The role of prophetic medicine in the management of diabetes mellitus: A review of literature

Synthesis, antidiabetic activity and molecular docking studies of novel aryl benzylidenethiazolidine-2,4-dione based 1,2,3-triazoles

A series of novel aryl benzylidenethiazolidine-2,4-dione based 1,2,3-triazoles synthesized in a straightforward route consisting of benzylidenethiazolidine-2,4-dione and 1,2,3-triazole pharmacophores. The new scaffolds tested for in vitro antidiabetic activity by inhibition of aldose reductase enzyme and its inhibition measured in half of Inhibition Concentration (IC50). The activity results correlated with standard reference Sorbinil (IC50: 3.45 ± 0.25 µM). Among all the titled compounds 8f (1.42 ± 0.21 µM), 8d (1.85 ± 0.39 µM), 13a (1.94 ± 0.27 µM) and 8b (1.98 ± 0.58 µM) shown potent activity. In addition, molecular docking results against the crystal structure of aldose reductase (PDB ID: 1PWM) revealed that the binding affinities shown by all synthesized compounds are higher than the reference compound Sorbinil. The docking scores, H-bond interactions, and hydrophobic interactions well defined inhibition strength of all compounds.

Diabetes Mellitus across the Arabo-Islamic World: A Revolution

Background

Mankind continues to suffer from the ever-growing diabetes epidemic and the rapid rise of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This metabolic disease has been studied since ancient civilizations. The Arabo-Islamic civilization excelled in establishing some of the most notable discoveries and teachings that remained the blueprint for years to come in the field of diabetology.

Aim

This article aimed to review the ancient history of diabetes mellitus, with its main focus on the Arabo-Islamic civilization, and to report our subjective views and analysis of some of the past recommendations based on modern-day findings. Discussion. It is natural to have the teachings of medicine dynamically inspired by one civilization to another, as various fields continue to expand and evolve. This also applies to diabetology as the Arabo-Islamic world used the outlines of prior civilizations to revolutionize the understanding of the disease. Al-Razi and Ibn Sina are probably two of the most renowned polymaths in history, and their contributions to diabetology are well documented. Ibn Maymun's postulation about the higher prevalence of diabetes in Egypt as compared to Andalusia is something to be carefully studied. It could be that diabetes mellitus' underdiagnosis and late-stage detection are some of the major reasons for the disparity between the two mentioned regions. Modern-day Arabo-Islamic scholars continue to excel in revolutionizing diabetology.

Conclusion

The Arabo-Islamic world houses an impressive bout of scholars who have contributed since the ancient times to diabetology. This scientific locomotion shows no signs of stopping, as it continues to shine during the present day, and likely in the future.

In vitro study of Nigella sativa and thymoquinone activity on endothelial activation and monocyte adhesion

INTRODUCTION

Thymoquinone (TQ) is one of the bioactive compounds in Nigella sativa (NS). Also known as black seeds/cumin, it has been postulated to possess anti-atherogenic properties. However, research on the effects of NS oil (NSO) and TQ on atherogenesis remain scarce. The aim of this study is to determine gene and protein expression of Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1), Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and Endothelial-eukocyte adhesion molecule (E-selectin) in Human Coronary Artery Endothelial Cells (HCAECs).

METHODS

HCAECs were stimulated for 24 hours (h) with 200 µg/ml of Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and different concentrations of NSO (55, 110, 220, 440 µg/ml) or TQ (4.5, 9.0, 18.0, 36.0 µm). The effects of NSO and TQ on gene and protein expressions were measured using multiplex gene assay and ELISA assay, respectively. Rose Bengal assay was used to analyse monocyte binding activity.

RESULTS

NSO and TQ significantly reduced ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 gene and protein expressions. TQ showed significant reduction activity of the biomarkers in dose dependent manner. HCAECs pre-treated with NSO and TQ for 24 h significantly lowered monocytes adherence compared to non-treated HCAECs.

CONCLUSIONS

NSO and TQ supplementation have anti-atherogenic properties and inhibit monocytes' adherence to HCAECs via down-regulation of ICAM-1 expression. NSO could potentially be incorporated in standard treatment regimens to prevent atherosclerosis and its related complications.

A Cross-Sectional Assessment of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Use among Patients with Chronic Diseases (CDs) in Qassim, Saudi Arabia

This study aims to investigate CAM use among CD patients from Qassim, Saudi Arabia and to compare CAM practice with different demographic and disease characteristics of the participants. A cross-sectional study was conducted among CD patients. During the three-months of data collection period, a total of 377 patients were approached and 208 patients participated in the study, giving a response rate of 55.17%. A p value of <0.05 was considered as significant. Among the study population, 94 (45.2%) patients were CAM users. Diabetes mellitus patients were the majority (48 (51.06%)) followed by hypertensive patients (34 (36.17%)). Spiritual therapies were the most common CAM followed by herbal products. Among CAM users, 41 (19.7%) patients reported disclosing CAM use to their health care providers. Among all the sociodemographic variables, gender (p = 0.029), marital status (p = 0.034) and education level (p = 0.047) were significantly associated with CAM use. In conclusion, the use of CAM among CD patients was relatively high in Qassim. Patients reported using CAM without disclosing to their health care providers which is a major health risk. It is critical to counsel CD patients regarding rational and informed CAM use in order to prevent harmful and unwanted effects.

Structural Characterization, Antimicrobial Activity, and In Vitro Cytotoxicity Effect of Black Seed Oil

This study was aimed to investigate the structure of bioactive components of black seed oil (BSO) and their antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects. Initially, the structural examination was conducted using various spectroscopic techniques, such as FTIR, TLC, and UV-visible spectroscopy, which are important in determining substituents, functional groups, and the presence of conjugated double bonds in BSO. From the FTIR spectra, a variety of sharp, strong, and weak peaks were specified relating to the main components of thymoquinone (TQ), dithymoquinone, thymohydroquinone, and thymol in BSO. The results of UV-visible spectroscopy confirmed the presence of thymoquinone as a major compound, and conjugated double bonds were also found. In addition, qualitative TLC analysis was used to identify thymoquinone from the methanol-extracted layer in BSO, by calculating the retention factor (R f) value. Furthermore, antimicrobial activity of BSO was studied against various types of bacteria. Strong bacterial inhibitory effects were observed, especially against Bacillus subtilis, with an average inhibition zone of 15.74 mm. Moreover, through the use of the MTT assay in vitro, it was shown that BSO does not exhibit any cytotoxicity towards human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). It was also found from the structural characterization of BSO that the existence of TQ is responsible for potential antibacterial activity without any cytotoxic effects. The main observation of this work is that BSO has antimicrobial activity even against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).