Azza A. Al Areefy

Dr. Azza A. Al Areefy


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

5Years (2022-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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13 December 2022 in Molecules
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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MQMalak Qattan
Malak Qattan
MKMohammad Idreesh Khan
Mohammad Idreesh Khan
SAShudayyed Hasham Alharbi
Shudayyed Hasham Alharbi
AVAMIT VERMA
AMIT VERMA
FAFatimah Al-Saeed
Fatimah Al-Saeed
AAAzza A. Al Areefy
Azza A. Al Areefy
Plant-derived flavonoids are considered natural nontoxic chemo-preventers and have been widely studied for cancer treatment in recent decades. Mostly all flavonoid compounds show significant anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antioxidant properties. Kaempferol (Kmp) is a well-studied compound and exhibits remarkable anticancer and antioxidant potential. Kmp can regulate various cancer-related processes and activities such as cell cycle, oxidative stress, apoptosis, proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis. The anti-cancer properties of Kmp primarily occur via modulation of apoptosis, MAPK/ERK1/2, P13K/Akt/mTOR, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signalling pathways. The anti-cancer property of Kmp has been recognized in several in-vivo and in-vitro studies which also includes numerous cell lines and animal models. This flavonoid possesses toxic activities against only cancer cells and have restricted toxicity on healthy cells. In this review, we present extensive research investigations about the therapeutic potential of Kmp in the management of different types of cancers. The anti-cancer properties of Kmp are discussed by concentration on its capability to target molecular-signalling pathway such as VEGF, STAT, p53, NF-κB and PI3K-AKT signalling pathways. The anti-cancer property of Kmf has gained a lot of attention, but the accurate action mechanism remains unclear. However, this natural compound has a great pharmacological capability and is now considered to be an alternative cancer treatment.

15 October 2022 in Molecules
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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HUHayat Ullah
Hayat Ullah
SKShoaib Khan
Shoaib Khan
DRDr. Fazal Rahim
Dr. Fazal Rahim
MTMuhammad Taha
Muhammad Taha
RIRashid Iqbal
Rashid Iqbal
IJIbrahim Jafri
Ibrahim Jafri
Diabetes mellitus is one of the most chronic metabolic diseases. In the past few years, our research group has synthesized and evaluated libraries of heterocyclic analogs against α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes and found encouraging results. The current study comprises the evaluation of benzimidazole-bearing thiosemicarbazone as antidiabetic agents. A library of fifteen derivatives (7–21) was synthesized, characterized via different spectroscopic techniques such as HREI-MS, NMR, and screened against α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes. All derivatives exhibited excellent to good biological inhibitory potentials. Derivatives 19 (IC50 = 1.30 ± 0.20 µM and 1.20 ± 0.20 µM) and 20 (IC50 = 1.60 ± 0.20 µM and 1.10 ± 0.01 µM) were found to be the most potent among the series when compared with standard drug acarbose (IC50 = 11.29 ± 0.07 and 11.12 ± 0.15 µM, respectively). These derivatives may potentially serve as the lead candidates for the development of new therapeutic representatives. The structure–activity relationship was carried out for all molecules which are mainly based upon the pattern of substituent/s on phenyl rings. Moreover, in silico docking studies were carried out to investigate the active binding mode of selected derivatives with the target enzymes.

14 August 2026 in Medicine
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Journal Article
Open access
MEMaged El-Setouhy
Maged El-Setouhy
AAAmani Osman Abdelmola
Amani Osman Abdelmola
ZKZenat Khired
Zenat Khired
MAMohamed Moustafa Ahmed
Mohamed Moustafa Ahmed
SKSharifah A. Komeit
Sharifah A. Komeit
MZMohammad Zaino
Mohammad Zaino
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the most common work-related health problems and are frequently associated with prolonged sitting, poor computer workstation ergonomics, and inadequate sleep. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MSD complaints and examine their associations with computer workstation ergonomics and sleep quality among employees at Jazan University, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2024 and April 2025 among 460 university employees selected using a multistage cluster random sampling technique. Data were collected using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, the National Institutes of Health Computer Workstation Ergonomic Self-Assessment Checklist, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics, version 27. MSDs were highly prevalent, with the low back (65.9%), neck (65.0%), shoulders (57.2%), and upper back (46.3%) being the most commonly affected body regions, whereas the elbows were the least affected (16.7%). Male employees had significantly lower odds of hip pain (odds ratio [OR] = 0.22, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.07–0.66) and ankle pain (OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.13–0.90) than female employees. Compared with employees from the College of Arts and Humanities, those from the College of Science had significantly higher odds of wrist pain (OR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.07–4.20), elbow pain (OR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.09–5.53), and ankle pain (OR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.15–5.33). Poor sleep quality was independently associated with increased odds of neck pain (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.03–1.24), upper-back pain (OR = 2.47, 95% CI: 1.08–5.67), and knee pain (OR = 4.28, 95% CI: 1.70–10.80). In addition, poor workstation ergonomics were independently associated with several MSDs after adjustment for potential confounders. MSDs were highly prevalent among university employees and were independently associated with poor workstation ergonomics and poor sleep quality. These findings highlight the importance of implementing workplace ergonomic interventions and employee wellness programs to reduce the burden of MSDs. Future longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of ergonomic and sleep-related interventions and to further investigate the contributions of occupational stress and screen time to MSD risk.


