Olanzapine effectiveness on weight gain in anorexia nervosa patients: systematic review and meta-analysis Bushra F. Alqurashi, Anas R. Alserihi, Ahmed Albariqi, Abdulmajeed Ayesh Alenazi, Yosra Alhindi, Rawan Lafi Alghamdi, Bander Abdullah Alotaibi, Sobhia Nasser Abanmi, Fares Abdulrahman Alhejaili, Fatimah Hassan Nahhas BMC Psychiatry, 2026 Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a complex psychiatric disorder marked by extreme caloric restriction, intense fear of weight gain, and distorted body image perception. Not only influence physical health, but it also creates serious psychological burdens. Treatment of AN is especially daunting due to its multi-dimensional nature. Recent research indicates that a pharmacological approach, such as the prescription of atypical antipsychotics like Olanzapine, may help treat both the nutritional deficiency and psychological distress related to the disorder. By allowing an individual gain weight and potentially reducing comorbid depression and anxiety, Olanzapine can be a valuable add-on to standard treatments. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of Olanzapine in causing weight gain among anorexia nervosa patients. Based on comparisons of results in a number of clinical trials, the study aims at establishing the effect of Olanzapine on weight restoration and investigating any accompanying shift in the psychological state of the patients. A comprehensive literature search was performed on Medline, ClinicalTrials.gov, Scopus, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for all records from the earliest date available through to August 22, 2024. Randomized controlled trials of olanzapine treatment in anorexia nervosa were included. Studies were screened, and data were extracted. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Records for meta-analysis were combined in a random-effects model to calculate effect sizes, and heterogeneity was quantified with the I 2 statistic. 207 records were found, 159 of which were excluded after title and abstract screening. After full-text review, seven RCTs were found. These trials involving 152 patients assessed the impact of olanzapine on weight gain in anorexia nervosa. Meta-analysis of 4 studies (91 patients) showed a mean difference in BMI of 1.68 kg/m² (95% CI: 0.82, 4.18) in favor of olanzapine but not statistically significant ( p = 0.19), with high heterogeneity (I² = 94%). Sensitivity analysis reduced the heterogeneity to 28% but not the effect size. Although olanzapine showed a numerically greater weight gain compared to control conditions, the pooled effect did not reach statistical significance and was associated with substantial heterogeneity. Therefore, current evidence remains inconclusive. Olanzapine may be considered in selected cases, particularly where psychological comorbidities are prominent, but larger and methodologically robust trials are needed before routine clinical use can be recommended. Not Applicable.
Mitochondrial remodeling as a effector of glp-1 therapy in obesity and diabetes: review Yosra Alhindi Journal of Advanced Pharmacy Education and Research, 2026 Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have rapidly evolved from glucose-lowering agents into pleiotropic cardiometabolic therapeutics with established benefits in obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease. Although their classical actions are well defined, emerging evidence suggests that mitochondrial remodeling may represent a central mechanistic layer through which GLP-1RAs exert tissue-protective effects. Across pancreatic beta cells, myocardi
Medication Adherence Challenges: Factors Influencing Non-Adherence in Saudi Arabia Seham M. Alsuhaymi, Khalid M. Almalki, Sarah I. Alghamdi, Shahad R. Kelantan, Rana M. Alnefaie, Eyad A. Alandijani, Atheer A. Jamal, Mohammed Shaikhomer, Asim M. Alshanberi, Reem B. Busaeed, Safaa M. Alsanosi, Yosra Z. Alhindi Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics, 2026 Background Chronic diseases present a significant health risk, and global medication adherence for these conditions remains insufficient. Understanding the factors that affect adherence is essential. Purpose This study aims to better understand medication adherence and the factors influencing non-adherence in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods A questionnaire-based survey was carried out among patients with chronic diseases in the Makkah region of Saudi Arabia from May 1 to August 31, 2024. Participants included individuals aged 18 and older using either prescribed or over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Descriptive statistics were employed to outline the participants’ characteristics, with categorical variables presented as frequencies and percentages. A chi-square test was utilized to examine the relationships between variables. Results In total, 292 participants were included in this study. Their ages ranged from 18 to more than 50 years, with a mean age of 38.4 ± 12.5 years old and most of them (72.6%) were female. For chronic diseases, the most reported were hypertension (HTN) (28.8%), diabetes (22.6%), and dyslipidemia (22.3%). The majority of patients (77.7%) were taking 1–3 medications daily, 13.5% were taking 4–6 drugs, and 3.8% were taking 7–9 medications. Medication adherence was significantly associated with informed medical instruction ( p < .01), family and friend support ( p < .01), and the number of drugs received daily ( p < .004). Conclusion Focusing on factors such as clear medical instructions, social support, and the number of medications prescribed could boost medication adherence and lead to better health outcomes for patients with chronic diseases in Saudi Arabia.
