Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences最新文献

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Fishmeal in Indonesia still mostly comes from abroad, while the available fish waste has not been widely processed as an alternative feed ingredient to replace it. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding fermented fish waste meals in the ration on the physical quality of quail eggs and reproductive organ characteristics. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> One hundred and sixty female quails, 25 weeks old, were reared until 33 weeks. The diet treatments were P0 = Control ration, P1 = Ration containing 2% fermented fish waste meal, P2 = Ration containing 4% fermented fish waste meal and P3 = Ration containing 6% fermented fish waste meal. A completely randomized design (CRD) was used with four treatments and four replications, with ten female quails per replicate. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and if there were significant differences, the data were further analyzed using Duncan's Multiple Range Test. Significance was considered at a probability level of p<0.05. The variables measured were the egg's physical quality and reproductive organs. <b>Results:</b> The treatments did not significantly (p>0.05) affect egg weight, egg shape index, shell thickness, eggshell, albumen, yolk weight percentage, yolk color index, the Haugh unit, the carcass percentage and reproductive tract of quails. However, fermented fish waste meal increased the yolk color index and carcass percentage. <b>Conclusion:</b> Fermented fish waste meal up to 6% had no negative effect on egg quality or reproductive organs of quails. Fermented fish waste meal from pineapple can be considered an alternative feed ingredient, utilizing bromelain enzymes to reduce the use of fish meal.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> The liver is a crucial organ in the human body that contributes to metabolic processes, immune function and nutrient regulation. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of mulberry leaves (<i>Morus nigra</i> L.) on rats with acute liver injury induced by CCl₄. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Twenty-four male albino Sprague Dawley rats (~195±10 g) were divided into control and CCl₄-induced liver injury groups. The treated group received a monthly basal diet of 2.5 and 5% mulberry leaves. Liver histopathology, body weight, organ-to-body weight ratios and feed intake were assessed. Lipid profiles and serum markers (glucose, urea, AST and ALT) were analyzed using SPSS (Mean±SD) with a significance level of p<0.05. <b>Results:</b> Total serum cholesterol and blood triglyceride levels were significantly lower (p<0.05) in all mulberry-fed groups, with the most notable reduction in the 5% group. The 5% mulberry leaf group also observed the best lipoprotein profile. The 5% mulberry leaf diet improved AST, ALT and serum glucose levels in rats with acute liver disease. <b>Conclusion:</b> Based on the results shown here, it appears that taking 5% ML daily can help improve liver functioning and shield rats from acute damage caused by CCL₄.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Silverleaf whitefly (<i>Bemisia tabaci</i> ) is one of the most notable pest attacks on tomato plants. A viable eco-friendly option for pest control involves using pesticides specifically derived from the methanol extracts of <i>Tithonia diversifolia</i> and <i>Pachyrhizus erosus</i>. This study aims to determine the concentration of methanol extracts from <i>T. diversifolia</i> leaves and <i>P. erosus</i>. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The study employed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 9 treatments and 3 replications. The toxicity of various extract concentrations was assessed through probit analysis, while plant growth and pest population density were monitored across multiple stages, with manual spraying of the extracts. This study uses a controlled greenhouse environment and detailed monitoring of environmental conditions, plant height and pest density throughout the two-week treatment period. A one-way ANOVA was conducted to evaluate differences between treatment groups, with significance set at p<0.05. <b>Results:</b> The LC₅₀ and LC₉₅ values for <i>T. diversifolia</i> leaf methanol extract at 3.8 and 7.9 g/L, respectively. The LC₅₀ and LC₉₅ values for <i>P. erosus</i> seed methanol extract were 4.3 and 8.7 g/L, respectively. The toxicity test results of both extracts have relatively high LC₅₀ and LC₉₅ values, indicating moderate toxicity levels. The most significant reduction in nymph population density occurred with the highest concentrations in <i>T. diversifolia</i> leaf (15.9 and 23.9 g/L) and <i>P. erosus</i> seed (17.4 and 26.2 g/L) extracts. In addition, both of the extracts can enhance tomato fruit height and harvest yield. <b>Conclusion:</b> Methanol extracts of <i>T. diversifolia</i> leaves and <i>P. erosus</i> seeds effectively reduce the <i>B. tabaci</i> population on tomato plants, with the highest suppression (100%) observed at concentrations of 15.9 g/L for <i>T. diversifolia</i> leaves and 26.2 g/L for <i>P. erosus</i> seeds, leading to increased fruit production compared to the control.