Vol.10 No.1 – 2: Physiological responses (Hsp70, Mt), Oxidative stress, toxicity impacts, and risk assessment of the biomarker (Enochrus tenuicosta) to heavy metals contamination along the Red Sea coasts- Egypt.

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Eman H. Hassan1*, Eman H. Radwan2, Gaber A. Saad3, Nessrin Kheirallah3

1Biological and Geological Science Department, Faculty of Education, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt

2Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt

3Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to investigate the effect of heavy metals accumulation in midgut tissues of Enochrus tenuicosta beetles in the Red Sea also in water and sediments of the selected locations. Also to analyze the biochemical response and HSP70 expression. Our results demonstrated that the heavy metals and oxidative stress (MDA) concentrations in the polluted location were higher than the reference one. The response of the antioxidant defense system is significantly higher in the beetles of the reference ones. MT expression and HSP70 were much higher in the polluted beetles than in the reference ones.

Physiological responses (HSP70, Mt), Oxidative stress, toxicity impacts, and risk assessment of the biomarker (Enochrus tenuicosta) to heavy metals contamination along the Re

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Vol.10 No.1 – 1: The combinatorial treatment with Kaempferol and β-sitosterol attenuates the hematological and lipid profile alterations induced by cisplatin in rats.

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Islam Elebshany, Hala Abdel-Azeem, Zeinab Attia*, Mohamed Shahen*

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

ABSTRACT

Chemotherapeutic agents are in use for cancer, however, these agents showed severe side effects on vital organs upon treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of the combinatorial treatment with Kaempferol (Kpf) and β-sitosterol (Bs) in hematological parameters and lipid profile alterations induced by cisplatin (Cis) toxicity in rats. Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups (N = 12). The first group (Gp1) served as a negative control. From Gp2 to Gp5, rats were fed on a high-fat diet (HFD) for 4 weeks, then Gp2 was injected with a single dose of Cis (7mg/kg B.Wt). Gp3, Gp4, and Gp5 were injected with Cis as in Gp2, then administered with Kpf (50mg/Kg B.Wt), Bs (50mg/Kg B.Wt) or Kpf /Bs as in Gp3, Gp4,  and Gp5, respectively. Blood samples were collected in heparinized and non-heparinized tubes for hematological and lipid profile investigations. The results showed that Cis treatment led to a significant decrease in the cellular compartments of blood and increased the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Cis treatment also caused an increase in the total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), atherogenic index (Risk 1), lipoprotein (a), and decrease the high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C). The treatment with a combination of Kpf/Bs after Cis ameliorated the above-mentioned hematological and lipid profile alterations.

The combinatorial treatment with Kaempferol and β-sitosterol attenuates the hematological and lipid profile alterations induced by cisplatin in rats

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Vol.9 No.4-16: The Anti-Diabetic Effect of Rhopilema nomadica Jellyfish Natural Extracts in Streptozoticin-Induced Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus in Rats.

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By: Sabry A. El-Naggar 1*, Wesam M. Salama1*, Nabila I. El-Desouki1, Ghada A. Tabl1,

Rasha A. Abo Jobier1, and Amal M. Abdelsattar2

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

2Anatomy &Embryology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University

ABSTRACT

Globally, diabetes mellitus (DM) disease is one of the main causes of death. Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2-DM) cannot be cured by first-line medications, and long-term use carries a significant risk of serious side effects. Novel antidiabetic agents with high efficacy are required. In the T2-DM rats’ model, the anti-diabetic effect of Rhopilema nomadica venom (RNV) and R. nomadica umbrellar extracts (RNUE) was assessed. Biometric and biochemical measurements were determined. The median lethal doses (LD50) of RNV and RNUE were estimated, and then Sprague Dawley male rats were split into five groups (n=10) as follows; group 1 (Gp1) served as a negative control. Gp2 to Gp5 were given a high-fat diet (HFD) and then, injected with STZ (30 mg/kg) interperitoneal (i.p.). Gp2 was kept as diabetic rats (T2-DM rats). Metformin (Met) (150 mg/kg), RNV (7.5 mg/kg), and RNUE (14.4 mg/kg) were given to Gp3, Gp4, and Gp5, respectively. All treatments were taken i.p., once every day for eight weeks body weight (b.wt) changes, the levels of glucose, C-peptide, biochemical parameters, and the histopathological alterations were assessed. R. nomadica diameter was 35- 40 cm, and its weight was 4- 4.5 kg. RNV and RNUE total antioxidant capacities were 2.39 ± 0.18 and 2.92 ± 0.26 mg/g. RNV and RNUE protein profiles showed eight and seven bands. Treatment of T2-DM rats with Met or RNUE led to a hypoglycemic effect as indicated by improvement of b.wt changes, glucose, C-peptide levels, hepato-renal function, antioxidant/oxidant biomarkers status, and insulin-secreting β-cells in the pancreatic islets.

