Saudi Medical Journal最新文献

{"title":"GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and SGLT-2 Inhibitors in Diabetic Nephropathy: <i>A Comparative Study</i>.","authors":"Sara Ghadeer Alghadeer, Sama Sami Kanfar, Zakiah Dheya Algallaf, Fatimah Mudhar Alfardan, Rana Alshammrany, Maha Farhat, Cyril Cyrus","doi":"10.15537/1658-3175.8828","DOIUrl":"10.15537/1658-3175.8828","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To investigate the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RAs) on renal function in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and compared their efficacy to sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) in managing diabetic nephropathy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This is a retrospective cohort study conducted at King Fahad University Hospital, including 115 adults (≥18 years) with T2DM and baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥60 mL/min/1.73m², treated with GLP-1RAs or SGLT-2i for over 1 year. Patients on renal replacement therapy, nephrotoxic drugs, or with incomplete records were excluded. Data were analyzed with Jeffrey's Amazing Statistics Program; the significant value is <i>p</i> < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants were treated with either SGLT-2i (67.8%) or GLP-1RAs (32.2%). Both groups showed minimal improvements in glycemic control, hemoglobin A1c decreased from 7.86% to 7.66% (SGLT-2i) and from 8% to 7.76% (GLP-1RAs). Estimated GFR minimally improved by 0.5-1.2 mL/min/1.73m² (GLP-1RAs) and changed by -1.2 to +10.1 mL/min/1.73m² (SGLT-2i). Urine albumin/creatinine ratio dropped by 13.35 mg/g with GLP-1RAs but increased by 49.86 mg/g with SGLT-2i.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Both medications offered comparable glycemic and renal benefits. The GLP-1RAs, however, demonstrated more favorable effects on albuminuria, suggesting potential for superior renal protection in nascent diabetic nephropathy.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"47 8","pages":"1357-1365"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13360869/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148437761","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Artificial Intelligence in Pharmaceutical Care: <i>Transforming Drug Discovery, Development, and Patient-care Delivery</i>.","authors":"Abdulrahman G Alharbi, Abdulrahman A Aljabri","doi":"10.15537/1658-3175.8820","DOIUrl":"10.15537/1658-3175.8820","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into pharmaceutical care represents a paradigm shift in healthcare delivery, offering unprecedented opportunities to revolutionize medication management, accelerate drug development, and enhance patient outcomes. This comprehensive review synthesized evidence from global literature (2021-2025) examining AI applications across drug discovery and development, clinical trials optimization, medication therapy management, and pharmacy operations. The AI demonstrated prediction accuracies of 86-98% in drug discovery, 80% improvement in clinical trial recruitment efficiency, and 32.7% increase in medication adherence over standard care. The global AI drug discovery market, valued at $1.5 billion (2023), is projected to reach $11.8 billion by 2030, reflecting substantial industry investment. However, implementation challenges persist including data quality concerns (30% accuracy in some datasets), regulatory compliance issues, and algorithmic bias (8-12% performance variations across demographics). Successful implementation requires coordinated efforts across technological development, regulatory frameworks, healthcare professional training, and continuous validation protocols addressing technical, organizational, and ethical dimensions simultaneously.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"47 8","pages":"1285-1299"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13360391/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148437689","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Awareness of the Mediterranean Diet and its Perceived Effect on Cardiovascular Health in the Western Region, Saudi Arabia.","authors":"Abdullah M Alharbi, Mohammed S Alsaedi, Mutaz S Alharbi, Faisal F Almutairi, Adeeb M Aloufi, Azzam M Alharbi, Rakan D Alsaedi, Hatim F Alhejaili, Motasem M Alyamani","doi":"10.15537/1658-3175.8826","DOIUrl":"10.15537/1658-3175.8826","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To increase awareness of mediterranean diet (MD) and its perceived effects on cardiovascular health, enhance knowledge and inform public health efforts aimed at improving the population's health outcomes of. The MD comprises heart-healthy eating patterns high in vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, and fruits.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study involved adult participants who were living in the Western region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The data were collected online through social media platforms, then cleaned, coded, and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 21 to generate key insights.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 390 participants were included in the study. The study noted gender differences in the awareness of core MD components, with females showing better knowledge than males (<i>p</i> = 0.009). Compared to other age groups, participants aged 18-29 years demonstrated significantly higher awareness of the diet (<i>p</i> = 0.008) and cardiovascular risk factors (<i>p</i> = 0.009). Common foods cited as good sources of dietary fiber include oats (302, 48.5%) and legumes (199, 31.9%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study demonstrated a lack of awareness of the MD among the participants, but female and young adults demonstrated better awareness of the diet and its perceived effects on cardiovascular health. The research identified critical deficiencies in knowledge and awareness regarding the importance of MD in cardiovascular health. These findings call for greater public education and awareness regarding healthy lifestyle and dietary choices, aimed at encouraging healthy practices and enhancing overall wellbeing.