Search

Purpose: The research aimed to empirically test the assessment of knowledge and perceptions of Sickle cell disease in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Methodology: A cross-sectional research design was employed to collect data from 1310 citizens of the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Descriptive, independent sample T-test, ANOVA, and Post Hoc (Scheffé) tests were conducted using SPSS software. Findings: The results show moderate awareness across the information, knowledge, and perception domains. Findings also show significant differences based on gender, age, education level, and sources of information. Younger participants and those with higher education demonstrated better awareness, while females reported higher concern about Sickle cell disease. Implications: Based on the study findings targeted educational interventions and broader public health campaigns are recommended to enhance community understanding and improve Sickle cell disease prevention efforts. The study with findings highlighted a need for targeted educational programs that should focused on the younger and less educated populations to increase the awareness for Sickle cell disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: This study investigated the protective effects of kaempferol, a natural flavonoid known for its antioxidant properties, against ochratoxin A-induced renal damage. Ochratoxin A, a nephrotoxic mycotoxin found in contaminated food and feed, primarily induces renal damage through oxidative stress. The objective was to assess kaempferol’s potential in mitigating ochratoxin A -induced renal toxicity and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: Male albino mice were divided into four groups: normal control, kaempferol control, ochratoxin A -induced renal toxicity, and ochratoxin A -induced renal toxicity treated with kaempferol. Ochratoxin A was administered twice a week for 8 weeks at 5 mg/kg body weight to induce renal toxicity. Kaempferol (50 mg/kg) was administered twice a week for 8 weeks after a 4-hour interval following ochratoxin A administration. Results: Results showed that kaempferol normalized levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine, indicating protection against ochratoxin A-induced pathophysiology. Kaempferol also increased phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT, potentially activating antioxidative and anti-apoptotic signaling pathways regulated by Nrf2. Additionally, kaempferol enhanced Bcl-2 activation while suppressing caspase-3, suggesting anti-apoptotic effects. Histopathological analysis revealed reduced renal damage in kaempferol-treated mice compared to those exposed to ochratoxin A alone. Conclusion: Kaempferol demonstrated efficacy in preventing ochratoxin A -induced kidney injury through antioxidative and anti-apoptotic mechanisms. These findings suggest potential therapeutic applications of kaempferol in oxidative stress-induced renal damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]