Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the foremost cause of dementia among other neurodegenerative diseases, leading to memory loss and cognitive deficits. AD has gained extensive attention in research for exploring possible interventions. One promising field is natural substances and compounds that could provide a wide range of neuroprotection against AD. This study aimed to investigate the possible effects of melatonin (MEL) and resveratrol (RES) in improving memory deficits in a sporadic mouse model of AD. Memory deficit was induced using AlCl3 and d-galactose for generating an AD mouse model. Mice were randomly distributed into five groups (n = 13): control, AD, AD + MEL (AD mice treated with 80 mg/kg of MEL), AD + RES (AD mice treated with 40 mg/kg of RES), and AD + Combination)AD mice that received 80 mg/kg MEL and 40 mg/kg RES). A novel object recognition task (NORT) and passive avoidance task (PAT) were used for assessing memory. Moreover, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) level, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and cAMP-response element binding (CREB) protein expression were measured in the prefrontal cortex tissue. Our results showed that MEL significantly improved memory deficits in both the NORT and PAT of the AD model, while RES improved the PAT only in the AD model. Co-treatment with MEL and RES exerted beneficial additive effects on recognition memory impairment in the AD mouse model. Moreover, our results demonstrated that both MEL and RES enhanced the cholinergic system and BDNF and CREB signaling pathways in the prefrontal cortex in an AD mouse model.

Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that has become a leading cause of death in recent years. Impairments in spatial learning and memory are an important clinical feature of AD. Melatonin (MLT), the main product secreted by the pineal gland, showed multiple antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Purpose: The present study aimed to explore the possible prophylactic effects of MLT against spatial memory deficits in a sporadic mouse model of AD induced by D-galactose and aluminium chloride (AlCl₃). Methods: Four groups of mice (n = 10 per group) were prepared: control, AD (the D-galactose and AlCl₃ AD model group), AD+MLT (AD mice treated with 80 mg/kg MLT), and AD+DON (AD mice treated with 3 mg/kg donepezil). We then used the object location and Y-maze tests to assess spatial memory in the four groups. Gene expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) and cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (Creb1) were measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: We found that MLT improved spatial memory in the sporadic AD mice. MLT ameliorated Creb1 gene expression and significantly increased Bdnf gene expression in the hippocampus of AD model mice compared with the AD group. Conclusion: MLT could have a substantial potential to alleviate memory impairment in sporadic AD if introduced at early stages.

Background: Mental health issues among medical students have gained increasing attention globally, with studies indicating a high prevalence of psychological disorders within this population. The use of antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications has become a common response to these mental health challenges. However, it is crucial to understand the extent of their usage and associated effects on students’ mental health and academic performance. This cross-sectional study explored the use of antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs and their impact on the mental health of medical students in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 561 medical students from 34 universities was conducted between March and July 2024. An anonymous online questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic, mental health, and medication usage-related information. Results: Most of the participants were female (71.5%) and aged 21–25 years (62.7%). Approximately 23.8% of them used antidepressants, 5.6% reported using anti-anxiety medications, and 14.0% used both types of medication. Among the medication users, 71.7% were using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and 28.3% were using other medications. Adverse drug reactions were reported by 58.8% of the participants, and 39.6% changed drugs with inadequate efficacy. Notably, 49.0% of the respondents who have ever used medications discontinued their medication without consulting a healthcare professional. Despite these challenges, 62.0% of the participants felt that their medications had a positive impact on their academic performance, 73.4% believed that the benefits outweighed the drawbacks, and 76.2% expressed a willingness to continue taking their medication. In particular, 77.6% agreed that treatment with these drugs could prevent mental breakdowns. Sleep duration, physical activity, and family history of psychiatric disorders were significantly associated with medication use, with p values of 0.002, 0.014, and 0.042, respectively. Conclusions: These results shed light on the need to understand the prescribing practices of antidepressant and anti-anxiety drugs among medical students while promoting the appropriate use of these medications among the students. There is a need to incorporate mental health interventions into counseling services and awareness programs to support students. Future longitudinal studies are needed to explore long-term trends.

Background: Recently, the use of digital screens and technology has become widespread, especially among medical students, which may have significant implications for their health and well-being. Migraine headaches are a … Background: Recently, the use of digital screens and technology has become widespread, especially among medical students, which may have significant implications for their health and well-being. Migraine headaches are a …

Background: A member of the quinoxaline family, 2,3-dimethylquinoxaline (DMQ), has been evaluated for associated nephroprotective properties in an in vivo model system to assess renal inflammation induced by the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX). Methods: Rats were administered DMQ at doses of 30 or 60 mg/kg body weight once daily for 7 consecutive days. Additionally, a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) dose of DOX (15 mg/kg body weight) was administered on the sixth day. DMQ-mediated nephroprotective effects were assessed by measuring renal function markers, oxidative stress markers, lipid peroxidation, renal stress markers, proinflammatory cytokines, and inflammatory mediator levels, as well as by performing histopathological examination of kidney tissues. Results: DMQ-treated rats exhibited a marked reduction in kidney toxicity markers and restoration of antioxidant enzyme levels, leading to attenuated oxidative stress. DMQ administration also reduced proinflammatory cytokines, renal stress markers, and inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, DMQ may also attenuate DOX-induced renal structural damage and help restore the dilated capsular space and other histopathological alterations in kidney tissues. Conclusion: These findings suggest that DMQ may protect against DOX-induced renal damage by alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation in a rat model, indicating the potential of DMQ as a nephroprotective agent.

Background: Meat-related bacterial food poisoning remains an important public-health concern, and safe household food handling is essential for prevention. Objective: To assess food-poisoning knowledge, household meat-handling practices, and associated factors among adults in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey using convenience sampling through social media was conducted from July 2025 to January 2026. Recognition scores were analyzed using ordinary least squares with HC3 robust covariance. Additional analyses were specified before model fitting but were not prospectively prespecified in the original protocol. The study-specific questionnaire was not formally validated. Results: Among 598 participants, improper meat storage (83.9%) and undercooked or raw meat consumption (83.3%) were the most frequently recognized causes. Only 10.9% reported using a food thermometer, while social media was the most frequently reported source of food-safety information. Conclusions: Important gaps remain in meat-related food-safety knowledge and practices in Saudi Arabia. Targeted education on safe storage, thawing, thermometer use, and appropriate responses to suspected foodborne illness may help improve household food-safety practices.