The aim of the study is to evaluate the effective protective potential of aprepitant on L-arginine induced pancreatitis in albino wistar rats. Thirty albino wistar rats weighing 150-200 g were randomly divided into five groups. Each group contains six animals. Pancreatitis was induced by 250 mg L- Arginine in the normal saline and administer in the time interval of 4th, 7th, 10th, 13th, 16th and 19th days. Treatment with aprepitant 14 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg was evaluated by using body weight and serum parameters like amylase, lipase, creatinine, BUN, ALT, AST, inflammatory markers and histological study of pancreatitis induced rat’s pancreas. The present study demonstrates that treatment with aprepitant with 14 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg had potential therapeutic effects on the treatment of pancreatitis. It was found that parental administration of the aprepitant shows the equal effectiveness in treating pancreatitis when compared with pancreatic rats treated with standard drug methylprednisolone. Histopathological studies of the pancreas sample also confirmed the damage in the pancreas reduced due to the aprepitant. This shows good anti- inflammatory activity against diseased group. It is concluded that the aprepitant showed siginificant anti- inflammatory activity in albino rats. Among that aprepitant 14 mg/kg showed distinguished effect than aprepitant 8 mg/kg. Therefore, the study results show that the aprepitant produces siginificant suppression of inflammation, cell damage in pancreas. Thus, it has the potential to be developed for clinical applications in the future.

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening hyperinflammatory condition that can complicate autoimmune diseases, malignancies, and infections. It is considered part of the spectrum of secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and may affect both children and adults. Although MAS triggered by bacterial infections is uncommon, prompt recognition is crucial to ensure appropriate management. We report the case of a 7-year-old child admitted to the pediatric emergency department with severe Salmonellagastroenteritis complicated by MAS. The patient presented with persistent fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and signs of systemic inflammation. Laboratory investigations revealed pancytopenia, marked hyperferritinemia, and elevated liver enzymes, raising strong suspicion for MAS. Inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein and procalcitonin, were significantly elevated, and Salmonella was isolated through stool culture. Bone marrow examination did not reveal hemophagocytosis; however, its absence did not exclude the diagnosis due to known variability in this finding. Based on the clinical presentation and laboratory findings, a diagnosis of MAS secondary to bacterial infection was established. The patient responded favorably to intravenous antibiotic therapy and supportive care, with rapid clinical and biological improvement. This case highlights the importance of considering MAS in children presenting with sepsis-like symptoms and cytopenias, even when bone marrow findings are inconclusive, particularly in the setting of confirmed bacterial infection.

The trace metal zinc is essential in all types of organisms, where it has many catalytic, structural and regulatory functions. Zinc homeostasis in cells and organelles is maintained by various types of zinc transport protein. These include Cation Diffusion Facilitator (CDF) family proteins, which export zinc to the extracellular space or to the cytoplasm. Homologous CDF proteins are found in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, where the human variants are the ZnTs or SLC30 family. One of the first and best characterised prokaryotic CDFs is the Escherichia coli zinc exporter ZitB, which is driven by the proton motive force in an antiport manner. In this article we provide an analytical review and expand on the biochemical and computational characterisation of ZitB and assess its potential for high-resolution three-dimensional structure determination. Consistent with structures determined for other CDF proteins (YiiP, ZnTs 3, 4, 7 and 8), the 313 residues of ZitB are predicted to form six transmembrane spanning α-helices with a long cytoplasmic C-terminal tail. An unusual feature of ZitB is an exceptionally high (8.0%) content of histidine residues. Using the IPTG-inducible plasmid pTTQ18, we demonstrate the cloning and amplified expression in E. coli of non-tagged, wild-type ZitB at levels of ~15% of total protein in preparations of inner membranes. ZitB was solubilised in the mild detergent n-dodecyl-β-D-maltoside (DDM) and purified by immobilised metal affinity chromatography in yields of ~1.8 mg per litre of culture medium. The structural integrity of purified ZitB was confirmed by mass spectrometry and circular dichroism spectroscopy.

