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Background: When kidney function is consistently impaired, as in the case of chronic kidney disease (CKD) or chronic renal failure (CRF) or, diagnostic criteria include an unusually high blood creatinine level for longer than 3 months or the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) to be below 60 ml/min / 1.73 m2. Loss of energy stores and body proteins is one indicator of a worsening nutritional condition in patients with poorly controlled chronic renal disease, especially in its latter stages. Cases who had end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) are already fragile due to muscular atrophy, sarcopenia, and cachexia; furthermore, malnutrition is a powerful predictor of illness and death in this population. We intended to provide an outline of hematological parameters that could reflect inflammatory and nutritional state in dialysis patient. Conclusion:Cytokines like interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 (IL-1), or tumor necrosis factor (TNF), gastric mediators like ghrelin as well as leptin, and adipokines may all play a role in mediating the anorexic process. More research into the identification and prevention of malnutrition, in particular, is necessary due to the complicated interaction between inflammatory and nutritional parameters during chronic kidney disease (CKD). We require additional studies on these mediators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humans and wildlife, including domesticated animals, are exposed to a myriad of environmental contaminants that are derived from various human activities, including agricultural, household, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial products. Excessive exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, and phthalates consequently causes the overproduction of reactive oxygen species. The equilibrium between reactive oxygen species and the antioxidant system is preserved to maintain cellular redox homeostasis. Mitochondria play a key role in cellular function and cell survival. Mitochondria are vulnerable to damage that can be provoked by environmental exposures. Once the mitochondrial metabolism is damaged, it interferes with energy metabolism and eventually causes the overproduction of free radicals. Furthermore, it also perceives inflammation signals to generate an inflammatory response, which is involved in pathophysiological mechanisms. A depleted antioxidant system provokes oxidative stress that triggers inflammation and regulates epigenetic function and apoptotic events. Apart from that, these chemicals influence steroidogenesis, deteriorate sperm quality, and damage male reproductive organs. It is strongly believed that redox signaling molecules are the key regulators that mediate reproductive toxicity. This review article aims to spotlight the redox toxicology of environmental chemicals on male reproduction function and its fertility prognosis. Furthermore, we shed light on the influence of redox signaling and metabolism in modulating the response of environmental toxins to reproductive function. Additionally, we emphasize the supporting evidence from diverse cellular and animal studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of the metanephros in one‐humped camels involves a complex series of interactions between epithelial and mesenchymal cells. As a result, there is a synchronized differentiation process of stromal, vascular and epithelial cell types during glomerulogenesis, angiogenesis and tubulogenesis. In the current work, the metanephros of camel foetuses were divided into four stages where kidneys from each stage were processed and immunoassayed, followed by quantitative analysis to determine target protein intensities throughout metanephrogenesis in the camel. This study demonstrated robust expression of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) in the glomerular mesangium, as well as in interlobular and glomerular arterioles during the earlier stages of development. However, in the late stages, α‐SMA expression became more localized around the blood capillaries in both the cortex and medulla. Strong expression of CD34 was observed in the immature glomerular and peritubular endothelial cells within the subcapsular zone, as well as in the glomerular, proximal tubular and distal tubular epithelium of stage one foetuses, although its expression gradually diminished with foetal maturation. The expression pattern of osteopontin was prominently observed in the distal convoluted tubules throughout all stages, however, no expression was detected in the proximal tubules, glomeruli and arterioles. E‐cadherin was detected in the developing renal tubular epithelial cells but not in the glomeruli. In conclusion, this study reveals the spatiotemporal distribution of key proteins, including α‐SMA, CD34, Osteopontin and E‐cadherin, which play a crucial role in metanephrogenesis in camel foetuses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: More research is ongoing on obesity as a risk factor for cancer occurrence. Cell of origin (COO), stage and National Comprehensive Cancer Network International Prognostic Index (NCCN-IPI) are frequently used for risk evaluation and treatment tailoring in patients with Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Relatively, few studies assessed the prognostic role of obesity and leptin level in patients with DLBCL. