Introduction/ Objective During aging, numerous pathological changes occur in the brain, including changes in its lipid composition. This leads to impaired memory and cognitive function. All existing geriatric drugs cause side effects. N-acylethanolamines (NAE) are a class of biologically active lipids that are part of the body's endocannabinoid system and play an important role in the functioning of the central nervous system. This study aimed to investigate the effects of NAE18:0 N-stearoylethanolamine (NSE) on memory, exploration activity, neuronal state, and lipid composition, choline, acetylcholine content, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the brain and blood plasma in 18-month-old aging rats. Methods All animals were tested using a “New object recognition test” and “Hole board test” to assess rats’ memory and exploration activity. Old rats in the experimental group were orally administered a water suspension of NSE for 10 days. Thin-layer chromatography, ELISA, and mass spectrometry were used. Results The use of NSE led to changes in the phospholipid composition and cholesterol content in the frontal cortex and hippocampus, AChE activity, and a slight increase in acetylcholine in the hippocampus and frontal cortex, a decrease in the number of hyperchromic and vacuolated forms of neurons in brain structures, as well as improved memory and exploratory activity in aging rats. Discussion The neuroprotective effect of NSE in aged rats may be due to its influence on fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) activity, modulation of the PPARγ/NF-κB signaling pathway, activation of PPAR receptors and α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, and the ability of NSE to influence the initial stages of inflammation characteristic of old age. These hypotheses require further research in the future. Conclusion Thus, the results of this study suggest that NSE has a pronounced neuroprotective and antiamnestic effect in age-related changes in the brain. The use of NSE in old rats leads to an improvement in cognitive functions, as well as to a decrease in the severity of morphofunctional disorders in brain structures, including a decrease in signs of age-related neuronal degeneration. The data obtained confirm the participation of NSE as a component of the endocannabinoid system in regulating the cholinergic system and highlight the prospects for further studies of this compound in correcting age-related neurodegenerative processes. These results could be used to develop a new geriatric drug, taking into account the absence of known adverse reactions in NSE.
Introduction Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic condition characterized by hyperglycemia due to either insulin resistance, lack of insulin production, and/or secretion. The global rates of infection are increasing, especially in low- and middle-income countries; thus, exploring novel and safer therapeutic options has become essential. This review aims to compile and analyze existing data on the anti-diabetic properties of selected medicinal plants, focusing on their phytochemical composition, molecular mechanisms of action, and potential therapeutic roles in glucose homeostasis. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Sixteen medicinal plants traditionally used for diabetes management were identified and examined based on multiple experimental studies. Results Phytochemicals such as flavonoids, polyphenols, saponins, and terpenoids from these plants exhibit anti-diabetic effects through multiple mechanisms: modulation of glucose transporters ( e.g. , GLUT4), activation of insulin signaling pathways ( e.g. , PI3K/Akt), inhibition of digestive enzymes ( e.g. , α-amylase, α-glucosidase), promotion of insulin secretion, and mitigation of oxidative stress. Discussion Notably, compounds like quercetin, kaempferol, berberine, and gymnemic acid have shown significant promise. Conclusion Medicinal plants present a rich source of bioactive compounds with multi-targeted mechanisms relevant to diabetes management. Further pharmacological investigations are necessary to establish their therapeutic efficacy and safety, enabling the development of phytochemical-based interventions for diabetes.
Alzheimer's disease (AD)is a complex and multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder characterized by common pathogenic features, such as the development of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles from hyperphosphorylated tau proteins. Although the cholinergic hypothesis, which focuses on the cognitive role of acetylcholine, remains a fundamental concept, recent studies have reported that neuroinflammation and oxidative stress play pivotal roles in the pathology of AD. Besides these pathways, aging, diverse diseases, environmental factors, and genetic conditions are well-known risk factors for AD. Currently, no disease-modifying treatment exists for AD. The available therapies provide only symptomatic relief and are often associated with adverse side effects. Meanwhile, growing evidence suggests that dietary interventions rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds can modulate inflammatory cytokines and neutralize free radicals, thereby offering a promising approach to mitigate AD risk and potentially delay its onset. Future research should focus on developing novel therapeutic strategies that specifically target the restoration of the oxidative–inflammatory balance, moving beyond symptomatic relief to address the key pathological pathways in AD.
Introduction Plasma cell neoplasms are characterized by the production of paraproteins. These paraproteins can interfere with routine biochemical assays performed using conventional wet chemistry platforms, leading to erroneous results, misinterpretation, and delays in diagnostic evaluation. Objective The objective of this study is to investigate the extent of interference caused by monoclonal proteins (M-proteins) in calcium, magnesium, and phosphate assays, and to quantify the degree and significance of such interference. Methods This is an observational case–control study. Test samples containing M-proteins and control samples without M-proteins were analyzed using both wet chemistry and dry chemistry methods in parallel. Data were evaluated using paired t-tests in the test group and unpaired t-tests in the control group. Passing–Bablok regression and Bland–Altman difference plots were employed to assess method comparison and agreement. Results Control samples without paraproteins demonstrated no significant method-related differences in calcium and magnesium assays, whereas a minor method difference was observed for phosphate. In contrast, test samples containing paraproteins exhibited statistically significant interference in calcium, magnesium, and phosphate assays when analyzed using conventional wet chemistry methods. Discussion Paraproteins can significantly interfere with biochemical assays (p < 0.05) performed using traditional wet chemistry analyzers. In comparison, dry chemistry platforms demonstrate greater resilience to such interference, thereby offering a more reliable alternative for minimizing paraprotein-induced assay variability in patients with plasma cell neoplasms. Conclusion These findings suggest that dry chemistry may serve as a suitable alternative to conventional wet chemistry for minimizing paraprotein-related assay interference.
Background Azo dyes are widely used in the textile industry for fabric coloring; however, their potential to induce oxidative stress poses significant health concerns. Nrf2 (Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) is a pivotal oxidative stress marker. Methods This study involved 90 male workers: 45 exposed to azo dyes and 45 unexposed (control group). The exposed group was subdivided based on exposure duration into three categories: EG1 (1–10 years), EG2 (11–20 years), and EG3 (>20 years). Nrf2 activity was measured using ELISA, while Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) and Total Oxidative Status (TOS) were assessed via spectrophotometry. Results Exposed workers exhibited significantly higher Nrf2 activity (mean ± SD: 2.06 ± 0.68) than the control group (1.58 ± 0.41, P = 0.000). Additionally, the exposed group showed lower TAC (1.39 ± 0.1 vs. 1.50 ± 0.06, P = 0.000) and higher TOS (0.14 ± 0.05 vs. 0.11 ± 0.03, P = 0.002). Nrf2 levels increased with the duration of exposure (EG1: 1.68 ± 0.37, EG2: 1.92 ± 0.44, EG3: 2.60 ± 0.81), while TOS levels rose (EG1: 0.10 ± 0.04, EG2: 0.13 ± 0.03, EG3: 0.19 ± 0.02), and TAC levels decreased (EG1: 1.49 ± 0.06, EG2: 1.38 ± 0.05, EG3: 1.30 ± 0.09). Discussion The elevation of Nrf2, along with increased TOS and reduced TAC levels, suggests a compensatory antioxidant response to ongoing oxidative burden. These changes reflect the biological impact of chronic exposure to azo dyes. Conclusion These findings highlight the role of azo dyes in inducing oxidative stress among textile workers, emphasizing the urgent need for protective measures to mitigate occupational health risks.
