bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential effects of omega-3 fatty acids on anemia and inflammatory markers in maintenance hemodialysis patients
Authors: Gharekhani Afshin , Khatami Mohammad-Reza , Dashti-Khavidaki Simin , Razeghi Effat , Abdollahi Alireza , Hashemi-Nazari Seyed-Saeed , Mansournia Mohammad-Ali 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Anemia is a common complication among hemodialysis (HD) patients. Although intravenous iron and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents revolutionized anemia treatment, about 10% of HD patients show suboptimal response to these agents. Systemic inflammation and increased serum hepcidin level may contribute to this hyporesponsiveness. Considering the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids, this study aimed to evaluate potential role of these fatty acids in improving anemia and inflammation of chronic HD patients.

Methods
In this randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 54 adult patients with HD duration of at least 3 months were randomized to ingest 1800 mg of either omega-3 fatty acids or matching placebo per day for 4 months. Anemia parameters including blood hemoglobin, serum iron, transferrin saturation (TSAT), erythropoietin resistance index, and required dose of intravenous iron and erythropoietin, and serum concentrations of inflammatory/anti-inflammatory markers including interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-10, C-reactive protein (CRP), hepcidin, ferritin, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), and ratios of IL-10 to IL-6 and IL-10 to TNF-α were measured at baseline and after 4 months of the intervention.

Results
45 subjects (25 in the omega-3 and 20 in the placebo group) completed the study. No significant changes were observed in blood hemoglobin, serum iron, TSAT, and required dose of intravenous iron in either within or between group comparisons. Additionally, erythropoietin resistance index as well as required dose of intravenous erythropoietin showed no significant change in the omega-3 group compared to the placebo group. Although a relative alleviation in inflammatory state appeared in the omega-3 group, the mean differences of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers between the two groups did not reach statistically significant level except for IL-10-to-IL-6 ratio and serum ferritin level which showed significant changes in favor of omega-3 treatment (P <0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively).

Conclusion
Omega-3 fatty acids relatively improved systemic inflammation of chronic HD patients without any prominent benefits on anemia. However, future well-designed studies on larger number of patients may determine utility of omega-3 fatty acids in HD patients with respect to inflammation and anemia.
Pharmacokinetics of mirtazapine and its main metabolites after single intravenous and oral administrations in rats at two dose rates
Authors: Rouini Mohammad-Reza , Lavasani Hoda , Sheikholeslami Behjat , Owen Helen , Giorgi Mario 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Mirtazapine (MRZ) is a human antidepressant drug metabolized to 8-OH mirtazapine (8-OH) and dimethylmirtazapine (DMR) metabolites. Recently, this drug has been proposed as a potential analgesic for use in a multidrug analgesic regime in the context of veterinary medicine. The aim of this study was to assess the pharmacokinetics of MRZ and its metabolites DMR and 8-OH in rats.

Findings
Eighteen fasted, healthy male rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 6). Animals in these groups were respectively administered MRZ at 2 and 10 mg/kg orally and 2 mg/kg intravenously. Plasma MRZ and metabolite concentrations were evaluated by HPLC-FL detection method. After intravenous administration, MRZ was detected in all subjects, while DMR was only detected in three. 8-OH was not detected. After oral administration, MRZ was detected in 3 out of 6 rats treated with 2 mg/kg, it was detected in 6 out of 6 animals in the 10 mg/kg group. DMR was only detectable in the latter group, while 8-OH was not detected in either group. The oral bioavailability was about 7% in both groups.

