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Khalifa FN, Hussein RF, Mekawy DM, Elwi HM, Alsaeed SA, Elnawawy Y, Shaheen SH. Potential role of the lncRNA "HOTAIR"/miRNA "206"/BDNF network in the alteration in expression of synaptic plasticity gene arc and BDNF level in sera of patients with heroin use disorder through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway compared to the controls. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:293. [PMID: 38334898 PMCID: PMC10858136 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09265-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Heroin use disorder (HUD) is a seriously increasing health issue, accounting for most deaths among drug abusers. Studying non-coding ribonucleic acid gene expression among drug abusers is a promising approach, as it may be used in diagnosis and therapeutics. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS A total of 49 male heroin-dependent patients and 49 male control participants were recruited from Kasr Al Ainy Psychiatry and Addiction outpatient clinics, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University. Sera were gathered. qRT-PCR was utilized for the detection of gene expression of non-coding RNAs such as "HOX transcript antisense RNA" (HOTAIR), micro-RNA (miRNA-206), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), and Activity Regulated Cytoskeleton Associated Protein (Arc). Sera Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels were assessed using ELISA. Using a western blot made it possible to determine the protein expression of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR. RESULTS The study demonstrated that gene expressions of HOTAIR, AKT, PI3K, and Arc were considerably lowered between cases and controls, while gene expressions of miR-206 and mTOR1 were significantly raised. PI3K and AKT protein expressions were downregulated, while mTOR expressions were upregulated. BDNF levels were significantly decreased in some cases. CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest that decreased HOTAIR in HUD relieves miR-206 inhibition, which thus increases and affects downstream PI3K/AKT/mTOR, ARC, and BDNF expression. This may be shared in addictive and relapsing behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Nada Khalifa
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Kasr Alainy Street, Cairo, 11562, Egypt
| | - Riham F Hussein
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Kasr Alainy Street, Cairo, 11562, Egypt
| | - Dina M Mekawy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Kasr Alainy Street, Cairo, 11562, Egypt
| | - Heba M Elwi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Kasr Alainy Street, Cairo, 11562, Egypt
| | - Shimaa Ahmed Alsaeed
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Kasr Alainy Street, Cairo, 11562, Egypt.
| | - Yassmin Elnawawy
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Kasr Alainy Street, Cairo, 11562, Egypt
| | - Somaya H Shaheen
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Kasr Alainy Street, Cairo, 11562, Egypt
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Yesodharan R, Nayak V, Jose T, Palimar V, George A. The effectiveness of a sexual assault nurse examiner-grounding program (SANE-GP) on knowledge, skill and practice regarding sexual assault examination (SAE) among nurses working in a tertiary care hospital in Udupi district, India: A study protocol. F1000Res 2022; 11:134. [PMID: 36636475 PMCID: PMC9811034 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.74978.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The medico-legal care of victims of sexual assault is very challenging, and requires specific knowledge and skills. Professionals in the emergency departments of hospitals might not have specialised training in forensic science. Nurses have a very significant role in these settings, but they lack any formal forensic training. This study aims to develop a sexual assault nurse examiner-grounding program (SANE-GP) for Indian nurses to inculcate knowledge and skill regarding sexual assault examination. The study adopts a three-stage Delphi technique to develop the training module and uses a time-series design to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. A questionnaire on nurses' knowledge on sexual assault examination (KQSANE-I) will be developed in phase-I and subsequently used in phase-II. The protocol of SANE-GP will help the medical community to implement the program across India. The implementation of SANE-GP can also help to start a sexual assault nurse examiner network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renjulal Yesodharan
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Vinod Nayak
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India,
| | - Tessy Jose
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Vikram Palimar
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Anice George
- Department of Peadiatric Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
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Abdelrehim MG, Sadek RR, Mehany AS, Mohamed ES. A Path Analysis Model Examining Factors Affecting the Caregiving Burden Experienced by the Family Caregivers of Drug Addicts in Egypt. J Res Health Sci 2022; 22:e00554. [PMID: 36511372 PMCID: PMC10422150 DOI: 10.34172/jrhs.2022.89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the caregiving burden experienced by the family caregivers of drug addicts is receiving increased attention, there is still a need to study the possible predictors of the care burden, especially with the increasing numbers of addicts in Egypt and the important role of family caregivers in the support and treatment of addicts. STUDY DESIGN A cross-sectional study. METHODS This study was conducted at Minia Hospital for Mental Health and Addiction Treatment, Egypt. Data was collected during interviews with addicts and their family caregivers. The caregiver burden was assessed using the Family Burden Interview Schedule (FBIS). The path analysis was used to assess the interrelationships between the burden and characteristics of addicts and caregivers. RESULTS Based on the results, 96.7% of addicts were males, and their mean age was 28.8 ± 8.1 years, while their caregivers aged 39.7 ± 10.4 years and included 58.7% males. The caregivers reported a severe burden of care which was predicted by the addict's drug-related problems (B = 0.25, P = 0.0003), financial hardship (B = 0.46, P < 0.0001), and the caregiver's occupation (B = -0.16, P = 0.017). Financial hardship had an indirect association with the burden of care (B = 0.06, P = 0.041) mediated through drug-related problems score, which was predicted by the severity of dependence, admission for treatment, and the level of social support. CONCLUSION The burden of caring for addicts depends on patient-related problems, as well as caregivers' situations and income. Strategies to provide social support, financial aid, and problem-solving skills should be provided to the addicts and their caregivers as a part of treatment programs to help reduce the caregiving burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa G Abdelrehim
- Public Health and Preventive Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Refaat R Sadek
- Public Health and Preventive Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Asmaa S Mehany
- Medical Administration Unit, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Eman S Mohamed
- Public Health and Preventive Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
