Vol.5 No.4 – 13:Adverse effects of cadmium on the thyroid, kidneys, and testes in Wistar albino rats and the possible modulatory role of Zizyphus spina-christi (Sidr) fruit extract (Histological and biochemical studies)

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By: Abd El-Fattah B. M. El-Beltagy1, Bahgat M Abdelaziz1, Karoline K. Abdelaziz1, Mamdouh R. Elsawy2,Reham A. Ghanem3

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

2 Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Egypt.

3Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine, Delta University for Science and Technology, Egypt

Abstract

Background:  Cadmium (Cd) is an industrial and environmental pollutant that exerts adverse effects on different organs in humans and animals. Endocrine organs, such as the thyroid, kidneys, testis, and placenta, are sensitive to the toxic effects of Cd. Ziziphus spina-christi fruit has been claimed to exhibit potent anti-oxidative and free radical scavenging abilities. Aim: This work is mainly designed to evaluate the potential modulatory role of Z. spina-christi fruit extract against thyroid, kidney, and testicular impairments associated with cadmium chloride (Cd Cl2) exposure in rats. Material & Methods: Twenty-four male rats were divided into four groups (n = 6): group I served as control, group II was supplemented daily with Ziziphus fruit extract (200 mg/kg b.wt), group III was treated with CdCl2 (5 mg/kg b.wt) each other day, and group IV was administered with CdCl2 simultaneously with Ziziphus fruit extract. The experiment was conducted for 45 days. At the end of the experiment, the rats of all groups were weighed and sacrificed, and the thyroid, kidneys, and testes were immediately excised, and processed for histological and biochemical evaluation of antioxidants and apoptosis. Also, blood samples were collected and analyzed to estimate the appropriate biochemical parameters for each organ. Results: In CdCl2 treated rats, the levels of serum hormones (TSH, T3, T4, FSH, LH, and testosterone) were significantly decreased if compared with control. Additionally, the levels of calcium, phosphorus ions, and albumin were also decreased while the level of total cholesterol was significantly elevated compared with the control. Moreover, the levels SOD and GSH were significantly lowered while the level of MDA was elevated in the tissues of all target organs   (thyroid, kidney, and testes). Also, the sections from the thyroid, kidney, and testes displayed pronounced deleterious histological changes. Furthermore, the mean % values of positively expressed cells for caspase-3 and annexin-v markers were significantly elevated in the thyroid and testicular tissues of CdCl2 received rats compared to control. Co-supplementation of Z. spina-christi fruit extract to CdCl2 exposed rats successfully restored the altered biochemical and histological and apoptotic changes induced by cadmium. Conclusion: It is concluded that Z. spina-christi fruit extract has a powerful protective role against Cd-induced deleterious biochemical and histological changes in the thyroid, kidneys, and testes of male rats.

Adverse effects of cadmium on the thyroid, kidneys and testes in Wistar albino rats and the possible modulatory role of Zizyphus spina-christi (Sidr) fruit extract (3)

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Vol.5 No.4 – 12: Annona muricata Attenuates Cadmium-Induced Oxidative Stress and Renal Toxicity in Wistar Rats

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By: Johnson Olaleye Oladele1,3, Olu Israel Oyewole1*, Moses Oyedotun Oyeleke3, Omowumi Oyeronke Adewale2, and Oluwamuyiwa Emmanuel Adeloju1

1Phytomedicine and Toxicology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria.

2Cancer Research and Molecular Toxicology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry,  Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria

3Biochemistry Unit, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences,

Kings University, Ode-Omu, Nigeria.

