Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences最新文献

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Subclinical atherosclerosis in obesity is often not detected early. The FAM19A5 is a novel adipokin that is atheroprotective, known to play a role in inhibiting the proliferation and migration of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells (VSMC), but its expression in adipose tissue and its association with vascular lesions remain unclear. The Plasma Atherogenic Index (PAI) is also a predictive indicator of cardiovascular risk, but its association with coronary histopathological changes has not been widely evaluated experimentally. The study assesses the relationship between FAM19A5 levels and expression, as well as PAI values, with the histopathological picture of coronary arteries in the obesity model Rattus induced by a high-fat and high-fructose diet. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Fourteen male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into a control group (standard feed) and an obesity group (a high-fat and high-fructose diet for 12 weeks). An examination of FAM19A5 levels (ELISA), expression of mRNA FAM19A5 in adipose tissue (qRT-PCR), plasma lipid levels, PAI calculations and histopathological examination of coronary arteries. All analyses were conducted using SPSS version 25 and a p-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. <b>Results:</b> Circulating FAM19A5 levels were slightly higher in the obese group than in the control group, but not statistically significant. The expression of mRNA FAM19A5 is not detected in adipose tissue. The PAI value was higher in the obesity group. There was a significant difference in FAM19A5 levels in circulation between groups of coronary artery histopathological scores (p<0.05). The diet model successfully induces multistratified atherosclerotic lesions without additional proinflammatory substances. <b>Conclusion:</b> The integration of FAM19A5 levels, PAI values and the histopathological picture of coronary arteries provides a preliminary understanding of the progression of subclinical atherosclerosis in obesity. The findings of undetected FAM19A5 mRNA expression support the hypothesis that FAM19A5 is not the primary adipokine and that its role in atherosclerosis is likely systemic or compensatory in nature.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> <i>Chrysanthemum</i> is one of the most important ornamental plants worldwide, yet conventional propagation methods remain inefficient; therefore, microponics (a system integrating micropropagation with hydroponics) offers strong potential for producing high-quality planting materials at scale. This study evaluates the efficiency of microponic and micropropagation systems for <i>in vitro</i> propagation of the red cultivar of <i>Chrysanthemum</i>×<i>morifolium</i>, focusing on optimizing medium composition, plant growth regulator levels, medium volume and culture density and comparing plantlet performance during nursery acclimatization. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> <i>In vitro</i> shoots, measuring 1-1.5 cm in length and consisting of two nodes, were used as explants. Experiments were arranged in a completely randomized design with five replicates. Data were statistically analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with IRRISTAT 5.0, SPSS 20.0 and Microsoft Excel to identify the optimal culture conditions for each system and to compare growth parameters of plantlets during nursery conditions with treatment means compared by DMRT at the 5% significance level. <b>Results:</b> The optimal conditions for the microponic system were obtained using liquid 1/2MS medium supplemented with 0.1 ppm naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), with a medium volume of 20 mL and a culture density of nine shoots per vessel. Under these conditions, plantlets exhibited the highest shoot height (2.03 cm), fresh mass (0.17 g), 100% root initiation, 3.89 roots per explant (0.64 cm in length) and 4.26 leaves after two weeks of culture. In contrast, the optimal micropropagation medium was solid MS supplemented with 0.3 ppm NAA, 0.5 g/L activated charcoal (AC), 30 g/L sucrose, with the same culture density that used in the microponic system. Plantlets in this system reached a shoot height of 3.14 cm, a fresh mass of 0.20 g, 100% root initiation, 4.87 roots (3.44 cm in length) and five leaves. After 90 days in the nursery, micropropagated plantlets exhibited greater height, a higher number of leaves and earlier flowering, whereas microponic-derived plantlets developed larger leaves, thicker shoots and wider canopy diameters. <b>Conclusion:</b> The micropropagation system provided optimal conditions for <i>in vitro</i> shoot growth and promoted earlier flowering, while the microponic system improved acclimatization and post-transplant performance of red cultivar of <i>Chrysanthemum</i>×<i>morifolium</i> plantlets.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> The extensive use of antibiotics has created selective pressure leading to antimicrobial resistance, with biofilm formation serving as a major defense mechanism. Nearly 80% of infections involve biofilm-producing microorganisms that conventional antibiotics fail to eradicate. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of ethanol extract from songga wood (<i>Strychnos lucida</i>) against <i>Bacillus</i> sp., <i>Salmonella typhi</i> and <i>Candida albicans</i>. