Ashwag Saleh Alsharidah

@qu.edu.sa

Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Qassim University
Qassim University

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Physiology (medical), Medicine, General Medicine, Rehabilitation

18

Scopus Publications

Scopus Publications

  • Galantamine mitigates neurotoxicity caused by doxorubicin via reduced neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in rat model
    M. Aldubayan, A. S. Alsharidah, S. K. Alenezi and A. Alhowail


    OBJECTIVE Doxorubicin (DXR) is commonly used as a drug for cancer treatment. However, there have been reports of neurotoxicity associated with chemotherapy. Galantamine (GLN) is a medication that inhibits cholinesterase activity, providing relief from the neurotoxic effects commonly seen in individuals with Alzheimer's disease. This study explored the potential ameliorative effect of GLN on brain neurotoxicity induced by DXR. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty rats were allocated into four separate groups for a study that lasted for a period of fourteen days. The control group was given normal saline, DXR group was given 5 mg/kg DXR every three days (cumulative dose of 20 mg/kg) through intraperitoneal injection. The GLN group was given 5 mg/kg GLN through oral gavage daily, while the DXR+GLN group was given DXR+GLN simultaneously. An analysis of brain proteins using ELISA to assess apoptosis through the concentration of inflammation and oxidative injury markers. RESULTS The DXR treatment led to increased neuroinflammation by elevation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), oxidative stress by rise of malondialdehyde (MDA), and decline of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and no changes in catalase and glutathione (GSH), cell death by elevation of Bax and caspase-3 and reduced Bcl-2, and increase lipid peroxidation, impaired mitochondrial function. When GLN is administered alongside DXR, it has been observed to positively impact various biological markers, including COX-2, NF-κB, MDA, SOD, Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 levels. Additionally, GLN improves lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial activity. CONCLUSIONS DXR therapy in rats results in the development of neurotoxicity, and a combination of GLN can recover these toxicities, suggesting GLN promising evidence for mitigating the neurotoxic effects induced by DXR.

  • Virtual reality-based exercises’ effects on pulmonary functions, cardiopulmonary capacity, functional performance, and quality of life in children with repaired congenital diaphragmatic hernia
    A. Azab, R. Elnaggar, W. K. Abdelbasset, M. Alghadier, A. S. Ahmed, A. Alsharidah, E. Morgan, M. Basha, M. Hassan and F. Kamel


    OBJECTIVE The long-term consequences of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), which include altered lung functions and compromised cardiopulmonary capacity, impact functional performance and quality of life. This study investigates the effects of virtual reality-based exercise programs on pulmonary functions, cardiopulmonary capacity, functional performance, and quality of life in children with repaired CDH. PATIENTS AND METHODS A randomized controlled clinical trial was performed. Fifty-two children with repaired CDH (aged 6-10 years) were enrolled and randomly allocated to virtual reality-based exercises plus traditional physical therapy (VR-EX group, n = 26) or traditional physical therapy alone (control group, n = 26). Interventions were conducted three times a week for 12 weeks. Pulmonary functions, cardiopulmonary capacity, functional performance, and quality of life were assessed before and after the intervention. RESULTS The VR-EX group demonstrated significantly enhanced post-treatment pulmonary functions and cardiopulmonary capacity compared to the control group after accounting for the pre-treatment values (p < 0.05). In addition, the values in functional performance and quality of life measures showed significantly larger improvements in the VR-EX group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Children with repaired CDH may benefit more from VR-based exercises when combined with traditional physical therapy than from traditional physical therapy alone regarding their pulmonary functions, cardiopulmonary capacity, functional performance, and quality of life.

