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Haifa A Al Turki,1 Shaheed S Al-Suhaibani,2 Danah Y AlShamlan,1 Ayesha Ahmed,3 Hussain A Alhawaj4 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Imam AbdulRahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam and King Fahd Hospital of the University, AlKhobar, Saudi Arabia; 2Department of Urology, Imam AbdulRahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam and King Fahd Hospital of the University, AlKhobar, Saudi Arabia; 3Department of Pathology, Imam AbdulRahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam and King Fahd Hospital of the University, AlKhobar, Saudi Arabia; 4Department of Animal House, Imam AbdulRahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam and King Fahd Hospital of the University, AlKhobar, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Haifa A Al Turki, King Fahd Hospital of the University, PO. Box 2208, AlKhobar, 31952, Saudi Arabia, Tel +966505869021, Email drhturki@hotmail.comBackground and Objective: Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is an important cause of male infertility. This study is being proposed to assess the efficacy of autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the reversal of busulfan-induced NOA in rats.Methods: Twenty adult 3-month-old male rats were divided into two groups: a control group and a study group. In the study group, bone marrow was aspirated to culture MSCs. NOA was created by stopping endogenous spermatogenesis in all the animals by injecting two doses of busulfan 10 mg/kg body weight with a 3 week interval. Four weeks after the last dose of busulfan, two animals were euthanized and the testes were studied histologically to confirm complete azoospermia. In the study group, five million MSCs in 1 mL normal saline were injected into seminiferous tubules; and in the control group, 1 mL of normal saline was injected. After 4 weeks of MSC injection, all the rats were euthanized and epididymis tails and testes were harvested and sent for measurement of serological indices, including luminal, cellular, and total diameters, luminal, cellular, and cross-sectional areas, number of tubules per unit area of testis, numerical density of the tubules, and spermatogenesis index, pre- and post-MSC transplantation.Results: The effect of busulfan on the testicular tissue was universally devastating. In the control group, there was variable length and width of markedly necrotic seminiferous tubules, whereas in the group treated with autologous bone marrow-derived MSCs there was variable height of germinal epithelium in seminiferous tubules, with active spermatogenesis, showing spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and sperm.Conclusion: MSC injection in the testis has the potential to reverse the testicular function of spermatogenesis after cytotoxic therapy. Human trials should be undertaken to confirm our findings and bring the results into clinical practice.Keywords: non-obstructive azoospermia, busulfan, spermatogenesis, mesenchymal stem cells

Lubna Al Asoom,1 Maha A Alassaf,2 Najd S AlSulaiman,3 Dhuha N Boumarah,4 Aldana M Almubireek,2 Gaeda K Alkaltham,2 Hussain A Alhawaj,5 Taleb Alkhamis,5 Nazish Rafique,1 Ahmed Alsunni,1 Rabia Latif,1 Seham Alsaif,1 Dana Almohazey,6 Sayed AbdulAzeez,7 J Francis Borgio7 1Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia; 2King Fahd hospital of the University, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia; 3Department of Internal Medicine, King Fahd Hospital of the University, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia; 4Department of Surgery, King Fahd Hospital of the University, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia; 5Animal House, Environmental Health Department, Institute for Research and Medical Consultation, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia; 6Department of Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia; 7Department of Genetic Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Lubna Al Asoom, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O Box 2004, Dammam, 31541, Saudi Arabia, Tel +966505846344, Email lasoom@iau.edu.saBackground: Obesity is a global pandemic that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Natural herbs are commonly used for weight reduction and appetite suppression. Therefore, we aim to investigate the role and mechanism of Nigella sativa (NS) and ginger on weight reduction and appetite regulation.Methods: This experimental study was performed at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University. Twenty-five female rats were distributed into 5 groups: NS (oral 1000mg/kg), Ginger (500 mg/kg), NS-ginger (both interventions), a positive control (intraperitoneal 50 μg/kg Liraglutide), and a negative control. Each intervention was given for 9 weeks. Food intake and body weight were assessed weekly. Serum lipid profile and peptides involved in appetite control (cholecystokinin (CCK), glucagon-like peptide 1(GLP-1), gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), ghrelin, peptide YY, and orexin) were assayed at the end of the experiment.Results: None of the interventions showed a statistically significant difference regarding food consumption or weight gain (p > 0.05). However, the three interventions significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC), NS and NS-ginger significantly increased HDL, NS increased ghrelin and ginger increased orexin.Conclusion: The present dose and duration of NS, ginger, or in combination did not demonstrate a significant change in body weight or food consumption in comparison to the negative or positive controls. However, NS or ginger has improved the lipid profile by reducing TC and increasing HDL. In addition, NS or ginger can influence some of the peptides involved in appetite regulation such as the increase in ghrelin induced by NS and the reduction of orexin induced by ginger. We believe that these latter effects are novel and might indicate a promising effect of these natural products on appetite regulation.Keywords: Nigella sativa, ginger, body weight, appetite, Liraglutide

