21^st World Congress on Nursing Pharmacology and Nursing Education Nov 20-21, 2017 Melbourne, Australia

It is well known that the activation of gastrointestinal (GI) opioid receptors by endogenous and exogenous opioids results in GI transit (GIT) inhibition. However, a direct linkage between the activity of the opioid system and GIT remains largely unknown. The aim of this study was to characterize the activity of central and GI opioid receptors that presumably influence GIT in two mouse lines divergently bred for high (HA line) and low (LA line) swim stress-induced analgesia (SSIA). The contribution of opioid receptors to the regulation of peristalsis in HA and LA mice was investigated by means of morphine-stimulated [35S]GTPγS assay in the CNS and in the small and large intestine. HA mice compared to their LA counterparts showed enhanced G-protein activation in the thalamus (152 ± 2.6 vs. 136 ± 2.4, p < 0.001), cortex (130 ± 1.9 vs. 117 ± 1.7, p < 0.001) and the spinal cord (135 ± 1.4 vs. 120 ± 2.6, p < 0.001). No stimulation of [35S]GTPγS binding was detected in the small or large intestine. In conclusion, differences in gastrointestinal transit between HA and LA mice could be reflected by alterations in opioid-related G - protein activation in the CNS rather than the gastrointestinal tract.

Gayoung Park is a graduate student in the department of life science at Gachon University, Korea

Inappropriate recognition of self-DNA contributes to interferonopathy and promotes autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and chronic polyarthritis. The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) pathway plays an important role in production of inflammatory cytokines. To identify potential suppressors of STING-induced type I interferon (IFN) induction, 70% ethanol extracts of medicinal plants were screened for inhibitory activity against IFN-β promoter activation. As a result, 70% ethanol extract of Cephalotaxus koreana specifically down-regulated STING-induced, but not TBK1- or IRF3-induced, IFN-β promoter activity. The compounds exerting inhibitory activity specifically against STING-mediated IFN-β promoter activation in 70% ethanol extract of Cephalotaxus koreana were identified as ester alkaloids, homoharringtonine and harringtonine. These two compounds inhibited 2’3’-cGAMP-induced IFN-stimulated gene expression and interaction between STING and TBK1. These suppressive effects were not observed with cephalotaxine devoid of the ester side-chain. Our data support the potential utility of homoharringtonine and harringtonine to treat STING-associated interferonopathy and autoimmune diseases.

Objective: The study aims to evaluate frequency and to identify factors which may increase the discontinuation of Methotrexate (MTX) among our Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients in Asir region, KSA. Method: Across sectional study was conducted in Asir Central Hospital, southern region, Saudi Arabia that are currently or previously were used MTX. All the patients included fulfilled the 1987 revised American Rheumatism Association criteria for classification of RA. Medical records for 200 RA patients were chosen through convenience method then they reviewed and analyzed. Results: A total of 200 AR patients were participated, 169 (84.5%) were female and 31 (15.5%) were female. Their ages ranged from 12 to 80 years with a mean of 45.07 and standard deviation 14.37 years. 67 (33.5%) of patients their disease duration was 10 years and more. 147 (73.5%) of our patients were using MTX and 53 (26.5%) were not. Out of 147 patients; 24 (27%) of them did not take MTX regularly because due to different causes. The most common side effects were stomach ache as same as indolence and sloth. There is no statistical association between sex, education level and duration of disease and discontinuation at p=0.05. Conclusion: The study concluded a low rate of drug discontinuation due to adverse effects MTX seems to be a safe drug for long-term use in RA patients. More attempts should be done to minimize side effects and discontinuation of MTX, in order to get the benefits of drug considered as the cornerstone in RA treatment.