Search Results (51)

Background/Objectives: Misperception of body weight might be associated with the likelihood of being in a pre-contemplation phase and with a limited intention to initiate a healthy behavioral change toward weight management. The current study investigates factors associated with the misperception of body weight, body weight satisfaction, and intentions for body weight modifications. Methods: This study utilized a cross-sectional design to reach adults from Jazan, in the southwest of Saudi Arabia. The data collection tool measured demographics, the participants’ latest height and weight, body weight perception, satisfaction, and intentions concerning body weight modification. Chi-squared tests were used to compare the demographic characteristics between those who had correct perception and those who had a wrong one. Results: A sample of 685 adult participants was included in the current analysis. The mean age of the participants was 31.3 years (standard deviation: 11.1). The proportion of female participants was 52%. Fifty-four percent of the participants had a wrong perception of their body weight. Gender, employment, smoking, khat chewing, having a diagnosed condition, and BMI levels were statistically associated with the perception of body weight (p-values < 0.05). Conclusions: The detected misestimating, especially underestimation, might be associated with the likelihood of participants being in a precontemplation phase and with a limited intention to initiate a healthy behavioral change toward weight management. The practical implications of these findings indicate the importance of incorporating the assessment of weight perception alongside actual BMI measurement in clinical settings. Full article

Background/Objectives: Weight loss and its subsequent regain pose significant challenges for those dealing with overweight and obesity. This study explores weight loss strategies among adults in Saudi Arabia and evaluates factors linked to weight regain. Methods: This cross-sectional study focused on adults residing in Jazan, located in southwest Saudi Arabia. Data collection was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire that assessed participants’ demographics, medical history, perceptions of body weight, weight loss methods, and the incidence of weight regain. Logistic regression was used to determine whether there were statistically significant differences related to the occurrence of weight regain. Results: A total of 368 participants reported efforts to lose weight over the past 3 years. The average age of these participants was 32.7 years (standard deviation: 11.3), and the gender distribution was almost equal. The majority of the sample (65%) voiced dissatisfaction with their body weight. Some participants employed a combination of weight loss methods, with exercise, reduced food intake, and intermittent fasting being the most frequently mentioned. The findings also indicate that a minority sought professional help, whether from a physician or a nutritionist. Over 90% claimed to have successfully lost weight at least once during their attempts, but more than half (139 individuals) experienced weight regain following their weight loss efforts. Within the univariate logistic regression, higher odds ratios of weight regain were detected among men, older participants, those living in rural areas, individuals with higher levels of education, employed persons or business owners, those with higher monthly incomes, smokers, khat chewers, and those diagnosed with a chronic condition (p values < 0.05). However, the multivariate logistic regression revealed that only residence, monthly income, smoking status, and being diagnosed with a chronic disease remained statistically significant as predictors of weight regain after adjusting for other variables (p values < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings highlight the significance of incorporating weight regain prevention into body weight management for individuals dealing with overweight and obesity. Further research is needed to evaluate specific dietary, physical activity, and psychological factors that may increase the risk of weight regain in certain participants. Full article

Background/Objectives: Catha edulis, also known as Khat, is a stimulant with hepatotoxic properties. Studies reporting laboratory patterns are scarce. The aim was to assess the patterns associated with hepatic dysfunction due to Khat usage. Methods: Patients with liver injury and self-reported Khat consumption presenting to the gastroenterology department at the King Fahad Central Hospital in Jazan between January 2017–May 2024 were retrospectively included in the study. Patients with any signs of cirrhosis or viral hepatitis were excluded to have a more homogenous inclusion. Normal distribution was not assumed; data were presented as the median (IQR or %). Results: Sixty-three patients (of which 62 (98.4%) were male) aged 35 (29–41) years were included in the study. An IgG > 20 g/L was present in 41 (61.5%) patients, and the majority (n = 48, 76.2%) had a hepatocellular injury pattern based on an R-factor > 5. Over half of the patients had at least one positive autoantibody(ANA 47.6%; SMA 55.6% and AMA 4.8%), while 57 (90.5%) patients received immunosuppressive therapy. Conclusions: Khat-induced liver injury seems to be predominantly AIH-like in nature, given the IgG elevation, hepatocellular injury pattern, and relatively high rate of autoantibody positivity. Full article