Ulcer remains a public health problem associated with high incidence and mortality rate worldwide. Musa acuminata is widely available plant used in local management of many diseases including gastrointestinal disorders, constipation, piles, and hemorrhoids. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidants and antiulcer activity of aqueous unripe fruits extract of Musa acuminata in indomethacin-induced ulcer in rats. The gastric ulcer was induced by intra-peritoneal injection of indomethacin (60 mg/kg, i.p.). Ulcer index and percentage ulcer inhibition was calculated using standard equations. The Lipid Peroxidation (Malondialdehyde) marker was determined using Thiobarbituric acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) method. The superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) and catalase (CAT) level was determined using standard ELISA kits. The antioxidant vitamins (Vit A, C, and E) were assayed by spectrophotometric technique. The extract (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg) demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) gastroprotective effect with high ulcer inhibition (95.49 %) at 200 mg/dL more than the reference standard drug, omeprazole (91.67 %). The extract (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg) demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the level of lipid peroxidation marker (MDA) coupled with the significant (p < 0.05) increase in the level of SOD and CAT comparable to the reference standard drug, omeprazole. The results also showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in vitamins A and E level significant (p < 0.05) decrease in vitamins C level in the gastric tissue homogenates of the rats treated with 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg of the extract. The aqueous unripe fruits extract of Musa acuminata demonstrated gastroprotective effect in indomethacin-induced ulcer in rats and might be attributed to increase in prostaglandins synthesis and cellular antioxidant activity.

Background: Vitamin D deficiency and dyslipidemia are both common in individuals with type 2 diabetes and may contribute to increased cardiovascular risk. This study aims to assess the correlation between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and lipid profile parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation between 25-Hydroxyvitamin D levels and lipid profiles (TG, TC, LDL, HDL) in individuals with Type 2 diabetes. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Clinical Biochemistry and the Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, BIRDEM General Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from July 2014 to June 2015, including 200 participants (130 with type 2 diabetes, 70 healthy controls). After informed consent, demographic data and blood samples were collected for fasting plasma glucose, lipid profile, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, HbA1C, and postprandial glucose analysis. Biochemical tests were performed using standard methods, and data were analyzed with SPSS v21, with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Type 2 diabetics had significantly lower vitamin D levels and higher BMI compared to non-diabetics. Hypovitaminosis-D was more common in diabetics (44.6% vs. 22.9%, p = 0.002). Diabetics also had higher total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides (all p < 0.001). In diabetics, vitamin D levels were inversely correlated with cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides, and positively correlated with HDL. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is significantly associated with dyslipidemia in type 2 diabetic patients, showing strong negative correlations with LDL and triglycerides and a positive correlation with HDL.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with atherosclerosis as a central pathological process driven by lipid imbalances. Apolipoproteins A (apoA) and B (apoB) are key regulators of lipid metabolism and atherogenesis, representing protective and pro-atherogenic roles, respectively. ApoA, primarily found in high-density lipoproteins (HDL), facilitates reverse cholesterol transport and exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, thereby reducing cardiovascular risk. In contrast, apoB, a major component of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and other atherogenic lipoproteins, promotes cholesterol deposition and plaque formation within arterial walls. This article reviews the metabolic pathways of apoA and apoB, elucidates their opposing roles in the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic plaques, and highlights their clinical utility as biomarkers. The apoB/apoA-I ratio emerges as a superior predictor of cardiovascular risk compared to traditional lipid measures, enabling improved risk stratification and personalized management. Advancements in apoB quantification and the therapeutic potential of targeting apolipoproteins underscore their importance in future strategies to prevent and treat CVDs globally.

Hormonal contraceptives (HCs) are widely used for birth control. There are reported adverse effects associated with HCs and liver and kidney function in people on hormonal contraceptives. Limited studies exist to establish these reports; it is however crucial to elucidate any potential associations between these medications with liver and kidney dysfunction. This study aims to evaluate the impact of hormonal contraceptives on liver and renal function. For this study, a total of 50 participants were used; 25 of the total participants are women of reproductive age, using hormonal contraceptives, while the other 25 participants are women of reproductive age, not using hormonal contraceptives. The participants were recruited from Orita-Obele and Arakale health centers, Akure, Ondo State. The results showed a significant increase (p<0.001) in both creatinine and urea levels when compared to the control, but no significant increase (p>0.05) in both sodium and potassium ion concentrations. A significant increase (p<0.0001) in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT) activity, along with a significant increase (p<0.01) in bilirubin level, were observed in the case when compared with the control group. The results suggest that the alterations observed in kidney and liver function of subjects on hormonal contraceptives may indicate potential impairment. Understanding these interactions is crucial for ensuring the safe use of hormonal contraceptives and managing any potential risks to liver and kidney health, thereby guiding clinicians in prescribing these medications and monitoring their effects.