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Gonorrhoea, caused by <i>Neisseria gonorrhoeae</i>, continues to pose a major global health threat due to the rising incidence of antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to explore the potential of metabolites derived from immunized larvae of <i>Rhynchophorus</i> sp., as alternative therapeutic agents for the treatment of gonorrhea. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to identify metabolites from the hemolymph of larvae immunized with non-pathogenic <i>Escherichia coli</i>. Subsequently, key molecular targets of these metabolites were identified through network pharmacology and molecular docking approaches. <b>Results:</b> Metabolite interaction networks revealed L-glutamic acid as the compound with the highest degree of interaction (25) among the 15 identified amino acid-derived metabolites. Further analysis of gene interactions identified <i>guaA</i>, which encodes guanosine monophosphate synthetase, as having the highest degree of interaction (27). Binding-free energy of identified metabolites, with L-tryptophan showing the highest binding free energy of -5.9 kcal/mol in the guanosine monophosphate receptor. <b>Conclusion:</b> The study identifies guanosine monophosphate synthetase (GMPS) as a promising target for combating gonorrhea, with L-tryptophan showing potential as a lead compound. Targeting GMPS disrupts critical metabolic pathways in <i>N. gonorrhea</i>, offering a novel approach against antibiotic-resistant strains. By integrating metabolite analysis, network pharmacology and molecular docking, the study provides a comprehensive framework for drug discovery. This multidisciplinary strategy advances the development of effective therapies for antibiotic-resistant pathogens.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Endophytic actinomycetes represent a promising source of novel bioactive compounds. This study aimed to isolate and characterize endophytic actinomycetes from <i>Aloe vera</i> leaves, identify their bioactive metabolites and assess their antimicrobial and anticancer properties. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Endophytic actinomycetes were isolated from <i>Aloe vera</i> leaf sections and screened for antimicrobial activity. Isolate AVL08, exhibiting potent activity against <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, was identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and morphological characterization. Bioactive compounds were extracted, purified and identified using spectroscopic methods. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using microbroth dilution assays and cytotoxicity was assessed against Vero, HeLa, HepG2 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Molecular docking studies were performed to investigate interactions with human DNA topoisomerase II. <i>In silico</i>, ADMET predictions were conducted using SwissADME, PreADMET and pkCSM. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (version 11.01) with One-way ANOVA and Tukey's <i>post hoc</i> test, considering differences significant at p<0.05. <b>Results:</b> Isolate AVL08 was identified as <i>Streptomyces galbus</i> and produced two anthraquinone compounds, 1,4,6-trihydroxy-8-(2'-oxopentyl)-9,10-anthraquinone (<b>1</b>) and 1,4,6-trihydroxy-8-pentacarboxyl-9,10-anthraquinone (<b>2</b>). These compounds exhibited selective antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria and significant cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 and HeLa cancer cell lines, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 94.00 to 154.52 μg/mL. Compound <b>2</b> demonstrated enhanced potency and selectivity against HepG2 cells. Molecular docking revealed favorable interactions of the anthraquinones with topoisomerase II. The ADMET predictions indicated favorable pharmacokinetic profiles but highlighted potential hERG channel inhibition and mutagenicity in specific bacterial strains. <b>Conclusion:</b> <i>Streptomyces galbus</i> AVL08 is a promising source of bioactive anthraquinones with potent antimicrobial and anticancer properties. The identified compounds, particularly Compound <b>2</b>, warrant further investigation for therapeutic applications. This study highlights the potential of endophytic actinomycetes from <i>Aloe vera</i> as a valuable resource for drug discovery.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Coffee fruit skin waste contains high cellulose leading to difficulty in degrading them naturally which finally creates environmental pollution. This research is aimed at finding out the compatible cellulolytic microbe in degrading cellulose content of coffee fruit skin waste. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Media Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) was used to select cellulolytic fungi. These fungi were tested through a consortium test on media to check out whether the microbial consortium was compatible or not. Furthermore, the ability of microbial consortium in degrading lignocellulose of coffee fruit skin waste was examined. <b>Results:</b> It was found that there were five singular isolates and seven consortium isolates able to degrade cellulose in variative cellulolytic index ranging from 0.43-2.75. In the cellulolytic compatibility test of the seven consortium isolates, there were two compatible consortium isolates with a CCI amount above 1, meanwhile, the consortium test result which was inoculated in PDA media, demonstrated the presence of six consortium isolates of non-synergistic due to the forming of inhibition zone in each isolate. A positive interaction happened between <i>Trichoderma asperellum</i> and <i>Aspergillus japonicus</i> (TA/AJ). Likewise, at the cellulolytic degradation capability test, consortium TA/AJ can degrade cellulose faster compared to using one isolate. <b>Conclusion:</b> The consortium of TA/AJ was the best and proved to be compatible in degrading lignocellulolytic of coffee fruit skin waste.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> <i>Catharanthus roseus</i> (L.) G. Don is a medicinal plant known for its therapeutic properties, particularly in cancer treatment and diabetes management. Its morphological characteristics and genetic markers play a crucial role in species identification, conservation and breeding programs. This study aims to evaluate the morphological features and molecular markers of <i>Catharanthus roseus</i> in Southern Vietnam to enhance species characterization and support its medicinal utilization. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The samples of <i>Catharanthus roseus</i> (L.) G. Don were arranged in a completely randomized design with three replications. To determine the genetic relationship between the samples, using the improved CTAB DNA extraction method. The DNA was amplified by PCR with primers specific to the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) gene region and finally, the amplified product was sequenced based on the Sanger method. <b>Results:</b> The sequence comparison results of 6 <i>Catharanthus roseus</i> (L.) G. Don samples on the NCBI gene bank showed that the samples were similar to the sequence of <i>Catharanthus roseus</i> species with coefficients ranging from 98.86-100%. The results of the analysis of the pedigree diagram, the sequence of the ITS gene region, have identified a group of genera within the same family. <b>Conclusion:</b> The samples coincided with the species <i>Catharanthus roseus</i> with a high similarity coefficient ranging from 98.86-100%. Future studies should focus on exploring the genetic diversity of <i>Catharanthus roseus</i> across different regions and investigating its bioactive compounds for potential pharmaceutical applications.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Schizophrenia is a severe and chronic mental disorder which are characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, catatonic behavior, negative symptoms and cognitive symptoms. Several gene polymorphisms and neurotransmitters have been linked to schizophrenia. This study assessed the correlation between proline level, Kynurenic Acid (KYNA) and glutamate level with cognitive function among schizophrenia patients, contributing to understanding biochemical factors associated with cognitive impairments. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The research was a cross-sectional observational analytic study of 99 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. Schizophrenia was diagnosed by SCID-1 questionnaire and the patient's blood was taken to be analyzed in the Biochemical Laboratory of Medical Faculty Andalas University using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) to characterize kynurenic acid level, glutamate level and proline level. Data were analyzed using Spearman Correlation in SPSS 25.0, with significance at p<0.05. <b>Results:</b> There were 99 schizophrenia patients; most of them were male (62.6%), age median 37 years old and not married (50.5%). The Microproline Level median among participants was 2.64 μg/mL, the median KYNA level was 14.6 nmol/L and the glutamate level was 10.5 μg/mL. Cognitive function was assessed by Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Digit Span Test and Trail Making Test (TMT) with a score median of 4/5/5/5 (Trial 1/2/3/Recall), 6/2 (forward/backward), 68/37 sec (TMT A/B), respectively. Spearman Correlation showed that microproline has a negative correlation with RAVLT Trial 1 (r = -0.221, p = 0.014), Digit Span Backward (r = -0.181, p = 0.036), TMT A (r = 0.204, p = 0.021) and TMT B (r = 0.185, p = 0.034). In contrast, other neurotransmitters do not correlate with any cognitive tests. <b>Conclusion:</b> Proline may play a role in the pathophysiology of cognitive deficits in schizophrenia, highlighting its potential as a target for therapeutic interventions.

