West Kazakhstan Medical Journal

Unlocking the Potential: The Importance of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis

Nadiar M. Mussin, Amin Tamadon, Asset A. Kaliyev — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy for knee osteoarthritis has emerged as a revolutionary approach to address the root cause of this debilitating condition. This editorial provides a concise overview of the significance of MSC therapy in the context of knee osteoarthritis treatment. Knee osteoarthritis is a common and costly condition that affects millions worldwide, necessitating a paradigm shift in treatment strategies. Current approaches primarily focus on symptom management, leaving the underlying cartilage degeneration unaddressed. MSC therapy offers the potential to regenerate damaged cartilage, reduce pain, improve function, and potentially delay the need for surgery. This minimally invasive and safe procedure presents a promising avenue for patients seeking long-lasting relief from knee osteoarthritis. However, while the therapy shows significant potential, ongoing research, clinical trials, and efforts to ensure accessibility and affordability are essential for realizing its full impact. In conclusion, MSC therapy represents a beacon of hope for those afflicted by knee osteoarthritis, holding the promise of transforming a debilitating condition into a manageable one and thereby enhancing the quality of life for countless individuals.

Keywords: mesenchymal stem cell therapy, knee osteoarthritis, cartilage regeneration, minimally invasive treatment, introduction

The Role of Cobalt in Human Health: A Brief Overview

Gulnara Batyrova — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Cobalt is a crucial trace element for the human body. It serves as an essential
component of vitamin B12 and plays a pivotal role in the synthesis of amino acids and
select proteins within nerve cells, as well as in the synthesis of neurotransmitters vital
for the proper functioning of the body. Both excess and deficiency of cobalt can have
detrimental effects on the human body. Notwithstanding the paramount significance
of cobalt as a trace element, comprehensive studies are necessary to evaluate its role
in physiological processes.

Keywords: cobalt, human health, trace element, vitamin B12, physiological processes

Ethical Challenges for Patients and Healthcare Providers with the Approach to COVID-19 Context: A Review

Sahar Haghighat, Akram Sadat Montazeri, Azam Zare, Nasrin Fadaee Aghdam — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Emerging diseases create ethical challenges in medical centers, so that health care providers have a moral duty to respect the rights of patients. Failure to comply with ethical principles leads to challenges and consequences that decrease patient satisfaction and reduce the quality-of-service delivery. In this review study, the published articles were retrieved using the main keywords in the databases including Medline, Web of Knowledge, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in the Cochrane Library in 2020, and 42 articles were analyzed and reviewed. To extract the data, two researchers simultaneously reviewed and analyzed the articles. To increase the validity and reliability of the study, two researchers evaluated the quality of the articles separately. The most important challenges raised in the articles include two categories: ethical challenges of patients with emerging diseases and ethical challenges of healthcare providers with emerging diseases. It seems that in addition to dealing with the ethical needs of serving patients, dealing with issues related to the medical staff, especially the ethical aspects of their service, should also be considered.

Keywords: emerging disease, COVID-19, ethical challenges, management, health care centers

Squid as a Model Organism - Part 1: Exploring Defense System, Digestion, Respiration, Blood Circulation, Reproduction, and Skin

Leila Satarian, Mahsa Jalilinejad, Ahmad Berimipour — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The giant squid is an exceptionally intriguing organism with unique features, residing in the depths of the ocean at a depth of 1.5 km. To survive in these dark, high-pressure conditions and evade predators, this giant creature requires specific adaptations in its anatomy and way of life. The anatomy and physiology of the giant squid have inspired engineering and medical topics in human life. In this study, we will explore the potential applications of its defense system, digestion, nervous system, respiration, blood circulation, reproduction, and especially its skin in solving biotechnological challenges.

Keywords: giant squid, defense system, digestion, nervous system, blood circulation, respiration, reproduction, skin, nature-inspired, biotechnology

Squid as a Model Organism - Part 2: Biomedical and Tissue Engineering Technologies of Skin

Hamzeh Ghaempanah, Mahsa Jalilinezhad, Leila Satarian — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Nature has always been the greatest teacher for humans, and many of our inventions have been inspired by a careful examination of natural phenomena. Even today, despite significant advancements in technology, scientists continue to turn to nature to find solutions to problems and enhance various systems. Discovering the complex mechanisms within the bodies of living organisms has consistently provided a foundation for numerous ideas and innovations. The colossal squid, with its unique characteristics, has recently garnered the attention of many scientists, serving as a source of inspiration for diverse medical and engineering designs. In this study, we will focus on the squid’s skin and its camouflage mechanisms, highlighting how humanity has leveraged this remarkable creature for scientific, and engineering progress.

