Background: Self-medication (SM) is a growing phenomenon worldwide that has recently been classified as one of the most serious public health problems. SM can result in an incorrect self-diagnosis, inappropriate treatment, potential adverse reactions, interactions, and the masking of more sinister disease. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of SM practices amongst healthcare professionals and the general population in Saudi Arabia and to identify the sociodemographic contributing factors to this practice. Methods: A total of 540 participants were enrolled in this study. Participants were asked to complete the study questionnaire comprising two sections to gather demographic information and to collect data regarding SM practice. Results: The prevalence of SM practice among the study participants was 78.6%, and it was the highest among the middle age groups of (21–40 years) 82% compared to the younger and older age groups. The observed prevalence was higher in the female participants (53.7%) and those who live alone. Type of education did not affect the attitude of SM (p = 0.374); however, level of education strongly affected the prevalence of the SM, with higher incidence among university graduates (p < 0.001). Analgesics with antipyretics properties were the most self-medicated drugs. Patients considering their illnesses minor was the main reason behind the high prevalence of this practice. Among healthcare professions the highest prevalence of SM was found among pharmacists (95%), followed by physicians, nurses, and other medical practitioners. Conclusion: The general population should be better educated and made conscious about the consequences, risks, and side effects of SM. Awareness campaigns may prove to be useful in this matter, allowing the patient to consider the appropriateness of this practice. Individuals in the age group of 21–40 years, females, and those who live alone should be considered priority target populations in the design and implementation of SM awareness projects.

Hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) is an endogenous gaseous signalling molecule observing cardioprotective qualities in various experimental models. However, its therapeutic application is limited due to rapid release in vivo and potential toxicity. Controlled-release nanoparticles (NPs), such as polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) NPs entrapping H₂S compounds may address these issues. PLGA NPs’ encapsulating sodium thiosulphate (STS), a H₂S donor, were prepared by emulsification and sonication-solvent evaporation in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Sonication time was varied between 15 and 45 s and PVA concentration varied between 0.3 and 0.7% w/v. NPs were characterised, cellular uptake, H₂S generation and encapsulated STS angiogenic potential was explored. An increase in sonication time as well as PVA concentration decreased NPs size resulting in an increase in STS release kinetics and cellular uptake over 24 h. Encapsulated STS gave a controlled release of H₂S over 24 h whereas non-encapsulated STS peaked at 2 h. Finally, we observed entrapped STS maintained pro-angiogenic potential. PLGA NPs are a promising controlled-release delivery system with potential to offer sustained H₂S levels. Results of this study demonstrate formulation of STS-loaded PLGA NPs provides a controlled-release of STS and therefore H₂S. NPs are internalised into cells and critically, PLGA NPs are able to maintain the pro-angiogenic potential of H₂S.

Background: Neurodegenerative diseases are often linked to oxidative stress (OS), which worsen neuroinflammation and cause neuronal damage. Managing OS with gasotransmitters such as hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) is a promising therapeutic approach to protecting brain cells from oxidative damage. AP39, a mitochondria-targeted H₂S donor, has shown neuroprotective potential by reducing OS and improving mitochondrial function. However, its clinical application is limited due to poor stability and rapid release, necessitating a drug delivery system to enhance therapeutic efficacy. Purpose: This study aimed to develop a novel AP39-loaded liposomal formulation to provide controlled H₂S release, facilitate AP39 permeation across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and assess functional effects in mitigating oxidative stress and preserving mitochondrial function. Methods: AP39-loaded unilamellar liposomes were prepared via ethanol injection and characterised for size, polydispersity, and zeta potential. Entrapment efficiency was determined using HPLC, while cytotoxicity was assessed in human vein endothelial (HUVEC) and neuroblastoma (SHSY5Y) cells. Liposomal permeability, AP39 release kinetics, and cellular uptake were evaluated using a microvasculature BBB model. Mitochondrial function under oxidative stress was assessed using a Seahorse XFe24 Analyzer. Results: AP39-loaded liposomes had an average size of 135.92 ± 10.05 nm, a zeta potential of 17.35 ± 3.40 mV, and an entrapment efficiency of 84.48% ± 4.7. Cytotoxicity studies showed no adverse effects after 4 h. Cellular uptake of encapsulated AP39 was significantly higher (7.13 ± 0.28 μg) than the free form (5.8 ± 0.31 μg). The BBB model demonstrated sustained AP39 release (7.28 μg/mL vs 6.44 μg/mL for free AP39). Mitochondrial assays confirmed liposomal AP39 preserved H₂S antioxidant properties and enhanced oxygen consumption. Conclusion: Our novel liposomal formulation encapsulating AP39 improves stability, promotes sustained release, and enhances BBB permeability while preserving antioxidant effects. These findings indicate that liposomal AP39 is a suitable therapeutic approach to further investigate in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Objective: To investigate lactate dehydrogenase/Albumin to-urea (LAU) ratio as a potential predictor for COVID-19-induced fatal clinical complications in hospitalized patients. Methods: This is a retrospective study involving blood analyses from 1139 hospitalised COVID-19 infection survivors and 349 deceased cases post-COVID-19 infection. Laboratory tests included complete blood picture, inflammatory markers, and routine organ function tests. Results: The non-survivor group showed lower haemoglobin (p < 0.001), platelet (p < 0.0001) and higher mean corpuscular volume, neutrophil count, neutrophil/lymphocytes ratio (NLR), and LAU (p < 0.001, p < 0.0013, p < 0.001, p < 0.0126) than the patients who survived the infection. The non-survivors also exhibited higher markers for infection-related clinical complications, such as international normalized ratio (INR), D-dimer, urea, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALK), creatinine, c-reactive protein (CRP), and serum ferritin levels (all p < 0.05). In addition, LAU ratio was positively correlated with infection prognostic parameters including INR (r = 0.171), D-dimer (r = 0.176), serum urea (r = 0.424), total bilirubin (r = 0.107), ALK (r = 0.115), creatinine (r = 0.365), CRP (r = 0.268), ferritin (r = 0.385) and negatively correlated with serum albumin (r = −0.114) (p ≤ 0.05). LAU ratio had an area under receiver operating characteristic of 0.67 compared to 0.60 with NLR. Conclusion: Patients with a high LAU ratio are at increased risk of mortality due to COVID-19 infection. Therefore, early assessment of this parameter, intensive intervention and close monitoring could improve their prognosis.