Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are known to suppress abnormal development of blood vessels. Angiogenic activity in endothelial cells depends upon NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4)‐dependent redox signalling. We set out to study whether the HDAC inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) affects Nox4 expression and angiogenesis. Nox4 expression was measured by real time PCR and Western blot analysis in endothelial cells. Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) was measured by amplex^® red assay in endothelial cells. Nox4 was knocked down by Nox4 shRNA. In vitro angiogenic activities such migration and tubulogenesis were assessed using wound healing and Matrigel assays, respectively. In vivo angiogenic activity was assessed using subcutaneous sponge assay in C57Bl/6 and Nox4‐deficient mice. Trichostatin A reduced Nox4 expression in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner. Both TSA and Nox4 silencing decreased Nox4 protein and H₂O₂. Mechanistically, TSA reduced expression of Nox4 via ubiquitination of p300‐ histone acetyltransferase (p300‐HAT). Thus, blocking of the ubiquitination pathway using an inhibitor of ubiquitin‐activating enzyme E1 (PYR‐41) prevented TSA inhibition of Nox4 expression. Trichostatin A also reduced migration and tube formation, and these effects were not observed in Nox4‐deficient endothelial cells. Finally, transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFβ1) enhanced angiogenesis in sponge model in C57BL/6 mice. This response to TGFβ1 was substantially reduced in Nox4‐deficient mice. Similarly intraperitoneal infusion of TSA (1 mg/kg) also suppressed TGFβ1‐induced angiogenesis in C57BL/6 mice. Trichostatin A reduces Nox4 expression and angiogenesis via inhibition of the p300‐HAT‐dependent pathway. This mechanism might be exploited to prevent aberrant angiogenesis in diabetic retinopathy, complicated vascular tumours and malformations.

The genus Aeromonas is widely distributed in aquatic environments and is recognized as a potential human pathogen. Some Aeromonas species are able to cause a wide spectrum of diseases, mainly gastroenteritis, skin and soft-tissue infections, bacteremia, and sepsis. The aim of the current study was to determine the prevalence of Aeromonas spp. in raw fish markets and humans in Zagazig, Egypt; identify the factors that contribute to virulence; determine the isolates’ profile of antibiotic resistance; and to elucidate the ability of Aeromonas spp. to form biofilms. The examined samples included fish tissues and organs from tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, n = 160) and mugil (Mugil cephalus, n = 105), and human skin swabs (n = 51) and fecal samples (n = 27). Based on biochemical and PCR assays, 11 isolates (3.2%) were confirmed as Aeromonas spp. and four isolates (1.2%) were confirmed as A. hydrophila. The virulence genes including haemolysin (hyl A) and aerolysin (aer) were detected using PCR in A. hydrophila in percentages of 25% and 50%, respectively. The antimicrobial resistance of Aeromonas spp. was assessed against 14 antibiotics comprising six classes. The resistance to cefixime (81.8%) and tobramycin (45.4%) was observed. The multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index ranged between 0.142–0.642 with 64.2% of the isolates having MAR values equal to 0.642. Biofilm formation capacity was assessed using a microtiter plate assay, and two isolates (18.1%) were classified as biofilm producers. This study establishes a baseline for monitoring and controlling the multidrug-resistant Aeromonas spp. and especially A. hydrophila in marine foods consumed in our country to protect humans and animals.

Background. The coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19) pandemic caused a major impact on blood donation process and supply globally. A lockdown management procedure was launched nationally in Saudi Arabia to manage this global health crisis. The main aim of this study was to determine the effect of COVID‐19 lockdown on blood donation services and supply in different regions of Saudi Arabia. Study Design and Methods. A retrospective cross‐sectional study was conducted in the blood bank centers of 5 major cities including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Hail, and Jizan in Saudi Arabia. Demographic and blood characteristics were retrieved from the first 6 months of 2019 (January–June) and compared to the same period of 2020. Results. Our findings showed variation in the characteristics of blood donation and supply among the centers surveyed, as some of these centers were adversely affected, while others showed an increase in the availability of blood products during the pandemic. For example, Jeddah’s center was significantly affected by COVID‐19 lockdown whereas Hail’s center showed a significant increase in the analyzed characteristics of blood donation services in 2020 compared to 2019. Overall, there was no major difference among the surveyed centers between 2020 and 2019, and this might be due to the effective management of blood supply and transfusion. Discussion. Although blood supply and transfusion practice was slightly affected at various degree among the surveyed centers, the whole process did not show a significant effect on the overall outcome. This is in fact due to the proper preparedness, management of blood requirements and supplies, and efficient response of the surveyed centers in Saudi Arabia.

