Vol.10 No.2 – 9: Anticancer Activity of Cytosine Deaminase Enzyme Purified from Local Saccharomyces cerevisia Bread Yeast

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Muna Abed Mutter1, Zainab Yaseen Mohammed Hasan2, Milad Adnan Mezher1

1Coll. Edu. Pure Sciences\ Tikrit University, Salah al-din, Iraq.

2Biotech. Res. Center \ Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad – Iraq.

Abstract

The study aimed to extract and purify the enzyme cytosine deaminase from locally manufactured bread yeast Saccharomyces cerevisia. To achieve the goal of the study, bread yeast was made locally and transported to the laboratory for an enzyme extraction process using toluene as an organic solvent for yeast wall rapturing. A crude enzyme was extracted with cold distilled water. Steps for enzyme purification started with a precipitation step with ammonium sulfate at 60% saturation, and then the ion exchange purification method ended with a gel filtration purification process applied. In each step, the supernatant volume, enzyme activity, specific enzyme activity, protein concentration, and percentage of enzyme yield were recorded. The cytotoxic effect of different enzyme concentrations in all purification steps toward the lung cancer cell line A549 and human breast cancer line MDA cell line beside normal cell line REF cells was investigated. The specific activity of the crude extract of locally produced bread yeast reached 13.205 units/mg protein, and for ammonium sulfate enzyme precipitation the specific activity amounted to 17.68 units/mg protein, for ion exchange was 216.66 units/mg protein, while for purification with gel filtration, the specific activity reached 571.428 unit/mg protein. The cytotoxic effect of the extracted enzyme in all steps; crud, ion-exchange, and gel filtration purified enzyme on the lungA549 and breast AMD cancer lines beside the REF normal cells were should a range of toxic effects at different enzyme concentrations. The toxicity was reduced till diminished as the enzyme was more purified.

Anticancer Activity of Cytosine Deaminase Enzyme Purified from Local Saccharomyces cerevisia Bread Yeast (1)

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Vol.10 No.2 – 8: Herpes Simplex Virus Seroprevalence in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study

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Leqaa Shather Radhi 1, Anfal Mohammed Khudhair 2, Nawar Sahib Khalil 3

1,2,3  College of Medicine, University of AL-Iraqia, Baghdad, Iraq

Abstract

Background: exposure to these viruses, HSV-1 and HSV-2, has been linked to neurological and behavioral problems in children that exhibit symptoms similar to those of schizophrenia and autism, these Viruses can cause neuronal cell death and trigger a widespread inflammatory response, which may impact the development of autism.  Several case reports suggest a link between herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection and the onset of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Objectives: to investigate the prevalence of herpes in autistic children. Material and Methods: Collected 400 blood samples from autistic children, with 258 males and 142 females. The age range was 2 to 16 years, with a mean age of 5.87 ± 2.544 years. ELISA technology identified the presence of a herpes infection. The samples were centrifuged, separated, and stored at 4°C until the detection tests for HSV1 and HSV2 were conducted. Results: Individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) had a discernible inclination towards elevated levels of antibodies against the Herpes Simplex Virus HSV-1 (60%), and HSV-2(25.5%).

 Conclusions: Although the outcomes are positive, there remains a possibility that HSV contributes to ASD for two specific reasons. Firstly, the presence of elevated antibody levels and the diversity in age, sex, ASD levels, or severity necessitate additional research. Furthermore, the virus can operate as a catalyst or underlying cause for specific infants who have a genetic or environmental inclination towards these problems.

Herpes Simplex Virus Seroprevalence in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder A Cross-Sectional Study

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Vol.10 No.2 – 7: Evaluation of the in-vitro anti-inflammatory and hemolytic activity of aqueous extract of Silene Vulgaris (Moench) Garcke in Algeria.

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Abdelkader Elhadj Berrezig 1*, Achraf .K 1 , Kheira.M 1, Yazid.A2

1  Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Life, Tahri Mohamed University of Bechar, Algeria.

1  Laboratory of Valorization of Vegetal Resource and Food Security in Semi-Arid Areas, South West of Algeria, Tahri  Mohammed University of Bechar, Algeria.

