Giardiasis is a serious public health issue caused by Giardia lamblia. The medications used in its treatment induce unfavorable adverse effects. Furthermore, treatment failure and drug resistance are other challenges in its management. Vonoprazan is a safe, recently approved potassium-competitive acid blocker. The current study aimed to assess the potential therapeutic effects of vonoprazan, alone or in combination with metronidazole, on giardiasis. The efficiency of the treatment was evaluated by parasitological, histopathological, immunohistochemical, scanning electron microscopic, and biochemical studies. According to the results, the combination treatment significantly reduced the number of cysts in the stool and trophozoites in the small intestinal wash and ameliorated the intestinal pathological alterations. The expression of TNF-α and caspase-3 in the intestinal tissues was reduced. Also, there were reductions in the levels of IL-6, iNO, and MAD and an elevation in TAC levels in the serum. The combination therapy exhibited better efficacy than metronidazole alone. To sum up, this study underlines the suitability of using vonoprazan as an adjuvant to metronidazole in treating giardiasis.

Blastocystis hominis (B. hominis) is one of the most prevalent enteric protists. Treatment is challenging because the standard drug, metronidazole, has reported treatment failures and drug resistance in some instances. This highlights the need for new, active, safe, and more efficient alternatives. The purpose of this study was to assess the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of ritonavir (an anti-HIV protease inhibitor) compared to metronidazole against B. hominis. Concerning the in vitro study, three cultures were used as follows: inoculated un-treated, metronidazole-treated, and ritonavir-treated. Parasite count and scanning electron microscopy were assessed. The in vivo study was done on 40 laboratory- bred albino mice, which were divided into four groups (each of ten) as follows: non-infected un-treated, infected un-treated group, metronidazole-treated, and ritonavir-treated. The effects of treatment were assessed by parasitological study, histopathological examination of the intestine, and immunohistochemical evaluation of immunoglobulin A (IgA) expression. Moreover, ELISA measurement of the serum levels of IL-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α was done. For the in vitro findings, ritonavir revealed a high efficacy in comparison with metronidazole in decreasing the parasite count and showed effective surface changes. For the in vivo findings, there was a highly significant decrease in the parasite count in stool and intestinal contents with marked improvement of the histopathological changes as compared to the infected un-treated group with increasing the expression of IgA. Moreover, there was a highly significant reduction in the serum levels of IL-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α. In conclusion, ritonavir was found to be effective against B. hominis with anti-inflammatory and immune stimulatory effects

Background Autophagy is a cellular self-degradation process. Lipophagy is a selective autophagy of lipid droplets. Colorectal carcinoma has high incidence worldwide. Both sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP-1) and lipophagy participate in maintaining lipid homeostasis during tumor growth. Oxysterol-Binding Protein-Related Protein 8 acts as a lipophagy receptor, which interacts with microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3, and gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor-associated protein (LC3/GABARAPs). Autophagy may affect chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Objective This study aimed to elucidate the interplay between SREBP-1 and the lipophagy receptor oxysterol-binding protein-related protein 8 (ORP8) in colorectal carcinoma and their potential contribution in disease pathogenesis. Patients and methods The study comprised 12 colorectal carcinoma patients, enrolled into two groups: Group 1 (having the tumor specimens), and group 2 (having their corresponding safety margin specimens). The levels of interleukin 4 (IL-4), interleukin 6 (IL-6), malondialdehyde (MDA), LC3, catalase activity, gene expression levels of SREBP-1, ORP8, and GABARAP together with immunohistochemical expression of beclin-1 were determined. Results The current research displayed elevated gene expression levels of SREBP-1, immunohistochemical expression level of beclin 1, and protein levels of IL-4, IL-6, LC3, and MDA. Gene expression levels of ORP8, GABARAP, and catalase activity showed downregulation. There was negative relationship between SREBP-1 and ORP8 in colorectal carcinoma. Conclusion SREBP-1 and ORP8 might contribute in disease pathogenesis.

