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Hammad H, Elbarazi I, Bendak M, Obaideen K, Amanatullah A, Khan BSB, Ismail L, Kieu A, Ab Khan M. Influence of Religiosity on Youths' Attitudes Towards People with Disabilities in the United Arab Emirates. J Relig Health 2024; 63:2423-2442. [PMID: 36058952 PMCID: PMC9441192 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-022-01646-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This cross-sectional survey investigates the influence of youths' religiosity on their attitude towards people with disabilities. The Muslim religiosity questionnaire and multidimensional attitudes scale towards persons with disabilities were used to survey 733 youths from the federal university in the United Arab Emirates. The results indicated that the youths were religious and had positive attitudes towards people with disabilities. An increase in religiosity is associated with a positive attitude towards disability, and both religiosity and total family income positively impacted the attitude towards people with disabilities. Reducing inequalities by including persons with disabilities is one of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development objectives. Policies should aim to enhance curriculum, improvise public guidelines and partner with associated faith-based leaders to build an inclusive society for people with disabilities, thus helping to achieve sustainable development goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamza Hammad
- Department of Shariah and Islamic Studies, Faculty of Law, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Iffat Elbarazi
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Malik Bendak
- School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Facility of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Khaled Obaideen
- Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, SEGi University, 47810, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Asma Amanatullah
- Fazaia College of Education for Women, Lahore Cantt, Sarwar Road, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Bibi Sara Badshah Khan
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Leila Ismail
- Intelligent Distributed Computing and Systems Research Laboratory, Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, College of Information Technology, United Arab Emirates University, 15551, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Alex Kieu
- Health and Wellness Research Group, Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Moien Ab Khan
- Health and Wellness Research Group, Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
- Primary Care, NHS North West London, London, TW3 3EB, UK.
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Osman AMA, Arabi AA. Average Electron Density: A Quantitative Tool for Evaluating Non-Classical Bioisosteres of Amides. ACS Omega 2024; 9:13172-13182. [PMID: 38524460 PMCID: PMC10955596 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c09732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Bioisosterism is strategically used in drug design to enhance the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of therapeutic molecules. The average electron density (AED) tool has been used in several studies to quantify similarities among nonclassical bioisosteres of carboxylic acid. In this study, the AED tool is used to quantify the similarities among nonclassical bioisosteres of an amide group. In particular, amide-to-1,2,3-triazole bioisosterism is considered. To evaluate the AED differences exhibited by isomers of nonclassical bioisosteres, both isomers of amide (cis and trans) and 1,2,3-triazole (1,4 and 1,5 disubstituted moieity) were considered. The amide and 1,2,3-triazole bioisosteric moieties were capped with various R groups (R= methyl, hydrogen, and chloro) to account for changes in their environment. Amide-to-triazole bioisosteric substitutions were then explored in a more realistic environment, that is, within the FDA-approved anticancer imatinib drug. The AED tool effectively identified similarities between substantially different moieties, 1,2,3-triazole and amide, showing AED differences of no more than 4%. The AED tool was also proven to be useful in evaluating the contribution of various factors affecting triazole-amide bioisosterism including isomerism and changes in their environment. The AED values of each bioisostere were transferable within a maximum difference of 2.6%, irrespective of the change in environment. The 1,4- and 1,5-disubstituted isomers of 1,2,3-triazole have AED values that differ by less than unity, 0.52%. Similarly, the AED values of the cis- and trans-amide isomers differ by only 1.31%. Overall, the AED quantitative tool not only replicated experimental observations regarding similarities in bioisosteres, but also explained and quantified each contributing factor. This demonstrates the extended utility of the AED tool from nonclassical carboxylic acid bioisosteres to amide equivalents.On the contrary, electrostatic potential maps, usually used in the literature to qualitatively evaluate bioisosterism, were not similar for the 1,2,3-triazole and amide bioisosteres, under different environments. Overall, the AED tool proves to be powerful in quantitatively evaluating and predicting bioisosterism across diverse moieties considering structural and environmental variations, making it valuable in drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa MA Osman
- College of Medicine and Health
Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, United Arab Emirates University, AlAin P.O. Box: 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Alya A. Arabi
- College of Medicine and Health
Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, United Arab Emirates University, AlAin P.O. Box: 15551, United Arab Emirates
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Menon P, El-Sadig M, Albastaki MF, Alzaabi H, Alhammadi S, Almehrzi M, Aljanaahi H, Al-Rifai RH, Masuadi EM, Grivna M. Collecting behavioral evidence from a highly mobile and seasonal population: A protocol for a survey on quad bike injuries. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298059. [PMID: 38437203 PMCID: PMC10911601 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quad bikes are popular recreational, four-wheeled bikes in the Middle East. Injury prevention programs targeting quad bike crashes in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) need evidence about the risk factors and behaviours associated with these crashes in the target population. This is a protocol for a study aiming to investigate quad bike rider behaviours and to assess the risk factors associated with related injuries in the UAE. METHODS This is a cross-sectional observational study aiming to describe a seasonal sport in a desert environment. With an estimated sample size of 451, the survey will follow a three-stage, location-based sampling strategy using the line-transect method. A sampling frame of desert locations with high injury incidences was developed, using Dubai ambulance injury records. Further expansion of the sampling frame was participatory, involving police, enthusiasts, emergency responders and gas station employees. The data collection will be limited to the winter months in fifteen high-injury desert locations across three major Emirates in the UAE. Trained researchers will observe the riders directly in the desert to note their riding habits, followed by a researcher-administered interview on riding and injury history. The interviews will be administered in Arabic and English using Qualtrics software on handheld tablets with offline and online entry mode. In addition, paper-based entry with the same format will be used as a contingency in busy quad bike locations. CONCLUSION The objective of this study protocol is to develop a comprehensive survey that will furnish substantial evidence for the formulation of effective injury prevention strategies. To enhance the credibility of the recorded riding behaviors, field observations will be employed. The uniqueness of this study lies in its innovative sampling strategy, custom-tailored to accommodate the highly mobile and transient population of desert bikers in the UAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preetha Menon
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamed El-Sadig
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Marwan F. Albastaki
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Humaid Alzaabi
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Saleh Alhammadi
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mansour Almehrzi
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hamed Aljanaahi
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rami H. Al-Rifai
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Emad M. Masuadi
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Michal Grivna
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Abdullahi AS, Suliman A, Khan MAB, Khair H, Ghazal-Aswad S, Elbarazi I, Al-Maskari F, Loney T, Al-Rifai RH, Ahmed LA. Temporal trends of hemoglobin among pregnant women: The Mutaba'ah study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0295549. [PMID: 38064469 PMCID: PMC10707684 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low hemoglobin (Hb) level is a leading cause of many adverse pregnancy outcomes. Patterns of changes in Hb levels during pregnancy are not well understood. AIM This study estimated Hb levels, described its changing patterns across gestational trimesters, and identified factors associated with these changes among pregnant women. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data from the ongoing maternal and child health cohort study-The Mutaba'ah Study, was used (N = 1,120). KML machine learning algorithm was applied to identify three distinct cluster trajectories of Hb levels between the first and the third trimesters. Descriptive statistics were used to profile the study participants. Multinomial multivariable logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with change patterns in Hb levels. RESULTS The three identified clusters-A, B and C-had, respectively, median Hb levels (g/L) of 123, 118, and 104 in the first trimester and 119, 100, and 108 in the third trimester. Cluster 'A' maintained average normal Hb levels in both trimesters. Cluster 'B', on average, experienced a decrease in Hb levels below the normal range during the third trimester. Cluster 'C' showed increased Hb levels in the third trimester but remained, on average, below the normal range in both trimesters. Pregnant women with higher gravida, diabetes mellitus (type 1 or 2), nulliparity or lower level of education were more likely to be in cluster 'B' than the normal cluster 'A'. Pregnant women who reported using iron supplements before pregnancy or those with low levels of education. were more likely to be in cluster 'C' than the normal cluster 'A'. CONCLUSION The majority of pregnant women experienced low Hb levels during pregnancy. Changes in Hb levels during pregnancy were associated with parity, gravida, use of iron before pregnancy, and the presence of diabetes mellitus (type 1 or 2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Aminu S. Abdullahi
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abubaker Suliman
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Moien AB Khan
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Howaida Khair
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Saad Ghazal-Aswad
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Iffat Elbarazi
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Centre for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fatima Al-Maskari
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Centre for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Tom Loney
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rami H. Al-Rifai
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Centre for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Luai A. Ahmed
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Centre for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Mamdouh Hashiesh H, Sheikh A, Meeran MFN, Saraswathiamma D, Jha NK, Sadek B, Adeghate E, Tariq S, Al Marzooqi S, Ojha S. β-Caryophyllene, a Dietary Phytocannabinoid, Alleviates Diabetic Cardiomyopathy in Mice by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Activating Cannabinoid Type-2 Receptors. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:1129-1142. [PMID: 37588762 PMCID: PMC10425997 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) and its associated complications are considered one of the major health risks globally. Among numerous complications, diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by increased accumulation of lipids and reduced glucose utilization following abnormal lipid metabolism in the myocardium along with oxidative stress, myocardial fibrosis, and inflammation that eventually result in cardiac dysfunction. The abnormal metabolism of lipids plays a fundamental role in cardiac lipotoxicity following the occurrence and development of DCM. Recently, it has been revealed that cannabinoid type-2 (CB2) receptors, an essential component of the endocannabinoid system, play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of obesity, hyperlipidemia, and DM. Provided the role of CB2R in regulating the glucolipid metabolic dysfunction and its antioxidant as well as anti-inflammatory activities, we carried out the current study to investigate the protective effects of a selective CB2R agonist, β-caryophyllene (BCP), a natural dietary cannabinoid in the murine model of DCM and elucidated the underlying pharmacological and molecular mechanisms. Mice were fed a high-fat diet for 4 weeks followed by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (100 mg/kg) to induce the model of DCM. BCP (50 mg/kg body weight) was given orally for 12 weeks. AM630, a CB2R antagonist, was given 30 min before BCP treatment to demonstrate the CB2R-dependent mechanism of BCP. DCM mice exhibited hyperglycemia, increased serum lactate dehydrogenase, impaired cardiac function, and hypertrophy. In addition, DCM mice showed alternations in serum lipids and increased oxidative stress concomitant to reduced antioxidant defenses and enhanced cardiac lipid accumulation in the diabetic heart. DCM mice also exhibited activation of TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK signaling and triggered the production of inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory enzyme mediators. However, treatment with BCP exerted remarkable protective effects by favorable modulation of the biochemical and molecular parameters, which were altered in DCM mice. Interestingly, pretreatment with AM630 abrogated the protective effects of BCP in DCM mice. Taken together, the findings of the present study demonstrate that BCP possesses the capability to mitigate the progression of DCM by inhibition of lipotoxicity-mediated cardiac oxidative stress and inflammation and favorable modulation of TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathways mediating the CB2R-dependent mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hebaallah Mamdouh Hashiesh