  • A Pulmonary Telerehabilitation Program Improves Exercise Capacity and Quality of Life in Young Females Post-COVID-19 Patients
    Ashwag S. Alsharidah, FatmaAlzahraa H. Kamel, Afrah A. Alanazi, Enas A. Alhawsah, Hajar K. Alharbi, Zahrah O. Alrshedi, and Maged A. Basha

    Korean Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine
    Objective: To examine the impact of telerehabilitation training on exercise capacity, lung function, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in comparison to no rehabilitation for post-COVID-19 symptoms in adult females.Methods: A randomized controlled trial of 48 females after mild to moderate COVID-19 survival were equally and randomly assigned to one of two groups: intervention group or control group. Three sessions per week for 6 weeks of a telerehabilitation program provided via a smartphone to the intervention group. Spirometry was used to quantify lung function, a 6-minute walk test (6MWT) measured in meters to measure exercise capacity, and the Short Form Health Survey-36 was used to assess HRQOL.Results: After treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in forced vital capacity (FVC) or forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV&lt;sub&gt;1&lt;/sub&gt;) between groups (p&gt;0.05), but the 6MWT of the intervention group increased significantly more than that of the control group (p=0.001). The percent of change in 6MWT for the intervention group and control group was 14.22% and 4.21%, respectively. After therapy, the intervention group’s HRQOL significantly improved when compared to the control group’s (p=0.001).Conclusion: This study showed that a telerehabilitation programs improved exercise capacity and HRQOL in young females post-COVID-19 compared to no rehabilitation.

  • Effect of chronic unpredictable stress on the chemopreventive potential of Quercetin in experimental carcinogenesis
    Nida Suhail, Sabiha Fatima, Ashwag Saleh Alsharidah, Tehreem Aftab, and Naheed Banu

    Springer Science and Business Media LLC

  • Diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy: a review of the literature on hemostatic changes in coagulation and thrombosis
    Ashwag Saleh Alsharidah

    The Korean Society of Hematology
    Vascular complications lead to morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the main life-threatening problems for these patients, as it is the main cause of end-stage renal disease. This study aimed to measure the clinical effects of diabetes in patients with diabetes and in patients with diabetic nephropathy. Improved hypoglycemic control in patients with diabetes could impressively reduce platelet hyperreactivity, and oxidative stress alters the levels of many coagulation and thrombosis factors, resulting in an abnormal hemostasis and impaired levels of numerous serum markers. Most studies have revealed that coagulation factor levels are high in patients with diabetes and nephrodiabetes. Serum inflammatory factors, and coagulation and endothelial functions are good predictors of diabetic nephropathy. This literature review was conducted with access to scholarly databases and Google Scholar through Qassim University, and it analyzes studies from early 2010 until November 2020. Many studies have inferred that diabetes severely affects hemostasis and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

  • Effect of exercise mode on physical function and quality of life in breast cancer–related lymphedema: a randomized trial
    Maged A. Basha, Nancy H. Aboelnour, Ashwag S. Alsharidah, and FatmaAlzahraa H. Kamel

    Springer Science and Business Media LLC

  • Short-Term Treatment of Metformin and Glipizide on Oxidative Stress, Lipid Profile and Renal Function in a Rat Model with Diabetes Mellitus
    Abdel-Moneim Hafez Abdel-Moneim, Mohamed Faisal Lutfi, Ashwag Saleh Alsharidah, Gehan Shaker, Waleed Faisal, Ahmed A. H. Abdellatif, Osamah Al Rugaie, Khalid M. Mohany, Safaa Yehia Eid, Mahmoud Zaki El-Readi,et al.

