Amjad A. Khan

Aloe vera: Potential candidate in health management via modulation of biological activities.

Treatment based on natural products is rapidly increasing worldwide due to the affordability and fewer side effects of such treatment. Various plants and the products derived from them are commonly used in primary health treatment, and they play a pivotal role in the treatment of diseases via modulation of biochemical and molecular pathways. Aloe vera, a succulent species, produces gel and latex, plays a therapeutic role in health management through antioxidant, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory activities, and also offers a suitable alternative approach for the treatment of various types of diseases. In this review, we summarize the possible mechanism of action and the therapeutic implications of Aloe vera in health maintenance based on its modulation of various biological activities.

Biochemical and Pathological Studies on Peroxidases –An Updated Review

Peroxidases represent a family of isoenzymes actively involved in oxidizing reactive oxygen species, innate immunity, hormone biosynthesis and pathogenesis of several diseases. Different types of peroxidases have organ, tissues, cellular and sub-cellular level of specificities in their function. Different diseases lead to varied expressions of peroxidases based on several mechanisms proposed. Several researches are going on to understand its deficiency, over-expression and malfunction in relation with different diseases. Some common diseases of mankind like cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes directly or indirectly involve the role of peroxidases. So the status of peroxidase levels may also function as a marker of different diseases. Although many types of diseases in human beings have a strong correlation with tissue specific peroxidases, the clear role of these oxido-reductases is not yet fully understood. Here we are focusing on the role of peroxidases in relations with different diseases occurring due to oxidative stress.

Inflammatory markers and haptoglobin polymorphism in Saudi with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Objectives: Haptoglobin (Hp) polymorphism associated with clinical evolution of several inflammatory diseases and considered as a predictive factor for development of diabetes complications. We designed the present study to investigate the frequency distribution of Hp phenotypes among Saudi with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus compared to healthy nondiabetic subjects. Moreover, we explored the possibility of relationship between serum levels of inflammatory markers (namely, high-sensitive C-reactive proteins “hs-CRP”, interleukin (IL)-6, and Hp) and Hp phenotypes. Methods: In the present case-control study, we enrolled 60 type 2 diabetic patients as the study group and 60 healthy subjects as the control group. We assayed serum levels of Hp and hs-CRP by immunoturbidimetric method; while IL-6 was measured by ELISA. Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used for determination of Hp phenotypes. Results: In type 2 diabetics, serum concentrations of IL-6, hs-CRP, and Hp were significantly elevated and correlated to body mass index. Moreover, there was a significant correlation between plasma glucose level and Hp (r = 0.577, p = 0.000), IL-6 (r = 0.448, p = 0.000), and hs-CRP (r = 0.380, p = 0.001). In addition, data demonstrated a positive correlation between HbA1c and Hp (r = 0.521, p = 0.000), IL-6 (r = 0.420, p = 0.001), and hs-CRP (r = 0.353, p = 0.008). Hp 2-1 phenotype predominated among subjects in both study and control groups. No significant association between Hp phenotypes with any of the investigated inflammatory markers was documented. Conclusion: Inflammation may represent the link between type 2 diabetes and obesity. Hp 2-1 was the predominant phenotype among Saudi type 2 diabetics as well as healthy subjects. In addition to Hp; other possible genetic polymorphisms like CRP may have its effect on diabetes through different mechanisms.

Association of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene G894T polymorphism with the risk of diabetic nephropathy in Qassim region, Saudi Arabia—A pilot study

Background Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a chronic microangiopathic complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).Vascular endothelial dysfunction resulting from impaired nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity in the vascular endothelial cells has been suggested as playing an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (E-NOS) gene G894T polymorphism has been reported to be associated with endothelial dysfunction leading to DN. Our objective was to evaluate the association of G894T polymorphism of eNOS gene with the risk of DN among type 2 diabetic Saudi patients. Methods One hundred and twenty subjects were included in this study. They were divided into three groups. Group I, 40 controls. Group II, 40 type 2 diabetic patients without nephropathy. Group III, 40 type2 diabetic patients with nephropathy. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) G894Tpolymorphism was detected by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP). Plasma nitric oxide (NO) levels were estimated. Results E-NOS genotype frequency showed non-significant differences among the all studied groups (p > 0.05). Both diabetic groups had significantly higher plasma nitrate levels than in controls with a significant increase in group III than in group II patients (all p < 0.0001). E NOS 894TT genotype was associated with higher plasma nitrate levels in all groups. Conclusion E-NOS gene SNP is not considered as genetic risk factor for DN among type 2 diabetic Saudi patients. The higher plasma levels of nitrates as a marker of oxidative stress in diabetic patients with nephropathy suggest the possible role of oxidative stress but not e-NOS gene SNP in pathogenesis of the DN.