Drug-induced liver damage is a life-threatening disorder, and one major form of it is the hepatotoxicity induced by the drug cisplatin. In folk medicine, Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra (is used for detoxification and is believed to be a potent antioxidant. Currently, the magically self-renewable potential of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) has prompted us to explore their hepatoregenerative capability. The impact of G. glabra extract (GGE) and BM-MSCs alone and, in combination, on protecting against hepatotoxicity was tested on cisplatin-induced liver injury in rats. Hepatic damage, as revealed by liver histopathology and increased levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and malondialdehyde (MDA), was elevated in rats by received 7 mg/kg of cisplatin intraperitoneally. The combination of GGE and BM-MSCs returned the enzyme levels to near the normal range. It also improved levels of liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) and reduced MDA levels. Additionally, it was found that when GGE and BM-MSCs were used together, they significantly downregulated caspase9 (Casp9), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), which are involved in severe proinflammatory and apoptotic signaling cascades in the liver. Moreover, combining GGE and BM-MSCs led to the normal result of hepatocytes in several examined liver histological sections. Therefore, our findings suggest that GGE may have protective effects against oxidative liver damage and the promising regenerative potential of BM-MSCs.

The need for blood is essential, but there is no timely access to safe blood for millions of individuals who need a transfusion. Additionally, blood transfusions can also be the fastest and simplest form of checking for the existence of transfusion-transmitted diseases to the recipients. Blood safety concerns are an issue of great concern in Middle Eastern Countries in which the inaccessibility or provision of unsafe blood has an adverse effect on morbidity and mortality in the region. Additionally, many organizations and safety procedures of blood transfusion in this region need to be updated. Articles containing the key phrases Middle Eastern Countries, Blood, blood donor, blood transfusion, transfusion safety, transfusion-transmitted infections, and transfusion guidelines published from 2003 to 2020 in MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Therefore, to determine the most prevalent causes of transfusion-transmitted disease among blood donors in the Middle East countries, this literature review was intended for research. Based on the data gathered were potentially related to HBsAg and HCV prevalence in blood donors from most of the middle eastern countries. While no positive cases of either HIV Ag-Ab or syphilis antibodies have been recorded especially among the blood donated from Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Based on recent studies findings, WHO, and the Food and Drug administration transfusion transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to recipients did not occur via blood transfusion. So that, In Middle Eastern countries, transfusion-transmitted infection remains a formidable problem. A similarly wide constellation of economic and operational challenges in the area parallels the diverse array of pathogens; this calls for a systemic solution that, as proposed by the WHO, involves regulatory, structural, and training initiatives.

Purpose: Jazan Province in Saudi Arabia is notable for its high prevalence of inherited hemoglobinopathies, including sickle cell disease and thalassemia, necessitating frequent blood transfusions for affected individuals. To mitigate risks such as RBC alloimmunization and hemolytic transfusion reactions, ensuring blood compatibility is crucial. The Kell (KEL) blood group system, pivotal alongside the ABO and RH systems, encompasses multiple antigens implicated in these complications. This study aimed to investigate the frequencies of KEL blood group antigens (K, k, Kpa, and Kpb) and determine KEL phenotypes (K/k and Kpa/Kpb) among Saudi blood donors living in Jazan Province. Methods: A total of 138 anonymous healthy Saudi blood donors from Prince Mohammed bin Nasser Hospital in Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia, were enrolled in this study. Anticoagulated blood was analyzed using the gel card technique to assess K, k, Kpa, and Kpb antigens. Results: The prevalence of KEL antigens was as follows: K (n = 9, 6.52%), k (n = 137, 99.28%), Kpa (n = 1, 0.72%), and Kpb (n = 138, 100%). KEL phenotypes observed were K+k+ (n = 8, 5.80%), K+k− (n = 1 0.72%), K−k+ (n = 129, 93.48%), Kp(a+b+) (n = 1, 0.72%), and Kp(a−b+) (n = 137, 99.28%). Conclusion: This study provides insights into the prevalence of KEL blood group antigens and phenotypes in Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia. These findings may contribute to the establishment of a national blood group database and guide transfusion practices to ensure compatibility and minimize alloimmunization risks.