    MDPI AG
    Background: Oxidative stress, lipid profile and renal functions are well-known conventional risk factors for diabetes mellitus (DM). Metformin and gliclazide are popularly used monotherapy drugs for the treatment of DM. Aims: This study aims to assess the short-term treatment of single and dual therapy of glipizide/metformin on oxidative stress, glycemic control, serum lipid profiles and renal function in diabetic rats. Methods: DM was induced in rats with streptozotocin (STZ), then five different treatments were applied, including group I (untreated healthy control), group II (diabetic and untreated), group III (diabetic and treated with metformin), group IVI (diabetic and treated with glipizide) and group V (diabetic and treated with a combination of metformin and glipizide. Lipid peroxidation (LPO), nitric oxide (NO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), creatinine and urea were measured. Results: Compared to the untreated DM group, FBG and HbA1c were significantly reduced in the DM groups (p &lt; 0.01) treated with metformin (159.7 mg/dL &amp; 6.7%), glipizide (184.3 mg/dL &amp; 7.3%) and dual therapy (118 mg/dL &amp; 5.2%), respectively. Treatment with dual therapy and metformin significantly decreased LPO and NO levels but increased TAC in diabetic rats more than glipizide compared to untreated diabetic rats. Furthermore, metformin (19.8 mg/dL, p &lt; 0.001), glipizide (22.7 mg/dL, p &lt; 0.001), and dual therapy (25.7 mg/dL, p &lt; 0.001) significantly decreased urea levels in the treated rats compared to untreated DM rats (32.2 mg/dL). Both drugs and their combination exhibited a substantial effect on total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and atherogenic index. Conclusions: These results suggest that the therapeutic benefits of metformin and glipizide are complementary. Metformin exhibited superior performance in improving glycemic control and decreasing oxidative stress, while glipizide was more effective against dyslipidemia. These findings could be helpful for the treatment of future vascular patients, antilipidemic medicines and antioxidant therapy to improve the quality of life.

  • Aspirin resistance among patients with new and recurrent ischemic heart disease episodes in Qassim region, Saudi Arabia
    A. Alsharidah, D. S. Alsuhaibani, H. Alsuhaibani, M. Alsharidah and A-M Hafez Abdel-Moneim


    OBJECTIVE Aspirin resistance is described as the failure of aspirin to decrease the production of thromboxane A2 by platelets, which is the mechanism by which aspirin decreases platelet activation and aggregation. This study was performed to assess the prevalence of aspirin resistance among cardiovascular patients in al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study used a survey of patients with first and recurrent attacks of ischemic heart disease (IHD) and available data from blood samples processed using a VerifyNow® kit, which measures aspirin reaction units (ARUs). RESULTS A total of 119 patients were included: 45 with their first IHD episodes and 74 with recurrent episodes. Of the surveyed patients, 40% with a first episode were younger than 50 years old, and 75.6% of them have been diagnosed with IHD during the previous 5 years. Of the patients with recurrent attacks, 45.9% were older than 60 years, and 54.1% of them have been diagnosed more than 5 years before. The group with first episodes of IHD had 133.2 ARUs, whereas the group with recurrent episodes had 168.5 ARUs (p=0.105). In the recurrent-episode group, 77% had diabetes; in the first-episode group, only 37.8% had diabetes (p≤0.001). Overall, 46.2% were overweight, 54.6% were nonsmokers, and 82.4% underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. CONCLUSIONS The study participants in both the new and recurrent IHD groups showed no sign of aspirin resistance. The presence of cardiovascular risk factors increased the likelihood of episode recurrence.

  • Thymoquinone lowers blood glucose and reduces oxidative stress in a rat model of diabetes
    Mohamed Faisal Lutfi, Abdel-Moneim Hafez Abdel-Moneim, Ashwag Saleh Alsharidah, Mugahid A. Mobark, Ahmed A. H. Abdellatif, Imran Y. Saleem, Osamah Al Rugaie, Khalid M. Mohany, and Mansour Alsharidah