The-anti-diabetic-effect-of-Rhopilema-nomadica-jellyfish-natural-extracts-in-streptozoticin-induced-type-2-diabetes-mellitus-in-rats-1

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Vol.9 No.4-15: Synergistic infection of Helicobacter pylori with IL-Iβ Gene Polymorphism Among the Liver Transplant Recipients

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By: Mohamed Y. Nasr1, Ghada Hassan1,Mohamed Ahmed Saleh2, Ehsan Hassan3, Khalid Bassiouny1, Amal Abdel-Aziz1, Asmaa Ibrahim 1, 4, Mofida A. Keshk5

1 Department of Molecular Biology, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, University of Sadat City (GEBRI, USC), El Sadat City, Egypt.

2 Assistant consultant internal medicine, National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute (NHTMRI), Cairo, Egypt.

3 Pathology Department, National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute (NHTMRI), Cairo, Egypt.

4 Departments of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, (Laboratory of Molecular Medical Parasitology, LMMP).

5 Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Therapeutics, Genetic, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, University of Sadat City (GEBRI, USC), El Sadat City, Egypt.

Abstract

Background and Objective: Patients receiving liver transplantation are more likely to develop a wide range of infectious complications such as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).This study aims to assess the prevalence of H. pylori in individuals receiving liver transplants through the lymph nodes. Moreover, to investigate the relationship between the polymorphisms in the IL-1βgene and the H. pylori infection.

Methods: A total of 43 liver-transplanted patients were selected. They performed a history interview and physical and biochemical examination. The UreA gene and the virulent gene CagA were molecularly screened from paraffin-embedded tissue, additionally, the polymorphism of IL-1β was performed by Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).

Results: all 23(53.5%) patients showed H. pylori infection with UreA gene detection. Out of them 8 (34.8%) were positive for the CagA virulence gene. The infected group with H.pylori showed a significant decrease in albumin (P<0.05). In the case of CagA-positive patients showed a significant decrease in albumin, urine creatinine, HB, platelets, total calcium, and AT III and an increase in urea, creatinine, uric acid, iron, INR, K, TSH, LDH, triglyceride, lipase, and amylase. Analysis of IL-1β (C+3954T), the TT genotype is considered a protective factor, while the CT genotype might be a risk factor for infection. Concerning IL-1β (T-31C) in the case of CagA positive C allele might be protective from infection with CagA-positive strain.

Conclusion: Based on these results, H. pylori appears to have a significant impact on the progression of liver transplanted patients with an interference role of IL-1β polymorphism.

Synergistic-infection-of-Helicobacter-pylori-with-IL-Iβ-Gene-Polymorphism-Among-the-Liver-Transplant-Recipients

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Vol.9 No.4-14: Nano-Curcumin Mitigates Against Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticle-Induced DNA Damage and KIM-1, LCN-2 Gene Responses in Kidney Rats

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By: Haitham Hassan Abd1, and Harith Abdulrahman Ahmed2

1Department of Animal Physiology, Ministry of Education, Iraq

2PhD of Environmental and Public Health, Department of Environmental, Applied Science College, Al-Anbar of University/ Iraq.

ABSTRACT

Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles are regarded as an inorganic constituent found in natural bone and are primarily employed in tissue engineering because of their exceptional biocompatibility and bioactivity. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain whether they are safe for medical applications owing to their petite nano-scale particle size. From the previous studies, there was not enough data on nephrotoxicity and molecular changes induced by (high or low HAP-NPs) and the protection role of nano-antioxidants (CurNPs) in minimizing their toxicity. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of high and low doses of HAP-NPs on the kidney system in male rats. At the molecular level, these results presented that the gene expression level, high HAP-NPs alone caused a significant increase in both kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1) and Lipocalin-2 (LCN-2) genes also, caused a significant increase in oxidative DNA damage (8-OHdG). The presence of Curcumin nanoparticles minimized the toxicity of high or low HAP-NPs due to their antioxidant properties and scavenging abilities against active free radicals.

Nano-Curcumin-Mitigates-Against-Hydroxyapatite-Nanoparticle-Induced-DNA-Damage-and-KIM-1-LCN-2-Gene-Responses-in-Kidney-Rats

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Vol.9 No.4-13: Treatment with Leiurus quinquestratus scorpion venom ameliorates the histopathological changes of type-2 diabetic rats’ splenic tissues.

