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Alexandra Dadarlat-Pop,1 Dana Pop,1,2 Lucia Procopciuc,3 Adela Sitar-Taut,4 Dumitru Zdrenghea,1,2 Gyorgy Bodizs,2 Raluca Tomoaia,1 Diana Gurzau,1 Florina Fringu,1 Silvana Susca-Hojda,1 Anca D Buzoianu5 1Department of Cardiology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; 2Department of Cardiology, Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, Cluj-Napoca, 400347, Romania; 3Department of Medical Biochemistry, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; 4 4th Medical Clinic, Department of Internal Medicine, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; 5Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, RomaniaCorrespondence: Dana PopDepartment of Cardiology, Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 46-50 Viilor Street, Cluj-Napoca, 400347, RomaniaTel +40 744 159 933Fax +40 364 818 027Email pop67dana@gmail.comBackground and Aims: Leptin, one of the best-known adipocytes, together with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and galectin-3 are important players in inflammation, arterial hypertension and heart failure pathophysiology. Moreover, uninucleotide A1166C polymorphism is associated with hypertension and poor prognosis in heart failure. The aim of the study was to investigate a possible relationship between leptin serum values, specific heart failure biomarkers and the presence of AT1 receptor A1166C polymorphism in overweight and obese heart failure patients.Methods: The study included 88 consecutive overweight and obese patients admitted for decompensated heart failure. NT-proBNP, MR-proANP, galectin-3 and leptin levels were determined on the arrival day. Genotyping of the A1166C allele – AT1 receptor gene was performed in all patients in order to find variants.Results: We found a strong positive correlation (r = 0.347, p = 0.001) between leptin serum concentrations and BMI. Leptin levels were not correlated with heart failure biomarkers (NT-proBNP, MR-proANP and galectin-3). All homozygote CC variants were hypertensive, but we registered no significant difference in genetic AC and AA variants distribution between hypertensive and normotensive. Leptin was not significantly modified by the presence of potentially pathogenic A1166C–AT 1 receptor genotypes (AC + CC). But, galectin-3 was found in higher concentrations in patients with heterozygous and homozygous A1166C mutations.Conclusion: Overweight and obese patients with heart failure display high leptin serum levels. Leptin does not offer incremental prognostic value in heart failure overweight and obese patients. But, galectin-3 was found in higher concentrations in patients with heterozygous and homozygous A1166C mutations, suggesting a worse prognosis probably due to more advanced cardiac fibrosis.Keywords: leptin, galectin-3, heart failure, obesity, arterial hypertension, AT1 receptor mutation

Alexandra Dădârlat-Pop,1 Adela Sitar-Tăut,2 Dumitru Zdrenghea,3 Bogdan Caloian,3 Raluca Tomoaia,1 Dana Pop,3 Anca Buzoianu4 1Cardiology Department, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; 2Internal Medicine Department, 2nd Department, Medical Clinic IV, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; 3Internal Medicine Department, Cardiology - Rehabilitation Department, Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; 4Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, RomaniaCorrespondence: Dana Pop Email pop67dana@gmail.comBackground and Purpose: In Romania, robust data about the prevalence of obesity and heart failure are lacking, especially in the elderly; therefore, this study aims to analyze the profile of overweight and obese patients aged > 65 years admitted to a Romanian hospital for worsening heart failure, and also their risk in the presence of comorbidities.Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 126 consecutive elderly patients with overweight and obesity admitted to a Romanian hospital for worsening heart failure. They were divided into three groups: with reduced (< 40%) – HFrEF, mid-range (40– 49%) – HFmrEF and preserved (≥ 50%) ejection fraction – HFpEF. Obesity was defined according to the body mass index (BMI) status: obesity, ≥ 30 kg/m2; overweight, 25– 29.9 kg/m2. The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was calculated to evaluate the severity of comorbidity, with a score ranging from 2 (only heart failure present and age > 65 years) to 30 (extensive comorbidity).Results: NT-proBNP values are negatively correlated with BMI only in patients with HFpEF. Creatinine clearance (p=0.0166), the presence of atrial fibrillation (p=0.0095) and NYHA functional class were independent predictors of increased NT-proBNP values. CCI score is negatively correlated with NT-proBNP values in patients with HFmrEF (r= − 0.448, p=0.009) and HFpEF (r= − 0.273, p=0.043). The CCI risk was not significantly different between the three groups.Conclusion: Elderly heart failure patients with overweight or obesity have particular characteristics in terms of NT-proBNP values and presence of comorbidities. In the studied population, NT-proBNP levels were strongly influenced by renal function, NYHA functional class, the presence of atrial fibrillation and left ventricular ejection fraction.Keywords: obesity, heart failure, comorbidity, elderly patients