Cranberry improves metabolic syndrome-related organ dysfunction in rats by modulating AMPK/SREBP1, ROCK1 and TGF-β1 Sahar M. Elashmony, Yosra Alhindi, Dina H. Merzeban, Rehab A. Mohammed, Asmaa Mohamed Elsayed, Marwa A. Sofi, Rania H. Mahmoud, Hanan A. Shamardl, Dina Elsayed Shaker Scientific Reports, 2025 Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a widespread, complex health issue that poses a substantial global health burden with increased healthcare costs and reduced quality of life, necessitating effective prevention and management strategies. This study aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of cranberry extract (Vaccinium macrocarpon) and metformin on metabolic syndrome in a rat model. Forty rats were divided into the following groups: normal control, MetS (high fat and fructose for 4 weeks followed by streptozotocin 35 mg/kg, i.p.), MetS + cranberry (50 mg/kg), MetS + cranberry (100 mg/kg), and MetS + metformin (200 mg/kg) groups. Treatments were given orally for four weeks with the continuation of a high-fat and high-fructose diet. The evaluations included key metabolic parameters, liver and kidney pathology, and relevant molecular pathways. The present results revealed that MetS induction significantly increased body weight, BMI, fasting glucose, and OGTT results; impaired lipid profile, creatinine and blood pressure; and upregulated hepatic gene expression of Rho-associated protein kinase 1 (Rock1 ) and sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 1 (Srebf1), which encodes the protein SREBP-1c. In addition to hepatic and renal structural abnormalities, increased collagen and increased iNOS/TGF-β1 immunoreactivity were observed. Cranberry ameliorated metabolic parameters in a dose-dependent manner, upregulated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), downregulated Rock1 and Srebf1 expression, improved the histopathology of the liver and kidney and decreased the immunoexpression of iNOS and TGF-β1. The results for cranberry were generally comparable to those for metformin. In conclusion, cranberry extract is potentially a safe therapeutic strategy for MetS, offering broad-spectrum action, organ protection, and molecular pathway modulation. These findings strongly support cranberry as a promising natural approach for managing MetS.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions of Chronic Patients in Saudi Arabia Regarding the Use of Artificial Intelligence to Improve Medication Adherence Safaa Alsanosi, Asayel Aldajani, Hasnaa Gheliwi, Manar Alotibi, Ghadi Bokhari, Orjuwan Almatrafi, Abdulelah Alqawlaq, Jakleen Abujamai, Mohammed Shaikhomer, Yosra Alhindi, Asim Alshanberi Patient Preference and Adherence, 2025 Background Artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing healthcare globally and in Saudi Arabia, enhancing patient care, diagnostics, and administrative efficiency, despite challenges such as data privacy and regulation. This study explores knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) regarding AI in medication adherence among chronic patients in Makkah region, Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with chronic diseases in the Makkah region, Saudi Arabia, from 1 July to 31 December 2024. The study included adult patients with chronic diseases (≥18 years) receiving primary care in the Makkah region. KAP levels were analyzed using descriptive statistics and composite scores, with demographic associations evaluated through Pearson chi-square tests (p<0.05). Results A total of 385 participants were included in the study. Most participants were women (60%), and those belonging to the 50 years or older group comprised the highest percentage (51.2%). The most reported chronic conditions were diabetes (30.7%), hypertension (19.7%), and asthma (14%). Knowledge levels were at a good level among 72.7% of the study participants, and 45.5% expressed a positive attitude towards AI’s role. Perception was high among 50.9% of the respondents but low among 23.4%. Demographic factors, particularly age, significantly improved KAP (p-values of 0.048, 0.046, and 0.031, respectively). A positive attitude towards AI’s role in medication adherence was observed in 58.2% of the participants with good knowledge levels compared to only 11.4% of those with poor knowledge (p=0.001). Variations in perception levels regarding AI’s role in medication adherence were evident across demographics, with statistically significant associations found for age and overall knowledge level (p-values of 0.031 and 0.001, respectively). Conclusion The results highlight AI’s potential to enhance medication adherence and healthcare efficiency while maintaining a human-centred approach. To ensure effective integration, it’s crucial to address concerns related to privacy, trust, and reduced human interaction. AI should be positioned as a supportive tool that complements—not replaces—human care, with transparent governance and targeted education playing key roles.