    MDPI AG
    The aim of the present study was to assess the short-term effects of Thymoquinone (TQ) on oxidative stress, glycaemic control, and renal functions in diabetic rats. DM was induced in groups II and III with a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ), while group I received no medication (control). The rats in groups I and II were then given distilled water, while the rats in group III were given TQ at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight/day for 4 weeks. Lipid peroxidase, nitric oxide (NO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profiles, and renal function were assessed. Moreover, the renal tissues were used for histopathological examination. STZ increased the levels of HbA1c, lipid peroxidase, NO, and creatinine in STZ-induced diabetic rats in comparison to control rats. TAC was lower in STZ-induced diabetic rats than in the control group. Furthermore, rats treated with TQ exhibited significantly lower levels of HbA1c, lipid peroxidase, and NO than did untreated diabetic rats. TAC was higher in diabetic rats treated with TQ than in untreated diabetic rats. The histopathological results showed that treatment with TQ greatly attenuated the effect of STZ-induced diabetic nephropathy. TQ effectively adjusts glycaemic control and reduces oxidative stress in STZ-induced diabetic rats without significant damaging effects on the renal function.

  • Epigallocatechin gallate and coenzyme Q10 attenuate cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity in rats via targeting mitochondrial stress and apoptosis
    Sabiha Fatima, Nida Suhail, May Alrashed, Samina Wasi, Feda S. Aljaser, Roua A. AlSubki, Ashwag S. Alsharidah, and Naheed Banu

    Wiley
    AbstractDespite the extensive use of cisplatin (CP) as a chemotherapeutic agent, its clinical use is often restricted by undesirable side effects, such as toxicity to normal tissues. The aim of this study was to probe the effect of a combinatorial treatment of low multiple doses of antioxidants on CP‐induced toxicity and the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in hepatocytes. Animals received a single toxic dose of CP (7.5 mg/kg body weight) with or without combined multiple doses of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) (15 and 5 mg/kg body weight, respectively). CP‐treated animals showed altered biochemical parameters, denoting hepatotoxicity, which was markedly improved by the multidose treatment with EGCG + CoQ10. The increased levels of oxidants found in the cytosolic and mitochondrial fractions isolated from the liver of CP‐administered rats were significantly attenuated by the combinatorial doses of antioxidants. EGCG + CoQ10 ameliorated the CP‐induced compromised antioxidant defenses, oxidative modification of macromolecules, decreased activities of respiratory chain enzymes, altered membrane depolarization, and swelling of liver mitochondria. Furthermore, EGCG + CoQ10 treatment inhibited CP‐induced apoptosis by suppressing the activation and mitochondrial accumulation of proapoptotic proteins and preventing the inhibition of antiapoptotic protein expression, cytochrome c efflux, caspase‐3 activation, and DNA fragmentation. Histological findings further confirmed the protective effects of EGCG + CoQ10 against CP‐induced cellular injury. Our findings revealed that the combination of EGCG and CoQ10, owing to their individual antioxidant properties, can be an effective remedy, which by maintaining redox hemostasis attenuate the mitochondrial stress‐mediated molecular and cellular processes involved in CP‐induced liver toxicity and cell death.

  • Irisin Has a Protective Role against Osteoporosis in Ovariectomized Rats
    Enas N. Morgan, Ashwag Saleh Alsharidah, Ayman M. Mousa, and Husam M. Edrees

    Hindawi Limited
    The reduction in estrogen levels results in a decrease in bone density at menopause. Irisin is a myokine that modulates the benefits of exercise, which may include bone health. This study was planned to examine irisin’s impact in preventing osteoporosis after ovariectomy. 4 groups of female albino rats (10 rats/group): control, sham-operated, ovariectomized (OVX-control), and OVX-irisin-treated. Serum levels of bone markers [osteocalcin (OC), bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), calcium (Ca++), phosphorus (P)], glucose, and insulin were being measured. Body mass index, Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), dry and ash femur weight, and bone contents of Ca++ and P were investigated. The femur was examined histopathologically. The OVX-control group showed an increase in serum levels of OC, BALP, TRAP, calcium, phosphorus, BMI, glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR ( P &lt; 0.05 ) and a reduction in dry and ash weight of the femur, the concentration of calcium and phosphorus content in bone ash ( P &lt; 0.05 ). The OVX-irisin-treated group exhibited a decrease in serum levels of OC, BALP and TRAP, calcium, phosphorus, BMI, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR ( P &lt; 0.05 ), and a rise in dry and ash weight of the femur, the concentration of calcium and phosphorus in bone ash ( P &lt; 0.05 ). Histological examination of the distal femur diaphysis of the OVX-irisin-treated group exhibited proper bone architecture and density compared with that of the OVX-control group. It is concluded that irisin treatment in the OVX rats safeguarded the regular bone architecture and normal levels of serum bone biomarkers. Irisin may be a possible novel target in the prohibition of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

