The present review has been designed to update the recent developments on the function of seminal vesicles andtheir role on male fertility. It is indicated that the true corrected fructose level is a simple method for...The present review has been designed to update the recent developments on the function of seminal vesicles andtheir role on male fertility. It is indicated that the true corrected fructose level is a simple method for the assessment ofthe seminal vesicular function. Measurement of seminal fructose used universally as a marker of the seminal vesiclefunction is not an appropriate approach due to its inverse relationship with the sperm count. The true corrected fructosedefined as [log. motile sperm concentration] multiplied by [seminal fructose concentration] has been shown to be abetter marker of the seminal vesicle function. Seminal vesicular secretion is important for semen coagulation, sperm motility, and stability of sperm chromatinand suppression of the immune activity in the female reproductive tract. In conclusion, the function of seminal vesicle is important for fertility. Parameters as sperm motility, sperm chro-matin stability, and immuno-protection may be changed in case of its hypofunction. (Asian J Androl 2001 Dec; 3:251 -258)展开更多
Aim:To determine the effect of oral administration of an aqueous extract from the roots of Lepidium meyenii(maca)on spermatogenesis in adult male rats.Methods;Male rats received an aqueous extract of the root(66.7 mg ...Aim:To determine the effect of oral administration of an aqueous extract from the roots of Lepidium meyenii(maca)on spermatogenesis in adult male rats.Methods;Male rats received an aqueous extract of the root(66.7 mg in onemL)twice a day for 14 consecutive days.Results:Treatment with Lepidium meyenii resulted in an increase in theweights of testis and epididymis but not the seminal vesicle weight.The length and frequency of stages IX-XIV seminif-erous tubules,where mitosis occurred,were increased and stages I-VI were reduced in rats treated with Lepidiummeyenii.Conclusion;The Lepidium meyenii root invigorates spermatogenesis in male rats by acting on its initialstages(IX-XIV).展开更多
Aging is a dynamic and progressive process that begins at conception and continues until death.This process leads to a decrease in homeostasis and morphological,biochemical and psychological changes,increasing the ind...Aging is a dynamic and progressive process that begins at conception and continues until death.This process leads to a decrease in homeostasis and morphological,biochemical and psychological changes,increasing the individual’s vulnerability to various diseases.The growth in the number of aging populations has increased the prevalence of chronic degenerative diseases,impairment of the central nervous system and dementias,such as Alzheimer’s disease,whose main risk factor is age,leading to an increase of the number of individuals who need daily support for life activities.Some theories about aging suggest it is caused by an increase of cellular senescence and reactive oxygen species,which leads to inflammation,oxidation,cell membrane damage and consequently neuronal death.Also,mitochondrial mutations,which are generated throughout the aging process,can lead to changes in energy production,deficiencies in electron transport and apoptosis induction that can result in decreased function.Additionally,increasing cellular senescence and the release of proinflammatory cytokines can cause irreversible damage to neuronal cells.Recent reports point to the importance of changing lifestyle by increasing physical exercise,improving nutrition and environmental enrichment to activate neuroprotective defense mechanisms.Therefore,this review aims to address the latest information about the different mechanisms related to neuroplasticity and neuronal death and to provide strategies that can improve neuroprotection and decrease the neurodegeneration caused by aging and environmental stressors.展开更多
AIM:To examine the links between quality of sleep and the severity of intestinal symptoms in irritable bow-el syndrome(IBS).METHODS:One hundred and forty-two outpatients(110female,32 male)who met the Rome Ⅲ criteria ...AIM:To examine the links between quality of sleep and the severity of intestinal symptoms in irritable bow-el syndrome(IBS).METHODS:One hundred and forty-two outpatients(110female,32 male)who met the Rome Ⅲ criteria for IBS with no psychiatric comorbidity were consecutively en-rolled in this study.Data on age,body mass index(BMI),and a set of life-habit variables were recorded,and IBS symptoms and sleep quality were evaluated using the questionnaires IBS Symptom Severity Score(IBS-SSS)and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI).The associa-tion between severity of IBS and sleep disturbances was evaluated by comparing the global IBS-SSS and PSQI score(Pearson's correlation and Fisher's exact test)and then analyzing the individual items of the IBS-SSS and PSQI questionnaires by a unitary bowel-sleep model based on item response theory(IRT).RESULTS:IBS-SSS ranged from mild to severe(120-470).The global PSQI score ranged from 1 to 17(median 5),and 60 patients were found to be poor sleepers(PSQI>5).The correlation between the global IBS-SSS and PSQI score indicated a weak association(r=0.2 and 95% CI:-0.03 to 0.35,P<0.05),which becomes stronger using our unitary model.Indeed,the IBS and sleep disturbances severities,estimated as latent variables,resulted significantly high intra-subject cor-relation(posterior mean of r=0.45 and 95% CI:0.17 to 0.70,P<0.05).Moreover,the correlations between patient features(age,sex,BMI,daily coffee and alcohol intake)and IBS and sleep disturbances were also ana-lyzed through our unitary model.Age was a signif icant regressor,with patients≤50 years old showing more severe bowel disturbances(posterior mean=-0.38,P<0.05)and less severe sleep disturbances(posterior mean=0.49,P<0.05)than older patients.Higher daily coffee intake was correlated with a lower sever-ity of bowel disturbances(posterior mean=-0.31,P<0.05).Sex(female)and daily alcohol intake(modest)were correlated with less severe sleep disturbances.CONCLUSION:The unitary bowel-sleep model based on IRT revealed a strong positive correlation between the severity of IBS symptoms and sleep disturbances.展开更多
Obstructive jaundice occurs in patients suffering from cholelithiasis and from neoplasms affecting the pancreas and the common bile duct.The absorption,distribution and elimination of drugs are impaired during this pa...Obstructive jaundice occurs in patients suffering from cholelithiasis and from neoplasms affecting the pancreas and the common bile duct.The absorption,distribution and elimination of drugs are impaired during this pathology.Prolonged cholestasis may alter both liver and kidney function.Lactam antibiotics,diuretics,non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,several antiviral drugs as well as endogenous compounds are classified as organic anions.The hepatic and renal organic anion transport pathways play a key role in the pharmacokinetics of these compounds.It has been demonstrated that acute extrahepatic cholestasis is associated with increased renal elimination of organic anions.The present work describes the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of the expression and function of the renal and hepatic organic anion transporters in extrahepatic cholestasis,such as multidrug resistanceassociated protein 2,organic anion transporting polypeptide 1,organic anion transporter 3,bilitranslocase,bromosulfophthalein/bilirubin binding protein,organic anion transporter 1 and sodium dependent bile salt transporter.The modulation in the expression of renal organic anion transporters constitutes a compensatory mechanism to overcome the hepatic dysfunction in the elimination of organic anions.展开更多
