Vol.5 No.2 – 10 : Citicoline Ameliorates Neuro- and Genotoxicity Induced by Acute Malathion Intoxication in Rats

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By: Asmaa F. Galal1*, Lamiaa M. Salem2, Mahrousa M. Hassanane2, Somaia A. Nada3,  Omar M. E. Abdel-Salam1 

1 Narcotics, Ergogrnics and Poisons Department, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt. Affiliations ID: 60014618.

2Department of Cell Biology, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt. Affiliations ID: 60014618.

3 Pharmacology Department, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt. Affiliations ID: 60014618.

Abstract

Objective: In the present study, we explored the therapeutic potential of citicoline in preventing malathion induced neurotoxicity and genotoxicity. Citicoline has been shown to act as a neuroprotective in experimental animal models of ischemia and other types of brain injuries.Methods: Acute malathion intoxication was induced by intraperitoneal injection of malathion (150 mg/Kg, once per day) for two successive days. Citicoline was co-administered in three doses (100, 200, 300 mg/kg, p.o.). Serum Butyrylcholine esterase (BChE) and Paroxonase-1 (PON-1) were assessed as exposure biomarkers. Oxidative stress biomarkers were assessed in different brain region (cortex, striatum, and subcortex) in addition to TNF-α. Genotoxicity was tested by chromosomal aberrations, mitotic index, DNA fragmentation, and micronucleus tests. Results: Malathion administration resulted in marked suppression of serum BChE and PON-1 activities. Also, the exposure  to the pesticide led to elevated malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and decreased reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in investigated brain regions in addition to elevated striatal tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) level. Malathion also caused profound structural chromosomal aberrations, increased liver DNA fragmentation and mitotic index. These effects were alleviated with administration of citicoline dose dependently. Conclusion: Our data indicate that citicoline can protect against malathion neurotoxic and genotoxic potential, possibly through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activities and restoring energy stores.

Citicoline Ameliorates Neuro- and Genotoxicity Induced by Acute Malathion Intoxication in Rats-converted

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Vol.5 No.2 – 9 : Berberine attenuates cancer cell growth via modulating the cell cycle dynamics but not apoptosis in human colorectal HCT-116 3D spheroid model

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By: Ahmed A. Soffar

Division of Molecular Biology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science,

Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt

Abstract

Colorectal carcinoma is a cosmopolitan type of cancer with poor prognosis, motivating seeking novel strategies to prevent disease development and progression. The poor prognosis is attributed to the severe toxic side effects of the current therapeutic regimes. Hence, novel less toxic treatment strategies are urgently warranted. Berberine is a natural compound with several biological and pharmacological properties, including anti-fungal, anti-diabetic, cardioprotective effects. Some reports showed that berberine inhibits cell growth by inducing cell cycle arrest and promotion of apoptosis in cancer cells. Importantly, the anticancer potential of berberine in colorectal cancer has not been previously investigated. Hence, this work aims to investigate whether berberine possess anticancer properties against colorectal HCT116 cancer cells. The potential effect of berberine on cell cycle regulation and apoptosis will also be deeply investigated. This work was conducted using the more physiological 3D spheroid culture model that mimics better the impact of the tumor microenvironment as well as the cell-cell interaction in the cellular response to therapy. When compared to the previous studies, this work will explain the mode of action of berberine in more physiological conditions that better mimics the in vivo situation. In order to achieve the goal of this work, spheroid growth assay as well as proliferation assay were performed. Spheroid cell suspensions were further investigated using flow cytometry to assess the cell cycle distribution of cells upon berberine application. BrdU immunostaining was performed to elucidate the S-phase fraction of cells. The proliferation potential and the level of apoptosis were also investigated by Ki67 and Annexin V labelling, respectively. The results showed that berberine attenuated tumor spheroid growth and limits the proliferative capacity of HCT116 cells. This could be attributed to the berberine-mediated G1-phase cell cycle delay. The S-phase fraction of cells was significantly decreased upon berberine application. Unexpectedly, berberine did not induce a significant difference in the % of apoptotic cell fraction of cells as compared to the controls. Collectively, these results suggest that berberine possesses an anti-tumor efficacy in 3D culture preparations via modulating the cell cycle progression. Specifically, berberine induces G1-phase cell cycle delay and decreases the S-phase fraction of cells. Thus, it limits the proliferative capacity of cells. Also, berberine did not induce programmed cell death in the HCT116 spheroids.