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By: Wesam Mohamed Salama*, Sabry Ali El-Naggar, Ghada Abd-Elhamid Tabl, Lamiaa Mohamed Mahmoud El Shefiey, Nabila Ibrahim El-Desouki

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

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2-DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by tissue resistance to insulin action. Leiurus quinquestriatus venom (LQV) contains a variety of bioactive components that can be used for the treatment of various diseases. This study aimed to determine the ameliorative role of LQV on the histopathological changes in splenic tissues of T2-DM rats. Forty male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 10) as follows; Gp1 (Control group) was fed on a normal balanced diet. Gp2 (Diabetic group) was fed on a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks and then injected with streptozotocin (STZ) (30 mg/kg) i.p. Diabetic Gp3 and Gp4 groups had been injected with metformin (Met) (150 mg/kg) or LQV (1/10 of LD50), respectively. After two months of treatment, the total body weight relative splenic weight changes, and blood glucose. Also, histopathological and immunohistochemical investigations (CD-3 immunoreactive antibody) in splenic tissues were examined. The results showed that induction of T2-DM in rats led to a significant decrease in the total body weight (-38.56%), relative spleen weight (0.23 ± 0.03), and increase in the level of blood glucose (382.56 ± 2.77 mg/dL). In addition, several histopathological and immunohistochemical changes were observed in splenic diabetic tissues. The treatment of T2-DM rats with LQV led to an improvement in the total body weight of rats (4.07%), relative spleen weight (0.40 ± 0.02), decrease in the blood glucose levels (115.47 ± 1.07 mg/dL), ameliorated the histopathological and immunohistochemical changes occurred in splenic tissues of T2-DM rats.

Treatment-with-Leiurus-quinquestratus-scorpion-venom-ameliorates-the-histopathological-changes-of-type-2-diabetic-rats-splenic-tissues

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Vol.9 No.4-12: Assessment of Obstacles in the Learning Process among Nursing Students in the Faculty of Nursing at Helwan University

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By: Amany Mamdouh Mohammed Abdelhamid1,Lamiaa Ismail Zaki Keshk2, Noha Hussein Yassein Hussein 3

1. Clinical Instructor at Giza Health Directorate & Graduate Studies in Hospital Administration Diploma, Egypt.

2. Professor of Nursing Administration at the Faculty of Nursing, Helwan University, Egypt.

3. Lecturer of Nursing Administration at the Faculty of Nursing, Helwan University, Egypt.

ABSTRACT:

Background: learning obstacles describe problems that hinder learning and lead to learning deficits. Additionally, clinical education is an essential part of the nursing education program; Aim of the study: This study aimed to assess obstacles in the learning process among nursing students in the Faculty of Nursing at Helwan University. Research Design: A descriptive correlation design was utilized. Setting: This study was conducted at the Faculty of Nursing, Helwan University campus. Subjects: A convenient sample of (437) nursing students in 3rd & 4th grades. Data Collection Tools: Two tools were used to collect data in this study. The first tool was the Learning Process Obstacles Structured Interview Questionnaire. The second tool was the Learning and Clinical Environment Obstacles Structured Interview Questionnaire. Results: 61.6% of the studied nursing students perceived a mild level of learning process obstacles, and 57.9% perceived mild learning and clinical environment obstacles. Conclusion: There was a highly statistically significant relation between learning process obstacles and learning & clinical environment obstacles. Additionally, there was a highly statistically positive correlation between learning process obstacles and learning & clinical environment obstacles among the studied nursing students. Recommendations: Develop a nursing curriculum in which the nursing students are actively involved in their education and training plans. As well as arranging an advisory committee for the teaching staff and the clinical partners’ leaders to discuss how the academia and practice can work together optimally to improve the nursing students’ education, training, and experience.

Assessment-of-Obstacles-in-the-Learning-Process-among-Nursing-Students-in-the-Faculty-of-Nursing-at-Helwan-University

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Vol.9 No.4-11: Exploring the Biophysical Mechanisms of Taurine’s Effect on Myeloperoxidase Enzymatic Kinetics in Pre-Diabetic and Type 2 Diabetic Patients

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By: Suha A. Muneam1*, Nada.A. Muneam 2, Mihad Shakir N3.

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Al-Iraqia University/ College of Medicine -Baghdad, Iraq.

Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Al-Iraqia University/ College of Medicine -Baghdad, Iraq.

Department of Physiology, Al-Iraqia University/ College of Medicine -Baghdad, Iraq.

Abstract

Background: investigate the enzymatic activity of Myeloperoxidase (MPO) in pre-diabetic and diabetic individuals and explore the modulation of this activity by taurine supplementation, considering its potential anti-oxidative properties and the emerging evidence of its role in glucose metabolism. Methods: This case-control study was done at the Iraqi University College of Medicine. It used advanced spectroscopic techniques and kinetic modeling to measure the amount of MPO activity in the sera of people who were healthy, pre-diabetic, and diabetic. The Lineweaver-Burk plot derived from the Michaelis-Menten equation was used to ascertain the Km and Vmax of MPO. Taurine inhibition assays were also performed to understand its effect on MPO kinetics. Results: The data showed that MPO activity increased significantly from the control group to the diabetic group. This was in line with rising HbA1c levels and BMI, suggesting a link between MPO activity, glycemic control, and obesity. The gender distribution showed no significant deviation, suggesting that the observed enzymatic and metabolic alterations are not gender biased.