Parkinson’s disease is the most common movement disorder,affecting about 1%of the population over the age of 60 years.Parkinson’s disease is characterized clinically by resting tremor,bradykinesia,rigidity and postu...Parkinson’s disease is the most common movement disorder,affecting about 1%of the population over the age of 60 years.Parkinson’s disease is characterized clinically by resting tremor,bradykinesia,rigidity and postural instability,as a result of the progressive loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons.In addition to this neuronal cell loss,Parkinson’s disease is characterized by the accumulation of intracellular protein aggregates,Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites,composed primarily of the proteinα-synuclein.Although it was first described almost 200 years ago,there are no disease-modifying drugs to treat patients with Parkinson’s disease.In addition to conventional therapies,non-pharmacological treatment strategies are under investigation in patients and animal models of neurodegenerative disorders.Among such strategies,environmental enrichment,comprising physical exercise,cognitive stimulus,and social interactions,has been assessed in preclinical models of Parkinson’s disease.Environmental enrichment can cause structural and functional changes in the brain and promote neurogenesis and dendritic growth by modifying gene expression,enhancing the expression of neurotrophic factors and modulating neurotransmission.In this review article,we focus on the current knowledge about the molecular mechanisms underlying environmental enrichment neuroprotection in Parkinson’s disease,highlighting its influence on the dopaminergic,cholinergic,glutamatergic and GABAergic systems,as well as the involvement of neurotrophic factors.We describe experimental pre-clinical data showing how environmental enrichment can act as a modulator in a neurochemical and behavioral context in different animal models of Parkinson’s disease,highlighting the potential of environmental enrichment as an additional strategy in the management and prevention of this complex disease.展开更多
Hepatocellular carcinoma is difficult to treat,primarilybecause the underlying molecular mechanisms drivingclinical outcome are still poorly understood.Growingevidence suggests that the tissue microenvironmenthas a ro...Hepatocellular carcinoma is difficult to treat,primarilybecause the underlying molecular mechanisms drivingclinical outcome are still poorly understood.Growingevidence suggests that the tissue microenvironmenthas a role in the biological behavior of the tumor.Themain clinical issue is to identify the best target fortherapeutic approaches.Here,we discuss the hypothesis that the entire tissue microenvironment might beconsidered as a biological target.However,the tissuemicroenvironment consists of several cellular and biochemical components,each of which displays a distinctbiological activity.We discuss the major components ofthis environment and consider how they may interactto promote tumor/host crosstalk.展开更多
Cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States and worldwide.The induction of the endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress,a result of a disruption in the ER homeostasis,was fo...Cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States and worldwide.The induction of the endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress,a result of a disruption in the ER homeostasis,was found to be highly associated with cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension,diabetes,ischemic heart diseases and heart failure.This review will discuss the latest literature on the different aspects of the involvement of the ER stress in cardiovascular complications and the potential of targeting the ER stress pathways as a new therapeutic approach for cardiovascular complications.展开更多
Objective:Ipomoea batatas(L.)Lam.is a food plant used in African traditional medicine to treat cardiovascular diseases and related conditions.We assessed the hypolipidemic and anti-atherosclerogenic properties of the ...Objective:Ipomoea batatas(L.)Lam.is a food plant used in African traditional medicine to treat cardiovascular diseases and related conditions.We assessed the hypolipidemic and anti-atherosclerogenic properties of the aqueous extract of I.batatas leaves in a rat model of diet-induced hypercholesterolemia.Methods:Hypercholesterolemia was induced in male Wistar rats by exclusive feeding with a cholesterolenriched(1%)standard diet for four weeks.Then,rats were treated once daily(per os)with I.batatas extract at doses of 400,500 and 600 mg/kg or with atorvastatin(2 mg/kg),for four weeks.Following treatment,animals were observed for another four weeks and then sacrificed.Aortas were excised and processed for histopathological studies,and blood glucose level and lipid profile were measured.Results:Hypercholesterolemic animals experienced a 21.5%faster increase in body weight,significant increases in blood glucose and blood lipids(148.94%triglycerides,196.97%high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,773.04%low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,148.93%very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and 210.42%total cholesterol),and increases in aorta thickness and atherosclerotic plaque sizes compared to rats fed standard diet.Treatment of hypercholesterolemic rats with the extract mitigated these alterations and restored blood glucose and blood lipid levels to normocholesterolemic values.Conclusion:Our findings suggest that I.batatas leaves have hypolipidemic and anti-atherosclerogenic properties and justify their use in traditional medicine.展开更多
Although antiretroviral treatment lowers the burden of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)-related disease,it does not always result in immunological recovery.This manifests as persistent chronic inflammation,immune act...Although antiretroviral treatment lowers the burden of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)-related disease,it does not always result in immunological recovery.This manifests as persistent chronic inflammation,immune activation or exhaustion that can promote the onset of co-morbidities.As the exact function of regulatory T(Treg)cells in HIV remains unclear,this cross-sectional study investigated three expression markers(Forkhead box protein P3[FOXP3],glycoprotein A repetitions predominant[GARP],special AT-rich sequence binding protein 1[SATB1])and compared their expansion between CD4^(+)CD25^(-)and CD4^(+)CD25^(++)T cells.Age-matched study subjects were recruited(Western Cape,South Africa)and sub-divided:HIV-negative subjects(n=12),HIV-positive na(i|")ve treated(n=22),HIV-positive treated based on CD4 count cells/μL(CD4>500 and CD4<500)(n=34)and HIV-treated based on viral load(VL)copies/mL(VL<1000 and VL>1000)(n=34).Markers of immune activation(CD38)and coagulation(CD142)on T cells(CD8)were assessed by flow cytometry together with FOXP3,GARP and SATB1 expression on CD4^(+)CD25^(-)and CD4^(+)CD25^(++)T cells.Plasma levels of interleukin-10(IL-10;anti-inflammatory marker),IL-6(inflammatory marker)and D-dimer(coagulation marker)were assessed.This study revealed three major findings in immuno-compromised patients with virological failure(CD4<500;VL>1000):(1)the expansion of the unconventional Treg cell subset(CD4^(+)CD25^(-)FOXP3^(+))is linked with disease progression markers;(2)increased GARP expression in the CD4^(+)CD25^(-)and CD4^(+)CD25^(++)subsets;and(3)the identification of a strong link between CD4^(+)CD25^(-)SATB1+cells and markers of immune activation(CD8^(+)CD38^(+))and coagulation(CD8^(+)CD142^(+)and D-dimer).展开更多