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"47 8","pages":"1343-1350"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13360378/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148437607","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Seasonal Variation of Diabetic Ketoacidosis among Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes: <i>A Single-Center Tertiary Experience</i>.","authors":"Nour Gazzaz, Fajr A Saeedi","doi":"10.15537/1658-3175.8829","DOIUrl":"10.15537/1658-3175.8829","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) seasonal variations among children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) have been widely studied; however, findings remain inconsistent. Although several studies reported a higher incidence during colder months, others showed no consistent patterns. This study investigated whether DKA frequency and severity vary across seasons, particularly in humid cities.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective cohort analyzed children and adolescents with T1DM admitted to a tertiary hospital with DKA (2015-2025). Data included demographics, seasonal admission trends, clinical severity, and outcomes. Statistical analyses involved the Chi-square and ANOVA tests.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 369 DKA cases were analyzed, with mean age of 14.7 years and 62.6% were females. Most had established T1DM (88.6% with prior DKA episodes). Severe cases showed significantly higher heart rates, lower GCS scores (<i>p</i> < 0.001), higher HbA1c levels (<i>p</i> = 0.001), longer hospital (<i>p</i> = 0.007) and ICU (<i>p</i> = 0.003) stays. Diastolic blood pressure also correlated with severity (<i>p</i> = 0.036). Although DKA severity showed no significance seasonal association (<i>p</i> = 0.865), winter peak was observed, suggesting confounding factors or bias in seasonal patterns.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The DKA admission peaked in winter, particularly in December; however, this trend was not clinically significant. Confounding factors, including infection or delayed care, may explain this variation. The findings emphasize focusing on modifiable patient factors, including year-round glycemic control, education, and timely interventions, to reduce DKA recurrence.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"47 8","pages":"1366-1375"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13360768/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148437743","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Lived Experiences and Perceptions of People with Knee Osteoarthritis in Saudi Arabia: <i>A Qualitative Study</i>.","authors":"Sultan A Alanazi, Amjad S Alhabishi, Rana O Alawafi, Samia A Alamrani","doi":"10.15537/1658-3175.8811","DOIUrl":"10.15537/1658-3175.8811","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To explore how people with knee osteoarthritis (OA) in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) perceive and live with their condition, how they self-manage symptoms, and how they experience physiotherapy and rehabilitation services.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A descriptive qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews. Interviews were undertaken with individuals with knee OA who are aged ≥45 years. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, de-identified and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis with investigator triangulation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-seven (19 females) participants aged 45-74 years (mean = 61) from different regions of KSA shared lived experiences of knee OA. Four themes describing participants' experiences with knee OA were identified from interview data: i) living with the progression of knee OA: from onset to functional limitation and psychological consequences, ii) traditional remedies and medical treatments were used to manage knee OA symptoms, iii) engagement with physiotherapy: referral, adherence, perceived outcomes, and therapeutic relationships with therapist, iv) and accessibility challenges, service limitations, and patient suggestions for improvement.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Study findings indicate that people with knee OA in KSA live with chronic pain, functional limitations, and fluctuating engagement across traditional, medical, and physiotherapy treatments. Providing culturally sensitive education, more flexible physiotherapy options, and service improvements aligned with patients' suggestions may support better engagement and outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"47 7","pages":"1219-1230"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13264145/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148252884","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Safety and Efficacy of Adalimumab Biosimilar in Psoriasis and Hidradenitis Suppurativa: <i>A Clinical Experience</i>.","authors":"Raneem H Najjar, Sarah O Alrashid, Rnda F Almahfouz, Hadeel T Alzahrani, Majed Y Aleissa, Alanoud R Hakami","doi":"10.15537/1658-3175.8808","DOIUrl":"10.15537/1658-3175.8808","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To evaluate the clinical experience, safety, and effectiveness of adalimumab biosimilars in patients with psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a retrospective, single-center observational study between March and September 2024 using electronic medical records from King Abdulaziz Medical City and King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Pediatric and adult patients with psoriasis or hidradenitis suppurativa who switched to adalimumab biosimilars between 2016 and 2022 were included. Variables included demographics, disease characteristics, prior therapies, biosimilar use, and adverse events.