Conclusions
The plasma concentration of the MRZ metabolite 8-OH was undetectable, and the oral bioavailability of the parental drug was very low.
The effect of piperine on midazolam plasma concentration in healthy volunteers, a research on the CYP3A-involving metabolism
Authors: Rezaee Mohammad Mahdi , Kazemi Sohrab , Kazemi Mohammad Taghi , Gharooee Saeed , Yazdani Elham , Gharooee Hoda , Shiran Mohammad Reza , Moghadamnia Ali Akbar 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Some studies showed that piperine (the alkaloid of piper nigrum) can change the activities of microsomal enzymes. Midazolam concentration is applied as a probe to determine the CYP3A enzyme activity. This study was done to determine piperine pretreatment role on midazolam plasma concentration.
Twenty healthy volunteers (14 men and 6 women) received oral dose of piperine (15 mg) or placebo for three days as pretreatment and midazolam (10 mg) on fourth day of study and the blood samples were taken at 0.5, 2.5 and 5 h after midazolam administration. The midazolam plasma levels were assayed using HPLC method (C18 analytical column, 75:25 methanol:water as mobile phase, UV detector at 242 nm wavelength and diazepam as internal standard). Data were fit in a “one-compartment PK model” using P-Pharm 1.5 software and analyzed under statistical tests.
The mean ±SD of the age and body mass index were 24.3 ± 1.83 years (range: 21–28 years) and 23.46± 2.85, respectively. The duration of sedation in piperine receiving group was greater that the placebo group (188±59 vs. 102±43 min, p<0.0001). Half-life and clearance of midazolam were higher in piperine pretreatment group compared to placebo [1.88±0.03 vs. 1.71± 0.04 h (p<0.0001) and 33.62 ± 0.4 vs. 37.09 ± 1.07 ml/min (p<0.0001), respectively].
According to the results, piperine can significantly increases half-life and decreases clearance of midazolam compared to placebo. It is suggested that piperine can demonstrate those effects by inhibition CYP3A4 enzyme activity in liver microsomal system.
Antinociceptive properties of new coumarin derivatives bearing substituted 3,4-dihydro-2H-benzothiazines
Authors: Alipour Masoumeh , Khoobi Mehdi , Emami Saeed , Fallah-Benakohal Saeed , Ghasemi-Niri Seyedeh Farnaz , Abdollahi Mohammad , Foroumadi Alireza , Shafiee Abbas 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Coumarins are an important class of widely distributed heterocyclic natural products exhibiting a broad pharmacological profile. In this work, a new series of coumarins bearing substituted 3,4-dihydro-2H-benzothiazines were described as potential analgesic agents. The clinical use of NSAIDs as traditional analgesics is associated with side effects such as gastrointestinal lesions and nephrotoxicity. Therefore, the discovery of new safer drugs represents a challenging goal for such a research area.

Results
The target compounds 3-(3-methyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[b][1,4]thiazin-3-yl)-2H-chromen-2-ones 2a-u were synthesized and characterized by spectral data. The antinociceptive properties of target compounds were determined by formalin-induced test and acetic acid-induced writhing test in mice. Among the tested compounds, compound 2u bearing 2-(4-(methylsulfonyl)benzoyl)- moiety on benzothiazine ring and 4-(methylsulfonyl)phenacyloxy- group on the 7 position of coumarin nucleus showed better profile of antinocecieption in both models. It was more effective than mefenamic acid during the late phase of formalin-induced test as well as in the acetic acid-induced writhing test.

Conclusion
Considering the significant antinoceciptive action of phenacyloxycoumarin derivatives, compound 2u prototype might be further used as model to obtain new more potent analgesic drugs.
Content of toxic and essential metals in recrystallized and washed table salt in Shiraz, Iran
Authors: Eftekhari Mohammad Hassan , Mazloomi Seyed Mohammad , Akbarzadeh Marzieh , Ranjbar Mojdeh 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Table salt is the most commonly used food additive. Since most of the salt consumed in Iran comes from mines, contamination with heavy metals is a health concern. The commonest salt purification method in Iran is washing with water. But recently, some industries have turned to recrystallization method. The present study aimed to determine the level of essential and non-essential heavy metals in the table salt refined with recrystallization and washing methods.