AIM: To examine renal expression of organic anion transporter 5(Oat5) and sodium-dicarboxylate cotransporter 1(Na DC1), and excretion of citrate in rats with acute extrahepatic cholestasis.METHODS: Obstructive jaundic...AIM: To examine renal expression of organic anion transporter 5(Oat5) and sodium-dicarboxylate cotransporter 1(Na DC1), and excretion of citrate in rats with acute extrahepatic cholestasis.METHODS: Obstructive jaundice was induced in rats by double ligation and division of the common bile duct(BDL group). Controls underwent sham operation that consisted of exposure, but not ligation, of the common bile duct(Sham group). Studies were performed 21 h after surgery. During this period, animals were maintained in metabolic cages in order to collect urine. The urinary volume was determined by gravimetry. The day of the experiment, blood samples were withdrawn and used to measure total and direct bilirubin as indicative parameters of hepatic function. Serum and urine samples were used for biochemical determinations. Immunoblotting for Oat5 and Na DC1 were performed in renal homogenates and brush border membranes from Sham and BDL rats. Immunohistochemistry studies were performed in kidneys from both experimental groups. Total RNA was extracted from rat renal tissue in order to perform reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Another set of experimental animals were used toevaluate medullar renal blood flow(m RBF) using fluorescent microspheres.RESULTS: Total and direct bilirubin levels were significantly higher in BDL animals, attesting to the adequacy of biliary obstruction. An important increase in m RBF was determined in BDL group(Sham: 0.53 ± 0.12 m L/min per 100 g body weight vs BDL: 1.58 ± 0.24 m L/min per 100 g body weight, P < 0.05). An increase in the urinary volume was observed in BDL animals. An important decrease in urinary levels of citrate was seen in BDL group. Besides, a decrease in urinary citrate excretion(Sham: 0.53 ± 0.11 g/g creatinine vs BDL: 0.07 ± 0.02 g/g creatinine, P < 0.05) and an increase in urinary excretion of H+(Sham: 0.082 ± 0.03 μmol/g creatinine vs BDL: 0.21 ± 0.04 μmol/g creatinine, P < 0.05) were observed in BDL animals. We found upregulations of both proteins Oat5 and Na DC1 in brush border membranes where they are functional. Immunohistochemistry technique corroborated these results for both proteins. No modifications were observed in Oat5 m RNA and in Na DC1 m RNA levels in kidney from BDL group as compared with Sham ones.CONCLUSION: Citrate excretion is decreased in BDL rats, at least in part, because of the higher Na DC1 expression. Using the outward gradient of citrate generated by Na DC1, Oat5 can reabsorb/eliminate different organic anions of pathophysiological importance.展开更多
Objective:To assess the neuroprotective effects of aqueous extract of Garcinia kola on neurotoxin administered malnourished mice adopting histological procedure.Methods:The study was carried out using thirty-two adult...Objective:To assess the neuroprotective effects of aqueous extract of Garcinia kola on neurotoxin administered malnourished mice adopting histological procedure.Methods:The study was carried out using thirty-two adult malnourished mice which were randomly assigned into four groups(n=8):A,B,C and D.Group A served as control,while the other groups served as the experimental groups.Animals in group A were fed malnourished diet ad libitum and given water liberally.Animals in group B were administered with 3-Nitropropionic acid(3-NP)(neurotoxin)only at 20 rag/kg body weight,group C were given only Garcinia kola extracts,and group D were pre-treated with Garcinia kola extracts at 200 mg/kg for seven days prior to administration of neurotoxin at 20 mg/kg body weight.After three days of neurotoxins administration in the relevant groups,the brains were excised and fixed in formal calcium for histological processing.Results:The study showed that hippocampal and cerebellar neurons of animals in group B exhibited some cellular degeneration and blood vessel blockage,which were not seen in groups A,C and D.Cresyl violet staining was least intense in group B than in groups A,C and D.Despite the fact that animals in group D has equal administration of 3-Nitropropionic acid concentration,there were no traces of neural degeneration as it was evidenced in group B.Conclusions:It is concluded that Garcinia kola has protective effects on the neurons of the hippocampus and cerebellum of malnourished mice.展开更多
Aim： To investigate the effect of Morinda lucida Benth （Rubiaceae） on the reproductive activity of male albino rats. Methods： Two groups of rats were treated with 400 mg/（kg.d） of Morinda lucida leaf extract for...Aim： To investigate the effect of Morinda lucida Benth （Rubiaceae） on the reproductive activity of male albino rats. Methods： Two groups of rats were treated with 400 mg/（kg.d） of Morinda lucida leaf extract for 4 and 13 weeks, respectively. The control rats received the vehicle. All the treated rats had corresponding recovery groups. At the end of each experimental period, animals were killed and organ weights, sperm characteristics, serum testosterone levels, histology of the testes and fertility were assessed. Results： Morinda lucida leaf extract did not cause any changes in body and somatic organ weights, but significantly increased the testis weight （P 〈 0.05）. The sperm motility and viability, and the epididymal sperm counts of rats treated for 13 weeks were significantly reduced （P 〈 0.05）. Sperm morphological abnormalities and serum testosterone levels were significantly increased （P 〈 0.05）. There were various degrees of damage to the seminiferous tubules. The extract reduced the fertility of the treated rats by reducing the litter size. Reversal of these changes, however, occurred after a period of time. Conclusion： The extract of Morinda lucida has reversible antispermatogenic properties.展开更多
Dear Editor, Lung surfactant is stored in lamellar bodies and exocytosed following fusion of the lamellar bodies with the plasma membrane of alveolar type II （AT2） cells [1]. A number of proteins have been shown to...Dear Editor, Lung surfactant is stored in lamellar bodies and exocytosed following fusion of the lamellar bodies with the plasma membrane of alveolar type II （AT2） cells [1]. A number of proteins have been shown to be involved in surfactant secretion including SNAREs, NSF, α-SNAP and annexin A2 [2, 3]. Lipid rafts enriched in SNAREs are crucial for surfactant secretion [4].展开更多