- Department
of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College
of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box: 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Cairo 11795, Egypt
| | - Azimullah Sheikh
- Department
of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College
of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box: 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamed Fizur Nagoor Meeran
- Department
of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College
of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box: 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Dhanya Saraswathiamma
- Department
of Pathology, College of Medicine and Health
Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box: 15551, Al Ain, United
Arab Emirates
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department
of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Bassem Sadek
- Department
of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College
of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box: 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ernest Adeghate
- Department
of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health
Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box: 15551, Al Ain, United
Arab Emirates
| | - Saeed Tariq
- Department
of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health
Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box: 15551, Al Ain, United
Arab Emirates
| | - Saeeda Al Marzooqi
- Department
of Pathology, College of Medicine and Health
Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box: 15551, Al Ain, United
Arab Emirates
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department
of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College
of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box: 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Bin
Sultan Center for Health Sciences, College
of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box: 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Ahmad W, Gull B, Baby J, Panicker NG, Khader TA, Akhlaq S, Rizvi TA, Mustafa F. Differentially-regulated miRNAs in COVID-19: A systematic review. Rev Med Virol 2023:e2449. [PMID: 37145095 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) that infected more than 760 million people worldwide with over 6.8 million deaths to date. COVID-19 is one of the most challenging diseases of our times due to the nature of its spread, its effect on multiple organs, and an inability to predict disease prognosis, ranging from being completely asymptomatic to death. Upon infection, SARS-CoV-2 alters the host immune response by changing host-transcriptional machinery. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are regarded as post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression that can be perturbed by invading viruses. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have reported such dysregulation of host miRNA expression upon SARS-CoV-2 infection. Some of this could occur as an anti-viral response of the host to the viral infection. Viruses themselves can counteract that response by mounting their own pro-viral response that facilitates virus infection, an aspect which may cause pathogenesis. Thus, miRNAs could serve as possible disease biomarkers in infected people. In the current review, we have summarised and analysed the existing data about miRNA dysregulation in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 to determine their concordance between studies, and identified those that could serve as potential biomarkers during infection, disease progression, and death, even in people with other co-morbidities. Having such biomarkers can be vital in not only predicting COVID-19 prognosis, but also the development of novel miRNA-based anti-virals and therapeutics which can become invaluable in case of the emergence of new viral variants with pandemic potential in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waqar Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bushra Gull
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jasmin Baby
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Neena G Panicker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Thanumol A Khader
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shaima Akhlaq
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Tahir A Rizvi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences (ZCHS), College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- ASPIRE Research Institute in Precision Medicine, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Farah Mustafa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences (ZCHS), College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Ferdous Z, Elzaki O, Beegam S, Zaaba NE, Tariq S, Adeghate E, Nemmar A. Comparative Evaluation of the Effects of Amorphous Silica Nanoparticles on the Erythrocytes of Wistar Normotensive and Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043784. [PMID: 36835195 PMCID: PMC9967603 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) are one of the most widely used nanomaterials. SiNPs can encounter erythrocytes and hypertension is strongly linked to abnormalities in the functional and structural characteristics of erythrocytes. As little is known about the combinatorial effect of SiNP-hypertension interactions on erythrocytes, the aim of this work was to study the effects triggered by hypertension on SiNPs induced hemolysis and the pathophysiological mechanism underlying it. We compared the interaction of amorphous 50 nm SiNPs at various concentrations (0.2, 1, 5 and 25 µg/mL) with erythrocytes of normotensive (NT) and hypertensive (HT) rats in vitro. Following incubation of the erythrocytes, SiNPs induced significant and dose-dependent increase in hemolysis. Transmission electron microscopy revealed erythrocyte deformity in addition to SiNPs taken up by erythrocytes. The erythrocyte susceptibility to lipid peroxidation was significantly increased. The concentration of reduced glutathione, and activities of superoxide dismutase, and catalase were significantly increased. SiNPs significantly increased intracellular Ca2+. Likewise, the concentration of the cellular protein annexin V and calpain activity was enhanced by SiNPs. Concerningly, all the tested parameters were significantly enhanced in erythrocytes from HT rats compared to NT rats. Our results collectively demonstrate that hypertension can potentially exacerbate the in vitro effect induced by SiNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zannatul Ferdous
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ozaz Elzaki
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sumaya Beegam
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nur Elena Zaaba
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Saeed Tariq
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ernest Adeghate
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abderrahim Nemmar
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +971-3-7137533
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8
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Daoud L, Al-Marzooq F, Moubareck CA, Ghazawi A, Collyns T. Elucidating the effect of iron acquisition systems in Klebsiella pneumoniae on susceptibility to the novel siderophore-cephalosporin cefiderocol. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277946. [PMID: 36580460 PMCID: PMC9799297 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cefiderocol (CFDC) is a novel siderophore-cephalosporin, effective against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. As it has a siderophore side chain, it can utilize iron acquisition systems for penetration of the bacterial outer membrane. We aimed to elucidate the role of siderophores and iron uptake receptors in defining Klebsiella pneumoniae susceptibility to CFDC. METHODS Initially, 103 K. pneumoniae strains were characterized for susceptibility to different antibiotics including CFDC. CFDC minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined in iron-depleted and iron-enriched conditions. Iron uptake genes including siderophores, their receptors, ferric citrate (fecA) and iron uptake (kfu) receptors were detected by PCR in all the strains. For 10 selected strains, gene expression was tested in iron-depleted media with or without CFDC treatment and compared to expression in iron-enriched conditions. RESULTS CFDC exhibited 96.1% susceptibility, being superior to all the other antibiotics (MIC50: 0.5 and MIC90: 4 μg/ml). Only three strains (2.9%) were intermediately susceptible and a pandrug resistant strain (0.97%) was resistant to CFDC (MIC: 8 and 256 μg/ml, respectively). The presence of kfu and fecA had a significant impact on CFDC MIC, especially when co-produced, and if coupled with yersiniabactin receptor (fyuA). CFDC MICs were negatively correlated with enterobactin receptor (fepA) expression and positively correlated with expression of kfu and fecA. Thus, fepA was associated with increased susceptibility to CFDC, while kfu and fecA were associated with reduced susceptibility to CFDC. CFDC MICs increased significantly in iron-enriched media, with reduced expression of siderophore receptors, hence, causing less drug uptake. CONCLUSION Iron acquisition systems have a significant impact on CFDC activity, and their altered expression is a factor leading to reduced susceptibility. Iron concentration is also a major player affecting CFDC susceptibility; therefore, it is essential to explore possible ways to improve the drug activity to facilitate its use to treat infections in iron-rich sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lana Daoud
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Farah Al-Marzooq
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Akela Ghazawi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Alkaabi AJ, Alkous A, Mahmoud K, AlMansoori A, Elbarazi I, Suliman A, Alam Z, AlAwadi F, Al-Maskari F. The prevalence and correlates of depression among patients with chronic diseases in the United Arab Emirates. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278818. [PMID: 36516141 PMCID: PMC9749973 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic diseases constitute a major public health problem in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity. Chronic diseases have been found to be associated with an increased prevalence of depression and depressive symptoms. Depression can have detrimental effect on the prognosis of the disease and quality of life in patients. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and correlates of depression in a sample of patients suffering from chronic disease in Al-Ain city, UAE. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional survey based study was conducted with 417 participants recruited from seven primary health care centers of Al-Ain city. Men and women aged 18 years and above suffering from chronic disease filled the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Univariate and multivariable logistic regressions were performed on the collected data to investigate correlates of different factors with depression. Data was analyzed using SPSS (version 26). The study was approved by Ambulatory Healthcare Services (AHS) Human Ethics Research Committee. RESULTS The majority 62.41% (n = 254) of the sample were females, 57.97% (n = 240) aged above 55 years and with a median (Q25, Q75) duration of chronic disease of 8 (4, 15) years. The prevalence of depression was 21.1% (95% CI: 17.5%-25.3%). With severe depression was in 1.7% and mild-moderate in 34.7% of the participants. Depression severity was statistically significantly associated with increasing age (p = 0.006), low level of education (p<0.001), presence of asthma (p = 0.007) and heart disease (p = 0.013). Unadjusted logistic regression reported that presence of depression was significantly associated with female gender (cOR = 1.8, [95% CI; 1.1-3.1], p = 0.025), and presence of chronic kidney disease (cOR = 4.9, [95% CI; 1.3-20.2], p = 0.020) and heart disease (cOR = 2.9, [95% CI; 1.6-5.4], p = 0.001) longer duration of disease in years (cOR = 1.04, [95% CI; 1.01-1.07], p = 0.003). However, in the adjusted logistic regression analysis, participants with heart disease (aOR = 2.8, [95% CI; 1.4-5.5], p = 0.004), and with longer duration of disease (aOR = 1.04, [1.01-1.07], p = 0.014) remained significantly associated statistically with higher chance of having depression. CONCLUSION The prevalence of depression was quite high and the study highlights for health care professionals and policy makers, the importance of mental health support as part of a comprehensive management plan for patients with chronic diseases. A multidisciplinary comprehensive program will improve the long-term outcomes of these patients. Patients with chronic diseases may need more support and counseling at primary health care levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. J. Alkaabi