Abstract

Cadmium is a known industrial toxicant that accumulates in the kidney and causes oxidative damage. The present study was carried out to evaluate the attenuating effects of Annona muricata seed extracts against cadmium mediated renal toxicity in Wistar rats. Twenty-eight (28) Wistar albino rats sorted into four groups of seven rats per group were used in this study. Group A serves as the control and received distilled water orally. Group B, C, and D were administered 5 mg/kg body weight cadmium chloride with Group C and D were treated daily with 200 and 500 mg/kg body weight of ethanolic seed extract of Annona muricata  (ESEAM)respectively by oral administration while group B was left untreated for 14 days. Results obtained showed that cadmium significantly (P<0.05) increased the serum level of urea and creatinine. Oxidative stress was induced by cadmium with a significant increase in MDA level and decrease concentration in ascorbic acid, GSH, GPx, SOD and CAT in the kidney. Efficacy of Annona muricata seed extracts against renal toxicity was evaluated in terms of biochemical estimation of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activities, histopathological changes and rate of lipid peroxidation. Treatment with ESEAM prevented deteriorative effects induced by Cd through a protective mechanism that involved the reduction of increased oxidative stress.

Annona muricata Attenuates Cadmium JBAAR-converted

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Vol.5 No.4 – 11: Molecular screening of Helicobacter pylori among Egyptian patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis

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By: Mohamed Y. Nasr1, Ehsan Hassan2, Ghada Hassan1, Asmaa Ibrahim3, Salwa. E. Mohamed1, Amal Abdel-Aziz1

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

2. National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt

3.Diagnostic and Research Unit of Parasitic Diseases (DRUP), Department of Medical Parasitology, Kasr Al-Ainy Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Globally Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori) infection and liver diseases are renowned with their high incidence rate. Recent studies have observed the relation between H. Pylori infection and liver disease progression to cirrhosis. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of H. pylori in liver cirrhotic patients. Patient and Methods: This study was conducted on 100 liver cirrhotic patients to detect H. Pylori infection based on UreA gene detection in ascites using nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR). Biochemical analysis was performed on ascitic fluid, serum, complete blood count (CBC), and polymorph nuclear leukocytes count (PMN). Result: H. Pylori infection was detected in 75% of patients with liver cirrhosis. In ascitic fluid, H. pylori infection showed a highly significant association with albumin and PMN (P=0.0001) and also with other biochemical analyses including serum ascites albumin gradient (SAAG), specific gravity, and glucose (P=0.005, 0.0031, and 0.02, respectively). In serum only, the infection showed significant association with alkaline phosphatase, albumin, and hemoglobin with P values of 0.008, 0.014, and 0.008, respectively. Conclusion: The current study results shed light on the significant role of H. Pylori infection in ascites of patients with decompensated end-stage liver cirrhosis suggesting a prospective relation between H. pylori infection and liver diseases progression due to hepatic infections especially HCV.

Molecular screening of Helicobacter pylori among Egyptian patients with decompensated Liver cirrhosis 1

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Vol.5 No.4 – 10: Influence Of Seed Priming With FeSO4 On Germination, Growth And Biochemical Aspects Of Mung bean (Vigna Radiata L.) Grown Under NaCl Stress

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By: Rashid Abbas Khan*1, Amjid Khan2, Tauqeer Ahmed Qadri3

1 Department of Botany, University of Education, Lahore, Pakistan

2Department of Botany, University of Mianwali, Punjab, Pakistan

3 Department of Biosciences, University of Wah, Wah Cantt, Pakistan

Abstract

Salinity is the major abiotic factor that reduced the plant germination percentage, growth and productivity. However, micronutrients have an important role to reduce the salt stress effectively. This study was conducted to investigate the role of Fe via seed priming of Vigna radiata L. with two concentrations (100ppm & 200ppm) of FeSO4 and grown under various levels (0-50-75-100mM) of NaCl. The results showed that NaCl stress reduced the germination percentage of Vigna radiata but seed priming with FeSO4 improves the germination percentage. The seed priming with 100ppm showed maximum values of germination percentage (96.66±0.23), shoot length (37.84±0.08 cm), shoot fresh weight (26.87±0.067) and dry weight (9.05±0.08), root length (23.27±0.020), fresh weight of root (5.17±0.031), root dry weight (2.48±0.06), Proline (65.30±0.24) were observed. While 200ppm showed significantly maximum values of chlorophyll a& b contents, total soluble protein (0.372±0.18), Phenolic contents (95.57±0.12) and flavonoids (84.26±0.17). Seed priming with FeSO4 has significant effects on the Vigna radiata L. under NaCl stress and improves the germination, growth and biochemical parameters.

