Vol.6 No.3 – 1: Understanding COVID-19, Genome, Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Vaccination

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By : Eslam Mostafa1 , Aisha El-Sawah*1 , Esraa Magdy1 , Ahmed Sayed1 , Safaa El-Azab1 , Ayman Natei1 , Asmaa Husein1 , Salma Hassan1 , Menna Mostafa2 , Mohamed M. Omran3

1 Biotechnology/Biomolecular Chemistry Program, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt Giza, 12613, Egypt

2 Molecular Biotechnology Program, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Helwan, Egypt Ain Helwan, 11795, Cairo, Egypt

3 Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Helwan, Egypt Ain Helwan, 11795, Cairo, Egypt

Abstract

In December 2019, an acute respiratory disease called COVID-19 from the coronavirus family has spread in Wuhan city in China. Due to the fast transmission of this disease and the number of cases increase, it received the whole world’s attention. And on 30 January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially announced that COVID-19 is epidemic. In March, WHO declared that it is pandemic due to the high number of cases confirmed globally. SARS-CoV-2, that has single-stranded (positive-sense) RNA with structural proteins (S, E, M, N), has common manifestations like dry cough, fever, and fatigue as the common cold. These symptoms range from moderate to severe that cause death, even there are also asymptomatic patients. The SARS-CoV-2 virus can be transmitted through person-to-person transmission. Though there are two different ways for its entry to the host cell, which are endosomal or plasma membrane fusion, both require ACE2 receptor attachment. There are different diagnostic techniques for SARS-CoV-2 ranging from RT-PCR and Immuno-tests to advanced methods such as CT and crisper technology. No therapies to COVID-19 have been developed so far, but researchers are currently working on developing therapies specific to this novel coronavirus. Furthermore, many of the repurposed drugs that have the potential to either attenuate the symptoms or prevent the viral entry/replication are still in preclinical and clinical trial phases. Besides the vaccination that has been developed whether they are live attenuated, subunit, or nucleic acid vaccines.

Understanding COVID-19, Genome, Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Vaccination-converted (2)

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Vol.6 No.2 – 5: Role of Human Pituitary Tumor-Transforming Gene1 (HPTTG1) as a prognostic biomarker for metastasis in Egyptian patients breast, colon and Liver cancer

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By: Samir Ali Mohamed El-Masry1, Sherif Mohsen Elsherbini1,

Abdelmoneam Ahmed Abdelmoneam2, Ahmed Gouda Ibrahim Radwan1

1-Molecular Biology department, Genetic Engineering, and Biotechnology Research Institute, Sadat City University, Egypt, 32897

2- Haemato-Oncology department, Faculty of Medicine, Banha University, Egypt, 13511

Abstract

hPTTG1 is an oncogene that overexpressed in most human carcinomas. It was reported to be involved in cell cycle regulation and sister chromatid separation.  PTTG expression level has been associated with tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis. In this study, hPTTG1 expression was analyzed in three cancer patients’ groups including; breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma patients using RT-PCR. Our data revealed that the expression of PTTG1 was high in three groups; however, the metastatic cases reported higher expression levels of PTTG1 compared to non-metastatic groups. Thus, PTTG1 could be a prognostic marker in different types of cancer patients, and targeting PTTG1 might be a good strategy against metastasis.

Role of Human Pituitary Tumor-Transforming Gene1 (hPTTG1) as a prognostic biomarker in Egyptian patients breast, colon and liver cancer.