Our recent findings have demonstrated that rodent models of closed head traumatic brain injury exhibit comprehensive evidence of progressive and enduring orofacial allodynias, a hypersensitive pain response induced by...Our recent findings have demonstrated that rodent models of closed head traumatic brain injury exhibit comprehensive evidence of progressive and enduring orofacial allodynias, a hypersensitive pain response induced by non-painful stimulation. These allodynias, tested using thermal hyperalgesia, correlated with changes in several known pain signaling receptors and molecules along the trigeminal pain pathway, especially in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis. This study focused to extend our previous work to investigate the changes in monoamine neurotransmitter immunoreactivity changes in spinal trigeminal nucleus oralis, pars interpolaris and nucleus tractus solitaries following mild to moderate closed head traumatic brain injury, which are related to tactile allodynia, touch-pressure sensitivity, and visceral pain. Our results exhibited significant alterations in the excitatory monoamine, serotonin, in spinal trigeminal nucleus oralis and pars interpolaris which usually modulate tactile and mechanical sensitivity in addition to the thermal sensitivity. Moreover, we also detected a robust alteration in the expression of serotonin, and inhibitory molecule norepinephrine in the nucleus tractus solitaries, which might indicate the possibility of an alteration in visceral pain, and existence of other morbidities related to solitary nucleus dysfunction in this rodent model of mild to moderate closed head traumatic brain injury. Collectively, widespread changes in monoamine neurotransmitter may be related to orofacial allodynhias and headache after traumatic brain injury.展开更多
There have been significant breakthroughs over the past decade in the development and use of pluripotent stem cells as a potential source of cells for applications in regenerative medicine. It is likely that this meth...There have been significant breakthroughs over the past decade in the development and use of pluripotent stem cells as a potential source of cells for applications in regenerative medicine. It is likely that this methodology will begin to play an important role in human clinical medicine in the years to come. This review describes the plasticity of one type of pluripotent cell, spermatogonial stem cells （SSCs）, and their potential therapeutic applications in regenerative medicine and male infertility. Normally, SSCs give rise to sperm when in the testis. However, both human and murine SSCs can give rise to cells with embryonic stem （ES） cell-like characteristics that can be directed to differentiate into tissues of all three embryonic germ layers when placed in an appropriate inductive microenvironment, which is in contrast to other postnatal stem cells. Previous studies have reported that SSCs expressed an intermediate pluripotent phenotype before differentiating into a specific cell type and that extended culture was necessary for this to occur. However, recent studies from our group using a tissue recombination model demonstrated that SSCs differentiated rapidly into another tissue, in this case, prostatic epithelium, without expression of pluripotent ES cell markers before differentiation. These results suggest that SSCs are capable of directly differentiating into other cell types without going through an intermediate ES cell-like stage. Because SSCs do not require reprogramming to achieve a pluripotent state, they are an attractive source of pluripotent cells for use in regenerative medicine.展开更多
After more than a decade of controversy on the role of stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment,the emerging data shed light on pro-tumorigenic and potential anti-cancer factors,as well as on the roots of the discr...After more than a decade of controversy on the role of stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment,the emerging data shed light on pro-tumorigenic and potential anti-cancer factors,as well as on the roots of the discrepancies.We discuss the pro-tumorigenic effects of stromal cells,considering the effects of tumor drivers like hypoxia and tumor stiffness on these cells,as well as stromal cell-mediated adiposity and immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment,and cancer initiating cells'cellular senescence and adaptive metabolism.We summarize the emerging data supporting stromal cell therapeutic potential in cancer,discuss the possibility to reprogram stromal cells of the tumor microenvironment for anti-cancer effects,and explore some causes of discrepancies on the roles of stromal cells in cancer in the available literature.展开更多
Using the conflict principle of the Stroop task, “effect of interference in color naming”, the present study proposes to create a computational version of the emotional Stroop task, called TREFACE, for its acronyms ...Using the conflict principle of the Stroop task, “effect of interference in color naming”, the present study proposes to create a computational version of the emotional Stroop task, called TREFACE, for its acronyms in Portuguese “Teste de Reconhecimento de Expressões Faciais com Conflito Emocional” (Facial Expression Recognition Test with Emotional Conflict). In this protocol, four fixed styles of presentation were generated according to the condition: Congruent Word Reading, Incongruent Word Reading, Congruent Recognition of Face Expression and Incongruent Recognition of Face Expression, counterbalanced in terms of each facial expression, word and gender of the photo character. Forty-two healthy volunteers completed the task. Results revealed that a task associated with word reading allows better performance than a task associated with face recognition. It was also identified that in the congruent condition, there is an advantage in terms of the correct responses. Additionally, the data regarding recognition of face expression showed greater difficulty when the image was not congruent with the word. In general, the results suggest that the emotional attribute can compromise the ability to recognize the faces, reaching the functioning of mechanisms such as cognitive control and regulation of emotions. Thus, the TREFACE paradigm can be considered a good assessment tool for monitoring emotional conflict, in addition to presenting itself as a new instrument in Portuguese language for assessing emotional working memory in healthy individuals and, eventually, in different pathologies that affect the functioning of cortical areas related to executive functions.展开更多
Background: The Marburg virus (MARV) is the causative agent of Marburg virus disease (MVD). This filovirus first appeared in 1967 and has since caused several outbreaks with case fatality rates between 23% and 90%. Th...Background: The Marburg virus (MARV) is the causative agent of Marburg virus disease (MVD). This filovirus first appeared in 1967 and has since caused several outbreaks with case fatality rates between 23% and 90%. The earliest cases of MVD are thought to be caused by exposure to an infected animal, either a reservoir host (some bat species, e.g., Rousettus aegyptiacus) or a spill-over host, such as non-human primates. The virus is spread between people by direct contact with blood or other bodily fluids (including saliva, sweat, faeces, urine, tears, and breast milk) from infected individuals. Despite the high fatality rate, the Marburg virus has no vaccine or drug treatment. Recent outbreaks of the virus in 2023 in Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea have reignited the need to develop effective therapeutics, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Purpose: This review seeks to highlight the drug discovery efforts aimed at developing vaccines or possible treatments as potential therapeutics. Several existing antiviral agents are being probed, and vaccines are in pre-clinical and clinical stages. Natural products are also an important source of possible drugs or lead compounds and when coupled with computational techniques, these strategies offer possible therapeutics for the Marburg virus, especially in Africa, which has a high disease burden. Methods: Using the search engines Google Scholar and PubMed;keywords e.g. Marburg virus, Marburg treatments, Marburg virus drug discovery were utilized. Several results were yielded, and articles published in recent years were accepted into the final list.Results and Conclusion: This study shows there is a growing interest in therapeutics for the Marburg virus, especially with the recent outbreaks and pandemic preparedness. Initiatives that to support vaccine development and access like the MARVAC consort time are critical to fighting this public health threat.展开更多