the second most frequent malignancy in men worldwide. It accounts for a significant morbidity and mortality throughout the world. PCa with mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency often has aggressive clinical and histological features, but its rarity prevents the analysis of the underlying biology. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of MMR proteins and P53 in PCa. Materials and methods Fifty cases of PCa were histologically examined. The MMR proteins and P53 immunoexpression were assessed. Also, P53 serum concentration levels using ELIZA was measured and pre-operative prostatic specific antigen (PSA) serum levels were obtained. Results There was a significant positive relation between mutS homologue 2 (MSH2) immunoexpression and both PSA serum level and P53 serum concentration (p value 0.001*). Also, there was a significant relation between MSH2 immunoexpression and tumour size, nodal metastasis, distant metastasis and grade grouping. While mutL homologue 1 (MLH1) immunoexpression showed a significant relation with human P53 serum concentrations only (p value 0.035*). Moreover, MLH1 immunoexpression showed only significant relation with nodal metastasis and tumour burden, p value was 0.033* and 0.001*, respectively. Conclusion MMR protein loss, especially MSH2, was seen in a significant subset of PCa. Interestingly, it was associated with significantly higher levels of serum PSA and p53. Moreover, it may be associated with unfortunate prognostic features as large tumour size, higher grade grouping and finally nodal and distant metastasis

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced kidney injury is one of the most common causes of renal failure. The exact pathogenesis of NSAID induced kidney injury is not fully known and the treatment is still challenging. Artemisinin (ART) gains more attention by its potent biological activities in addition to its antimalarial effect. In our research, we evaluated the preventive and therapeutic effects of ART in Diclofenac (DIC) induced kidney injury through its effect on mitochondria and regulation of sirtuin 3 (SIRT3). Thirty adult male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups: control, ART, DIC, DIC + ART prophylactic, and DIC followed + ART therapeutic groups. At the end of the study, animals were scarified and the following parameters were evaluated: serum urea and creatinine, renal malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and nitrate. SIRT3 was detected by western blotting and real-time PCR. Mitochondrial related markers (PGC-1α, Drp1, and mitochondrial ATP) were detected by immunoassay. Caspase-3 and LC3 II expression in kidney tissues were demonstrated by immune-histochemical staining. The kidney specimens were stained for H&E and PAS special stain. Electron microscopy was done to detect mitochondrial morphology. ART improved renal function test, oxidative stress, SIRT3 level, mitochondrial function, LC3 II expression and decrease caspase-3. Histopathological examination confirmed ART alleviation as determined by light or electron microscopy. ART can modulate biochemical and pathological changes in DIC-induced kidney injury and can be considered a new possible therapeutic approach for DIC-induced kidney injury through its effect on SIR3 and maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis.

Vonoprazan (Vono) is used to manage duodenal and gastric ulcers, reflux esophagitis, and prevention relapse. Its'a mechanism of action similar to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), with a more rapid and prolonged acid-suppressive action, unaffected by diet and gene polymorphisms. This study assessed the therapeutic effect of Vono on Giardia lamblia in-vitro study as compared with metronidazole (MTZ). The study used five cultures of 10ml of medium each and were divided into: Culture I: medium only (positive control), culture II: inoculated with 104 trophozoites, culture III: inoculated with 104 trophozoites and treated with MTZ 50mg/ml, culture IV: inoculated with 104 trophozoites and treated with Vono 50µm/ml, and culture V: inoculated with 104 trophozoites and treated with the same of concentration both drugs. All cultures were subjected to trophozoites count and scanning electron microscope study. The mean number of trophozoites in all treated cultures: MTZ (MTZ), Vono, and combination cultures showed significantly decreased compared to positive control. The mean trophozoite counts in both Vono culture and combination culture were significantly lower than that in MTZ culture. Also, the mean trophozoites count in combination culture was significantly lower than in Vono culture and MTZ culture. SEM showed marked destruction of trophozoites morphology in the combination group as contrasted to the positive control group.