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Vol.6 No.2 – 4: Effect of Polyethylene and Butylated Hydroxytoluene on the histological structure and some enzymes of rat liver

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By: Hassan Al-Harbia, Zaki Al-Hasawib, Yaser Binnaserc, Reem Al-Hasawid , Faiz Al-Solamia  and Abdullah Al- Ghamdia

aPoison Control and Medical Forensic Toxicology Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

bDepartment of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdul Aziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

cDepartment of Biology, College of Sciences, Taibah University, Al-Medina Al-Munawara, Saudia Arabia

dDepartment of Chemistry Sciences, Faculty of Science and Arts, King Abdul Aziz University, Rabig, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This research studied the effect of polyethylene (PE), Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT), PE with BHT, and the thermally-treated PE on the histopathological examination and some biochemical activities of the liver of adult male mice.105 mice were divided into 5 groups. The (PE group) supplied with 20% crushed PE, the (BHT group) supplied 400mg/kg of BHT dissolved in corn oil, the (PE + BHT group) were fed with 20% crushed PE and 400mg/kg of BHT dissolved in corn oil, the (thermally treated PE group) supplied food with 20% of crushed thermally-treated PE, and the control group.  The weight of the mice was recorded before the study and after 6 weeks. Blood samples were collected to determine the liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). The animals were sacrificed; the liver was weighed before and after treatments and examined microscopically. Liver specimens were stained and examined by a light microscope. The results showed that the mean weights of the mice in PE, BHT, and PE + BHT groups were statistically reduced and the mean weights of their livers significantly (p≥0.05) increased and the enzymes AST and ALT in the blood significantly (p≥0.05) increased in comparison to the control group. The histopathological examination of the liver specimens showed significant changes with all PE and BHT treatments. The results of the current investigation suggest preventing the use of plastic in food preservation and replacing it with safe grade substance like wood materials

Effect of Polyethylene and Butylated Hydroxytoluene on the histological structure and some enzymes of rat liver-converted

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Vol.6 No.2 – 3: Impact of Selenium Compared to Thiotacid Supplementation on Fatigue Score in Hemodialysis Patients

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By: Zeinab Al Kasaby1, Mohamed Abdel Latif2, Magdy ElSharkawy3, Maha Abd Elrhman4, Hosny A. Elewa5

1- Assistant Professor and Head of Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University

2- Professor and Head of Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assuit University

3- Professor of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University

4- Master degree in pharmaceutical science, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University

5- Assistant Professor and Head of Pharmacy Practice Department, Horus University

Abstract

Background: Hemodialysis patients (HD) always suffer from fatigue, which is associated with poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in this population. Purpose: To evaluate the intensities of fatigue in HD patients, we evaluated the impact of selenium and thiotacid on their fatigue level and the reflection of their antioxidant effect on HRQoL. Methods: This study was a prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial. It was carried out in two dialysis units of Ain Shams University Hospitals. The study protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Committee (REC), Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, No. (FMASU MD, 381/2018). Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study. Between August 2018 and January 2019, HD patients who completed the Arabic Translated form of the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). FSS was assessed at baseline and three months after starting therapy with selenium or thiotacid. Results: All HD patients were suffering from severe fatigue states (mean fatigue scores of 6.04, 6.09, and 6.115) for the control, selenium, and thiotacid groups, respectively. After three months, the mean fatigue score elevated from 6.04 to 6.518 in the control group. Supplementation with selenium and thiotacid positively affected the reduction of fatigue score by 46.5% and 44.19% in selenium and thiotacid groups, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two drugs in the improvement of fatigue state in both treated groups. Conclusion: Selenium or thiotacid supplementations successfully decreased fatigue in HD patients.

Impact of Selenium Compared to Thiotacid Supplementation on Fatigue Score in Hemodialysis Patients (Autosaved)-converted

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Vol.6 No.2 – 2: Comparative effect of extracts of Blighia sapida (Sapindaceae) from three regions on the biochemical parameters of hypertensive rats

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Yao Honoré N’GUESSAN*1,2, Wawa Justine TIEKPA3, Mandé Ryta Adélaïde DOUE2, Cassime TIEMOKO2, Chérif Moustapha KARAMOKO2, Alain Dit Phillippe BIDIE1,2, Daouda KONE1.

