Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Robert Tarszabo, Balint Banyai, Eva Ruisanchez, Borbala Peterffy, Agnes Korsos-Novak, Krisztina Lajtai, Reka Eszter Sziva, Dora Gerszi, Adam Hosszu, Rita Benko, Zoltan Benyo, Eszter Maria Horvath, Gabriella Masszi, Szabolcs Varbiro
Summary: In a rat model, vitamin D deficiency was found to impair the vasoactive effect of estradiol, while short-term chronic hyperandrogenism did not have this effect. Additionally, vitamin D deficiency also affected the immunostaining of estrogen receptor and nitric oxide synthase.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xin Yuan, Jianshu Yang, Danlin Sun, Kaiming Luo, Xiaohong Jiang, Long Wang, Shoukui Xiang, Yijie Jiang, Kele Ge, Zhiyang Zhou, Bowen Li, Fei Hua
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)(2)D) on metabolic dysfunction in a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and elucidate its underlying mechanism. The results showed that 1,25(OH)(2)D inhibited hepatic diacylglycerol (DG) accumulation in PCOS rats, thereby ameliorating their metabolic dysfunction.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Man Abdullah Bindayel
Summary: The study showed that women with PCOS have lower vitamin D levels and a higher obesity rate compared to controls. Fewer patients with PCOS consumed milk and dairy products, and were exposed to sunlight, than controls.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Klara Beitl, Didier Dewailly, Rudolf Seemann, Marlene Hager, Jakob Buenker, Daniel Mayrhofer, Iris Holzer, Johannes Ott
Summary: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) are the two most frequent causes of secondary amenorrhea, and distinguishing between them remains challenging. A retrospective case-control study found significant differences in hormone levels and protein binding globulin between PCOS-D patients and FHA-PCOM patients. The authors proposed a model including serological parameters as a reliable tool to distinguish between the two conditions.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Flavia Di Bari, Antonino Catalano, Federica Bellone, Gabriella Martino, Salvatore Benvenga
Summary: PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder among premenopausal women, with implications for reproduction, metabolism, cardiovascular health, and psychological well-being. Vitamin D deficiency is often seen in women with PCOS and plays a significant role in bone health and the pathophysiological link between PCOS and bone metabolism.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Meina Yang, Xiaoyang Shen, Danhua Lu, Jin Peng, Siyu Zhou, Liangzhi Xu, Jing Zhang
Summary: Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of vitamin D supplementation on pregnancy and ovulation in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted on multiple databases, and a total of 20 randomized controlled studies with 1961 subjects were included. The meta-analysis revealed that the vitamin D supplementation group had significantly higher pregnancy rate, ovulation rate, and matured oocytes rate compared to the control group. Furthermore, the supplementation group showed a significant decrease in early miscarriage rate, androgen level, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, and premature delivery rate. However, no significant improvement was observed in fertilization rate or cleavage rate. Conclusion: Vitamin D supplementation can improve pregnancy and ovulation rates, as well as decrease androgen, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, and early miscarriage rates in patients with PCOS. However, more high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed for further validation.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Abu Saleh Md Moin, Thozhukat Sathyapalan, Stephen L. Atkin, Alexandra E. Butler
Summary: In non-obese women with PCOS, circulating inflammatory proteins and matrix metalloproteinases were not elevated and did not correlate with vitamin D metabolites.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Abu Saleh Md Moin, Thozhukat Sathyapalan, Alexandra E. Butler, Stephen L. Atkin
Summary: The levels of complement pathway proteins are increased in non-obese women with PCOS, and this increase is independent of vitamin D.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alexandra E. Butler, Abu Saleh Md Moin, Thozhukat Sathyapalan, Stephen L. Atkin
Summary: The study revealed that the RAS system is overactivated in PCOS women, with significantly lower circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. In the control group, plasma ACE2 levels were negatively correlated with vitamin D levels, while angiotensinogen levels showed no significant differences across different vitamin D levels.
JOURNAL OF STEROID BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Martina Kollmann, Barbara Obermayer-Pietsch, Elisabeth Lerchbaum, Sarah Feigl, Rudiger Hochstaetter, Gudrun Pregartner, Christian Trummer, Philipp Klaritsch
Summary: The study investigated the 25(OH)D levels in pregnant women with and without PCOS, as well as the correlation between maternal and neonatal 25(OH)D levels and their association with perinatal outcomes. The results showed a positive correlation between maternal and neonatal 25(OH)D levels, with a high prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency in both groups but no significant impact on perinatal outcomes. Further research on the long-term consequences of 25(OH)D deficiency in mothers and infants is needed.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Szabolcs Varbiro, Istvan Takacs, Laszlo Tuu, Katalin Nas, Reka Eszter Sziva, Judit Reka Hetthessy, Marianna Torok
Summary: Vitamin D deficiency is common in PCOS patients and is correlated with the severity of the condition. Vitamin D supplementation can improve fertility and IVF indicators and reduce the risk of pregnancy-related complications for both mothers and fetuses.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Chang Shan, Yu-chen Zhu, Jie Yu, Yi Zhang, Yu-ying Wang, Nan Lu, Jie Cai, Wei Liu, Tao Tao
Summary: This study found that Chinese women with PCOS have lower levels of vitamin D compared to controls, especially in those with hyperandrogenemia. Higher levels of 25(OH)D were independently associated with lower risks of hyperandrogenemia.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Nahla Al-Bayyari, Hayder Al-Domi, Faheem Zayed, Ra'ed Hailat, Arieanna Eaton
Summary: The study demonstrated that weekly treatment with 50,000 IU of vitamin D-3 can improve 25(OH)D levels and decrease hirsutism scores and androgen levels in overweight women with PCOS. These results may lead to increased fertility and better reproductive health for these patients.
CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Congshun Ma, Qianru Xiang, Ge Song, Xuefei Wang
Summary: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a reproductive endocrine disease with no specific drug treatment. Quercetin (QUR), a flavonoid, has potential therapeutic effects for PCOS patients. However, the mechanisms of QUR in PCOS patients remain unclear.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Jia Zhu, Anders U. Eliasen, Izzuddin M. Aris, Sara E. Stinson, Jens-Christian Holm, Torben Hansen, Marie-France Hivert, Klaus Bonnelykke, Rany M. Salem, Joel N. Hirschhorn, Yee-Ming Chan
Summary: Genetic risk factors for PCOS are associated with alterations in metabolic, growth, and developmental traits in childhood.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Salma Jlizi, Houda Lazrag, Yassine Oulad El Majdoub, Afifa Zardi-Bergaoui, Francesco Cacciola, Luigi Mondello, Abdel Halim Harrath, Hichem Ben Jannet
Summary: This research aimed to analyze the polyphenolic profile and assess the antioxidant and anti-alpha-amylase activities of extracts from Pulicaria vulgaris. The extracts were found to contain various polyphenolic compounds and exhibited antioxidant properties and inhibitory effects on alpha-amylase.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eya Khemis, Mayssa Ben Mustapha, Ikbel Chaieb, Roberta Ascrizzi, Guido Flamini, Abdel Halim Harrath, Hichem Ben Jannet, Afifa Zardi-Bergaoui
Summary: The essential oil from Thapsia garganica seeds shows significant potential for pest management, with strong repellency and contact toxicity against Tribolium castaneum adults.
CHEMISTRY & BIODIVERSITY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Amel Hajlaoui, Amine Assel, Houda Lazrag, Jalloul Bouajila, Abdel Halim Harrath, Lamjed Mansour, Hichem Ben Jannet, Anis Romdhane
Summary: A series of benzopyran derivatives 4, 5, and 6a-i were synthesized through a cyclocondensation reaction. The synthesized compounds were characterized and evaluated for their inhibitory potential on the alpha-amylase enzyme. The results showed potent alpha-amylase inhibitory activity, with compound 6c exhibiting the highest activity compared to the standard acarbose.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ikram Allagui, Mabrouk Horchani, Nourhene Zammel, Maroua Jalouli, Abdelfatteh Elfeki, Choumous Kallel, Lamjed Mansour, Salah Alwasel, Abdel Halim Harrath, Hichem Ben Jannet, Mohamed Salah Allagui, Kheiria Hcini
Summary: This study evaluated the total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents of Cleome arabica L. and investigated its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The results showed that the extract from this plant exhibited high antioxidant activity and could effectively alleviate inflammation. This research provides pharmacological evidence for the utilization of Cleome plant in the treatment of inflammatory diseases and oxidative damage.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Mohamed Dellali, Khadija Mardassi, Abdel Halim Harrath, Lamjed Mansour, Octavian Pacioglu, Waleed Aldahmash, Saber Nahdi, Riadh Badraoui, Abdulwahed Fahad Alrefaei, Fehmi Boufahja
Summary: The study aims to assess the multifaceted effects of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon phenanthrene on the physiology of two bivalve species, Mytilus galloprovinciallis and Ruditapes decussatus, that are commonly consumed as seafood. The results showed that phenanthrene significantly reduced the bivalves' ability to tolerate desiccation and their Median Lethal Time, and also inhibited the activity of acetylcholinesterase. This study suggests that these bivalve species can be used as bioindicators to assess the environmental impact of phenanthrene in marine ecosystems. Rating: 8/10.
Article
Biology
Afoua Mufti, Maroua Jalouli, Saber Nahdi, Nizar Tlili, Wadha Alqahtani, Lamjed Mansour, Saleh Alwasel, Abdel Halim Harrath
Summary: This study found that prenatal exposure to the insecticide acephate can cause kidney dysfunction and histopathological damage in adult rat offspring. The findings highlight the importance of understanding the effects of adverse fetal environments on offspring health.
Article
Biology
Afoua Mufti, Maria del Mar Contreras, Irene Gomez-Cruz, Abdullah Alshamrani, Saber Nahdi, Lamjed Mansour, Salah Alwasel, Abdel Halim Harrath, Nizar Tlili
Summary: The aim of this study was to analyze the phytochemical content of Ephedra alata pulp extract (EAP) and investigate its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities. High-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-QTOF/MS) was used for phytochemical analysis, and various in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory tests were conducted. The results showed that EAP contains 42 metabolites, including flavonoids, sphingolipids, fatty acids, ephedrine derivatives, and amino acid derivatives. EAP exhibited strong antioxidant activity, as well as notable anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting COX-1 and COX-2, preventing protein denaturation, and protecting membrane stabilization.
