bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bethanechol versus selegiline in amelioration of spinal cord injury in a rat model: A potential therapeutic option in spinal cord injury treatment
Authors: Fan Guangliang , Luan Jinli , Tang Xiankuo , Song Qimin 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To compare the effect of bethanechol versus selegiline in ameliorating spinal cord injury (SCI) in a rat model.Methods: Male adult Wistar rats (200 – 250 g) were equally divided into 3 groups: test (SCI rats treated with bethanechol), and control reference (SCI rats treated with selegiline) and control (SCI rats treated with vehicle). SCI was induced in the rats using the clipping method. Thereafter, motor function was assessed in the rats using a rotarod. Each rat was sacrificed by decapitation, and the cortex was excised for use in the study of the involvement of cholinergic and monoaminergic transmission in SCI rats using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis.Results: Retention time was numerically greater in rats treated with acetyl choline agonist at all rotations (10, 15 and 25 rpm) when compared to MAO A inhibitor group, but the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Both bethanechol and selegiline improved motor function by increasing cholinergic and monoaminergic transmission. Both drugs (bethanechol and selegiline) were effective in ameliorating the motor function deficit caused by spinal cord injury. A significant upregulation in acetylcholine esterase (AChE) was observed in the cortex of the SCI rats, relative to non-SCI rats (p < 0.005). Results from cholinergic receptor binding studies revealed significantly decreased Bmax and kd values for muscarinic receptors in SCI rats, when compared to non-SCI rats. Moreover, the reduction in the intensity of cholinergic receptors was significantly higher in the cerebral cortex of SCI rats than in non-SCI rats.Conclusion: Bethanechol and selegiline are effective in ameliorating motor function deficit caused by spinal cord injury in rats. Both drugs also improve motor function in SCI rats. Therefore, the drugs have potentials for use in the therapeutical management of spinal cord injury.
Keywords: Spinal cord injury, Bethanechol, Selegiline, Motor functions, Monoaminergic transmission, Cholinergic transmission
Mangiferin ameliorates insulin resistance in a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome via inhibition of inflammation
Authors: Qian Qiaohong , Tang Minjie , Li Xinrong , Cao Qi , Zhu Zhiling 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To examine the effect of mangiferin on insulin resistance (IR) in a rat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) model.Methods: The rat PCOS model was established via subcutaneous injection of 6 mg/kg of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and mangiferin was orally administered. Body and ovarian weights were recorded. Serum levels of glucose, insulin, and related inflammatory cytokines were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, while the expression levels of key proteins were analyzed by western blotting.Results: DHEA significantly increased ovarian weight and the ratio of ovarian weight/body weight (p <0.001), while mangiferin treatment decreased them (p < 0.001). Mangiferin also lowered DHEA-induced enhancements in serum glucose and insulin levels (p < 0.001). The mRNA and, expression and concentrations of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6(IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)) were also significantly reduced by mangiferin treatment (p < 0.001). Furthermore, mangiferin suppressed phosphorylation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) but increased the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT, p < 0.001).Conclusion: These results reveal that mangiferin not only decreases inflammatory cytokine levels by regulating NF-κB signaling pathway but also ameliorates IR in a rat PCOS model via regulating AKT signaling pathway. Thus, mangiferin is a potential therapeutic strategy for the management of PCOS.
Keywords: Polycystic ovary syndrome, Mangiferin, Inflammation, Insulin resistance, NF-κB, AKT
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism and toxicity to 5-FU-based chemotherapy in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhang Yong-lian , Xie Xiong-wei 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To investigate the toxicity of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphism in colorectal cancer patients treated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).Methods: A total of 105 patients with colorectal cancer who underwent 5-FU therapy were included in this study. MTHFR C677T polymorphisms were determined using direct sequencing. Physical examination and the results of blood and urine tests were used to evaluate the toxicities, including gastrointestinal toxicity, hematopoietic toxicity, hair-skin toxicity and hand-foot syndrome.Results: In 90.5 % of all patients, 5-FU toxicity was observed. With regard to MTHFR C677T mutation, 45.7 % heterozygote mutants and 19.0 % homozygote mutants were observed. MTHFR C677T polymorphism was statistically related to 5-FU toxicity (p = 0.000). In addition, MTHFR C677T mutation was closely related to hematopoietic toxicity (p = 0.005).Conclusion: MTHFR C677T can be used for the prediction of 5-FU toxicity, and can also predict hematopoietic toxicity in patients with colorectal cancer.