GB （goji berry） has bioactive components capable of reversing the metabolic syndrome. This work investigated systemic, biometric and metabolic parameters of male rats fed with standard diet （group CD） or high-carb...GB （goji berry） has bioactive components capable of reversing the metabolic syndrome. This work investigated systemic, biometric and metabolic parameters of male rats fed with standard diet （group CD） or high-carbohydrate diet （group HC）. At 90 days of age the HC group was subdivided： one was given vehicle solution （HCD） and the other was given GB extract （HCDGB）, for 60 days. The vehicle was also given to the CD group. At 150 days of age, glucose tolerance test, tissue collection, plasmatic determinations, lipid content, in situ perfusion and oxidative stress of the liver were carried out. The GB supplementation improved the parameters of the metabolic syndrome caused by the HC diet, including decreased body weight gain, adiposity index, dyslipidemia, hyperinsulinemia, NAFLD, liver oxidative stress and gluconeogenesis. Together with the diminished insulin resistance, these results indicate the GB extract is an important adjuvant in the treatment of the metabolic syndrome.展开更多
文摘The present review has been designed to update the recent developments on the function of seminal vesicles andtheir role on male fertility. It is indicated that the true corrected fructose level is a simple method for the assessment ofthe seminal vesicular function. Measurement of seminal fructose used universally as a marker of the seminal vesiclefunction is not an appropriate approach due to its inverse relationship with the sperm count. The true corrected fructosedefined as [log. motile sperm concentration] multiplied by [seminal fructose concentration] has been shown to be abetter marker of the seminal vesicle function. Seminal vesicular secretion is important for semen coagulation, sperm motility, and stability of sperm chromatinand suppression of the immune activity in the female reproductive tract. In conclusion, the function of seminal vesicle is important for fertility. Parameters as sperm motility, sperm chro-matin stability, and immuno-protection may be changed in case of its hypofunction. (Asian J Androl 2001 Dec; 3:251 -258)
文摘Aim:To determine the effect of oral administration of an aqueous extract from the roots of Lepidium meyenii(maca)on spermatogenesis in adult male rats.Methods;Male rats received an aqueous extract of the root(66.7 mg in onemL)twice a day for 14 consecutive days.Results:Treatment with Lepidium meyenii resulted in an increase in theweights of testis and epididymis but not the seminal vesicle weight.The length and frequency of stages IX-XIV seminif-erous tubules,where mitosis occurred,were increased and stages I-VI were reduced in rats treated with Lepidiummeyenii.Conclusion;The Lepidium meyenii root invigorates spermatogenesis in male rats by acting on its initialstages(IX-XIV).
基金MT received studentship from Sao Paulo Research Foundation(2017/21655-6)HSB was a Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development researcher(425838/2016-1,307252/2017-5)This work was financed in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior–Brasil(CAPES)–Finance Code 001 and FAPESP(2016/07115-6).
文摘Aging is a dynamic and progressive process that begins at conception and continues until death.This process leads to a decrease in homeostasis and morphological,biochemical and psychological changes,increasing the individual’s vulnerability to various diseases.The growth in the number of aging populations has increased the prevalence of chronic degenerative diseases,impairment of the central nervous system and dementias,such as Alzheimer’s disease,whose main risk factor is age,leading to an increase of the number of individuals who need daily support for life activities.Some theories about aging suggest it is caused by an increase of cellular senescence and reactive oxygen species,which leads to inflammation,oxidation,cell membrane damage and consequently neuronal death.Also,mitochondrial mutations,which are generated throughout the aging process,can lead to changes in energy production,deficiencies in electron transport and apoptosis induction that can result in decreased function.Additionally,increasing cellular senescence and the release of proinflammatory cytokines can cause irreversible damage to neuronal cells.Recent reports point to the importance of changing lifestyle by increasing physical exercise,improving nutrition and environmental enrichment to activate neuroprotective defense mechanisms.Therefore,this review aims to address the latest information about the different mechanisms related to neuroplasticity and neuronal death and to provide strategies that can improve neuroprotection and decrease the neurodegeneration caused by aging and environmental stressors.
文摘AIM:To examine the links between quality of sleep and the severity of intestinal symptoms in irritable bow-el syndrome(IBS).METHODS:One hundred and forty-two outpatients(110female,32 male)who met the Rome Ⅲ criteria for IBS with no psychiatric comorbidity were consecutively en-rolled in this study.Data on age,body mass index(BMI),and a set of life-habit variables were recorded,and IBS symptoms and sleep quality were evaluated using the questionnaires IBS Symptom Severity Score(IBS-SSS)and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI).The associa-tion between severity of IBS and sleep disturbances was evaluated by comparing the global IBS-SSS and PSQI score(Pearson's correlation and Fisher's exact test)and then analyzing the individual items of the IBS-SSS and PSQI questionnaires by a unitary bowel-sleep model based on item response theory(IRT).RESULTS:IBS-SSS ranged from mild to severe(120-470).The global PSQI score ranged from 1 to 17(median 5),and 60 patients were found to be poor sleepers(PSQI>5).The correlation between the global IBS-SSS and PSQI score indicated a weak association(r=0.2 and 95% CI:-0.03 to 0.35,P<0.05),which becomes stronger using our unitary model.Indeed,the IBS and sleep disturbances severities,estimated as latent variables,resulted significantly high intra-subject cor-relation(posterior mean of r=0.45 and 95% CI:0.17 to 0.70,P<0.05).Moreover,the correlations between patient features(age,sex,BMI,daily coffee and alcohol intake)and IBS and sleep disturbances were also ana-lyzed through our unitary model.Age was a signif icant regressor,with patients≤50 years old showing more severe bowel disturbances(posterior mean=-0.38,P<0.05)and less severe sleep disturbances(posterior mean=0.49,P<0.05)than older patients.Higher daily coffee intake was correlated with a lower sever-ity of bowel disturbances(posterior mean=-0.31,P<0.05).Sex(female)and daily alcohol intake(modest)were correlated with less severe sleep disturbances.CONCLUSION:The unitary bowel-sleep model based on IRT revealed a strong positive correlation between the severity of IBS symptoms and sleep disturbances.
