Search

Objective: To examine the effect of using vitamin C and niclosamide together on liver damage caused by methotrexate., Methods: The study was conducted at the Pharmacology Department and the Iraqi Center for Cancer and Medical Genetics Research, College of Medicine, Mustansiriya University, Baghdad, Iraq, from November 2020 to July 2021, and comprised albino mice who were randomly assigned to 5 groups. Group 1 comprised controls, groups 2 to 5 was received methotrexate, niclosamide 70mg/kg/day, vitamin C 100mg/kg/day, and a combination of niclosamide and vitamin C, respectively. Mice in groups 3, 4 and 5 also received an intraperitoneal injection of methotrexate 20mg/kg to induce hepatotoxicity. After 48 hours of the injection, the mice were sacrificed under chloroform anaesthesia. Cardiac blood samples were drawn for biochemical examination. The liver, after being washed, was divided into two parts; one part was taken for histological examination, and the other was preserved in formalin 10% for histopathological analyses. Data was analysed using SPSS 16., Results: Of the 35 mice, there were 7(20%) in each of the 5 groups. The overall age ranged between 9-12 weeks and weight between 18-38gm. The results show significant hepatoprotection ( p-value <0.05) produced by both niclosamide and Vitamin C separately, reflected by a decrease in ALP, ALT, and LDH, while the combination of (niclosamide and Vitamin C) showed no additive effect (p>0.05) on enhancement of liver function., Conclusions: Niclosamide alone was found to be superior than in combination with vitamin C for treating methotrexate-induced liver damage.

Objective: To assess the hepatoprotective effect of curcumin and/or vitamin C in methotrexate-induced hepatotoxicity., Methods: The experimental study was conducted at the Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, and the Iraqi Centre for Cancer and Medical Genetic Research, Mustansiriya University, Baghdad, Iraq, from Nov 12, 2020, to June 1, 2021, and comprised Swiss albino female mice aged 3-4 months and weighing 30-40g each. The mice were divided into 5 groups and treated for 10 days. Group 1 received distilled water, group 2 received single-dose methotrexate on the 10th day of the trial, group 3 was treated with curcumin plus methotrexate, group 4 was treated with vitamin C plus methotrexate, and group 5 was treated with curcumin and vitamin C plus methotrexate. Parameters measured were serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase, as well as hepatic tissue malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and glutathione. Data was analysed using SPSS 16., Results: There were 35 mice; 7(20%) in each of the 5 groups. Hepatoprotection produced by curcumin as reflected by a decrease in lactate dehydrogenase and malondialdehyde levels was significant (p<0.05). Vitamin C also produced a significant hepatoprotection, demonstrated by a decrease in alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase and malondialdehyde levels. The combination of curcumin and vitamin C reflected an additive effect demonstrated by a significant decrease in malondialdehyde (p<0.05)., Conclusions: Curcumin and/or vitamin C provided hepatoprotection against methotrexate-induced hepatotoxicity through modulation of oxidative stress biomarkers.

Objective: To evaluate the potential protective effect of metformin against osteoarthritis development in rats., Methods: The experimental study was conducted at the Iraqi Centre for Cancer Research and Medical Genetics, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq, from December 2021 to February 2022, and comprised male Sprague- Dawley mice who were divided into 5 equal groups: negative control group, osteoarthritis group subjected to monoiodoacetate induction, positive control group treated with celecoxib 30mg/kg, metformin 100mg/kg group, and metformin 200mg/kg group. Body mass index, inflammatory biomarkers, and serum C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type II collagen levels were noted for all the animals. Data was analysed using SPSS 24., Results: Of the 35 mice, 7(20%) were in each of the 5 groups. Compared to the osteoarthritis group, metformintreated mice showed significantly reduced body mass index, inflammatory biomarker levels, and blood levels of Cterminal cross-linked telopeptide of type II collagen (p=0.05). Metformin 200mg/kg treatment had more beneficial effects than 100mg/kg dose on inflammatory biomarkers and serum C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type II collagen (p=0.05)., Conclusions: A beneficial protective effect against the onset of osteoarthritis was produced by metformin in a dosedependent way. Additionally, metformin could lessen cartilage damage as demonstrated by a decrease in the serum levels of C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type II collagen in the osteoarthritis group.