Alina Deniza Ciubean,1,2 Rodica Ana Ungur,2,3 Laszlo Irsay,2,3 Viorela Mihaela Ciortea,2,3 Ileana Monica Borda,2,3 Ioan Onac,2,3 Stefan Cristian Vesa,1 Anca Dana Buzoianu1 1Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; 2Department of Rehabilitation, Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; 3Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania Objectives: Osteoporosis is a common skeletal disorder characterized by decreased bone mass and increased susceptibility to fractures, which are associated with pain and decrease in physical function, social function, and well-being, which are all aspects of quality of life (QoL). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the burden of osteoporosis and fragility fractures in Romanian postmenopausal women from Cluj County using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Quality of life questionnaire of the European Foundation for Osteoporosis (QUALEFFO-41) questionnaires.Materials and methods: An analytical cross-sectional study on 364 postmenopausal women was carried out between June 2016 and August 2017 in the Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital in Cluj-Napoca, Cluj County, Romania. Data were collected by interview and from the medical documents: clinical and demographic data, personal medical history, risk factors for osteoporosis, and bone mineral density at the lumbar spine and femur. The patients included in the study were asked to complete the Romanian versions of the SF-36 and QUALEFFO-41 questionnaires.Results: Women with osteoporosis had significantly lower scores in the SF-36 domains (P

Aim: A possible molecular mechanism of clinically defined multidrug-resistant epilepsy involves drug efflux transporters such as P glycoprotein (P-gp), a member of the ATP-binding cassette subfamily B1 (ABCB1). We have investigated the prevalence of the C3435T, G 2677T/A, and T129C single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the promoter region of MDR1 gene, in Romanian epileptic patients.

Chronic hyperglycemia is an important cause for the development of chronic complications of diabetes, but glycemic variability has emerged in recent years as an independent contributor to diabetes-related complications. Our objective was to evaluate glycemic variability in patients with T2DM treated with insulin compared with other antidiabetic drugs. In this retrospective study, we collected 24-hour continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) recording data from 95 patients with T2DM, of which 27 treated with insulin and 68 with non-insulin treatment. We calculated and compared 16 glucose variability parameters in the insulin-treated and non-insulin treated groups. Insulin treated patients had significantly higher values of parameters describing the amplitude of glucose value fluctuations (standard deviation of glucose values, percentage coefficient of variation [%CV], and mean amplitude of glycemic excursion [MAGE], p

We notice that our society has been going through a series of radical transformations for some time that leave their mark in all areas of life: the accelerated pace of innovation through the development of technology, the digitalization of services, the economic changes that lead to the redistribution of the poles of well-being, competitiveness and opportunity among the workforce work, reducing the amount of available resources and increasing the struggle for the already existing ones, including in the labor market. These forces, which until now seemed to draw new patterns only at the macro, business level, are increasingly felt at the individual level as well. And this is how, in the midst of the digital revolution, managers are also challenged to continuous change. We are thus witnessing the emergence of a new type of manager, in which his role as a leader leaves the sphere of the discourses of capitalist organizations, entering also into the personal plane.