2 Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, University IBN KHALDOUN of Tiaret, Algeria

Abstract

Silene vulgaris (Moench) Garcke is a popular edible plant that is consumed by a significant population in many countries. The present research focused on determining the in-vitro anti-inflammatory ability and hemolytic activity of aqueous extracts derived from the soil and aerial parts of S. vulgaris. The study involved many plant parts, including roots, leaves, stems, and flowers. The extraction method adopted consisted of decoction and maceration, with distilled water acting as the solvent for extraction.Bovine Serum Protein Denaturation was used as a method to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of S.vulgaris. Moreover, the evaluation of the hemolytic effect of aqueous extracts from S.vulgaris parts was prepared in vitro on an erythrocyte suspension of human blood incubated in phosphate buffer solution (PBS). The results of in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity showed that the macerated aqueous extract (Mac-H2O) and decocted aqueous extract (Dec-H2O) of leaves (at concentrations of 1 mg/ml) exhibited a considerably greater level of inhibition (88.31% and 66.88%, respectively) compared to the other parts. Additionally, an evaluation of hemolytic potential was conducted on human erythrocytes, revealing that the root extracts (Mac-H2O and Dec-H2O) display high activity against erythrocytes, leading to hemolysis (82.97 ± 3.56% and 86, 62 ± 1.44%, respectively). In contrast, the aerial parts showed very weak hemolytic activity. These results indicate that S.vulgaris has considerable antioxidant properties, particularly the leaves, which can make it a good nominee for subsequent investigations.

Evaluation of the in vitro anti-inflammatory and hemolytic activity of aqueous extract of Silene Vulgaris (Moench) Garcke in Algeria.

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Vol.10 No.2 – 6: Evaluation of the renal protection conferred by amygdalin against animal growth regulator Boldjaninduced renal toxicity and injury in male rats

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Sawsan Agbashee Alsadee

Department of Basic Sciences, College of Nursing, Misan University, Iraq

Abstract:

Among the supplements that athletes utilize most frequently are anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS). Boldjan is an AAS drug used by young adults who want to look better and feel better about themselves and used in veterinary medicine. Thus, the goal of the current study was to investigate if amygdalin extract could protect male rats from kidney damage, oxidative stress, and toxicity caused by the anabolic steroid Boldjan. Four groups (Gp1, Control; Gp2, Amygdalin; Gp3, Boldjan; Gp4, Boldjan+ Amygdalin) were created out of forty mature male Wistar rats. When compared to control Gp, Boldjan significantly increased relative body weights (RBW), relative weights of the kidney, serum urea, creatinine, potassium ions, calcium ions, and chloride ions, and caused renal damage. It also significantly decreased sodium ions. By contrast, in post-treated rats Gp (Boldjan+Amygdalin), Amygdalin markedly restored the kidney damage generated by Boldjan. Amygdalin may be a useful prophylactic supplement to reduce kidney toxicity caused by Boldjan, perhaps through regulating oxidative stress reactions.

Evaluation of the renal protection conferred by amygdalin against animal growth regulator Boldjan induced renal toxicity and injury in male rats (2)

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Vol.10 No.2 – 5: Modulating effect of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) oil on CD34 and vimentin expressions in fibrotic and cirrhotic liver tissues induced by CCl4 in mice

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Nabila I. El-Desouki1,*, Mohamed A. Basyouny1, Soha G. Okba1 , Rabab A. Hegazy2,*, Buthina S. Alshammari1

1Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt

2 Department of Biology, University College in Darb, Jazan University, Al-Darb, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia

Abstract:

Aim: evaluate the impact of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) on CD34 and vimentin expression in hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis induced with CCl4 in experimental mice. Methods: GI: normal group given no therapy; control group. GII: received a daily dose (1mL/kg/bw/d) of milk thistle oil M.T.O for 4 weeks; GIII&GIV: injected i.p. with (1:1 ratio) mixture of CCl4 and olive oil (1mL/kg/bw) twice weekly for 4 weeks to induce fibrosis, and for 6 weeks to induce cirrhosis. Gp5 and Gp6: fibrotic and cirrhotic groups administered M.T.O as in Gp2. The results showed that liver sections of Gp1 and Gp2 showed normal moderate to strong CD34 expression in the endothelial cells of the blood sinusoids and many hepatocytes. The liver tissues of Gp3 and Gp4 expressed decrement CD34 immunoreactivity in many hepatic lobules. The liver sections of Gp5 or Gp6 showed restoration of CD34 expression in most of the hepatic tissues. In Gp1 and Gp2, the vimentin was expressed as weak or moderate immunostaining in the endothelial cells and connective tissues (wall of the blood sinusoids, central portal veins, and portal tract stroma). The liver sections of Gp3 and Gp4 showed overexpression of vimentin immunoreactivity. The treatment with M.T.O in Gp5 and Gp6 showed improvement and recovery of vimentin expression in the hepatic lobules. Conclusion: M.T.O. treatment improved the hepatic injury induced in fibrotic or cirrhotic tissues by CCl4 injection and could be recommended for patients with fibrotic and cirrhotic liver diseases.

