Nima Sanadgol

Bio: Nima Sanadgol is an academic researcher from University of São Paulo. The author has contributed to research in topics: Oxidative stress & Multiple sclerosis. The author has an hindex of 19, co-authored 64 publications receiving 890 citations. Previous affiliations of Nima Sanadgol include Zabol University & Tehran University of Medical Sciences.

On the Neuroprotective Effects of Naringenin: Pharmacological Targets, Signaling Pathways, Molecular Mechanisms, and Clinical Perspective

Abstract: As a group of progressive, chronic, and disabling disorders, neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) affect millions of people worldwide, and are on the rise. NDs are known as the gradual loss of neurons; however, their pathophysiological mechanisms have not been precisely revealed. Due to the complex pathophysiological mechanisms behind the neurodegeneration, investigating effective and multi-target treatments has remained a clinical challenge. Besides, appropriate neuroprotective agents are still lacking, which raises the need for new therapeutic agents. In recent years, several reports have introduced naturally-derived compounds as promising alternative treatments for NDs. Among natural entities, flavonoids are multi-target alternatives affecting different pathogenesis mechanisms in neurodegeneration. Naringenin is a natural flavonoid possessing neuroprotective activities. Increasing evidence has attained special attention on the variety of therapeutic targets along with complex signaling pathways for naringenin, which suggest its possible therapeutic applications in several NDs. Here, in this review, the neuroprotective effects of naringenin, as well as its related pharmacological targets, signaling pathways, molecular mechanisms, and clinical perspective, are described. Moreover, the need to develop novel naringenin delivery systems is also discussed to solve its widespread pharmacokinetic limitation.

Phytochemical screening and antibacterial activity of Citrullus colocynthis (Linn.) Schrad against Staphylococcus aureus.

Abstract: Citrullus colocynthis (Linn.) Schrad (CCT) is an important medicinal plant belonging to the family of Cucurbitaceae. It is a well recognized plant in the traditional medicine and was used by people in rural areas as a purgative, antidiabetic and insecticide. In the present investigation, after phytochemical screening of CCT through standard experimental procedure, antibacterial properties of this plant were studied. The antibacterial activity of CCT leaves and fruits extracts (water and ethanolic) against standard (ATCC 25923) and hospitalisolated strains of Staphylococcus aureus from novobiocin treatment patients were evaluated using disc diffusion method. The inhibitory effects of this extracts were compared with standard antibiotic, novobiocin. Phytochemical screening of CCT revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoides and glycosides. The ethanolic extract showed inhibitory activity against S. aureus more than water extract and this effect was dose dependent manner. Results indicated that 5 mg/mL fruits ethanolic extract have a similar inhibitory effect with novobiocinagainst standard strain. We suggest one of the chemical components that exist in ethanolic extract such as alkaloids, flavonoides and glycosides can have a powerful antibacterial effect even more than novobiocin, especially against hospital isolated strains. The study scientifically validates the use of plant materials in traditional medicine. Key words: Citrullus colocynthis, Staphylococcus aureus, phytochemical screening.

Clinical course and risk factors for mortality of adult inpatients with COVID-19 in Wuhan, China: a retrospective cohort study

Abstract: Summary Background Since December, 2019, Wuhan, China, has experienced an outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with COVID-19 have been reported but risk factors for mortality and a detailed clinical course of illness, including viral shedding, have not been well described. Methods In this retrospective, multicentre cohort study, we included all adult inpatients (≥18 years old) with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 from Jinyintan Hospital and Wuhan Pulmonary Hospital (Wuhan, China) who had been discharged or had died by Jan 31, 2020. Demographic, clinical, treatment, and laboratory data, including serial samples for viral RNA detection, were extracted from electronic medical records and compared between survivors and non-survivors. We used univariable and multivariable logistic regression methods to explore the risk factors associated with in-hospital death. Findings 191 patients (135 from Jinyintan Hospital and 56 from Wuhan Pulmonary Hospital) were included in this study, of whom 137 were discharged and 54 died in hospital. 91 (48%) patients had a comorbidity, with hypertension being the most common (58 [30%] patients), followed by diabetes (36 [19%] patients) and coronary heart disease (15 [8%] patients). Multivariable regression showed increasing odds of in-hospital death associated with older age (odds ratio 1·10, 95% CI 1·03–1·17, per year increase; p=0·0043), higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (5·65, 2·61–12·23; p Interpretation The potential risk factors of older age, high SOFA score, and d-dimer greater than 1 μg/mL could help clinicians to identify patients with poor prognosis at an early stage. Prolonged viral shedding provides the rationale for a strategy of isolation of infected patients and optimal antiviral interventions in the future. Funding Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences; National Science Grant for Distinguished Young Scholars; National Key Research and Development Program of China; The Beijing Science and Technology Project; and Major Projects of National Science and Technology on New Drug Creation and Development.