Vol.6 No.4 – 9: Differential expression of salt tolerance related genes in tomato in response to a low dose of γ irradiation

By: Reem M. Abd El-Maksoud*1, Mohamed Abdelsattar2, Nouf F. Alsayied3, Hanan M. Mansour*4

  1. Department of Nucleic acid and Protein Structure, Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute (AGERI), Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Giza, 12619, Egypt.
  2. Department of Plant Molecular Biology, Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute (AGERI), Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Giza, 12619, Egypt.
  3. Department of Biology, Faculty of Applied Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makka, Saudi Arabia
  4. Department of Natural Product Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt.

Abstract

Using a low dose of gamma rays (30 Gy), the response of twelve salt tolerance-related genes (SlTAS14, SlNCED1, SlDREB2, SlAREB, SlGR, SlAPX1, SlDELLA, SlJAZ1, SlCU/ZnSOD (SlCSD2), SlFSD, SlTIR1 and SlNHX1) was examined at two concentrations of salt stress (50 and 200 mMNaCl). Real-time reverse transcription-PCR analyses of the examined genes showed different expression profiles in shoot and root tissues. In the case of irrigation by 50 mM NaCl, seven genes (SlAPX1, SlGR, SlTAS14, SlNCED1, SlDELLA, SlJAZ1, and SlCSD2) showed a significant increase in their expression in shoot tissues of the irradiated plants. On the other hand, two genes (SlNCED1 and SlDREB2) showed a significant increase in the root tissues at the same concentration. The potential effect of a low dose of gamma rays on enhancing the salinity response of tomato plants can be observed at 200 mM NaCl, where all genes showed a significant increase in shoot tissues of irradiated plants. Interestingly, nine genes (SlNCED1, SlDREB2, SlAREB, SlAPX1, SlDELLA, SlJAZ1, SlCSD2, SlFSD, and SlTIR1) showed a significant increase in the roots of the irradiated plants compared to non-irradiated plants.

Differential-expression-of-salt-tolerance-related-genes-in-tomato-in-response-to-low-dose-of-γ-irradiation-converted-2

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Vol.6 No.4 – 8:The Correlation between Single Nucleotide Polymorphism of MBOAT7 and PNPLA3 Genes to The Degree of Hepatic Fibrosis in HCV Patients: An Experience from Egypt

DOI: 10.21608/jbaar.2020.135612

By: Samar Samir Youssef1*, Eman Abd El Razek Abbas1, Yasser Hamada Aly2, Sameh Seif3

  1. of Microbial Biotechnology, National Research Centre, Dokki, Egypt.
  2. Department of Endemic Medicine, Cairo University.
  3. National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt

Abstract

Objectives: To detect the correlation between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in MBOAT7 and PNPLA3 genes and hepatic fibrosis in hepatitis C virus (HCV) Egyptian patients, and to highlight the additive effect, if any, of MBOAT7 on the correlation of PNPLA3 polymorphism with liver fibrosis in HCV patients from Egypt. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we recruited treatment-naïve patients with chronic HCV. The rs738409 (PNPLA3) and rs641738 (MBOAT7) polymorphisms were assessed by Real-Time PCR. We utilized the METAVIR‐Score to classify the degree of hepatic fibrosis and necroinflammatory activity.

Results: A total of 93 patients (mean age 42.72 ± 10.46; males = 49.5%) were included. Our analysis showed that 10.8% of the patients had GG genotype of the PNPLA3 gene and 46.2% had TT genotype of the MBOAT7 gene.  Compared to combined CC and GC genotypes, carriers of GG genotype in the PNPLA3 gene were more likely to be males (p =0.041), have higher fibrosis grade (p =0.043), have higher serum creatinine (p=0.036), higher TSH (p =0.017) and higher viral load (p =0.045). Notably, we found a significant association between TT genotype in MBOAT7 and advanced fibrosis only (but not with necroinflammation (p >0.05). Our multivariate analysis showed that the GG genotype in the PNPLA3 gene and TT genotype in the MBOAT7 gene were independent predictors of advanced fibrosis. Conclusion: PNPLA3 GG genotype and MBOAT7 TT genotype are independent predictors for hepatic fibrosis, and thus might be linked to faster disease progression.