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, AlAin, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - A. Alkous
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, AlAin, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - K. Mahmoud
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, AlAin, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - A. AlMansoori
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, AlAin, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Iffat Elbarazi
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, AlAin, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Abubaker Suliman
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, AlAin, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Zufishan Alam
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, AlAin, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | | | - Fatima Al-Maskari
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, AlAin, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Zayed Centre for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, AlAin, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- * E-mail:
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10
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Babiker ZOE, Gariballa S, Narchi H, Shaban S, Alshamsi F, Bakoush O. Score Gains on the NBME Subject Examinations in Internal Medicine Among Clerkship Students: a Two-Year Longitudinal Study from the United Arab Emirates. Med Sci Educ 2022; 32:891-897. [PMID: 36035526 PMCID: PMC9411407 DOI: 10.1007/s40670-022-01582-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of clinical proficiency on individual student scores on the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) Subject Examinations remains uncertain. We hypothesised that increasing the length of time spent in a clinical environment would augment students' performance. METHODS Performance on the NBME Subject Examination in Internal Medicine (NBME-IM) of three student cohorts was observed longitudinally. Scores at the end of two unique internal medicine clerkships held at the third and fourth years were compared. The score differences between the two administrations were compared using paired t-tests, and the effect size was measured using Cohen's d. Moreover, linear regression was used to assess the correlation between the NBME-IM score gains and performance on a pre-clinical Comprehensive Basic Science Examination (CBSE). A two-tailed p-value <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS Of the 236 students enrolled during the third year, age, gender, CBSE, and NBME-IM scores were similar across all cohorts. The normalised score gain on the NBME-IM at the fourth year was 9.5% (range -38 to +45%) with a Cohen's d of 0.47. However, a larger effect size with a Cohen's d value of 0.96 was observed among poorly scoring students. Performance on the CBSE was a significant predictor of score gain on the NBME-IM (R 0.51, R 2 0.26, p-value < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Despite the increased length of clinical exposure, modest improvement in students' performance on repeated NBME-IM examination was observed. Medical educators need to reconsider how the NBME-IM is used in clerkship assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahir Osman Eltahir Babiker
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Salah Gariballa
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hassib Narchi
- Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sami Shaban
- Department of Medical Education, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fayez Alshamsi
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Omran Bakoush
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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11
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Statsenko Y, Habuza T, Smetanina D, Simiyu GL, Uzianbaeva L, Neidl-Van Gorkom K, Zaki N, Charykova I, Al Koteesh J, Almansoori TM, Belghali M, Ljubisavljevic M. Brain Morphometry and Cognitive Performance in Normal Brain Aging: Age- and Sex-Related Structural and Functional Changes. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 13:713680. [PMID: 35153713 PMCID: PMC8826453 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.713680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The human brain structure undergoes considerable changes throughout life. Cognitive function can be affected either negatively or positively. It is challenging to segregate normal brain aging from the accelerated one. OBJECTIVE To work out a descriptive model of brain structural and functional changes in normal aging. MATERIALS AND METHODS By using voxel-based morphometry and lesion segmentation along with linear statistics and machine learning (ML), we analyzed the structural changes in the major brain compartments and modeled the dynamics of neurofunctional performance throughout life. We studied sex differences in lifelong dynamics of brain volumetric data with Mann-Whitney U-test. We tested the hypothesis that performance in some cognitive domains might decline as a linear function of age while other domains might have a non-linear dependence on it. We compared the volumetric changes in the major brain compartments with the dynamics of psychophysiological performance in 4 age groups. Then, we tested linear models of structural and functional decline for significant differences between the slopes in age groups with the T-test. RESULTS White matter hyperintensities (WMH) are not the major structural determinant of the brain normal aging. They should be viewed as signs of a disease. There is a sex difference in the speed and/or in the onset of the gray matter atrophy. It either starts earlier or goes faster in males. Marked sex difference in the proportion of total cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and intraventricular CSF (iCSF) justifies that elderly men are more prone to age-related brain atrophy than women of the same age. CONCLUSION The article gives an overview and description of the conceptual structural changes in the brain compartments. The obtained data justify distinct patterns of age-related changes in the cognitive functions. Cross-life slowing of decision-making may follow the linear tendency of enlargement of the interhemispheric fissure because the center of task switching and inhibitory control is allocated within the medial wall of the frontal cortex, and its atrophy accounts for the expansion of the fissure. Free online tool at https://med-predict.com illustrates the tests and study results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yauhen Statsenko
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Big Data Analytics Center, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Tetiana Habuza
- Big Data Analytics Center, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- College of Information Technology, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Darya Smetanina
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Gillian Lylian Simiyu
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Liaisan Uzianbaeva
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bronxcare Hospital System, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Klaus Neidl-Van Gorkom
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nazar Zaki
- Big Data Analytics Center, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- College of Information Technology, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Inna Charykova
- Laboratory of Psychology, Republican Scientific-Practical Center of Sports, Minsk, Belarus
| | - Jamal Al Koteesh
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Radiology, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Taleb M. Almansoori
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Maroua Belghali
- Department of Health and Physical Education, College of Education, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Milos Ljubisavljevic
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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12
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Alrahma AM, Habib MA, Oulhaj A, Loney T, Boillat T, Shah SM, Ahmed LA, Nauman J. Effects of a workplace exercise intervention on cardiometabolic health: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e051070. [PMID: 34732483 PMCID: PMC8572390 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-051070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The worldwide rising levels of physical inactivity especially in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Eastern Mediterranean region are alarming. The UAE reports one of the highest rates of non-communicable disease mortality and insufficient physical activity (PA) is a major underlying cause. Therefore, action is required to reduce physical inactivity using evidence-based strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a worksite exercise intervention on cardiometabolic health in the UAE. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a protocol for a pragmatic parallel randomised controlled trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio to the intervention group and delayed intervention group. A total of 150 participants will be recruited from a semigovernment telecommunications company in Dubai (UAE) after meeting the eligibility criteria. The intervention group will receive 2 hours of exercise per week during working hours for 12 weeks (maximum 1 hour/day). The intervention group will be assigned to attend personal trainer sessions in the workplace gym throughout the intervention period. After the intervention is completed, the delayed intervention group will also receive 2 hours of exercise time per week from working hours for 4 weeks. The main outcome measure is the change in the cardiometabolic risk components, that is, systolic or diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference, glycated haemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol from baseline to the end of the intervention. The secondary outcome is to examine whether the workplace exercise intervention improves PA levels 4 weeks postintervention. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study has been approved by the Dubai Scientific Research Ethics Committee (DSREC-SR-08/2019_02). The results will be disseminated as follows: at various national and international scientific conferences; as part of a PhD thesis in Public Health at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University; and in a manuscript submitted to a peer-reviewed journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04403789.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Muneer Alrahma
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Department of Public Health Protection, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE
| | - Mansoor Anwar Habib
- Department of Sustainability and Wellbeing, Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company, Dubai, UAE
| | - Abderrahim Oulhaj
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Tom Loney
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, UAE
| | - Thomas Boillat
- Design Lab, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, UAE
| | - Syed M Shah
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Luai A Ahmed
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Javaid Nauman
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Healthy Living for Pandemic Event Protection (HL - PIVOT) Netwrok, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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13
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Arafat M, Sarfraz M, Bostanudin MF, Esmaeil A, Salam A, AbuRuz S. In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Oral Controlled Release Formulation of BCS Class I Drug Using Polymer Matrix System. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:929. [PMID: 34577629 PMCID: PMC8470007 DOI: 10.3390/ph14090929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Diltiazem hydrochloride is a calcium channel blocker, which belongs to the family of benzothiazepines. It is commonly used to treat hypertension and atrial fibrillation. Even though the drug has high solubility, its high permeability and rapid metabolism in the liver can limit the bioavailability and increase the dose frequencies for up to four times per day. This study focused on a polymer matrix system not only to control the drug release but also to prolong the duration of bioavailability. The polymer matrices were prepared using different ratios of poloxamer-188, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and stearyl alcohol. In vitro and in vivo assessments took place using 24 rabbits and the results were compared to commercially available product Tildiem® (60 mg tablet) as reference. Overall, the rate of drug release was sustained with the gradual increase of poloxamer-188 incorporated with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and stearyl alcohol in the matrix system, achieving a maximum release period of 10 h. The oral bioavailability and pharmacokinetic parameters of diltiazem hydrochloride incorporated in polymer matrix system were similar to commercial reference Tildiem®. In conclusion, the combination of polymers can have a substantial effect on controlling and prolonging the drug release pattern. The outcomes showed that poloxamer-188 combined with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and stearyl alcohol is a powerful matrix system for controlling release of diltiazem hydrochloride.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mosab Arafat
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Al Ain P.O. Box 64141, United Arab Emirates; (M.A.); (M.S.); (M.F.B.); (A.E.); (A.S.)
