European review for medical and pharmacological sciences最新文献

Background: Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is a serious obstetric condition that can be life-threatening, with various risk factors contributing to its development. In particular, in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques may lead to an increased rate EP. Additionally, also endometriosis seems to be related to this particular obstetrical condition.

Case report: We report a rare case of ectopic pregnancy on the uterosacral ligament (USL) along with a suspected coexisting tubal ectopic pregnancy following IVF. The patient is a 48-year-old woman in menopause, with a history of pelvic endometriosis, who experienced sudden abdominal pain and vomiting at eight weeks of amenorrhea after undergoing a double heterologous frozen embryo transfer. Thorough examination and pelvic ultrasound, we diagnosed a hemoperitoneum due to a suspected heterotopic EP on the left USL and contralateral tube. Due to the sudden worsening of the patient's condition, we opted for a surgical procedure. An urgent laparotomy revealed a severe hemoperitoneum caused by an EP implanted on the left USL and a malacic, bleeding contralateral tube, both of which were removed, and hemostasis was then guaranteed. The histopathologic exam confirmed the EP on the left USL and an edematous tube without product of conception (POC).

Conclusions: Comparing our case with others reported in the current literature, it appears that the etiopathogenetic mechanisms leading to this urgent obstetrical condition are various and not fully understood. Despite those circumstances, the present case highlights the importance of considering non-tubal ectopic pregnancies in the context of risk factors, including IVF techniques, endometriosis, and advanced age, in cases of abdominal pain and hemoperitoneum after a single or double embryo transfer. The treatment, which involves different professional figures, should be executed as soon as possible, with the aim of preserving the patient's life and any future desire for pregnancies.

Objective: Molecular docking studies were conducted to assess the binding affinities of five potential inhibitor candidates [PDB (Protein Data Bank) ID: 6L6E] against Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5), with Sildenafil used as the reference compound. The aim of this study is to reveal the potential inhibitory role of plant-derived compounds compared to Sildenafil, a PDE5 inhibitor.

Materials and methods: Autodock Vina v. 1.2.5 software was used to dock the protein and each ligand individually. Molecular dynamics simulations assessed the binding affinity of two compounds to the Phosphodiesterase 5A1 (PDE5 A1) enzyme and were carried out using GROMACS 2022.2 RESULTS: Boesenbergin A exhibited the highest affinity at -8.8 kcal/mol, followed by Ginkolide B at -8.5 kcal/mol, Sildenafil at -8.1 kcal/mol, Montanol at -7.8 kcal/mol, Beta-sitosterol at -7.1 kcal/mol, and Eugenol acetate at -6.9 kcal/mol, ranked in descending order. As a result of molecular docking studies, molecular dynamic simulations were performed for Boesenbergin A, which has the highest affinity, and Sildenafil, which is the standard molecule.

Conclusions: Among the two ligands tested, Boesenbergin A exhibited superior binding affinity, surpassing even the standard molecule, Sildenafil. This suggests their potential for modulating enzyme activity and potential relevance in erectile dysfunction treatment.

Objective: Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is an endocrine tumor with low incidence and one of the most aggressive human malignancies. The median survival is only 3-10 months, and the optimal therapeutic approach as well as prognostic factors have not been established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term survival and good prognostic factors of patients with ATC.

Patients and methods: The retrospective study used our institution's single-center database system. 31 patients with histopathological confirmation of anaplastic thyroid cancer from January 2014 to June 2022 were included.

Results: 31 patients with ATC [11 males (35.5%), 20 females (64.5%); average age, 58.7 years] were identified, 32.3% were stage IVA, 32.3% stage IVB, and 35.4% IVC. The median overall survival (OS) of the entire cohort was 6.9 ± 1.45 months. The OS at two years was 12.1%. The female with no cervical lymph node metastasis, undergoing surgery, and tumor size < 6 cm were associated with improved OS. Patients undergoing surgery followed by chemoradiation therapy had the highest median OS (11 ± 1.83 months) and 21.8% of 2-year survival.

Conclusions: Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is a highly malignant tumor. Patients receiving surgical resection had better OS than patients without these treatments. The combination of surgery and chemoradiation could improve OS.