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 57 (93% adults; 50.9% female) patients were included. Obesity was present in 35.1%, and 6 (10.5%) patients had hidradenitis suppurativa. Plaque psoriasis was the most common subtype (72.5%), with psoriatic arthritis in 35.3%. Most patients (89.5%) switched to a biosimilar after treatment with the originator. The median dose and duration were 40 mg and 2-3 years, with high adherence (hidradenitis suppurativa 83.3%; psoriasis 90.2%). All patients with hidradenitis suppurativa improved, whereas 68.6% of patients with psoriasis responded, 19.6% showed no improvement, and 11.8% worsened. Adverse events were infrequent. Patients without obesity and those with prior response to adalimumab were more likely to benefit.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Adalimumab biosimilars demonstrate favorable efficacy and safety, particularly in prior responders. Patients with hidradenitis suppurativa showed consistent improvement. The low rate of adverse events and absence of new safety signals support safe clinical use. Further multicenter studies are needed to confirm these findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"47 7","pages":"1196-1201"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13264143/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148252896","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and Risk Factors of Surgical Site Infections in Hospitals Across Al Madinah Al Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia: <i>A Retrospective Cohort Study</i>.","authors":"Atheer M Aljohani, Danah O Sandaqji, Rana A Alahmadi, Raha Z Ishqi, Manal A Alanazi, Shouq N Aloufi, Husain I Sandugji","doi":"10.15537/1658-3175.8810","DOIUrl":"10.15537/1658-3175.8810","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To determine the prevalence of surgical site infection (SSI) and identify associated risk factors in hospitals in Al Madinah Al Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 363 adult surgical patients from major hospitals in Madinah between 2023 and 2024. We analyzed medical records using descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and multivariable logistic regression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall SSI rate was 5.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.3-7.9%). Infection types comprised superficial incisional (57.9%), deep incisional (36.8%), and organ/space infections (5.3%). Significant risk factors included younger age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.94 per year, <i>p</i> = 0.014), increased body mass index (BMI) (aOR = 1.10 per unit, <i>p</i> = 0.043), orthopedic surgery compared with general surgery (aOR = 47.46, <i>p</i> = 0.033), and dirty wounds compared with clean wounds (aOR = 28.07, <i>p</i> = 0.005). Despite high rates of prophylactic antibiotic use (82.1% preoperative, 17.4% intra-operative, and 90.9% postoperative), no significant association with SSI risk was observed.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The SSI rate in Al Madinah Al Munawwarah hospitals is higher than previously reported. Variations across hospitals and surgical specialties highlight the need for targeted infection prevention strategies, particularly for high-risk procedures and in facilities with elevated infection rates.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"47 7","pages":"1210-1218"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13264150/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148252876","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Interleukin-6 Inhibition for Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction: <i>A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis</i>.","authors":"Mohammed Y Alasmary, Mohammed J Almalki, Faisal H Almalki, Waleed D Khubzan, Mohammed H Rajab, Mohammed S Almalki, Hussam A Almalki, Omar M Alsuwat, Hussam M Alghannami","doi":"10.15537/1658-3175.8800","DOIUrl":"10.15537/1658-3175.8800","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To explore the outcomes associated with interleukin-6 (IL-6) pathway blockade, using tocilizumab, in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non (NSTEMI). Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) denotes myocardial necrosis due to ischemia and presents in distinct electrocardiographic phenotypes. Inflammation driven by IL-6 contributes to ischemia-reperfusion injury, with tocilizumab showing promise in reducing myocardial damage and improving outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This work followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Framework and was registered in international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO). Relevant studies were identified through structured searches of PubMed, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar up to June 2025, focusing on randomized and prospective investigations of IL-6 inhibition in AMI. Assessed outcomes included infarct size, inflammatory and cardiac biomarkers, major adverse cardiovascular events, and mortality.