{"title":"A community engaged learning model to expand student compassion and understanding of the complexities associated with substance use.","authors":"Kameron Iturralde, Michelle Arnot","doi":"10.1139/cjpp-2025-0279","DOIUrl":"10.1139/cjpp-2025-0279","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Stigma surrounding substance use disorders (SUDs) is widespread and has even been identified among healthcare professionals and trainees, highlighting the need for educational interventions that foster compassionate care, understanding, and emphasize approaches that reflect the complexities of drug use. Community engaged learning (CEL) is an evidence-based pedagogy designed to connect classroom learning with real-world applications. Through community driven collaborative projects that integrate classroom learning with real-world experience, students develop the ability to connect scientific knowledge with social understanding. These experiences, combined with structured reflection and traditional assessments, prepare the next generation of pharmacologists that find careers in healthcare, academia, drug discovery or public health to approach their work with greater compassion, and a nuanced awareness of the complexities faced by individuals and communities affected by substance use. In this commentary, we aim to advance the dialogue on how CEL can contribute to a more empathetic, evidence-based approach to SUD care, research, and policy for the next generation.</p>","PeriodicalId":9520,"journal":{"name":"Canadian journal of physiology and pharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"1-5"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145800086","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abigail J Johnson, Erin N O'Sullivan, Peerada Valyasevi, Breanna Metras, Subin Jang, Robin Shields-Cutler, Katherine R Hendel, Tasma Harindhanavudhi, Levi Teigen
{"title":"The potential for complex interplay between GLP-1 receptor agonists, gut microbiome, and obesity management.","authors":"Abigail J Johnson, Erin N O'Sullivan, Peerada Valyasevi, Breanna Metras, Subin Jang, Robin Shields-Cutler, Katherine R Hendel, Tasma Harindhanavudhi, Levi Teigen","doi":"10.1139/cjpp-2025-0219","DOIUrl":"10.1139/cjpp-2025-0219","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are a class of medications used to treat and manage type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. The present narrative review explores potential interactions between the gut microbiome and GLP-1 RAs. Limited research has been conducted at the intersection of the gut microbiome and GLP-1 RA therapy. Therefore, this review focuses on potential relationships among GLP-1 RA, the microbiome, body weight, dietary changes, and gastrointestinal symptoms. The review of the current literature reveals significant gaps, particularly concerning the role of diet in mediating or confounding any impact of GLP-1 RA medications on the gut microbiome. Therefore, the body of the review is structured as a series of proposed directional and causal relationships. The limited available evidence suggests changes in behavior, diet, and weight loss resulting from GLP-1 RA treatment are the primary drivers of microbiome changes observed after GLP-1 RA treatment. The review concludes by proposing directions for future studies to clarify the complex interplay between GLP-1 RAs, the gut microbiome, diet, and obesity management.</p>","PeriodicalId":9520,"journal":{"name":"Canadian journal of physiology and pharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147442501","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Adriana Adameova, Vladimir Jakovljevic, István Baczkó
{"title":"Preface to the special issue on the IACS-ES 2024 conference-Know the heart: novel insights into the prevention and treatment of heart disease to live and promote a healthy lifestyle.","authors":"Adriana Adameova, Vladimir Jakovljevic, István Baczkó","doi":"10.1139/cjpp-2026-0127","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1139/cjpp-2026-0127","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":9520,"journal":{"name":"Canadian journal of physiology and pharmacology","volume":"104 ","pages":"1-3"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148418956","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ting Xu, Chao Zhang, Yang Yang, Ziyi Shen, Zhangzhen Zhong