14 July 2026 in Healthcare
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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MAMohamed Moustafa Ahmed
Mohamed Moustafa Ahmed
AAAzza A. Al Areefy
Azza A. Al Areefy
RCRama Mohan Chandika
Rama Mohan Chandika
RARamzi Abdu Alajam
Ramzi Abdu Alajam
AHAlanoud Huraysi
Alanoud Huraysi
WAWafaa Mahmoud Amin
Wafaa Mahmoud Amin
Background/Objectives: Nutrition is essential in healthcare and rehabilitation, although the readiness of physiotherapists in Saudi Arabia to integrate nutritional assessment and counseling remains ambiguous. This study aimed to assess their knowledge of nutrition, lifestyle choices, and attitudes towards incorporating nutrition into practice. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 500 licensed physiotherapists practicing across Saudi Arabia and used a culturally adapted questionnaire derived from previously validated instruments. The survey assessed background characteristics, nutrition knowledge, nutritional lifestyle, and attitudes toward integrating nutrition into physical therapy. Descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression analyses were performed. Results: Participants demonstrated moderate nutrition knowledge (59.68 ± 17.25) and favorable nutritional lifestyles (20.67 ± 3.79), with positive attitudes toward integrating nutritional assessment and counseling into their practice (13.63 ± 4.64). A significant positive correlation was observed between nutritional lifestyle scores and nutrition integration scores (r = 0.29, p < 0.01). Because lower nutritional lifestyle scores indicate healthier lifestyles and lower integration scores reflect greater integration, participants with healthier nutritional lifestyles tend to show greater nutrition integration. Nutrition knowledge scores were negatively correlated with integration scores (r = −0.37, p < 0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis identified professional seniority, nutritional lifestyle, and nutrition knowledge as significant predictors of nutrition integration score, explaining 22.8% of the variance (F = 29.24, R2 = 0.22, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Saudi physiotherapists showed positive attitudes toward integrating nutritional assessment and counseling into the practice, but their nutrition knowledge was moderate, with knowledge gaps. Nutrition integration correlated significantly with nutritional lifestyle scores, nutrition knowledge, and professional seniority. The findings indicate the need to improve nutrition-related competencies and interdisciplinary collaboration in rehabilitation practice.

7 February 2025
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
AAAzza A. Al Areefy
Azza A. Al Areefy
LSLaila Shamakhi
Laila Shamakhi
MEMozdalifah Elnaeem
Mozdalifah Elnaeem
HMHany Gaber El- Masry
Hany Gaber El- Masry
Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and fragility fractures are a significant human and social burden worldwide. All existing pharmaceutical remedies have numerous side effects and are expensive. Thus, the current study sought to assess the anti-osteoporotic benefits of Moringa oleifera (MO) leaves in female rats. Thirty-five adult female albino rats (180 ± 10 g) were divided into two groups, the first (n = 7) as a normal control group fed on a baseline diet only, and the second (n = 28) were injected with dexamethasone (1 ml/100g) once a day for 6 weeks to induce osteoporosis. The second main group (n = 7) was broken into four subgroups. As a positive control, Subgroup 1 was given a baseline diet. The other three subgroups treated with dried moringa leaves (2.5, 5 and 10%), respectively. Results indicated that, Supplementation with MO leaves significantly enhanced (P<0.05) serum Ca and P. There was a considerable increase (P<0.05) in serum free thyroxin (T4) and drop in parathormone (PTH) in osteoporotic rats. Femur bone mineral density (BMD) increased dramatically. It caused significant improved lipid profile and liver function. Conclusion: The present research suggested that Moringa oleifera leaves have anti-osteoporotic effect.