Modulation of oxidative stress/NMDA/nitric oxide pathway by topiramate attenuates morphine dependence in mice.

Morphine belongs to the class of opioids and is known for its potential to cause dependence and addiction, particularly with prolonged use. Due to the associated risks, caution must be taken when prescribing and limiting its clinical use. Overexpression of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, nitric oxide and cGMP pathway has been implicated in exacerbate the development of morphine dependence and withdrawal.

Association of GRK5 variant rs10886471 with the therapeutic effect of repaglinide in patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Peshawar, Pakistan.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex metabolic disorder with a rising global prevalence. The primary objective of this study was to explore the relationship between the GRK5 variant (rs10886471) and the therapeutic effect of repaglinide in patients of T2DM in Peshawar, Pakistan. A quasi-experimental study was designed.

Muscle relaxant and antipyretic effects of pentacyclic triterpenes isolated from the roots of L.

The present article describes the muscle relaxant and antipyretic effects of pentacyclic triterpenes, oleanolic acid (), ursolic acid () and betulinic acid () isolated from roots of in animal models. The muscle relaxant effects of isolated pentacyclic triterpenes were determined by chimney and inclined plane tests. In the chimney test, pretreatment of pentacyclic triterpenes evoked significant dose dependent influence on muscle coordination.

Therapeutic Effects of Gallic Acid in Regulating Senescence and Diabetes; an In Vitro Study.

Gallic acid (GA), a plant-derived ubiquitous secondary polyphenol metabolite, can be a useful dietary supplement. This in vitro study's primary purpose was to assess the anti-aging properties of GA using rat embryonic fibroblast (REF) cells, antidiabetic effects via pancreatic islet cells, and finally, elucidating the molecular mechanisms of this natural compound. REF and islet cells were isolated from fetuses and pancreas of rats, respectively.

Biochemical evidence on the potential role of methyl mercury in hepatic glucose metabolism through inflammatory signaling and free radical pathways.

Methylmercury (MeHg) is an extremely important environmental toxicant posing serious health risks to human health and a big source of environmental pollutant. Numerous evidence available showing a link between nervous system toxicity and MeHg exposure. Other forms of mercury are reason of metabolic toxic effects and alteration of DNA in the human body.

α-Lipoic acid prevents senescence, cell cycle arrest, and inflammatory cues in fibroblasts by inhibiting oxidative stress.

Senescence is a process characterized by an irreversible growth arrest in cells and induced by oxidative stress. In the current study, anti-aging potential of a well-known antioxidant, α-lipoic acid (α-LA), in rat embryonic fibroblast (REF) cells was assessed. In this regard, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis pathways were investigated on REF cells exposed to HO as a senescence inducer and α-LA as a protective compound.

Health Benefits of Manuka Honey as an Essential Constituent for Tissue Regeneration.

Background: Honey is known for its therapeutic properties from ancient civilizations. Recently, the mechanism of action of Manuka honey in wound healing, epithelial regeneration, and ulcer treatments has been revealed.

Objective: In the current review, the health perspectives of honey, its chemical composition with special reference to flavonoids, polyphenol, and other bioactive trace compounds used in tissue regeneration have been discussed in detail.

Smokeless tobacco ( and ) consumption, prevalence, and contribution to oral cancer.

Smokeless tobacco consumption, which is widespread throughout the world, leads to oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), which is a long-lasting and devastating condition of the oral cavity with the potential for malignancy. In this review, we mainly focus on the consumption of smokeless tobacco, such as and , and the role of these substances in the induction of OSMF and ultimately oral cancer. The list of articles to be examined was established using citation discovery tools provided by PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar.

A review of the protective effect of melatonin in pesticide-induced toxicity.

Pesticides are among the most important chemicals used in agriculture sector. However, their extensive use has polluted the environment and increased human vulnerability to various chronic diseases. Pesticide exposure causes genetic and epigenetic modifications, endocrine disruption, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress.

Effects of methyl mercury on the activity and gene expression of mouse Langerhans islets and glucose metabolism.

Mercury (Hg) is a well-known heavy metal and causes various toxic effects. It is abundantly present in fish in the form of methyl mercury (MeHg). Also, various other forms of mercury can enter human body either from environment like inhalation or through dental amalgams.