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of obesity and leptin level on response and prognosis in DLBCL. Methods: A single institution prospective study that included patients with DLBCL. For each patient, demographic data, body mass index (BMI), serum leptin level by ELISA, response and survival were determined. Results: Seventeen (24.3%) out of the 70 patients in our cohort were classified as obese (BMI>30). They had a higher serum leptin level (p < 0.001) and less response to R-CHOP chemotherapy (P= 0.003). Forty (57.14%) patients had elevated serum leptin level with B symptoms, Cell of origin and response to chemotherapy were significantly different between the two groups. There was no significant relationship between BMI and survival. On the other hand, higher serum leptin was associated with worse disease-free survival (p=0.035). Conclusion: The results support a relationship between both BMI and serum leptin level and response to treatment in DLBCL patients. Leptin level like other common prognostic factors is related to disease-free survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Folic acid can protect cells and tissues against the side effects of cytotoxic drugs by removing free radicals and prevention of oxidative damage. The aim of the present work is to demonstrate the teratogenic effects of cyclophosphamide on rat embryos and the possible protective effect of folic acid. Methods: 28 adult pregnant female albino rats were divided into groups as follows: Group I: (control group) 12 rats were further subdivided into two equal subgroups: Subgroup IA: (negative control group) received saline. Subgroup IB: (positive control group) received folic acid (2.4mg/kg/day). Group II: (experimental group) 10 rats received Cyclophosphamide (15 mg/kg) Intraperitoneally as a single dose on the 9th day of gestation. Group III: (protected group) 6 rats received folic acid (2.4 mg/kg/day) by orogastric tube from 1st to 19th gestational day. and Cyclophosphamide (15mg/kg) similar to the treated group. The skeletons were double stained by Alizarin red and Alcian blue stains and examined by Olympus SZ dissecting stereomicroscope. Results: various eye, ear, tongue and fusion defects were recorded. Skeletal anomalies were in the form of incomplete and un-ossified skull bones, open arch of atlas, incomplete ossification of sacral vertebrae, supernumerary sacral vertebra, supernumerary rib, and incomplete ossification of ribs, wavy ribs, incomplete ossification of sternum, and incomplete ossification of metacarpus, metatarsus and phalanges. Their incidence increased sign ificantly in the experimental group compared to the control group while it decreased significantly in the protected groups for all reported anomalies except for incomplete ossification of skull bones and vertebrae and supernumerary sacral vertebrae and ribs. Conclusion: Folic acid has a protective role from Cyclophosphamide inducedteratogenicity in albino rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent type of arthritis. It is an important cause of pain and disability in elder adults. Trimetazidine and sitagliptin have anti-inflammatory effects. Material and Methods: Fifty adult Wister male albino rats divided into 4 groups. Group Ι: Five rats received a single dose of 1ml 0.9% saline intra-articular. Group ΙΙ: Fifteen rats received a single dose of 1mg monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) diluted in 0.9% saline intra-articular and 1 ml of 1% gum acacia per gavage daily for 4 weeks. Group III: Fifteen rats received a single dose of 1mg MIA diluted in 0.9% saline intra-articular concomitant with oral administration of trimetazidine suspended in 1% gum acacia, in a dose of 10 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks. Group IV: Fifteen rats received a single dose of 1mg MIA diluted in 0.9% saline intra-articular concomitant with oral administration of sitagliptin suspended in 1% gum acacia, in a dose of 10 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks. Results: Intra-articular injection of MIA induced arthritis. Trimetazidine and sitagliptin insignificantly increased the circulating levels of serum inflammatory cytokines; COMP, IL-1 β, and TNF α. While the circulating levels of TGF-β1 in the arthritis group was significantly reduced compared to the control group. Concomitant administration of trimetazidine with MIA showed normal organized chondrocytes and normal bone trabeculae. Concomitant administration of sitagliptin showed improvement of histological features, normal organized chondrocytes, normal bone trabeculae and decreased resorption cavities. Histomorphometric evaluation of the percent area of the articular cartilage thickness revealed a significant decrease in arthritis group and a significant rise in both sitagliptin and trimetazidine groups. Conclusion: Sitagliptin and trimetazidine may have protective effect against arthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inherited thrombocytopenias are a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by a reduced number of platelets and a bleeding tendency that ranges from very mild to life threatening especially in surgery. Mutations in the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of Ankirin repeat domain 26 (ANKRD26) are responsible for autosomal-dominant form of thrombocytopenia, that is known as ANKRD26-related thrombocytopenia (ANKRD26 RT), characterized by a moderate thrombocytopenia with mild propensity to bleeding and predisposition to hematological malignancies including AML and MDS. We included 90 unrelated patients with inherited thrombocytopenia. In addition, we investigated 45 patients with ITP. Peripheral blood and bone marrow samples were collected and examined and molecular detection of mutations in the 5︡ UTR of ANKRD26 gene was performed for all the patients. Also, screening of the mutation and development of myeloid malignancies in the extended series of the affected subjects was done. ANKRD26 mutations were identified in 10% of the patients with inherited thrombocytopenia. The most common types were c.128 G > A and c.127A>T, while no mutations were found in the ITP group. In those affected, the median number of platelets was 69 x109/L (43–106) with normal MPV in most of the patients (9.4–11.6). There was a statistically significant increase in the unexpected high frequency of myeloid malignancies in the extended series of the mutated subjects compared with the ITP group-extended