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Elsukary AE, Helaly AMNZ, El Bakary AA, Moustafa ME, El-Kattan MA. Comparative Study of the Neurotoxic Effects of Pregabalin Versus Tramadol in Rats. Neurotox Res 2022; 40:1427-1439. [PMID: 35976555 PMCID: PMC9515019 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-022-00557-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In Egypt, both pregabalin and tramadol misuse increased in the last decade. Although many studies have confirmed the neurotoxic effects of tramadol, those of pregabalin are understudied. The aim of the study is to evaluate the neurotoxic effects of pregabalin compared with tramadol. Thirty male albino rats were included in this experimental study, and they were randomly allocated into three equal groups: group I (normal saline), group II (tramadol misuse), and group III (pregabalin misuse). All rats received the commenced drugs for 1 month. Open field tests were performed on the day of scarification, and after that, cortical samples were taken for immunohistochemical analysis and quantification of dopamine receptors' gene expression. The drug misuse groups showed a significant decrease in weight gain at the end of the study. Open field testing showed the upper hand of controls regarding all of the tested parameters. Tramadol has a more negative impact on the locomotor parameters compared with pregabalin. Both drugs induced relatively low dopamine-1 receptor (D1Rs) expression to dopamine-2 receptors (D2Rs), mimicking the schizophrenia model. Both tramadol and pregabalin were associated with neurotoxic effects in male albino rats. These effects were less noticed with pregabalin. It is suggested that long-term abuse may end in psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed E Elsukary
- Forensic Medicine & Clinical Toxicology Department, Mansoura Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed M N Z Helaly
- Forensic Medicine & Clinical Toxicology Department, Mansoura Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura, Egypt.,Clinical Science Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Amal A El Bakary
- Forensic Medicine & Clinical Toxicology Department, Mansoura Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Maha E Moustafa
- Forensic Medicine & Clinical Toxicology Department, Mansoura Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Mohammad A El-Kattan
- Forensic Medicine & Clinical Toxicology Department, Mansoura Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura, Egypt
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Contribution of Illicit Drug Use to Pharmaceutical Load in the Environment: A Focus on Sub-Saharan Africa. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2022:9056476. [PMID: 35719855 PMCID: PMC9200571 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9056476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Illicit drug abuse and addiction are universal issues requiring international cooperation and interdisciplinary and multisectoral solutions. These addictive substances are utilized for recreational purposes worldwide, including in sub-Saharan Africa. On the other hand, conventional wastewater treatment facilities such as waste stabilization ponds lack the design to remove the most recent classes of pollutants such as illicit drug abuse. As a result, effluents from these treatment schemes contaminate the entire ecosystem. Public health officials are concerned about detecting these pollutants at alarming levels in some countries, with potential undesirable effects on aquatic species and increased health hazards through exposure to contaminated waters or recycling treated or untreated effluents in agriculture. Contaminants including illicit substances enter the environment by human excreta following illegal intake, spills, or through direct dumping, such as from clandestine laboratories, when their manufacturer does not follow accepted production processes. These substances, like other pharmaceuticals, have biological activity and range from pseudopersistent to highly persistent compounds; hence, they persist in the environment while causing harm to the ecosystem. The presence of powerful pharmacological agents such as cocaine, morphine, and amphetamine in water as complex combinations can impair aquatic organisms and human health. These compounds can harm human beings and ecosystem health apart from their low environmental levels. Therefore, this article examines the presence and levels of illicit substances in ecological compartments such as wastewater, surface and ground waters in sub-Saharan Africa, and their latent impact on the ecosystem. The information on the occurrences of illicit drugs and their metabolic products in the sub-Saharan Africa environment and their contribution to pharmaceutical load is missing. In this case, it is important to research further the presence, levels, distribution, and environmental risks of exposure to human beings and the entire ecosystem.
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Soliman SS, Allam HK, Habib NM, Abdallah AR, Hassan OM. Work schedule and substance abuse in vocational students. J Public Health Res 2021; 11. [PMID: 34351099 PMCID: PMC8883556 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2021.2395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug abuse is one of the world's most serious and rapidly rising problems, causing a wide variety of health issues with significant morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to explore the association between part-time work and substance abuse among vocational students. DESIGN AND METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional analytical study that included all part-time working male students from five vocational male schools, and we used a standardized pretested questionnaire after obtaining written informed consent. A One-Step Multi-Drug Screen Test was used to assess the substances that were abused. RESULTS A total of 316 out of the 400 invited students participated in our study. Of the total screened subjects, 26.6 % were abusing substances. Twenty-five (36.2%) day working adolescents, nine (14.0%) night working adolescents, and forty (36.0%) day and night working adolescents were abusers.Tobacco was the most widely abused drug (68%) in the form of smoking, followed by cannabis (24%), marijuana (16.4%), alcohol (10%), and opioid (6.3%). Night workers had significantly lower rates of smoking, cannabis, Marijuana, alcohol, or opioids abuse, and Logistic regression was performed to ascertain the effects of the work schedule on the likelihood that participants have substance abuse; Night workers were 7.14 times less likely to have substance abuse than day workers, while day and night work did not differ from day work. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of drug abuse in vocational students is considered high and a serious problem that damages the youth and the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaimaa Sherif Soliman
- Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University.
| | - Heba Khodary Allam
- Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University.
| | - Nagwa Mahmoud Habib
- Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University.
| | - Ayat Roushdy Abdallah
- Epidemiology and preventive medicine department, National liver Institute, Menoufia University.
| | - Omayma M Hassan
- Community, Environmental and Occupational Health Department, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University.
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