Abstract Background A growing interest in using Nigella sativa oil (NSO) in the prevention or treatment of several cardiovascular diseases has prompted this study. The research aims to investigate the effect of NSO on cardiac damage prevention after long-term administration in induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. Methods NSO was analyzed for its fatty acids composition using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis and administered in rats before and after isoproterenol (45 mg/kg body weight) induced myocardial infarction. The following parameters were assessed: electrocardiograms, histopathological examination, serum biochemical aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB), serum and heart inflammation (tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1b), and interleukin 6 (IL-6)), and tissue oxidative stress (total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidative stress (TOS), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and the total thiols (THIOL)). Results Linoleic acid (C18:2n-6) and oleic acid (C18:1n-9) were approximately 89% of total fatty acids while palmitic acid (C16:0) was 6.10%. Administration of NSO for 28 days helped in preventing QT and QTc interval prolongation and reduced heart rate (HR), after MI induction. The histological assessment showed improvement in myofibrillary degeneration and necrosis and also better reduced inflammatory process in the groups treated with NSO. In serum, pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1b and IL-6 were downregulated in chronic conditions (for IL-1b, NSO vs. control was 86.09vs 150.39 pg/mL, and for IL-6 NSO vs. control was 78.00 vs. 184.98 pg/ml). In the heart tissue, the downregulation was observed only for TNF in both acute and chronic conditions (acute NSO vs. control was 132.37 vs. 207.63 pg/mL, and chronic NSO vs. control was 135.83 vs. 183.29 pg/ml). The pro-oxidant parameters TOS, NO, MDA, and OSI, were reduced in the groups treated with NSO only after 14 days of treatment, suggesting that the NSO antioxidant effect is time-dependent. Conclusions NSO administration might have a favourable impact on the regulation of oxidative stress and inflammation processes after MI induction in rats, and it is worth considering its administration as an adjuvant treatment.

Aim: The present study aim to analyze the relationship between GST M/T genotypes of glutathione S-transferases and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.

Introduction. Oxidative stress is one of the key mechanisms responsible for disease progression in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum levels of oxidative stress markers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DMT2) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and test their relationships with clinical and biochemical patient characteristics, compared to patients with DMT2 without non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and controls.

Cristian Berce,1,* Ciprian Lucan,2,* Bobe Petrushev,3,4 Sanda Boca,5 Mirela Miclean,6 Orsolya Sarpataki,7 Simion Astilean,5 Anca Buzoianu,8 Ciprian Tomuleasa,3,9 Anca Bojan9,10 1Animal Facility, 2Department of Surgery, 3Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, 4Department of Pathology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 5Nanobiophotonics and Laser Microscopy Center, Interdisciplinary Research in Bio-Nano-Sciences – Faculty of Physics, Babes-Bolyai University, 6Institute for Research in Analytical Instruments, 7Department of Pathophysiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 8Department of Pharmacology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 9Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Oncology Institute, 10Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania *These authors contributed equally to this work Introduction: The present study aimed at evaluating the biodistribution of Tween® 20-gold nanoparticle (GNP) conjugates and their potential toxicity on the bone marrow before moving on to Phase I clinical trials.Materials and methods: Tween® 20-conjugated GNPs were injected intravenously for 21 days in male Crl:CD1(ICR) mice. Body weight of the mice was evaluated each day. After the sub-chronic Tween® 20-GNPs administration, blood samples were harvested, and a full blood count was done individually. Total Au quantity from all major organs was assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. One femur and the sternum obtained from each animal were used for histological assessment.Results: Our data showed that the Tween® 20-GNP conjugates were found in large quantities in the bladder. Au was shown to accumulate in the hematopoietic bone tissue, with significant side effects such as leucopoiesis and megakaryopoiesis. The mice had a higher white blood cell and platelet count as opposed to the control group. This suggested that the previously described leukopenic effects of isoflurane were overridden by the leucopoietic effects of Tween® 20-GNPs.Conclusion: It was uncertain whether the mice were reactive to Au as it is a foreign substance to the tissues or whether the side effects observed were a precursor condition of a more severe hematological condition. Au was found to be hepatotoxic, urging the need for further studies in order to achieve better in vivo compliance and exploit the immense potential of GNPs in cancer pharmacology. Keywords: GNPs, Tween® 20, in vivo toxicology