series (P <.001). So, we can conclude that ANKRD26 RT is associated with increased risk for developing myeloid malignancies and ANKRD26 mutations can represent a valuable tool for making therapeutic decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The balance among different subtypes of glutamate receptors (GluRs) is crucial for synaptic function and plasticity at excitatory synapses. However, the mechanisms balancing synaptic GluR subtypes remain unclear. Herein, we show that the two subtypes of GluRs (A and B) expressed at Drosophila neuromuscular junction synapses mutually antagonize each other in terms of their relative synaptic levels and affect subsynaptic localization of each other, as shown by superresolution microscopy. Upon temperature shift-induced neuromuscular junction plasticity, GluR subtype A increased but subtype B decreased with a timecourse of hours. Inhibition of the activity of GluR subtype A led to imbalance of GluR subtypes towards more GluRIIA. To gain a better understanding of the signalling pathways underlying the balance of GluR subtypes, we performed an RNA interference screen of candidate genes and found that postsynaptic-specific knockdown of dunce, which encodes cAMP phosphodiesterase, increased levels of GluR subtype A but decreased subtype B. Furthermore, bidirectional alterations of postsynaptic cAMP signalling resulted in the same antagonistic regulation of the two GluR subtypes. Our findings thus identify a direct role of postsynaptic cAMP signalling in control of the plasticity-related balance of GluRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of a synbiotic Lacto Forte on growth performance, haemato‐immunological responses, plasma bactericidal capacity, histological profiles and resistance of Oreochromis niloticus to Pseudomonas fluorescens. The experimental fish were divided into three groups; two of them (T1 and T2) were given Lacto Forte incorporated diets at increasing level (0.7 and 1.5 g/kg, respectively) and an additive‐free basal diet served as the control (T0) for 30 and 45 days. At the end of the feeding trial, a challenge was performed using a virulent strain of P. fluorescens and mortalities were recorded over an additional 14‐days period. The results showed that Lacto Forte has a pronounced effect on haematological and growth performance parameters at 1.5 g/kg rather than 0.5 g/kg (p < 0.05). Plasma lysozyme, proteases, antiproteases and bactericidal capacity were significantly enhanced (p < 0.05) in Lacto Forte‐treated groups, particularly after 45 days of supplementation. Long‐term supplementation with Lacto Forte (1.5 g/kg) induced degenerative changes in the liver, spleen and intestine. Additionally, a significant increase (p < 0.05) in survival rates were found in Lacto Forte‐treated groups compared to the control one 14 days post‐challenge. As a result, Lacto Forte fortifies tilapia immune response and can be used as a surrogate for antibiotics to control P. fluorescens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calpains are calcium-dependent, cytosolic proteinases active at neutral pH. They do not degrade but cleave substrates at limited sites. Calpains are implicated in various pathologies, such as ischemia, injuries, muscular dystrophy, and neurodegeneration. Despite so, the physiological function of calpains remains to be clearly defined. Using the neuromuscular junction of Drosophila of both sexes as a model, we performed RNAi screening and uncovered that calpains negatively regulated protein levels of the glutamate receptor GluRIIA but not GluRIIB. We then showed that calpains enrich at the postsynaptic area, and the calcium-dependent activation of calpains induced cleavage of GluRIIA at Q788 of its C terminus. Further genetic and biochemical experiments revealed that different calpains genetically and physically interact to form a protein complex. The protein complex was required for the proteinase activation to downregulate GluRIIA. Our data provide a novel insight into the mechanisms by which different calpains act together as a complex to specifically control GluRIIA levels and consequently synaptic function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optic nerve (ON) is an important organ in the visual system of animals, which transfers electrical impulses towards the brain from the retina. High enrichment of glial cells in ON is known to support neuron and regulate retinal homoeostasis. However, research on immunohistochemical of glial cells proteins in the camel is scanty in available literature. Hence, the current work is an attempt to investigate the histomorphology of camel ON with regard to the expression patterns of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), myelin basic protein (MBP) and Iba1 for the three glial subtypes, namely astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and microglia, respectively. Optic nerves from fourteen dromedary camels were dissected and preserved in 10% formalin. Then, the paraffin‐embedding sections were subjected for histochemical and immunohistochemical analysis. Our results demonstrated that ON axons aggregate into fascicles that surrounded by light and densely stained glial cells. Then, we examined the myelin sheath using Heidenhain's and Mallory's phosphotungstic acid staining. Immunoassay results revealed that GFAP is enriched in the ON and distributed evenly, whereas MBP and Iba1 were present at scanty levels. Further analysis of mRNA level of GFAP, MBP and Iba1 in the ON confirmed an elevation of GFAP expression compared to MBP and Iba1. We further found partial co‐localization of different types of glial cells that reflect their coordinated function in the ON. Although our data provide the first evidence for differential expression pattern of glial proteins, further molecular studies still required to reveal the specific function of these molecules in the camel ON. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]