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks among the top causes of cancer-related deaths globally. Astrocyte elevated gene 1 (AEG-1) plays a crucial role in cancer development and progression by enhancing all hallmarks of cancer. Glypican3 (GPC3) is a proteoglycan found on the cell surface and shows significant overexpression in hepatocellular carcinoma. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic utility of AEG1 and Glypican3 in HCC with their different grades and precancerous lesions. Material and methods 60 cases were analyzed in this study, comprising 36 cases of HCC and 24 cases of precancerous lesions. The specimens underwent routine hematoxylin, eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining using AEG1 and GPC3 markers. Results AEG1 was expressed in 94.4% of HCC cases and 12.5% of precancerous lesions, achieving a sensitivity of 94.4% and specificity of 87.5%. In comparison, GPC3 was expressed in 75% of HCC cases and 8.3% of precancerous lesions, with a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 91.6%. GPC3 expression shows a statistically significant relation with high tumor grade, whereas AEG1 did not show a statistically significant relation with tumor grade. Combination of AEG1 and GPC3 demonstrated enhanced sensitivity (98.2%) and absolute specificity (100%), making the combined immunohistochemical panel highly effective for accurately diagnosing HCC and distinguishing it from precancerous lesions. Conclusion AEG1 demonstrated higher sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy compared to GPC3, whereas GPC3 exhibited greater specificity. A combined immunohistochemical panel of AEG1 and GPC3 can be effectively utilized to achieve accurate diagnosis of HCC and to differentiate HCC from precancerous lesions.

Meningiomas are common neoplasms that originate from arachnoid cells. They usually attachto the inner surface of the dura mater. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) can help with theirdefinitive diagnosis. Somatostatin receptors-2A (SSTR-2A) was recently assessed as apotential therapeutic target for the treatment of meningioma. Mucin-4 (MUC4) isoverexpressed in various carcinomas, and its expression was reported to correlate with highertumour progression and worse prognosis. Epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) is highlyexpressed by most adenocarcinomas, associated with poor prognosis. This study aimed toevaluate the diagnostic value of SSTR-2A, MUC4 as well as EMA in meningiomas and toassess expression of these markers in different grades of meningiomas.Paraffin blocks of 60 selected specimens, diagnosed as different subtypes of meningiomasand 15 paraffin blocks of non-meningioma cases were selected. All specimens underwentimmunohistochemical staining for SSTR-2A, MUC4 and EMA expression.There was a strong significant relation between combination of SSTR-2A, EMA and MUC4in differentiating meningioma from non-meningioma cases (P value <0.05). There was asignificant relation between immunoexpression of both SSTR-2A (scoring and intensity) andEMA and the grade of meningioma (p value <0.05).Using a panel of the three markers (SSTR-2A, MUC4 and EMA) is diagnostically superior tousing each of which alone in differentiation of meningioma from non-meningioma cases.EMA immunophenotyping is considered the most specific and sensitive marker formeningioma while MUC4 is more specific for meningioma than SSTR-2A but it is lesssensitive. (PDF) EVALUATION OF THE DIAGNOSTIC RELEVANCE OF SOMATOSTATIN RECEPTOR-2A (SSTR-2A), MUCIN 4 (MUC4) AND EPITHELIAL MEMBRANE ANTIGEN (EMA) IN MENINGIOMAS. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/373139413_EVALUATION_OF_THE_DIAGNOSTIC_RELEVANCE_OF_SOMATOSTATIN_RECEPTOR-2A_SSTR-2A_MUCIN_4_MUC4_AND_EPITHELIAL_MEMBRANE_ANTIGEN_EMA_IN_MENINGIOMAS#fullTextFileContent [accessed Feb 11 2026].