Bobe Petrushev,1,* Sanda Boca,2,* Timea Simon,2 Cristian Berce,3 Ioana Frinc,4 Delia Dima,4 Sonia Selicean,3 Grigore-Aristide Gafencu,3 Alina Tanase,5 Mihnea Zdrenghea,4,6 Adrian Florea,7 Sorina Suarasan,2 Liana Dima,8 Raluca Stanciu,3 Ancuta Jurj,1 Anca Buzoianu,9 Andrei Cucuianu,4,6,† Simion Astilean,2,10 Alexandru Irimie,11,12 Ciprian Tomuleasa,1,4 Ioana Berindan-Neagoe1,131Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2Nanobiophotonics and Laser Microscopy Center, Babes Bolyai University, 3Department of Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 4Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Oncology Institute, Cluj-Napoca, 5Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, 6Department of Hematology, 7Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, 8School of Dentistry, 9Department of Pharmacology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 10Faculty of Physics, Babes Bolyai University, 11Department of Surgery, Ion Chiricuta Oncology Institute, 12Department of Surgery, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; 13Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA*These authors contributed equally to this work†This author passed away in February 2015Background and aims: Every year, in Europe, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is diagnosed in thousands of adults. For most subtypes of AML, the backbone of treatment was introduced nearly 40 years ago as a combination of cytosine arabinoside with an anthracycline. This therapy is still the worldwide standard of care. Two-thirds of patients achieve complete remission, although most of them ultimately relapse. Since the FLT3 mutation is the most frequent, it serves as a key molecular target for tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) that inhibit FLT3 kinase. In this study, we report the conjugation of TKIs onto spherical gold nanoparticles.Materials and methods: The internalization of TKI-nanocarriers was proved by the strongly scattered light from gold nanoparticles and was correlated with the results obtained by transmission electron microscopy and dark-field microscopy. The therapeutic effect of the newly designed drugs was investigated by several methods including cell counting assay as well as the MTT assay.Results: We report the newly described bioconjugates to be superior when compared with the drug alone, with data confirmed by state-of-the-art analyses of internalization, cell biology, gene analysis for FLT3-IDT gene, and Western blotting to assess degradation of the FLT3 protein.Conclusion: The effective transmembrane delivery and increased efficacy validate its use as a potential therapeutic.Keywords: tyrosine kinase inhibitors, gold nanoparticles, acute myeloid leukemia

Scop: Această cercetare are drept scop stabilirea unei corelaţii genotip-fenotip la pacienţii trataţi cu acenocumarol şi studierea factoriilor genetici (polimorfismele VKORC1 şi CYP2C9), care ar putea influenţa valorile INR în timpul iniţierii terapiei anticoagulante orale cu acenocumarol. Material şi metode: Am inclus 131 de pacienţi care necesitau tratament cu acenocumarol, 70 (53,4%) femei şi 61 (46,6%) bărbaţi, internaţi în Clinica Medicala 5 din Cluj-Napoca, între 2009-2011. Am studiat influenţa vârstei, sexului, medicaţiei concomitente şi a genelor CYP2C9 şi VKORC1 asupra valorii INR măsurate în ziua a treia de tratament şi asupra diferenţei dintre această valoare şi valoarea INR măsurată la debutul tratamentului (INRDIF). Rezultate şi concluzii: Am demonstrat o diferenţă semnificativă statistic pentru INR3 şi valorile INRDIF la pacienţii cu genotip AA şi cei cu genotip GG ai polimorfismului c.- 1639G>A al genei VKORC1. Prezenţa genotipului AA al polimorfismului c.- 1639G>A al genei VKORC1 a determinat o creştere de 15,7 ori a riscului ca un pacient să prezinte INR supraterapeutic după 2 zile de tratament cu 4 mg de acenocumarol.

Abstract Metabolic regulation occurs through precise control of enzyme activity. Allomorphy is a post-translational fine control mechanism where the catalytic rate is governed by a conformational switch that shifts the enzyme population between forms with different activities. β-Phosphoglucomutase (βPGM) uses allomorphy in the catalysis of isomerisation of β-glucose 1-phosphate to glucose 6-phosphate via β-glucose 1,6-bisphosphate. Herein, we describe structural and biophysical approaches to reveal its allomorphic regulatory mechanism. Binding of the full allomorphic activator β-glucose 1,6-bisphosphate stimulates enzyme closure, progressing through NAC I and NAC III conformers. Prior to phosphoryl transfer, loops positioned on the cap and core domains are brought into close proximity, modulating the environment of a key proline residue. Hence accelerated isomerisation, likely via a twisted anti/C4-endo transition state, leads to the rapid predominance of active cis-P βPGM. In contrast, binding of the partial allomorphic activator fructose 1,6-bisphosphate arrests βPGM at a NAC I conformation and phosphoryl transfer to both cis-P βPGM and trans-P βPGM occurs slowly. Thus, allomorphy allows a rapid response to changes in food supply while not otherwise impacting substantially on levels of important metabolites.