Methods
Thirty eight pre-packed salt samples were directly collected from retail market in Shiraz (22 samples refined with recrystallization method and 16 with washing method). The level of lead, cadmium, copper, zinc, nickel and cobalt was determined using Voltammetric method. Daily intakes of lead and cadmium as well as their weekly intakes were calculated.

Results
The levels of lead, cadmium, copper, zinc, nickel and cobalt in recrystallized samples were 0. 30 ± 0.26, 0.02 ± 0.02, 0.11 ± 0.06, 0.34 ± 0.22, 0.15 ± 0.19 and 0.008 ± 0.007 μg/g, respectively, and also 0.37 ± 0.27, 0.017 ± 0.021, 0.19 ± 0.18, 0.37 ± 0.20, 0.13 ± 0.23 and 0.037 ± 0.06 μg/g in washed salt samples. The calculated weekly intake of lead and cadmium was 0.216 and 0.014 μg/kg, respectively for the recrystallized and 0.2653 and 0.0119 μg/kg for the washed salts.

Conclusion
All values for toxic metals were lower than the permitted maximum for human consumption as prescribed by Codex and Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran. Only 0.8652-1.0612% of lead and 0.17-0.2% of cadmium PTWIs are received via salt consumption weekly.
Knowledge of insulin use and its determinants among Nigerian insulin requiring diabetes patients
Authors: Jasper Unyime Sunday , Opara Macmillian Chinonso , Pyiki Edna Bawa , Akinrolie Olayinka 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Background
Intensive insulin therapy is essential in the maintenance of strict glycemic control among insulin requiring patients with diabetes. However this presents a challenge in the face of the complexities associated with insulin use and also taking into consideration the potential dangers associated with inappropriate use. Insufficient knowledge of insulin use can result in preventable complications, adverse patient outcome, poor adherence to therapy and invariably poor glycemic control.

Methods
Insulin requiring diabetes patients (n = 54) attending the 2012 world diabetes day celebration in a Nigerian community were surveyed using a two part questionnaire. Section A elicited information on their demographics characteristics and participation in update courses, and exercise, while section B assessed knowledge of insulin use using the Michigan Diabetes Research and Training Centre's Brief Diabetes Knowledge Test. All participants who had a good grasp of English language or who could understand the contents of the questionnaire when it was explained to them, and were willing to participate in the study were assessed. Descriptive statistics of percentages was computed for the sociodemographic variables, previous education, satisfaction with education, involvement in regular exercise, knowledge of benefit of exercise and correct response to each question in section B. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and independent t-test was used to determine the influence of sociodemographic variables on insulin use knowledge.

Results
Knowledge of insulin use is poor among insulin requiring patients with diabetes, with majority not conversant with such terms as ketoacidosis, insulin reaction and low blood sugar. Furthermore, they did not know how to modify their insulin dosage in relation to diet, exercise and infections (e.g. flu). Better knowledge of insulin use was associated with age, employment status, level of education attained, how frequent one reads/attends update courses and satisfaction with education received.

