Decorin (DCN) Downregulation Activates Breast Stromal Fibroblasts and Promotes Their Pro-Carcinogenic Effects through the IL-6/STAT3/AUF1 Signaling.

Decorin (DCN), a member of the small leucine-rich proteoglycan gene family, is secreted from stromal fibroblasts with non-cell-autonomous anti-breast-cancer effects. Therefore, in the present study, we sought to elucidate the function of decorin in breast stromal fibroblasts (BSFs). We first showed DCN downregulation in active cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) compared to their adjacent tumor counterpart fibroblasts at both the mRNA and protein levels.

genetic polymorphisms in Saudi systemic lupus erythematosus patients: A cross-sectional study.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs1080985, rs28624811, rs1065852, rs28371725, and rs1135840) in () gene among Saudi systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and to investigate the association between the genetic variants and clinical features of SLE.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on adult Saudi patients at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Patients with confirmed SLE based on the 2012 Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics classification criteria were included in the study.

Global Transcriptional Profiling of Granulosa Cells from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients: Comparative Analyses of Patients with or without History of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome Reveals Distinct Biomarkers and Pathways.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is often a complication of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), the most frequent disorder of the endocrine system, which affects women in their reproductive years. The etiology of OHSS is multifactorial, though the factors involved are not apparent. In an attempt to unveil the molecular basis of OHSS, we conducted transcriptome analysis of total RNA extracted from granulosa cells from PCOS patients with a history of OHSS (n = 6) and compared them to those with no history of OHSS (n = 18).

Gut Microbiota Dynamics in Relation to Long-COVID-19 Syndrome: Role of Probiotics to Combat Psychiatric Complications.

Increasing numbers of patients who recover from COVID-19 report lasting symptoms, such as fatigue, muscle weakness, dementia, and insomnia, known collectively as post-acute COVID syndrome or long COVID. These lasting symptoms have been examined in different studies and found to influence multiple organs, sometimes resulting in life-threating conditions. In this review, these symptoms are discussed in connection to the COVID-19 and long-COVID-19 immune changes, highlighting oral and psychiatric health, as this work focuses on the gut microbiota's link to long-COVID-19 manifestations in the liver, heart, kidney, brain, and spleen.

Functional and psychosocial impact of COVID-19 pandemic on rheumatic patients' quality of life in Saudi Arabia.

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic might add to the stressors experienced by people living with rheumatic diseases. This study aimed to examine rheumatic patients' functional and psychosocial states during the pandemic and assess its impact on their quality of life.

Methods: Our time-series study included a patient-centered electronic survey, sampling adult rheumatic patients living in Saudi Arabia at different time points from March to August 2020.

Venom of the desert black snake enhances anti-tumor immunity via its beneficial modulatory effects on pro- and anti-tumorigenic inflammatory mediators in cultured colon cancer cells.

The role of inflammation in colon cancer is understood as a well-accepted factor that has the tendency to release multiple pro- and anti-tumorigenic inflammatory mediators. Inflammation-induced increased expression of anti-tumorigenic inflammatory mediators and decreased expression of pro-tumorigenic inflammatory mediators encourage beneficial inflammatory effects in terms of powerful anti-tumor immunity. The present study aims to screen the beneficial inflammatory effects of venom via determining its modulatory tendency on the expression of 40 pro- and anti-tumorigenic inflammatory mediators (cytokines/growth factors/chemokines) in LoVo human colon cancer cell line.

Adverse Effects of Selected Markers on the Metabolic and Endocrine Profiles of Obese Women With and Without PCOS.

The aim of the present study, is to investigate the influence of obesity, with and without polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), on the levels of kisspeptin, vitamin D (Vit D), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and to explore the relationship between these parameters and endocrine and metabolic variables. The study group included 126 obese Saudi females. Of these 63 were suffering from PCOS while the rest were normo-ovulatory obese women (non-PCOS obese).

Disease phenotype and diagnostic delay in Saudi patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome: An exploratory cross-sectional study.

Objectives: To describe primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) cohort in Saudi Arabiain view in of clinical/serological/histopathological phentotype, and, diagnostic delay.

Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted between October 2018 and May 2019. Diagnostic delay was calculated from symptoms onset to clinical diagnosis.

Influence of b2 adrenergic receptor polymorphism (rs1042713 and rs1042714) on anthropometric, hormonal and lipid profiles in polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a frequently encountered disorder. This study aimed to identify polymorphisms in ADRB2 in Saudi PCOS development and to study its influence on lipids, hormones, and anthropometric parameters.

Methods: Saudi females (100) suffering from PCOS and healthy controls (100) were investigated.

RS1799817 in INSR associates with susceptibility to polycystic ovary syndrome.

Background: Insulin and its receptor () have been implicated in the etiology of the polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Here, we investigate the association between rs1799817 polymorphism and PCOS in Saudi Arabian women.

Methods: Study group included 126 PCOS women and 118 normo-ovulatory matched controls.

Impact of COVID-19 outbreak on rheumatic patients' perceptions and behaviors: A cross-sectional study.

Aim: The dynamics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become of special concern to the rheumatology community. Rheumatic patients are required to engage in effective health management but their behavior is often influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. This cross-sectional study aims to examine patients' experiences during the current pandemic and its implication on their health perception and behavior.

Influence of KISS1 gene polymorphisms on the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome and its associated variables, in Saudi women.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex multifactorial disorder, affecting millions of women worldwide. The role of genetic polymorphisms of the KISS1 gene on the development of PCOS is still obscure. This study was designed to investigate the probable influence of KISS1 gene polymorphisms on PCOS and its associated variables: BMI, waist-hip ratio, kisspeptin, LH, FSH, and LH-FSH ratio.

