Papers by Mostafa Meshref
Molecular Neurobiology, Nov 22, 2023
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a globally prevalent form of dementia that impacts diverse population... more Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a globally prevalent form of dementia that impacts diverse populations and is characterized by progressive neurodegeneration and impairments in executive memory. Although the exact mechanisms underlying AD pathogenesis remain unclear, it is commonly accepted that the aggregation of misfolded proteins, such as amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tau tangles, plays a critical role. Additionally, AD is a multifactorial condition influenced by various genetic factors and can manifest as either early-onset AD (EOAD) or late-onset AD (LOAD), each associated with specific gene variants. One gene of particular interest in both EOAD and LOAD is RIN3, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor. This gene plays a multifaceted role in AD pathogenesis. Firstly, upregulation of RIN3 can result in endosomal enlargement and dysfunction, thereby facilitating the accumulation of beta-amyloid (Aβ) peptides in the brain. Secondly, RIN3 has been shown to impact the PICLAM pathway, affecting transcytosis across the blood-brain barrier. Lastly, RIN3 has implications for immune-mediated responses, notably through its influence on the PTK2B gene. This review aims to provide a concise overview of AD and delve into the role of the RIN3 gene in its pathogenesis.
Journal of stroke and cerebrovascular diseases, Mar 1, 2024
Journal of the Neurological Sciences, Nov 30, 2023
Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, Nov 30, 2023
Neurological Sciences, Dec 17, 2023
Objectives Masitinib, originally developed as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor for cancer treatment, h... more Objectives Masitinib, originally developed as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor for cancer treatment, has shown potential neuroprotective effects in various neurological disorders by modulating key pathways implicated in neurodegeneration. This scoping review aimed to summarize the current evidence of masitinib's neuroprotective activities from preclinical to clinical studies. Methods This scoping review was conducted following the guidelines described by Arksey and O'Malley and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The inclusion criteria covered all original studies reporting on the neuroprotective effects of masitinib, including clinical studies, animal studies, and in vitro studies. Results A total of 16 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. These comprised five randomized controlled trials (RCTs), one post-hoc analysis study, one case report, and nine animal studies. The RCTs focused on Alzheimer's disease (two studies), multiple sclerosis (two studies), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (one study). Across all included studies, masitinib consistently demonstrated neuroprotective properties. However, the majority of RCTs reported concerns regarding the safety profile of masitinib. Preclinical studies revealed the neuroprotective mechanisms of masitinib, which include inhibition of certain kinases interfering with cell proliferation and survival, reduction of neuroinflammation, and exhibition of antioxidant activity. Conclusion The current evidence suggests a promising therapeutic benefit of masitinib in neurodegenerative diseases. However, further research is necessary to validate and expand upon these findings, particularly regarding the precise mechanisms through which masitinib exerts its therapeutic effects. Future studies should also focus on addressing the safety concerns associated with masitinib use.
Neurological Sciences
Objectives This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the frequency and correlat... more Objectives This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the frequency and correlates of fatigue in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Methods Three databases were searched up to 2nd May 2023 to identify studies reporting fatigue frequency in ALS. Studies included had to identify ALS patients through one of ALS diagnostic criteria and measure fatigue by a validated tool with a specific cut-off value. Meta-analysis was conducted using RStudio's "meta" package with a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression explored the relationship between fatigue frequency in ALS and different covariates. Results Eleven studies, compromising 1072 patients, met the inclusion criteria and were included in our analysis. The pooled frequency of fatigue across all studies was 48% (95% CI = 40% to 57%). Our subgroup analysis based on the ALSFRS-R revealed a higher frequency of fatigue in studies with lower scores (< 30) compared to those wi...
Background: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) emerges as a notable sleep disorder characterized by dis... more Background: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) emerges as a notable sleep disorder characterized by distressing sensations within the lower extremities. Its prevalence appears to be higher among patients afflicted with multiple sclerosis (MS) compared to the general population. Despite this observation, the understanding of the intricacies of RLS and its repercussions within the context of MS patients in Saudi Arabia remains limited. Methods: Employing a cross-sectional design, a comprehensive investigation was undertaken at King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, spanning from November 2021 to March 2022. A cohort of 66 individuals diagnosed with MS was recruited and subjected to an assessment for RLS employing the revised diagnostic criteria outlined by the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG). Furthermore, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and Sleepiness Scale were employed to gage the extent of RLS's impact on sleep quality and daily functioning. Results: The prevalence of RLS amidst the MS cohort was determined to be 30.4%. An observable association was discerned between RLS presence and higher scores on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (p < 0.001), along with diminished sleep quality scores (p < 0.001) and elevated fatigue scores based on IRLSSG criteria (p < 0.001). Within the studied MS cases, 98.5 % exhibited the relapsing-remitting subtype. Further investigation demonstrated that patients treated with Fingolimod or Ocrevus presented normal IRLSSG scores, whereas those undergoing Rituximab treatment manifested an even distribution between normal and moderate scores. Correspondingly, patients receiving interferons showcased 72.2 % with normal scores and 27.8 % with mild scores. Notably, a statistically significant variance in IRLSSG scores was observed when contrasting Fingolimod and Aubagio treatments (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The presence of RLS as a comorbidity in MS patients within the Saudi Arabian context emerges as a significant finding, exerting a discernible detrimental influence on both disability status and sleep quality. This study underscores the need for further investigations aimed at unraveling the intricate pathophysiological underpinnings, identification of risk factors, and exploration of therapeutic modalities for RLS in this population. Furthermore, additional research endeavors are warranted to elucidate the diverse impact of various diseasemodifying therapies on clinical outcomes.