Berberine attenuates cancer cell growth via modulating the cell cycle dynamics but not apoptosis in human colorectal HCT-116 3D spheroid model-converted

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Vol.5 No.2 – 8 : The curative effect of Cymbopogon citrates volatile oil against chlorambucil drug toxicity

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By: ZakariaTeleb1, KamiliaTaha2, Sobhy Hassab El-Nabi3, Islam El-Garawani3, Gouda T. Dawoud2, Samraa S. El-Shafey3 and Hanaa M. El-Esawy3

1 Department of Biochemistry, National Organization for Drug Control and Research, MHP, Egypt.

2 Department of Phytochemistry, National Organization for Drug Control and Research, MHP, Egypt

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

Abstract

Chlorambucil (CLB) is a bifunctional alkylating drug widely used as an anticancer agent and immunosuppressant. CLB mutagenicity, teratogenicity and carcinogenicity are indicated based on their structure and clinical history. This study aims to evaluate the antigenotoxic effect of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil, CC, (75 mg/kg) against CLB (7.5 mg/kg) genotoxicity in rats. GC/MS for essential oil has identified 19 compounds representing approximately 99.7% Geranial was the most abundant (53.5%) followed by Neral (35%) and Myrcene (5.3%).  The lowest was α-Muurolene (0. 1%). The marked damage was observed in total genomic DNA and total protein profile of CLB-intoxicated rat’s spleen tissues. Lymphocytes single strand breaks of treated rats were examined by comet assay after CC had ameliorated these effects in a time dependent manner (5, 10 and 15 days) for spleen and after 48 hours for lymphocytes. In conclusion, this study suggests that Cymbopogon citrates oil possesses antigenotoxic potential in CLB-intoxicated rats. It can constitute natural, new and safe co-therapeutics.

The curative effect of Cymbopogon citrates volatile oil against chlorambucil drug toxicity-converted

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Vol.5 No.2 – 7 : Combining nuclear matrix protein-52, collagen III and matrix metalloproteinase-1 for more effective breast cancer early detection

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By: Abdelfattah M. Attallah,1* Mohamed El-Far,2 Mohy E. Abdel Fatah,3 Mohamed M. Omran4, Mohamed A. Abdelrazek,1  Gamal E. Abdelhameed,1 Kareem A. Attallah,1 Nada A. Ahmed,1 Esraa A. El-sayes,1 Fatma M. Khedr,1 Ibrahim El-Dosoky 5

1Research & Development Department, Biotechnology Research Center, New Damietta, Egypt

2 Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt

3 Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt

4 Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt

5 Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.

Abstract

Aim: Improvement breast cancer (BrCa) control will be markedly supported by early detection. Owing to limitations of current diagnostic tools like mammography and ultrasound and lack of existing confirmed BrCa biomarkers, this study concerned the evaluation of some potential biomarkers and their combination in BrCa detection. Methods: Three hundred participant women; 200 with BrCa patients, 50 with benign breast diseases and 50 healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. Serum levels of nuclear matrix protein-52 (NMP-52), collagen III and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) were determined by ELISA. Results: Mean levels of NMP-52 (9.83±1.1 μg/ml), collagen III (22.6±3.2 μg/mL) and MMP-1 (3.6±0.3 μg/mL) in BrCa patients were significantly higher (P<0.0001) than benign (5.8±0.7, 12.2±1.3 and 2.6±0.23 μg/mL, respectively) and healthy (1.2±0.1, 6.0±0.2 and 1.66±0.04 μg/mL, respectively) groups. Also, these levels were associated with the tumor progression and may reflect the BrCa disease severity, high serum levels of these markers have been associated with tumor advanced stages (T3-T4), high grade (G3), and large size (>2cm). Diagnostic score combined these markers revealed valuable power (AUC=0.83, 78% sensitivity, 75% specificity) in BrCa diagnosis. This power not markedly influenced in detection of early tumor stages (Tis-T2), low grade (G1-G2), lesser tumor size ≤2 cm and negative lymph nodes status (AUC=0.79, 0.74, 0.74, and 0.85, respectively).Conclusions: Combined use of NMP-52, collagen III and MMP-1 can serve as potential biomarker for BrCa diagnosis. This combination is likely to improve the clinical early tumor diagnosis.

