Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences最新文献

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Research has demonstrated the antibacterial, anti-angiogenetic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antioxidant properties of colloidal silver due to its biological, optical and electrical properties. The aim of this study was the anti-inflammatory effect of the silver bioengineered nanoparticles by using the acetonitrile-unripe fruit extract of <i>Juglans regia</i> L., on experimental animal model. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The study uses various techniques to characterize nanoparticles, including ultraviolet spectra, dynamic light scattering and Fourier transform infrared. The study used carrageenan-induced rat paw edema as an induction model for inflammation and assessed its antinociceptive effects in mice using the formalin test. As well as evaluation of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF and IL-1. <b>Results:</b> The produced AgNPs were more compact and stable, according to physical characterization methods compared to chemical prepared nanoparticles. The formulation combining unripe fruit bio-reduced nanoparticles and extract, UF, shows a greater acute anti-inflammatory effect, while leaf extract has a better late anti-inflammatory effect. These bioengineered nanoparticles show efficient <i>in vivo</i> anti-acute inflammation, reducing skin inflammation through decreased cellular infiltrates and cytokine release. <b>Conclusion:</b> <i>Juglans regia</i> L., extract and silver nanoparticles show notable effects in both the early and late stages of the antinociceptive formalin test. While, bioengineered NP/UF and NP/LV can be used as topical analgesics. The potent topical anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of these medications provide a sufficient basis for the use of this plant material in dermatological products.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Several previous studies have shown that leaf ethanolic extract of <i>Etlingera hemisphaerica</i> (LE3H) has the potential to reduce the toxicity and teratogenicity effects of mercury. This study aimed to describe the effects of LE3H on the protein profile of <i>Rattus norvegicus</i> serum due to treatment with HgCl₂. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Four groups of male rats, K1 was injected intraperitoneally (IP) HgCl₂ (5 mg kg¹ b.wt.), K2 was injected IP HgCl₂ (5 mg kg¹ b.wt.) and after 24 hrs it was gavage LE3H (0.27 mg g¹ b.wt.) every day for seven days, K3 was injected IP HgCl₂ (5 mg kg¹ b.wt.), after 24 hrs was gavage LE3H (0.55 mg g¹ b.wt.) every day for seven days. The K0 as control, received double-distilled water. On the ninth day, the experimental animals were killed via CD and blood was drawn from the heart to obtain serum. Serum samples were measured for protein content using the Lowry and serum was separated using the One-Dimensional Sodium dodecyl Sulfate-Polyacrylamide gel Electrophoresis (1D SDS-PAGE) technique. <b>Results:</b> The electropherograms showed four bands, 264.77, 219.53, 98.57 and 37.29 kDa, whose intensity significantly increased due to HgCl₂ treatment and then decreased to close to the control condition with LE3H administration. The results also revealed four bands, 31.95, 28, 06, 26, 29 and 15.09 kDa, whose intensity decreased significantly due to HgCl₂ treatment and then increased to close to the control condition by LE3H administration. <b>Conclusion:</b> The LE3H change profile of the eight blood serum protein bands due to HgCl₂ approximates the control condition in <i>R. norvegicus</i>.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Functional Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels (VGSCs) are expressed in metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) cells. A number of <i>in vitro</i> studies have evaluated the effect of functional VGSC expression on the metastatic cell behavior of PCa cells. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of VGSC inhibition on metastatic cell behavior in PCa cells by meta-analysis. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Meta-analysis was performed on data taken from 13 publications that examined the effect of VGSC inhibitors on the metastatic cell behavior of metastatic PCa cells expressing functional VGSCs. The measure of effect was calculated according to the random effects model using mean differences and presented with a forest plot graph. Heterogeneity was checked using the Cochran's Q Test (Chi-square statistic) and the I² test statistic. In order to evaluate the objectivity, the funnels-plot graph was used. <b>Results:</b> The g value showing the effect size was calculated as 4.49 (95% CI = 5.35-3.62) in the experiments where Tetrodotoxin (TTX) was used, which has a very high specificity for VGSCs but is not licensed for clinical use. In experiments using licensed inhibitors Lamotrigine, Oxcarbazepine, Phenytoin, Ranolazine, Riluzole and Lidocaine, the g value was 1.37 (95 % CI = 2.02-0.71). Suppression of metastatic cell behavior in both subgroups is statistically significant (p<0.00001). <b>Conclusion:</b> Meta-analysis confirmed that VGSCs are an enhancing factor in the metastasis of PCa cells. The VGSCs appear to be an important target in the diagnosis and development of new treatment options in PCa.