The article "MiR-15a-3p suppresses the growth and metastasis of ovarian cancer cell by targeting Twist1" by B. Fan, L.-P. Chen, Y.-H. Yuan, H.-N. Xiao, X.-S. Lv, Z.-Y. Xia, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2019; 23 (5): 1934-1946-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201903_17232-PMID: 30915736 has been retracted by the Editor in Chief. The authors contacted the journal, claiming that, after carefully examining the published article, they found that two of the figures in the article were duplicates. They also stated that they did not have access to the original figures. Therefore, they requested the manuscript to be retracted. After the authors' email, the journal started an investigation and found that the article was also questioned on PubPeer (link: https://pubpeer.com/publications/3FA0DDA41DFC73C5E8E8E1C505DBAA). The journal's investigation uncovered a duplication between Figures 3D and Figure 6D. Consequently, the Editor in Chief mistrusts the results presented and has decided to retract the article. The authors have agreed upon the retraction. This article has been retracted. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/17232.

Objective: The objectives of this study were to characterize the endotypes of different chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) samples, to investigate the effects of certain anti-inflammatory drugs on these endotypes, and to investigate the effect of the same drugs on recently identified CRSsNP marker proteins.

Patients and methods: Initially, ethmoid tissues (ETs) from CRSsNP patients (n=12) were dissected into sections and incubated with the addition of mometasone, verapamil, cenicriviroc, and dupilumab. Cell culture media were collected after 24 hours, and the contents of the secreted proteins interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-5, IL-17A, macrophage inflammatory protein-1 beta (MIP-1β), resistin and platelet (P)-selectin were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The endotypes were characterized using the unstimulated samples. The fold changes of protein secretion caused by the analyzed substances were calculated. For each protein, the samples of the distinct endotypes were compared with the remaining samples.

Results: Both single and mixed endotypes were identified within the CRSsNP samples, whereas none of the typical endotype-defining cytokines were elevated in a significant portion of the samples. All of the incubated medicaments greatly reduced the tissue secretions of IFN-γ and IL-5 in type 1 CRS while causing a lower secretion of IL-17A in all endotypes compared to the remaining samples. Among the analyzed CRSsNP marker proteins, the distinct endotypes revealed different reactions to the drugs. Dupilumab induced more effects among the examined cytokines than the marker proteins but did not stand out from the other substances overall.

Conclusions: Medications used to treat CRS may have different effects on distinct CRS endotypes.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the association between tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitor (TNFi) therapy and cardiovascular (CV) outcomes, as well as all-cause mortality, in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Patients and methods: This retrospective cohort study included 24,986 patients newly diagnosed with AS between 2010-2019 without a history of CV diseases, using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service. CV events were observed through the end of 2021. After exposure density sampling (1:1), we investigated the association among use of TNFi, duration of TNFi use, and risk of the composite CV outcome (ischemic stroke, heart failure, ischemic heart disease, or CV death) and all-cause mortality.

Results: Overall, TNFi users (N = 8,650) and non-users (N = 8,580) had a comparable risk of the composite CV outcome. However, prolonged TNFi use (≥ 1 year) was associated with a significantly lower risk of the composite CV outcome [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 0.72, 95% CI: 0.55-0.93, p = 0.012] and all-cause mortality (aHR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.21-0.66, p < 0.001) compared to discontinued TNFi use (< 1 year), with adjustments made for age, sex, disease duration, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, chronic kidney disease, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, body mass index (BMI), and smoking status.

Conclusions: TNFi therapy did not reduce CV events in AS patients. However, long-term TNFi therapy is likely to be beneficial in reducing CV events and all-cause mortality compared to discontinuing TNFi therapy in patients with AS.

The article "Arsenic trioxide regulates gastric cancer cell apoptosis by mediating cAMP" by A. Abudoureyimu and A. Muhemaitibake, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2017; 21 (3): 612-617-PMID: 28239804 has been retracted by the Editor in Chief. Following some concerns raised on PubPeer (link: https://pubpeer.com/publications/821DF5B3D6CD8B4F45EF5C55C5BA73), the Journal has started an investigation to assess the validity of the results as well as possible figure manipulation. The authors have been informed about the journal's investigation but remained unresponsive and have not provided the study's raw data. The journal's investigation revealed duplications between panels 8 ng/ml and 16 ng/ml of Figure 2. Additionally, Figure 6 has been manipulated through splicing. Consequently, the Editor in Chief mistrusts the results presented and has decided to retract the article. This article has been retracted. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/12173.

Objective: Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease stage 5 on dialysis (CKD-5D). High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are several inflammatory parameters associated with high cardiovascular events in CKD-5D. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of reduced L-glutathione supplementation on serum hs-CRP, TNF-α, and NLR in patients with CKD-5D.

Patients and methods: This study is a quasi-experimental research with one group pretest-posttest design. Subjects included were patients with CKD-5D who routinely underwent hemodialysis therapy two times a week in Hasan Sadikin General Hospital. Serum hs-CRP, TNF-α, and NLR levels were obtained before and after the intervention of reduced L-glutathione supplementation dosing of one thousand milligrams a day for four weeks. Statistical analysis was then conducted using the Wilcoxon test.