Introduction: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) mimics acute coronary syndrome and is characterized ... more Introduction: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) mimics acute coronary syndrome and is characterized by reversible left ventricular (LV) apical ballooning in the absence of angiographically substantial coronary artery stenosis. Patient concerns: A 31-year-old man with acute dejection, physical stress, and psychological strain from the dread of losing his work arrived at the emergency department with chest pain, and discomfort that had lasted 3 hours. Diagnosis: Once the coronary angiography revealed normal epicardial coronaries, the case was retroactively diagnosed, and the levels of cardiac enzymes were increased. Interventions: The amount of necrotic tissue was so little that the surgeon could only verbally convey it. It is completely closed with the help of a Dacron sheet. The patient received surgical closure of the VSR a few days after having a surgical consultation. Outcomes: No postoperative echocardiogram was required, and the patient was sent home in great general condition. Conclusion: The presence of TCM with a ruptured LV wall was extremely rare because our patient had neither clinical risk indicators nor a family history of coronary artery disease. As a Takotsubo syndrome severe complication, we underline the significance of identifying, diagnosing, and treating it.
Background Paraneoplastic encephalomyelitis is a subgroup of paraneoplastic neurological syndrome... more Background Paraneoplastic encephalomyelitis is a subgroup of paraneoplastic neurological syndromes, a collection of neurological symptoms linked with cancer-related antibodies against neuronal proteins. Because it has been identified lately and has not been reported in many places, it is easily ignored or missed. Young women with teratomas may have psychiatric symptoms and behavioral abnormalities. Case Presentation We present a case of a 41-years-old female with abnormal movements and psychotic behavior. She was initially diagnosed with an acute psychotic episode. After further investigations, she was admitted to the ICU and treated for CNS infection. She did not show any response to treatment. We suspected paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis after MRI and contrast CT showed an adnexal dermoid cyst. She did not improve with IV steroids as a resolution of symptoms only happened after surgical intervention with cystectomy and salpingooophorectomy. Conclusion Dermoid cystic teratoma is rarely complicated by the paraneoplastic syndrome. Current medical practice does not indicate screening for anti-NMDAR antibodies in teratoma patients. Despite that, regarding teratomas, we recommend suspecting paraneoplastic syndrome when dealing with deteriorated cognitive and behavioral signs in a young woman. Furthermore, it's vital to exclude an ovarian tumor with clinical examination and radiological imaging in young women with neurological syndromes, particularly those of the reproductive age group.
Frontiers in Psychiatry
BackgroundGaming addiction is a compulsive mental health condition that can have severe negative ... more BackgroundGaming addiction is a compulsive mental health condition that can have severe negative consequences on a person’s life. As online gaming has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, studies have shown a heightened risk of mental health issues. This study aims to assess the prevalence of severe phobia and addiction to online gaming among Arab adolescents and identify risk factors associated with these disorders.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted across 11 Arab nations. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling through an online survey distributed on social media platforms in 11 Arab countries. The survey included demographic questions, the Nine-item Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form (IGDS-SF9) to measure participants’ online gaming addiction, the Social Phobia Scale (SPS), and questions assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence of internet gaming addiction. The data were analyzed using SPSS win statistical package versi...
Archives of academic emergency medicine, 2023
Archives of academic emergency medicine, 2023
Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders
Background Gaming addiction is a compulsive mental health condition that can have severe negative... more Background Gaming addiction is a compulsive mental health condition that can have severe negative consequences on a person's life. As online gaming has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, studies have shown a heightened risk of mental health issues. This study aims to assess the prevalence of severe phobia and addiction to online gaming among Arab adolescents and identify risk factors associated with these disorders. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted across 11 Arab nations. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling through an online survey distributed on social media platforms in 11 Arab countries. The survey included demographic questions, the Nine-item Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form (IGDS-SF9) to measure participants' online gaming addiction, the Social Phobia Scale (SPS), and questions assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence of internet gaming addiction. The data were analyzed using SPSS win statistical pa...
International Journal of Surgery: Global Health
With over 58 million cases and 6 million deaths by August 2022, the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COV... more With over 58 million cases and 6 million deaths by August 2022, the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), causing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARs-CoV-2), has had an insurmountable impact on the world's population. This is one of the worst health crises since 1918's influenza pandemic. There are four subvariants of Omicron; BA.1, BA.1.1, BA.2 and BA.3. As a result of new mutations in its spike protein, most of which occur in its receptor binding site, the Omicron variant appears to be more transmissible and less resistant to vaccination and antibody response. Understanding Omicron's virology and mutations is essential to developing diagnostic and therapeutic methods. A thorough assessment of control measures, as well as timely adjustment of control measures, requires addressing such issues as re-infection risk, vaccine response, booster vaccine doses, and the increased rate of Omicron infections. This review article aims to look at the current information about the different types of SARs-CoV-2, focusing on the new subtype BA.2.75.
Case Reports in Neurology
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) affects multiple body systems, inclu... more Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) affects multiple body systems, including the nervous system. Cerebrovascular accidents can also occur. Patients with comorbid illnesses have severe manifestations and poor outcomes. Despite the proper mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 infection-associated stroke having not yet been settled, various possible mechanisms have been hypothesized. One possibility is that the virus causes endothelial dysfunction and immune-mediated injury. Another possibility is that the trans-neuronal spread of the virus affects brain tissue. In addition, hypercoagulability caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection could lead to a stroke. A virus-induced dysfunction of the renin-angiotensin system could also lead to a stroke. The immune response and vasculitis resulting from SARS-CoV-2 infection are also possible causes via a cytokine storm, immune dysfunction, and various inflammatory responses. SARS-CoV-2 infection may affect calcitonin gene-related peptides and c...
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Papers by Mostafa Meshref