Keywords: MTHFR genes, Polymorphism, Colorectal cancer, Biomarker, Toxicity
Phytochemical analysis and bioactivity screening of three medicinal plants of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Wahaibi Lamya H. , Mahmood Adeem , Khan Merajuddin , Alkhathlan Hamad Z. 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To investigate the phytochemical analysis and bioactivity screening of some Asteraceae medicinal plants.
Methods: The chemical constituents were isolated by column chromatography and elucidated using chemical and extensive spectroscopic methodologies including gas chromatoraphy-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), as well as 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The plant extracts were obtained by solvent extraction method while hydrodistillation was used to isolate plant essential oils. Furthermore, cup-plate agar diffusion was applied for antimicrobial activity evaluation while minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was assessed by microdilution technique.
Results: Centaurea pseudosinaica, Tripleurospermum auriculatum, and Koelpinia linearis afforded previously undescribed three coumarins (xanthotoxin, cirsimaritin, salvigenins) from C. pseudosinaica, one steroid (estradiol) and a pentacyclic triterpene (β-amyrin) from T. auriculatum and a coumarin (santin) from K. linearis in good yields. In addition, the plant extracts and oils exhibited remarkable bioactivities including antifungal, antibacterial and antipyretic etc.
Conclusion: The results reveal the presence of bioactive phytomolecules from Asteraceae plant extracts and volatile oils from three Asteraceae plants.
Keywords: C. pseudosinaica, T. auriculatum, K. linearis, Xanthotoxin, Salvigenin, Cirsimaritin, Santin, Estradiol, β-amyrin, Antimicrobial activity
Parental awareness regarding pediatric antibiotic use in Madinah, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Khojah Hani M.J. , Abdelhady Hosam G. , Alqurashi Abdulmalik A. , Kasem Enas M. , Osailan Nuha S. , Alnuman Mohammed O. , Alruhaili Ryan E. , Bedaiwy Abdulrahman A. , Mofti Razan H. , Abdel-Salam Hassan A. 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To determine the level of awareness of antibiotic use in children in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, and to identify factors associated with parental decisions regarding it.
Methods: Using a multiple-choice-question-based questionnaire survey, 1256 forms were distributed to visitors of major shopping malls in Madinah City to obtain socio-demographic and antibiotics knowledgebased data from October 2017 to January 2018. Differences in scores between and within groups on knowledge of parents about antibiotics were determined.
Results: Most participants (67 %) had good basic knowledge of antibiotics: 69 and 40 % of respondents were aware of their side effects and antibacterial resistance, respectively. Participants in high age groups (> 46 years old) have a significantly higher mean knowledge score (55.4 ± 20.1, p < 0.05) than those in younger groups. Educational status increased the mean knowledge score by approximately 60 %, with the most educated group having a mean score of 61.2 ± 16.4 (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: These results reveal the importance of awareness campaigns on antibiotic use and the role of healthcare professionals in the education of patients and parents on correct use of antibiotics, as well as the significance of antibacterial resistance.
Keywords: Antibiotics misuse, Pediatrics, Patient education, Antibacterial resistance
MicroRNA-421 protects against chronic intermittent hypoxia-induced vascular endothelial cell injury by targeting TLR4
Authors: Yuan Jie , Shi Jiankuan , Yu Shuqi , Zhang Hong 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To investigate the role of miR-421 in endothelial cell injury caused by chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH), and to unravel the mechanism of action.
Methods: A rat aortic endothelial cell model of CIH was established by 18-h exposure to hypoxic treatment. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT while cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. Cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were assessed by cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay kit. The mRNA and protein levels were also determined. Sprague Dawley rats were used to establish a rat CIH model over a 6-week hypoxic exposure. The degree of lung and renal injuries in the rats were observed by HE staining.
Results: MiR-421 was downregulated and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) upregulated in CIH cells compared to control cells. Treatment of CIH cells decreased their viability, increased cellular ROS levels, promoted cell apoptosis, and caused changes in protein levels of apoptosis- and inflammation-related genes. However, miR-421 mimics reversed these results caused by CIH treatment. Dual luciferase reporter assay verified that TLR4 was targeted by miR-421. Moreover, TLR4 overexpression suppressed the protective effect of miR-421 on CIH cells. Finally, miR-421 agomiR inhibited CIH-induced TLR4 upregulation in rats. Histopathological examinations confirmed that miR-421 agomiR inhibited CIHinduced injury and collagen deposition in rat lungs and kidneys.