| | - Muhammad Sarfraz
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Al Ain P.O. Box 64141, United Arab Emirates; (M.A.); (M.S.); (M.F.B.); (A.E.); (A.S.)
| | - Mohammad F. Bostanudin
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Al Ain P.O. Box 64141, United Arab Emirates; (M.A.); (M.S.); (M.F.B.); (A.E.); (A.S.)
| | - Anna Esmaeil
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Al Ain P.O. Box 64141, United Arab Emirates; (M.A.); (M.S.); (M.F.B.); (A.E.); (A.S.)
| | - Aisha Salam
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Al Ain P.O. Box 64141, United Arab Emirates; (M.A.); (M.S.); (M.F.B.); (A.E.); (A.S.)
| | - Salahdein AbuRuz
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
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Eddin LB, Jha NK, Meeran MFN, Kesari KK, Beiram R, Ojha S. Neuroprotective Potential of Limonene and Limonene Containing Natural Products. Molecules 2021; 26:4535. [PMID: 34361686 PMCID: PMC8348102 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26154535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Limonene is a monoterpene confined to the family of Rutaceae, showing several biological properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antinociceptive and gastroprotective characteristics. Recently, there is notable interest in investigating the pharmacological effects of limonene in various chronic diseases due to its mitigating effect on oxidative stress and inflammation and regulating apoptotic cell death. There are several available studies demonstrating the neuroprotective role of limonene in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, anxiety, and stroke. The high abundance of limonene in nature, its safety profile, and various mechanisms of action make this monoterpene a favorable molecule to be developed as a nutraceutical for preventive purposes and as an alternative agent or adjuvant to modern therapeutic drugs in curbing the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. This manuscript presents a comprehensive review of the available scientific literature discussing the pharmacological activities of limonene or plant products containing limonene which attribute to the protective and therapeutic ability in neurodegenerative disorders. This review has been compiled based on the existing published articles confined to limonene or limonene-containing natural products investigated for their neurotherapeutic or neuroprotective potential. All the articles available in English or the abstract in English were extracted from different databases that offer an access to diverse journals. These databases are PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. Collectively, this review emphasizes the neuroprotective potential of limonene against neurodegenerative and other neuroinflammatory diseases. The available data are indicative of the nutritional use of products containing limonene and the pharmacological actions and mechanisms of limonene and may direct future preclinical and clinical studies for the development of limonene as an alternative or complementary phytomedicine. The pharmacophore can also provide a blueprint for further drug discovery using numerous drug discovery tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lujain Bader Eddin
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain 17666, United Arab Emirates; (L.B.E.); (M.F.N.M.); (R.B.)
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201310, India;
| | - M. F. Nagoor Meeran
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain 17666, United Arab Emirates; (L.B.E.); (M.F.N.M.); (R.B.)
| | - Kavindra Kumar Kesari
- Department of Applied Physics, School of Science, Aalto University, 00076 Espoo, Finland;
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, 00076 Espoo, Finland
| | - Rami Beiram
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain 17666, United Arab Emirates; (L.B.E.); (M.F.N.M.); (R.B.)
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain 17666, United Arab Emirates; (L.B.E.); (M.F.N.M.); (R.B.)
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15
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Alao DO, Cevik AA, Grivna M, Eid HO, Abu-Zidan FM. Epidemiological changes of geriatric trauma in the United Arab Emirates. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e26258. [PMID: 34087916 PMCID: PMC8183772 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000026258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT We aimed to study the epidemiological changes in geriatric trauma in Al-Ain City, United Arab Emirates, in the past decade to give recommendations on injury prevention.Trauma patients aged 65 years and above who were hospitalized at Al-Ain Hospital for more than 24 hours or died in the hospital after their arrival regardless of the length of stay were studied. Data were extracted from the Al-Ain Hospital trauma registry. Two periods were compared; March 2003 to March 2006 and January 2014 to December 2017. Studied variables which were compared included demography, mechanism of injury and its location, and clinical outcome.There were 66 patients in the first period and 200 patients in the second period. The estimated annual incidence of hospitalized geriatric trauma patients in Al-Ain City was 8.5 per 1000 geriatric inhabitants in the first period compared with 7.8 per 1000 geriatric inhabitants in the second period. Furthermore, mortality was reduced from 7.6% to 2% (P = 0.04). There was a significant increase in falls on the same level by14.9% (62.1%-77%, P = 0.02, Pearson χ2 test). This was associated with a significant increase of injuries occurring at home (55.4%-78.7% P = 0.0003, Fisher Exact test). There was also a strong trend in the reduction of road traffic collision injuries which was reduced by 10.8% (27.3%-16.5%, P = 0.07, Fisher Exact test).Although the incidence and severity of geriatric trauma did not change over the last decade, in-hospital mortality has significantly decreased over time. There was a significant increase in injuries occurring at homes and in falls on the same level. The home environment should be targeted in injury prevention programs so as to reduce geriatric injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- David O. Alao
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University
- Emergency Department, Al-Ain Hospital
| | - Arif Alper Cevik
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University
| | - Michal Grivna
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al-Ain
| | - Hani O. Eid
- Emergency Department, Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital, Abu Dhabi
| | - Fikri M. Abu-Zidan
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Poli G, Hasan S, Belia S, Cenciarini M, Tucker SJ, Imbrici P, Shehab S, Pessia M, Brancorsini S, D’Adamo MC. Kcnj16 (Kir5.1) Gene Ablation Causes Subfertility and Increases the Prevalence of Morphologically Abnormal Spermatozoa. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5972. [PMID: 34205849 PMCID: PMC8199489 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of spermatozoa to swim towards an oocyte and fertilize it depends on precise K+ permeability changes. Kir5.1 is an inwardly-rectifying potassium (Kir) channel with high sensitivity to intracellular H+ (pHi) and extracellular K+ concentration [K+]o, and hence provides a link between pHi and [K+]o changes and membrane potential. The intrinsic pHi sensitivity of Kir5.1 suggests a possible role for this channel in the pHi-dependent processes that take place during fertilization. However, despite the localization of Kir5.1 in murine spermatozoa, and its increased expression with age and sexual maturity, the role of the channel in sperm morphology, maturity, motility, and fertility is unknown. Here, we confirmed the presence of Kir5.1 in spermatozoa and showed strong expression of Kir4.1 channels in smooth muscle and epithelial cells lining the epididymal ducts. In contrast, Kir4.2 expression was not detected in testes. To examine the possible role of Kir5.1 in sperm physiology, we bred mice with a deletion of the Kcnj16 (Kir5.1) gene and observed that 20% of Kir5.1 knock-out male mice were infertile. Furthermore, 50% of knock-out mice older than 3 months were unable to breed. By contrast, 100% of wild-type (WT) mice were fertile. The genetic inactivation of Kcnj16 also resulted in smaller testes and a greater percentage of sperm with folded flagellum compared to WT littermates. Nevertheless, the abnormal sperm from mutant animals displayed increased progressive motility. Thus, ablation of the Kcnj16 gene identifies Kir5.1 channel as an important element contributing to testis development, sperm flagellar morphology, motility, and fertility. These findings are potentially relevant to the understanding of the complex pHi- and [K+]o-dependent interplay between different sperm ion channels, and provide insight into their role in fertilization and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Poli
- Section of Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (G.P.); (S.B.)