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of <i>S. lucida</i> ethanol extract were assessed using the microdilution assay at graded concentrations (0.0625-1%). Biofilm inhibition was examined during both intermediate and maturation phases. Statistical analysis was performed to determine significance (p<0.05). <b>Results:</b> At the highest tested concentration (1%), the extract demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity, inhibiting 83.89% of <i>Bacillus</i> sp., 80.03% of <i>S. typhi</i> and 82.43% of <i>C. albicans</i>. Pronounced antibiofilm activity was also observed, with inhibition rates of 75.36, 75.58 and 71.82% during the intermediate phase and 61.16, 61.76 and 61.14% during the maturation phase, respectively (p<0.05). <b>Conclusion:</b> <i>Strychnos lucida</i> ethanol extract exhibited significant antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects, indicating its potential as a natural candidate for developing alternative therapeutic agents. Further studies on its active compounds and mechanisms are warranted to support clinical applications.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Functional foods containing abundant bioactive compounds have gained increasing attention for their contributions to health promotion and the prevention of degenerative disorders. Elephant cassava (<i>Manihot esculenta</i> var. Gajah), a local cultivar grown on Muna Island, Indonesia, is notable for its large tubers and high productivity. Therefore, this research was designed to investigate its phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential and cyanogenic safety of elephant cassava to evaluate its feasibility as a functional food source. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Ethanol extracts of elephant cassava tubers were prepared by maceration and fractionated by solvent partitioning. Qualitative phytochemical screening, thin-layer chromatography (TLC), antioxidant assays using DPPH and FRAP methods and qualitative cyanide detection via alkaline picrate test were performed. Furthermore, LC-MS/MS analysis was employed to identify the major bioactive compounds, followed by the structural elucidation of the isolated molecules using FTIR, NMR and MS techniques. <b>Results:</b> Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics and steroids, while saponins, tannins and triterpenoids were absent. Antioxidant assays demonstrated strong radical scavenging and reducing capacities, with IC values of 20.9 μg/mL for the extract and 11.8 μg/mL for vitamin C, categorizing the extract as highly active. The FRAP assay further confirmed the comparable reducing power of this product to that of vitamin C. Cyanogenic glycosides were undetectable, indicating the product's safety for consumption. The LC-MS/MS analysis identified key metabolites, including myo-inositol, trehalose, nicotinamide, adenine, indoline, palmitic acid glycerol ester and 1-stearoylglycerol, all of which contribute to the nutritional and pharmacological potential of this compound. <b>Conclusion:</b> Elephant cassava tubers possess a rich phytochemical profile and exhibit strong antioxidant activity with no detectable cyanogenic toxicity. The presence of nutritionally valuable and bioactive compounds underscores its potential as a safe and promising candidate for the development of functional foods.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC), particularly tongue malignancies, remains a major global health concern due to late diagnosis and limited treatment options. <i>Salvadora persica</i> (Miswak), traditionally used by ancient Arabs for oral hygiene, contains numerous bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic value. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant properties of Miswak extract using different solvents, quantify its total phenolic and flavonoid content and assess its anticancer activity against an oral cancer cell line through <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in silico </i>approaches. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Miswak extracts were prepared using water, acetone and ethanol to compare antioxidant capacity and phytochemical content. The extract exhibiting the highest activity was selected for further analysis. The ethanolic extract was subsequently tested on the human tongue carcinoma cell line (HNO97) using the Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay to determine cytotoxicity. The ELISA was conducted to quantify TNF-α and VEGF-A levels, while real-time PCR was used to measure the expression of caspase-3 and caspase-7. Molecular docking was performed to evaluate the binding affinity of Miswak-derived compounds toward DAPK1, a key protein involved in regulating apoptosis. Statistical analyses were applied to assess the significance of the findings. <b>Results:</b> The ethanolic extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity and was selected for anticancer evaluation. SRB assay results showed potent cytotoxicity against HNO97 cells with an IC₅₀ of 260.03 μg/mL. The ELISA confirmed significant downregulation of TNF-α and VEGF-A, indicating pronounced anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic effects. Real-time PCR demonstrated upregulation of caspase-3 and caspase-7, suggesting activation of apoptotic pathways. Molecular docking supported these observations by revealing strong binding affinities of the extract's bioactive compounds to DAPK1. <b>Conclusion:</b> The ethanolic extract of <i>Salvadora persica</i> demonstrates promising antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic and pro-apoptotic properties, indicating its potential as a natural therapeutic candidate for oral squamous cell carcinoma. These findings provide a strong foundation for further <i>in vivo</i> and preclinical studies to validate its efficacy and safety.