Khat, derived from the Catha edulis plant, is widely consumed in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, where it holds significant socio-cultural importance. This review examines the multifaceted effects of khat, particularly focusing on its cardiovascular implications. Khat’s active constituents, notably cathinone and cathine, exhibit stimulant and psychoactive properties akin to amphetamines, leading to heightened alertness and euphoria. However, chronic consumption is associated with adverse effects, including cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, myocardial infarction, and cardiomyopathy. The review highlights the pharmacokinetics of khat, with cathinone being rapidly absorbed and leading to sympathomimetic effects. Studies indicate a correlation between chronic khat use and increased risks of hypertension, acute coronary syndromes, and cardiomyopathy. These cardiovascular conditions are exacerbated by prolonged hemodynamic stress, catecholamine release, and oxidative stress induced by khat’s active compounds. Additionally, khat’s impact extends beyond the cardiovascular system, affecting neurological, reproductive, and gastrointestinal health. Despite its legality in certain regions, khat is classified as a controlled substance in many countries, emphasizing the need for global awareness of its health risks. This review calls for longitudinal studies to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms of khat-induced cardiomyopathy and to identify potential biomarkers for its early detection. Furthermore, it advocates for culturally sensitive public health initiatives and clinical guidelines to mitigate the adverse health effects of khat consumption, especially among immigrant populations in developed nations. Recognizing and addressing khat’s cardiovascular implications is crucial for improving patient outcomes and guiding effective clinical practice. Full article

Cissampelos pareira is a plant known for its edible and medicinal properties, with bioactive potential in various applications. This study aimed to isolate and characterize pectin from C. pareira (PCP) and assess its safety, as well as its efficacy in skin moisturizing and anti-aging effects on human volunteers. The highest yield of PCP extraction was achieved after a 45 min extraction period. Chemical composition analysis using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy confirmed the presence of a characteristic pectin structure. Optimized PCP samples revealed high methoxy pectin content, degree of esterification, and galacturonic acid concentration, along with consistent physicochemical properties. PCP exhibited antioxidant activity and showed no cytotoxicity at 1 mg/mL, and effectively reduced hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damage in NIH/3T3 cells. Stability assessment indicated that PCP maintains its physical appearance and total polysaccharide content after heating–cooling periods. None of the PCP formulations caused skin irritation among volunteers. In an 8-week clinical trial, subjects who used serum formulations containing 0.5% w/w and 1.0% w/w PCP showed significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity compared to the placebo serum group. While skin smoothness, scaliness, and wrinkling also improved, these anti-aging results were not statistically significant. The results indicated PCP is a promising candidate for skin care applications due to its safety, stability, antioxidant activity, and demonstrated efficacy in enhancing skin hydration and elasticity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Catha edulis, commonly known as khat, is used for its psychoactive effects and is considered a natural amphetamine. The current study investigated the metabolomic profile in the cerebellum of mice after repeated exposure to khat and evaluated the effects of clavulanic acid on the metabolomic profile in the cerebellum in khat-treated mice. Methods: Male C67BL/6 mice that were 6–9 weeks old were recruited and divided into three groups: the control group was treated with 0.9% normal saline for 17 days; the khat group was given khat extract at a dose of 360 mg/kg via the intraperitoneal (i.p) route for 17 days; and another khat group was treated with khat for 17 days and clavulanic acid at a dose of 5 mg/kg for the last 7 days (days 11–17). At the end of the 17th day, the animals were sacrificed, and their brains were immediately collected and stored at −80 °C. The cerebellum region of the brain was isolated in each group by micropuncture using cryostat and underwent a metabolomics study via Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy (GC/MS). The total peak area ratios of the selected metabolites in the cerebellum after repeated exposure to the khat extract were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) and treatment of the khat group with clavulanic acid significantly increased (all p < 0.05) the total peak areas ratios of the selected metabolites when compared to their corresponding areas in the alternative khat group. These levels of selected metabolites were further confirmed by observing the metabolite peak area ratios and performing a heat map analysis and a principal compartment analysis of the samples in the cerebellum. Results: A network analysis of altered metabolites in the cerebellum showed a strong correlation between the different metabolites, which showed that an increase in one metabolite can modulate the levels of others. An analysis using the MetaboAnalyst software revealed the involvement of selected altered metabolites like lactic acid in many signaling pathways, like gluconeogenesis, while enrichment analysis data showed altered pathways for pyruvate metabolism and disease pathogenesis. Finally, a network analysis showed that selected metabolites were linked with other metabolites, indicating drug–drug interactions. Conclusions: The present study showed that repeated exposure of mice to khat altered the levels of various metabolites in the cerebellum which are involved in the pathogenesis of different diseases, signaling pathways, and interactions with the pharmacokinetic profile of other therapeutic drugs. The treatment of khat-treated mice with clavulanic acid positively modified the metabolomics profile in the cerebellum and increased the levels of the altered metabolites. Full article