The Correlation between Single Nucleotide Polymorphism of MBOAT7 and PNPLA3 Genes to The Degree of Hepatic Fibrosis in HCV Patients-converted

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Vol.6 No.4 – 7: Biochemical screening of low energy Infrared laser beam irradiation effect on the liver and kidney function in male albino mice

DOI: 10.21608/jbaar.2020.134935

By: Moustafa Hussein Moustafa

Biophysics Department, Medical research institute, Alexandria University Egypt

Abstract

Herein we conduct biochemical screening of the low energy Infrared laser beam effect (frequency: 3 and 7 kHz) on the liver and kidney of male albino mice as complementary investigation effect therapeutic ultrasound. The histopathological examination of organ tissues revealed a homogenous normal structure. Hematological investigation of complete blood count (CBC) was carried out and platelet count showed a significant (p<0.05) decline in irradiated sample tissues relative to control. Tissue-specific blood enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase (SGOT), serum creatinine, and blood urea) were still around normal levels. The rate of oxidative stress in blood as glutathione reductase (GR), and total antioxidant capacity (TCA) were estimated. Malondialdehyde (MDA) as a lipid peroxidation indicator was determined as well.  Conclusively, we may conclude that low energy I.R. laser has no aberrant harmful effect on the liver and kidney of male albino mice under the current experimental conditions.

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Vol.6 No.4 – 6: Impact of JAK2V617F Mutational on Haematologic Features in Sudanese Patients with Essential Thrombocythemia and Thrombotic Risk Assessment

By: Sahar G. Elbager1,2*, Magdi A. Bayoumi3, Eusni Rahayu Mohd Tohit2, Amar A. Dowd1,4, Mei I Lai2

1Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Medical Sciences and Technology (UMST), Khartoum, Sudan.

2Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra Malaysia (UPM), Selangor, Malaysia

3Faculty of Postgraduate Studies, Scientific Research, and Publishing, Ibn Sina University (ISU), Khartoum, Sudan

4Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Medical Sciences and Technology (UMST), Khartoum, Sudan

Abstract

Objective: We correlated selected hematological parameters in Sudanese essential thrombocythemia (ET) patients based on their homozygous/heterozygous JAK2V617F genotype, as well as the application of thrombotic risk assessment using different thrombotic risk scoring models. Methods: In this single-center study, we evaluated 60 patients with ET at the time of the diagnosis without any prior treatment. Amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) technique was used to determine JAK2V617F mutation status. Complete blood count was evaluated using the Sysmex analyzer.  Furthermore, the thrombotic risk assessment of ET patients using different thrombotic risk scoring models was applied.

Results: The JAK2V617F mutation was detected in 29/60 patients (48.3%), of whom 23 (38.3% of total) were heterozygous and 6 (10.0%) were homozygous.  Compeered to JAK2 wild-type or JAK2 heterozygous patients, JAK2 homozygous patients for JAK2V617F mutation were associated with older age(p<0.05), significantly higher mean leukocytes count (P =0.001), significantly lower Hb concentration (p<0.05), and splenomegaly (p<0.05), while the mean of the platelet counts was slightly higher, although not reached a significant level. We also found two patients who developed thrombotic events throughout follow-up and were initially classified as a low-risk category in the traditional classification. One of them with age < 60 years, hypertension, and JAK2 homozygosity but without thrombosis history, was allocated in a high-risk category by IPSET-t and r- IPSET-t scores. The second patient was stratified in a low-risk category by all scoring models with age < 60 years, hypertension, leukocytosis, unmutated JAK2, and without a history of thrombosis.

Conclusions: The JAK2 V617F homozygosity correlated with older age, higher leukocyte count, lower Hb concentration, and a higher risk of thrombosis in Sudanese ET patients. Evaluation of hypertension and identification of JAK2 V617F homozygosity at diagnosis of ET might give the clinician more meaningful prognostic information and so improve the therapeutic management.

Impact of JAK2V617F Mutational on Haematologic Features in Sudanese Patients with Essential Thrombocythemia and Thrombotic Risk Assessment-converted

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Vol.6 No.4 – 5: An abundance of soil invertebrates in young and mature palm oil plot in relations to soil physical properties: A preliminary study