{"title":"Esketamine alleviates neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment in male 3xTg-AD mice by regulating the TAOK1/IL-17 axis.","authors":"Ting Xu, Chao Zhang, Yang Yang, Ziyi Shen, Zhangzhen Zhong","doi":"10.1139/cjpp-2025-0340","DOIUrl":"10.1139/cjpp-2025-0340","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Beyond its antidepressant effects, esketamine (ESK) has the potential to enhance neuroplasticity, facilitating the reconnection with emotional and cognitive processes, improving social cognition, and promoting resilience. However, not much is known about its role in Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study aims to explore the potential mechanism of ESK in AD treatment. The potential targets of ESK were predicted by bioinformatics analysis, and 3xTg-AD male mice were subjected to adeno-associated virus and ESK treatment. Cognitive ability, neuronal damage, and proinflammatory factors in 3xTg-AD mice were evaluated. An inflammatory model was established by inducing mouse cortical neurons with mouse IL-17A protein. Neuronal viability was assessed after treatment with different concentrations of ESK. TAOK1 knockdown or IL-17RA knockdown was performed on 3xTg-AD mice and neurons. TAOK1 was highly expressed in the cerebral cortex of ESK-treated 3xTg-AD mice. ESK improved IL-17-induced neuronal inflammation and DNA damage in a TAOK1-dependent manner. TAOK1 interacted with IL-17RA. IL-17RA knockdown improved DNA damage and inflammatory responses in cells and alleviated cognitive impairment and neuroinflammation in AD mice. Overall, ESK protects against DNA damage-mediated neuroinflammation by promoting TAOK1 and inhibiting IL-17 signaling, thereby improving cognitive dysfunction in 3xTg-AD mice.</p>","PeriodicalId":9520,"journal":{"name":"Canadian journal of physiology and pharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148677446","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Bala Swetha Baskaran, Niaz Chalabianloo, Lujain Ez Eddin, Flory T Muanda
{"title":"Beyond disproportionality: systematic prioritization of actionable levothyroxine safety signals in FAERS.","authors":"Bala Swetha Baskaran, Niaz Chalabianloo, Lujain Ez Eddin, Flory T Muanda","doi":"10.1139/cjpp-2025-0331","DOIUrl":"10.1139/cjpp-2025-0331","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Levothyroxine is widely prescribed, yet its real-world safety profile remains unclear. Although disproportionality analysis (DA) can detect potential safety signals, reporting raw findings without systematic prioritization may overemphasize statistical artifacts rather than clinically meaningful hypotheses. We analyzed Food & Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) Individual Case Safety Reports (2004-2023), identifying levothyroxine as the primary suspect drug. Signal detection used four DA measures: reporting odds ratio, proportional reporting ratio, information component, and Empirical Bayes Geometric Mean with standard thresholds, including a dose-stratified comparison (≥100 vs. <100 µg). Detected drug-event pairs were evaluated using a structured signal prioritization framework integrating statistical strength, clinical seriousness, biological plausibility, and novelty to assign high, moderate, or low priority. Inter-rater reliability was assessed using weighted Cohen's κ. We identified 291 signals (22 labeled; 269 unexpected) and 21 dose-dependent signals. Fifteen signals were classified as high priority, while high-dose therapy identified additional moderate-priority signals, including acute kidney injury. Inter-rater agreement was substantial (κ = 0.63; SE = 0.092; 95% confidence interval 0.45-0.81). A structured approach combining FAERS-based signal detection with systematic prioritization distinguished clinically plausible levothyroxine safety signals from statistical noise, supporting targeted pharmacoepidemiologic evaluation, and improved clinical interpretation.</p>","PeriodicalId":9520,"journal":{"name":"Canadian journal of physiology and pharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148872950","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Hydrogen-rich jelly exhibits a positive effect on heart rate variability during orthostatic loading in healthy adults: a randomized crossover trial.","authors":"Yuki Muramoto, Genta Toshima, Emi Minaguchi, Kazuhisa Sugai, Kengo Nagashima, Yasunori Sato, Motoaki Sano, Kazuki Sato, Yoshinori Katsumata","doi":"10.1139/cjpp-2026-0062","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1139/cjpp-2026-0062","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hydrogen gas may improve autonomic regulation. The effects of hydrogen-rich jelly (HRJ) on autonomic responses during postural transition have not yet been investigated. This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial evaluated HRJ effects on heart rate variability (HRV) in 50 healthy adults (21 men; mean age, 44.2 ± 11.3 years). HRJ (30-40 ppm, 10 g) or placebo was orally administered 24 h, 1.5 h, and immediately before testing. HRV was recorded during an orthostatic loading protocol with four 1 min phases: seated rest, stand-up, standing, and resitting. Among the 