Vol.5 No.3 – 4 : Tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-1, Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio as potential early biomarkers for diabetic nephropathy

/0 Comments/in , , /by

By: Mohamed M. Omran 1,*, Rasha A. Youssef 2, Fathy M. Eltaweel2, Ashraf A. Tabll3, Ahmed A. Eldeeb4

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

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

3 Microbial Biotechnology Department, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt

4Nephrology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt


Abstract

Background: Albuminuria is used to screen early stages of diabetic nephropathy (DN) but it is limited by the fact that structural damage may precede albumin excretion. This necessitates identifying better biomarkers that diagnose or predict diabetic nephropathy.  The aim of the study was  to evaluate tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as potential biomarkers for early detection of diabetic nephropathy and its progression in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods: A total of 88 subjects were included in this cross-sectional hospital based study, healthy individuals (N=10) and diabetic patients (n= 78). Diabetic patients were classified according to an albumin creatinine ratio (ACR) into normoalbuminuria (A1=30), microalbuminuria (A2=14) and macroalbuminuria  (A3 =34). TIMP-1, PAI-1 levels, NLR were measured in all subjects. Multivariate discriminant analysis (MDA) was used to develop a novel index. The diagnostic value of TIMP-1, PAI-1 and NLR was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC). Results: The mean ± SD of NLR, PAI-1 (ng/ml) and TIMP-1  (ng/ml) in healthy were (1.9±0.30; 6.8 ±2.4 and 76.8±15.7) and in A1 were                             (3.0 ± 2.5;7.7±1.8 and 91.4±19.8) and in A2 were ( 2.2±1.5; 7.6±1.9 and 104.5±20.9) and in A3 were (5.2±3.9; 8.7±1.2 and 120.6±18.2).  The differences between the mean of NLR, PA1-1 and, TIMP in A2 and that of A3 were significant (p <0.007, p =0.03 and, p < 0.011; respectively).  TIMP-1 was the most efficient marker with AUC of 0.72 for discriminant diabetics with A1 from A2; 0.88 for A1 vs A3 and 0.82 for A2 vs A3. A novel index was developed for differentiated between stages of DN based on three blood markers (TIMP-1, PAI-1 and NLR) named TPN.  The mean ± SD  of TPN index  in healthy was  (1.1±0.4)  and in A1 was  (1.2 ±0.3) and in A2 was (1.3 ±0.2) and in A3 were (1.8±0.3) with high significant difference between A2 and A3.The AUC of TPN index was 0.61, 0.88, and 0.88  for discriminant diabetics with A1  from A2 ,A1 vs A3, and A2 vs A3. Conclusions: A novel index named TPN based on three blood markers (TIMP-1, PAI-1 and NLR) may be potentially useful for early detection and to discriminate macro-albuminuria from micro-albuminuria stages.

Tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase1 Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio as potential early biomarkers for diabetic nephropathy-converted

Download PDF

Vol.5 No.3 – 3 :Curcumin suppresses cellular adhesion and migration of A549 lung cancer cells via a LIMK1/MLCK dependent mechanism

/0 Comments/in , , /by

By: Ahmed A. Soffar 1, Cecil A. Matta 2, Saleh O. Albatati 3

1. Division of Molecular Biology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.

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

3. Basic Medical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, Mukalla-B.O: (50512-50511), Hadhramaut, Yemen.

Abstract

Cancer cell migration is a major cause of mortality in lung cancer patients. Despite intensive research regarding its efficacy in cancer treatment, the anti-metastatic properties of curcumin have been poorly investigated. Therefore, this work aims to explore the potential anti-migratory and anti-adhesive properties of curcumin on lung cancer cells. We also investigated the underlying molecular mode of action of curcumin. We performed scratch and adhesion assays to investigate the migratory and adhesive potentials of A549 cells. The cellular topological differences upon curcumin treatment were investigated using Scanning Electron Microscope. We also investigated the molecular mechanism triggered by curcumin using quantitative real-time PCR. In addition, we performed MTT toxicity assay to explore the toxic potential of curcumin on cancer cells. Student’s t-test was applied for evaluating the data significance using Microsoft Excel 2016. Our results showed that curcumin attenuates migration and adhesion of A549 cancer cells at non-toxic concentrations. In coincidence, the scanning electron microscope study showed a decreased density of lamellipodia and filopodia upon curcumin treatment. Interestingly, we found that the expression levels of LIMK1 and MLCK genes were downregulated upon curcumin application. Taken together, curcumin inhibits the migration and adhesion abilities of lung cancer cells and could possibly be used as a therapeutic agent against cancer cell migration. The underlying mechanism involves modulation of the expression levels of critical molecular targets including LIMK1 and MLCK proteins.

