Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences最新文献

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Despite its ecological and agricultural importance, <i>Coccinia grandis</i> remains understudied in the Mekong Delta, particularly regarding morphological diversity and genetic variation. This study aims to analyze the species' morphological characteristics and genetic diversity using SNP markers. Specifically, it seeks to assess variations in morphological traits among different populations and evaluate genetic diversity and relationships through SNP analysis to better understand its population structure. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The eight samples of <i>Coccinia grandis</i> L., the method of observing and describing the external morphology and microsurgery of <i>Coccinia grandis</i> L., was carried out based on the botanical research method with improvements to suit the experimental conditions. The quality of the DNA was checked by electrophoresis on a 1% agarose gel using safe-view dye. <b>Results:</b> The stem height, leaf length and root length show that there are ecological and nutritional influences leading to the above morphological differences. The results of comparing the sequences of 8 <i>Coccinia grandis</i> L., varieties on the NCBI GenBank show that the samples are similar to the sequence of the species <i>Coccinia grandis</i> L. <b>Conclusion:</b> With molecular biology techniques, it has been determined that all 8 <i>Coccinia grandis</i> L., varieties belong to the species <i>Coccinia grandis</i> L. From there, it can be applied to the pharmaceutical production industry to be more diversified.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Nowadays, consumers are more health conscious and choose good food to maintain good health. <i>Wolffia arrhiza</i> contains vitamins A, B-complex, C, E, K and key minerals (Iron, Calcium, Zinc and Magnesium), Omega-3, fiber and antioxidants (Folate, Beta-carotene, Zeaxanthin and Lutein). The study aimed to examine the chemical properties, antioxidant activities, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and microbial count of 2 types of <i>Wolffia arrhiza</i> kombucha. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The production of 2 types of dry <i>Wolffia arrhiza</i> Kombucha (filtered and non-filtered) was fermented for 21 days. Acetic acid content and alcohol content were analysed by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Antioxidant activity was analysed by 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, total flavonoid was analysed by aluminium chloride colorimetric assay and total phenolic content was analysed by Folin-ciocalteu method. Yeast and bacteria counts of the <i>Wolffia arrhiza</i> Kombucha samples were done using the standard plate count procedure. The results were because of the Mean±Standard Deviation (SD). The obtained data were analysed by independent sample t-test, using SPSS software version 22.0. As p<0.05 is regarded as significant. <b>Results:</b> The physicochemical of the fermented products revealed that the non-filtered <i>Wolffia arrhiza</i> kombucha had acetic acid content, alcohol content, antioxidant activity, total flavonoid content and total phenolic content higher than filtered <i>Wolffia arrhiza</i> kombucha. The values were 2.35%, 1.31%, 18.38±0.18 mg/mL, 482.00±8.08 μg RE/mL and 818.88±0.00 mg/L, respectively. On the 21st day of fermentation, the filtered <i>Wolffia arrhiza</i> kombucha had yeast and bacteria counts higher than the non-filtered <i>Wolffia arrhiza</i> kombucha. The values were 94.5 and 189.5 CFU/mL, respectively. <b>Conclusion:</b> This study found that non-filtered kombucha had higher acetic acid and phytochemicals, but microbial counts were low due to acid shock. Future research should focus on optimizing kombucha production conditions for more beneficial fermented drinks.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Cancer is a malignant disease in body tissue where abnormal cells grow excessively and uncoordinated. Chemotherapy treatment still has weaknesses because apart from killing cancer cells, it also affects normal cells with fast proliferation rates, such as hair follicles, bone marrow and digestive tract cells, producing typical chemotherapy side effects. <i>Alpinia monopleura</i> has secondary metabolite content such as phenolic and flavonoid compounds as anticancer activity. This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic activity of <i>A. monopleura</i> extract and its fractions and determine the phytoconstituents in the most active fraction against three distinct cancer-related protein targets. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The <i>A. monopleura </i>extract and fractions were tested for cytotoxic against HeLa, MCF-7 and WiDr cell lines by using MTT assay. Then, the most active fraction was identified as its components by LC-HRMS and followed by molecular docking. <b>Results:</b> The most active cytotoxic effect was fraction 2 in HeLa cells, while fraction 4 in MCF-7 and WiDr. Several compounds have been successfully identified as contributing to their cytotoxic activity, proven by molecular docking investigation. It was found that compounds from fraction 2- Dehydroepiandrosterone, 5,7-dihydroxy-6-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4H-chromen-4-one and 2-(3,4-dimethoxy phenyl)-5,7-dihydroxy-6-methoxy-4H-chromen-4-one-exhibited higher binding energies than Erlotinib, the native ligand with the cervical cancer target protein. <b>Conclusion:</b> Meanwhile, fraction 4 compounds had lower binding energy than the native ligands for each colon cancer and breast cancer protein target. Therefore, compounds from <i>A. monopleura </i>are promising for developing novel anticancer agents.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> <i>Momordica charantia</i> (Bitter gourd) is renowned for its significant pharmacological benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Its antibacterial activity is crucial for treating infections, particularly those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This study aims to compare the antibacterial activities of extracts from two varieties of <i>M. charantia</i> (Okinawa and Morya) against 10 human pathogenic bacteria. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Okinawa and Morya powders were sourced from Roi Et and Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. Both powders were extracted using ethanol, dichloromethane and hexane. The agar disc diffusion method served as the primary antibacterial activity screening, while the broth microdilution assay determined the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs). The zone of inhibition (ZOI) diameter (mm) was measured and analyzed using Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) with SAS software. A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. <b>Results:</b> Okinawa extracted with dichloromethane exhibited the largest ZOI at 11 mm against <i>Escherichia coli</i> pk. The lowest MIC value at 0.049 mg/mL was observed in both Okinawa and Morya extracts across all three solvents against <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> TISTR 902, <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> TISTR 2370, <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> TISTR 1466 and <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> TISTR 1383. The lowest MBC value at 0.78 mg/mL was found in Okinawa extracted with hexane against <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> TISTR 1466. <b>Conclusion:</b> This study presents the first evidence of the antibacterial activity of Okinawa and Morya extracts against human pathogenic bacteria, including MDR-<i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i>. These findings offer potential benefits for developing natural antibiotic drugs to combat infections caused by the tested pathogenic bacteria.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) remain a critical clinical problem and stem cell-derived secretome reared under hypoxic conditions has been shown to play a significant role in tissue repair via immunomodulation. This study aimed to evaluate the secretome of human mesenchymal stem cell gel (SH-MSC gel) in DFU patients with grades 2 and 3 through reduced wound volume and modulation of CD163 and NF-κB p50 mRNA expression. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> A prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial involved 16 DFU patients with grades 2 and 3. Participants received either a placebo gel or an intervention gel containing secretome from Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hUC-MSCs) cultured under hypoxic conditions. All patients received standard wound care. Primary outcomes included changes in wound volume and expression levels of CD163 and NF-κB p50 mRNA in wound tissue, assessed using quantitative PCR. The Shapiro-Wilk test assessed normality and for normally distributed data, paired t-tests (within-group) and unpaired t-tests (between-group) were used. One-way ANOVA compared means across groups, while the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by <i>post hoc</i> analysis was employed for non-parametric data (p<0.05). Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism 10. <b>Results:</b> Baseline characteristics of participants did not show significant differences between the groups. Treatment with SH-MSC gel significantly enhanced wound healing compared to the placebo group, evidenced by a marked reduction in wound volume after 7 days (95% CI (0.467 to 1.18), p<0.001). The CD163 mRNA expression significantly increased in the SH-MSC gel group post-treatment (95% CI (-2.20 to -1.11), p<0.001), while NF-κB p50 mRNA expression significantly decreased (95% CI (0.349 to 0.688), p<0.001). <b>Conclusion:</b> The clinical trial results suggested that SH-MSC gel effectively improves wound healing in DFUs. Further research is warranted to explore additional inflammatory markers to better understand DFU treatment.

<i>Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia</i> Pax is a well-known and widely used medicinal plant in Central and Southern Africa. The current study was aimed at documenting the medicinal uses, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of <i>P. maprouneifolia</i>. The literature search on existing information on medicinal uses, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of <i>P. maprouneifolia</i> was conducted using online databases such as PubMed^®, Web of Science, SciELO, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect^®, SpringerLink^® and Scopus^® and also pre-electronic literature obtained from the university library. <i>Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia</i> is used as aphrodisiac, ethnoveterinary medicine, ritual purposes and as traditional medicine for cancer, cough, diabetes, diarrhoea, eye problems, fever, gonorrhoea, infertility in women, menstrual problems, pneumonia, stomach problems and wounds. Chemical compounds identified from <i>P. maprouneifolia</i> include acids, acid esters, alcohols, ketones, saponins, phenols, terpenoids, phlobatannins, alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, coumarins, tannins, quinones, steroids and triterpenoids. <i>Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia</i> crude extracts and some chemical compounds isolated from the species demonstrated as antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-schistosomal and cytotoxicity activities. This review highlights the potential of <i>P. maprouneifolia</i> as a medicinal plant and therefore, further ethnopharmacological assessments of the species emphasizing chemical, biological and toxicological activities, <i>in vivo</i> and clinical evaluations are recommended.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> A common folate antagonist used to treat neoplastic conditions is methotrexate (MTX); the drug's biotransformation in the liver results in active metabolites that increase hepatotoxicity. Olive leaf extract is one type of antioxidant that may shield our bodies from the damaging effects of free radicals. The current study aimed to assess olive extract's hepato-protective potential against MTX-induced liver injury in rats. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Twenty-four male rats were divided into three groups of eight. The control group received no treatment, the methotrexate (MTX) group was administered a single 20 mg/kg dose of MTX intraperitoneally and the third group received olive leaf extract (1 mL/100 g body weight) daily for one month after the same MTX injection. Serum globulin levels were measured and histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical investigations were performed. Statistical analysis was conducted using ANOVA with p<0.05 considered significant. <b>Results:</b> With a highly significant decrease in mean total proteins and albumin levels and an insignificant decrease in globulin values, the second group showed a highly significant increase in mean total bilirubin and hepatic enzyme levels. Additionally, compared to the control group, this one showed worsened microscopic alterations. In addition to noticeably better microscopical results than the second group, the third group also showed reversed biochemical results. <b>Conclusion:</b> This research found that administering olive extract to individuals receiving methotrexate is important for managing and shielding them from the drug's serious hepatotoxic side effects.