Objectives: To demonstrate the differential effect of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin on the Intercellular adhesive molecule 1(ICAM-1) in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) patients., Methods: The case-control study was done in the Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutic, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, from May to July, 2020 and involved sixty-six patients with AIS compared with twenty-two healthy controls. They were divided into four groups; Group I: Patients with AIS on atorvastatin therapy (n=22). Group II: Patients with AIS on rosuvastatin therapy (n=22), Group III: Patients with AIS not on statin therapy (n=22), Group IV: Healthy controls (n=22). Anthropometric, lipid, and pressure profiles were evaluated. As well, ICAM-1 serum level was estimated in different treatment groups. SPSS version 20.00 was used for data analysis., Results: ICAM-1 levels were increased in patients with AIS compared to the controls. ICAM-1 serum levels were higher in patients with AIS not on statins therapy compared to the controls (P=0.0001), and it was lower in patients with AIS on statins therapy (77.41±16.46) as compared with patients with AIS not on statin therapy (118.71±10.38), (P=0.001). Besides, there was differential effect of statin therapy on the ICAM-1 serum level, which was higher in patients with AIS on rosuvastatin (72.93±9.03) as compared with patients with AIS on atorvastatin (70.61±10.94), (P=0.44). Stroke risk score (SRS) was lower in patients with AIS on atorvastatin therapy (7.60±2.05) as compared with patients with AIS on rosuvastatin therapy (9.11±2.72), (P=0.04)., Conclusions: ICAM-1 is regarded as a surrogate biomarker of AIS in patients with underlying poor cardio-metabolic profile. Both atorvastatin and rosuvastatin are effective in attenuation of AIS measured by lowering of ICAM-1 serum levels.

Objective: To assess the metabolic effects of primary hypothyroidism (PHT) on the leptin (LP), adiponectin (ADP) level and leptin adiponectin ratio (LAR), with identification of the beneficial effects of L-thyroxine (LT4) therapy on these parameters., Methods: This case-control study was conducted at the Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq, from July to October 2019. This study included 62 PHT patients, of whom 27 were newly diagnosed and 35 were on LT4 therapy. There were 28 healthy controls. Anthropometric, lipid and pressure profiles were evaluated along with estimation of TSH, T3, T4, LP and ADP serum levels. SPSS version 20.00 was used for data analysis., Results: LP serum level did not significantly differ among the three groups (P=0.23), however, ADP serum level was higher in patients with PHT on LT4 therapy (77.48±9.97ng/dL) as compared to the newly diagnosed patients without LT4 (66.21±7.67ng/dL), and controls (71.40±10.72), (P=0.01). Moreover, LAR was higher in non-treated PHT (1.29±0.18) as compared to the controls (1.13±0.14), (95%CI=0.0568 to 0.2632, P=0.001) and treated PHT (1.04±0.16), (95%CI=-0.3480 to -0.1520, P=0.001). On the other hand, no significant difference was detected between healthy controls and treated PHT patients (95%CI=-0.1871 to 0.0071, P=0.07)., Conclusions: PHT is associated with poor cardio-metabolic profile and high LAR. ADP but not LP, mainly affected in patients with PHT. However LAR is better than ADP and LP in reflecting the underlying PHT-induced cardio-metabolic derangements. LT4 replacement therapy improves cardio-metabolic profile, ADP and LP serum levels with significant amelioration of LAR in PHT patients.

