Amal Al-Shahat Ibrahim

Bio: Amal Al-Shahat Ibrahim is an academic researcher from Zagazig University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Vitamin & Curcumin. The author has an hindex of 5, co-authored 16 publications receiving 88 citations.

Curcumin and hemopressin treatment attenuates cholestasis-induced liver fibrosis in rats: role of CB1 receptors

Abstract: Curcumin exerts hepatoprotective effects via poorly defined mechanisms. Recently, some studies suggested that this effect was mediated by antagonizing CB1 receptors in hepatic stellate cells. The current study aimed to investigate whether CB1 antagonist, hemopressin, could potentiate the hepatoprotective effect of curcumin, in comparison with silymarin in bile duct-ligated (BDL) rats. Curcumin and hemopressin each alone and in combination ameliorated biochemical and structural fibrotic injury, and downregulated cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and both mRNA and protein levels of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in fibrotic liver. In contrast to the previous studies, curcumin alone did not affect the gene expression of cannabinoid receptors. However, the combination of hemopressin and curcumin reduced the expression of CB1 in fibrotic liver. Surprisingly, silymarin upregulated CB2 receptors and downregulated CB1 at mRNA level more than all the administered drugs. Both curcumin and hemopressin each alone decreased lipid peroxidation product, malondialdehyde (MDA), while the combination increased the reduced glutathione content. All the administered drugs increased the hepatic antiapoptotic marker, Bcl2. Our study suggests that hemopressin potentiates the hepatoprotective effect of curcumin on fibrotic liver. We identified a new mechanism of the hepatoprotective effect of silymarin via modulation of cannabinoid receptors in fibrotic liver.

Hypothyroidism: morphological and metabolic changes in the testis of adult albino rat and the amelioration by alpha-lipoic acid

Abstract: Background: The objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of carbimazole- induced hypothyroidism on the testes of adult albino rats and the probable protective effect of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA). Materials and methods: The rats were divided into four groups; control group, ALA group, carbimazole, and carbimazole + ALA groups. Rats were exposed to ALA (60 mg/kg body weight) or carbimazole (1.35 mg/kg body weight), or both, administered via gavages for 30 days. Results: Morphometric analysis revealed a significant decrease in tubular diameter, germinal epithelium thickness, and interstitial space as compared to the controls. Also, rats exposed to carbimazole showed a significant decline in testicular weight, sperm motility, and count. Additionally, deterioration of the testicular architecture was observed. ALA supplementation resulted in a significant improvement in the tubular diameter and germinal epithelium thickness, but no significant improvement regarding interstitial space was observed. Another observation was the significant decline in serum testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the carbimazole group, indicating reduced steroidogenesis. A significant reduction in reduced glutathione content was detected in the testes of the carbimazole group compared with the controls, while malonaldehyde concentration significantly increased. Conversely, ALA supplementation ameliorated the toxicity induced by hypothyroidism as illustrated by enhanced reproductive organ weights, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and FSH levels, testicular steroidogenesis, and oxidative stress parameters. Conclusions: Hypothyroidism altered testicular antioxidant balance and negatively affected spermatogenesis. On the other hand, ALA through its antioxidant properties alleviated testicular toxicity in carbimazole-exposed rats.

Anatomical Variations of Infraorbital Foramen in Dry Human Adult Egyptian Skulls, Anthropometeric Measurements and Surgical Relevance

Abstract: Objectives: Evidence supports a clear racial variation in the position of the infraorbital foramen (IOF). Therefore detailed knowledge of the population specific data on biometric features of (IOF) will facilitate therapeutic, diagnostic and surgical manipulations in the maxillofacial region. The goal of this study was to elucidate the morphological features and precise anatomical position of the (IOF) with reference to surrounding anatomical landmarks in an adult Egyptian population. Materials and methods: Fifty-nine adult dry Egyptian skulls (32 males and 27 females) were assessed to determine the number, shape, orientation, vertical and transverse diameters of the IOF, transverse distance from the IOF to the maxillary midline, the zygomaticomaxillary suture and the vertical distance from the IOF to the infraorbital rim and accessory infraorbital foramen using a metal casting digital vernier caliper. The position of the IOF was determined in relation to the maxillary teeth. The findings indicated that the size of the IOF and the mean distances from the IOF to the maxillary midline, infraorbital rim and foramen was significantly larger in males than in females. Results: The majority of IOF among the skulls were semilunarshaped in 59.4% in male skulls and 48.1% in female skulls. The majority were directed inferomedially in 88.9% in female skulls and 78.1 % in male skulls. Accessory foramina were found in 21.87% of male skulls and 18.5% of female skulls. All had bilateral double foramina except for one male skull and one female skull. Conclusion: The racial and gender differences of the IOF emphasize the need for meticulous preoperative evaluation of the IOF in patients who are candidates for maxillofacial surgeries and regional block anesthesia.