Conclusion: The pronounced elevation in MPO activity in diabetic individuals underscores the enzyme’s potential significance in glycemic diseases. The results mean that more research needs to be done on how taurine, which is known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, could improve MPO activity and possibly restore metabolic homeostasis, opening a new way to treat type 2 diabetes.

Exploring-the-Biophysical-Mechanisms-of-Taurines-Effect-on-Myeloperoxidase-Enzymatic-Kinetics-in-Pre-Di

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Vol.9 No.4-10: Whole Genome Sequence and Comparative Genomics Analysis of Citrobacter Freundii Isolate from Burn Skin

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BY: Namariq Al-Saadi1, Ohood A. Radhi2, Alabbas Alaa3, Ali Adnan Hashim4

1* Science Department, College of Basic Science, Misan University, Misan, Iraq.

1Al-Manara, College for Medical Sciences, Misan, Iraq

2Department of Basic Science, College of Nursing, University of Kufa, Iraq.

3Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Karbala, Kerbala, Iraq.

4Al-Manara, College for Medical Sciences, Misan, Iraq

Abstract:

Background: The emergence of resistance to numerous novel antibiotics, which serve as the ultimate resort for treating infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria that are resistant to multiple drugs, poses a significant risk to public health. The Citrobacter freundii strain obtained from the burned skin of an adult exhibited resistance to a broad range of antibiotics, including colistin. The genome features that underlie the antibiotic-resistance phenotype of this isolate was characterized using whole genome sequencing (WGS). Methods: Genome sequencing on the Illumina platform was performed on the provided DNA samples (reference order number HN00194138; Psomagen/USA). The assembled genome was assembled and annotated by PATRICS. Results: The average G+C content was 55.75 percent throughout the 113 contigs in the genome. There are 9,825 protein-coding regions (CDS) in this genome, along with 149 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes and 8 rRNA genes. There were 1,584 putative proteins annotated and 8,241 proteins with known functions. PATRICS can identify 1592 hypothetical proteins. Additionally, 2132 proteins were displayed together with 8233 protein assignments under functional proteins.

Conclusion: The Iraqi multidrug-resistant C. freundii strain has not been reported before. These genetic findings help explain C. freundii’s pathogenicity. Genomic analysis has helped us comprehend the probable resistance mechanism and the isolates’ phylogenetic link with public-domain draft genomes.

Whole-Genome-Sequence-and-Comparative-Genomics-Analysis-of-Citrobacter-Freundii-Isolate-from-Burn-Skin

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Vol.9 No.4-9: Circulating MicroRNA-34a as a Promising Marker for Early Detection of Heart Failure Diseases in Egyptian Patients

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BY: Mohamed Y. Nasr1; Ahmed M. Hassanain2; Wael A. El-Hakeem3; Hamdi M. Abo Alazm4,

 Randa A. Ghanoum2; Sabah F. El Abed1; Mohamed El-Shahat Ebaid1

1-Molecular Biology Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, University of Sadat City, Egypt.

2-Laboratory Department, National Heart Institute, General Organization for Teaching Hospitals and Institutes, Egypt.

3- Critical Care Department, National Heart Institute, General Organization for Teaching Hospitals and Institutes, Egypt.

4- Environmental Studies and Research Institute, University of Sadat City, Egypt.

Abstract:

Heart failure has been considered in the last few years as a major factor in global mortality. Heart failure is known as the reduced ability of the heart muscle to fill or/and to pump adequate blood. Finding a diagnostic biomarker is necessary to help in the early diagnosis of heart diseases. MicroRNAs are new biomarkers that have been used for early diagnosis of various diseases. The work aims to study miR-34a in patients with heart failure and assess its diagnosing role. In this work, a total of (120) subjects were divided into three groups as the following, the control group (n=20) of healthy individuals, group II (n=50) the patients with heart failure post myocardial infarction & group III (n=50) the patients with heart failure without myocardial infarction history. microRNA-34a expression showed high expression and significant elevation (P- value < 0.5) in group-II (31.67±11.8 fold) and group-III (27.31±12.4fold) compared with group-I (1.47±0.7 fold). Our results showed that microRNA-34a plays a critical role in patients with heart failure disease and can be used as a biomarker for the diagnosis of early stages of heart failure disease.

Circulating-MicroRNA-34a-as-a-Promising-Marker-for-Early-Detection-of-Heart-Failure-Diseases-in-Egyptian-Patients-1

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