Myeloperoxidase as an Active Disease Biomarker: Recent Biochemical and Pathological Perspectives

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) belongs to the family of heme-containing peroxidases, produced mostly from polymorphonuclear neutrophils. The active enzyme (150 kDa) is the product of the MPO gene located on long arm of chromosome 17. The primary gene product undergoes several modifications, such as the removal of introns and signal peptides, and leads to the formation of enzymatically inactive glycosylated apoproMPO which complexes with chaperons, producing inactive proMPO by the insertion of a heme moiety. The active enzyme is a homodimer of heavy and light chain protomers. This enzyme is released into the extracellular fluid after oxidative stress and different inflammatory responses. Myeloperoxidase is the only type of peroxidase that uses H2O2 to oxidize several halides and pseudohalides to form different hypohalous acids. So, the antibacterial activities of MPO involve the production of reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species. Controlled MPO release at the site of infection is of prime importance for its efficient activities. Any uncontrolled degranulation exaggerates the inflammation and can also lead to tissue damage even in absence of inflammation. Several types of tissue injuries and the pathogenesis of several other major chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, liver diseases, diabetes, and cancer have been reported to be linked with MPO-derived oxidants. Thus, the enhanced level of MPO activity is one of the best diagnostic tools of inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers among these commonly-occurring diseases.

Effect of Exposure to Cement Dust among the Workers: An Evaluation of Health Related Complications

BACKGROUND: Cement contains various types of chemicals in addition to lime and silica, and such chemicals cause different health complications and pathogenesis in addition to respiratory disorders. The most important occupational hazards for cement workers are allergy and complication related to respiratory system. AIM: The current study was performed by analysing the questionnaire distributed among the workers and also by the sputum collected from them to study the general health conditions and other life activities. METHODS: Sputum samples were assayed for cytological analysis by Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. RESULTS: In this study, it was observed that majority of these workers suffered from different types of respiratory complications, such as a cough, asthma and lung infections. In addition to this, few subjects showed allergy and other complication like hypertension, diabetes and backache. Moreover, cytological analysis of the sputum was made, and it was observed that majority of the subjects showed severe inflammation. CONCLUSION: Based on these finding, we concluded that long-term cement dust exposure and inhalation causes respiratory complications due to epithelial tissue damage and that can lead to secondary complications as well.

Diabetic Retinopathy: Recent Updates on Different Biomarkers and Some Therapeutic Agents

BACKGROUND Diabetic Retinopathy is a leading cause of sight-threatening complication, which occurs due to a number of physiological and metabolic abnormalities during later stages of diabetes. Many of these abnormal changes are consistent with altered oxidative stress, inflammation, genetic set up, advanced glycation end products, and hematological changes. So the altered levels of different biomolecules related to these changes serve as important biomarkers to assess better evaluation and early treatment of this disease. Some treatments like laser therapy may be fast and specific but are more expensive, limited and can result in severe contraindications. Several other novel treatment strategies have been evolved recently besides classical approaches like control over hyperglycemia, hypertension, lipid profile to control diabetic retinopathy. These precise treatments are based on targeting the elevated biomarkers in retina. Such treatments include use of anti-VEGF therapy, intravitreal corticosteroids, gamigliptin and flavonoids. CONCLUSION The present review discusses the latest updates on diabetic retinopathy, common etiology, different biomarkers and current treatments. In conclusion, perfection and proper supervision of diabetes and early treatment of diabetic retinopathy are crucial in controlling the occurrence and severity of this disease.

Therapeutic implication of Terfezia claveryi extract on corneal ulcer of rabbit's eye.

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial activity of Terfezia claveryi crude extract on induced corneal ulcer in rabbit’s eye. Study Design: Study was carried out in Rabbits eye. Place and Duration of the Study: This study was conducted in the experimental laboratories at College of Applied Medical Sciences of Qassim University during the period from March to June 2013. Methodology: Crude aqueous extract of this truffle, in different concentrations, was introduced through intraperitoneal injection to rabbits for their safety dose. Original Research Article Aldebasi et al.; BJMMR, 8(10): 863-873, 2015; Article no.BJMMR.2015.517 864 Corneal epithelial wound was induced in different groups of rabbit’s eye with sodium hydroxide and later this wound was contaminated with some selected bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Escherchia coli to produce iatrogenic infection. The healing power of different concentrations of T. claveryi crude extract was observed by different clinical findings. Results: We observed that 1.5% crude extract of this desert truffle significantly healed the corneal ulcer almost within 9 days. Delayed response in healing was observed with 3% T. claveryi, while 5% extract developed some extra corneal complications. The healing response of corneal ulcer to topical application of different concentrations of T. claveryi extract was compared with a synthetic antibiotic (Vigamox 0.5%) as a reference standard drug. Conclusion: It was concluded that aqueous extract of T. claveryi has no significant toxic effects against liver and kidney function parameters. The antibacterial activity of this desert truffle recommends as an alternative medicine for some corneal infections. However, the therapeutic role of some specific ingredients present in this truffle needs further investigations.

Experimental investigation on rabbits following peritoneal injection of bacteria isolated from human keratitis.

Aim: This work was aimed at studying the pathogenicity of bacteria causing infectious keratitis through experimental infection using different groups of rabbits that were inoculated with clinical isolates and assessed through bioc