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Potential Use of the Gel Extract of Butterfly Pea Flower as Topical Therapy to Prevent Photodamage by Downregulating TNF-α and Caspase-3 Expression Levels in UVB-Exposed Rats

Sat, 01 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Potential Use of the Gel Extract of Butterfly Pea Flower as Topical Therapy to Prevent Photodamage by Downregulating TNF-α and Caspase-3 Expression Levels in UVB-Exposed Rats Authors: Cahyani, Elvana; Putra, Agung; Subchan, Prasetyowati Abstract: Background: Prolonged exposure to UVB radiation causes DNA damage in skin cells by raising the levels of reactive oxygen species, resulting in the production of inflammatory factors and skin issues. Plant extracts are frequently used to counteract photodamage due to their antioxidant properties. One example is the floral extract of the butterfly pea plant, which contains flavonoid antioxidants. However, the effect of the extract on inflammatory factors is unknown. This study investigated how tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and caspase-3 expression changed when a butterfly pea flower extract gel was applied topically to UVBexposed animals. Methods: Experimental and control groups were tested. The healthy group was not exposed to UVB. The negative controls and treatments 1 and 2 were exposed daily for 5 days at a minimal erythema dose of 160 mJ/cm2 and then treated with a gel-based extract containing 5% and 10% of the extract, respectively. A 96% ethanol solution was used during the maceration step for the extraction. Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR was used to examine gene expression levels in the skin tissue on day 14. Results: The expression levels of TNF-α and caspase-3 decreased in the treatment group, and higher doses of the extract had a greater effect. Conclusions: The gel extract considerably reduced the UVB-induced TNF-α and caspase-3 production in rats.

Comparison of Maturation Stages of Natural Killer Cell Differentiation Culture from Cultured and Freshly Isolated Umbilical Cord Blood Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Sat, 01 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Comparison of Maturation Stages of Natural Killer Cell Differentiation Culture from Cultured and Freshly Isolated Umbilical Cord Blood Hematopoietic Stem Cells Authors: Wijaya, Samuel Febrian; Lestari, Retno; Rahmawati, Inna; dkk. Abstract: Background: Natural killer (NK) cells originate from the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the common lymphoid progenitor pathway, and HSCs can be obtained from umbilical cord blood (UCB). Comparative studies of NK cell differentiation between cultured and freshly isolated HSCs are important in the development of NK cell therapy for cancer. This study aimed to compare the maturation stages of NK cell differentiation between cultured and newly isolated HSC samples using interleukin-2 in the absence of feeder cells. Methods: Differentiation cultures were divided into two groups according to HSC source. Giemsa staining and flow cytometry were performed to determine the maturation stages and the presence of NKp46 receptors, respectively. Results: Giemsa staining revealed that the cultured HSC samples produce a higher number and more mature (stage 5) NK cells than the freshly isolated HSC samples. Flow cytometry showed that the NKp46 mean fluorescence intensity significantly differed between the two samples, and a high level of NKp46 activation receptor was found in the isolated samples on day 35. Conclusions: The cultured HSC samples could produce more mature NK cell populations than the freshly isolated HSCs, which will be beneficial for the therapy applications of NK cells derived from UCB HSCs.

Protective Effect of Betulinic Acid Administration on Kidney Damage in Acetaminophen-Induced Nephrotoxicity Model

Sat, 01 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Protective Effect of Betulinic Acid Administration on Kidney Damage in Acetaminophen-Induced Nephrotoxicity Model Authors: Dokumacioglu, Eda; İskender, Hatice; Hayirli, Armagan; Yenice, Guler; Kapakin, Kubra Asena Terim Abstract: Background: Acetaminophen (APAP) is the most widely used analgesic drug worldwide, but it may induce renal toxicity. Betulinic acid (BA) ameliorates the oxidative stress and inflammatory response to renal damage. The present study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of BA treatment through an experimental kidney damage rat model administered with APAP. Methods: Sprague–Dawley male rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, BA (25 mg/kg for 15 days), APAP (1 g/kg), and APAP + BA groups. BA was administered via oral gavage at a dose of 25 mg/kg for 15 days. APAP was dissolved in hot saline and administered on the last day to produce nephrotoxicity via a single oral gavage at a dose of 1 g/kg. Kidney tissue samples were analyzed for human cartilage glycoprotein 39 (YKL-40), kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1), interleukin 18 (IL-18), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Data were subjected to one-way analysis of variance and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test Results: Renal tissue YKL-40, KIM-1, IL-18, and MDA levels in the APAP group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). The BA treatment completely restored renal KIM-1, YKL-40, and MDA levels and partially restored renal IL-18 and SOD levels in the rats subjected to renal damage induction (p < 0.05). The intertubular regions of rats administered with APAP had degeneration, necrosis, and infiltration of inflammatory cells and were immunopositive for IL-1 beta and 8-hydroxy-2′- deoxyguanosine. Conclusions: BA can be used in the prevention and replacement treatment of nephrotoxicity due to its inhibitory properties in multiple pathways and powerful antioxidant effects.

Understanding the Experiences Lived by Nurses Caring for Patients with COVID-19: A Hermeneutic Approach

Sat, 01 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Understanding the Experiences Lived by Nurses Caring for Patients with COVID-19: A Hermeneutic Approach Authors: Alrasheeday, Awatif Mansoor; Borja, Ma. Venus; Pasay-an, Eddieson; Alshammari, Farhan Abstract: Background: Nursing is highlighted among professions that value caring and is perceived as the profession’s heart and soul because of its critical role in providing and delivering high-quality patient care, especially during this coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, little is understood about the experiences of the frontline workers in caring for persons diagnosed with COVID-19. This study aimed to explore the experiences of nurses in caring for persons diagnosed with COVID-19 inspired by the four lived worlds of van Manen. Methods: The hermeneutic phenomenology was used in nine nurses working in hospitals of Hail region. This study employed a one-to-one interview approach using the Zoom platform, conducted between June and July 2020. Results: Nine nurses articulated their experiences in caring for patients with COVID-19. Six themes emerged within the four lifeworld such as the feeling of vulnerability to COVID-19, time of uncertainties, price of being a hero, social stigma, holistic care, and sense of belongingness. Conclusions: The feeling of vulnerability to COVID-19 infection, time of uncertainties, price of being a hero, social stigma, and sense of belongingness have been understood in the context of lifeworld existential of van Manen. Issues are articulated directly from those who experienced them. Still, revisiting the existing intervention strategies of the government and institution, includi ng regulating negative emotions, reducing related issues, and improving quality of life, is important.