Reports of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology最新文献

Background: The study focuses on evaluating the combined effects of quercetin (QCT) and catechin (CAT), both plant-based antioxidants, on alloxan-induced liver toxicity and diabetes in leptin-deficient (Lep^ob/ob) mice. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels due to inadequate insulin secretion or insulin resistance.

Methods: Thirty mice were divided into five groups of 6, including: normal control, diabetic control, diabetic mice treated with 150 mg/kg CAT, diabetic mice treated with 150 mg/kg QCT, and diabetic mice treated with 150 mg/kg CAT, and 150 mg/kg QCT for seven days. Mice were anesthetized after overnight fasting on the 8th day, and the blood sample was collected and the levels of antioxidants and pro-inflammatory factors in serum, and the expression of ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) protein were measured, and histological studies were performed.

Results: The results showed that diabetic mice receiving QCT and CAT showed lower liver enzymes, fasting blood sugar (FBS), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), TNF-α, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL), total thiol, catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels in the liver compared to the ALLO group alone (P<0.001). The level of PARP protein significantly declined in the ALLO group compared to the control group.

Conclusions: The findings of this study demonstrated that QCT, and CAT are reasonably effective in preventing hepatotoxicity and diabetes in mice.

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a general term encompassing many conditions from simple fatty liver to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In this research, we aimed to investigate the effect of the antioxidant protocatechuic acid (PCA) in preventing the development of fatty liver induced by high-fat diet (HFD) in male mice.

Methods: Mice (NMRI) were randomly divided into five groups. The groups were as follows: the control received the standard diet, HFD received 20 ml/kg of HFD, HFD containing PCA received HFD containing 200 mg/kg/20 ml of PCA, HFD containing fenofibrate (FENO) received HFD containing 150 mg/kg/20 ml of FENO, and PCA received 200 mg/kg/20 ml of PCA alone for six weeks. Mice were anesthetized after overnight fasting on the 43rd day, and the blood sample was collected from their hearts. The levels of serum, antioxidants and pro-inflammatory factors were measured, and histological studies were performed.

Results: The results showed that HFD containing PCA decreased liver enzymes, cholesterol (Chol), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and total thiol levels in the liver compared to the HFD group alone (P<0.001). The histopathological examinations of the liver tissue confirmed the biochemical results. High-fat diet (HFD) containing PCA showed no significant effect on the levels of triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), catalase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The histopathological examinations of the liver tissue confirmed the biochemical results.

Conclusions: The findings of this study demonstrated that PCA is reasonably effective in preventing NAFLD in mice.

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is a prevalent malignancy with high recurrence. Advances in systems biology have identified molecular pathways and biomarkers. This study focuses on discovering gene and miRNA biomarkers for diagnosing and predicting survival in GC patients.

Methods: Three sets of genes (GSE19826, GSE81948, and GSE112369) and two sets of miRNA expression (GSE26595, GSE78775) were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and subsequently, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and miRNAs (DEMs) were identified. Functional pathway enrichment, DEG-miR-TF-protein-protein interaction network, DEM-mRNA network, ROC curve, and survival analyses were performed. Finally, qRT-PCR was applied to validate our results.

Results: From the high-throughput profiling studies of GC, we investigated 10 candidate mRNA and 7 candidate miRNAs as potential biomarkers. Expression analysis of these hubs revealed that 5 miRNAs (including miR-141-3p, miR-204-5p, miR-338-3p, miR-609, and miR-369-5p) were significantly upregulated compared to the controls. The genes with the highest degree included 6 upregulated and 4 downregulated genes in tumor samples compared to controls. The expression of miR-141-3p, miR-204-5p, SESTD1, and ANTXR1 were verified in vitro from these hub DEMs and DEGs. The findings indicated a decrease in the expression of miR-141-3p and miR-204-5p and increased expression of SESTD1 and ANTXR1 in GC cell lines compared to the GES-1 cell line.

Conclusions: The current investigation successfully recognized a set of prospective miRNAs and genes that may serve as potential biomarkers for GC's early diagnosis and prognosis.

