Peroxiredoxins, a group of antioxidant protein enzymes (PRDX1 to 6), are reported as antiatherogenic factors in animals; however, human studies are lacking. The present work aims to provide baseline data regarding the phenotype of PRDX1, 2, 4, and 6 in diabetic patients with peripheral atherosclerosis disease (PAD) and their relation to endothelial dysfunction (ED) and disease severity. Plasma levels of PRDX1, 2, 4, and 6 and markers of endothelial dysfunction (ICAM-1 and VCAM-1) were measured using ELISA in 55 type 2 diabetic patients having PAD and 25 healthy subjects. Anklebrachial index (ABI), body mass index (BMI), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol, HbA1c, and insulin resistance (HOMA IR) were measured. PRDX1, 2, 4, and 6 levels were significantly higher in patients compared to controls (PRDX1 21.9±5.71 vs 16.8±3.9 ng/ml, P<0.001, PRDX2 36.5±14.83 vs 20.4±8.61 ng/ml, P<0.001, PRDX4 3,840±1,440 vs 2,696±1,972 pg/ml, P<0.005, PRDX6 311±110 vs 287.9±-114 pg/ml, P<0.05). PRDX1 and PRDX4 correlated negatively with ABI (r=−0.273, P<0.05 and r=−0.28, P<0.05, respectively), while PRDX1 and PRDX2 correlated positively with HOMA/IR and TG (r=0.276, P<0.01 and r=0.295, P<0.01, respectively). ICAM-1 was associated with PRDX2 and log PRDX6 (r=0.345, P=0.0037 and r=0.344, P=0.0038). Our results provide strong links among PRDXs, ED, and severity of PAD in diabetic patients which warrants further evaluation to clarify whether high circulating levels of PRDXs are a consequence of chronic atherosclerotic disease or a predisposing factor for later cardiovascular events.

Background: The world is facing a devastating challenge in the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 19) outbreak. Healthcare workers (HCWs) provide the first line of defense against any disease outbreak. Thus, the present study is designed to assess HCWs’ attitudes towards, knowledge of, and awareness of COVID-19. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using an online survey on social media; the participants were 597 adults. The study was conducted from March to April, 2020. The questionnaire was randomly administered on Arabic-language social media applications; the 26-item survey assessed knowledge levels, attitudes, and practices.Results: The analysis includes 597 complete responses from HCWs; participants included physicians, nurses, medical students, and pharmacists. Most participants were females aged 18 to 25 years. Most participants agreed that the virus can spread via direct and indirect contact. Most participants indicated that they wash their hands; avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth; and avoid crowded places to protect themselves against infection. Most indicated that a bat was the original source of the virus. Most participating HCWs indicated that the symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Most of the participants also indicated that there is no specific treatment for patients infected with COVID-19. Conclusion: The findings of this work can support the design of effective measures to prevent and control COVID-19 infections during the pandemic. The results also highlight where improvement is needed to HCWs’ knowledge of and attitudes towards COVID-19; the findings also highlight the best healthcare practices regarding this illness.

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