Concomitant treatment with riociguat ameliorated these DX-induced changes with parallel histopathological improvements but the effects were more favorable with high-dose riociguat. The observed renoprotective effects of riociguat can be partly attributed to the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of this drug.