48 participants with complete data, no significant difference in the primary endpoint of high-frequency was observed. Exploratory analyses revealed lower coefficient of variation of the R-R interval (CVRR) during the stand-up phase (mean difference: -0.46, <i>p</i> = 0.047) and lower low-frequency-to-high-frequency (L/H) ratio during the resitting phase (mean difference: -1.51, <i>p</i> = 0.027), with no significant differences at rest or during standing. Subgroup analyses suggested stronger responses in women and those with lower skeletal muscle mass (CVRR), and in younger participants, those with higher body mass index, and habitual alcohol consumption (L/H). HRJ may induce mild, stage-specific changes in HRV during postural transitions. However, their physiological and clinical significance remains uncertain and should be clarified in future studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":9520,"journal":{"name":"Canadian journal of physiology and pharmacology","volume":"104 ","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149179601","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Exogenous and endogenous antioxidants (ROS) in physiology and pathology of the cardiovascular system.","authors":"Ghassan Bkaily, Ashley Jazzar, Danielle Jacques","doi":"10.1139/cjpp-2025-0240","DOIUrl":"10.1139/cjpp-2025-0240","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a physiological product of cell activity that is mainly generated by the mitochondria as well as by transmembrane NADPH oxidases (NOX1-5) present at the plasma and nuclear envelope membranes. The level of basal intracellular ROS is regulated by endogenous antioxidants such as glutathione (GSH), and the endogenous and exogenous antioxidant taurine. These two antioxidants are present in all types of cells and more particularly in the heart and the vascular system. They regulate and control intrcellular normal ROS levels in order to prevent an increase that induces dysfunction of the cardiovascular system. There are also exogenous antioxidants that are present in many types of food such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and resveratrol. These exogenous antioxidants are necessary to complement the effect of endogenous antioxidants. However, according to the literature, it is difficult to generalize about the beneficial effect of exogenous antioxidants in preventing cardiovascular disease. This does not necessarily seem to be the case for endogenous antioxidants. In this review, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using exogenous and endogenous antioxidants, and suggest the potential application of one of them.</p>","PeriodicalId":9520,"journal":{"name":"Canadian journal of physiology and pharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145291301","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Pseudolymphoma associated with calcium channel blockers: a FAERS disproportionality analysis comparing dihydropyridines and non-dihydropyridines.","authors":"Connor Frey","doi":"10.1139/cjpp-2025-0406","DOIUrl":"10.1139/cjpp-2025-0406","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Calcium channel blockers (CCBs), particularly amlodipine, are among the most widely prescribed antihypertensive agents globally. However, no comprehensive disproportionality analysis has quantified this association. This pharmacovigilance study utilized the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) to evaluate the reporting association between CCBs and pseudolymphoma. The FAERS database was parsed through its 14 104 743 adverse event reports. Five CCBs were evaluated: three dihydropyridines (amlodipine, nifedipine, and felodipine) and two non-dihydropyridines (diltiazem, verapamil). Disproportionality was quantified using reporting odds ratios (RORs). The MedDRA preferred term \"pseudolymphoma\" was employed for case identification. Among 319 pseudolymphoma reports, 44 were associated with dihydropyridines and 1 with non-dihydropyridines. Amlodipine demonstrated the strongest signal (ROR 38.08, 95% CI 27.60-52.54; <i>n</i> = 42), followed by nifedipine (ROR 18.61, 95% CI 4.64-74.74; <i>n</i> = 2). Diltiazem showed a non-significant signal (ROR 5.47, 95% CI 0.77-38.93; <i>n</i> = 1). Felodipine and verapamil yielded no reports. Dihydropyridines exhibited 7- to 70-fold greater RORs compared with non-dihydropyridines. This analysis establishes a robust, though not causal, class-specific safety signal linking dihydropyridine CCBs, particularly amlodipine, to pseudolymphoma risk. The substantial disproportionality suggests a pharmacologically mediated mechanism requiring heightened clinical surveillance, prompt recognition, and timely drug discontinuation to prevent potential malignant transformation.</p>","PeriodicalId":9520,"journal":{"name":"Canadian journal of physiology and pharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"1-5"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147834070","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Branislav Kura, Patricia Pavelkova, Barbora Kalocayova, Matus Sykora, Jana Vlkovicova, Michal Kluknavsky, Tyler W LeBaron, Margita Pobijakova, Andrea Sagatova, Jan Slezak