Covid-19 is associated with different neurological manifestations. About one third of Covid-19 patients have some neurological disorders as paresthesia, headache, cold extremities and disturbances of consciousness, which are more evident in severely affected patients. These neurological manifestations may coexist or precede the onset of respiratory manifestations by about 2-3 weeks. Acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) and associated brain damage may develop due to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) induced-hypoxia. Prolonged hypoxia in late-stage Covid-19 leads to vasodilatation, intracranial hypertension, brain oedema, and AIS. In view of substantial evidence, this perspective explores the potentially direct or indirect effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the Central Nervous System of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. The AIS is the end of most Covid-19-induced neurological complications. Covid-19 can lead to various neurological manifestations due to involvement of CNS directly through olfactory neurons or indirectly through induction of cytokine storm.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), leads to global calamitous effects. Covid-19 is caused by a novel coronavirus named as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Covid-19 is associated with development of hyper-inflammation and/or cytokine storm that together with high viral load trigger tissue damage and multi-organ failures (MOF). Colchicine (CN) is a lipophilic tricyclic alkaloid used for treatment of gout since ancient time. In Covid-19 era, CN is repurposed for treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection depending on its anti-inflammatory and broad-spectrum antiviral effects. Therefore, a recent clinical trial recommends use of CN in treating Covid-19 patients. It has been confirmed that inhibition of neutrophil chemotaxis, lysosomal degranulation, and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines is the main mechanism by which CN produces anti-inflammatory effects. CN attenuates generation of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) with consequent inhibition release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Different studies illustrate that microtubule network is necessary and important for replication of different viruses including SARS-CoV-2 since; intracellular transport of viral particles is mediated through cytosolic microtubules. Therefore, CN therapy is effective in the management of Covid-19 patients when timely administrated through reduction of tissue damage and hyper-inflammations. Thus, the anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immunomodulatory properties of CN might be the potential mechanisms of CN therapy against Covid-19. The review concludes that CN is a potent anti-inflammatory agent for the management of Covid-19; it inhibits SARS-CoV-2-induced-acute lung injury(ALI) due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-viral effects.

Objective: To illustrate the role of neuropeptide Y (NPY), agouti-related-peptide (AgRp) and their ratio in patients with primary hypothyroidism (PHT) regarding the effect of levothyroxine (LT4) replacement therapy., Methods: The case-control study was conducted at the Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Mustansiriya University, Baghdad, Iraq, from March to June, 2020 and involved 40 patients with primary hypothyroidism (PHT), including 20 newly diagnosed patients and 20 patients on levothyroxine (LT4) replacement therapy compared to 20 healthy controls. Anthropometric, lipid and pressure profiles were evaluated. Also T3, T4, TSH, NPY and AgRp serum level were estimated in different treated groups. SPSS version 20.00 was used for data analysis., Results: Body mass index (BMI) was higher in the newly diagnosed patients without thyroxine therapy as compared to patients on thyroxine therapy (P=0.03). Blood pressure profile was higher in patients with PHT compared to the controls (P=0.0001). NPY serum level was lower in patients with PHT without thyroxine therapy (27.32±10.30ng/dL) as compared to patients with PHT on thyroxine therapy (61.10±22.78ng/dL), (P=0.04). AgRP serum level was lower in patients with PHT (9.81±4.86ng/dL) as compared to the patients on the thyroxine therapy (28.99±2.16ng/dL), (P=0.03). Besides, NPY-AgRP ratio (NAR) was higher in patients with PHT (2.78±0.14) as compared to patients with PHT on thyroxine therapy (2.10±0.19), (P=0.0001)., Conclusion: Both of NPY and AgRP serum levels are reduced in the newly diagnosed patients with PHT and ameliorated following LT4 replacement therapy. Also NPY/AgRP ratio is linked with early PHT and regarded as a prognostic value for the outcomes of patients with PHT.