| | - Sonia Hasan
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat 13110, Kuwait;
| | - Silvia Belia
- Department of Chemistry Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Marta Cenciarini
- Section of Physiology & Biochemistry, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Stephen J. Tucker
- Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PU, UK;
| | - Paola Imbrici
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari ‘‘Aldo Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy;
| | - Safa Shehab
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Mauro Pessia
- Department of Physiology & Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta;
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Stefano Brancorsini
- Section of Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (G.P.); (S.B.)
| | - Maria Cristina D’Adamo
- Department of Physiology & Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta;
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Al-Salam S, Sharma C, Abu Sa’a MT, Afandi B, Aldahmani KM, Al Dhaheri A, Yahya H, Al Naqbi D, Al Zuraiqi E, Mohamed BK, Almansoori SA, Al Zaabi M, Al Derei A, Al Shamsi A, Kaabi JA. Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology and ultrasound examination of thyroid nodules in the UAE: A comparison. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247807. [PMID: 33826647 PMCID: PMC8026079 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Thyroid nodules are a common clinical finding and most are benign, however, 5–15% can be malignant. There is limited regional data describing the accuracy of ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytological examination compared to ultrasound examination of thyroid in patients who have undergone thyroid surgery. Methods A retrospective analysis of ultrasonographic (US) reports, FNA cytology reports and histopathology reports of 161 thyroid nodules presented at the endocrine center at Tawam hospital in Al Ain city, the United Arab Emirates during the period 2011–2019 was performed. US reports and images with FNA cytopathology reports and slides were reviewed by an independent radiologist and pathologist. Results In total, 40 nodules were reported as benign by US examination, while very low suspicious, low suspicious, intermediate suspicious and highly suspicious categories were reported in 21, 41, 14 and 45 nodules respectively. In addition, 68 nodules were reported as benign (Bethesda category II), while atypical follicular cells of unknown significance (Bethesda category III), follicular neoplasm (Bethesda category IV), suspicious for malignancy (Bethesda category V), and malignant (Bethesda category VI) categories were reported in 33, 9, 24 and 27 nodules respectively. The risk of malignancy for US benign nodules was 5%, while the risks of malignancy in very low suspicious, low suspicious, intermediate suspicious and highly suspicious nodules were 52%, 36%, 100% and 87%, respectively. The risk of malignancy for Bethesda category II was 3%, while the risks of malignancy in category III, IV, V and VI were 58%, 67%, 96% and 100%, respectively. Conclusion Thyroid FNA cytological examination and ultrasonography are key tools in predicting malignancy in thyroid nodules. Thyroid nodules with the diagnosis of Bethesda category III & IV run a high risk of malignancy thus more vigilance is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhail Al-Salam
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine& Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Charu Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine& Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Bachar Afandi
- Endocrine Division–Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Alia Al Dhaheri
- College of Medicine& Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hayat Yahya
- College of Medicine& Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Duha Al Naqbi
- College of Medicine& Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Esraa Al Zuraiqi
- College of Medicine& Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Baraa Kamal Mohamed
- College of Medicine& Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shamsa Ahmed Almansoori
- College of Medicine& Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Meera Al Zaabi
- College of Medicine& Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Aysha Al Derei
- College of Medicine& Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amal Al Shamsi
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine& Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Juma Al Kaabi
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine& Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- * E-mail:
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18
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Sharma C, Platat C, Gariballa S, Muhairi SJA, Aidaros AA, Mannaerts GHH, Al Afari HS, Yasin J, Y. Al-Dirbashi O, Alkaabi J. Metabolomic Profiling of Lipids and Fatty Acids: 3 Years Postoperative Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy. Biology (Basel) 2021; 10:298. [PMID: 33916397 PMCID: PMC8067044 DOI: 10.3390/biology10040298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Visceral obesity is common in the United Arab Emirates and worldwide. Although laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) leads to effective and sustainable weight loss, its long-term beneficial impact on other risk factors, including blood lipid and fatty acid (FA) profiles, remains unknown. These two profiles were assessed in patients 3 years after undergoing LSG and in LSG candidates (controls). Lipid profiles were measured using the Cobas e411 modular analyzer, and 35 FAs were identified. The age and body mass index were 36.55 ± 8.65 years and 31.49 ± 6.43 kg/m2 in the LSG group and 35.44 ± 9.51 years and 32.29 ± 5.38 kg/m2 in the control group, respectively. The overall lipid profile was more favorable in the LSG group than in the control group. Total saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated FAs were similar between the groups, but total medium-chain FAs were more abundant in the LSG group. In endogenous FA synthesis, the estimated activity of C16Δ9 desaturase and Δ5 desaturase decreased, whereas that of elongase increased in the LSG group compared with that in the control group. The benefits of LSG on blood lipid and FA profiles in patients with 3-year LSG may be limited. Hence, lifestyle interventions combined with a long-term and strict regular follow-up regime may be warranted for patients undergoing LSG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charu Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 17666, United Arab Emirates; (C.S.); (S.G.); (J.Y.)
| | - Carine Platat
- Department of Nutrition and Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 17666, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Salah Gariballa
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 17666, United Arab Emirates; (C.S.); (S.G.); (J.Y.)
| | | | - Anas Al Aidaros
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 17666, United Arab Emirates; (A.A.A.); (O.Y.A.-D.)
| | | | | | - Javed Yasin
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 17666, United Arab Emirates; (C.S.); (S.G.); (J.Y.)
| | - Osama Y. Al-Dirbashi
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 17666, United Arab Emirates; (A.A.A.); (O.Y.A.-D.)
- National Reference Laboratory, ICAD 1, Musaffa, Abu Dhabi 92323, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Juma Alkaabi
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 17666, United Arab Emirates; (C.S.); (S.G.); (J.Y.)