Conclusion: MiR-421 protects vascular endothelial cells against CIH-induced injury in rats by targeting TLR4, which may provide a biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of CIH-induced injury.
Keywords: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, MiR-421, TLR4, Chronic intermittent hypoxia, Vascular endothelial cells
Protective effect of midazolam against convulsion in neonatal rats via down-regulation of LC3 and Beclin-1 expression
Authors: Shi Juan , Jiang Shuzhong , Wang Qinhua , Hua Jiajia , Xu Feifan , Gu Delin , Zhou Hui 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To investigate the effect of midazolam on growth of neurocytes in vitro and in neonatal rats.
Methods: Neurocyte proliferation and activity of lactate dehydrogenase were assessed by MTT and lactate dehydrogenase assays, respectively. Western blotting was used to determine the effect of midazolam on LC3, Bax, p62 and Beclin-1 protein expressions.
Results: The suppression of neurocyte proliferation byconvulsion was alleviated significantly (p < 0.05) by midazolum treatment. Exposure of convulsion model of neurocytes to midazolum suppressed LC3, Bax, p62 and Beclin-1 protein expression. Midazolum exposure of convulsion model of neurocytes suppressed LDH, caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9 activities. The 3-MA (autophagy inhibitor) treatment also significantly (p < 0.05) promoted neurocyte viability after convulsion induction. In convulsion-induced neurocytes, 3-MA exposure suppressed expression of caspase-3/8/9, LC3, Bax, Beclin-1 and p62, while application of midazolum treatment to the rats with convulsion markedly decreased brain water content and neurocyte apoptosis (p < 0.05). Treatment with midazolum inhibited LC3, p62 and Beclin-1 expression in the rat model of convulsion.
Conclusion: Midazolum promotes neurocyte proliferation and inhibits edema development via downregulation of autophagy. Therefore, midazolum can potentially be used for the treatment of convulsion, but further studies need to be carried out first.
Keywords: Convulsion, Neurocytes, Caspase, Autophagy, Mitochondrial pathway
Antiproliferative effect of the Red Sea cone snail, <i>Conus geographus</i>
Authors: Alburae Najla Ali , Mohammed Afrah Eltayeb 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To investigate the antiproliferative effect of the Red Sea cone snail, Conus geographus, against 4 MCF-7 (breast), MDA-MB-231 (epithelial human breast), HepG2 (hepatocellular) and SKOV-3 (ovarian) cancer cell lines.
Methods: Extraction of Red Sea cone snail sample with a mixture of CH2Cl2 and CH3OH (1:1, v/v) yielded 0.55 g of a green viscous material. The cytotoxic effects of the organic extract against the cancer cell lines were determined using cell proliferation (MTT) assay, and the half-maximal concentration (IC50) values measured. The effect of the crude extract on the cell cycle of the HepG-2 was determined by flow cytometry.
Results: The extract produced significant inhibitory effects against SKOV-3, MDA-MB-231, MCF-7 and HepG2, with IC50 values of 22.7 ± 2.2, 68.7 ± 6.2, 47 ± 4.2 and 19 ± 2.1 μg/mL, respectively. Cell cycle analysis revealed that the extract enhanced accumulation of HepG2 cells in the Go/G1 phase, at a level of 23.4 and 24.1 % at IC50 (19 μg/mL) and ½ IC50 (9.5 μg/mL), respectively, when compared to the untreated cells.
Conclusion: These results indicate that C. geographus extract exhibits potent cytotoxic effect against HepG2 cells via a mechanism involving G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. Thus, C. geographus is a potential source of a new anti-cancer agent.
Keywords: Conus geographus, Marine invertebrate, HepG2, Antiproliferation
Nootropic and neuroprotective effects of ethanol extract of <i>Vateria indica</i> L bark on scopolamine-induced cognitive deficit in mice
Authors: Alshabi Ali Mohamed , Shaikh Ibrahim Ahmed , Savant Chetan 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To investigate the neuroprotective and memory-boosting properties of ethanol extract of Vateria indica bark on scopolamine-mediated defects in learning and memory in young mice.