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most diverse and well-known diseases. It has various molecular subtypes, clinical behaviors, therapeutic responses, and patient outcomes. The absence of hormonal expression (ER&PR) and the lack of excessive human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 expression are the two characteristics that are often used to identify triple-negative breast cancer (HER2). E-Cadherin is a cell adhesion molecule that inhibits metastasis, invasion, and cell growth. A non-histone nuclear protein called Ki 67 is connected to tissue and cellular proliferation. Aim of the work: to evaluate the pattern of expression of E-cadherin and Ki 67 in the studied triple-negative breast cancer cases and to find their correlation with various clinicopathological parameters. Materials & Methods: This study was carried out on 60 cases of triple-negative breast cancer. Immunohistochemical staining using E-cadherin and Ki 67 antibodies was done for all cases to evaluate their pattern of expression. Results: There was a significant statistical negative relation between E-cadherin expression in TNBC and pleomorphic lobular subtype and axillary lymph node metastasis. Also, there was a significant statistical relation between high Ki 67 index (P value < 0.05) and high-grade histological types of TNBC cases, age groups and cases from lower inner quadrant. Conclusions: Decreased E-cadherin expression is related to positive nodal metastasis. High tumour grade was substantially correlated with high levels of Ki-67 expression.

BACKGROUND: Chloroquine is a historical antimalarial drug with nephrotoxic potentialin overdose. Lately, it has been tried for COVID 19 therapy. Ginkgo biloba leaves extract is an effective antioxidant and free radical hunter. OBJECTIVES: This investigation aimed to assess the nephrotoxic effect of chloroquine, and the potential nephroprotective role of Ginkgo biloba extract on the kidney of male albino rats. METHODS: Rats were grouped into 4 subgroups. Group I: the control (0.9% saline for 10 days orally). Group II: (Ginkgo biloba leaves extract); (200 mg/kg body weight orally for 10 days). Group III: (chloroquine) (970 mg/kg body weight chloroquine once orally at the termination of the 9th day). Group IV: (Ginkgo biloba leaves + chloroquine); (chloroquine on day seven as mentioned + Ginkgo biloba leaves for 10 days). After ten days, rats were anesthetized and sacrificed, and blood samples were collected to measure renal functions, malondialdehyde, and glutathione reductase. Renal tissue catalase enzyme, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and malondialdehyde levels were quantified as well. Hematoxylin & eosin-stained renal sections obtained from all groups were examined under a light microscope. RESULTS: Chloroquine induced significant increases in urea, creatinine, malondialdehyde, and a decrease in other tested antioxidant parameters in the chloroquine group than in the control group. Ginkgo biloba leaves could be of value in chloroquine -intoxicated rats. It significantly recovers renal functions and decreases malondialdehyde, strengthens the antioxidant markers, and improves histopathology. CONCLUSIONS: Ginkgo biloba extract could safeguard renal tissue against chloroquine -induced nephrotoxicity by improving the antioxidant function

Latent toxoplasmosis mostly reactivates which could result in acute encephalitis. Chronic toxoplasmosis treatments are severely constrained by Toxoplasma cyst resistance. Novel therapeutic approaches are therefore becoming more essential. In this study, the effects of levamisole (LEVA) and spiramycin on the early and late stages of experimental toxoplasmosis are investigated. Materials and methods: Seventy-five Me49 Toxoplasma gondii infected Swiss albino mice were divided into five groups; (GI): noninfected control group; (GII): infected untreated control group; (GIII): infected- LEVA treated group; (GIV): infected and received combination of spiramycin and LEVA and (GV): infected-spiramycin treated group. The impact was assessed through brain cyst count by Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), interferon gamma (IFN-γ) assay, histopathological study, and total blood counts. Results: The progression of chronic toxoplasmosis could only be partially controlled by using either levamisole or spiramycin as a separate drug. The combined spiramycin and levamisole treatment significantly decreased the burden of Toxoplasma brain cyst, increased IFN-γ level, total blood parameters and improved the histopathological features especially at the late stage of infection. In conclusion: Levamisole effectively modulated Toxoplasma-induced immune responses, resulting in chronic toxoplasmosis remission. Further clinical trials will be needed to study the effect of these combination in HIV/AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus) patients with toxoplasmosis.