Article
Physiology
Maria Arafah, Nouf Aldawood, Abdulkarem Alrezaki, Saber Nahdi, Saleh Alwasel, Lamjed Mansour, Abdel Halim Harrath
Summary: In this study, the effects of acrylamide (ACR) exposure during pregnancy on the ovary of female adult offspring of two subsequent generations were investigated. The results showed that ACR exposure increased the number of antral follicles and corpora lutea in the first generation females (AF1) but led to an increase in the number of degenerating follicles and cysts in the second generation females (AF2). Additionally, ACR exposure reduced the levels of estradiol-producing enzyme CYP19A gene and induced excessive apoptosis. Overall, the ovarian conditions of AF1 females resembled the early perimenopausal stage, while those of AF2 females resembled the late perimenopausal stage in women.
PHYSIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wiem Baccari, Ilyes Saidi, Mansour Znati, Ahmed M. Mustafa, Giovanni Caprioli, Abdel Halim Harrath, Hichem Ben Jannet
Summary: This study investigated the phytochemical profile of Ferula tunetana seed and leaf extracts and assessed their antioxidant and anti-alpha-amylase activities. The results showed that these extracts exhibited high antioxidant and anti-alpha-amylase activities, making them potential candidates for the development of new and safe antidiabetic treatments.
PROCESS BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Adam Tarko, Aneta Stochmalova, Zuzana Fabova, Abdel Halim Harrath, Alexander V. Sirotkin
Summary: This study provides the first evidence of the direct effect of chia on basic ovarian cell functions. It also demonstrates the ability of chia to mitigate the proliferation-stimulating effects of xylene on ovarian cells in both bovine and porcine species. Furthermore, it reveals species-specific differences in the influence of xylene on ovarian cell apoptosis and secretory activity.
REPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS
(2023)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Alexander Sirotkin, Martina Macejkova, Adam Tarko, Zuzana Fabova, Saleh Alwasel, Jan Kotwica, Abdel Halim Harrath
Summary: Experimental studies have found that toluene has toxic effects on female reproductive processes. This in vitro study aimed to investigate the potential of ginkgo, fennel, and flaxseed extracts to modify the effects of toluene on ovarian hormone release. The extracts were found to reduce progesterone release and increase oxytocin release, while the release of prostaglandin F was inhibited by ginkgo and stimulated by fennel and flaxseed. Furthermore, fennel and flaxseed were able to prevent the adverse effects of toluene on ovarian hormones, while ginkgo enhanced these effects.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Shiekha S. AlAujan, Haya M. Almalag, Ghadah A. Assiri, Faris A. Alodaibi, Mohammed A. Omair
Summary: This study aimed to translate and validate the Fibromyalgia Rapid Screening Tool (FiRST) into Arabic. The translated survey showed good internal consistency and test-retest correlation, making it a simple, valid, and reliable tool for diagnosing patients with fibromyalgia in different settings.
Article
Plant Sciences
Salma Jlizi, Yassine Oulad El Majdoub, Afifa Zardi-Bergaoui, Francesco Cacciola, Katia Arena, Luigi Mondello, Abdel Halim Harrath, Hichem Ben Jannet
Summary: The present study aimed to analyze the polyphenolic profile of the ethyl acetate extract obtained from the bark of Tetraclinis articulata and evaluate its cytotoxic activity. The extract showed significant cytotoxic effect against HeLa cells. In silico analysis confirmed the binding energy and interaction mode of the major constituents in the extract. This study provides the first report on the polyphenolic composition and cytotoxic activity of the extract from T. articulata bark.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Alexander V. Sirotkin, Adam Tarko, Zuzana Fabova, Igor Valocky, Saleh Alwasel, Jan Kotwica, Abdel Halim Harrath
Summary: The aim of this in vitro study was to examine the potential effect of functional food plant extracts on mare ovarian cell functions and their response to the environmental contaminant toluene. The study found that toluene reduced cell proliferation, viability, and the release of certain hormones, but not oxytocin. Flaxseed and puncture vine extracts mitigated toluene's harmful effects, while chia extract had no effect. Toluene was able to modify the inhibitory effects of flaxseed and other plant extracts on hormone release. This study provides important insights into the effects of functional food plant extracts and toluene on mare ovarian cell functions.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Nouf Aldawood, Sarah Almustafa, Saleh Alwasel, Waleed Aldahmash, Abir Ben Bacha, Abdullah Alamri, Mohammad Alanazi, Abdel Halim Harrath
Summary: This study evaluated the transgenerational effects of Fumonisin B1 (FB1) exposure on the structure and function of kidneys in offspring. The results showed that FB1 exposure caused histopathological changes, decreased antioxidant markers, induced autophagy, and led to DNA hypomethylation. These findings highlight the nephrotoxicity and transgenerational effects of early-life FB1 exposure.