Methods: The ethanol extract of V. indica bark was prepared via Soxhlet extraction and subjected to qualitative and quantitative phytochemical assessment. The acute toxicity of the extract was also evaluated in mice. Six groups of 3-month-old Swiss albino mice (6 per group) were used: normal control, negative control, piracetam group, 250 mg/kg V. indica extract alone group, 500 mg/kg V. indica extract alone group, 250 mg/kg V. indica extract + scopolamine group and 500 mg/kg V. indica extract + scopolamine group. The mice were pretreated with piracetam (standard nootropic drug) or varied doses of the extract for 14 days prior to induction of amnesia. With the exception of normal control group, amnesia induction using scopolamine (3 mg/kg) i.p. on day 14 at 1½ h after the last extract dose. Mice in normal and negative control groups received 0.5 % tragacanth orally at a dose of 10 mL/kg. Cognitive deficit was assessed using elevated plus maze (EPM), step-down avoidance, and Morris water maze (MWM) tests.
Results: Qualitative phytochemical screening of V. indica bark extract showed flavonoids, phenolics, glycosides, tannins, carbohydrate, saponins and steroids. The total phenol and total flavonoid contents were 580.96 ± 0.95 mg GAE/g extract and 66.89 ± 0.56 mg RE/g extract, respectively. The mice tolerated the extract up to 5000 mg/kg bwt. They all survived during and after the acute toxicity study and no significant changes in appearance or general behavior were noticed. The extract significantly enhanced learning and memory, and improved spatial recognition in scopolamine-induced amnesic mice (p < 0.05). Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and levels of dopamine and noradrenaline were markedly higher in negative control mice than in normal control, but were significantly reduced after pretreatment with ethanol extract of V. indica bark (p < 0.05). The results of histopathological examination provided evidence in support of the protective effect of the extract on hippocampal and cortical neurons.
Conclusion: Pretreatment with ethanol extract of V. indica bark confers neuroprotection and enhances memory in young amnesic mice. Therefore, the extract of the plant can potentially be develpoed for the management of degenerative brain conditions.
Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, Cognitive deficit, Neuroprotection, Phytochemicals, Vateria indica
Extracts of edible, medicinal Thai plants inhibit the human breast cancer cells
Authors: Buranrat Benjaporn , Konsue Ampa , Wongsuwan Pornpimon 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of ten edible, medicinal Thai plant extracts on MCF-7 cell viability and cell migration, as well as their mechanism(s) of action.
Methods: Ethanolic plant extracts of ten edible, medicinal plants were tested for their cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells using sulforhodamine B (SRB). To investigate the cytotoxic mechanism(s) of action of these extracts, the study was examined gene expression and protein expression by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting. Cell migration was studied by wound healing assay.
Results: Four of the ten test extracts were potently cytotoxic, Careya sphaerica (CS), Azadirachta indica (AI), Piper nigrum (PN) and Oroxylum indicum (OI) with half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) less than 100 μg/mL. All four extracts stimulated ROS overgeneration, increased caspase 3 activity and decreased growth-related gene expression including cdk2, cdk4, cdk6, cyclin D1 and cyclin E. Furthermore, the extracts significantly enhanced cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CDKI) p21 levels and activated cancer cell death. The four extracts, CS, AI, PN and OI, also significantly reduced cancer cell migration, with PN being the most potent.
Conclusion: Extract of the edible plants CS, AI, PN and OI have in vitro anticancer activity and are promising starting points for the development of breast cancer drugs.
Keywords: Careya sphaerica (CS), Azadirachta indica (AI), Piper nigrum (PN), Oroxylum indicum (OI), Breast cancer, Cell death
Yangjing capsule attenuates cyclophosphamide-induced deficiency of testicular microcirculation in mice
Authors: Jin Baofang , Dong Weihang , Sun Dalin , Cai Bin , Deng Weimin , Cui Yugui , Jin Yihan , Tong Li , Wu Ping 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To explore the protective effects of Yangjing capsule (YC) on testicular microcirculation in a mouse model of deficiency of testicular microcirculation.
Methods: Immunohistochemistry was applied to determine the effects of YC on microvascular density of mice. The protein level of CD34 and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF A) was measured by western blot. The viability of Testicular cell line (TM4 cells) was examined by CCK-8 assay.