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Al-Rifai RH, Loney T, Sheek-Hussein M, Zoughbor S, Ajab S, Olanda M, Al-Rasbi Z. Prevalence of, and Factors Associated with Intestinal Parasites in Multinational Expatriate Workers in Al Ain City, United Arab Emirates: An Occupational Cross-Sectional Study. J Immigr Minor Health 2021; 22:359-374. [PMID: 31250249 PMCID: PMC7066269 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-019-00903-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
To estimate the prevalence of, and identify factors associated with intestinal parasites (IPs) in expatriate workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). All expatriate workers (N = 115) in a conveniently selected workplace in the industrial district of Al Ain city were invited to participate in a cross-sectional study. Consenting workers completed an interviewer-led questionnaire and self-collected stool samples. Stool samples were microscopically and molecularly screened for the presence of IPs. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted. Overall, 102 (88.7%) workers participated in the survey and 84.3% provided stool samples. Over three-quarters (79.4%) of workers were living in labour accommodation, 76.0% were sharing a bedroom with ≥ 4 workers, 80.2% were sharing a toilet with > 5 other people. Fifteen species of IPs were identified. Microscopically, 17.4% of the screened stool samples were positive for at least one parasite. Entamoeba species was the most common (8.1%) followed by Cryptosporidium species (3.5%). Thirty-six (41.8%) of the tested stool samples were positive for at least one parasite by molecular testing. The most prevalent parasite was Cryptosporidium species (16.3%) followed by Enterobius vermicularis (14.0%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (5.8%). Overall, 47.8% of the tested expatriate workers were positive for at least one IP, microscopically or molecularly. Educational attainment was negatively associated with being positive for at least one IP. IPs were very common amongst expatriate workers in Al Ain city. Efficacious and cost-effective public health interventions are required to reduce the burden of, and prevent the onward transmission of IPs in the UAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami H. Al-Rifai
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Tom Loney
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, PO Box 505055, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamud Sheek-Hussein
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sumaya Zoughbor
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Suad Ajab
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Marie Olanda
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Zakeya Al-Rasbi
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Al-Shamsi S, Govender RD, King J. External validation and clinical usefulness of three commonly used cardiovascular risk prediction scores in an Emirati population: a retrospective longitudinal cohort study. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e040680. [PMID: 33115904 PMCID: PMC7594351 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-040680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction models are useful tools for identifying those at high risk of cardiovascular events in a population. No studies have evaluated the performance of such risk models in an Arab population. Therefore, in this study, the accuracy and clinical usefulness of two commonly used Framingham-based risk models and the 2013 Pooled Cohort Risk Equation (PCE) were assessed in a United Arab Emirates (UAE) national population. DESIGN A 10-year retrospective cohort study. SETTING Outpatient clinics at a tertiary care hospital, Al-Ain, UAE. PARTICIPANTS The study cohort included 1041 UAE nationals aged 30-79 who had no history of CVD at baseline. Patients were followed until 31 December 2019. Eligible patients were grouped into the PCE and the Framingham validation cohorts. EXPOSURE The 10-year predicted risk for CVD for each patient was calculated using the 2008 Framingham risk model, the 2008 office-based Framingham risk model, and the 2013 PCE model. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE The discrimination, calibration and clinical usefulness of the three models for predicting 10-year cardiovascular risk were assessed. RESULTS In women, the 2013 PCE model showed marginally better discrimination (C-statistic: 0.77) than the 2008 Framingham models (C-statistic: 0.74-0.75), whereas all three models showed moderate discrimination in men (C-statistic: 0.69‒0.70). All three models overestimated CVD risk in both men and women, with higher levels of predicted risk. The 2008 Framingham risk model (high-risk threshold of 20%) classified only 46% of women who subsequently developed incident CVD within 10 years as high risk. The 2013 PCE risk model (high-risk threshold of 7.5%) classified 74% of men who did not develop a cardiovascular event as high risk. CONCLUSIONS None of the three models is accurate for predicting cardiovascular risk in UAE nationals. The performance of the models could potentially be improved by recalibration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saif Al-Shamsi
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Romona Devi Govender
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jeffrey King
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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21
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Regmi D, Al-Shamsi S, Govender RD, Al Kaabi J. Incidence and risk factors of type 2 diabetes mellitus in an overweight and obese population: a long-term retrospective cohort study from a Gulf state. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e035813. [PMID: 32616491 PMCID: PMC7333876 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A high body mass index (BMI) is associated with risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is experiencing a marked increase in obesity. Nonetheless, no data are available regarding the incidence of type 2 DM in the high-risk adult UAE population. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the incidence rate and risk of developing type 2 DM among individuals with above-normal BMI in the UAE. DESIGN A retrospective cohort study. SETTING Outpatient clinics at a tertiary care centre in Al Ain, UAE. PARTICIPANTS Three hundred and sixty-two overweight or obese adult UAE nationals who visited outpatient clinics between April 2008 and December 2008. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE Patients with type 2 DM were identified based on diagnosis established by a physician or through glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels ≥6.5% during the follow-up period (until April 2018). RESULTS The overall incidence rate of type 2 DM during the median follow-up time of 8.7 years was 16.3 (95% CI 12.1 to 21.4) cases per 1000 person-years. Incidence rates in men and women were 17.7 (95% CI 11.6 to 25.9) and 15.0 (95% CI 9.8 to 22.2) cases per 1000 person-years, respectively. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis determined older age and obesity in women and pre-diabetes in men to be independent risk factors for developing type 2 DM. CONCLUSIONS The incidence rate of type 2 DM in overweight and obese UAE nationals is high. In addition to screening, current strategies should strongly emphasise lifestyle modifications to decrease HbA1c and BMI levels in this high-risk population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dybesh Regmi
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Saif Al-Shamsi
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Romona D Govender
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Juma Al Kaabi
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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22
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Ali R, Loney T, Al-Houqani M, Blair I, Aziz F, Al Dhaheri S, El Barazi I, Soteriades ES, Shah SM. Cigarette smoking and smokeless tobacco use among male south Asian migrants in the United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:815. [PMID: 32473627 PMCID: PMC7260757 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-08942-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few data were available on smoking and smokeless tobacco use in South Asian migrants in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study aimed to identify the prevalence and correlates of cigarette smoking and smokeless tobacco use in male South Asian migrants in the UAE. METHODS We used a cross-sectional study to recruit a random representative sample of male South Asian migrants, including Indian (n = 433), Pakistani (n = 383) and Bangladeshi (n = 559) nationalities. We used multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify significant correlates of cigarettes smoking and smokeless tobacco use. RESULTS 1375 South Asian migrant adult males participated in the study (response rate 76%) with a mean age of 34 years (SD ± 10). The overall prevalence of cigarette smoking was 28% (95%CI 25-30%) and smokeless tobacco use was 11% (95%CI 10-13%). The prevalence of current cigarette smoking was 21, 23, and 37% among participants from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, respectively. The prevalence of current smokeless tobacco use was 6, 12, and 16% for Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi participants, respectively. Among study participants, Bangladeshi nationality, hypertension, and alcohol use were significant correlates of current cigarette smoking. Significant correlates of smokeless tobacco use included increased age, less than college level education, alcohol use, and Pakistani or Bangladeshi nationality. CONCLUSIONS Current smoking and smokeless tobacco use in South Asian migrants represent a significant public health burden in the UAE. Effective public health measures are needed to reduce tobacco use in this migrant population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghib Ali
- Public Health Research Center, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Public Health, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Tom Loney
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Public Health, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammed Al-Houqani
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, Al Aim, United Arab Emirates
| | - Iain Blair
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Public Health, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Faisal Aziz
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Public Health, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Salma Al Dhaheri
- Health Promotion, Department of Health, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Iffat El Barazi
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Public Health, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Elpidoforos S Soteriades
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Public Health, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Environmental Health, Environmental and Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology (EOME), Harvard T. H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Syed M Shah
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Public Health, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
- Department of Family Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
- Zayed Centre for Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
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Ali BH, Al-Salam S, Al Balushi KA, Al Za’abi M, Adham SA, Beegam S, Yuvaraju P, Manoj P, Nemmar A. Ameliorative Effect of Gum Acacia on Hookah Smoke-Induced Testicular Impairment in Mice. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10050762. [PMID: 32414135 PMCID: PMC7277429 DOI: 10.3390/biom10050762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated some reproductive actions of hookah smoke (HS) exposure (30 min/day, for 30 days) in male mice, and the possible mitigative effect of the prebiotic agent gum acacia (GA) thereon. Control mice were air-exposed (AE). Twenty-four hours after the last exposure, the levels of some plasma reproductive hormones, biochemical markers of inflammation, oxidative and nitrosative stress and testicular histopathology were assessed. The urinary level of cotinine, a major nicotine metabolite, was also measured. HS exposure induced significant decreases in testosterone, estradiol, luteinizing hormone, and androgen binding protein, as well as glutathione reductase activity and levels of nitrite and total nitrite. Plasma inhibin B, alkaline phosphatase, lipopolysaccharide binding protein, uric acid, lactate dehydrogenase, lipid peroxidation, 8-oxo-2’-deoxyguanosine, and cytochrome C were significantly increased following HS exposure. In testicular homogenate, nuclear factor-κB (NF-ĸB), nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2), interleukin- 6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), transforming growth factor-β1(TGF- β1), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF- α) were all significantly elevated, and the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) significantly decreased. Histopathologically, there was slight impairment and disorganization of spermatogenesis. Urinary cotinine concentration was elevated significantly in the HS-exposed group compared with the air-exposed group. GA co-administration mitigated the adverse actions of HS measured. In conclusion, daily exposure to HS at the above dose induced adverse actions on the reproductive system of male mice. GA co-administration significantly mitigated these effects by reducing the inflammation, oxidative and nitrosative stress, via a mechanism involving Nrf2, and reduction of StAR expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Badreldin H. Ali
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khod, Muscat 123, Oman; (B.H.A.); (K.A.A.B.); (M.A.Z.); (P.M.)
| | - Suhail Al-Salam
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 17666, UAE;
| | - Khalid A. Al Balushi
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khod, Muscat 123, Oman; (B.H.A.); (K.A.A.B.); (M.A.Z.); (P.M.)
| | - Mohammed Al Za’abi
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khod, Muscat 123, Oman; (B.H.A.); (K.A.A.B.); (M.A.Z.); (P.M.)
| | - Sirin A. Adham
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khod, Muscat 123, Oman;
| | - Sumaya Beegam
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 17666, UAE; (S.B.); (P.Y.)
| | - Priya Yuvaraju
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 17666, UAE; (S.B.); (P.Y.)
| | - Priyadarsini Manoj
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khod, Muscat 123, Oman; (B.H.A.); (K.A.A.B.); (M.A.Z.); (P.M.)
| | - Abderrahim Nemmar
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 17666, UAE; (S.B.); (P.Y.)