Keywords: squid, nature-inspired, biotechnology, biological and engineering technologies

Squid as a Model Organism - Part 3: Ocular Morphology and its Implications in Biomimicry for Human Ophthalmology

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The distinctive feature of cephalopods is their lack of scales, possession of eight arms and two long tentacles, with considerable diversity in shape, size, and habitat. Giant and colossal squids represent some of the largest marine creatures. Giant squids, in particular, are exceptionally captivating beings with unique characteristics that allow them to thrive in the incredibly dark depths of the oceans. Despite their large size, these cephalopods are agile swimmers, capable of sudden changes in direction. Vision is the primary sense for cephalopods, enabling them to perform these rapid movements. The giant squid (Architeuthis) has the largest eyes among marine and terrestrial animals, constituting a significant percentage of its weight and volume. These large eyes have captured the attention of biologists, leading to investigations into the anatomy, physiology, and histology of the cephalopod eye. It is noteworthy that the highest concentration of neural cells in the brain is found in the optic lobes of the giant squid, emphasizing the importance of vision in its life in dark and formidable habitats. In this review, we delve into the evolution, histology, structure, and physiology of the giant squid’s vision, followed by a comparative analysis with human optics.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Azoospermia: Navigating Differentiation Challenges and Charting Future Frontiers in Male Fertility Treatment

Farhad Rahmanifar — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This minireview explores the current landscape of stem cell therapy for azoospermia, focusing on the potential and challenges associated with Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs). The discussion encompasses the precise regulation of MSC differentiation, safety considerations, and ethical implications. Recent advancements in optimizing differentiation protocols, improving engraftment efficiency, and ongoing clinical trials are highlighted. Despite the hurdles, MSCs emerge as a promising avenue for male infertility treatment. The conclusion emphasizes the necessity for continued research and clinical trials to unlock the full potential of MSC therapy in addressing the complexities of azoospermia.

Long-term Results of Optical Laser Urethrotomy for Post-traumatic Stricture of the Membranous Urethra

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Urethral stricture is a common condition characterized by the narrowing of the urethra, leading to difficulty in urination. This article presents a case report of a 47-yearold male with urethral stricture following a pelvic fracture. The patient presented with urinary retention and a history of traumatic injury. Diagnostic imaging revealed a 2.0-2.2 cm stricture in the membranous urethra. Surgical intervention, including optical laser urethrotomy and silicone urethral catheter placement, was performed successfully. Postoperative management included antibacterial and anti-inflammatory therapy, leading to the restoration of independent urination. Urodynamic examination confirmed the successful outcome of the surgery. This case demonstrates that endoscopic surgery for urethral strictures can have a favorable prognosis. However, due to the potential for recurrence, ongoing outpatient care and monitoring by a urologist are essential for these patients.

Empirical Nutrition Models and Their Impact on Public Health

Elmira Khairullina, Akmaral Baspakova, Saltanat Zhumagaliyeva — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This mini review delves into the transformative role of empirical nutrition models in the field of public health. By leveraging large-scale datasets and advanced statistical analyses, these models offer a more precise understanding of individual dietary needs, moving beyond traditional one-size-fits-all approaches. Their ability to identify and analyze complex dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet or plant-based lifestyles, contributes to a more comprehensive assessment of overall dietary quality. Moreover, empirical nutrition models facilitate early intervention and prevention strategies by identifying risk factors for chronic diseases at an early stage. This proactive approach holds significant promise in reducing the burden of prevalent health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders. The article also highlights the crucial role of these models in guiding policy development and influencing public health campaigns, providing evidence-based recommendations that address the diverse dietary needs of populations. Despite their promise, challenges such as data quality, standardization, and the dynamic nature of nutritional science are acknowledged. The abstract underscores the importance of continuous technological advancements and collaborative efforts among researchers, policymakers, and healthcare professionals to address these challenges and refine the accuracy of nutrition models. In conclusion, empirical nutrition models represent a paradigm shift toward more personalized and effective public health strategies. As these models continue to evolve with technological advancements, their impact on public health is poised to grow. They can contribute to creating healthier communities and foster a more nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between diet and overall well-being.

Cardiotoxicity of Anthracycline-based Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer Patients: A Case Series

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In Kazakhstan, breast cancer (BC) remains the leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality among women. The presented case series aims to summarize cardiovascular events that resulted in anthracycline-based chemotherapy discontinuation or suspension during the ongoing project on studying the cardiotoxicity effects. Case 1. Classic acute cardiotoxicity with asystole. Patient Sh., 46 years old, was admitted with a baseline LVEF of 64% and GLS of 22.4%. After the first dose of doxorubicin 60 mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2, the patient experienced two episodes of asystole. She was prescribed Trimetazidine at a dose of 80 mg. Eventually, Sh. completed the courses of anthracycline therapy after a 1-month delay at a cumulative dose of 455 mg/m2. Case 2. Subacute cardiotoxicity with ventricular extrasystole. Patient Zh., aged 47, developed single, paired, and group ventricular extrasystoles after the 2nd course of chemotherapy with doxorubicin 200 mg/m2 (23 days after admission). Carvedilol was prescribed at 25 mg twice daily and Trimetazidine at 80 mg once a day. After 1 month of monitoring, ventricular extrasystoles disappeared. With a month’s delay, the patient completed chemotherapy at a cumulative dose of 400 mg/m2. Case 3. Severe cardiotoxicity due to pre-existing cardiovascular disease with discontinuation of chemotherapy. Patient M., aged 58, was referred to the very highrisk group for developed atrial fibrillation and heart failure with LVEF 51%. M. received Enalapril 5 mg two times per day, Bisoprolol 5 mg, Eplerenone 50 mg, Dapagliflozin 10 mg, and Dabigatran 150 mg twice daily. After 3 months, anthracycline therapy was canceled at a cumulative dose of 260 mg/m2 due to the deterioration of the patient’s condition (LVEF 41%.). Discontinuation or the delay of vitally needed chemotherapy in BC patients deteriorate their prognosis for survival. Patients should be constantly monitored during and after anticancer treatment.