Results: Histopathological changes demonstrated that CP-induced decrease of microvascular density of the mice was rescued by YC dose-dependently (p < 0.5). Western blot data showed that the protein levels of CD34 and VEGF A in CP group were significantly decreased, but dose-dependently increased by YC, respectively, following co-administration of CP + YC, compared with those in CP group (p < 0.5). The results from CCK-8 assay showed that the cell viability of TM4 cells increased with the amount of YC administered, and that high concentrations of YC (0.1 and 1 mg/mL) showed significant effects (p < 0.5). Moreover, YC showed little effect on VEGF A mRNA and protein expression in TM4 cells.
Conclusion: YC may be considered an alternative therapeutic agent for the management of testicular microcirculation disease. However, further studies are required to ascertain this.
Keywords: Yangjing Capsule, Testicular microcirculation, Cyclophosphamide, Vascular endothelial growth factor A
MiR-138 ameliorates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury by targeting intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1
Authors: Liao Zhanling , Cheng Xiaoli , Xiang Chunyan , Liu Feng 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To explore the effect of miR-138 on regulating intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) expression in endothelial cells to alleviate cardiac ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and its related mechanisms.
Methods: The left anterior descending artery of the heart was occluded for 30 min and then perfused for 2 h to induce a rat model of cardiac I/R injury. H9C2 cells were cultured in an anoxic medium without serum to establish the model of hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining was applied to measure myocardial infarction sizes in rat hearts. The mRNA expression levels of miR-138 and ICAM-1 were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Dual luciferase reporter assay was used to identify the target of miR-138. The agomiR-138 and miR-138 mimics were transfected into H9C2 cells; exogenous ICAM-1 was also administered, and ROS accumulation, cell viability, and apoptosis were measured. Furthermore, the underlying mechanism was investigated.
Results: MiR-138 was downregulated both in vitro and in vivo. AgomiR-138 reduced myocardial infarction area, decreased ROS production and suppressed cell apoptosis in a rat model of cardiac I/R injury. On the other hand, miR-138 mimics increased cell viability, enhanced ROS production and induced cell apoptosis in H/R-induced H9C2 cells. Further analysis verified ICAM-1 as a target of miR- 138. Besides, exogenous ICAM-1 inhibited the protective effect of miR-138 on H/R-induced apoptosis in vitro.
Conclusion: MiR-138 may protect against injury of myocardial I/R by targeting ICAM-1. The results also provide insight into miR-138/ICAM-1 axis as new therapeutic targets for myocardial I/R injury.
Keywords: Intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1, MicroRNA-138, Myocardial/ischemia reperfusion injury, Reactive oxygen species
Involvement of angiotensin II and beta-adrenergic receptors in the regulation of autophagy in human endothelial EA.hy926 cell line
Authors: Jain Moon , Sahu Prasanna K. , Hanif Kashif 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To investigate the role of angiotensin II (Ang II) and β adrenergic receptors (βARs) in autophagy regulation in human endothelial EA.hy926 cell line.Methods: The effect of pharmacological modulation of Ang II receptors and βARs on the expression of LC3B-II and p62 proteins (autophagosome formation marker and autophagic flux marker, respectively) in the human endothelial EA.hy926 cell line were investigated by immunoblotting technique.Results: Ang II-induced autophagy was characterized by increased LC3B-II and reduced p62 expressions. Candesartan, an AT1R agonist, significantly suppressed the effects of Ang II, while a selective AT2R antagonist, PD123319, inhibited the effect of candesartan. An AT2R agonist, CGP-42112A, also suppressed the Ang II-induced autophagy. Treatment with isoproterenol enhanced the expression of LC3B-II and reduced that of p62; these effects were suppressed upon cotreatment with propranolol (non-selective βAR blocker propranolol). A selective β1AR agonist, dobutamine, reduced the expression of LC3B-II, and increased that of p62; the same was suppressed upon treatment with a selective β1AR antagonist, metoprolol. A selective β2AR agonist, salbutamol, resulted in increased expression of LC3B-II and reduced expression of p62. These effects were encountered upon treatment with selective β2AR antagonist, ICI-118,551.Conclusion: Based on the foregoing, it is evident that AT1Rs mediates Ang II-induced endothelial cell autophagy, while AT2Rs antagonizes the mechanism. βAR activation mediates isoproterenol-induced endothelial cell autophagy, which results from the balance of β1ARs-mediated suppression and β2ARsmediated upregulation of autophagy in the endothelial cells.
Keywords: Autophagy, Angiotensin II type 1 receptors, Angiotensin II type 2 receptors β adrenergic type 1 receptors, β adrenergic type 2 receptors endothelial cells