<i>Combretum kraussii </i>Hochst. is a small to medium-sized tree, widely used in traditional medicine in Southern Africa. This study was aimed at reviewing the medicinal applications, chemical and biological properties of <i>C. kraussii</i>. Information on medicinal uses, chemical and biological properties of <i>C. kraussii</i> was collected from several online databases such as ScienceDirect^®, PubMed^®, Web of Science, SpringerLink^®, Google Scholar, Scopus^® and SciELO, as well as pre-electronic literature sources such as book chapters, books and other scientific publications obtained from the university library. The findings highlight the use of the bark, branches, leaves and roots of <i>C. kraussii</i> as an appetite stimulant, snakebite antidote and tonic and traditional medicine for body and leg pains, cleansing body and urinary systems, fever, stomachache and wounds. Chemical compounds identified from <i>C. kraussii </i>include aglycones, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, lactones, phytosterols, steroids, stilbenoids, tannins and triterpenoids. The phytochemical compounds isolated from <i>C. kraussii</i> and its crude extracts exhibited alpha-glucosidase inhibitory, anticancer, anti-cholinesterase, anthelmintic, antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antischistosomal and oxytocic activities. Future research on <i>C. kraussii</i> should focus on detailed phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological evaluations, as well as <i>in vivo</i> and clinical studies.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Diatoms are unicellular algae that can survive extreme conditions because of their silica-based cell walls. As an indication of the murder scene and the duration of the victim's drowning, diatoms might be utilized for forensic diagnosis. The purpose of this study is to determine the diatom species that colonize the cowhide substrate, the community and the relationship between physico-chemical factors in the Batang Kuranji River in Padang City. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Drowning diagnosis was investigated by submerging cowhide substrates at sampled river sites to collect colonizing diatoms over 10 days. Diatom samples were collected, preserved and identified microscopically, while key water quality parameters were measured concurrently. Statistical analysis, including ANOVA and PCA, was used to correlate diatom colonization with location, submersion time and environmental factors. <b>Results:</b> It showed that diatom colonization based on the number of species on the 8th day showed colonization influenced by an increase in the number of individuals, such as the species <i>Fragilaria capucina</i> and <i>Synedra ulna</i>. In the observation, 94 species of diatoms were found, 42 species were obtained as a pointer to the crime scene of the drowning victim and 68 species as a pointer to the time of the victim's drowning. Diatoms on cowhide substrate consisted of 2 classes, 2 orders and 19 families with diatom density ranging from 3.81±0.16 to 22.80±1.34 ind/cm^{<a href="190599_op">2</a>}. The highest relative density was <i>Fragilaria capucina</i> (28.59%). <b>Conclusion:</b> The diatom community that was identified had no dominant species, an equally distributed individual population and diversity index requirements that were categorized as moderate to high. The Batang Kuranji River's chemical and physical factors are still largely ideal for diatom colonization on cowhide substrates, according to the PCA analysis's results, which can also serve as a guide for drowning victims.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Second-degree burns can cause significant tissue damage, pain and infection risk, necessitating prompt and effective treatment strategies. Natural therapeutic agents with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are gaining attention for burn management. <i>Marchantia paleacea</i>, a liverwort species, is known for such properties. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate <i>M. paleacea</i> gel for its wound healing potential in second-degree burns. