Albus Scientia

Psoriasis, An Overview of its Pathogenesis and Available Treatment Modalities

Zari Salahuddin, Muhammad Usman Ali Khan, Tasleem Akhtar — Sun, 30 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory and genetic disease that mainly involves skin with some complicated forms extending to other body systems. The disease is fairly common with genetic predisposition as one of the major etiology. It is known to occur as a result of immune system aberration involving helper T cells mainly and is thus treated on similar lines with most of the drugs belonging to immunomodulator class like steroids, calcineurin inhibitors, methotrexate and various others like retinoids. Disease pathology has a new area of research advancement focused on oxidative stress. It has been suggested that reactive oxygen species have a considerable role in the cascade of pathological features. The disease shows relapses and remissions seldom showing a remarkable or complete recovery. A therapy which can completely resolve the cosmetic and other important symptoms is still a food for research. The dimensions of research have also been inclined to nano particles as treatment options over past few years. In this review, our key objective is to highlight the complexity and clinical diversity of this multifaceted disorder, its pathogenesis and the potential of state of the art treatment options.

Collagen: An Overview from Past to Future Applications

Fakhar Zaman, Muhammad Waqas Ishaq, Abdullah Muhammad Sohail — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Collagen, a structural protein, prevalent in animals, especially in skin, bones, and joints, responsible for providing fundamental structural support, is being used extensively in cosmetics. Mammalian and fish skin are the most common sources of collagen. Collagen's unique qualities, such as its role as a natural humectant and moisturizer for the skin, have piqued the curiosity of both academics and the cosmetic industry. In this review study, collagen biosynthesis, collagen sources used in the cosmetic industry, and collagen's function in cosmetics are discussed along with future aspects of collagen-based materials in cosmetics.

Sub-Chronic Effects of Sodium Metabisulfite on the Intestinal Microarchitecture of Mice

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Sodium metabisulfite (SM) is commonly used with varying concentrations as a preservative, sewage treatment chemical, and in other commercial consumer products etc. It is reported to pose series of health hazards affecting various vital organs. The current study was aimed to find histological alterations in the intestine with sub-chronic exposure of SM in albino mice.

Materials and Methods: Ten mice were orally given SM (1.2 mg/kg mixed in 0.1 ml corn oil) for 21 days while ten mice were kept in the control group (no SM). All the mice were dissected, and small intestine pieces were excised and processed for histological sectioning and staining.

Results: SM disrupts the outer wall of villi and microvilli of the small intestine. Moreover, a narrow lumen and few mitotic figures were seen in the intestinal glands.

Conclusion: The results concludes that SM is a potential source of major organ’s defects and hence its usage should be lessened to improve the health status.

Clinicopathological Patterns and Biochemical Markers in Serum of Uterine Leiomyoma Patients

Sundas Akram, Amaila Akmal, Shaaf Ahmad, Husna Ahmad, Nabila Roohi — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) are exceedingly common reproductive neoplasms with foremost public health impact. A cross-sectional study was performed to systematically investigate the marker enzymes, clinicopathological correlations, and electrolyte profile in myoma

Method: This study enrolled 44 control and 46 leiomyoma subjects, aged 21- 50 years. Anthropometric parameters, detailed history of disease and clinicopathological outcomes were documented via a standardized questionnaire followed by uterine ultrasound investigation. Venous blood samples were taken for the measurement of marker enzymes and serum electrolyte concentration with commercially accessible kits

Results: In the age group between 30-40 years high incidence of myoma (43.5%) was found. Majority of fibroids were observed single (52%) and Intramural uterine fibroids were found more common type (61%) of leiomyomas. Menorrhagia was frequent clinical demonstration with 63% leiomyoma cases. In 26% myoma women positive family history of leiomyomas was also observed. A significant increase in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and body mass index (BMI) while in parity a significant decrease was recorded in leiomyoma patients in comparison with controls. Serum electrolytes investigation revealed a substantial increase in the calcium (Ca²⁺) as well as chloride (Cl^–) concentration and significant drop in potassium (K⁺) concentration in myoma subjects when compared to the controls. While for serum sodium (Na⁺) concentration, a non-significant difference was documented between comparable groups. Analysis of marker enzymes manifested a significant increase in the serum concentration of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and acid phosphatase (ACP) in fibroid patients in comparison to controls whereas non-significant variations were recorded for serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentration.

Conclusion: A reduced serum K⁺ concentrations and raised Ca²⁺, Cl^–and Na⁺ levels in the leiomyoma patients illustrate increased estrogen concentration, that may be responsible for fibroid growth and serum concentration of AST, ACP and ALP are sustainable diagnostic markers of uterine fibroids.

Serum Lipid Variation in Patients with Dengue Virus Infection and Associated Risks of Cardio Vascular Disorder

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Dengue virus (DENV) is a most prevalent arbovirus with about 100 million infections worldwide every year. It is endemic in the subtropical and tropical areas in the world, an emerging public health threat. Serum lipidome is a key player in the immune system response of the patient for the period of dengue fever. This study was aimed to assess the lipids deviations in serum of patients with dengue fever.

Materials and Methods: Three For this case-control study blood samples of N=65 dengue patients of age ≥18 year were collected from the Mayo Hospital, Lahore. Whereas samples of 45 healthy individuals were collected from the University of the Punjab, Lahore. Blood samples from subjects were collected to analyze serum lipidome.

Results: Significantly (P < 0.001) increased serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, and very low-density lipoprotein while a significant (P < 0.001) reduction in high density lipoprotein was observed in the dengue patient’s serum in contrast to the control.

Conclusion: We can conclude that DENV infection can contribute to dyslipidemia with subsequent cardiovascular disorder symptoms. Therefore, patients infected with DENV should monitor their serum lipid profiles to deal with DENV induced effects to the cardiovascular physiology.