Baghdad Journal of Biochemistry and Applied Biological Sciences

Cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) are a group of metabolic abnormalities that increase the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, insulin resistance, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), dyslipidemia, and abdominal obesity. The study of CMDs’ comorbidity is an emerging field. In the quest to reduce the cost and side effects of drugs, fasting therapies like the ketogenic diet (KD) have been proposed for treating seizure disorders, cancer, and chronic diseases. Recently, it has been reported to improve the quality of life of patients with cardiometabolic-related diseases. KD is a very low-carbohydrate, high-protein, very high-fat diet that induces ketogenesis, eliciting molecular signals. Intake of KD produces inhibition of histone deacetylase and 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coA (HMG-CoA) reductase. It also increases the particulate size of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), lipolysis, HMG-CoA synthase 2, cataplerotic activity, high-density lipoprotein, and sirtuin production, which results in improved health status for patients with NAFLD, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases when KD is consumed for a minimum of two weeks. There are usually mild side effects that are experienced with this therapy, but these can be overcome after four (4) weeks of continuous intake of KD and with certain interventions like vitamins, minerals, and calcium. There is, therefore, a need to explore ways of incorporating KD into the clinical management and treatment of cardiometabolic diseases globally.

Spread of the COVID-19 virus has resulted in unique challenges to individuals living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic condition affecting the gut. The virus behind the pandemic, SARS-CoV-2, uses ACE2 receptors—found in abundance in the gastrointestinal tract—to infect human cells, which explains why some COVID-19 patients experience digestive symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain. For individuals with IBD, who often rely on immune-suppressing medications to manage their condition, this has raised concerns about their vulnerability to the virus and the safety of continuing treatment.

The good news is that research shows having IBD doesn’t necessarily raise the probability of contracting the COVID-19. However, certain treatment, like corticosteroids, may make severe outcomes more likely. Vaccination is especially important for IBD patients and has been shown to be safe, though its effectiveness might be slightly reduced depending on their medications. Despite the challenges, it’s crucial for people with IBD to stay on top of their care during the pandemic, as skipping treatment can lead to flares and complications. This review highlights the need for thoughtful management of IBD during these unprecedented times and aims to reassure patients that balancing treatment and infection prevention is possible.

Adiantaceae, distributed extensively over the world from cool temperature zones to hot tropical regions. Adiantum capillus-veneri L. was shown to include triterpenoids, flavonoids, aoleananes, polysaccharides, phenylpropanoids, carotenoids, and alicyclics by chemical analysis, which participate in several medical properties. The alcoholic and aqueous leaf extract was discovered to be efficient against several strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and also have antifungal properties. An analysis of the antioxidant activity, phytochemicals, and component content reveals that Adiantum capillus-veneris leaves are a rich source of molecules that act as scavengers of free radicals. an ethanolic extract of the leaves of Adiantum capillus-veneris was found to inhibit the oxidative damage caused by hydrogen peroxide by increasing antioxidant enzyme levels, such as those of SOD, CAT, Gpx, and glutathione. The ethanolic extract inhibits the NO release and lowers TNF-α levels, and it has anti-inflammatory activity and has shown therapeutic results in ulcerative colitis in rats due to the presence of phenolic components, flavonoids such as rutin and isoquercetin, triterpenoids, and mucilage, all of which exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The antidiabetic effect may be caused by the presence of tannins and flavonoids. The plant also has wound-healing properties and enhanced angiogenesis. The important role of extract made of ethanol from the aerial part of Adiantum capillus-veneris was reported as anticancer activity against cancer cell lines like breast (A549), lung (A549), and colon (HCT-116). The investigation revealed encouraging suppression of cancer cell growth in vitro for all fractions. The antidiarrheal action of crude extract of dried leaves of Adiantum capillus-veneris was demonstrated in a mouse model. Other properties such as the hypocholesterolemic effect, the effect of anti-testosterone on hair loss, and the urinary tract effect by decreasing colony-forming units and treating urinary tract infections also decrease levels of calcium, phosphorus, and blood urea.