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> A gel was prepared using ethanol extracts of <i>M. paleacea</i> at concentrations of 5, 10 and 15%, with Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) as the base. The formulations were evaluated for pH, viscosity, spreadability, homogeneity, stability and skin irritation. A 14-day <i>in vivo</i> study was conducted on rats with second-degree burn wounds to assess healing. Statistical analysis included ANOVA and <i>post hoc</i> comparisons, with significance level set at p<0.05. <b>Results:</b> All gel formulations showed good physical stability, pH values between 5.04 and 5.30, viscosity ranging from 2459.7 to 2991.5 cps and no irritation in volunteers. The 15% <i>M. paleacea</i> gel demonstrated the most significant wound healing effect, reducing wound size to 0.12 cm², increasing epithelial thickness to 387.67 μm and enhancing collagen deposition to 18.60 on day 14 (p<0.05). <b>Conclusion:</b> <i>Marchantia paleacea</i> gel, particularly at 15% concentration, exhibited significant burn healing effects, likely due to its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This formulation holds promise as a natural topical agent for second-degree burn treatment. Further clinical studies are recommended to validate its efficacy.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Antimicrobial resistance has created a demand for alternative therapeutic agents derived from natural products. <i>Balikpapan ginger</i> (<i>Etlingera balikpapanensis</i> A.D. Poulsen) is an underexplored species with potential medicinal value. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial and antifungal activity of its stem extract against <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> and <i>Candida albicans</i>. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The extract was obtained through maceration using 96% ethanol. Antimicrobial activity was tested using the disc diffusion method at concentrations of 0.5, 1 and 2%. The diameters of inhibition zones were measured and results were analyzed statistically to assess dose-dependent effects. <b>Results:</b> The extract exhibited significant antibacterial activity against <i>S. aureus</i> and notable antifungal activity against <i>C. albicans</i>. Inhibition zones increased proportionally with extract concentration, with the highest activity observed at 2%. The antimicrobial effect is attributed to the presence of flavonoids and tannins in the extract. <b>Conclusion:</b> <i>Balikpapan ginger</i> stem extract demonstrates promising antibacterial and antifungal potential, supporting its application as a natural antimicrobial agent in health-related fields. Further studies are recommended to isolate active compounds and evaluate <i>in vivo</i> efficacy.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> <i>Diaphorina citri</i>, the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), is a major vector of Huanglongbing disease in citrus worldwide and controlling this pest in citrus production regions is vital. Effective management requires regular monitoring-mapping its population distribution can support targeted surveillance and control strategies. Conventional population mapping faces challenges, but the maximum entropy model (MaxEnt) offers a valuable predictive tool. This study examined the distribution of ACP in Indonesia and predicted its potential distribution based on local climate suitability using the MaxEnt model. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Field surveys were conducted over two consecutive years, from January, 2022 to December, 2023, in major citrus-producing regions of Indonesia, particularly Bali, Java, Sumatra and Kalimantan. Occurrence data were supplemented with information from published literature. The MaxEnt model was developed using 19 bioclimatic factors and altitude data for Indonesia over 30 years (1970-2000). <b>Results:</b> The ACP was found in at least 38 citrus-producing areas across Indonesia. The MaxEnt model demonstrated excellent performance, with a Receiver Operating Characteristic/Area Under the Curve (ROC/AUC) value of 0.917 and identified seven dominant factors related to temperature, rainfall and altitude. Suitability for ACP was predicted to be high in Java, Bali and Nusa Tenggara, while other regions were predicted to have moderate to low suitability. <b>Conclusion:</b> Overall, ACP is widely distributed in Indonesia and the MaxEnt modeling effectively reflects its current distribution pattern and enables the prediction of its potential range.