Background Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) molecular research in young adults is still limited. The aim of this study is to identify AMI proteomic biomarker(s) in young adults. Methods This study comprised of two phases namely discovery and verification. In the discovery phase, proteins in the pooled plasma samples from young male adults between 18 and 45 years (10 AMI patients and 10 controls) were separated using two-dimensional electrophoresis. The protein spots that were expressed differently in the AMI patients were identified via matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The plasma concentrations of these proteins were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay during the verification phase (40 AMI patients and 80 controls). Results Haptoglobin (Hp), apolipoprotein AI (Apo AI) and apolipoprotein AIV (Apo AIV) were up-regulated in the discovery phase. In the verification phase, the plasma concentration of Hp was significantly higher in AMI patients than the controls ( P < 0.001). Logistic regression showed an association between Hp and AMI in young adults (odds ratio [OR] = 1.016, 95% CI: 1.002–1.030, P = 0.025) independent of other AMI risk factors. Hp was significantly correlated with high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) ( r = 0.424, P < 0.001). Conclusion In young adults with AMI, plasma Hp concentrations were elevated and it is independently associated with AMI. A positive correlation with hs-CRP suggests Hp could be a potential biomarker of AMI in young adults.

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Introduction: The incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in young adults is increasing. However, a molecular study focusing on the pathophysiological changes in young AMI remains limited. This study aims to examine the proteomic profile of young adults with AMI compared to control subjects. We also hope to identify disease-specific protein biomarkers that contribute to the development of AMI in the young. Materials and Methods: Pooled plasma protein from 10 AMI patients aged 18 to 45 years and 10 age, gender and race-matched volunteers were separated using two dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE). The protein spots were analysed using the PD Quest analysis software. The protein spots that were found to have been expressed differently between the two groups were identified by Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) Mass Spectrometry. Results: There were three differently expressed protein spots, namely Apolipoprotein AI (Apo AI), Apolipoprotein AIV (Apo AIV) and Haptoglobin. The expressions of these proteins were found to be increased in young patients with AMI compared to control subjects (p&lt; 0.05). Conclusion:The up-regulation of Apo AI, Apo AIV and Haptoglobin in AMI patients could be in response to the inflammatory process associated with the recent cardiac event. The current study seems to reveal a significant function of these proteins during the acute phase response. Thus, Apo AI, Apo AIV and Haptoglobin are potential new biomarkers for young AMI.

Introduction:In evaluating the potential of fenugreek seeds aqueous (FSA) extract as a contraceptive, it is essential to assess the reversibility of its anti-fertility effects. Reversibility is defined as ability for an induced altered physiological state to return to the normal state.Objective: The aim of the present work was to evaluate the reversibility of changes in the oestrous cycle and levels of reproductive hormones in female rats following withdrawal treatment of FSA extract.Methodology: Twenty four mature Sprague Dawley female rats were randomly divided into three groups of 8 rats each. Group A was the control and given distilled water. Group B was treated with 500 mg/kg/day of FSA extract for 15 days. Group C was the reversibility group in which the female rats were also treated with 500 mg/kg/day FSA extract and further observed for 21 days for reversibility effects. Daily vaginal smear cytology was performed and blood samples were taken from all animals after 15 days. Results:The abnormal oestrous cycles following FSA treatment were gradually returned to normal within the 21 days of observation post treatment withdrawal. Administration of FSA extract led to a decrease in the serum concentration of estrogen (P<0.001), progesterone (P=0.021), FSH (P=0.416) and LH (P=0.381) while serum prolactin concentration was significantly increased (P<0.001). After 15 days of treatment withdrawal, serum estrogen, progesterone, FSH and LH concentration were not significantly different (P≥0.192) in compare to the control group. Conclusion:Withdrawal of FSA extract treatment restored the abnormal oestrous cycle and reproductive hormones to the normal state.

Introduction: This study evaluates the histological changes of uterine tissue in the female Sprague Dawley rats after administration of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seeds in comparison to combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs). Methods: Twenty four female Sprague Dawley strain rats of 8 weeks old were divided into A, B, and C groups. Group A was the control and B was administrated with 0.05 mg/kg body weight of COCPs for 15 days. Group C was treated with 750 mg/kg body weight of fenugreek seed aqueous (FSA) extract for 15 days. The uterine tissues were isolated and studied histologically. Results: The uterine weight in the FSA extract treated group was normal, while in the COCPs treated group it was insignificantly increased. The endometrial thickness and endometrial gland density were normal in the FSA extract treated group, while in the COCPs treated group it was atrophied. Decidual-like cells were observed in the COCPs treated group only. Conclusions: Endometrial atrophy and decidual-like cells were noted after COCPs treatment while in the FSA extract and control groups they were absent. The findings suggest that fenugreek seeds could be used as an alternative natural and safe contraceptive product.