By: Nurul Hazirah Hamzah1*, Abrar Maqtan1, Hishamuddin Omar1, and Hafiz Ibrahim1

1Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia

Abstract

The soil biota is considered the biological engine of the earth and is associated with most of the critical functions of the soil in terms of ecosystem services. The knowledge on the impact of land management and agricultural activities on the abundance and diversity of soil invertebrates is still understudied especially in Malaysia. This study was conducted to investigate the relation of the abundance and diversity of soil invertebrates with the soil physical parameters from two different palm oil plots. Sampling methods of soil invertebrates include pitfall trap and Berlese-Tullgren funnel. Invertebrate’s abundance and diversity were measured and invertebrates were identified according to their morphological characteristics under the dissecting microscope concerning taxonomic keys. A total of 621 individuals were documented from both sites with 408 collected in mature palm oil farms whereas 213 individuals were documented in young palm oil farms. Hymenoptera (67.31 %) is the most dominant invertebrate followed by Orthoptera (12.40 %) and Arachnida (10.14 %). Morphospecies diversity, evenness, and richness are highest in mature palm oil plot with Shannon; 1.54, Evenness; 0.32, and Menhinick; 0.67 respectively. Well-developed canopy, plenty of shelters, and reduced agricultural activities in mature palm oil mainly contributed to ideal soil physical parameters (bulk density; 1.23 (g/cm3) ± 0.02, porosity; 55.03 % ± 2.48, temperature; 35.65°C ± 0.30 and moisture; 34.05 % ± 0.60) produces a comparatively more balanced habitat for a diverse community of soil invertebrates. Because of the roles they play in soil biological processes, soil invertebrates may be used as bioindicators of soil health. This study can be used as a baseline for more extensive research that may be applied in future planning on land management in achieving the nation’s agricultural sustainability.

An abundance of soil invertebrates in young and mature palm oil plot in relations to soil physical properties A preliminary study-converted

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Vol.6 No.4 – 4: Bio-Remediation of Pb-contaminated Soil Cultivated With Faba Bean Via Application of Rhizobacteria Bacillus amyloliquefaciens subsp. plantarum UCMB 5033

By: Rania Mohammed Sabri Sultan1, Raad Homod Mohammed Al-Hazmi2

1Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia2Ministry of Education, Western Region, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Bio-remediation of Faba bean (Vicia faba cv. luz deotono) plants growing under lead (Pb) contaminated soil using the bacteria strain Bacillus amyloliquefaciens subsp. plantarum UCMB 5033 was tested under three Pb concentrations (2000mg/L 0.5%, 2500mg/L 1.0%, 3000mg/L 5%). Growth parameters (plant height, plant fresh weight, and plant dry weight of the Pb-treated bacteria inoculated Faba bean plants showed significant increases compared to the Pb-treated non-inoculated Faba bean plants under Pb concentration of 0.5% and 1.0% giving 5.76%, 50.43% increases in height, 42.68%, 253.36% increase in fresh wt., and 237.69%, 325.97% increase in dry wt. Regarding the plant nutrient, NPK contents the non-inoculated Pb–treated plants gave significantly the highest N content under all Pb concentration levels and the highest PK contents under Pb concentrations 0.5 and 1.0% compared to the bio-remediated plants. But the bio-remediated plants dominated the non-inoculated Faba bean plants in absorbing the highest PK contents under a Pb concentration of 5.0%. Regarding Pb absorption, the bio-remediated plants dominated the non-inoculated Faba bean plants and absorbed the highest Pb especially under 1.0% Pb concentration. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens subsp. plantarum UCMB 5033 may be considered a bio-remediator for Faba bean plants grown under Pb contaminated soils.

Bio-Remediation-of-Pb-contaminated-Soil-Cultivated-With-Faba-Bean-Via-Application-of-Rhizobacteria-Bacillus-amyloliquefaciens-subsp.-plantarum-UCMB-5033-converted

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Vol.6 No.4 – 3: A Theory of Biodiversity and Gene Evolution

By: Sobhy E. Hassab El-Nabi

Zoology Department – Faculty of Science Menufia University- Egypt

Abstract

The statement of theory: {Evolution of organisms and biodiversity depends mainly on gene evolution through the appearance of novel genes. Biodiversity results from the DNA modifications induced by visible and non-visible environmental effects, the variation of gene expression, stresses, mutation, and invasion of genetic materials. Each individual belongs to the same species of living organisms has its own identity of DNA fingerprint}. The principles of theory: Gene evolution depends mainly on gene duplication, a variety of environmental conditions, mutation, transposable elements, horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Also, de nove genes originated from non-coding DNA which mainly comes from retroviruses, exosome, micro-RNA, and invader nucleic acids from viruses, bacteria, or any parasite. Similarity and variations are the principles of life. In the same species, the similarity is produced from coding DNA while, individual variations arise from non-coding DNA. Aim and applications of theory: The main prediction of this theory is not only each individual of human beings have his unique DNA fingerprint, but also any individual in the same species has also a unique identity in DNA fingerprint. Any living organism acquires genetic materials through their intimate contacts with other organisms and environmental DNA. If the acquired genetic material reaches germ cells, it could transfer to the next generation giving new traits. Viruses are considered the main source of genetic transformation in all living organisms. The genomic materials of some viruses could integrate inside the human genome like hepatitis B and HIV. The human genome has about 5 % viral genetic material, especially from retroviruses. This theory could explain the appearance of new individuals according to the transfer of genetic materials during intimate contact between different species and support many researchers who discovered new species. Also, this theory may explain and will answer different questions; why husband and wife after some time, nearly acquire some similarities? Why people in the same geographical area nearly have a similar pattern? Why don’t siblings match their DNA fingerprint? Also, it explains the host-parasite relationship depending upon the transfer of DNA and RNA in between.