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Endophytic <i>Streptomyces globisporus</i> LL096, a bacterial strain isolated from the roots of <i>Leucaena leucocephala</i> (Lam.) de Wit, has been the subject of limited research, highlighting a significant knowledge gap regarding its potential applications in secondary metabolite production. The primary objectives of this study were to isolate and characterize the major bioactive compounds produced by <i>S. globisporus</i> LL096 and to evaluate their antibacterial and anticancer activities. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The bioactive compounds produced by <i>S. globisporus</i> LL096 were isolated and purified using a combination of chromatographic techniques, including column chromatography and thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (MS). The purified compounds were identified as soyasapogenol A (compound <b>1</b>) and soyasapogenol B (compound <b>2</b>). Subsequently, the antibacterial and anticancer activities of soyasapogenol A and soyasapogenol B were evaluated. Treatment effects were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey's <i>post hoc</i> test, considering p<0.05 as statistically significant. <b>Results:</b> Soyasapogenol A and B exhibited antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, including <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> TISTR885, <i>Staphylococcus epidermidis</i> TISTR518, <i>Bacillus cereus</i> TISTR687 and <i>Bacillus subtilis</i> TISTR008. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the compounds against these bacterial strains ranged from 128 to 256 μg/mL. The compounds demonstrated significant cytotoxicity against these cancer cell lines, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 321.90 to 369.90 μg/mL for HeLa, 434.03 to 475.42 μg/mL for HepG2 and 282.96 to 362.17 μg/mL for MDA-MB-231 cells. However, moderate cytotoxicity against the non-cancerous Vero cell line was also observed, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 729.81 to 811.14 μg/mL. <b>Conclusion:</b> This study demonstrates that <i>Streptomyces globisporus</i> strain LL096 produces bioactive compounds, including soyasapogenol A and B, which exhibit antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria and demonstrate cytotoxic effects against various human cancer cell lines.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Laccase, a ligninolytic enzyme, can degrade lignin by utilizing lignocellulose. With this ability, laccase is useful as a pre-treatment enzyme of lignocellulosic materials in various industries. This study evaluated the laccase activity produced by <i>T. versicolor</i> using pineapple and coffee-derived waste as lignocellulosic-rich substrates using solid fermentation. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> This study tested laccase production activities from various pineapple wastes and coffee peels through a solid fermentation process by growing <i>T. versicolor</i> on the substrate mixture of Szabo media and pineapple skin or coffee peel. The laccase produced was analyzed for its activity and growth, qualitatively and quantitatively during a 12 days incubation time. The method used was experimental followed by descriptive analysis. <b>Results:</b> Various amounts of lignocellulose were obtained among pineapple wastes and coffee peel. Laccase from these substrates was optimally produced on day 6 incubation on Szabo+5 g coffee peel group showed the highest laccase activity levels, following its biomass weight (1949.13 U/L and 3.498 g). The optimum pH for laccase production was reached in the range 4-6. The produced laccase was indicated by the appearance of the blackish-brown zone on PDA agar supplemented with guaiacol. <b>Conclusion:</b> Lignocellulosic wastes from pineapple and coffee had the potential as substrates to produce laccase from <i>T. versicolor</i> with various activity levels which day 6 incubation showed the most optimum fermentation period.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Olive cake, a by-product of olive oil extraction, is a sustainable, protein-rich ingredient that enhances poultry growth and profitability. It is cost-effective and valuable in modern poultry nutrition programs. So, this study investigated the impact of the fermentation process of olive cake and its usage to replace yellow corn with or without adding herbal additives in broiler diets on growth performance, carcass characteristics and blood parameters. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> At 21 days of age, 600 unisex chicks of the Sasso breed were distributed among 60 groups of 10 birds each. Using an utterly randomized approach, five treatments with twelve replicates of ten birds each were dispersed in a 2×2×2 factorial arrangement. Two varieties of olive cake (fermented, with and without herbal mixture) and two olive cake levels (20 and 30% in diet substituted with yellow corn) are used as treatments. Growth performance, blood parameters, carcass characteristics and meat quality were measured at a significant level of 0.05 using a one-way ANOVA model. <b>Results:</b> The increasing olive cake (OC) in poultry diets reduced feed consumption, with the 30% OC herbal mixture showing the least intake (p<0.05). Significant variations were found in the feed conversion ratio (FCR) among treatments, but OC did not affect organ weights. While, liver percentage was significantly impacted, blood parameters like triglycerides and cholesterol showed no significant differences, except for reduced total cholesterol in OC-fed broilers. The OC addition in poultry rations presents a cost-effective alternative to traditional diets. <b>Conclusion:</b> Using unconsumed olive waste as poultry feed additives can reduce feed costs, improve broiler growth and decrease environmental pollution. This approach offers an economical and sustainable solution amid rising feed prices and competition.