Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders-Drug Targets (Formerly Current Drug Targets - Immune, Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders) - Volume 21, Issue 8, 2021

Berberine is an alkaloid found in plants. It has neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic activities. The research proves that it also strongly impacts carbohydrate metabolism. The compound also protects pancreatic β-cells and increases sensitivity to insulin in peripheral tissues via the induction of GLUT-1, GLUT-4 and insulin type 1 (Ins-1) receptors activity. It also stimulates glycolysis and leads to a decrease in ins Read More

The management of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) in pregnancy is still uncertain. Over the years, several scientific societies published guidelines on the management of thyroid dysfunction before, during, and after pregnancy, the most recent ones being published by the American Thyroid Association (ATA) in 2017. This study aimed to review the published literature in the field from 2017 o Read More

The complications of the SARS-CoV-2 infection and its COVID-19 disease on mothers and their offspring are less known. This review aimed to determine the transmission, severity, and complications of SARS- CoV-2 infection during pregnancy. This review showed the influence of COVID-19 disease on neonatal neurogenesis. Owing medicines that were reported for the treatment of COVID-19 disease, this review suggested s Read More

Background: Adult growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is considered a rare condition. Current guidelines state that GH provocative test is indicated in patients affected by organic hypothalamic/ pituitary disease or with a history of head injury, irradiation, hemorrhage or hypothalamic disease with multiple pituitary deficiencies. Nevertheless, the clinical picture related to GHD may be subtle. Objective: We have retrospectively evalua Read More

Leptin levels and oxidative stress are implicated in obesity risk. Reports of association of leptin gene (LEP) and leptin receptor gene (LEPR) polymorphisms with leptin elevation are contradictory in a diverse population. Only a few studies report the linkage of obesity with biochemical markers and genetic factors. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine whether plasma lipid peroxidation, antioxidant capability, l Read More

Aims: The study aimed to assess the antihyperglycemic effect of Cleome arabica. Background: Cleome arabica L. or spider flower belongs to the Capparidaceae family and it is used for treating inflammation and diabetes mellitus in traditional medicine. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the antihyperglycemic activity and acute toxicity of the aqueous extract of Cleome arabica L (CAAE). Methods: The acute toxicity of CAA Read More

Background: One of the widely spread disorders is Diabetes mellitus, especially type 2 (T2DM). T2DM is attributed to the change in life style and stress. A possible strategy to block dietary carbohydrate absorption is regulation of postprandial blood glucose level as well, the use of some natural plant extracts with inhibitory effect against carbohydrate digestive enzymes such as alpha- amylase and fewer side effects than Read More

Aims: We aim to investigate curcumin interaction with p53-fibrinolytic system, smad dependent and independent pathways underlying their prime role during lung injury and fibrosis. Background: Curcumin, an active component of Curcuma longa plant, substantially modulates respiratory conditions. TGF-β1 plays a central role in lung remodeling by balancing extracellular matrix (ECM) production and degradation, which is Read More

Background: Serum ferritin concentrations are altered in hypothyroidism, but there is no available literature regarding the status of serum ferritin in anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) positive hypothyroidism. The objectives of our study were to evaluate the titer of anti-TPO and serum ferritin in newly diagnosed hypothyroid patients and to find out any difference in serum ferritin concentration between antibody-positive and antib Read More

Aims: The etiopathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is not clearly understood. However, the role of the cytokines play an important part in this mechanism. We aimed to bring a new approach to the concept of 'remission' in patients with RA. Background: RA is a chronic, autoimmune, inflammatory disease that involves small joints in the form of symmetrical polyarthritis and progresses with exacerbations and remission Read More

Background: Lupinus albus is a member of the Fabaceae family. As a natural or cultivated plant, Lupinus albus is distributed in Europe, the Balkans and Turkey, especially in Marmara and Aegean regions. The lupine is a nutritious and protective plant against diabetes. Objective: In the present study, the effects of Lupinus albus fruits on malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), total protein, ADEK vitamins, and choles Read More

Objective: The stamen is a byproduct of saffron (Crocus sativus) flowers. Herein, its cardiovascular effects were evaluated on hypertension induced by angiotensin II (AngII) and NG-nitro-Larginine methyl ester (L-NAME), as well as baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). Methods: Rats were randomly divided into 10 groups: 1) control, 2) AngII (50 ng/kg, i.v.), 3) losartan (10 mg/kg, i.p.) + AngII, 4) L-NAME (10 mg/kg, i.v.), 5) sodium nitroprusside Read More

Background: One of the most common complications of pregnant women is gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Oxidative stress can play an important role in GDM. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate salivary antioxidants and oxidative stress markers in GDM. Methods: Twenty pregnant women with GDM and 20 healthy pregnant women with normal blood glucose test participated in this study. Five mL of unstim Read More

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the influence of maternal sodium valproate (SVP) on neonatal neuroendocrine (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal; HPA)-cytokines and oxido-inflammatory axes. Methods: Pregnant rats (Rattus norvegicus) were orally administered (by gavage) SVP (50 mg/kg) from gestation day (GD) 8 to lactation day (LD) 21. Results: The elevation in serum corticotropin-releasing hormone (CR Read More

Background: Activation of the Angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of the cardiovascular disease, while activation of Angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) leads to effects that are opposite to those mediated by AT1R. The interaction between female sex hormones and the renin-angiotensin system was proven to play an essential role in the pathological changes in the cardiovascular s Read More

Introduction: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is rare in pregnancy. PHPT and hypercalcemia are associated with negative maternofetal outcomes. Therefore, an early diagnosis and adequate treatment are essential. Case Presentation: We described the case of a pregnant woman complaining of nausea, vomiting and weight loss. Diagnosis of gestational PHPT (GPHPT) was made based on elevated serum calcium an Read More

Background: Double pituitary adenomas (DA) are two morphologically and immunohystochemically different tumours in the same gland. They are rare, generally small adenomas and divided in: separated, when clearly recognizable before or during surgery, and contiguous, when diagnosed only in the following histopathological examination. Acromegaly and Cushing’s disease are the main prevalent clinical presentation. Obje Read More

Case Presentation: A two-year-old boy visited the doctor for hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis. Laboratory examination revealed that urinary potassium excretion and serum aldosterone level were increased, with hyperthyroidism and thyroid-related antibodies positive at the same time. Genetic testing showed that there was a complex heterozygous mutation in the SLC12A3 gene, c.1077C>G (p.N359K) and c.1567G>A (p Read More

Background: Both exercise and metformin are used to control blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), while no previous studies have investigated the effect of resistance exercise combined with metformin versus aerobic exercise with metformin in T2DM patients. Objectives: This study was conducted to compare the effects of resistance exercise combined with metformin versus aerobic e Read More