The emergence of new psychoactive substances (NPS) in the global drug market since the 2000s has posed major challenges for regulators and law enforcement agencies. Among these, synthetic cathinones have gained prominence due to their stimulant effects on the central nervous system, leading to widespread recreational use. These compounds, often marketed as alternatives to illicit stimulants such as amphetamines and cocaine, have been linked to numerous cases of intoxication, addiction and death. The structural diversity and enantiomeric forms of synthetic cathinones further complicate their detection and regulation and pose challenges to forensic toxicology. In addition to their psychoactive and toxicological effects, new research suggests that cathinones may have antimicrobial properties. Compounds derived from Catha edulis (khat), including cathinone, have shown antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, highlighting their potential role in the fight against antibiotic resistance. This article provides an overview of the chemistry, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, toxicological effects and potential antimicrobial applications of synthetic cathinones. The potential therapeutic use of cathinone-derived compounds to combat antimicrobial resistance represents an exciting new frontier in drug development, although further research is needed to balance these benefits with the psychoactive risks. Full article

This study examined the effects of khat chewing on oral gingival conditions by adopting a targeted process which combined physicochemical analyses of the teeth, histopathological examinations of the gums, and bioinformatics modeling. The physicochemical evaluation of teeth in khat consumers compared to non-consumers was carried out using specific analytical techniques; hence, the results of this initial investigation revealed significant erosion of the tooth enamel due to khat chewing, as well as an alteration of the essential chemical composition of the teeth. Additionally, the histopathological analyses complemented preliminary studies by showing severe inflammation of the gums and oral mucosa in khat users. The understanding of these studies was enriched by bioinformatics analysis, where modeling was carried out via computational methods. This analytical phase examined molecular docking mechanisms, including the interaction between cathinone, the main alkaloid of khat, and the protein receptors involved in the protection of gingival tissues against infections. In summary, this multidisciplinary research provided an in-depth view of the oral health issues related to khat chewing, combining experimental studies with bioinformatics perspectives. Full article

Khat leaves, indigenous to eastern Africa, have been chewed for centuries for their stimulant effects, attributed to alkaloids such as cathinone and cathine. Although associated with gastric disorders like gastritis and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the morpho-anatomy of khat leaves using light microscopy and histochemistry and to assess the effects of leaf extracts and alkaloids on human gastric epithelial cells (GES-1). The study identified specific cells in the palisade–spongy transition zone as storage sites for psychoactive alkaloids. Leaf extracts were prepared by mimicking the chewing process, including a prolonged salivary phase followed by a gastric phase. Cytotoxicity and cell viability were evaluated using LDH and MTT assays, respectively. Additionally, the impact on IL-8 secretion, a key chemokine in gastric inflammation, was analysed under normal and TNF-α-stimulated conditions. The results showed no increase in cytotoxicity up to 250 µg/mL. However, there was a significant decrease in cell metabolism and a reduction in both basal and TNF-α-induced IL-8 secretion, but cathinone and cathine were inactive. These findings suggest that khat may not directly cause the gastric issues reported in the literature, which would rather be attributed to other confounding factors, highlighting the need for further research to clarify its biological impacts. Full article

HIV incidence remains alarmingly high among female sex workers (FSWs) in Uganda, necessitating targeted interventions. This study aimed to identify individual and provider-level barriers and facilitators to primary HIV prevention among FSWs in an urban setting. Focus groups involving FSWs and healthcare providers (HCPs) were conducted to inform the development of tailored prevention interventions. Results revealed that all participants had mobile phones, recent sexual activity, and a history of HIV testing, with high rates of sexually transmitted infections and varying HIV test results. FSWs displayed a well-informed awareness of HIV transmission risks, emphasizing the threat for those not testing positive. They unanimously recognized the crucial role of HIV testing in informing, mitigating risks, promoting ART use, and endorsing consistent condom usage. Despite heightened awareness, HCPs noted potential underestimation of vulnerability. Various challenges, including inadequate condom usage, substance abuse, and client dynamics, underscored the complexity of safeguarding against HIV transmission among FSWs. Widespread alcohol and drug use, including marijuana, kuber, and khat, served as coping mechanisms and social facilitators. Some FSWs successfully reduced alcohol intake, highlighting challenges in addressing substance use. FSWs preferred group discussions in health education programs, emphasizing peer interactions and the effectiveness of visual aids in HIV prevention education. This study provides comprehensive insights to guide the development of targeted interventions addressing the multi-faceted challenges FSWs face in HIV prevention. Full article