Objective: To illustrate the differential outcome of atorvastatin versus rosuvastatin on matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-9) in patients with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS)., Methods: The case-control study was done in the Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutic, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq, from March to June, 2020 and involved 66 AIS patients and 22 healthy controls. They sub-grouped into Group A: AIS patient on statins therapy (n=44), with 22 on atorvastatin and 22 on rosuvastatin. Group B: AIS patients not on statins therapy (n=22). Anthropometric, lipid, and pressure profiles were evaluated. As well, MMP-9 level was estimated in different treated groups. SPSS version 20.00 was used for data analysis., Results: MMP-9 level was greater in patients with AIS (19.69±7.49 ng/dL) mainly those not on statin therapy (28.24±12.14 ng/dL) compared to the controls (10.54±1.92 ng/dL), (P=0.003). Regarding the differential effect of statins therapy on MMP-9 serum level in patients with AIS, it was (20.63±5.67 ng/dL) in patients on atorvastatin therapy and (19.69±5.41 ng/dL) in patients on rosuvastatin therapy, (P=0.57). MMP-9 serum level was highly correlated with stroke risk score (SRS) in patients with AIS not on statins therapy (P<0.001, r=0.89) as compared with SRS in patients with AIS on statins therapy (P=0.03, r=0.42)., Conclusions: MMP-9 is regarded as a surrogate biomarker of AIS in patients with underlying poor cardio-metabolic profile. Both atorvastatin and rosuvastatin are operative in attenuation of AIS measured by lowering of MMP-9 serum levels.

Abstract: Histamine is a biogenic amine distributed extensively in the human cells. Histamine is linked with different inflammatory and allergic disorders through promoting of chemoatractant activity and endothelial changes. Antihistamine drugs are effective in the treatment and prevention of infection of influenza H7N9 through inhibition of viral entry to the host cells. A multiplicity of search strategies including experimental, preclinical and clinical studies were taken on and assumed to review the potential role of H1, H2 or their combination in the management of Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). Histamine release is associated with early and late pathology of Covid-19 and clinical presentation. Despite the potential effect of famotidine in attenuating the pathogenesis of Covid-19, famotidine has no direct effect on the replication of SARS-CoV-2. However, azelastine (H1receptor blocker) used for allergic rhinitis as nasal spray has potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity comparable to that of remdesivir, lopinavir and chloroquine. Azelastine is more effective than other agents that are used in the management of Covid-19 due to significant inhibition of endosomal acidification at respiratory epithelial cells. However, famotidine and cetirizine combination improve clinical outcome and reduce intubation and duration of hospitalization in Covid-19 patients. Taken together, hospitalised Covid-19 patients treated with famotidine only showed more complications as compared with those treated with combination of famotidine and cetirizine., Conclusions: Both H1 and H2 blockade are effective in the management of Covid-19 patients through antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, which together reduce the risk of acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Objective: To elucidate the effect of metformin alone or in combination with sitagliptin on osteocalcin serum levels in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)., Methods: This case-control study was conducted at the Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutic, College of Medicine, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq, from February to April, 2019. This study comprised 62 obese T2DM patients compared with 28 healthy controls, they were divided into three groups; Group I: Obese patients with T2DM on metformin (n=36), Group II: Obese patients with T2DM on metformin plus sitagliptin (n=26), and Group III: healthy controls subjects (n=28). Body mass index (BMI), blood pressure profile, lipid profile, Glycaemic indices, and serum levels of human osteocalcin were measured. The data analysis was done by using SPSS 20., Results: Osteocalcin serum level was lower in patients with T2DM compared with the control (P=0.001), also it was relatively low in metformin (MT) group (21.04±3.16 ng/mL) compared to sitagliptin (ST) group (25.65±7.30 ng/mL), (P=0.04). In relation to the HbA1c, osteocalcin serum level was reduced in patients with T2DM with high HbA1c (HbA1c-H) compared to the patients with T2DM with low HbA1c (HbA1c-L), (P=0.03) and was not significantly different when compared with moderate HbA1c (HbA1c-M), (P>0.05). However, osteocalcin was negatively correlated with HOMA-IR(r=-0.78, P=0.0001)., Conclusions: Osteocalcin serum level was reduced in T2DM patients and negatively correlated with HOMA-IR and HbA1c and FBG. Combination of metformin with sitagliptin was more effective than metformin monotherapy in amelioration of osteocalcin serum level in patients with T2DM.