基金Supported by Grants from FONCYT(PICT 2007,No.00966, PICT 2010,No.2127)CONICET(PIP 2009-2011,No.1665, PIP2012-2015,No.00014)UNR PID(2008-2011/2012-2015)
文摘Obstructive jaundice occurs in patients suffering from cholelithiasis and from neoplasms affecting the pancreas and the common bile duct.The absorption,distribution and elimination of drugs are impaired during this pathology.Prolonged cholestasis may alter both liver and kidney function.Lactam antibiotics,diuretics,non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,several antiviral drugs as well as endogenous compounds are classified as organic anions.The hepatic and renal organic anion transport pathways play a key role in the pharmacokinetics of these compounds.It has been demonstrated that acute extrahepatic cholestasis is associated with increased renal elimination of organic anions.The present work describes the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of the expression and function of the renal and hepatic organic anion transporters in extrahepatic cholestasis,such as multidrug resistanceassociated protein 2,organic anion transporting polypeptide 1,organic anion transporter 3,bilitranslocase,bromosulfophthalein/bilirubin binding protein,organic anion transporter 1 and sodium dependent bile salt transporter.The modulation in the expression of renal organic anion transporters constitutes a compensatory mechanism to overcome the hepatic dysfunction in the elimination of organic anions.
文摘Parkinson’s disease is the most common movement disorder,affecting about 1%of the population over the age of 60 years.Parkinson’s disease is characterized clinically by resting tremor,bradykinesia,rigidity and postural instability,as a result of the progressive loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons.In addition to this neuronal cell loss,Parkinson’s disease is characterized by the accumulation of intracellular protein aggregates,Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites,composed primarily of the proteinα-synuclein.Although it was first described almost 200 years ago,there are no disease-modifying drugs to treat patients with Parkinson’s disease.In addition to conventional therapies,non-pharmacological treatment strategies are under investigation in patients and animal models of neurodegenerative disorders.Among such strategies,environmental enrichment,comprising physical exercise,cognitive stimulus,and social interactions,has been assessed in preclinical models of Parkinson’s disease.Environmental enrichment can cause structural and functional changes in the brain and promote neurogenesis and dendritic growth by modifying gene expression,enhancing the expression of neurotrophic factors and modulating neurotransmission.In this review article,we focus on the current knowledge about the molecular mechanisms underlying environmental enrichment neuroprotection in Parkinson’s disease,highlighting its influence on the dopaminergic,cholinergic,glutamatergic and GABAergic systems,as well as the involvement of neurotrophic factors.We describe experimental pre-clinical data showing how environmental enrichment can act as a modulator in a neurochemical and behavioral context in different animal models of Parkinson’s disease,highlighting the potential of environmental enrichment as an additional strategy in the management and prevention of this complex disease.
基金Supported by EU-Marie Curie Initial Training Network(ITN),FP7-PEOPLE-2012-ITN 2012,Grant Agreement No.316549
文摘Hepatocellular carcinoma is difficult to treat,primarilybecause the underlying molecular mechanisms drivingclinical outcome are still poorly understood.Growingevidence suggests that the tissue microenvironmenthas a role in the biological behavior of the tumor.Themain clinical issue is to identify the best target fortherapeutic approaches.Here,we discuss the hypothesis that the entire tissue microenvironment might beconsidered as a biological target.However,the tissuemicroenvironment consists of several cellular and biochemical components,each of which displays a distinctbiological activity.We discuss the major components ofthis environment and consider how they may interactto promote tumor/host crosstalk.
文摘Cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States and worldwide.The induction of the endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress,a result of a disruption in the ER homeostasis,was found to be highly associated with cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension,diabetes,ischemic heart diseases and heart failure.This review will discuss the latest literature on the different aspects of the involvement of the ER stress in cardiovascular complications and the potential of targeting the ER stress pathways as a new therapeutic approach for cardiovascular complications.
基金partly funded by the Faculty of Science,University of Ngaoundere。
文摘Objective:Ipomoea batatas(L.)Lam.is a food plant used in African traditional medicine to treat cardiovascular diseases and related conditions.We assessed the hypolipidemic and anti-atherosclerogenic properties of the aqueous extract of I.batatas leaves in a rat model of diet-induced hypercholesterolemia.Methods:Hypercholesterolemia was induced in male Wistar rats by exclusive feeding with a cholesterolenriched(1%)standard diet for four weeks.Then,rats were treated once daily(per os)with I.batatas extract at doses of 400,500 and 600 mg/kg or with atorvastatin(2 mg/kg),for four weeks.Following treatment,animals were observed for another four weeks and then sacrificed.Aortas were excised and processed for histopathological studies,and blood glucose level and lipid profile were measured.Results:Hypercholesterolemic animals experienced a 21.5%faster increase in body weight,significant increases in blood glucose and blood lipids(148.94%triglycerides,196.97%high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,773.04%low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,148.93%very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and 210.42%total cholesterol),and increases in aorta thickness and atherosclerotic plaque sizes compared to rats fed standard diet.Treatment of hypercholesterolemic rats with the extract mitigated these alterations and restored blood glucose and blood lipid levels to normocholesterolemic values.Conclusion:Our findings suggest that I.batatas leaves have hypolipidemic and anti-atherosclerogenic properties and justify their use in traditional medicine.
基金supported by South African Medical Research Council and Stellenbosch University(to M.F.Essop)。
文摘Although antiretroviral treatment lowers the burden of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)-related disease,it does not always result in immunological recovery.This manifests as persistent chronic inflammation,immune activation or exhaustion that can promote the onset of co-morbidities.As the exact function of regulatory T(Treg)cells in HIV remains unclear,this cross-sectional study investigated three expression markers(Forkhead box protein P3[FOXP3],glycoprotein A repetitions predominant[GARP],special AT-rich sequence binding protein 1[SATB1])and compared their expansion between CD4^(+)CD25^(-)and CD4^(+)CD25^(++)T cells.Age-matched study subjects were recruited(Western Cape,South Africa)and sub-divided:HIV-negative subjects(n=12),HIV-positive na(i|")ve treated(n=22),HIV-positive treated based on CD4 count cells/μL(CD4>500 and CD4<500)(n=34)and HIV-treated based on viral load(VL)copies/mL(VL<1000 and VL>1000)(n=34).Markers of immune activation(CD38)and coagulation(CD142)on T cells(CD8)were assessed by flow cytometry together with FOXP3,GARP and SATB1 expression on CD4^(+)CD25^(-)and CD4^(+)CD25^(++)T cells.Plasma levels of interleukin-10(IL-10;anti-inflammatory marker),IL-6(inflammatory marker)and D-dimer(coagulation marker)were assessed.This study revealed three major findings in immuno-compromised patients with virological failure(CD4<500;VL>1000):(1)the expansion of the unconventional Treg cell subset(CD4^(+)CD25^(-)FOXP3^(+))is linked with disease progression markers;(2)increased GARP expression in the CD4^(+)CD25^(-)and CD4^(+)CD25^(++)subsets;and(3)the identification of a strong link between CD4^(+)CD25^(-)SATB1+cells and markers of immune activation(CD8^(+)CD38^(+))and coagulation(CD8^(+)CD142^(+)and D-dimer).
