Current Drug Therapy - Online First

Menopause causes various health problems and is related to changes in gut microbiota. Obeticholic acid can improve various postmenopausal diseases associated with increased risk by altering gut microbiota, but research on the impact of obeticholic acid on postmenopausal is still unclear.

Ovariectomy was performed on female C57BL/6J mice, and obeticholic acid intervention was administered by gavage. Plasma estradiol, diamine oxidase, and bacterial lipopolysaccharide levels were detected by ELISA, and fecal archaea, bacteria, fungi, and viruses’ diversity and relative abundance were detected by metagenomics.

Ovariectomy significantly reduced plasma estradiol levels in mice and significantly increased plasma diamine oxidase and bacterial lipopolysaccharides. Obeticholic acid did not significantly alter plasma estradiol levels in ovariectomized mice, but significantly reduced plasma diamine oxidase and bacterial lipopolysaccharides, and significantly altered the diversity of fecal archaea, bacteria, and fungi in OVX mice, and changed the relative abundance of multiple microorganisms. It did not significantly alter microbial function but significantly altered microbial virulence factors.

Obeticholic acid improved the intestinal barrier and has a regulatory effect on the diversity of fecal microbiota in ovariectomized mice.

The dynamic mechanisms inherent in bone homeostasis yield invaluable insight for advancing scaffold biomaterials in bone regeneration. The increasing recognition of drug delivery systems and the release of bioactive substances significantly elevating their importance in bone tissue engineering. This approach not only supports bone tissue formation but also enhances the scaffold's ability to facilitate bone ingrowth. Bisphosphonates (BPs) play a crucial role in bone remodeling, subsequently affecting bone regeneration. Despite this, there is a scarcity of studies addressing the systematic delivery of BPs within bone defect models.

In this study, integration of bisphosphonates Pamidronate (Pam) and Alendronate (Aln) into a hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffold with MC3T3-E1 cells and growth factors (VEGF and BMP-2), is expected to yield a synergistic effect for intensifying osteoinduction and efficient bone regeneration.

Cell viability was measured using 2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and morphological assessment was documented using the inverted microscope. Characterization of engineered HA scaffold was performed using Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and its elemental analysis was done using energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. The mineralization rate was assessed by analyzing alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression.

Data demonstrated that Aln offers better potency on osteoblast cells as compared to Pam. FESEM micrograph revealed that the engineered HA-VEGF+BMP-2/Aln scaffold facilitated osteoblast attachment and spreading, forming a concrete connection with HA scaffold. Engineered HA-VEGF+BMP-2/Aln also significantly increased ALP expression, indicating that the extracellular matrix is advancing into the mineralization phase.

To conclude, our investigation unveils the synergistic effects of combining dual growth factors (VEGF and BMP-2) with BPs, specifically Aln, resulting in enhanced cell adhesion on hydroxyapatite scaffolds. This emphasizes the substantial promise of employing such a strategy in promoting the regeneration of bone tissue.

The growing popularity of alternative medicine, including herbal remedies, nutraceuticals, and homeopathy, reflects a shift toward holistic, patient-centered healthcare practices. In the UAE, cultural factors and health awareness have driven increased acceptance and utilization of these therapies.

The study aimed to document the perceptions and attitudes of university medical students and faculty towards the use of alternative medicine in the United Arab Emirates.

A university-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University (RAKMHSU) over six months following ethical approval. The study population included consenting undergraduate students, faculty, and staff above 18 years from college of Medicine, college of Pharmacy and college of Nursing of RAKMHSU. Using a population-proportionate sampling method, 220 participants were selected, including 27 faculty and staff and 205 students.

In our study, significant difference was observed between faculties and students regarding perceived knowledge of nutraceuticals and homeopathy. A statistically significant difference was observed between students of college of Medicine and other colleges of the university regarding perceived knowledge of alternative medicine. 41% of the study participants reported current use of any form of alternative medicine, with no statistically significant difference between faculty and students.

This study offers insights into alternative medicine attitudes, informing potential interventions in medical education. The study participants view alternative medicine as a substitute for allopathic medicine, citing natural sources and fewer side effects. These findings underscore the importance of raising awareness about the prudent use of alternative medicine to promote patient-centered care and healthcare innovation.

Nanotechnology has gained significant attention in recent years as a promising approach for addressing a variety of medical challenges, including soft tissue injuries. Among the different nanomaterials, gold nanoparticles (GNPs) stand out due to their unique and versatile physicochemical properties. These properties include their small size, customizable shape, and adaptable surface chemistry, which allow GNPs to be tailored for specific therapeutic purposes. The growing interest in GNPs stems from their potential to enhance drug delivery, improve healing processes, and reduce side effects in the treatment of soft tissue injuries. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the efficacy of GNPs in the context of soft tissue injury treatment, exploring both their therapeutic potential and associated risks.

The primary objective of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of gold nanoparticles in treating soft tissue injuries. This is achieved through the following specific goals: Formulation of GNPs Gel: Investigating the methods used to formulate GNPs into a gel form suitable for application in soft tissue injuries. This includes an analysis of different formulation techniques and the materials used to stabilize and deliver the nanoparticles. Skin Penetration Methods: It explores various methods by which GNP gel can penetrate the skin to reach the underlying soft tissues. This involves a review of topical application techniques, including both conventional and advanced methods, to determine their effectiveness in delivering GNPs to the site of injury. Therapeutic Benefits and Toxicity: These include assessing the therapeutic benefits of GNPs when applied to soft tissue injuries, with a focus on the observed outcomes in both animal models and human studies. Additionally, the review examines the potential toxicity of GNPs, particularly when administered through different routes, to ensure that their use is both safe and effective.

A systematic review of the literature was conducted to gather relevant studies on the use of GNPs for treating soft tissue injuries. Articles were sourced from well-known scientific databases, including PubMed, Medline, and Wiley, covering publications from 2008 to 2020. A total of 119 articles were initially identified for review. After removing 24 duplicates and excluding 90 articles that did not meet the eligibility criteria, five articles were selected for in-depth full-text analysis and synthesis. These selected studies provided valuable insights into the formulation, application, and safety of GNPs in treating soft tissue injuries.

The findings from the reviewed studies suggest that GNPs show considerable promise in treating soft tissue injuries, particularly in animal models. One of the effective methods for formulating GNPs into a gel involved the Turkevich method, which utilizes base materials such as Carbol 934, glycerin, and PEG 400. This formulation method has demonstrated several advantages, including ease of preparation and stability of the resulting gel. In terms of application, topical administration of GNP gel has proven to be an effective method for achieving skin penetration and delivering therapeutic benefits. Techniques such as gentle rubbing of the skin and the use of phonophoresis have been highlighted as particularly effective. However, it is important to note that while topical application appears safe, other administration routes, such as oral or intravenous delivery of GNPs, particularly those with small sizes and spherical shapes, have been associated with toxicity in various organs and can lead to cellular DNA damage.

The review concludes that topical administration of GNP gel holds significant potential for controlled and targeted drug delivery in the treatment of soft tissue injuries. This method allows for localized treatment, reducing the risk of systemic side effects and improving therapeutic outcomes. However, the review also emphasizes the need for careful consideration of potential cellular-level toxicity, particularly when GNPs are used in humans. Further research is required to fully understand the long-term safety and efficacy of GNPs, ensuring that they can be safely integrated into clinical practice for the treatment of soft tissue injuries.