Covid-19 is caused by a novel coronavirus named as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). SARS-CoV-2 binds angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is greatly expressed in different tissues including lung alveolar type II cells. Infection with SARS-CoV-2 triggers acute host immune response, inflammatory reactions and cytokine storm leading to acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Different studies reported the pleiotropic effects of statins such as the anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory effects via modulation of antigen presentation and adhesion of inflammatory molecules since; statins have potential anti-oxidant and redox balance effects that improve endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular integrity. Objective of the present study is to verify the beneficial and harmful effects of statins in Covid-19. Statins upregulates ACE2 receptors and attenuates the down-regulation effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the ACE2 receptors. Consequently, reduction of ACE2 receptors augment the deleterious effect of angiotensin II (AngII) which causes vasoconstriction and initiation of ALI. On the other hand, statins therapy may increase risk of viral infections such as SARS-CoV-2 via lowering of low density lipoprotein (LDL) since; circulating LDL adhere and inactivates SARS-CoV-2. Statin therapy improves the outcomes of Covid-19 pneumonia through anti-inflammatory, immune-modulation, and in vitro anti-SARS-CoV-2 effects. The antiplatelet and antithrombotic effects may reduce Covid-19 induced-coagulopathy and progression of ARDS.

Objective: The current systematic review was planned to illustrate severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections during pregnancy and to explore pregnancy outcomes, vertical and perinatal transmission as well as management of coronavirus disease-2019 (Covid-19) during pregnancy., Methods: The multidisciplinary systematic review was conducted at the Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutic Medicine, Al-Mustansiriyah University, Bagdad, Iraq. The literature search was conducted in September 2021 and included databases as Medline, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Science Direct databases related to articles on pregnancy and SARS-CoV-2 infections, published between December 2019 and July 2021., Results: Of the 30 articles reviewed, 12(40%) were included. Major reasons for including a small number of studies in systematic review were that majority of the studies had insufficient description of study; analysis was duplicate across various publications, and inadequate explanation of impact of SARA-CoV-2 infection on the pregnancy outcomes. This review included 12 studies based on the assessment and estimation of risk of bias and quality of the eligible studies., Conclusions: Findings revealed that pregnant women were predominantly susceptible to the respiratory viral infection and severe pneumonia due to physiological immune-suppression, immune adaptation and pregnancy-induced changes. The clinical presentation and management of pregnant women with Covid-19 is similar to that of non-pregnant women and there is no strong clinical evidence of vertical transmission. Also, only chloroquine and remdesivir have been found to be effective in the treatment of Covid-19 during pregnancy.

Statins are hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors inhibit denovo cholesterol synthesis leading to reduction of serum cholesterol and low density lipoprotein as well as elevation of high density lipoprotein level. Statins are used in the treatment of dyslipidaemia, prevention of major cardiovascular events and complications. The potential role of statins in the induction of peripheral neuropathy has not been verified as most of statins induced-peripheral neuropathy had been reported as case reports. Also, statins therapy leads to noteworthy reduction of Coenzyme Q10, causing impairment of neuronal energy. The incidence of polyneuropathy was high with atorvastatin (65%) which is lipophilic, and relatively less with fluvastatin (54%) which is hydrophilic. Long-term statins therapy, mainly with atorvastatin and simvastatin, is linked with thedevelopment of peripheral neuropathy.