基金Supported by Grants from Fondo para la Investigación Científica y Tecnológica(FONCy T),Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas(CONICET),Universidad Nacional de Rosario(UNR)
文摘AIM: To examine renal expression of organic anion transporter 5(Oat5) and sodium-dicarboxylate cotransporter 1(Na DC1), and excretion of citrate in rats with acute extrahepatic cholestasis.METHODS: Obstructive jaundice was induced in rats by double ligation and division of the common bile duct(BDL group). Controls underwent sham operation that consisted of exposure, but not ligation, of the common bile duct(Sham group). Studies were performed 21 h after surgery. During this period, animals were maintained in metabolic cages in order to collect urine. The urinary volume was determined by gravimetry. The day of the experiment, blood samples were withdrawn and used to measure total and direct bilirubin as indicative parameters of hepatic function. Serum and urine samples were used for biochemical determinations. Immunoblotting for Oat5 and Na DC1 were performed in renal homogenates and brush border membranes from Sham and BDL rats. Immunohistochemistry studies were performed in kidneys from both experimental groups. Total RNA was extracted from rat renal tissue in order to perform reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Another set of experimental animals were used toevaluate medullar renal blood flow(m RBF) using fluorescent microspheres.RESULTS: Total and direct bilirubin levels were significantly higher in BDL animals, attesting to the adequacy of biliary obstruction. An important increase in m RBF was determined in BDL group(Sham: 0.53 ± 0.12 m L/min per 100 g body weight vs BDL: 1.58 ± 0.24 m L/min per 100 g body weight, P < 0.05). An increase in the urinary volume was observed in BDL animals. An important decrease in urinary levels of citrate was seen in BDL group. Besides, a decrease in urinary citrate excretion(Sham: 0.53 ± 0.11 g/g creatinine vs BDL: 0.07 ± 0.02 g/g creatinine, P < 0.05) and an increase in urinary excretion of H+(Sham: 0.082 ± 0.03 μmol/g creatinine vs BDL: 0.21 ± 0.04 μmol/g creatinine, P < 0.05) were observed in BDL animals. We found upregulations of both proteins Oat5 and Na DC1 in brush border membranes where they are functional. Immunohistochemistry technique corroborated these results for both proteins. No modifications were observed in Oat5 m RNA and in Na DC1 m RNA levels in kidney from BDL group as compared with Sham ones.CONCLUSION: Citrate excretion is decreased in BDL rats, at least in part, because of the higher Na DC1 expression. Using the outward gradient of citrate generated by Na DC1, Oat5 can reabsorb/eliminate different organic anions of pathophysiological importance.
文摘Objective:To assess the neuroprotective effects of aqueous extract of Garcinia kola on neurotoxin administered malnourished mice adopting histological procedure.Methods:The study was carried out using thirty-two adult malnourished mice which were randomly assigned into four groups(n=8):A,B,C and D.Group A served as control,while the other groups served as the experimental groups.Animals in group A were fed malnourished diet ad libitum and given water liberally.Animals in group B were administered with 3-Nitropropionic acid(3-NP)(neurotoxin)only at 20 rag/kg body weight,group C were given only Garcinia kola extracts,and group D were pre-treated with Garcinia kola extracts at 200 mg/kg for seven days prior to administration of neurotoxin at 20 mg/kg body weight.After three days of neurotoxins administration in the relevant groups,the brains were excised and fixed in formal calcium for histological processing.Results:The study showed that hippocampal and cerebellar neurons of animals in group B exhibited some cellular degeneration and blood vessel blockage,which were not seen in groups A,C and D.Cresyl violet staining was least intense in group B than in groups A,C and D.Despite the fact that animals in group D has equal administration of 3-Nitropropionic acid concentration,there were no traces of neural degeneration as it was evidenced in group B.Conclusions:It is concluded that Garcinia kola has protective effects on the neurons of the hippocampus and cerebellum of malnourished mice.
文摘Aim： To investigate the effect of Morinda lucida Benth （Rubiaceae） on the reproductive activity of male albino rats. Methods： Two groups of rats were treated with 400 mg/（kg.d） of Morinda lucida leaf extract for 4 and 13 weeks, respectively. The control rats received the vehicle. All the treated rats had corresponding recovery groups. At the end of each experimental period, animals were killed and organ weights, sperm characteristics, serum testosterone levels, histology of the testes and fertility were assessed. Results： Morinda lucida leaf extract did not cause any changes in body and somatic organ weights, but significantly increased the testis weight （P 〈 0.05）. The sperm motility and viability, and the epididymal sperm counts of rats treated for 13 weeks were significantly reduced （P 〈 0.05）. Sperm morphological abnormalities and serum testosterone levels were significantly increased （P 〈 0.05）. There were various degrees of damage to the seminiferous tubules. The extract reduced the fertility of the treated rats by reducing the litter size. Reversal of these changes, however, occurred after a period of time. Conclusion： The extract of Morinda lucida has reversible antispermatogenic properties.
文摘Dear Editor, Lung surfactant is stored in lamellar bodies and exocytosed following fusion of the lamellar bodies with the plasma membrane of alveolar type II （AT2） cells [1]. A number of proteins have been shown to be involved in surfactant secretion including SNAREs, NSF, α-SNAP and annexin A2 [2, 3]. Lipid rafts enriched in SNAREs are crucial for surfactant secretion [4].