The influence of the rs1137101 genotypes of leptin receptor gene on the demographic and metabolic profile of normal Saudi females and those suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is of frequent occurrence in Saudi females and is often associated with obesity, insulin resistance, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and infertility. Since these features are also associated with leptin receptor (LEP-R) deficiency, several studies have attempted to link LEP-R gene polymorphisms to PCOS.

Methods: The purpose of this study is to assess the possible association of LEP-R gene polymorphism (rs1137101) with the main obesity-linked metabolic parameters in Saudi female patients affected by PCOS.

Polymorphic Variations in VDR Gene in Saudi Women with and Without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Significant Influence of Seven Polymorphic Sites on Anthropometric and Hormonal Parameters.

Background: This study was designed to evaluate the associations between vitamin D receptor () gene polymorphisms and biochemical characteristics of Saudi women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods: Serum levels of LH, FSH, and Vitamin D were measured in 33 women: 16 patients and 17 normal controls (18 to 36 years). DNA was extracted and used for sequencing of the exons of gene using ABI PRISM 3730xi Genetic Analyzer.

A study of ghrelin and leptin levels and their relationship to metabolic profiles in obese and lean Saudi women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is considered as one of the most frequently encountered hormonal pathologies in women during their reproductive years. Leptin and ghrelin, peptide hormones with adipostatic and orexigenic effect, respectively, seem to be involved in the metabolic changes that occur in PCOS. The aim of this study was to determine serum ghrelin and leptin levels in obese and lean Saudi women with PCOS and to investigate their relationship to the metabolic profiles in these women.

rs4889 polymorphism in KISS1 gene, its effect on polycystic ovary syndrome development and anthropometric and hormonal parameters in Saudi women.

Background: Kisspeptin is involved in female reproduction. This study was designed to i- estimate kisspeptin levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), in comparison with controls, ii- study the correlations between kisspeptin and PCOS-related reproductive hormones, and iii- investigate the relation between KISS1 gene polymorphisms and hormone levels in women suffering from PCOS.

Methods: The investigation was a clinically designed study on 28 women with PCOS, and 30 normal, healthy women with no signs of PCOS as controls.

Evaluation of biochemical, endocrine, and metabolic biomarkers for the early diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome among non-obese Saudi women.

Objective: To investigate the potential of selected biochemical, endocrine, and metabolic biomarkers for early diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) among non-obese women.

Methods: A prospective observational cross-sectional study was conducted at three medical centers in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, between July 15 and September 20, 2017. Eligible participants were non-obese women diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria (n=44) and non-obese normo-ovulatory women without signs of PCOS (control group; n=44).

Synergistic Anti-Breast-Cancer Effects of Combined Treatment With Oleuropein and Doxorubicin In Vivo.

Context: Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer fatalities among women worldwide. Of the more than 80% of patients who receive adjuvant chemotherapy, approximately 40% relapse. The majority of these patients die of disseminated metastatic disease, which emphasizes the need for new therapeutic strategies.

The role of apitoxin in alleviating propionic acid-induced neurobehavioral impairments in rat pups: The expression pattern of Reelin gene.

The efficacy of apitoxin (bee venom; BV) in ameliorating propionic acid (PPA) -induced neurobehavioral impacts was studied. Sixty rat pups were enrolled in a split litter design to six groups: a control group, a PPA-treated group, a BV-treated group, a BV/PPA protective group, a PPA/BV therapeutic group, and a BV/PPA/BV protective and therapeutic group. Exploratory, social, locomotor, and repetitive/stereotype-like activities were assessed and prosocial, empathy, and acquired behavior were evaluated.

PAC down-regulates estrogen receptor alpha and suppresses epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer cells.

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive histological subtype with limited treatment options and very poor prognosis following progression after standard chemotherapeutic regimens. Therefore, novel molecules and therapeutic options are urgently needed for this category of patients. Recently, we have identified PAC as a curcumin analogue with potent anti-cancer features.

Metabolic response to subacute and subchronic iron overload in a rat model.

One of the common causes of iron overload is excessive iron intake in cases of iron-poor anemia, where iron saccharate complex (ISC) is routinely used to optimize erythropoiesis. However, non-standardized ISC administration could entail the risk of iron overload. To induce iron overload, Wistar rats were intraperitoneally injected with subacute (0.

Oleuropein induces apoptosis via the p53 pathway in breast cancer cells.

Background: Breast cancer is a major health problem worldwide. Olive oil induces apoptosis in some cancer cells due to phenolic compounds like oleuropein. Although oleuropein has anticancer activity, the underlying mechanisms of action remain unknown.

Effectiveness of zinc in modulating perinatal effects of arsenic on the teratological effects in mice offspring.

Exposure to arsenic via drinking water is considered as a worldwide problem. Studies have shown that arsenic exposure during pregnancy affects embryogenesis and offspring development in rats and mice. Zinc as a micronutrient regulates many physiological functions, including an antioxidative role under various toxic conditions.

Evaluation of the possible protective role of quercetin on letrozole-induced testicular injury in male albino rats.

Background: The purpose of this study was to appraise the possible adverse effects of quercetin against the aromatase inhibitor letrozole-induced developmental toxicity potential in male Wistar rats.

Methods: Control male albino rats were received vehicles used for flavonoids and vehicle used for letrozole. The rats in the first experimental group received letrozole at 0.