A-Theory-of-Biodiversity-and-Gene-Evolution-converted.

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Vol.6 No.4 – 2: Protective effect of omega-3 on Doxorubicin-induced hepatotoxicity in male albino rats

By: 1Farozia I. Moussa, 1Horeya S. Abd El-Gawad, 1Salwa S. Mahmoud, 2Faiza A. Mahboub, and 1Saliha G.Abdelseyd

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

2Department of Biology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an antineoplastic anthracycline used to treat various forms of cancer. Although DOX is an effective chemotherapeutic agent, it has been documented to cause oxidative damage in several body organs. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of omega-3 against doxorubicin-induced hepatic toxicity in adult male rats. Animals were divided into four groups. The first group was orally administered with 0.5ml corn oil and served as a control group. The second group was treated with omega-3 fatty acid (400mg/kg b.w) daily for 30 days. The third group was injected intraperitoneally with a single dose of DOX (30mg/kg b.w). Animals in the fourth group were treated with omega-3 at the same dose level as those of group 2 followed by intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of DOX as in the third group. Injecting animals with DOX induces various histological changes in the liver. These changes include congestion and dilatation of blood vessels, leucocytic infiltration, cytoplasmic vacuolization, degenerated hepatocytes, and pyknotic nuclei. Moreover, DOX caused a significant elevation in serum ALT, AST, LDH, lipid profile, total bilirubin, total protein, albumin, and globulin after 4 weeks of treatment. It also caused an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and depletion of the antioxidant enzymes, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione reduced (GSH). Treating animals with omega 3 fatty acids in combination with DOX led to an improvement in the histological and biochemical changes induced by DOX together with a significant decrease in the level of MDA and an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes. The results of the present work indicated that omega-3 fatty acid had a protective effect against liver damage induced by Doxorubicin and this is due to its antioxidant activities.

Protective-effect-of-omega-3-on-Doxorubicin-induced-hepatotoxicity-converted

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Vol.6 No.4 – 1: Evaluation of the cardioprotective effect of l-carnitine and silymarin in cancer patients receiving anthracycline-containing chemotherapy

By: Zeinab Al kasaby  Zalat* 1, Hosny A. Elewa2,Mohamed Abdel-Latif3 , Mohamed A. Alm El-Din4, Neeven A. Kohaf 5

  1. Assoc. Professor and Head of Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt. (Pharm.D., Ph.D.) (zeinabalkasaby.pharmg@azhar.edu.eg)
  2. Assoc. professor and Head of Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University, Dominate City, Egypt. (Pharm.D, Ph.D.)
  3. Professor and Head of Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt. (Ph.D.)
  4. Assoc. Professor, Department of Clinical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt. (MD)
  5. Master degree in pharmaceutical sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt. (M.Sc.)

Abstract

Aim: Anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity is the most common constraint of its use in the treatment of various types of cancer. This study aimed to investigate the benefits of the addition of the l-carnitine / silymarin to anthracycline chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer. Methods: 83 patients were recruited from Clinical Oncology Department, Tanta University, Egypt, then prospectively randomized to receive their anthracycline-containing therapeutic regimen, control group (n=33), or anthracycline plus l-carnitine, l-carnitine group (n=25), or anthracycline plus silymarin, silymarin group (n= 25). Blood samples were collected at the beginning and after 6 months to measure LDH, CK-MB, cTn I, Anticardiolipin IgG, Fe, ferritin, and TIBC and % of saturation. % EF was documented. Data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and paired t-test. P <0.05 was statistically significant. Results: The addition of l-carnitine to anthracycline chemotherapy has a significantly improved EF% (P=0.003), Anticardiolipin IgG (P=0.001), ferritin (P=0.001), and TIBC (P=0.011). The supplementation with silymarin to anthracycline chemotherapy had a statistically significant decrease in Anticardiolipin IgG (P=0.000), iron (P=0.001), ferritin (P= 0.001), TIBC (P=0.007), and % saturation (P=0.001). Silymarin group showed a significant decrease in iron profile compared to the l-carnitine group. Conclusion: The co-administration of l-carnitine or silymarin with anthracycline chemotherapy represents a new therapeutic strategy for better control of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. Silymarin resulted in more beneficial effects on the iron profile compared to l-carnitine with anthracycline or anthracycline chemotherapy alone.

Evaluation-of-the-cardioprotective-effect-of-l-carnitine-and-silymarin-in-cancer-patients-receiving-anthracycline-containing-chemotherapy-converted

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