基金supported by Merit Review Awards(No.B6570R,B78071,and B1005-R)from the United States(U.S.)Department of Veterans Affairs Rehabilitation Research and Development Service
文摘Our recent findings have demonstrated that rodent models of closed head traumatic brain injury exhibit comprehensive evidence of progressive and enduring orofacial allodynias, a hypersensitive pain response induced by non-painful stimulation. These allodynias, tested using thermal hyperalgesia, correlated with changes in several known pain signaling receptors and molecules along the trigeminal pain pathway, especially in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis. This study focused to extend our previous work to investigate the changes in monoamine neurotransmitter immunoreactivity changes in spinal trigeminal nucleus oralis, pars interpolaris and nucleus tractus solitaries following mild to moderate closed head traumatic brain injury, which are related to tactile allodynia, touch-pressure sensitivity, and visceral pain. Our results exhibited significant alterations in the excitatory monoamine, serotonin, in spinal trigeminal nucleus oralis and pars interpolaris which usually modulate tactile and mechanical sensitivity in addition to the thermal sensitivity. Moreover, we also detected a robust alteration in the expression of serotonin, and inhibitory molecule norepinephrine in the nucleus tractus solitaries, which might indicate the possibility of an alteration in visceral pain, and existence of other morbidities related to solitary nucleus dysfunction in this rodent model of mild to moderate closed head traumatic brain injury. Collectively, widespread changes in monoamine neurotransmitter may be related to orofacial allodynhias and headache after traumatic brain injury.
文摘There have been significant breakthroughs over the past decade in the development and use of pluripotent stem cells as a potential source of cells for applications in regenerative medicine. It is likely that this methodology will begin to play an important role in human clinical medicine in the years to come. This review describes the plasticity of one type of pluripotent cell, spermatogonial stem cells （SSCs）, and their potential therapeutic applications in regenerative medicine and male infertility. Normally, SSCs give rise to sperm when in the testis. However, both human and murine SSCs can give rise to cells with embryonic stem （ES） cell-like characteristics that can be directed to differentiate into tissues of all three embryonic germ layers when placed in an appropriate inductive microenvironment, which is in contrast to other postnatal stem cells. Previous studies have reported that SSCs expressed an intermediate pluripotent phenotype before differentiating into a specific cell type and that extended culture was necessary for this to occur. However, recent studies from our group using a tissue recombination model demonstrated that SSCs differentiated rapidly into another tissue, in this case, prostatic epithelium, without expression of pluripotent ES cell markers before differentiation. These results suggest that SSCs are capable of directly differentiating into other cell types without going through an intermediate ES cell-like stage. Because SSCs do not require reprogramming to achieve a pluripotent state, they are an attractive source of pluripotent cells for use in regenerative medicine.
文摘After more than a decade of controversy on the role of stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment,the emerging data shed light on pro-tumorigenic and potential anti-cancer factors,as well as on the roots of the discrepancies.We discuss the pro-tumorigenic effects of stromal cells,considering the effects of tumor drivers like hypoxia and tumor stiffness on these cells,as well as stromal cell-mediated adiposity and immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment,and cancer initiating cells'cellular senescence and adaptive metabolism.We summarize the emerging data supporting stromal cell therapeutic potential in cancer,discuss the possibility to reprogram stromal cells of the tumor microenvironment for anti-cancer effects,and explore some causes of discrepancies on the roles of stromal cells in cancer in the available literature.
文摘Using the conflict principle of the Stroop task, “effect of interference in color naming”, the present study proposes to create a computational version of the emotional Stroop task, called TREFACE, for its acronyms in Portuguese “Teste de Reconhecimento de Expressões Faciais com Conflito Emocional” (Facial Expression Recognition Test with Emotional Conflict). In this protocol, four fixed styles of presentation were generated according to the condition: Congruent Word Reading, Incongruent Word Reading, Congruent Recognition of Face Expression and Incongruent Recognition of Face Expression, counterbalanced in terms of each facial expression, word and gender of the photo character. Forty-two healthy volunteers completed the task. Results revealed that a task associated with word reading allows better performance than a task associated with face recognition. It was also identified that in the congruent condition, there is an advantage in terms of the correct responses. Additionally, the data regarding recognition of face expression showed greater difficulty when the image was not congruent with the word. In general, the results suggest that the emotional attribute can compromise the ability to recognize the faces, reaching the functioning of mechanisms such as cognitive control and regulation of emotions. Thus, the TREFACE paradigm can be considered a good assessment tool for monitoring emotional conflict, in addition to presenting itself as a new instrument in Portuguese language for assessing emotional working memory in healthy individuals and, eventually, in different pathologies that affect the functioning of cortical areas related to executive functions.
文摘Background: The Marburg virus (MARV) is the causative agent of Marburg virus disease (MVD). This filovirus first appeared in 1967 and has since caused several outbreaks with case fatality rates between 23% and 90%. The earliest cases of MVD are thought to be caused by exposure to an infected animal, either a reservoir host (some bat species, e.g., Rousettus aegyptiacus) or a spill-over host, such as non-human primates. The virus is spread between people by direct contact with blood or other bodily fluids (including saliva, sweat, faeces, urine, tears, and breast milk) from infected individuals. Despite the high fatality rate, the Marburg virus has no vaccine or drug treatment. Recent outbreaks of the virus in 2023 in Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea have reignited the need to develop effective therapeutics, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Purpose: This review seeks to highlight the drug discovery efforts aimed at developing vaccines or possible treatments as potential therapeutics. Several existing antiviral agents are being probed, and vaccines are in pre-clinical and clinical stages. Natural products are also an important source of possible drugs or lead compounds and when coupled with computational techniques, these strategies offer possible therapeutics for the Marburg virus, especially in Africa, which has a high disease burden. Methods: Using the search engines Google Scholar and PubMed;keywords e.g. Marburg virus, Marburg treatments, Marburg virus drug discovery were utilized. Several results were yielded, and articles published in recent years were accepted into the final list.Results and Conclusion: This study shows there is a growing interest in therapeutics for the Marburg virus, especially with the recent outbreaks and pandemic preparedness. Initiatives that to support vaccine development and access like the MARVAC consort time are critical to fighting this public health threat.
文摘GB （goji berry） has bioactive components capable of reversing the metabolic syndrome. This work investigated systemic, biometric and metabolic parameters of male rats fed with standard diet （group CD） or high-carbohydrate diet （group HC）. At 90 days of age the HC group was subdivided： one was given vehicle solution （HCD） and the other was given GB extract （HCDGB）, for 60 days. The vehicle was also given to the CD group. At 150 days of age, glucose tolerance test, tissue collection, plasmatic determinations, lipid content, in situ perfusion and oxidative stress of the liver were carried out. The GB supplementation improved the parameters of the metabolic syndrome caused by the HC diet, including decreased body weight gain, adiposity index, dyslipidemia, hyperinsulinemia, NAFLD, liver oxidative stress and gluconeogenesis. Together with the diminished insulin resistance, these results indicate the GB extract is an important adjuvant in the treatment of the metabolic syndrome.