Objective: To evaluate the nephro-protective effects of berberine and/or pentoxifylline on the reduction of diclofenac-induced acute kidney injury in rats., Methods: The experimental study was conducted at the Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Mustansiriya University, Baghdad, Iraq, from February to April, 2018, and comprised fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 3-4 months and weighing 250-400 grams each. They were divided into five equal groups and were treated for 12 days. Group 1 rats were treated with distilled water plus normal saline, Group 2 with distilled water plus diclofenac, Group 3 with berberine plus diclofenac, Group 4 with pentoxifylline plus diclofenac, and Group 5 rats were treated with berberine, pentoxifylline and diclofenac. Blood urea, creatinine, Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin (NGAL), kidney injury molecules (KIM-1) and cystatin-C were used to measure the severity of AKI., Results: Diclofenac led to significant AKI by significant elevation of blood urea, serum creatinine level, KIM-1, NGAL. Treatment with berberine showed no significant effect on all biomarkers level compared to diclofenac group except on serum KIM-1 level which was also seen in pentoxifylline group. Whereas, combination of berberine and pentoxifylline led to more significant effect in reduction of all renal biomarkers., Conclusions: Combination of berberine with pentoxifylline led to more significant reno-protective than either berberine or pentoxifylline when used alone on diclofenac induced-AKI.

Objective: To assess the reno-protective effect of berberine on diclofenac-induced acute kidney injury in rats., Methods: The experimental study was conducted at the College of Medicine, Mustansiriya University, Baghdad, Iraq, from January to March 2018, and comprised Sprague Dawley male rats which were divided into 3 equal groups. Group1 rats were treated with distilled water plus normal saline for 14 days, Group2 rats were treated with distilled water plus diclofenac for 14 days and Group3 rats were treated with berberine plus diclofenac for 14 days. Parameters measured were blood urea, serum creatinine, serum malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin, kidney injury molecules-1, Interleukin-18and cystatin-c. Anthropometric measurements and estimated glomerular filtration rate were also noted. SPSS 20 was used for data analysis., Results: Of the 30 rats, the three groups had 10(33.3%) each. Berberine reduced blood urea, serum creatinine, malondialdehyde, neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin, kidney injury molecules-1 and Interleukin-18 significantly compared to diclofenac-induced acute kidney injury (p<0.01 each). Berberine improved anti-oxidant capacity through significant elevation of superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase sera levels (p<0.01 each)., Conclusions: Berberine was found to be an effective agent in the attenuation of diclofenac-induced acute kidney injury through the modulation of pro-inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of proton pump inhibitors on glycaemic indices in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus., Methods: The case-control study was conducted at the National Diabetes Centre, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq, from January to April 2018, and comprised type 2 diabetes patients and non-diabetic healthy controls. The subjects were divided into three groups: Group A had controls on proton pump inhibitors; Group B had patients treated with metformin 850 g/day; and Group C had patients treated with metformin 850 g/day plus proton pump inhibitors. Gastrin serum levels, lipid profile, glycaemic indices and blood pressure changes were measured in the groups. Data was analysed using SPSS 20., Results: Of the 100 subjects, 60(60%) were patients with a mean age of 54.98}4.22 years, while40(40%) were controls with a mean age of 50.69}4.34 years. Group A had 40(40%) subjects, while Group B and Group C had 30(30%) each. Proton pump inhibitors improved glycaemic indices and lipid profile in the patients 9p<0.05) while increasing gastrin serum levels which were significantly correlated with reduction in glycated haemoglobin, fasting blood glucose and augmentation of β-cell function (p<0.05 each)., Conclusions: Proton pump inhibitors improved glycemic indices and metabolic profile in type 2 diabetes patients via augmentation of gastrin serum levels.