Results: There were 26 hemodialysis patients included in the study, with a median age of 43 years and a male predominance. There was a significant decrease in serum TNF-α level after reduced L-glutathione supplementation for 4 weeks, 5.40 (-10.80-0.00) pg/mL, p = 0.002. However, there was no statistically significant decrease in either serum hs-CRP level, 0.40 (-0.70-0.80) mg/L (p = 0.656), or NLR with a difference of 0.55 (0.30-1.00) p = 0.055.

Conclusions: Exogenous oral reduced glutathione supplementation for four weeks significantly reduced TNF-α level, but no significant decrease in hs-CRP level and NLR in patients with CKD-5D.

Objective: Endovascular interventions (EVIs) are an effective and minimally invasive therapeutic option for peripheral arterial diseases (PADs). This study aimed to evaluate the results of EVIs for PADs on the targeted arterial segments (TASs).

Patients and methods: One hundred and sixteen (116) participants with PADs were included in this cohort study. The diagnosis of PAD in this study was based on the ankle-brachial index (ABI) and Rutherford classification, confirmed by Duplex ultrasound and computed tomography angiography (CTA). The targeted arterial segments (TASs) were treated using either balloon angioplasty or endovascular stenting. At the end of each EVI, a post-procedure angiography was performed to evaluate the EVIs' results (i.e., balloon angioplasty and endovascular stenting) for PADs on the TASs. The results of EVIs were classified as either satisfactory or unsatisfactory. Satisfactory if the TASs were recanalized or had <30% stenosis after the EVIs. Unsatisfactory if the TASs were still occluded or had >30% stenosis after the EVIs.

Results: The mean participants' age was 54.42±7.74 years; 35.3% of them were diabetic, 36.2% were hypertensive, and 28.5% had multiple medical disorders. Based on Rutherford classification, 44.83% of the participants had grade I, category 2 chronic ischemia, 23.28% had grade I, category 3 chronic ischemia, 12.93% had grade II, category 4 chronic ischemia, and 18.96% had grade III, category 5 chronic ischemia. About 87.1% of the participants' PADs were managed using balloon angioplasty. The affected arteries were the superficial femoral arteries in 47.5%, popliteal arteries in 18.8%, posterior tibial arteries in 18.8%, and anterior tibial arteries in 14.9%. About 12.9% of the participants' PADs were managed using endovascular stenting and the affected arteries were the common iliac arteries in 60%, and external iliac arteries in 40%. The results of EVIs were satisfactory in 98.28% of the participants, while it was unsatisfactory in 1.72% of them.

Conclusions: Endovascular interventions in this study were an effective and minimally invasive therapeutic option for PADs, with satisfactory results in 98.28%. Further studies, including the long-term and clinical outcomes after EVIs for PADs, are required.

Objective: Acinetobacter baumannii, one of the ESKAPE pathogens, is on the World Health Organization (WHO) list of priorities needing urgent new effective antimicrobial agents due to exhibited high resistance by the bacterium to currently available antibiotics. This study examines the periodic changes of clinical A. baumannii isolates and their antimicrobial resistance patterns and types in Southeastern region of Saudi Arabia.

Materials and methods: One hundred and seventy-seven randomly selected A. baumannii isolates were used for the investigation with bacterial identities (IDs) and antimicrobial assay ascertained with Gram-negative (GN) ID cards and antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST) cards of Vitek 2 Compact Automated System according to manufacturer's guidelines. Descriptive phenotypic types of isolates were compared using comparison proportion and Fisher extraction test, while Morpheus versatile matrix visualization and analysis software was used for the dendrogram of hierarchical clustering.

Results: A significantly higher proportion of samples were from males compared to females (p = 0.025), with 33.33% of samples originating from patients aged 51-70 years. Resistance was high for imipenem (93%), meropenem (94%), levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin (99%), and aztreonam (98%). There was less percentage resistance to colistin (18%), tigecycline (23%), and minocycline (23%). Multidrug resistance (MDR)/carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) was observed consistently across all years. There was no extensive drug resistance (XDR) among isolates from 2013 to 2014, but it was present in the 2016 to 2018 and 2019 to 2020 periods, while pandrug resistance was seen only in the 2019 to 2020 isolates.

Conclusions: The study shows a clear trend of the isolates changing from MDR to XDR and then to pandrug resistance over the study period. Also, it indicates that carbapenems might no longer be a treatment choice in this study region. Although colistin exhibited less resistance, the toxicity of the drug reduces its usefulness. The development of pandrug resistance is a critical concern.