Conclusion
Poor knowledge of the causes and prevention of the ketoacidosis, insulin reaction and hypoglycemia increases their risk of developing them, which will invariably lead to poor adherence to insulin therapy. Therefore this study suggests a methodical, continuous and up-to-date tutelage if proper self management in terms of good glycemic control is to be achieved.
Extraction process optimization of polyphenols from Indian Citrus sinensis – as novel antiglycative agents in the management of diabetes mellitus
Authors: Shakthi Deve Asaithambi , Sathish kumar Thiyagarajan , Kumaresan Kuppamuthu , Rapheal Vinohar Stephen 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundDiabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by increased blood glucose level. It has become an epidemic disease in the 21st century where, India leads the world with largest number of diabetic subjects. Non-enzymatic glycosylation (glycation) is severe form of diabetes, occurs between reducing sugar and proteins which results in the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) that leads to the other complicated secondary disorders. In this context,Mangifera indica(Mango),Syzygium cumini(Jambul),Vitis vinifera(Grapes),Citrus sinensis(Orange),Artocarpus heterophyllus(Jackfruit),Manilkara zapota(Sapodilla) seeds were evaluated for their antiglyation activity. Attempts were made to isolate the polyphenols in the seeds that have recorded the maximum activity.MethodsDifferent extraction methods (shake flask, centrifugation and pressurized hot water) using various extractants (organic solvents, hot water and pressurized hot water) were adopted to investigate thein vitroantiglycation activity. Central composite (CCD) design based Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was espoused to optimize the extraction process of polyphenols from the fruit seeds that have recorded poor antiglycation activity. The PTLC analysis was performed to isolate the polyphenols (Flavonoids and phenolic acids) and LC-PDA-MS analysis was done for structure prediction.ResultsPressurized hot water extraction ofArtocarpus heterophyllus(87.52%) andCitrus sinensisseeds (74.79%) was found to possess high and low antiglycation activity, respectively. The RSM mediated optimization process adopted for theCitrus sinensisseeds have revealed that 1:15 solvent ratio (hexane to heptane), 6 minutes and 1:20 solid to liquid ratio as the optimal conditions for the extraction of polyphenols with a maximum antiglycation activity (89.79%). The LC-PDA-MS analysis of preparative thin layer chromatography (PTLC) eluates ofArtocarpus heterophyllusseed has showed the presence of compounds like quercetin (301.2), 4-hydroxy phenyl acetic acid (149.0), rhamnosyl-di-hexosyl quercetin sulphate (857.6), quercetin-3-O-xyloside (428.2), rutin (613.4), diosmetin (298.1) and luteolin (283.0).ConclusionTheArtocarpus heterophylluswas observed to possess a significant antiglycation activity and the activity ofCitrus sinensiswas improved after the optimization process, which proved that both the seeds may be used as a traditional medicine in the management of chronic diabetes mellitus.
Association between serum level of vitamin D and lipid profiles in type 2 diabetic patients in Iran
Authors: Saedisomeolia Ahmad , Taheri Ehsaneh , Djalali Mahmoud , Moghadam Ali Malekshahi , Qorbani Mostafa 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Background
It is suggested that vitamin D deficiency is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) via its effect on lipid profiles. The objective of this study was to determine the association between fasting serum levels of 25(OH) D and lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted on 108 type 2 diabetics. Patients were selected randomly among members of the Iranian Diabetes Association according to study criteria. Fasting concentration of 25(OH) D, calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and lipid profiles (including triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and total cholesterol) were measured.

Results
The mean serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) D) and PTH were 53.41 ± 33.25 nmol/l and 40.24 ± 18.24 pmol/l, respectively, in type 2 diabetic patients. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 58.34% and vitamin D sufficiency and insufficiency combined was 41.66%. Although in diabetic patients with vitamin D deficiency, serum levels of total cholesterol, TG, and LDL were higher and HDL was lower compared to patients with vitamin D sufficiency, this association was statistically significant only for serum level of TG (145.91 ± 79.00 vs. 122.95 ± 55.82 mg/dl).

Conclusions
The results of present study show that serum concentrations of 25(OH) D were inversely associated with TG. More interventional studies are needed to confirm the relationship between serum concentration of vitamin D and lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Changes in the pharmacokinetic of sildenafil citrate in rats with Streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Tripathi Alok S , Mazumder Papiya M , Chandewar Anil V 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Aim
The present investigates deals with the change in the pharmacokinetic of Sildenafil citrate (SIL) in disease condition like diabetic nephropathy (DN).

Method
Diabetes was induced in rats by administering Streptozotocin i.e. STZ (60 mg/kg, IP) saline solution. Assessment of diabetes was done by GOD-POD method and conformation of DN was done by assessing the level of Creatinine, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and Albuminurea. After the conformation of DN single dose of drug SIL (2.5 mg/kg, p.o.) were given orally and Pharmacokinetic Parameters like [AUC o-t (ug.h/ml), AUC 0-∞, Cmax, Tmax, Kel, Clast] were estimated in the plasma by the help of HPLC-UV.