  • Thymoquinone, but not metformin, protects against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity and renal dysfunction in rats
    Mansour Alsharidah, Abdel-Moneim Hafez Abdel-Moneim, Ashwag Saleh Alsharidah, Mugahid A. Mobark, Arshad Husain Rahmani, Ahmed Shata, Ahmed A. H. Abdellatif, Mahmoud Zaki El-Readi, Khalid M. Mohany, and Osamah Al Rugaie

    MDPI AG
    Background: Gentamicin (GM) is an antibiotic that is widely used to treat many Gram-negative bacteria, such as those involved in urinary tract infections. However, being nephrotoxic, GM dose adjustment and reno-protective elements must be concurrently administered with GM to minimize kidney damage. Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of GM-induced nephrotoxicity. Thymoquinone (TQ) is a promising therapeutic substance, that is being extensively studied in many diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, cancer, hypertension, and others. The powerful antioxidant properties of TQ may greatly help in minimizing GM nephrotoxicity. Metformin (MF) is a well-known, clinically approved oral hypoglycaemic drug that has many other actions, including antioxidant properties. The aim of this work was to evaluate the possible antioxidant and reno-protective effects of TQ and metformin in GM-induced nephrotoxicity in the same model (rats) at the same time. In addition, we aimed to further understand the effects underlying GM-induced nephrotoxicity. Methods: Twenty male rats were randomly divided into four equal groups: the first group (control) received distilled water; the second group received GM only; the third group received concurrent oral TQ and GM; and the fourth group received concurrent oral MF and GM. After 4 weeks, renal function and histopathology, as well as levels of the oxidative markers glutathione peroxidase-1 (GLPX1), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the kidney tissues, were assessed. Results: Compared with the control group, and as expected, the GM-injected rats showed significant biochemical and histological changes denoting renal damage. Compared with GM-injected rats, the concurrent administration of TQ with GM significantly reduced the levels of serum creatinine, serum urea, and tissue MDA and significantly increased the levels of GLPX1 and SOD. Concurrent metformin administration with GM significantly increased the levels of both GLPX1 and SOD and significantly decreased the levels of tissue MDA but had no significant effect on serum creatinine and urea levels. Compared with GM-injected rats, the addition of either TQ or MF resulted in a reduction in endothelial proliferation and mesangial hypercellularity. Conclusions: Both TQ and MF effectively alleviated the oxidative stress in GM-induced nephrotoxicity in rats, with TQ but not MF producing a complete reno-protective effect. Further studies for evaluation of different reno-protective mechanisms of TQ should be conducted.

  • Perceptions about blood transfusion therapy among the general public and healthcare professionals in the qassim region of Saudi Arabia
    Ashwag S Alsharidah, Haifa A Alsuhaibani, Basma S Almansour, and Mansour S Alsharidah