Combining nuclear matrix protein-52, collagen III and matrix metalloproteinase-1 for more effective breast cancer early detection-converted

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Vol.5 No.2 – 6 : Knowledge, Attitude and Practice toward Prevention of Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Somalian Immigrant in the State of Selangor, Malaysia and their HBV Infection Status

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By: Abdirauf Mohamed Abdi and Mohd Nazil Salleh

Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Life Sciences, Universiti Selangor, Shah Alam City Campus, Jalan Zikron A 7/A, Seksyen 7, 40000 Shah Alam Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious health problem that can lead to liver cirrhosis and cancer. Assessing the public knowledge, attitude and practice towards HBV infection can be useful in planning public health policies in HBV management. Objective: The current study sought to determine the association between knowledge, attitude, and practice towards HBV infection with the HBV infection status of Somalian immigrants in Malaysia. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2017 to April 2018 among Somalian immigrants in the state of Selangor, Malaysia. Data was collected using validated, self-administered structured questionnaire. Their blood samples was collected for detection of HBV DNA using nested PCR. Descriptive statistics and chi square analysis were done to determine this association. Result: A total of 145 participants were recruited. Majority of participants were in the age group of 20-31 (84.1%), male (62.8%), single (52.4%), had educational level of undergraduate degree (70.3%), and unemployed (88.3%). Majority of the participants show good knowledge (82.8%) and attitude (78.6%) but generally poor practice (32.4%) towards HBV infection. The mean knowledge, attitude and practice score among them were 16.9 ± (4.89), 9.20 ± (2.94) and 9.39 ± (2.93) respectively. The sociodemographic characteristic variables and KAP of HBV were not significantly associated. Selected samples collected from the participant tested negative for HBV DNA via nested PCR assay. Conclusion: Somalian immigrants in Malaysia have a good level of knowledge and attitude but poor level of practice towards HBV infection. All participants were negative for HBV infection.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice toward Prevention of Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Somalian Immigrant in the State of Selangor, Malaysia and their HBV Infection Status

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Vol.5 No.2 – 5 : Molecular expression and single nucleotide polymorphisms of IL17A gene among etanercept-treated rheumatoid arthritis patients

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By: Aseel S. Mahmood1, Abdul-Kareem A. Al-kazaz1, Khadier Z. Mayouf2 and Ali H. Ad’hiah3

1Biotechnology Department, College of Science, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq.

2College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq.

3Tropical-Biological Research Unit, College of Science, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq.

Abstract

Molecular expression (reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction; RT-qPCR) and DNA-sequencing-based single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of interleukin 17A (IL17A) gene were determined in 51 etanercept-treated Iraqi rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and 45 control. The results revealed that the relative expression (2-∆∆Ct) of IL17A gene was increased by 1.28 ± 0.29 fold in RA patients, and such profile was approximated in male (1.66 ± 0.58) and female (1.01 ± 0.28) patients.  With respect to PCR-amplified DNA sequences, out of the 10 encountered SNPs, two SNPs (rs8193038 and rs3819025) showed allele frequencies that exceeded 10%. The rs8193038 SNP allele and genotype frequencies showed no significant variations between RA patients and control. The second SNP (rs3819025) was observed to have three genotypes (AA, AG and GG). Among these genotypes, it was observed that the homozygous genotype of mutant allele (GG) was only recorded in patients with a frequency of 13.7%, while none of the control had this genotype. Such difference was significant even after the correction of probability (pc = 0.05), and the associated OR was 15.34 (95% C.I.: 1.39 – 169.24). It was also observed that G allele showed a significant increased frequency in patients (25.5 vs. 12.2%; OR = 2.46; 95% C.I.: 1.14 – 5.30; p = 0.015), while A allele frequency was significantly decreased (74.5 vs. 87.8%; OR = 0.41; 95% C.I.: 0.19 – 0.88; p = 0.015). However, the significance in both cases was lost when the probability was corrected.  It was also observed that there was no significant impact of the rs3819025 SNP genotypes on expression of IL17A gene. In conclusion, IL17A gene showed an increased expression in RA patients, and rs3024419 SNP is suggested to be associated with an increased risk to develop the disease in Iraqi population.