Result
There was significant increase (p < 0.01) in the Pharmacokinetic parameters of SIL in DN rat (AUC0-t, AUC0-∞, Cmax, Tmax and T1/2) compare to normal control rat and significant increase Kel in the DN rat compare to control rat.

Conclusion
The study concluded that there was significant (p < 0.01) increase in the bioavailability of SIL in DN.
A prospective single arm study of the effect of an acute oral glucose loading on the endothelial function of healthy participants
Authors: Wong Siew Yen , Hasan Tayyab , Yong Moi Ling , Chong Chee Fui 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Background
Hyperglycaemic load has been shown to cause endothelial dysfunction in patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus or the pre-diabetic state of glucose intolerance. In the non-disease state such as in healthy subjects, the effect of glucose loading is still uncertain with conflicting results. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that an oral 75 g glucose load will not adversely attenuate the endothelial function of healthy participants, 2 hours postprandial.

Methods
This is a prospective single arm study evaluating the brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation of 12 healthy participants before and after a 75 g glucose loading. Participants’ age, body mass index, family history of diabetes, fasting blood glucose and 2 hour postprandial glucose levels were recorded. All data were analysed with SPSS 17.0 using Wilcoxon test.

Results
Primary analysis of the participants’ brachial artery flow mediated vasodilation before and 2 hours after 75 g oral glucose loading did not show any statistically significant attenuation (p > 0.05) in brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation, although a trend for reduction in endothelial relaxation was observed. Subgroup analysis of healthy participants with a positive family history of diabetes confirmed a statistically significant attenuation (p < 0.05) in brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation after acute glucose loading even though the 2 hour postprandial blood glucose level, with a median value of 4.6 ± 2.2 mmol/L was within normal limits. This was not observed in the group without a positive family history of diabetes.

Conclusion
Acute oral glucose loading significantly attenuates endothelial relaxation in healthy subjects with positive family history of diabetes but showed no effect in those without a positive family history of diabetes. The attenuation in endothelial relaxation was observed in the presence of normal glucose metabolism, suggesting a defect in endothelium relaxation even in the non-disease state in the group predisposed to diabetes.
Increased frequency of Th17 cells in systemic sclerosis is related to disease activity and collagen overproduction
Authors: Yang Xiaoqin , Yang Ji , Xing Xiaojing , Wan Linlin , Li Ming 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Although immune dysfunction plays a role in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc), involvement of T helper 17 (Th17) and T regulatory (Treg) cells remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the presence of Th17 and Treg cells in SSc patients and the role of Th17 cells in collagen production in SSc fibroblasts.

Methods
We analyzed inflammatory cell profiles in the skin of 13 SSc patients by immunohistochemistry, the percentage of Th17 and Treg cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 45 SSc patients and 24 healthy controls by flow cytometry, gene expression in PBMCs by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and interleukin-17 (IL-17) in sera and culture supernatants by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We also investigated the effect of Th17 cell-derived IL-17 on fibroblast growth and collagen production.

Results
Infiltration of inflammatory cells including IL-17+ and Foxp3+ lymphocytes was detected in the skin of patients with early SSc. The percentages of circulating Th17 cells and IL-17 production were elevated in samples from patients with active SSc, whereas the percentage of circulating Treg cells was not affected. The number of Th17 cells was closely related to disease activity. IL-17 from SSc patients promoted fibroblast growth and collagen production, whereas IL-17 neutralizing antibody effectively blocked collagen production.

Conclusion
SSc progression might be linked to expansion of circulating Th17 cells and increased infiltration of IL-17+ cells in skin. Th17-derived IL-17 is involved in fibroblast growth and collagen production. IL-17 blocking antibody may be a useful tool for intervention in the fibrotic course of SSc.