Omar S El-Masry,1 Hussain Abdullah Alhawaj,2 Muaz O Fagere,1 Amani Y Owaidah,1 Aisha Alamri,1 Khaldoon Alsamman1 1Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, 31441, Saudi Arabia; 2Animal House Facility, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, 31441, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Khaldoon Alsamman, Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, 31441, Saudi Arabia, Email kmalsamman@iau.edu.saBackground: Animal models of blood cancer are important tools to study these malignancies and also screen for novel therapeutic agents. Evidence from past research on the carcinogenic properties of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]-anthracene (DMBA) was provided by a handful of studies. However, recent literature on DMBA carcinogenic activity and the underlying mechanisms is scarce.Objective: The aim of this study was to develop a chemical model of leukemia using DMBA. Male Wistar rats (6 weeks old) were administered 1.5 mg of DMBA dissolved in sesame oil in biweekly doses using oral intragastric intubation.Materials and Methods: Frequent complete blood counts and blood smear morphology assessment were used to assess the development of leukemia, while gross pathology and histopathology staining were used to evaluate malignancy development.Results: The results showed that only 4% of rats developed acute lymphocytic leukemia. Interestingly, 36% of the rats developed tumors (parotid tumors [24%] and fibrosarcomas [12%]).Conclusion: These results suggest the pleiotropic potential of DMBA in the induction of multiple types of malignancies, including leukemia. This could be used as a model to validate therapeutic targets for leukemia and other induced malignancies.Keywords: 7, 12-dimethylbenz[a]-anthracene, DMBA, leukemia, parotid gland, fibrosarcoma

Objectives The objective of this study is to assess the effects of alopecia on quality of life, depression, and self-esteem in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Methods We made a questionnaire that included sociodemographic data, type of alopecia, medical aid sought, and whether they benefited from it or not. The study uses the Dermatology Life Quality Index, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and a single-item self-esteem scale to assess the quality of life, depression, and self-esteem, respectively. Results The questionnaire was completed by 403 individuals in total, and after applying the exclusion criteria (only Saudis, from the Eastern Province), 231 participants were included in this study. Of the participants, 49.4% had hereditary baldness and only 9.5% benefited from treatment. Of the patients, 52.4% had higher levels of depression, and 18.2% had an effect on their life. Patients with a moderate or greater effect on their lives had a significant relationship with hereditary baldness. Younger age, being female, being married, having lower income, and having hereditary baldness were significantly associated with higher depression levels (p = <0.05). The study found that as age increased, depression levels decreased and self-esteem scores increased. Depression was linked to lower quality of life, while self-esteem was linked to both lower quality of life and higher depression levels. These factors are interrelated, with age influencing their relationship. Conclusions The results of the study highlight the significant occurrence of depression and decreased quality of life among patients who have alopecia, particularly those with hereditary baldness. It is crucial to provide psychological assistance and counseling to enhance their mental health and overall wellness., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Alzoabi et al.)

Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori ) has been identified as a group-1 definite carcinogen. As of yet, there is no available vaccine for this microorganism. Our study aimed to identify antigenic peptides in H. pylori using an in silico proteomic approach, and to evaluate their effectiveness as potential vaccine candidates. Four different peptide sequences were prioritized using the reverse vaccinology, namely, CagA 1 , CagA 2 , VacA, and SabA. Peptides emulsified with Freunde's adjuvant were used to immunize BALB/C mice. Subcutaneously immunized mice were challenged by oral administration of H. pylori. IgG, IgA, IL4, and IL17 were detected in mice sera. Histopathology of the dissected stomach of vaccinated and control mice were assessed using H&E stain. IgG was significantly higher in mice vaccinated with SabA. IL-4 was significantly increased in CagA 1 , CagA 2 , VacA, and SabA vaccinated mice compared to the adjuvant group. Additionally, histopathological examination of gastric tissue showed a protective effect in the vaccinated groups compared to adjuvant and PBS groups. Our findings indicate a promising effect of the tested epitopes, particularly the SabA antigen, to induce an immune response against H. pylori ., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.