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Biscuits are snacks that are widely circulated in the market but do not meet Indonesian National standards so they are harmful to consumer health. This study aims to determine the total plate count (TPC) value of bacteria and mold/yeast and determine the presence or absence of bacterial contamination of <i>Staphylococcus aureus </i>and <i>Escherichia coli</i> in biscuit products. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> This study is descriptive in nature using three different sample types. Total plate count (TPC) value testing was carried out using the pour plate method. Meanwhile, to determine the presence or absence of <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> bacteria using MSA (mannitol salt agar) media with the spread plate technique. The <i>Escherichia coli</i> test uses EMBA (eosin methylene blue agar) media with a streak plate technique. <b>Results:</b> Three samples of biscuit formula obtained ALT of bacteria in sample A) 2.2×10⁷ colonies/g, sample B) 1.9×10⁷ colonies/g and sample C) 4.1×10⁷ colonies/g. Mold/khamir obtained in sample A) 7.7×10⁵ colonies/g, sample B) 5.1×10⁶ colonies/g and sample C) 1.1×10⁶ colonies/g. In the <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> bacteria test, the results were not overgrown with <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> bacteria and in the <i>Escherichia coli</i> bacteria test, the results were easily purplish red in color. <b>Conclusion:</b> It can be concluded that only formula C samples meet the requirements of the SNI quality standards. In the pathogenic microbial test, there was no growth of <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> and <i>Escherichia coli</i> microbes in the three biscuit formula samples.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Sunflower is one of the important commodities in agriculture. The oil content in sunflower seeds has been widely used as cooking oil, but in Indonesia, the utilization of this oil is still relatively low. In addition, sunflowers also contain vitamin E which is useful as an antioxidant, so it can be used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. This study aims to determine gene expression at the RNA level towards vitamin E biosynthesis using different fertilization treatments. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Sunflowers that had been given different fertilizers were taken in three flowering phases, R3, R5 and R8. Flower samples were isolated until RNA was obtained. The isolation results were tested using real-time PCR to determine the relative gene expression of the <i>VTE1</i> and <i>VTE3</i> genes. After the sunflower seeds were fully ripe, vitamin E content was tested in each treatment and the results were compared with the relative gene expression obtained. <b>Results:</b> The results obtained were fluctuating, but in general, the relative gene expression obtained in the <i>VTE1</i> gene increased in the R3 phase and then decreased in the R5 and R8 phases. Whereas, in the <i>VTE3</i> gene, the relative gene expression obtained experienced an increase in the R3 and R5 phases and then decreased in the R8 phase. The highest vitamin E content was obtained by sample P3 (4218 μg mL¹) and the lowest was obtained by sample P2 (1798 μg mL¹). <b>Conclusion:</b> A balanced ratio of 92:46:30 kg ha¹ of major nutrient fertilizer involving N, P and K could increase vitamin E content in sunflowers. Such a combination exhibited stable expression of the <i>VTE1</i> and <i>VTE3</i> genes in all phases of flowering.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> <i>Nephthea</i> sp., has various biological activities. The study on anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory of <i>Nephthea</i> sp., from Southeast Sulawesi is still limited. Hence, this study aims to determine the content of secondary metabolite compounds and their pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> <i>Nephthea</i> sp., was collected from Saponda Island and extracted using ethyl acetate. The chemical contents were analyzed by a phytochemical screening test, anti-inflammatory activity by xylene-induced ear edema and immunomodulatory activity using macrophage phagocytic activity (SPA) in experimental animals. <b>Results:</b> The ethyl acetate extract of <i>Nephthea</i> sp., contains flavonoids and steroids. According to the result obtained, the ethyl acetate extract of <i>Nephthea</i> sp., exhibited anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity <i>in vivo</i>. The EAN 0.2 demonstrated the highest potency and showed no significant difference compared to diclofenac sodium at a concentration of 0.15 mg mL¹ (p>0.05) with the highest percentage edema inhibition as in xylene-induced ear edema. In addition, EAN 0.2 exhibited a similar result in increasing SPA compared to control (p>0.05). Both assays showed significant differences with negative control in this study (p<0.05). <b>Conclusion:</b> Soft coral <i>Nephthea</i> sp., can be a potential candidate as an anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agent.