Modulating effect of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) oil on CD34 and vimentin expressions in fibrotic and cirrhotic liver tissues induced by CCl4 in mice

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Vol.10 No.2 – 4: Role of Salvia hispanica seeds extract on Ehrlich ascites model induced liver damage in female mice.

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By: Ahmed Flayyih Hasan1, Noor Adel Jasim1, Manar talib suhail2, Ali Talib Abid1,

Ehab Tousson3

1 Biotechnology Research Center, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq.                   

2 College of Science, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq.

3Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Egypt.

Abstract:

     Because the Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) model can accurately predict survival time and is successful in creating neoplastic cells, it is frequently employed in experimental cancer studies. The present work is designed to investigate the antitumoral properties and therapeutic potential of Chia (Salvia hispanica) seed extract (ChSE) in inhibition of EAC-induced liver toxicity and tissue injury. All of the Forty female Swiss albino mice were equally separated into four cohorts (Gp1, control group; Gp2, CHSE group; Gp3, EAC group; Gp4, EAC+ChSE). Current results revealed that; EAC caused a notable increase in serum Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, body weight, liver weight, liver injury, and a significant depletion in albumin and total proteins as in contrast to the control Gp. Post-treatment of EAC with CHSE (EAC+ChSE) induced a significant depletion in serum ALT, AST, ALP, body weight, liver weight, liver injury, and a notable rise in albumin and total proteins as compared to EAC. One may conclude that ChSE possesses the capacity for a liver protective effect against EAC cell-induced liver injury and signposts about the potential benefits of ChSE in the treatment of liver toxicity.

Role of Salvia hispanica seeds extract on Ehrlich ascites model induced liver damage in female mice (1)

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Vol.10 No.2 – 3: Preliminary observations of the gustatory function of sensilla on antennae of the female Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): from single compounds to complex natural stimuli.

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By: Mervat A. Seada

Entomology Division, Department of Zoology, Tanta University, 31527-Tanta, El-Gharbiya, Egypt.

Abstract

The gustatory system in insects is composed of detectors screening different panels of ligands, which enable or suppress life behaviors depending on the context. Single sensillum electrophysiology recordings were conducted from the antennal sensilla chaetica of an adult female moth of Spodoptera littoralis to ascertain whether these sensilla have a gustatory function. Five test stimuli (NaCl, sucrose, ethanol, green cotton leaves extract, and conspecific larval frass extract) were used to stimulate each sensillum. Two types of gustatory sensilla chaetica located on the same flagellomere of the distal third of the antenna were characterized, each sensillum enclosed three gustatory receptor neurons (N1, N2, and N3). Overall, responses (spikes/s) were higher in the case of low concentration of sucrose and higher concentration of ethanol than of salt and higher concentration of sucrose. Individual differences were observed in the response patterns of these sensilla to the tested stimuli but functional sensillum types could not be identified. Higher concentrations of sucrose, ethanol extracts of green cotton leaves, or conspecific larval frass significantly stimulated the same neuron of ventral and lateral sensilla chaetica. Response patterns revealed that antennal gustatory sensilla contain gustatory neurons, which are possible receptors for host-plant recognition. Moreover, stimulation of the female’s antennae with phagostimulative sucrose evoked activation of the proboscis extension reflex with dose-dependent responses. Differences in sensilla distribution and their response patterns suggest that gustatory sensilla on the antennae of the female S. littoralis have a key role in adaptation and host plant recognition.

Preliminary observations of the gustatory function of sensilla on antennae of the female Spodoptera littoralis Lepidoptera Noctuidae from single compounds to complex natural stimuli

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Vol.10 No.2 – 2: Gene sequences of TNF and INFα Cytokines in Cryptosporidium Co-infection with H-pylori of irritable bowel syndrome

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By: Basheer Abd. Nasralla1, Nazar Sh. Mohammed2, Salwa S. Muhsen1