Influence Of Seed Priming With FeSO4 On Germination, Growth And Biochemical Aspects Of Mung bean (Vigna Radiata L.) Grown Under NaCl Stress-converted (1)

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Vol.5 No.4 – 9: Characterization and anti-inflammatory activity effect of exopolysaccharide from Bacillus axarquiensison paw rats carrageenan model

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By: Ghada S. Ibrahim*1,2, Manal G. Mahmoud1, Mohamed E. EL Awady1 Mahgoub M Ahmed3and Samah A Fathy3

1Microbial Biotechnology Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Division, National Research Centre, 33 Bohouth St., Dokki, Giza, 12622, Egypt.

2Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

3Molecular Drug Evaluation Department, National Organization for Drug Control and Research (NODCAR), Giza, Egypt

Abstract

The exopolysaccharide (EPS) was produced by a halophilic bacterial strain isolated from marine sediments, Porto-Elsokhna Beach, Egypt. This isolate has been defined morphologically and physiologically and has been recognized by 16S rDNA as Bacillus axarquiensis NRC G6. This strain was deposited in the Gene Bank (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih. gov) under the accession number of KU945823. The EPS produced was fractionated by precipitation and listed the primary fraction as EPSBa3. Through FT-IR and HPLC, further work attempted to elucidate the structural function of EPSBa3. The findings showed that EPSBa3 was an acidic EPS composed of glucuronic: mannose: galacturonic: glucose and xylose, respectively, in a molar ratio of 1:1:3:3:3.  The proportion of uronic acid and sulfate was 13.9% and 7% respectively. The estimated median molecular weight (Mw) and molecular number (Mn) were 1.499 X106 and 1.29 X 106g / mol. In rats, the anti-inflammatory activity of exopolysaccharide (EPSBa3) was also explored using paw edema induced by carrageenan. EPSBa3 caused important anti-inflammatory effects on the carrageenan model by 50 mg/kg orally. In catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes and GSH content, the EPSBa3 enhanced declines. In addition, the content of nitric oxide (NO), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) arising from carrageenan-induced edema were considerably reduced following therapy with EPSBa3. In addition, the findings showed that interleukin-6 (IL-6) protein expression was decreased after EPSBa3 treatment leading to alleviate paw edema. These findings stated that to avoid inflammatory diseases, EPSBa3 could be utilized as a source of natural products.

Characterization and anti-inflammatory activity effect of exopolysaccharide from Bacillus axarquiensison paw rats carrageenan model-converted

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Vol.5 No.4 – 8: Gender Differences in the Management of Hazardous Biological Material in Medical Teaching Laboratories

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By: Lamia Yaqoub Mohammed, Raghad Hassan Hussein Sanyi, Izzat Abdulsatar Mezher Al-Rayahi

College of Health and Medical Technology, Middle Technical University, Baghdad, Iraq.

Abstract

Hazardous waste of medical or research laboratory origin is a potential source of contamination to the environment. Untreated waste could contribute to the prevalence of various antibiotic-resistant human opportunistic pathogens. Efficient and proper handling and disposal of biological and clinical waste increases the biosafety of these facilities and reduce any potential threat to the environment.  The aim of this study was to determine any gender difference in the management of hazardous biological materials among workers in medical teaching laboratories. The study included 75 participants, 56% of whom were females and 44% were males. A questionnaire including 4 sections was distributed among the participants. The results of the study found no gender difference in the participant’s knowledge of the international biohazard and safety symbols and compliance with the recommended hazardous waste disposal procedures. In contrast, incident reporting was significantly higher among males (p<0.05). Extensive training programs and regular review of biosafety policy in teaching medical laboratories are required.