Knowledge of Antibiotic Use and Resistance Among Medical Students in Saudi Arabia Houriah Nukaly, Raghad Aljuhani, Mahinar Alhartani, Yosra Alhindi, Uzma Asif, Asim Alshanberi, Safaa Alsanosi Advances in Medical Education and Practice, 2024 Introduction The World Health Organization (WHO) has placed great importance on providing thorough, hands-on training to medical students regarding responsible and appropriate antibiotic prescription. Accordingly, this study aims to gain a better perspective on the knowledge of antibiotic use and resistance among medical students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from 1 September to 30 November 2023. The categorical variables are presented as frequencies and percentages. Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to compare the outcomes, and generalised linear regression models were constructed to predict the students’ knowledge of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. A p-value of < 0.05 was taken to indicate statistical significance. Results The study included a total of 353 medical students. First-year medical students represented 28.60% of the participants, while females represented 76.80%. Most participants (92.40%) agreed that antibiotics are effective against bacteria, whereas only 25.20% agreed about antibiotics’ effectiveness against viruses. More than half of the participants (53.80%) believed that bacterial infections can be resolved without antibiotics. A significant majority (78.20%) agreed that the unnecessary use of antibiotics makes them less effective. More than half of the participants (56.90%) acknowledged that infections caused by resistant bacteria are increasing in Saudi Arabia, and two-thirds (75.10%) believed that healthcare workers could effectively reduce antibiotic resistance in Saudi Arabia. Male students had low knowledge about antibiotics [Beta = −1.429, 95% CI (−2.618, −0.241), P value = 0.019]. Conclusion Improving the curriculum by incorporating topics like resistance mechanisms and responsible antibiotic usage can address the knowledge gap among male students. This comprehensive training, utilizing various educational methods, is essential for fostering responsible antibiotic practices among future healthcare professionals.
Knowledge of Antibiotic Use and Resistance Among Medical Students in Saudi Arabia [Response to Letter] Houriah Nukaly, Raghad Aljuhani, Mahinar Alhartani, Yosra Alhindi, Uzma Asif, Asim Alshanberi, Safaa Alsanosi Advances in Medical Education and Practice, 2024 The authors appreciate your invitation to compose a response letter.It is essential that we ensure that medical students in Saudi Arabia understand proper antibiotic use.Their role in shaping the future of healthcare is crucial, and their knowledge and perspectives on antibiotic use significantly impact the consequences of such use in our country.However, only a few studies have investigated medical students' understanding of this area within the Saudi Arabian context.Enhancing the curriculum to address the observed knowledge gap regarding antibiotics among medical students is crucial.This can be achieved by integrating topics such as resistance mechanisms and responsible antibiotic usage into the educational framework.Diverse teaching methods can effectively deliver this content, including lectures, workshops, and clinical rotations.We must provide comprehensive training to medical students that emphasizes responsible antibiotic practices.This necessitates global improvements in medical education.By enhancing the curriculum and offering practical experiences, we can cultivate responsible antibiotic use among the upcoming generation of healthcare professionals.
Over-the-Counter Medication Use among Parents in Saudi Arabia Ola A. Mirdad, Ghada E. Esheba, Ahmed H. Mousa, Houriah Y. Nukaly, Yosra Z. Alhindi, Nahla H. Hariri, Nahla Ayoub, Safaa M. Alsanosi International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2023