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain 17666, UAE
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +971-371-375-33
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Al-Salam S, Sharma C, Afandi B, Al Dahmani K, Al-Zahrani AS, Al Shamsi A, Al Kaabi J. BRAF and KRAS mutations in papillary thyroid carcinoma in the United Arab Emirates. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231341. [PMID: 32315324 PMCID: PMC7173769 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common malignant thyroid neoplasm comprising 80–90% of all thyroid malignancies. Molecular changes in thyroid follicular cells are likely associated with the development of PTC. Mutations in serine/threonine-protein kinase (BRAF) and Rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (RAS) are commonly seen in PTC. Methods In total, 90 cases of PTC are randomly selected from archive paraffin blocks and 10μm sections were cut and processed for DNA extraction. BRAFV600E mutation and 8 types of KRAS mutations were investigated using Real Time PCR. Results BRAFV600E mutation was identified in 46% of PTC while KRAS mutations were seen in 11% of PTC. There was significant correlation between BRAFV600E mutation and PTC larger than 5cm in diameter, positive surgical margin and lymph node metastasis. BRAFV600E mutation was significantly higher in patients with less than 55-year of age than those more than 55-year of age. BRAFV600E mutation was significantly higher in patients with family history of thyroid cancer than those without. There was no significant difference in BRAFV600E mutation between males and females, PTC classic and follicular variants, unifocal and multifocal PTC. There was a significant higher percentage of BRAFV600E mutation in classic PTC than papillary microcarcinoma variant. There was no significant age, gender, histologic type, tumor size, lymph node metastasis, tumor focality, and surgical margin status differences between KRAS mutated and non-mutated PTC. Conclusion BRAFV600E and KRAS mutation are seen in a significant number of PTC in the UAE. BRAF mutation is significantly correlated with large tumor size, positive surgical margins and lymph node metastasis suggesting an association between BRAFV600E mutation and tumor growth and spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhail Al-Salam
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Charu Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bachar Afandi
- Endocrine Division, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Ali S. Al-Zahrani
- Department of Medicine, Molecular Endocrinology Division, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Molecular Oncology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amal Al Shamsi
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Juma Al Kaabi
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- * E-mail:
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25
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Al-Shamsi S, Govender RD, Soteriades ES. Mortality and potential years of life lost attributable to non-optimal glycaemic control in men and women with diabetes in the United Arab Emirates: a population-based retrospective cohort study. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e032654. [PMID: 31501134 PMCID: PMC6738721 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-032654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Numerous studies reported that achieving near-normal glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in patients with diabetes may delay or even prevent vascular complications. However, information regarding the impact of non-optimal HbA1c control on adverse health outcomes in an Arab population is unknown. The aim of this study was to estimate the fraction of deaths and potential years of life lost (PYLL) attributable to non-optimal HbA1c control among Emirati men and women with diabetes in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). DESIGN A retrospective cohort study. SETTING This study was conducted in outpatient clinics at a tertiary care centre in Al Ain, UAE, between April 2008 and September 2018. PARTICIPANTS The sample comprised of 583 adult UAE nationals, aged≥18 years, with diabetes. Overall, 57% (n=332) of the study participants were men and 43% (n=251) were women. EXPOSURE Non-optimal HbA1c control, defined as HbA1c≥6.5%. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE All-cause mortality, defined as death from any cause. RESULTS At the end of the 9-year follow-up period, 86 (14.8%) participants died. Overall, up to 33% (95% CI 2% to 63%) of deaths were attributable to non-optimal HbA1c control among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Stratified by sex, the adjusted fraction of avoidable mortality was 17% (95% CI -23% to 57%) for men and 50% (95% CI 3% to 98%) for women. Both deaths and PYLL attributable to non-optimal HbA1c control were higher in women compared with men. CONCLUSIONS Up to one-third of all deaths in adult UAE nationals with DM could be attributed to non-optimal HbA1c control. Effective sex-specific interventions and healthcare quality-improvement programmes should urgently be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saif Al-Shamsi
- Internal Medicine, United Arab Emirates University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Romona Devi Govender
- Family Medicine, United Arab Emirates University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Elpidoforos S Soteriades
- Institute of Public Health, United Arab Emirates University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Al Haddad A, Ali N, Elbarazi I, Elabadlah H, Al-Maskari F, Narchi H, Brabon C, Ghazal-Aswad S, AlShalabi FM, Zampelas A, Loney T, Blair I, Ahmed LA. Mutaba'ah-Mother and Child Health Study: protocol for a prospective cohort study investigating the maternal and early life determinants of infant, child, adolescent and maternal health in the United Arab Emirates. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e030937. [PMID: 31383713 PMCID: PMC6686999 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-030937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Early life exposures, particularly environmental and parental lifestyle factors, have a major influence on children's health and development. Due to increasing interest in the early life developmental origins of diseases, many birth cohorts have been established. These studies constitute a repository of data which researchers use over many years to investigate emerging research questions. However, no such databank or cohort study is available in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This project aims to establish a prospective mother and child cohort study in Al Ain (Abu Dhabi, UAE) to investigate the maternal and early life determinants of infant, child, adolescent and maternal health of the Emirati population. METHODS AND ANALYSIS During the period 2017-2021, this study aims to recruit 10 000 pregnancies at approximately 12 weeks of gestation from hospitals and clinics in Al Ain city. For each mother/newborn pair, an initial dataset will be collected including anthropometric, physiological and biochemical measurements, medical interventions, circumstances of pregnancy, delivery details and neonatal and perinatal growth and health using a combination of questionnaires, interviews and medical record extractions. Baseline data will act as the starting point from which the children will be followed up and re-surveyed at intervals throughout their life course until the age of 16 years, to explore how familial, socioeconomic and lifestyle factors interact with genetic and environmental factors to influence health outcomes and achievements later in life. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval has been granted by the United Arab Emirates University Human Research Ethics Committee and the ethical committees of the participating institutions. Results will be widely disseminated via peer-reviewed manuscripts, conference presentations, media outlets and reports to relevant authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal Al Haddad
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nasloon Ali
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Iffat Elbarazi
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Haba Elabadlah
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University of Science and Technology, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fatima Al-Maskari
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hassib Narchi
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Christel Brabon
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Oasis Hospital, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Saad Ghazal-Aswad
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Antonis Zampelas
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Tom Loney
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Iain Blair
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Luai A Ahmed
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Adeghate E, Saeed Z, D'Souza C, Tariq S, Kalász H, Tekes K, Adeghate EA. Effect of nociceptin on insulin release in normal and diabetic rat pancreas. Cell Tissue Res 2018; 374:517-529. [PMID: 30112574 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-018-2903-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Nociceptin (NC), also known as Orphanin FQ, is a brain peptide involved in the regulation of pain, but its role in the endocrine pancreas is poorly understood. The present study examines the pattern of distribution of NC and its effect on insulin and glucagon secretion after the onset of diabetes mellitus (DM). Male Wistar rats weighing 150-200 g were made diabetic with streptozotocin (60 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneally). Four weeks after the induction of DM, pancreatic tissues were retrieved and processed for immunofluorescence, immunoelectron microscopy, and insulin and glucagon secretion. Isolated islets from non-diabetic and diabetic rats were used to determine the effect of NC on insulin release. NC was discerned in islet cells of non-diabetic control and diabetic rat pancreata. NC co-localized only with insulin in pancreatic beta cells. NC did not co-localize with either glucagon or somatostatin or pancreatic polypeptide. The number of NC-positive cells was markedly (p < 0.001) reduced after the onset of DM. Electron microscopy study showed that NC is located with insulin in the same secretory granules of the beta cells of both non-diabetic and diabetic rat pancreas. NC inhibits insulin release markedly (p < 0.05) from pancreatic tissue fragments of non-diabetic and diabetic rats. In contrast, NC at 10-12 M stimulates insulin release in isolated islets of DM rats. In conclusion, NC co-localizes with insulin only in the islet of Langerhans. The co-localization of NC with insulin suggests a role for NC in the regulation of pancreatic beta cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest Adeghate
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Crystal D'Souza
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Saeed Tariq
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Huba Kalász
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kornélia Tekes
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ernest A Adeghate
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