Objective: To evaluate the cardio-protective effect of Ginkgo Biloba (GB) on doxorubicin induced-cardiotoxicity., Methods: The experimental study was conducted at the College of Medicine, Mustansiriya University, Baghdad, Iraq, from January to March, 2016, and comprised thirty Wistar Sprague male rats aged 3-4 months and weighing 200-400 g. The rats were divided into three equal groups (n=10); Group І (control): rats were treated with distilled water, Group ІІ (doxorubicin): rats were treated with distilled water and doxorubicin 20 mg/kg, and Group ІІІ (GB): rats were treated with GB and doxorubicin 20mg/kg. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione reductase (GSH), lipid peroxidise (LPO), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), cardiac troponin (cTnI), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and caspase-3 (Cas-3) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. SPSS 20 was used to compare the effect GB with doxorubicin on the biomarkers of doxorubicin induced-cardiotoxicity., Results: Doxorubicin led to cardiotoxicity through elevation of cTnI, BNP, Cas-3 and LPO compared with controls (p<0.01).Also, MDA and TNF-α were elevated while; GSH was decreased significantly (p<0.01) compared with controls. Co-administration of GB with doxorubicin led to significant reduction in cTnI, Cas-3 sera levels with elevation in GSH serum level significantly (p<0.05). The effect of GB on BNP, LPO, MDA and TNF-α was insignificant (p>0.05) compared with the doxorubicin., Conclusions: GB has significant cardio-protective effect through attenuation of oxidative stress during doxorubicin induced-cardiotoxicity in rats.

Objective: To assess the reno-protective effect of rosuvastatin on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats., Methods: The prospective experimental study was conducted at the College of Medicine, Mustansiriya University, Baghdad, Iraq, from March to July, 2018, and comprised Sprague Dawley male rats aged 3-4 months and weighing 200-400g each. The rats were divided into 3 equal groups which were treated for 14 days. Group1 was treated with distilled water plus normal saline, Group2 with distilled water plus gentamicin, and Group3 with rosuvastatin plus gentamicin. Parameters measured were blood urea, serum creatinine, serum malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin, kidney injury molecule-1, interleukin- 18 and Cystatin-c. SPSS 20 was used for data analysis., Results: Of the 30 rats, there were 10(33.3%) in each of the three groups. Rosuvastatin produced significant renoprotective effect through reduction of blood urea, kidney injury molecule-1 and interleukin-18 (p<0.01) compared to the gentamicin group., Conclusions: Rosuvastatin was found to be a reno-protective against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity through modulation of pro-inflammatory and oxidative/anti-oxidant pathways.

Objective: To elucidate the protective effect of berberine on olanzapine induced-metabolic syndrome., Methods: This prospective experimental study involved thirty Sprague-Dawley male rats which were divided into three groups. Group A (n=10): Rats treated with distilled water, Group B (n=10): Rats treated with olanzapine, Group C (n=10): Rats treated with olanzapine plus berberine. The duration of the study was 8 weeks, baseline and follow up data were evaluated. Fasting blood glucose(FBG) total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), Low density lipoprotein (LDL), atherogenic index of plasma (AI), fasting serum insulin level, insulin resistance, β- cell function and insulin sensitivity were evaluated.SPSS 20., Results: Olanzepine led to significant deterioration in gluco-metabolic profile compared with control P<0.01. Olanzapine plus berberine improved body weight, FBG, FSI, HOMA-IR and QUICKI compared with olanzapine P=0.0001., Conclusions: Berberine attenuates olanzapine induced-metabolic via amelioration of gluco-lipid disturbances.

Neurocysticercosis is a neurological infection caused by the larva of taenia solium. The larva infection may affect different parts of the human brain and spinal cord, leading to focal neurological deficit with/without inflammatory reactions. Neurocysticercosis is one of the major causes of epilepsy in the developing countries. It is of two types. One is extra-parenchymal neurocysticercosis in which cysticerci cysts at subarachinoid space and ventricles lead to obstructive hydrocephalus and increase in the intracranial pressure. The other type is intra-parenchymal neurocysticercosis in which the cysticerci cyst grows inside the brain parenchyma, causing the feature of space-occupying lesion. The common presentation of intra-parenchymal neurocysticercosis is secondary epilepsy which is due to focal lesion and/or local inflammatory reactions. Cysticidal therapy increases the risk of seizure due to the induction of host inflammatory reactions. Therefore, coadministration of corticosteroids reduces the risk of seizure through attenuation of inflammatory reactions and brain oedema. Praziquantel alone or in combination with albendazole is regarded as the basic cysticidal therapy against neurocysticercosis. Newer drugs and agents are recommended to overcome the partial failure of standard cysticidal therapy.