Gender Differences in the Management of Hazardous Biological Materials in Medical Teaching Laboratories 2019 (1)

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Vol.5 No.4 – 7: Isolation of Aspergillus section Flavi and determination of aflatoxins in Bambara groundnut sold in Cotonou main markets (Benin)

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By: Yann Christie Sissinto ADJOVI1, *, Prudence AGNANDJI2, Lucie AYI-FANOU2, and Ambaliou SANNI2

1. Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National University of Agriculture, Benin

-Ecole des Sciences et Techniques de Conservation et de Transformation des Produits Agricoles / Université Nationale d’Agriculture, Mail: yann.adjovi6@gmail.com  HYKK3RBY5N

Adress : Unité de Biochimie et de Biologie Moléculaire, 04 P.O. Box 0320, Cotonou, Benin

2. Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology /University of Abomey-Calavi

Adress: Unité de Biochimie et de Biologie Moléculaire, 04 P.O. Box 0320, Cotonou, Benin

Abstract

Legumes such as cowpea (Vigna ungiculata) and Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean) are the most sought in Benin and in the West Africa sub-region. These legumes are an important protein source because of their high content of essentials amino acids. But, like many dried agricultural and food products, they are subject to contamination by molds and mycotoxins during storage.

In order to assess the contamination of Bambara groundnuts, by the most dangerous and widespread mycotoxins in Africa (aflatoxins), especially in Benin, this study was conducted in Cotonou (Benin) main markets. Thirty-five (35) samples of Bambara groundnuts were collected from six (6) different markets in Cotonou. The fungi are isolated and identified morphologically on different media after direct culture. The species of Aspergillus section Flavi aflatoxigenic potential are evaluated and the contamination of samples by aflatoxins was determined by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC).

The results of this study showed that the average water content of Bambara groundnuts samples ranged from 4.85 to 9.35%. The main species of mold isolated are Mucor spp., Rhizopus spp., Alternaria sp. and Aspergillus spp. Forty-six (46) strains of Aspergillus section Flavi were isolated on Potatoes Dextrose Agar (PDA). All of them have been identified as aflatoxigenic strains and were divided into different groups according to their morphological appearance and secondary metabolites. Twenty- two samples (62.85%) of Bambara groundnuts were contaminated by aflatoxins.

This study showed that Bambara groundnuts which sold in the main markets of Cotonou constitute a health risk for populations.

Isolation of Aspergillus section Flavi and determination of aflatoxins in Bambara groundnut sold in Cotonou main markets (Benin)-converted

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Vol.5 No.4 – 6: Synthesis of Thiophenyl, Thiazolyl, and Pyridinyl Androstane Derivatives: A Novel Class of Potent Anti-inflammatory and Anti-ulcerogenic Heterocyclic Steroids

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By: Mervat M. Abd-Elhalima, Maher H. Helald, Dina S. El-kadya, Nahed H. Kameld, Amany A Sleemb, Omar M.E. Abdel-Salamc, Amira E. M. Abdallahd, Gamal A. Elmegeeda*

aHormones Dept., bPharmacology Dept., cToxicology and Narcotics Dept., Medical Research Division, National Research

Centre, Dokki, Giza-12622, Egypt, cChemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Ain Helwan, Cairo-11795, Egypt

Abstract

The investigation of drugs used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases with limited side effects becomes an urgent need for inflammation patients. This search aimed at the preparation of novel hybrid hetero-steroids with structures especially non-ulcerogenic and anti-inflammatory activities. The heterocyclic steroids were formulated using simple and effective techniques. IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR spectra and elemental microanalysis were used to characterize the synthesized compound. The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of some of these compounds was studied using carrageenan-induced paw oedema assay. Also, the effect of the different compounds on the development of gastric mucosal damage induced in rats by 96% EtOH administration was studied. The most marked and sustained inhibition of the oedema response was observed with the administration of the low and high doses (25 and 50 mg/kg) of compounds 8, 4, 23, 14 as well as by the high dose of compound 32. There was no significant difference in the degree of oedema inhibition between the low and high doses of compounds 8, 23, 14 at all-time points in the study. All investigated compounds administered at (50 mg/kg) dose inhibited gastric mucosal lesions induced in rats by 96% EtOH administration. Compounds 4, 9, 11, 26, 32 were the most effective in inhibiting lesion formation. No lesions were observed after the administration of compounds 9, 26 at 50 mg/kg. These findings are approaching a distinctive chance to create fresh anti-inflammatory drugs that eliminate the ulcerogenic liabilities connected with drugs presently on the market.