Molecular-expression-and-single-nucleotide-polymorphisms-of-IL17A-gene-among-etan

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Vol.5 No.2 – 4 : Suitability Assessment of Groundwater for Irrigation in Rabigh, Saudi Arabia: A Case Study of Combined Influence of Landfills and Saltwater Intrusion

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By: Najla Mohsen Ali Al Ahmadi1,2, Furat Ahmed Mahmood Al-Faraj2,3, Nassir S. Alamri1,4,5

1General Authority of Meteorology and Environmental Protection

2School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment, University of Bolton, United Kingdom

3School of Computing, Science and Engineering, Civil Engineering Research Group, The University of Salford, Newton Building, Greater Manchester M5 4WT, United Kingdom

4Hydrology and Water Resources Management, King Abdulaziz University-Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

5Presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME), Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This research assessed the combined influence of permitted landfills and unlicensed dumps coupled with salt water intrusion on the suitability of groundwater in Rabigh, Saudi Arabia for irrigation purposes. Fourteen water samples were analyzed for physiochemical parameters, major ions and heavy metals. Quality assessment of groundwater for irrigation purposes was conducted on basis of sodium percentage (Na %), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), magnesium hazard (MH), permeability index (PI), total hardness (TH), Kelley’s ratio (KR), and soluble sodium percentage (SSP), Wilcox and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) standard limits. Results showed that the domination of ions is in the order Na>Ca>Mg>K and Cl>SO4>HCO3 for cations and anions, respectively. Elevated concentration of Na and Cl coupled with very strong relationships between Na and Cl (r = 0.994), Na and EC (r = 0.995) and between Cl and EC (r = 0.999) indicates a strong influence of Red Sea saltwater intrusion. According to Wilcox and the FAO classifications of salinity (Electrical conductivity (EC)) in irrigation water, it can be concluded that the groundwater in the investigated area of Rabigh is undesirable for irrigation purposes. Based on Freeze and Cherry classification of total dissolved solids (TDS), the groundwater samples fall in the brackish to saline categories. However, saline water was recognized in the majority of the samples (64%). Concerning the FAO classification, 86% of the samples can be classified in the severe restriction category. According to the categorization of irrigation water based on sodium percentage, two-thirds of the water samples can be classified in the doubtful to unsuitable categories. The very high electrical conductivity values obtained in the groundwater samples near the landfill sites are an indication of the combined effect of leachate and Red Sea saltwater intrusion. Severe restriction is associated to 65% of groundwater samples according to the FAO classification of SAR. Nearly two-thirds of the groundwater samples fall in the medium to high sodium hazard categories. According to Kelley’s ratio and soluble sodium percent, the majority of the groundwater samples (86%) show that the groundwater is undesirable for irrigation purposes. The analytical results of SSP conclude that the majority of groundwater samples (86%) are undesirable for irrigated agriculture. Samples of some groundwater wells show that the concentration of some heavy metals such as Aluminum (Al), Cobalt (Co), Copper (Cu), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Vanadium (V), and Zinc (Zn), are higher than the corresponding FAO permissible limits.

Suitability Assessment of Groundwater for Irrigation in Rabigh, Saudi Arabia A Case Study of Combined Influence of Landfills and Saltwater Intrusion

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Vol.5 No.2 – 3 : Efficiency of collagen III, metalloproteinase 1, carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen 19.9 for colon cancer diagnosis

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By; Abdelfattah M. Attallah1, Mohamed A. El-Far2, Mohamed M. Omran3, Mohamed A. Abdelrazek 1, Kareem  A. Attallah1, Mohamed S. Elbendary1, Sara A. Soliman1, Rehab A. Atwa1

1Research & Development Department, Biotechnology Research Center, New Damietta City, Egypt

2Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt

3Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Currently, blood markers are noninvasive methods for diagnosis of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). We evaluated four biomarkers (Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 19.9 (CA19.9), collagen III and metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1)) and their combination as substitute method to enhance diagnosis of CRC. Subjects and methods: one hundred ninety five patients had undergone colonoscopy examination were inclusive in the study (135 CRC and 60 benign growths). In addition, 45 healthy individuals were included.  Multivariate discriminant analysis (MDA) and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were applied for evaluation the diagnostic power of single and their combination. Results:  levels of collagen III, CEA and CA 19.9 increased while MMP-1 decreased with  progression of CRC  (stages, positive lymph node invasion, distant organ metastasis and high grades)  with a significant difference (P <0.01- P < 0.0001). Combination of MMP-1, CEA, CA 19-9 and Collagen III yielded MC3 index had diagnostic power greater than each single marker could achieve alone. When differentiate colon cancer from benign growth, AUC of MC3 index was 0.91 yielded 85.2% sensitivity and 86.7% specificity. Moreover, MC3 index for patients with late stages, lymph node invasion, organ metastasis and high-grade had AUC = 0.81, 0.82, 0.80 and 0.80 higher than CEA and CA19.9.Conclusion:  MC3 index is a can be used as an effective index for early detection of CRC.

Efficiency of collagen III, metalloproteinase 1, carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen 19.9 for colon cancer diagnosis

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Vol.5 No.2 – 2 : Using starchy waste as a promising raw material for bioethanol production with consequence purification using chitosan / sodium alginate polymeric membrane

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By: Tarek H. Taha1*, M. A. Abu-Saied2*, Elsayed M. Elnaggar3, Ranya A. Amer4, Ahmed E. Mansy4, Gamal M. Elkady3

1Environmental Biotechnology Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI), City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), New Borg El-Arab, 21934, Alexandria, Egypt.

2Polymer Materials Research Department, Advanced Technology and New Materials Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), New Borg El-Arab, 21934, Alexandria, Egypt.

3Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt, 11884.

4Environment and Natural Materials Research Institute (ENMRI), City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), New Borg El-Arab, 21934, Alexandria, Egypt.

Abstract

Current study is concerned by using environmental wastes as raw materials for bio-ethanol production. Alpha amylase enzyme has been used to convert the starch molecules of kitchen waste into simple units of glucose which subsequently fermented into bioethanol. The obtained results showed that 40% substrate and 100 µl of α-amylase were the optimum concentration to produce the highest glucose units at 417.9 and 482.5 milligram/deciliter (mg/dl), respectively. The highest bioethanol production of 423.5 mg/dl was obtained after anaerobic fermentation of free yeast cells at 30oC without shaking. Both of bio-ethanol and 25% ethanol were separated by using amicon cell ultra-filtration system integrated with chitosan or sodium alginate membranes under nitrogen pressure. Each membrane was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Ion Exchange Capacity (IEC); while, the hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity was investigated using contact angle. The whole system succeeded to elevate the ethanol concentration in a range of 47-50%, which could be increased with more polymeric modifications.

Using starchy waste as a promising raw material for bioethanol production with consequence purification using chitosan sodium alginate polymeric membrane

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Vol.5 No.2 – 1 : A Heavy Metal Exposure Risk assessment Model to Migratory Birds and Human in Burullus Lake, Egypt

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By: Basma M. Sheta1, Muhammad A. El-Alfy2 and Hazem T. Abd El-Hamid2

1 Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Damietta University, PO Box 819, 34517 New Damietta, Damietta, Egypt.

2 Marine pollution Department, National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Alexandria, Egypt.

Abstract

Studying migratory birds wintering stopover areas has a global concern. The contamination with heavy metals is one of the serious threats to birds in wetland ecosystem. In the present study, heavy metal exposure risk to birds in Burullus Lake was assessed. The concentrations of Cr, Ni, Pb, Cd, and Co in water, plant and fish were determined in 10 bird habitats. A heavy metals’ exposure risk assessment model to migratory birds in Burullus Lake had been done. It showed that small waders, represented by dunlin, are exposed to higher doses and risk than the waterfowls, represented by mallard. Evaluation of this risk to migratory birds could not be done using water exposure doses only, but food exposure including plant and fish must be included. It is a priority to perform more efforts to reduce the serious contamination with Co and Ni. The risk for fish feeders can be summarized according to the following order: Co > Ni > Cd > Pb > Cr, while the risk for plant feeders is: Co > Ni > Cr > Cd > Pb. Health risk of heavy metal exposures was calculated using Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Hazard index (HI). Results showed that THQs for all metals were below the standard (<1), while HI values were lower than one except for Co and Cd. HI for these two metals are considered an appreciable hazard risk to human health. Therefore, it is recommended to analyze the heavy metal risk on a temporal basis.

A Heavy Metal Exposure Risk assessment Model to Migratory Birds and Human in Burullus Lake, Egypt

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