Dual inhibition of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes by human cerebrospinal fluid

Thromboxane A₂ (TXA₂) formed in damaged brain tissue and after thromboembolism and subarachnoid haemorrhage is responsible for cerebral vasospasm. In the present study, we examined the effect of human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) on the production of thromboxane-A₂ (TXA₂) and 12-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) by human blood platelets. CSF was drawn by lumbar puncture from normal healthy volunteers (n = 17) and samples judged to be normal after routine examination in the clinical laboratories and were used fresh. We found that CSF inhibited the production of TXA₂ and 12-HETE by blood platelets incubated with C¹⁴ labelled arachidonic acid (AA) in a concentration-related manner. Further biochemical analysis using proteolytic enzymes, gel filtration and membrane partition chromatography showed that the inhibitory activity was peptidic in nature and associated with a peptide of low molecular weight (1,400 Da). This study is the first to demonstrate that human CSF contains a dual inhibitor of cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase enzymes in CSF.     

Phytochemical constituents,biological activities,and health‐promoting effects of the genus Origanum

Origanum species are mostly distributed around the Mediterranean, Euro‐Siberian, and Iran‐Siberian regions. Since time immemorial, the genus has popularly been used in Southern Europe, as well as on the American continent as a spice now known all over the world under the name “oregano” or “pizza‐spice.” Origanum plants are also employed to prepare bitter tinctures, wines, vermouths, beer, and kvass. The major components of Origanum essential oil are various terpenes, phenols, phenolic acids, and flavonoids with predominant occurrence of carvacrol and thymol (with reasonable amounts of p‐cymen and ‐terpinene) or of terpinene‐4‐ol, linalool, and sabinene hydrate. Many species of Origanum genus are used to treat kidney, digestive, nervous, and respiratory disorders, spasms, sore throat, diabetes, lean menstruation, hypertension, cold, insomnia, toothache, headache, epilepsy, urinary tract infections, etc. Origanum essential oil showed potent bioactivities owing to its major constituents' carvacrol, thymol, and monoterpenes. Several preclinical studies evidenced its pharmacological potential as antiproliferative or anticancer, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, anti‐obesity, renoprotective, antiinflammatory, vasoprotective, cardioprotective, antinociceptive, insecticidal, and hepatoprotective properties. Its nanotechnological applications as a promising pharmaceutical in order to enhance the solubility, physicochemical stability, and the accumulation rate of its essential oils have been investigated. However, Origanum has been reported causing angioedema, perioral dermatitis, allergic reaction, inhibition of platelet aggregation, hypoglycemia, and abortion. Conclusive evidences are still required for its clinical applications against human medical conditions. Toxicity analyses and risk assessment will aid to its safe and efficacious application. In addition, elaborate structure–activity studies are needed to explore the potential use of Origanum‐derived phytochemicals as promising drug candidates.     

Frequency and Predictors of Non-compliance to Dietary Recommendations Among Hypertensive Patients

Compliance to dietary recommendations among hypertensive people is a major health care issue. Non-compliance can nullify the effects of even the most scientific and optimum treatment plan. The main aim of this study was to determine the frequency and predictors of non-adherence in our region. We also investigated the possible factors based on patient opinions that could increase compliance. A sample of 400 adult patients, diagnosed with hypertension for at least 3 years, who visited Civil Hospital during the time period April–June 2013 were included in this cross sectional study. Patient data and opinions were collected by two trained interviewers using a pre-coded questionnaire. Compliance was assessed based on patients self report. More than three quarters (n = 310, 77.5 %) of the hypertensive patients were non-compliant. More than one social gathering in a week, peer-influence, no friends to follow the recommended diet plan and lack of believe regarding diet as an effective measure to control blood pressure were found to be the significant predictors of non-compliance (P values <0.0001). Counseling was thought to be the most effective way by the patients to increase adherence. Non-compliance to dietary recommendations is a major problem prevalent especially in Pakistan. There is an urgent need for doctors and nurses to counsel their patients effectively to prevent future morbidities and mortalities because of non-compliance.     

Genetic analysis of four Pakistani families with achromatopsia and a novel S4 motif mutation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">CNGA3</Emphasis>

Background  

To identify the causative variants of achromatopsia (ACHM) in four Pakistani families presenting autosomal recessive ACHM.     

A comparison of the presence of Theileria ovis by PCR amplification of their SSU rRNA gene in small ruminants from two provinces of Pakistan

ObjectiveTo compare the presence of Theileria ovis in small ruminants from two provinces of Pakistan and to determine the risk factors associated with the spread of theileriosis.MethodsIn present study, a total of 210 blood samples were collected from sheep (n=99) and goats (n=111) from 5 sampling sites in Punjab (Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Multan and Rahim Yar Khan districts) and Khyber Pukhtoon Khwa (district Kohat) provinces, in Pakistan, from randomly selected herds. Data on the characteristics of the animals (species, gender, age, tick presence or absence, prior treatment for babesiosis) and the herd (location, size, species of animals, dogs associated with the herds, tick burden of dogs associated with the herds) was collected through questionnaires.ResultsTwelve blood samples (6% of total), 11 from district Kohat, produced the 520 base pairs DNA fragment specific for small subunit ribosomal RNA (ssu rRNA) gene of Theileria ovis, by PCR amplification, of which 11 were sheep and 1 was goat indicating that sheep are more significantly (P=0.001) prone to this parasite. On the other hand parasite was detected only in 2 out of 210 samples (1%) by blood smear screening confirming PCR as the reliable detection tool.ConclusionsPCR is more sensitive and reliable diagnostic tool for detection of Theileria sp. as compared to blood smear screening. Incidence of Theileria ovis is very high in Khyber Pukhtoon Khwa as compared to Punjab province. It was also observed that presence of ticks on animals was the only significant risk factor associated with the theileriosis in small ruminants.     

Outcomes of COVID-19 Complications and their Possibilities as Potential Triggers of Stroke

IntroductionThere is limited literature on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID -19) complications such as thromboembolism, cardiac complications etc. as possible trigger for stroke. Hence, we aim to evaluate the prevalence and outcomes of COVID-19 related cardiovascular complications and secondary infection and their possibility as potential triggers for the stroke.MethodsData from observational studies describing the complications [acute cardiac injury (ACI), cardiac arrhythmias (CA), disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), septic shock, secondary infection] and outcomes of COVID‐19 hospitalized patients from December 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020, were extracted following PRISMA guidelines. Adverse outcomes defined as intensive care units, oxygen saturation less than 90%, invasive mechanical ventilation, severe disease, and in‐hospital mortality. The odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were obtained, and forest plots were created using random‐effects models. A short review of these complications as triggers of stroke was conducted.Results16 studies with 3480 confirmed COVID-19 patients, prevalence of ACI [38%vs5.9%], CA [26%vs5.3%], DIC [4%vs0.74%], septic shock [18%vs0.36%], and infection [30%vs12.5%] was higher among patients with poor outcomes. In meta-analysis, ACI [aOR:9.93(95%CI:3.95–25.00], CA [7.52(3.29–17.18)], DIC [7.36(1.24–43.73)], septic shock [30.12(7.56–120.10)], and infection [10.41(4.47–24.27)] had higher odds of adverse outcomes. Patients hospitalized with acute ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage, had complications like pulmonary embolism, venous thromboembolism, DIC, etc. and had poor outcomesConclusionThe complications like acute cardiac injury, cardiac arrhythmias, DIC, septic shock, and secondary infection had poor outcomes. Patients with stroke were having history of these complications. Long term monitoring is required in such patients to prevent stroke and mitigate adverse outcomes.