Khat (Catha edulis) is an evergreen shrub whose buds and leaves give a state of delight and euphoria when chewed. Cathinone, an amphetamine-like stimulant that is among the active ingredients in khat, is able to downregulate glutamate transporter subtype I (GLT-1). Neurobehavioral dysfunctions such as altered locomotor activity, anorexia, and nociception have been observed in animals exposed to cathinone. Interestingly, treatment with a β-lactam antibiotic such as ceftriaxone, which upregulates GLT-1, normalizes cathinone-induced conditioned place preference, and alters repetitive movements in rats. However, little is known about the role of the glutamatergic system in memory dysfunction and anxiety-like behaviors in mice exposed to khat. We found here that clavulanic acid, a β-lactam-containing compound and GLT-1 upregulator, would modulate the neurobehavioral changes, including memory impairment and anxiety-like behaviors, associated with repeated exposure of mice to khat. Our data supported that clavulanic acid could improve memory impairment and anxiety-like behaviors through upregulating GLT-1 in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), an effect abolished with a selective GLT-1 blocker. This upregulation was associated with restored glutamate/cystine antiporter expression in the NAc using a Western blotting assay. Cathine and cathinone were identified in khat extract using the gas chromatography technique. Our work provides preclinical insight into the efficacy of β-lactam-containing compounds for the attenuation of neurobehavioral changes induced by khat exposure. Full article

Catha edulis Forsk., commonly known as Khat, is a stimulant plant that is chewed in the Horn of Africa and the southern regions of the Arabian Peninsula. It is often used alongside conventional drugs, but there is a lack of research on its interactions with other drugs. In this study, our aim was to investigate the possibility of an herb–drug interaction between KT extract and metformin (MT) by exploring the effect of KT on the in vivo pharmacokinetics of MT in diabetic Wistar albino rats and monitoring blood glucose levels through time intervals, comparing when MT was given alone and co-administered with KT. Rats were given 500 mg/kg of KT extract and 300 mg/kg of MT daily for 7 days. The pharmacokinetic parameters of MT were analyzed using UPLC-MS/MS. The quantification was conducted using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) in positive ion mode. The transitions used were (m/z) 130.006→59.939 for MT and 260.125→116.018 for propranolol as an internal standard (IS). An Acquity UPLC BEH HSS T3 C18 column was used with isocratic elution, and the mobile phase was formic acid (0.1%): acetonitrile (70:30 v/v) at a flow rate of 0.25 mL/min. In addition, the study delved into the in vitro impact of KT on the CYP3A4 enzyme, seeking to identify any potential disruptions in MT’s metabolism that could alter its pharmacokinetics. The effect of KT extract on CYP3A4 enzyme activity was investigated using fluorescence-based enzyme assays and a CYP3A4 Inhibitor Screening Kit. The results indicated that the combined treatment showed increased systemic exposure to MT, with C_max and AUC levels increasing by 33.42% and 45.23%, respectively. Additionally, the combination treatment led to significantly lower fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels compared to the groups treated with MT alone. It was found that at a concentration of 500 µg/mL, the CYP3A4 enzyme activity was maximally suppressed by approximately 57%, while at 250 µg/mL, it was inhibited by almost 50%. In comparison, the standard Ketoconazole only inhibited CYP3A4 activity by approximately 58%. Therefore, the in vitro results suggest that KT extract has the potential to affect CYP3A4 activity at high doses. In conclusion, the combination treatment resulted in a significant increase in MT’s blood sugar-lowering effects. Therefore, it is important to be aware of this potential interaction and to monitor blood sugar levels closely when using KT alongside MT. Full article

