Rafal Al-Saigh

Dr. Rafal Al-Saigh


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

6Years (2021-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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9 October 2021 in Diabetology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
AAAhmed W. Al-Humadi
Ahmed W. Al-Humadi
ASAthina Strilakou
Athina Strilakou
HAHussam Al-Humadi
Hussam Al-Humadi
RARafal Al-Saigh
Rafal Al-Saigh
EAEmmanouel Agapitos
Emmanouel Agapitos
CLCharis Liapi
Charis Liapi
Choline (Ch) is an essential molecule of substantial importance for the optimal development and function of several biological systems. Ch deprivation has been linked with abnormal fat metabolism, insulin resistance, and myocardial dysfunction. The current study provides evidence of an exacerbation of streptozotocin-induced cardiomyopathy in adult diabetic Wistar rats by dietary Ch deprivation through the administration of a Ch-deprived diet (CDD). Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats were randomly separated into four groups: control, diabetic (DM), choline-deprived through choline-deprived diet (CD), and diabetic choline-deprived (DM + CD). After five weeks of dietary intervention, myocardium echocardiographic and histological assessments were performed. Choline-deprived diabetic rats exhibited significantly slower heart rate, significantly higher myocardial ejection velocity and left ventricle wall tension index with a concomitant significant decreased LV posterior wall thickness as compared to diabetic rats fed on a standard diet. Moreover, histopathological evidence demonstrated an exacerbation of myocardial inflammation and fibrosis associated with significant up-regulation of VEGF expression in the diabetic rat myocardium as a result of Ch deprivation. The study’s findings are of particular significance since the examined experimental approach introduces a previously uncharacterised comorbidity simulation with regards to myocardial structure and functional profiling.