Review Article
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Propolis, a resinous, dark-colored product produced by honeybees has been gaining attention in terms of its multiple proven health benefits. This natural product has different types and varieties but close to similar chemical compositions according to the environment and location where it is produced, as well as its plant source. It is mainly composed of resinous, balsamic, and gummy materials, waxes and essential oils, and pollen from the plants. Propolis contains plenty of polyphenols and it’s a rich source of magnesium, calcium, iodine, potassium, sodium, copper, zinc, manganese, and iron as well as thiamin, riboflavin, vitamins B6, C, E, D, and provitamin A. It has been proven that propolis may help to reduce diet-induced obesity through its caffeic acid content. Studies proved the antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antifungal, and antitumor effects of propolis and positive outcomes on diet-induced obesity, and diabetes. In this review, we aim to explain propolis extensively in terms of its types, chemical composition, bioactive compounds, digestion, health benefits on obesity and diabetes, as well as possible drug interactions, dosage, and safety.
Perspective Article
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Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common medical complication of pregnancy today. As per the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 2022, the latest definition of GDM is diabetes diagnosed in the second or third trimester of pregnancy that was not clearly overt diabetes prior to gestation. Blood sugar more than normal and less than diabetes in the first trimester is defined as hyperglycemia in early pregnancy. GDM has been associated with adverse pregnancy effects and outcomes such as preeclampsia, macrosomia, large for gestational age (LGA), shoulder dystocia, stillbirth, as well as neonatal complications. Dietary counseling and physical activity are the primary treatment for GDM. If sugar is not controlled through diet and exercise, metformin and or insulin are other treatment options.
Research Article
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Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) with oncocytic features are rare. To date, few studies have described the metastatic characteristics of these tumors, most of which were limited by the low number of cases. One article characterized intermediate to high grade (G2 and G3) oncocytic NETs of the pancreas as having an ominous outcome; however, metastatic features of low-grade oncocytic NETs have, to our knowledge, been hitherto unexplored. Our study characterized the clinicopathological and metastatic features of 32 low to intermediate-grade oncocytic NETs of various organs. The most frequent metastatic site was the liver (63%). The metastatic rate of our cases was compared with Riihimaki’s study (metastatic rate of G1/G2 NETs was reported), as well as Heetfeld’s study and Lithgow’s study (metastatic rate of G3 NETs was reported). The overall metastatic rate of our cases is 84.4%, which is significantly higher than that of the G1/2 NETs from Riihimaki’s study (84.4% vs. 25%, p < 0.0001), while similar to that of the G3 NETs from Heetfeld’s study (84.4% vs. 86.5%, p > 0.05) and Lithgow’s study (84.4% vs. 80.8%, p > 0.05). These data indicate that oncocytic features could potentially be characterized as high-risk features in addition to high Ki-67 index, mitotic count, and necrosis. Thus, imaging studies such as liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be warranted to detect liver metastases in NETs with distinctive oncocytic cytologic features even in the absence of other high-risk features.
Mini-Review
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This mini-review describes at first the ontopathogenic model based on the concept of developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) and thereafter explains the possible roles of glucocorticoids (GC) and stress in age-related tendencies to sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and obesity. The interactions between GC, stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines in these disorders are also considered. It is concluded that excessive exposure to stress and/or exogenous GC should be adequately prevented or controlled from the very beginning of human life.
Case Report
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Glycogenic hepatopathy (GH) refers to a relatively rare complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) type 1 which constitutes of reversible accumulation of excess hepatic glycogen, usually manifesting in the form of liver enzyme elevation along with hepatomegaly. The occurrence of the disorder is most commonly related to inadequate control of blood sugars. Herein, we report upon a case of an 18-year-old girl presenting with severe transaminase elevations owing to poor metabolic control, as well as the progression of her enzymes and general condition during and after her hospitalization.