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Three randomized controlled trials including 344 patients were analyzed. All evaluated tocilizumab in STEMI or NSTEMI. Pooled data showed no significant difference between tocilizumab and placebo for recurrent myocardial infarction (relative risk [RR] = 0.47, 95% confidence limit [CI] = 0.07-3.05; I² = 44%; <i>p</i> = 0.43) or infection (RR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.29-2.53; I² = 0%; <i>p</i> = 0.77). Mechanistic analysis demonstrated lower c-reactive protein (CRP) exposure, transient N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proßNP) reductions, and attenuated troponin release in tocilizumab groups, indicating biological modulation of inflammatory and myocardial injury pathways during the acute phase. Benefits were greatest during hospitalization but diminished over time. Long-term outcomes, including ventricular remodeling, NT-proßNP at 6 months, and mortality, showed no significant group differences.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The IL-6 inhibition with tocilizumab demonstrates early anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effects in AMI, but consistent clinical benefits remain unproven, underscoring the need for larger, long-term trials to confirm efficacy and safety.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"47 7","pages":"1124-1132"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13264147/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148252846","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular Mechanisms of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma and the Complexities of Tumor Development.","authors":"Wael I Alzahrani","doi":"10.15537/1658-3175.8802","DOIUrl":"10.15537/1658-3175.8802","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most prevalent aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma, exhibits substantial molecular heterogeneity and arises from germinal center or post-germinal center B cells through recurrent genetic and epigenetic dysregulation of critical signaling pathways. Aberrations involving BCL6, MYC, MYD88, and components of B cell receptor and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling play central roles in lymphomagenesis, treatment resistance, and clinical outcomes. Gene expression profiling has defined major molecular subgroups in DLBCL, including germinal center B cell-like and activated B cell-like tumors, that show distinct pathogenesis and prognosis. High-risk entities, such as double- and triple-hit lymphomas, remain therapeutically challenging despite advances in immunochemotherapy. Recent progress in molecular diagnostics and targeted therapies, including immune checkpoint inhibition, Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors, B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) antagonists, and Chimeric antigen receptor-T cells, has expanded precision-based treatment strategies. This review summarizes advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms of DLBCL and emphasizes emerging therapeutic approaches informed by genomic and microenvironmental discoveries.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"47 7","pages":"1141-1149"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13264149/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148252864","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Immunoinformatic based Development of a Multi-Epitope Precision Vaccine Targeting Glycoprotein and RdRp of Oropouche Virus: <i>An Innovative Approach to Counter Emerging Public Health Threats</i>.","authors":"Mohammed Alissa, Muhammad Suleman","doi":"10.15537/1658-3175.8807","DOIUrl":"10.15537/1658-3175.8807","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To design high immunogenic vaccine against the Oropouche virus (OROV). The OROV is a neglected arbovirus endemic to Central and South America, causes oropouche fever, which can progress to severe complications such as meningitis and hemorrhagic symptoms.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We utilized immunoinformatic and molecular dynamic simulation approaches to design highly immunogenic vaccines against OROV. This observational study, carried out between January and August 2024 in Saudi Arabia. As it involves an in-silico method, ethical consent was not required.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Docking analysis confirmed the stable interaction of the designed vaccines with human toll-like receptors (TLR)-3, producing binding scores of -300.78, -306.19, and -288.60 kcal/mol for the glycoprotein, ribonucleic acid (RNA)-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), and combined vaccine, respectively. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations supported the stability of the vaccine-TLR-3 complexes. The calculated total binding free energies were -107.44 kcal/mol for glycoprotein-TLR-3, -33.64 kcal/mol for RdRp -TLR-3, and -78.62 kcal/mol for the combined vaccine-TLR-3 interaction. The computed codon adaptation index (CAI) values for the vaccines were notably 0.96, with guanine-cytosine (GC) content ranging between 65% and 66%, suggesting strong potential for high expression in the pET28a+ vector. The analysis of immune simulation showed rapid antigen clearance, accompanied by sustained and elevated immunoglobulin (Ig)M and IgG responses.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study presents a potent and secure vaccine candidate to combat the emerging Oropouche virus infection, which requires further experimental validation.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"47 7","pages":"1184-1195"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13264157/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148252824","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}