1 Medical Technical Institute, Middle Technical University (MTU), Iraq

2 Collage of Health and Medical Techniques, Middle Technical University (MTU), Iraq

Abstract

In this study, 100 whole blood samples were collected from patients having Cryptosporidiosis and co-infected with H pylori bacteria who attended Baghdad Teaching Hospital during the period from June 2022 to April 2023. The results showed that the Mean±S.E of anti-Cryptosporidium IgM antibodies in the patient group was (14.614±0.901) when compared with the control group (0.081±0.022), with a highly significant difference p<0.0001. Also, the Mean±S.E of anti-Cryptosporidium IgG antibodies was (24.213±0.839) in the patient group when compared with the control group (4.775±0.249), with a highly significant difference p<0.0001. The Mean±S.E of anti-H pylori IgM antibodies in the patient group was (13.923±1.005) when compared with the control group (0.200±0.032), with a highly significant difference p<0.0001. The results also demonstrated that the Mean±S.E of anti-H pylori IgG in the patient group was (28.460±0.847) when compared with the control group (15.835±0.438), with a highly significant difference p<0.0001. The result showed that Mean±S.E of INFα in the patient group was (14.588±0.849) when compared with the control group (4.655±0.271), with a highly significant difference p<0.0001. Data in our study also showed a mutation occurred with TNF gene ID 90865 in SNPs, rs7044343. The variation of wild TT was changed to CC, CC, TC, TC, CC, TC, CC, TC, TT, TC in comparison with the control group. A mutation occurred with INFα gene ID 90865 in SNPs, rs7044343. The variation of wild TT was changed to CC, CC, TC, TC, CC, TC, CC, TC, TT, TT compared to the control group.

Gene sequences of TNF and INFα Cytokines in Cryptosporidium (1)

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Vol.10 No.2 – 1: Effect of Fungi Presence on Wing Morphometry and Flight Behaviour in the Common Pipistrelle Bats (Pipistrellus pipistrellus)

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By: Rana O. Khayat1

1 Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, 21955, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Bats play an important role in ecosystem function, serving as a biocontrol agent of insects and pollination in plants, hence the need to understand the factors affecting their health and performance. Infestation of fungi has been identified as a potential threat to populations of mammals, especially bats, yet their specific effects on wing morphology and flight behavior remain understudied. In this study, swabs of Pipistrellus pipistrellus bat wings were taken from bat carers around the United Kingdom. For identification, samples were exposed to conventional PCR using fungal-specific primers to amplify the ribosomal DNA’s internal transcribed spacer (ITS). The wind morphometric parameters such as wing angles (maximum, minimum, mean, and amplitude) and wing frequency were determined for both wings with fungi infestation and without fungi infestation. A rain cloud distribution plot with a box plot was used to determine the distribution of flight parameters of the wings. A principal component analysis biplot was used to determine the relationship between the flight parameters in terms of wings with infestation by fungi and without infestation. The findings in this study are important to bat biology, ecology, and conservation and give insights into the need for wildlife management and conservation, ultimately contributing to the ongoing efforts to preserve bat populations and support ecological balance in diverse ecosystems.

Effect of Fungi Presence on Wing Morphometry and Flight Behaviour in the Common Pipistrelle Bats (Pipistrellus pipistrellus)

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Vol.10 No.1 – 9: Assessing Gene Expression of factor XIII-A in Iraqi patients with FXIII deficiency

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Murtadha A. Al- Shami¹, Asmaa Mohammed Saud¹

1Biotechnology Department¹‚ College of Science‚ University of Baghdad ‚ Baghdad, Iraq

ABSTRACT

Coagulation factor XIII (FXIII) circulates in plasma as a pro-transglutaminase heterotetrameric complex (FXIIIA2B2), which upon activation by thrombin and calcium covalently crosslinks preformed fibrin polymers. The heterotetrameric complex is composed of a catalytic FXIIIA2 subunit and a protective/regulatory FXIII-B2 subunit coded by F13A1 and F13B genes, respectively. The study aimed to assess the level of expression of the FXIII-A gene in seven Iraqi families affected with FXIII deficiency. Samples of whole blood were collected from seven Iraqi families that were characterized with F13 deficiency register in the Hemophilia Ward, Children Welfare Teaching Hospital, Medical City, Baghdad. These samples were divided into three groups according to the genotype, which included affected homozygous recessive and heterozygous with control healthy group. RNA was isolated from whole blood samples and gene expression levels of the F13 A1 gene was determined using quantitative Real-Time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), the result revealed that the expression levels of the F13A gene in heterozygous parents were significantly increased compared with the homozygous affected and control group. The (ROC) curve was analyzed in this study to determine the optimal cut-off value for F13 expression and showed a very good predictor for FXIII deficiency diagnosis with “Area under the ROC Curve.” AUC equals 0.844 and p< 0.001.

Assessing Gene Expression of factor XIII-A in Iraqi patients with FXIII deficiency

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