{"title":"Comparison of hydrogen administration methods in the treatment of radiation-induced heart disease in rats.","authors":"Branislav Kura, Patricia Pavelkova, Barbora Kalocayova, Matus Sykora, Jana Vlkovicova, Michal Kluknavsky, Tyler W LeBaron, Margita Pobijakova, Andrea Sagatova, Jan Slezak","doi":"10.1139/cjpp-2025-0085","DOIUrl":"10.1139/cjpp-2025-0085","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ionizing radiation is a known risk factor for the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases, particularly in patients receiving thoracic radiotherapy. This exposure leads to oxidative stress and inflammation, which can damage cardiac tissue and vascular endothelium. Molecular hydrogen (H<sub>2</sub>) has been recognized for its therapeutic potential, including antioxidant effects. In this study, male Wistar rats were irradiated with a dose of 10 Gy (X-rays) in the chest area. Two and 9 days post-irradiation, significant increases in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), catalase, glutathione peroxidase activity, malondialdehyde, superoxide, and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels were observed in the rat blood plasma or heart tissue. Administration of H<sub>2</sub> either via drinking H<sub>2</sub>-rich water (min. 4 mg/L) or inhaling H<sub>2</sub> in air (4%), effectively decreased oxidative stress, LDH, and inflammatory proteins to normal levels. H<sub>2</sub> also normalized the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/Kelch-like ECH-associating protein 1 (Nrf2/Keap1) pathway, an important antioxidative response regulator activated by irradiation. Based on these results, we can conclude that H<sub>2</sub> administration through both routes mitigated heart damage caused by irradiation after 2 and 9 days. The mitigating effect exerted more pronounced trend with H<sub>2</sub> gas inhalation, but further research is needed for statistically relevant data and mechanistic insights.</p>","PeriodicalId":9520,"journal":{"name":"Canadian journal of physiology and pharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147430804","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aml I Gadallah, Azza S Abdelhaffez, Ola A Hussein, Sally A Sayed, M A H Abdelhakiem, Nashwa A Abd El-Mottaleb
{"title":"Effect of ostarine on glucose level, lipid profile, and osteoporosis in streptozotocin induced diabetic male rats.","authors":"Aml I Gadallah, Azza S Abdelhaffez, Ola A Hussein, Sally A Sayed, M A H Abdelhakiem, Nashwa A Abd El-Mottaleb","doi":"10.1139/cjpp-2025-0063","DOIUrl":"10.1139/cjpp-2025-0063","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to evaluate ostarine effects on blood glucose, dyslipidemia, and osteoporosis in diabetic rats. Forty-eight adult male rats were divided into six groups (Control, Ostarine: 0.4 mg/kg daily orally, diabetes mellitus (DM), DO: diabetic rats received ostarine, DI: diabetic rats received insulin, DOI: diabetic rats received ostarine and insulin for 8 weeks). Radiographic examination for bone was done. Blood samples, bone, and pancreas were taken for examination. Ostarine significantly increased body weight, muscle weight, bone weight and ashing, lowered blood glucose, TC, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides, increased Ca<sup>++</sup>, phosphorus (P), osteocalcin, RUNX2, and positive immunostained osteopontin cells compared to DM, but no significance on CTX-I or RANKL. It improved bone density in X-ray, pancreatic islet cells and bone microarchitecture in histological examinations, being more apparent in ostarine and insulin-treated group. However, insulin alone had no significant effect on TC, LDL-C, Ca<sup>++</sup>, P, OC, CTX-I, RUNX2, RANKL, or osteopontin and downregulated alkaline phosphatase compared to DM, with focal decreased bone radiodensity and minimal improvement in bone and pancreatic sections. In conclusion, ostarine could have beneficial effects on diabetes such as improving glycemic state, dyslipidemia, and mainly diabetic osteoporotic bone. Ostarine should be further evaluated in diabetic osteoporosis or other types of osteoporosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":9520,"journal":{"name":"Canadian journal of physiology and pharmacology","volume":"104 ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147466839","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}