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: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the primary cause of global morbidity and mortality. CVD includes various life-threatening conditions such as myocardial infarction, stroke and peripheral arterial diseases. In this context, atherosclerosis continues to play the principal role in the pathogenesis of these conditions. Atherosclerosis emanates from a set of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors that include age, male gender, family history, obesity, smoking, diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Recent evidence classifies atherosclerosis as a latent disease affecting all-sized arteries with a predilection for arterial branching points of decreased or absent blood supply. Atherosclerosis is not only a lipid metabolism disorder, but is also a chronic inflammatory one. In this review, we provide a synoptic discussion of the underlying pathological mechanisms of atherosclerosis along with the currently applied therapeutic interventions. We then discuss the classical lipid-lowering therapies as well as the newly discovered therapies. For the classical therapies, we point out the importance of statins and ezetimibe in reducing plasma cholesterol levels by virtue of their effects on synthesis, reuptake and intestinal absorption of cholesterol. We also discuss the role of fibrates in modulating lipid metabolism and improving the ratio of high-density to low-density density lipoproteins. We then focus on the more recent molecular and genetic interventions exemplified by proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) monoclonal antibodies, evinacumab, and microRNA inhibitors. Special attention is also given to clinical trials involving these therapies.

Background Most Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries record pancreatic cancer incidence rates that are above the world’s average. Reducing this burden requires evidence-based policies. This bibliometric review aims to examine the status of pancreatic cancer research in the MENA world, while systematically categorising publications across cancer care pathways. Methods We searched Scopus, Medline and PubMed for peer-reviewed publications related to both pancreatic cancer and MENA countries by using controlled vocabulary and keywords. The results were screened for duplicates and later included in the analysis based on preset eligibility criteria. A structured data extraction form was used to collect data related to each article, its methodology, its cancer care pathway, funding status and authorship. Results A total of 5,848 publications resulted from our search, from which 1,098 articles remained after applying the eligibility criteria. Trends show a steady increase in pancreatic cancer research by MENA. Case reports are the most common, whereas a lack in high-evidence clinical studies as well as public health and epidemiological research was evident. Most studies were not funded and had no female contributions. Funding, if present, came mostly from foreign states. There exists a much greater focus in research on diagnosis and treatment among other cancer care pathways. Most MENA-based studies did not involve collaborations with other countries. Country gross domestic product and population are both correlated to the research output. Conclusion This bibliometric analysis identified significant gaps and limitations in pancreatic cancer research in MENA countries. Vital domains requiring research investment have also been highlighted as a first step towards evidence-based health policies.

Objective To conduct a scoping review examining the status of prostate cancer research in Arab countries and systematically map publications across the cancer care pathway. Prostate cancer incidence has been rising in the Arab world and tackling its increasing burden will require evidence-based policies. Methods We searched Medline, PubMed and Scopus for peer-reviewed publications related to both our research topic and countries of interest by using controlled vocabulary and keywords. Search results were limited for the period between 2000 and 2020, screened for duplicates, and then included in our study based on pre-specified eligibility criteria. We used a structured data extraction form to extract information related to the article, its methodology, its cancer care pathway, funding status, and authorship. Results A total of 4142 publications were retrieved from our search, of which 874 articles remained after applying eligibility criteria. Trends show a steady increase in prostate cancer research in the Arab world. Most studies were focussed on diagnosis and treatment, whereas a lack in studies concerning screening and prevention, as well as epidemiological data, was evident. Most studies were not funded and had no female author. Country gross domestic product and population were positively correlated with its research output. The USA had the highest number of corresponding authors. The majority of Arab-based studies did not involve collaborations with other countries. Most research conducted was basic or clinical studies with a low level of evidence. Conclusion Our present review identified significant gaps and limitations in prostate cancer research in Arab countries. Priority areas for research investment have also been highlighted as a first step towards context-specific health policies. Abbreviations ASR: age-standardised rate; COVID-19: coronavirus disease 2019; GDP: gross domestic product; HDI: Human Development Index; KSA: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; UAE: United Arab Emirates

Background Liver diseases is a worldwide etiology causing high morbidity and mortality. Fibroscan is a quick, painless examination performed in clinic or at the patient's bedside. It is used to evaluate liver status for patients with suspected liver disease prognosis. This study aims at describing the spectrum of liver diseases among patients performing Fibroscan at a tertiary care center in Lebanon. Methods This is a retrospective data collection study on patients who underwent Fibroscan at the American University of Beirut hepatobiliary unit between 2015 and 2018. Medical charts of all patients were reviewed. Data were collected and analyzed using SPSS 25 software. Results A total of 620 patients presented to the hepatobiliary unit for Fibroscan, of which 419 (67.5%) were males. The mean age was 47.8 ± 13.4 (range 18–84). 362(58.3%) had NAFLD, 89 (14.3%) had Hepatitis-B, 69 (11.1%) had Hepatitis-C, 48 (7.7%) had ALD, 20 (3.3%) had DILI, and 13 (2.9%) had autoimmune hepatitis. 190 (30.6%) were overweight (BMI over 25), 128 (20.6%) had diabetes. Liver stiffness corresponding to the diagnosis of F4 liver fibrosis stage on Fibroscan was mostly reported in 6 (46.5%) autoimmune hepatitis, 101 (27.9%) NAFLD, and 18 (26.1%) HCV patients. 141 (45.5%) patients who had one or more metabolic risk factors suffered from severe stage steatosis compared with 78 (28.9%) who had not any risk factors with P -value 0.04. Conclusions Based on our sample , NAFLD is emerging as a predominant etiology of CLD, followed by, HBV, and HCV. This is the first study that reports CLD status in Lebanon, further studies that describe the prevalence and incidence of the disease at a larger scale are needed.