In a globalized world, the labor markets of different countries are increasingly interconnected, and their study can provide a broader perspective on the current trends and challenges of the world economy. This comparative study aims to analyze and compare the labor markets of Romania and Spain, two countries with different economies and cultures, but facing similar labor market problems. The results of this study could be useful for researchers, politicians and managers in the field of employment and could contribute to the development of more effective public policies adapted to the needs of the labor market in the two countries.

Abstract Background Diffuse astrocytoma (a type of glioma) and its prevalence are matters of concern worldwide. Patients with this type of tumour have a poor prognosis because after surgical treatment, radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy, these tumours eventually regrow or progress. To date, there is no effective treatment that can cure affected patients. Quercetin and 3-bromopyruvate are chemical compounds that have been proven to have antitumour effects alone or in combination with other compounds. Nevertheless, combination treatments including these agents are not used for treating diffuse astrocytoma. Methods The use of nanoliposomes loaded with quercetin and 3-bromopyruvate as combination therapy was evaluated by treating C6 cells in vitro and in vivo (in Sprague–Dawley rat brain). Results The 0.5 mg/mL quercetin + 0.75 mg/mL 3-bromopyruvate combination treatment decreased the expression of the biomarkers Annexin V and Caspase-3 and inhibited tumour growth; this was consistent with the in vivo results that revealed the administration of this treatment resulted in improved animal survival. Conclusions The observations in the present study support the further exploration of this combination of active agents in the treatment of high-grade diffuse astrocytoma, especially in cases for which wide resection is possible.

The use of biomarkers in cardiovascular surgery is an evolving field with promising potential; however, current research remains largely limited, requiring further validation for routine clinical application. This review explores the application of biomarkers in cardiovascular surgery, focusing on heart failure, cardiac ischemia, and organ dysfunction, including renal, cerebral, pulmonary, and splanchnic impairments. Additionally, it examines the significance of biomarkers in assessing the inflammatory state and oxidative stress during the perioperative period, particularly in the context of major surgical trauma and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). From January 2018 to June 2024, we reviewed 133 studies and four systematic reviews and meta-analyses using the Medline, Embase, and Central databases, screening for pre- or postoperative biomarker levels in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Outcomes of interest were postoperative mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, congestive heart failure, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Studies reporting multivariable-adjusted risk estimates were included. The findings revealed that cardiac troponins (cTns) and creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB) remain the most widely utilized biomarkers for assessing myocardial injury post-surgery. These elevated biomarker levels were consistently associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications, including low cardiac output syndrome, prolonged ventilation, and mortality. Emerging biomarkers, such as heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (h-FABP) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), demonstrated promising early detection and risk stratification results. In particular, h-FABP increased rapidly within one hour of myocardial injury, peaking at 4–6 hours and returning to baseline within 24 hours. This rapid clearance makes h-FABP a valuable tool for early myocardial injury detection, potentially allowing for timely interventions. Inflammatory biomarkers, including hs-CRP and pentraxin 3 (PTX3), were found to be associated with poor outcomes, such as increased morbidity and mortality. Elevated preoperative levels of these markers were indicative of a heightened inflammatory response, correlating with worse postoperative recovery and higher rates of complications. Furthermore, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) emerged as a cost-effective and easily accessible predictor of postoperative outcomes. Elevated NLR values were linked to an increased risk of adverse events, including prolonged ventilation, low cardiac output syndrome, and overall mortality. Further, the practicality of measuring NLR through routine blood tests makes it viable for widespread clinical use. In conclusion, integrating biomarkers in cardiovascular surgery significantly advances predicting postoperative outcomes for cardiac surgery patients. Therefore, it is essential to categorize these biomarkers into two distinct groups in the future, inflammatory and non-inflammatory (related to organ damage), to improve understanding and enhance their clinical applicability. Future research should focus on standardizing the use of these biomarkers and exploring their combined predictive power to enhance risk stratification and improve patient prognosis.

Synchronous prostatic adenocarcinoma found in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) that undergo radical cistoprostatectomy is not uncommon. Nonetheless, the occurrence of collision metastasis, where both prostate cancer and bladder cancer involve the same lymph node, is exceptionally uncommon, with few cases being reported in the literature. We present a case of a 65-year-old patient diagnosed with MIBC who underwent laparoscopic radical cistoprostatectomy with extended lymph node dissection and intracorporeal ileal conduit. The final pathology revealed urothelial carcinoma pT3bN1 as well as prostatic adenocarcinoma pT3bN1. One lymph node presented metastasis from both bladder cancer and prostate cancer.

