<![CDATA[Cardiovascular & Hematological Disorders-Drug Targets (Volume 23 - Issue 4)]]> https://benthamscience.com/journal/22 RSS Feed for Journals | BenthamScience EurekaSelect (+https://benthamscience.com) 2023-12-30 <![CDATA[Cardiovascular & Hematological Disorders-Drug Targets (Volume 23 - Issue 4)]]> https://benthamscience.com/journal/22 <![CDATA[Updates in the Pharmacotherapy of Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction]]>https://benthamscience.com/article/1356312023-12-30 <![CDATA[Recent Developments in Drug Targets and Combination Therapy for the Clinical Management of Hypertension]]>https://benthamscience.com/article/1364292023-12-30 <![CDATA[<i>In silico</i> Evaluation of ACE2 Inhibition by <i>Prunus armeniaca</i> L. and <i>in vivo</i> Toxicity Study]]>https://benthamscience.com/article/1366852023-12-30Background: SARS-CoV-2 is a virus that uses ACE2 to enter the host cell.

Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the in silico inhibitory activity of polyphenols from Prunus armeniaca (P. armeniaca) on angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2).

Methods: The efficacy of phytocompounds from P. armeniaca in inhibiting ACE2 was tested through molecular docking and dynamic analyses. The toxicological analysis of P. armeniaca was also evaluated.

Results: A total of twenty polyphenols were docked against the ACE2 active site, and four compounds showed interesting profiles. In vivo acute toxicity study demonstrated that the aqueous extract of Prunus armeniaca was safe.

Conclusion: Four compounds from Prunus armeniaca seem to exert an inhibitory potential of ACE2.

]]>
<![CDATA[<i>Thymus atlanticus</i> (Ball) Roussine Aqueous Extract Exerts Lipid-lowering and Anti-atherosclerotic Effects in Hyperlipidemic Guinea Pigs]]>https://benthamscience.com/article/1364282023-12-30Background: Thymus atlanticus (Ball) Roussine (T. atlanticus) is traditionally used in the Moroccan high Atlas Mountains to treat several disorders, including cardiovascular disease. In the present study, the lipid-lowering and anti-atherosclerotic activities of the traditionally used aqueous extract of T. atlanticus were evaluated on guinea pigs subjected to chronic hyperlipidemia.

Methods: Animals were given a diet containing 2% cholesterol and 20% lard for 12 weeks. Moreover, thyme extract was given daily at 400 mg/kg. At the end of the experiment, lipid levels and paraoxonase arylesterase activity were measured, and aorta histology was studied.

Results: Our findings revealed that there was an important elevation of blood lipids in the HFD group along with a significant decrease in paraoxonase arylesterase activity (-40.06%). Moreover, the consumption of fat altered the histology of aorta by thickening the intima media and forming atherosclerotic lesions and foam cells in these tissues. However, the administration of thyme extract attenuated HFD-caused alterations by decreasing blood lipids, elevating paraoxonase activity (+24.04%), and limiting the progression of atherosclerotic lesions.

Conclusion: We conclude that the supplementation with the aqueous extract of T. atlanticus could potentially protect against hyperlipidemia and consequently, the development of atherosclerosis.

]]>
<![CDATA[Protective Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of <i>Punica granatum</i> Leaves on High Fructose Induced Insulin Resistance in Experimental Animals]]>https://benthamscience.com/article/1364302023-12-30 Background: Insulin resistance (IR) is a condition characterized by reduced sensitivity of body tissues to insulin, leading to impaired regulation of downstream metabolic pathways and elevated blood glucose levels. Diets rich in fructose have been proven to cause insulin resistance in test rats, resulting in decreased insulin sensitivity, particularly in the liver, and compromised disposal of glucose from the body. In the search for effective treatments, Plant-derived formulations have gained popularity because to their ability for treating a variety of ailments. One such plant is Punica granatum Linn. from the Punicaceae family, which has long been used in the treatment of diabetes and its consequences. This study investigates the insulin-resistant activity of an extract from Punica granatum leaves. The study goal is to assess the possible protective role of Punica granatum against insulin resistance through various analyses, including serum glucose and insulin levels, lipid profile assessment, measurement of liver enzymes (ALP, SGOT, SGPT), and histopathological examination of liver sections.

Methods: The study involves several key methods to evaluate the insulin-resistant activity of Punica granatum extract in high fructose diet induced insulin resistance animal model. The extract was administered orally to the experimental animals. These methods include the measurement of serum glucose and serum insulin levels, analysis of the lipid profile, quantification of liver enzymes such as ALP, SGOT, and SGPT, and a detailed histopathological examination of liver tissue sections. These analyses collectively provide insights into the impact of Punica granatum extract on insulin resistance and related metabolic parameters.