Interpreting fatalities involving khat is challenging due to a lack of data on cathinone and cathine reference concentrations in postmortem tissues. This study investigated the autopsy findings and toxicological results of fatalities involving khat in Saudi Arabia’s Jazan region from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2021. All confirmed cathine and cathinone results in postmortem blood, urine, brain, liver, kidney, and stomach samples were recorded and analyzed. Autopsy findings and the manner and cause of death of the deceased were assessed. Saudi Arabia’s Forensic Medicine Center investigated 651 fatality cases over four years. Thirty postmortem samples were positive for khat’s active constituents, cathinone and cathine. The percentage of fatalities involving khat was 3% in 2018 and 2019 and increased from 4% in 2020 to 9% in 2021, when compared with all fatal cases. They were all males ranging in age from 23 to 45. Firearm injuries (10 cases), hanging (7 cases), road traffic accident (2 cases), head injury (2 cases), stab wounds (2 cases), poisoning (2 cases), unknown (2 cases), ischemic heart disease (1 case), brain tumor (1 case), and choking (1 case) were responsible for the deaths. In total, 57% of the postmortem samples tested positive for khat only, while 43% tested positive for khat with other drugs. Amphetamine is the drug most frequently involved. The average cathinone and cathine concentrations were 85 and 486 ng/mL in the blood, 69 and 682 ng/mL in the brain, 64 and 635 ng/mL in the liver, and 43 and 758 ng/mL in the kidneys, respectively. The 10th–90th percentiles of blood concentrations of cathinone and cathine were 18–218 ng/mL and 222–843 ng/mL, respectively. These findings show that 90% of fatalities involving khat had cathinone concentrations greater than 18 ng/mL and cathine concentrations greater than 222 ng/mL. According to the cause of death, homicide was the most common fatality involving khat alone (77%). More research is required, especially toxicological and autopsy findings, to determine the involvement of khat in crimes and fatalities. This study may help forensic scientists and toxicologists investigate fatalities involving khat. Full article

Forests play an important role in combating the challenges posed by changing climate through sequestering carbon in their living biomasses and the soil. Tropical forests, which harbour a large number of species, are anticipated to play a great role in this regard due to the favourable growing environments. However, there is limited knowledge of the variability in carbon stock among land use types and its relationship with biodiversity. Therefore, this study assessed the variability in storing the different carbon pools among natural forest, woodland and khat plantation land use types. It also explored the relationship between biodiversity and carbon storage in the different carbon pools. Plant inventory and sample collection were undertaken following standard methods. In addition, soil samples were taken at three depth profile classes of 0–30 cm (top layer), 30–60 cm (middle layer) and 60–100 cm (bottom layer). Results of the study revealed that there was no statistically significant relationship between biodiversity and total biomass carbon, soil organic carbon or total carbon stock at a 95% level of confidence. The results indicated that the natural forest had the highest plant biomass (456.93 Mg ha⁻¹) followed by woodland (19.78 Mg ha⁻¹) and khat plantation (2.46 Mg ha⁻¹). Consequently, the total carbon stock estimate of the natural forest (366.47 Mg ha⁻¹) was significantly larger than that of the woodland (141.85 Mg ha⁻¹) and khat plantation (125.86 Mg ha⁻¹). The variation in total carbon stock among land use types arises from the variation in the total biomass carbon stock. The study results also revealed that soil organic carbon stock decreased with soil depth in all the land-use types. The findings of this study have implication of improving topsoil management in monoculture crops such as khat plantation and conserving natural forests for enhancing carbon sequestration potentials. Full article

Sympathomimetic agents are a group of chemical compounds that are able to activate the sympathetic nervous system either directly via adrenergic receptors or indirectly by increasing endogenous catecholamine levels or mimicking their intracellular signaling pathways. Compounds from this group, both used therapeutically or abused, comprise endogenous catecholamines (such as adrenaline and noradrenaline), synthetic amines (e.g., isoproterenol and dobutamine), trace amines (e.g., tyramine, tryptamine, histamine and octopamine), illicit drugs (e.g., ephedrine, cathinone, and cocaine), or even caffeine and synephrine. In addition to the effects triggered by stimulation of the sympathetic system, the discovery of trace amine associated receptors (TAARs) in humans brought new insights about their sympathomimetic pharmacology and toxicology. Although synthetic sympathomimetic agents are mostly seen as toxic, natural sympathomimetic agents are considered more complacently in the terms of safety in the vision of the lay public. Here, we aim to discuss the pharmacological and mainly toxicological aspects related to sympathomimetic natural agents, in particular of trace amines, compounds derived from plants like ephedra and khat, and finally cocaine. The main purpose of this review is to give a scientific and updated view of those agents and serve as a reminder on the safety issues of natural sympathomimetic agents most used in the community. Full article