Nesfatin-1, deriving from a precursor protein, NUCB2, is a newly discovered molecule with anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anorexigenic effects. It was initially identified in the central nervous system (CNS) and received increasing interest due to its energy-regulating properties. However, research showed that nesfatin-1 is also expressed in peripheral tissues, including the digestive system. The aim of this review is to give a résumé of the present state of knowledge regarding its structure, immunolocalization, and potential implications in diseases with inflammatory components. The main objective was to focus on its clinical importance as a diagnostic biomarker and potential therapeutic molecule in a variety of disorders, among which digestive disorders were of particular interest. Previous studies have shown that nesfatin-1 regulates the balance between pro- and antioxidant agents, which makes nesfatin-1 a promising therapeutic agent. Further in-depth research regarding the underlying mechanisms of action is needed for a better understanding of its effects.

Following spinal cord injury (SCI), the regenerative capacity of the central nervous system (CNS) is severely limited by the failure of axonal regeneration. The regeneration of CNS axons has been shown to occur by grafting predegenerated peripheral nerves (PPNs) and to be promoted by the transplantation of neural precursor cells (NPCs). The introduction of a combinatorial treatment of PPNs and NPCs after SCI has to address the additional problem of glial scar formation, which prevents regenerating axons from leaving the implant and making functional connections. Previously, we discovered that the synthetic sulfoglycolipid Tol-51 inhibits astrogliosis. The objective was to evaluate axonal regeneration and locomotor function improvement after SCI in rats treated with a combination of PPN, NPC, and Tol-51. One month after SCI, the scar tissue was removed and replaced with segments of PPN or PPN+Tol-51; PPN+NPC+Tol-51. The transplantation of a PPN segment favors regenerative axonal growth; in combination with Tol-51 and NPC, 30% of the labeled descending corticospinal axons were able to grow through the PPN and penetrate the caudal spinal cord. The animals treated with PPN showed significantly better motor function. Our data demonstrate that PPN implants plus NPC and Tol-51 allow successful axonal regeneration in the CNS.

This study investigates the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties of polyphenols extracted from Brassica oleracea var. capitata (cabbage) ethanolic extract (BOE). Given the historical use of cabbage in traditional medicine for treating various ailments, this research aims to validate these effects scientifically. The study involved the characterization of BOE’s bioactive compounds using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Liquid Chromatography–Diode Array Detection–Electro-Spray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI MS) analysis. We assessed the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of topical and oral BOE administration on rodent models with acute and subacute inflammation. Additionally, the antioxidant capacity of orally administered BOE was evaluated. The results showed that BOE possesses significant levels of phenolic compounds with a potent antioxidant activity. The topical administration of BOE demonstrated notable anti-inflammatory effects in the tested rodent models, which were comparable with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These findings suggest that BOE could be a valuable natural remedy for inflammation-related conditions, supporting its traditional uses and highlighting its potential for further pharmacological development.

The ergogenic benefits of caffeine have been well established, but there is scarce research on its chewing gum form. The present research aimed to examine the effects of different doses (100 and 200 mg) of caffeinated chewing gum on muscle strength, vertical jump performance, and ball-kicking speed in trained male soccer players. In a double-blind, randomized counterbalanced, and crossover research design, 14 male soccer players (age = 22 ± 2 y; body mass = 74.2 ± 7.1 kg; height = 180.0 ± 6.8 cm; habitual caffeine intake = 358.9 ± 292.4 mg/day) participated in three experimental trials. In each trial, participants performed isometric handgrip strength, quadriceps and hamstring strength, ball-kicking speed, and 15 s countermovement jump test 10 min after chewing 100 mg (LCAF) or 200 mg (MCAF) of caffeinated gum or placebo (PLA). MCAF improved quadriceps strength (53.77 ± 5.77 kg) compared to LCAF (49.62 ± 8.81 kg, p = 0.048) and PLA (49.20 ± 7.20 kg, p = 0.032). However, neither LCAF nor MCAF had a significant effect on the isometric handgrip and hamstring strength, ball-kicking speed, and 15 s countermovement jump test (all p > 0.05). These findings support chewing gum as an alternative mode of caffeine administration which can be used as a nutritional ergogenic aid for trained soccer players, at least for quadriceps strength.