Anatomical variations of supraorbital notch and foramen: a study on human adult Egyptian skulls

Abstract: Background The clear knowledge of the location of the supraorbital foramen is essential when performing supraorbital endoscopic surgeries and regional nerve blocks. In this study, we made a detailed analysis of the supraorbital foramen (SOF), supraorbital notch (SON) and supraorbital ridge (SOR) of Egyptian skulls in a comparative study with those of other races and regions.

Biochemistry of oxidative stress

Abstract: The terms 'antioxidant', 'oxidative stress' and 'oxidative damage' are widely used but rarely defined. This brief review attempts to define them and to examine the ways in which oxidative stress and oxidative damage can affect cell behaviour both in vivo and in cell culture, using cancer as an example.

Cellular and molecular mechanisms of curcumin in prevention and treatment of disease

Abstract: Curcumin is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound present in rhizome of Curcuma longa belonging to the family zingiberaceae. Growing experimental evidence revealed that curcumin exhibit multitarget biological implications signifying its crucial role in health and disease. The current review highlights the recent progress and mechanisms underlying the wide range of pharmacological effects of curcumin against numerous diseases like neuronal, cardiovascular, metabolic, kidney, endocrine, skin, respiratory, infectious, gastrointestinal diseases and cancer. The ability of curcumin to modulate the functions of multiple signal transductions are linked with attenuation of acute and chronic diseases. Numerous preclinical and clinical studies have revealed that curcumin modulates several molecules in cell signal transduction pathway including PI3K, Akt, mTOR, ERK5, AP-1, TGF-β, Wnt, β-catenin, Shh, PAK1, Rac1, STAT3, PPARγ, EBPα, NLRP3 inflammasome, p38MAPK, Nrf2, Notch-1, AMPK, TLR-4 and MyD-88. Curcumin has a potential to prevent and/or manage various diseases due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic properties with an excellent safety profile. In contrast, the anti-cancer effects of curcumin are reflected due to induction of growth arrest and apoptosis in various premalignant and malignant cells. This review also carefully emphasized the pharmacokinetics of curcumin and its interaction with other drugs. Clinical studies have shown that curcumin is safe at the doses of 12 g/day but exhibits poor systemic bioavailability. The use of adjuvant like piperine, liposomal curcumin, curcumin nanoparticles and curcumin phospholipid complex has shown enhanced bioavailability and therapeutic potential. Further studies are warranted to prove the potential of curcumin against various ailments.

Polypharmacological Properties and Therapeutic Potential of β-Caryophyllene: A Dietary Phytocannabinoid of Pharmaceutical Promise.

Abstract: Background: β-Caryophyllene (BCP) is a natural bicyclic sesquiterpene abundantly found in essential oils from various spices, fruits and medicinal as well as ornamental plants. It is approved by United States Food and Drug Administration and European agencies as food additive, taste enhancer and flavoring agent and termed as a phytocannabinoid. Methods: All the available literature on BCP and its synonyms were collected through different literature databases. Results: BCP was found to elicit a full agonist action on cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) receptors, a G-protein coupled receptor representing important therapeutic target in several diseases. Activation of CB2 receptors notably appeared devoid of psychotropic adverse effect of cannabinoids contrary to the CB1 receptors. In addition, it activates peroxisome proliferated activator receptors (PPARs) isoforms; PPAR-α &-γ and inhibits pathways triggered by the activation of toll like receptor complex; CD14/TLR4/MD2, reduce immuneinflammatory processes and exhibit synergy with µ-opioid receptor dependent pathways. Additionally, it found as potent antagonist of homomeric nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7-nAChRs) and devoid of effects mediated by serotonergic and GABAergic receptors. It also modulates numerous molecular targets by altering their gene expression, signaling pathways or through direct interaction. Various pharmacological activities such as cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, neuroprotective, nephroprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and immune-modulator have been reported in experimental studies. It has shown potent therapeutic promise in neuropathic pain, neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases. Conclusion: The present review provides a comprehensive insight of pharmacological and therapeutic potential of BCP, its molecular mechanism and signaling pathways in different pathological conditions. The review also examines the possibility of its further development as a novel candidate for various pathologies considering the polypharmacological and multifaceted therapeutic properties potential along with favorable oral bioavailability, lipophilicity and physicochemical properties.

Cannabis sativa and Hemp

Abstract: Cannabis sativa spp. is an exceptional multicomponent natural resource used as nutritional supplements, textiles, building materials, body care products, food, and medicines, to name a few. It has been cultivated for millennia to exploit the plant’s toolbox of useful natural compounds it offers. This chapter explores the chemical constituents responsible for the plant’s therapeutic properties and examines efficacious compounds as nutraceuticals. A qualitative and quantitative look at these components highlights important trends for both fiber-type hemp and medical C. sativa. Key aspects of C. sativa taxonomy, biology, and biochemistry are addressed. Specifically, the convergent biosynthetic pathways used by the plant to produce cannabinoids and terpenes are outlined. The biologically active components are described at a molecular level and the in vitro and in vivo data are compiled to offer quantitative insight into the mechanism of action, as well as their potential for use as nutraceuticals.