<i>Portulacaria afra</i> Jacq. is an evergreen succulent shrub or small tree widely used in traditional medicine. The fleshy leaves of <i>P. afra</i> are eaten raw and the plant species is also a valuable stock feed and ornamental plant. The current study was aimed at documenting medicinal and traditional uses of <i>P. afra</i> and its phytochemical and pharmacological properties. Research articles on medicinal uses and ethnopharmacological properties of <i>P. afra</i> were searched from online databases such as SpringerLink^®, PubMed^®, Google Scholar, Web of Science, ScienceDirect^®, Scopus^® and SciELO and also pre-electronic literature obtained from the university library. <i>Portulacaria afra</i> is used as traditional medicine for sores, wounds, skin infections, diabetes, diarrhea, fever, hypertension, kidney ailments, respiratory infections, mouth ulcers, earaches and pain. Chemical compounds identified from <i>P. afra</i> include aliphatic ketones, alkanes, alkenes, aromatic compounds, benzoic acid derivatives, esters, fatty acids, flavonoids, phenanthrenes, phenols, steroids and triterpenoids. <i>Portulacaria afra</i> crude extracts demonstrated analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, glucose utilization, anti-quorum sensing, antioxidant, antiplasmodial, tyrosinase inhibition and cytotoxicity activities. This review highlights the need for detailed ethnopharmacological studies of <i>P. afra</i> focusing on its phytochemical, biological and toxicological properties, <i>in vivo</i> and clinical studies.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Malaria is the most widespread of insect-borne diseases. It remained a public health concern worldwide and particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Every year, malaria causes several thousand deaths and millions of cases, most of them in children under 5 years. This study aimed to highlight the anti-plasmodial properties of <i>Combretum micranthum</i> G.Don and <i>Combretum adenogonium</i> Steud. ex A.Rich., extracts used as antimalarial traditionally. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> A phytochemical study of the organic and aqueous extracts from leaves and stem bark powder was applied using colorimetric and spectrometric analysis. The antiplasmodial activity of extracts was assessed <i>in vitro</i> using chloroquine-sensitive 3D7 and chloroquine-resistant Dd2 strains. The dose inducing 50% inhibition of parasite viability was calculated from the sigmoidal dose-response curve. The statistical significance threshold was set at 5%. <b>Results:</b> In 100 mg of extract, the phenolic content was decreased from 47.53 to 20.29 mg GAE, the flavonoid content was from 11.49 to 4.55 mg QE and the flavonol content was from 6.14 to 0.55 mg RE. Interestingly, the aqueous extracts of <i>C. adenogonium</i> and <i>C. micranthum</i>, corresponding to the traditional mode of extraction, were effective against the CQ-sensitive strains 3D7 with IC₅₀ <5 μg/mL and ineffective against the CQ-resistant strains Dd2. Their effects were correlated with phenolics, flavonoids and flavonol contents of extracts. <b>Conclusion:</b> The use of <i>C. adenogonium</i> as a substitute for <i>C. micranthum</i> or a combination of the two plants, could reduce the overexploitation of <i>C. micranthum</i> and promote the ecological management. These results could justify the traditional use of these plants to treat malarial fevers.