    Informa UK Limited
    Purpose Blood transfusion is a conventional therapeutic procedure; however, the perceptions of general public and healthcare professionals (HCPs), especially physicians and nurses, remain unclear, although the insights of HSPs may affect the treatment decision. This study aimed to assess the awareness of HCPs and the public about blood transfusion risks and consent in Qassim region of Saudi Arabia, to uncover the factors that may influence such perceptions. Patients and Methods This study used two different closed questionnaires that were distributed electronically between February and March 2018 among the population and HCPs in Qassim region. Results A total of 400 general public participants and 135 HCPs completed the survey. Among the surveyed participants, 70% believed that blood transfusion therapy was safe. The perceived risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) was the highest among all complications (74%). Furthermore, 88.2% of respondents were willing to accept a blood transfusion as a therapeutic measure, primarily from a first-degree relative, although the remaining 11.8% rejected the idea of a transfusion due to fear of medical error. From the HCP survey, 80% were previously involved in a blood transfusion therapy consent process. HCPs typically reported explaining the benefits, risks, and alternatives described in the consent form (74.1%, 67.4%, and 53.3%, respectively). Conclusion Our results indicated that despite the current high level of acceptance and knowledge regarding blood transfusions, additional educational efforts remain necessary to increase public awareness of blood transfusion therapy.

  • Possible Prophylactic Approach for SARS-CoV-2 Infection by Combination of Melatonin, Vitamin C and Zinc in Animals
    Sabiha Fatima, Syed Shams Zaidi, Ashwag Saleh Alsharidah, Feda S. Aljaser, and Naheed Banu

    Frontiers Media SA
    SARS-CoV-2, an epidemic, causes severe stress in both human and animals and may induce oxidative stress (OS) and increases susceptibility to infection. Domestic animals are found infected by their COVID-2 suffering owners. Chronic immobilization stress (CIS), a model of psychological and physical stress of confinement, can trigger depression and anxiety in animals. We evaluated the ameliorative effect of the proposed SARS-CoV-2 prophylactic drugs melatonin, vitamin C, and zinc on CIS-induced OS, inflammation, and DNA damage in rats. Forty male Swiss albino rats (200–250 g, 7–9 weeks old) were divided into five groups as controls, CIS, treated with melatonin (20 mg/kg), and vitamin C plus zinc [VitC+Zn (250 + 2.5 mg/kg)] alone or in combination (melatonin+VitC+zinc) subjected to CIS for 3 weeks. CIS was induced by immobilizing the whole body of the rats in wire mesh cages of their size with free movement of head. Exposure to CIS significantly compromised the circulatory activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione with enhanced malondialdehyde, inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL10, and TNFα), and lymphocyte DNA damage in comparison to controls. Treatment with melatonin and VitC+Zn alone or in combination significantly restored the altered biochemical parameters and DNA damage of stressed rats to their respective control values. However, the cumulative action of melatonin with VitC+Zn was more effective in alleviating the CIS-induced OS, inflammation, and DNA damage. The present study indicates that the antioxidant combination can be an effective preventive measure to combat severe psychological and confinement stress-induced biochemical changes in animals due to abnormal conditions such as SARS-CoV-2.

  • Resistance Training Impact on Mobility, Muscle Strength and Lean Mass in Pancreatic Cancer Cachexia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
    FatmaAlzahraa H Kamel, Maged A Basha, Ashwag S Alsharidah, and Amr B Salama

    SAGE Publications
    Objective: To determine the efficacy of a three-month resistance training programme on the mobility, muscle strength and lean body mass of patients with pancreatic cancer-induced cachexia. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Elsahel Teaching Hospital, outpatient clinic of the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo, Egypt. Participants: Patients with pancreatic cancer-induced cachexia. Interventions: Participants were randomized to the resistance training group ( n = 20) and control group ( n = 20). Main measures: Outcomes including mobility, muscle strength and lean body mass were measured at baseline, three months after surgical resection and 12 weeks after intervention. Results: The mean (SD) age was 51.9 (5.03) years and body mass index was 21.1 (1.13) kg/m²; 65% of patients were male. Compared to the control group, the resistance training group showed significant improvement in mobility: 400-m walk performance (270.3–256.9 seconds vs 266.4–264.2 seconds, respectively) and chair rise (13.82–12.53 seconds vs 13.77–13.46 seconds, respectively). Similarly, muscle strength was also significantly improved in the resistance training group than in the control group; we observed increase in peak torque of knee extensors ( P = 0.004), elbow flexors ( P = 0.001) and elbow extensors, improvement in lean mass of the upper limb (6.28–6.46 kg vs 6.31–6.23 kg, respectively) and lower limb (16.31–16.58 kg vs 16.4–16.31 kg, respectively). Conclusion: A three-month resistance training improved the mobility of patients with pancreatic cancer-induced cachexia. Muscle strength and lean body mass also improved.

  • Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy on Cervical Myofascial Pain Following Neck Dissection Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
    FatmaAlzahraa Hassan Kamel, Maged Basha, Ashwag Alsharidah, Islam Mohamed Hewidy, Mohamed Ezzat, and Nancy Hassan Aboelnour

    Korean Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine
    Objective To investigate the efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) on cervical myofascial pain following neck dissection in reducing pain and improving cervical range of motion (ROM).Methods Forty-six patients with cervical myofascial pain following neck dissection surgery were recruited and subdivided at random into two equal groups. The ESWT group received ESWT once a week for 4 weeks (0.25 mL/mm&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;, 1,000 shocks) and a topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (3 times/day for 4 weeks). The control group received only topical NSAID. The pain assessment was done by using the visual analog scale (VAS) and pressure algometry. A cervical ROM device was used for the assessment of the lateral flexion and rotation of the neck ROM on both sides. All measurements were collected at baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks.Results The ESWT group revealed a significant improvement in all parameters at post I and post II than did the control group (p&gt;0.001), that revealed a statistical decrease only in the VAS score at post I without any statistical difference in the pain threshold and neck ROM. However, there were statistical differences in all parameters at post II compared to those at pre-treatment and post I (p&lt;0.001).Conclusion As a confirmation of the efficacy of ESWT in cervical myofascial pain control following neck dissection, we observed better results with no side effects in the ESWT group (Clinical Trial Registry No. PACTR202002648274347).

  • Restraint stress abates the antioxidant potential of melatonin on dimethyl benz (a) anthracene (DMBA) induced carcinogenesis
    Irfana Muqbil, Sabiha Fatima, Asfar S. Azmi, Ashwag Saleh Alsharidah, Shahida Aziz Khan, Feda Aljaser, and Naheed Banu

    Springer Science and Business Media LLC

  • Neutrophil chemokines levels in different stages of nephrotic syndrome
    AshwagS Alsharidah, MohammadA Alzogaibi, NervanaM Bayoumy, and Mohammed Alghonaim

    Medknow
    Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a disease of glomerular filtration barrier failure presenting with variable degrees of proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema. Inflammation may contribute to the pathogenesis of NS. The aim of this study was to monitor the serum levels of three cytokines [i.e., granulocyte chemotactic protein-2 (GCP-2), growth-related oncogene-α (GRO-α), and interleukin-8 (IL-8)] in different stages of NS and to find out whether changes in the levels of these cytokines could be related to the severity of NS. This study included 125 patients who were divided into 40 patients with nephrotic range proteinuria (NRP), 45 patients with NS, and 40 patients who were in remission. This study also included 80 healthy participants as a control group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used for the determination of the plasma levels of GRO-α, GCP-2, and IL-8. GCP-2 plasma levels were significantly higher in the NS and NRP groups when compared to the control group, whereas the GRO-α and IL-8 levels were significantly higher in all patient groups in comparison with the control group. All these chemokine levels were significantly decreased in remission as compared with the participants in the NS group (P <0.0001). There was a significant correlation between the cytokine levels and proteinuria and serum albumin in the NS group (P <0.0001). However, in the follow-up group, GCP-2 levels were significantly lower during remission as compared to those with active NS (P <0.0001). Our findings suggest that the pro-inflammatory cytokines GCP-2, GRO-α, and IL-8 could play a role in the pathogenesis of NS, particularly glomerular permeability.