1 African Center of Excellence on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Agriculture, Félix Houphouet-Boigny University, Abidjan, Ivory Coast, 22 BP 582 Abidjan 22, Ivory Coast.

2 Pharmacodynamics-Biochemical Laboratory, UFR Biosciences, Félix Houphouet-Boigny University, Abidjan, Ivory Coast, 22 BP 582 Abidjan 22, Ivory Coast.

3 Péliforo Gon Coulibaly University, BP 1328 Korhogo, Ivory Coast

Abstract

Blighia sapida is a plant with many therapeutic virtues. In Ivory Coast, this plant is widespread in several regions with different climatic conditions. The aim of our study is to compare the effects of aqueous extracts of Blighia sapida harvested in three Ivorian regions on the biochemical parameters of rats made hypertensive by a fructose diet. Rats (20) were fed a high fructose diet (70% fructose, 10% fat, 20% protein) for 30 days. Then blood pressure was measured from an armband to the tail of the rats. Finally, biochemical and lipid parameters were measured before and after the fructose-enriched diet. All rats fed the high-fructose diet had similar rates of hypertension (SBP = 160.0 ± 0.07 mmHg; DBP = 141.5 ± 1.21 mmHg; HR = 325.7 ± 1.52 beats/min) and a change in dosing parameters. Aqueous extracts of Blighia sapida from Adzopé (EAA) and Korhogo (EAK) administered to hypertensive rats normalized the previously increased cardiovascular, biochemical and lipid parameters compared to control rats (healthy and untreated diseased rats). However, the aqueous extract of Blighia sapida of Adzopé (EAA) showed the best effects on hypertension compared to the aqueous extract of Blighia sapida of Korhogo (EAK). Indeed, the more humid the region and the climate, the more effective the extract is. The regulating effect of aqueous extracts of Blighia sapida on blood pressure, therefore, differs from one region to another with different climatic conditions. This would explain its use in traditional medicine in certain climatic zones compared to others where its therapeutic effects would be unknown because less. Adzopé would, therefore, be the best region where Blighia sapida should be harvested for the optimal treatment of high blood pressure.

Comparative effect of extracts of Blighia sapida (Sapindaceae) from three regions on the biochemical parameters of hypertensive rats-converted

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Vol.6 No.2 – 1: Elevated serum NAGAL levels were associated with cardiovascular diseases in pediatric chronic kidney disease

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By: Mohamed A. Abdelrazek 1,2*, Hossam T. ElAgamy 3, Lamiaa A. Barakat 3, Gamal T. Soliman4, Mohamed A. Basuni 5

1 Biotechnology Research Center, New Damietta, Egypt

2 Sherbin Central Hospital, Ad Daqahliyah, Ministry of Health, Egypt

3 Faculty of Science, Port-Said University, Port-Said, Egypt

4 Faculty of Medicine, El-Minia University, El-Minia, Egypt

5 Mansoura Children hospital, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Early cardiovascular disease (CVD) management and prediction have become mandatory in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Association between neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and CVD events in pediatric CKD patients remains unclear. Thus, we aimed to evaluate this relationship and to clarify the association between NGAL serum levels and some CVD related parameters. Subjects and methods: A total of 70 children patients with CKD (30 with and 40 without CVD). The patient’s data were retrospectively recorded from the medical files of each patient. NGAL serum levels were measured by ELISA commercial kits. Association between different parameters was assessed by the Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: NGAL serum levels were significantly (P<0.0001) higher in patients with CVD (2450 (1335-2880) pg/mL) than patients without CVD (371 (285-1363) pg/mL) and healthy controls (295 (166-357) pg/mL). At 1300 pg/mL, NGAL has a good CVD predictive function with a high area under curve (AUC=0.871). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were 80, 80, 63.2, 90.3 and 80%, respectively. CVD risk increase with elevated NGAL serum levels (>1300 pg/mL) (OR=2.57, 95 CI (1.62-4.09), P<0.0001). Carotid intima thickness was associated with elevated NGAL levels. Both NGAL and carotid intima thickness were significantly correlated with dialysis duration, uric acid, and lipid profile. Conclusion: NGAL was associated with CVD events in children with CKD with good predictive value supporting NGAL putative role in CVD pathophysiology. But NGAL in CVD is still in the early stages and future studied needed to evaluate its association with CVD severity.