Synthesis of Thiophenyl, Thiazolyl and Pyridinyl Androstane Derivatives A Novel Class of Potent Anti-inflammatory and Anti-ulcerogenic Heterocyclic Steroids-converted

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Vol.5 No.4 – 5: CD47 Expression in Egyptian Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia

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By: 1Samar Saber, 1Samir A. El-Masry, 2Salah Aref

1 Molecular Biology Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Institute, Sadat University, Egypt

2 Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a genetically heterogeneous clonal disease defined by the proliferation and accumulation in the bone marrow and blood of immature hematopoietic cells. CD47 -Signal Regulatory Protein α (Sirpα) Regulate the negative regulation of phagocytosis, an inhibitory receptor. CD47 overexpression in AML is overexpressed on peripheral blasts and stem cells with leukemia and correlates inversely with survival. Aim: Estimation of CD47 gene expression in Egyptian AML patients for evaluation of its role in the pathogenesis of the disease and as a prognostic marker related to overall survival (OS). Methods: The 55 patients with AML in addition to 21 healthy individuals as a control group were included in the current study. Blood samples from the control group and patients were subjected to a positive magnetic selection of CD34+ cells of leukemic, and then using flowcytometry the CD47 expression on these cells was estimated. Results: Statistically significant difference (P < 0.0001) between two groups AML patients and control group in Hemoglobin (g/dL), WBCs (103/µL) and PLTs count (103/µL). The results on incidences of CD47 differ significantly among FAP type in AML patients. The mean percent of CD47 were increased with FAP type excretion, 38.6 ± 39.5 at M1, 51.1±34.9 at M2, 60.2±51.9 at M3 while, those showed decrease 33.1±22.6 with M4 and 43.2±31.4 with M5. There was an inverse correlation between concentrations of CD47 gene expression and general survival, with enhanced expression also connected with worse general survival (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: The results obtained by this study provide additional evidence of the role of CD47 gene as a predictive factor impact on prognosis and OS.

CD47 Expression in Egyptian Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia-converted

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Vol.5 No.4 – 4: Estimating Ground water Balance in the Presence of Climate Change Impact: A Case Study of Semi-Arid Area

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By: Mohammed Nanekely1, Furat Al-Faraj1,2,*, and Miklas Scholz3,4

1Civil Engineering Research Group, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, The University of Salford, UK

The University of Salford,Newton Building, Salford M5 4WT, UK;m.a.a.nanekely@edu.salford.ac.uk

2 School of Engineering, The University of Bolton;

The University of Bolton, Bolton BL35AB, UK; f.al-faraj@bolton.ac.uk

3Division of Water Resources Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Lund University;

Department of Civil Engineering Science, School of Civil Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg

4Lund University, P.O. Box 118, Lund 221 00, Sweden;

Kingsway Campus, PO Box 524, Aukland Park 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa

m.scholz@salford.ac.uk

*Correspondence: f.al-faraj@bolton.ac.uk; f.a.m.al-faraj1@salford.ac.uk

Abstract

The exploitation and management of groundwater in an integrated manner is gaining global interest. Rapid population growth is frequently linked to climate change.In order to meet the growing demand for public water supply and irrigation, especially in arid and semi-arid climate regions, groundwater is used excessively. This paper considers Erbil province of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region as a representative case study for semi-arid climate areas where current practices of groundwater resources utilisation lack a solid regulatory framework and where monitoring systems are often absent. The role of climate change in the assessment of aquifers is assessed. Long-term average recharge and extraction rates in relation to groundwater storage have been evaluated with the aim to avoid adverse long-term impacts on groundwater resources. A groundwater balance method has been used to quantify the storage of groundwater within aquifers. Results revealed that there is a considerable imbalance between the input (groundwater recharge) to the Erbil province aquifers and corresponding output (groundwater withdrawn). The reduction of losses in water use, increases in irrigation efficiency, raising of public good water-use practices, and the establishment of a regulatory framework to appropriately manage groundwater resources are outlined.

Estimating Ground water Balance in the Presence of Climate Change Impact A Case Study of Semi-Arid Area-converted

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