Results: Findings of this study provide insight on the possible benefits of Punica granatum extract on insulin resistance. Through the assessment of serum glucose and insulin levels, lipid profile analysis, and measurement of liver enzymes, the study elucidates the impact of the extract on key metabolic indicators. Additionally, the histopathological examination of liver sections provides visual insights into the structural changes that may occur as a result of the treatment.

Conclusion: In conclusion, this study highlights the ability of Punica granatum extract as a candidate for addressing insulin resistance. The findings suggest that the extract may have a protective role against insulin resistance, as evidenced by improvements in serum glucose and insulin levels, lipid profile, liver enzyme levels, and histopathological characteristics. Further research and investigations are warranted to fully understand the mechanisms underlying these observed effects and to validate the potential of Punica granatum extract as a therapeutic option for managing insulin resistance and its associated complications.

]]>
<![CDATA[Potential Antihypertensive Activity of the Aqueous Extract of <i>Ammi visnaga</i> and its Effect on ACE-2 in Rats]]>https://benthamscience.com/article/1367402023-12-30Aims: This work aimed to investigate the antihypertensive activity of Ammi visnaga. Background: The aqueous extract of Ammi visnaga has traditionally been used to treat hypertension in Morocco.

Objective: The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of Ammi visnaga aqueous extract (AVAE) on arterial blood pressure, systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean blood pressure (MBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) in normotensive and hypertensive rats. In addition, the effect of the aqueous extract of Ammi visnaga on vasodilatation was assessed in isolated rat aortic rings with functional endothelium pre-contracted with epinephrine EP or KCl.

Methods: AVAE was obtained, and its antihypertensive ability was pharmacologically investigated in L-NAME hypertensive and normotensive rats. The rats received oral AVAE at two selected doses of 70 and 140 mg/kg for six hours (acute experiment) and seven days (sub-chronic). Thereafter, systolic, diastolic, mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate were evaluated. Moreover, the vasorelaxant activity of AESA was performed in thoracic aortic ring rats. In addition, the mechanisms of action involved in the vasorelaxant effect were studied.

Results: AVAE lowered blood pressure only in L-Name-induced hypertensive rats. Furthermore, AVAE (0.375-1.375 mg/ml) showed a vasodilator effect in isolated aortic rats. In addition, not all of the medications used in our study were responsible for the signaling pathway. As a result, additional pharmaceuticals are required to confirm the mechanism of this signaling pathway.

Conclusion: The aqueous extract of Ammi visnaga exerts an interesting antihypertensive activity, which could be mediated through its vasorelaxant activity. The study supports its use as a medicinal plant against hypertension in Morocco.

]]>
<![CDATA[Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Voriconazole in Children with Hematologic Malignancy and Invasive Fungal Infections: An RCT from a Tertiary Care Centre in India]]>https://benthamscience.com/article/1362202023-12-30Introduction: Voriconazole is a triazole anti-fungal with non-linear kinetics and a narrow therapeutic range. The objective of our study was to monitor the voriconazole serum levels in children with hematological malignancy and clinically suspected invasive fungal infections.

Methods: The study was a prospective, randomized controlled trial conducted from June 2016 to December 2017. All children who had haematologic malignancies with clinically suspected invasive fungal infections and received voriconazole as the only anti-fungal were included in the study. The children were randomly allotted into two groups; one was the group that underwent TDM, and the other, TDM, was not done. Bioassay was the method employed for TDM. The trough levels were evaluated on a sample obtained on the fifth day of starting the drug. The institute's ethics committee approved the study.

Result: A total of 30 children were included in the study: 15 in the TDM group and 15 in the non-TDM group. The most common underlying malignancy was AML. Neutropenia due to chemotherapy sessions was these patients' most common risk factor. A favorable outcome was seen in 13/15 (86.7%) in the TDM group and 11/15 in the non-TDM group (73.3%).

Conclusion: Only five out of 15 (33.3%) children had voriconazole serum levels within the therapeutic range. Alterations in dose had to be done in the remaining to achieve the recommended serum levels. Thus, we recommend TDM for all children of hematologic malignancy receiving voriconazole for better management. Our findings also revealed that children with AML had lower than recommended levels of voriconazole on TDM evaluation, whereas those with ALL had normal to elevated levels of voriconazole.

]]>
<![CDATA[Acknowledgements to Reviewers]]>https://benthamscience.com/article/1368452023-12-30