A review of environmental and occupational exposure to xylene and its health concerns.

Xylene is a cyclic hydrocarbon, and an environmental pollutant. It is also used in dyes, paints, polishes, medical technology and different industries as a solvent. Xylene easily vaporizes and divides by sunlight into other harmless chemicals.

Evaluation of Antioxidant, Free Radical Scavenging, and Antimicrobial Activity of Quercus incana Roxb.

Considering the indigenous utilization of Quercus incana Roxb., the present study deals with the investigation of antioxidant, free radical scavenging activity, total phenolic content, and antimicrobial activity of Q. incana Roxb.

Review of endocrine disorders associated with environmental toxicants and possible involved mechanisms.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) are released into environment from different sources. They are mainly used in packaging industries, pesticides and food constituents. Clinical evidence, experimental models, and epidemiological studies suggest that EDC have major risks for human by targeting different organs and systems in the body.

Toxicity of Nanoparticles and an Overview of Current Experimental Models.

Nanotechnology is a rapidly growing field having potential applications in many areas. Nanoparticles (NPs) have been studied for cell toxicity, immunotoxicity, and genotoxicity. Tetrazolium-based assays such as MTT, MTS, and WST-1 are used to determine cell viability.

Discovery Approaches for Novel Dyslipidemia Drugs.

Introduction: Dyslipidemia is increased fasting level of total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TG), along with decreased levels of HDL cholesterol (HDL-C). Owing to effect on the cardiovascular system and increased chances of metabolic diseases, it is needed to review novel under development drugs and new approaches in drug discovery for dyslipidemia.

Areas Covered: This article reviews all phases I to IV clinical trials and preclinical trials with results associated with novel treatment of dyslipidemia.

The molecular mechanisms of liver and islets of Langerhans toxicity by benzene and its metabolite hydroquinone in vivo and in vitro.

Benzene (C6H6) is one of the most commonly used industrial chemicals causing environmental pollution. This study aimed to examine the effect of benzene and its metabolite hydroquinone on glucose regulating organs, liver and pancreas, and to reveal the involved toxic mechanisms, in rats. In the in vivo part, benzene was dissolved in corn oil and administered through intragastric route at doses of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg/day, for 4 weeks.

Mechanistic overview of immune modulatory effects of environmental toxicants.

The immune system is an integrated organization, comprising of specific organs, cells and molecules playing a crucial role in the maintenance of health. The purpose of this paper is to give a mechanistic overview of toxic effects of various chemicals and pharmacological agents, and their interaction with the various components of the immune system that leads to modulation of the immune responses. Studies suggest that many chemical agents present in the environment like; heavy metals, agrochemicals, and various types of hydrocarbons possess immune toxicity and cause either structural, functional or compositional changes in various components of the immune system that alters immune response.

Assessment of benzene induced oxidative impairment in rat isolated pancreatic islets and effect on insulin secretion.

Benzene (C6H6) is an organic compound used in petrochemicals and numerous other industries. It is abundantly released to our environment as a chemical pollutant causing widespread human exposure. This study mainly focused on benzene induced toxicity on rat pancreatic islets with respect to oxidative damage, insulin secretion and glucokinase (GK) activity.

Growing burden of diabetes in Pakistan and the possible role of arsenic and pesticides.

This review is undertaken to address the possible role of arsenic and pesticides in the prevalence of diabetes in Pakistan and to highlight a resourceful targeted research in this area. A bibliographic search of scientific databases was conducted with key words of "epidemics of diabetes in Pakistan", "diabetes in Asia", "diabetes mellitus and environmental pollutants", "diabetes mellitus and heavy metals", "diabetes mellitus and pesticides", "prevalence of pesticides in Pakistan", and "heavy metals contamination of drinking water, "vegetables and fruits in Pakistan". More than 200 articles were examined.

Molecular mechanisms involved in lead induced disruption of hepatic and pancreatic glucose metabolism.

Lead (Pb) is a toxic heavy metal known to be associated with pathology of various human chronic diseases. This study has focused on the effect of lead on glucose homeostasis with regard to metabolic function of pancreas and liver. Islets of Langerhans were isolated from the pancreas of rats and exposed to lead for 24h, then insulin release along with markers of ER stress and oxidative stress were evaluated.