Elevated serum NAGAL levels were associated with cardiovascular diseases in pediatric chronic kidney disease-converted

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Vol.6 No.1 – 4: RBC Alloimmunization in Sudanese Multi-transfused Patients

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By: Hager Elkobani1, Sahar Elbager1*, Magdi A. Bayoumi2

1Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Medical Sciences and Technology (UMST), Sudan

2Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Ibn Sina University, Sudan

Abstract

Background: Blood transfusions are a life-saving measure to replace blood lost through severe bleeding or as a life-saving treatment for various hematological conditions. Blood transfusions are high-risk procedures. One of these risks is alloimmunization. Alloimmunization is an immune response to foreign antigens after exposure to genetically different cells or tissues. Alloimmunization is a frequent undesirable outcome of a blood transfusion. In this study, we investigated the frequency of alloimmunization and the factors associated with the development of antibodies in frequently transfused patients. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in Khartoum, Sudan between November 2017 and March 2018. The study population included 97 multi-transfused patients (Solid tumors, 41; Sickle cell anemia, 31; Leukemia; 25), 52 males and 45 females whose ages ranged between 3-81 years and each subject received a minimum of 2 units of RBCs. The number of blood units transfused varied among patients from 2 to over 20 units depending on the underline disease treatment needs. Antibody screen was performed using four-cell commercially prepared Grifols reagent RBCs and gel impregnated with antihuman globulin. Results: The overall alloimmunization frequency was 22.7%. The alloimmunization frequency in Sickle cell anemia patients was 29.0%, solid tumors patients; 21.9% and 16.0% in leukemic patients. Alloimmunization frequency was independent on a number of units transfused or gender (p value= 0.071, 0.942), respectively. Conclusion: Sudanese multi-transfused patients have higher rates of alloimmunization compared to other countries. It is our recommendation that pretransfusion protocols must include antibody screening. Timely antigen typing of donor’s blood and to transfuse only antigen-negative blood.

RBC Alloimmunization in Sudanese Multi-transfused Patients-converted

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Vol.6 No.1 – 3: Diagnostic role of collagen III in the diagnosis of breast cancer in Egyptian women

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By: Abdelfattah M. Attallah1*, Mohamed El-Far2, Esraa A. El Sayes 1, Mohamed M. Omran3

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, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt

Abstract

Mammography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound are useful tools that can be used in breast cancer (BC) screening but these methods have various limitations. Thus, finding diagnostic biomarkers may be a useful alternative choice. A total of 142 females with breast diseases (40 females with benign conditions and 102 females with BC) were included in the study. In addition to age- and sex-matched 29 normal females as a negative control. The level of collagen III was detected using the ELISA technique. It was (21.29±3.14 µg/ml) in sera of females with BC higher than in benign (13.91±2.65 µg/ml) and in normal (5.69±0.43 µg/ml) females. Collagen III yielded an AUC of 0.86 to differentiate BC from normal females and an AUC of 0.62 to differentiate BC females from those with benign conditions. Moreover, AUC was risen to 0.72 to differentiate females with BC from those without BC. While the index provided values that were significantly (P<0.01) higher in BC (9.1±1.3) than benign (6.3±1.1) and normal (2.5±1.1) females. It yielded an AUC of 0.98 (sensitivity = 90.0 %) to differentiate BC from normal females and an AUC of 0.84 to differentiate BC females from those with benign conditions. Moreover,AUC was risen to 0.87 to differentiate females with BC from those without BC (sensitivity = 84.0 %).In conclusion, serum collagen III concentration represents a candidate biomarker for BC. Moreover, its combination with cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15.3) and age provided a valuable index for BC diagnosis with high accuracy.