Curcumin suppresses cellular adhesion and migration of A549 lung cancer cells via a LIMK1 MLCK dependent mechanism-converted

Download PDF

Vol.5 No.3 – 2 : Effect of boswellic acid in Alzheimer’s disease in experimental rat

/0 Comments/in , , /by

By: Mai M. El-Keiy1, Menna Allah M. youssef 2, Azza A. Bakry2 and

Tarek M. Mohamed1

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

2 Food Technology Research Institute, Agricultural Research Centre, Giza, Egypt.

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common age-related dementia characterized by cognitive decline and devastating neurodegeneration.The aim of present work was to evaluate the role of bioactive component boswellic acid in improvement cholinergic deficiency in experimental rat model.In this study rats were divided into five groups as group 1 (control group), group 2 (boswellic acid group), group 3 (AD group), group 4 (boswellic acid –pre-treated group) and group 5 (boswellic acid treated group). At the end of experiment totally different neurochemicals, biochemical analysis was assessed. In AD group (G3) acetylcholine was decreased with acetyl cholinesterase elevation as compared to the control groups (G1 and G2). Improvement of acetyl cholinesterase activity and acetyl choline level was observed after pre and treated (G4 and G5) by boswellic acid. There was a significant decrease in the dopamine in hippocampus of AD group (G3)as compared to the control groups (G1 and G2).In contrast pretreated and treated groups by boswellic acid (G4 and G5, respectively) led to elevation of dopamine concentration, with best improvement in pre-treated group(G4)than treated group (G5). In conclusion; the bowsellic acid improved the cholinergic deficiency in Alzheimer disease.

Effect of boswellic acid in Alzheimer’s disease in experimental rat-converted (1)

Download PDF

Vol.5 No.3 – 1 : Ameliorating role of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) and Pimpinella anisum (anise) against Zinc oxide nanoparticles induced hepatotoxicity in male albino rats

/0 Comments/in , , /by

By: Amel I. Barakat

Zoology department, Faculty of Science, Damanhour University, Egypt

Abstract

Medicinal plants have been used traditionally worldwide for the prevention and treatment of liver disease. Pimpinella anisum (Anise) or Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel) are used frequently as spices. The present study aimed to investigate the potential protective effect of Anise and Fennel aqueous extract, against ZnO nanoparticles which induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Administration of ZnO nanoparticles (30 mg/kg /kg.b.wt) oral daily for 4 weeks resulted in liver damage manifested by significant increase in serum AST,ALT and ALP. Increase in MDA and decrease in CAT in the group which treated by ZnO nanoparticles.  Immunohistochemistry is observed by the level of Interleukin-6. Rats treated orally with aqueous seed extracts of Pimpinella anisum (Anise, 125 mg/kg) and Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel, 150 mg/kg) for 4 weeks and intoxicated with ZnO nanoparticles showed a significant protection against induced increase in serum liver enzyme (AST,ALT, ALP), restored and ameliorate the increased interleukin-6 level. A significant corrective effect of either Anise or fennel aqueous extract on biochemical parameters were supported by histopathological examination of the rats.

 In conclusion, these data indicated that the aqueous seed extracts of Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel) and Pimpinella anisum (Anise) possessed a hepatoprotective activity against hepatotoxicity induced by ZnO nanoparticles in rats.

Ameliorating role of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) and Pimpinella anisum (anise) of Zinc oxide nanoparticles induced hepatotoxicity in male albino rats.-converted

Download PDF

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

/0 Comments/in , , /by

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

Download PDF

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

/0 Comments/in , , /by

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

Download PDF

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

/0 Comments/in , , /by

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

Download PDF

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

/0 Comments/in , , /by

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

Download PDF

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

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

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

Download PDF

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

/0 Comments/in , , /by

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

Download PDF