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Al-Rifai RH, Aziz F. Prevalence of type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and gestational diabetes mellitus in women of childbearing age in Middle East and North Africa, 2000-2017: protocol for two systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Syst Rev 2018; 7:96. [PMID: 30021654 PMCID: PMC6052625 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-018-0763-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes mellitus (DM) in women of childbearing age may affect the fetus, thereby accelerating the intergenerational risk of DM. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is experiencing a growing epidemic of DM. We aim to conduct two systematic reviews to summarize the burden of DM in women of childbearing age in the MENA region. In the systematic review 1, we aim to (1) systematically aggregate the evidence on type 2 DM (T2DM) and prediabetes and (2) to synthesize overall estimate on the prevalence of T2DM and overall estimate on the prevalence of prediabetes, in women of childbearing age (15-49 years). In the systematic review 2, we aim to (1) systematically aggregate the evidence on gestational DM (GDM) and (2) to synthesize overall estimate on the prevalence of GDM in pregnant women. METHODS For systematic reviews 1 and 2, we will conduct a comprehensive search of the literature published in six electronic databases (MEDLINE-PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, and Academic Search Complete). Variant and broad search terms will be designed to identify epidemiologic studies on the prevalence of T2DM and prediabetes in women of childbearing age, and GDM in pregnant women, published between 2000 and 2017. The MENA region will be defined according to the World Bank Country and Lending Groups. Retrieved citations will be screened, and data from the eligible research reports against specific eligibility criteria will be extracted. The findings of each systematic review will be reported separately following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Guidelines (PRISMA). DISCUSSION Published literature on the prevalence of different types of DM among different population groups has been recently increased in the MENA region. This is the first review to fill an evidence gap on the overall burden, in the form of prevalence, of T2DM, prediabetes, and GDM in women of childbearing age in the MENA region. The findings of the two reviews will help in understanding the regional burden of these three types of DM in specific population groups to identify priority areas for interventions. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION The PROSPERO registration number for the systematic review 1 is " CRD42017069231 " dated 12/06/2017 and for the systematic review 2 is " CRD42018100629 " dated 18/06/2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami H. Al-Rifai
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Faisal Aziz
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, UAE
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Albawardi A, Quddus MR, Al Awar S, Almarzooqi S. Frequency of rare and multi viral high-risk HPV types infection in cervical high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions in a non-native dominant middle eastern country: a polymerase chain reaction-based pilot study. Diagn Pathol 2018; 13:42. [PMID: 29945637 PMCID: PMC6020339 DOI: 10.1186/s13000-018-0716-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of abnormal cervical smears in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is 3.6%. Data regarding specific high-risk HPV (hrHPV) genotypes are insufficient. Identification of hrHPV subtypes is essential to allow formulating effective vaccination strategies. METHODS A total of 75 archival cervical cone biopsies with HSIL or higher lesions (2012-2016) were retrieved from a tertiary hospital, including HSIL (n = 70), adenocarcinoma in-situ (n = 1) and squamous cell carcinoma (n = 4). Five tissue sections (10-μ-thick each) were cut and DNA extracted using the QIAamp DNA FFPE Tissue Kit. GenomeMeTM's GeneNavTM HPV One qPCR Kit was used for specific detection of HPV 16 and 18; and non-16/18 samples were typed by GenomeMeTM's GeneNavTM HPV Genotyping qPCR Kit. RESULTS Median age was 34 years (range 19-58) with 70% UAE Nationals. hrHPV detected were 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 58, 59, 66 & 68. hrHPV testing was negative in 12% of cases. Most common types were HPV 16 (49%), HPV 31 (20%) and HPV 18 (6.6%). hrHPV 16 and/or 18 represented 56% and rare subtypes 32%. Co-infection was present in 16%. Eight cases had two-viral subtype infections and 4 cases had 3 subtype infections. Multi-viral HPV infection was limited to hrHPV 16, 18, 31 & 33 subtypes. CONCLUSIONS Infection by non HPV 16/18 is fairly common. A higher than expected incidence of rare subtype (20% hrHPV31) and multi-viral hrHPV (16%) were detected. This finding stresses the importance of this pilot study as currently only quadravalent vaccine is offered to control the HPV infection in the UAE population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alia Albawardi
- Pathology Department, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - M. Ruhul Quddus
- Department of Pathology, Women & Infants Hospital/Alpert Medical of Brown University, Providence, RI 02905 USA
| | - Shamsa Al Awar
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Saeeda Almarzooqi
- Pathology Department, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Al-Ahmad MM, Amir N, Dhanasekaran S, John A, Abdulrazzaq YM, Ali BR, Bastaki SMA. Genetic polymorphisms of cytochrome P450-1A2 (CYP1A2) among Emiratis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183424. [PMID: 28934216 PMCID: PMC5608188 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) is one of the CYP450 mixed-function oxidase system that is of clinical importance due to the large number of drug interactions associated with its induction and inhibition. In addition, significant inter-individual differences in the elimination of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2 enzyme have been observed which are largely due to the highly polymorphic nature of CYP1A2 gene. However, there are limited studies on CYP1A2 phenotypes and CYP1A2 genotypes among Emiratis and thus this study was carried out to fill this gap. Five hundred and seventy six non-smoker Emirati subjects were asked to consume a soft drink containing caffeine (a non-toxic and reliable probe for predicting CYP1A2 phenotype) and then provide a buccal swab along with a spot urine sample. Taq-Man Real Time PCR was used to determine the CYP1A2 genotype of each individual. Phenotyping was carried out by analyzing the caffeine metabolites using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis. We found that 1.4%, 16.3% and 82.3% of the Emirati subjects were slow, intermediate and rapid CYP1A2 metabolizers, respectively. In addition, we found that 1.4% of the subjects were homozygote for derived alleles while 16.1% were heterozygote and 82.5% were homozygote for the ancestral allele. The genotype frequency of the ancestral allele, CYP1A2*1A/*1A, is the highest in this population, followed by CYP1A2 *1A/*1C and CYP1A2 *1A/*1K genotypes, with frequencies of 0.825, 0.102 and 0.058, respectively. The degree of phenotype/genotype concordance was equal to 81.6%. The CYP1A2*1C/*1C and CYP1A2*3/*3 genotypes showed significantly the lowest enzyme phenotypic activity. The frequency of slow activity CYP1A2 enzyme alleles is very low among Emiratis which correlates with the presence of low frequencies of derived alleles in CYP1A2 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad M. Al-Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Naheed Amir
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Subramanian Dhanasekaran
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Anne John
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yousef M. Abdulrazzaq
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bassam R. Ali
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Salim M. A. Bastaki
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- * E-mail:
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Wilms T, Khan G, Coates PJ, Sgaramella N, Fåhraeus R, Hassani A, Philip PS, Norberg Spaak L, Califano L, Colella G, Olofsson K, Loizou C, Franco R, Nylander K. No evidence for the presence of Epstein-Barr virus in squamous cell carcinoma of the mobile tongue. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0184201. [PMID: 28926591 PMCID: PMC5604943 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) comprises a large group of cancers in the oral cavity and nasopharyngeal area that typically arise in older males in association with alcohol/tobacco usage. Within the oral cavity, the mobile tongue is the most common site for tumour development. The incidence of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is increasing in younger people, which has been suggested to associate with a viral aetiology. Two common human oncogenic viruses, human papilloma virus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are known causes of certain types of SCCHN, namely the oropharynx and nasopharynx, respectively. EBV infects most adults worldwide through oral transmission and establishes a latent infection, with sporadic productive viral replication and release of virus in the oral cavity throughout life. In view of the prevalence of EBV in the oral cavity and recent data indicating that it infects tongue epithelial cells and establishes latency, we examined 98 cases of primary squamous cell carcinoma of the mobile tongue and 15 cases of tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma for the presence of EBV-encoded RNAs (EBERs), EBV DNA and an EBV-encoded protein, EBNA-1. A commercially available in situ hybridisation kit targeting EBER transcripts (EBER-ISH) showed a positive signal in the cytoplasm and/or nuclei of tumour cells in 43% of TSCCs. However, application of control probes and RNase A digestion using in-house developed EBER-ISH showed identical EBER staining patterns, indicating non-specific signals. PCR analysis of the BamH1 W repeat sequences did not identify EBV genomes in tumour samples. Immunohistochemistry for EBNA-1 was also negative. These data exclude EBV as a potential player in TSCC in both old and young patients and highlight the importance of appropriate controls for EBER-ISH in investigating EBV in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torben Wilms
- Department of Clinical Sciences/ENT, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- * E-mail: (TW); (KN)
| | - Gulfaraz Khan
- United Arab Emirates University, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Dept. of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Tawam Hospital Campus, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Philip J. Coates
- RECAMO, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Robin Fåhraeus
- RECAMO, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- University Paris Diderot, INSERM UMRS1162, 27 rue Juliette Dodu, Paris, France
| | - Asma Hassani
- United Arab Emirates University, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Dept. of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Tawam Hospital Campus, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Pretty S. Philip
- United Arab Emirates University, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Dept. of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Tawam Hospital Campus, Al Ain, UAE
| | | | - Luigi Califano
- Department of Neuroscience Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Colella
- Second University of Naples, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Specialties, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Christos Loizou
- Department of Clinical Sciences/ENT, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Renato Franco
- Dipartimento Universitario di Anatomia Patologica, Seconda Universita' Degli Studi di Napoli, Piazza Miraglia, Naples, Italy
| | - Karin Nylander
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- * E-mail: (TW); (KN)
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