Diagnostic role of collagen III in diagnosis of breast cancer in Egyptian women-converted

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Vol.6 No.1 – 2: Contributions to the protection of a lentic system in the tropical region against chemical pollutions: A case study of “Toho Lake” in Southeastern Benin, West Africa

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By: Jean Gouvidé GBAGUIDI, Nikita TOPANOU, Jacques FATOMBI, Essegbemon Akpo Moyo, Daouda MAMA, and Taofiki AMINOU  

Abstract

The protection of aquatics ecosystems leads to the biological equilibrium which secures the safe foods from the aquatics products. Toho Lake located to the southeastern of Benin is threatened by human pollution due to the chemical fertilizers, waste housekeeper and both human and animal excrement result agglomeration. The aim of the present study is to Toho lake protection against chemical and bacteriological pollution of these wet ecosystems. Samples of water and sediment were collected and analyzed by HACH DR 3900 after undergone treatment The different analysis results revealed a mean oxygenation of water (4,95 mgo2/l), the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (21.5 mgo2/l), the Chemical Oxygen Demand (149, 39 mg/l) with the azote in Nitrate (NO3:0,18 mg/l), ammoniacal azote (N-NH4+:0,47 mg/l) phosphorous (2,06 mg/l) are very high. The lake is also polluted by fecal matters. The high contents of heavy metals in the sediment show that the sediments of the lake are polluted by the zinc (340 mg/kg), the cadmium (7 mg/kg), the lead (60,75 mg/kg) and the copper (8,25 mg/kg).

Contributions to the protection of a lentic system in tropical region against chemical pollutions Case study of Toho lake in South eastern Benin, West Africa-converted

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Vol.6 No.1 – 1: A pilot study of the paraoxonase-1 (Q192 R) gene polymorphism association with prostate cancer in the Egyptian population

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By: Hany Abd Al Hamid1, Mohamed Y. Nasr1, Asmaa Ibrahim1,3, Khalid Bassiouny1,  Manal Mohamed Abd Al Aziz2

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

2. Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain shams University, 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 and Objectives: Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common cancer types in men and recognized as the fifth cause of death globally. Human paraoxanase-1 (PON1) is an enzyme synthesized in the liver and linked with high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The current study aimed to evaluate the association between PCa and PON1 enzyme polymorphism in Egyptian patients.

Subjects and methods: A total of 100 persons. Fifty patients diagnosed as PCa patients (group I) along with fifty non-PCa (group II) of matchable age were enrolled in this study. Patients with another type of cancer or any chronic disease were excluded. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was assayed in all subject’s study by using ELISA Kit Protocol (Cat. No.: EK-310-19); in addition to CBC, hematological parameters (hemoglobin, total leucocyte count and platelets count) were estimated by using automated hematology analyzer (Pentra 80) according to manufacturer’s instructions. PON1 Q192R gene polymorphism was performed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. Results: PON1 (Q192R) gene polymorphism showed QR genotype in PCa patients (group I) ]32(64%)[ compared with none-PCa (group II)] 4(8%)[. The association between PON1 (Q192R) gene polymorphism with prostate cancer group and PSA were statistically significant (P value= 0.000). Hemoglobin showed significant association with PCa patients (group I) and PSA (P = 0.000), while total leucocyte count and platelets count showed non-significant when compared with the control groupConclusion: Such findings showed that PON1 (Q192R) gene polymorphism could be associated with prostate cancer and disease growth. Recommendation, furthermore comprehensive stud­ies are required to confirm the role of PON1 gene polymorphism in the etiology of PCa.

A pilot study of the paraoxonase-1 (Q192 R) gene polymorphism association with prostate cancer in Egyptian population-converted

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