Background: The relationship between inflammation and pancreatic cancer (PC) has been previously explored, but the precise role of inflammatory markers in disease risk and progression remains unclear. This case-control study aimed to investigate the association between C-reactive protein (CRP), systemic inflammation marker, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), systemic cytokines regulator, in relation to pancreatic cancer risk.

Methods: Serum levels of DHEA and CRP were measured in 50 pancreatic cancer patients and 50 age and sex-matched healthy controls using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and latex particle-enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay, respectively. Data analysis was performed using STATA software.

Results: The results showed that while DHEA levels were lower in pancreatic cancer patients compared to healthy subjects, the difference did not reach statistical significance (p=0.74). Conversely, CRP levels were significantly elevated in pancreatic cancer patients (p=0.001). Subgroup analysis based on sex revealed significant differences in DHEA and CRP concentrations between male patients and controls. Furthermore, a marginally significant inverse relationship was observed between log CRP and DHEA levels in pancreatic cancer patients (p=0.054). Risk assessment analysis, adjusted for age and sex, demonstrated an increased risk of pancreatic cancer associated with elevated log CRP levels (p=0.001; OR=1.671), and a decreased risk associated with higher DHEA levels (p=0.024, OR=0.479).

Conclusions: our findings highlight the direct association of pancreatic cancer with CRP and the inverse relationship with DHEA, suggesting the involvement of inflammation in pancreatic cancer development. Moreover, the observed inverse correlation between CRP and DHEA among pancreatic cancer patients suggests a potential inhibitory effect of DHEA on CRP levels.

Background: Staphylococcus aureus, an opportunistic microorganism, is the leading cause of severe bloodstream infections, including sepsis and endocarditis, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, S. aureus infection poses a significant public health challenge, particularly in developing nations. mec-a is a genetic element commonly found in Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains that characterises the S. aureus resistance phenotype.

Methods: Clinical infection samples obtained from blood were collected and categorised as MRSA or Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) using the VITEK-2 compact device. Subsequently, specific samples were gathered as case series owing to their unique characteristics. Resistance genes were detected using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR), followed by visualisation through electrophoresis.

Results: Our findings were based on the identification of five instances of MSSA among samples obtained from a tertiary hospital's microbiology laboratory. Using the VITEK-2 antimicrobial susceptibility profile, these cases were determined to be MSSA. Subsequently, we conducted PCR, which revealed the presence of a mec-a-positive strain. Upon re-examination using Mueller-Hinton agar, the five strains were confirmed to be MSSA. Further analysis demonstrated that all strains were positive for Panton-Valentine leucocidin (pvl) and exfoliative toxin A (eta) gens.

Conclusions: The positive mec-A MSSA results should serve as a warning to clinicians that a resistant strain is forthcoming. mec-A continues to be the benchmark for confirming the resistance phenotype. Additional research is essential to explore this strain.

Background: Acetaminophen also name paracetamol is apopular antipyretic and analgesic drug, in alarge doses produces a cute kidney injury either in human and animals. The aim of this study to assess the effect of celastrol in reducing acetaminophen-induced nephrotoxicity and to elucidate its underlying mechanisms.

Methods: Rats were divided into four groups: control, celastrol-treated, acetaminophen-exposed, and a group receiving both acetaminophen and celastrol. After 24 hours, blood samples were taken and kidney tissues were harvested for histological and molecular analyses. The findings shed light on the protective effects of celastrol against acetaminophen-induced nephrotoxicity, offering insights into its therapeutic potential.

Results: paracetamol oral intake altered renal histology with significantly P< 0.05 increased serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and homogenate malonaldhyde (MDA), and immunoexpression of tumor necrosis- alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), caspase-3, Bcl-2-associated X- protein (Bax). Furthermore, it decreases homogenate level of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and gene expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Meanwhile, intraperitoneal injection of celastrol with acetaminophen reaffirms the previous results.

Conclusions: We provided a novel treatment against acetaminophen induced-nephrotoxicity with targeting renal oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis with elevation of Aquaporin 1 (AQP1) level.

Background: Beta thalassemia is a hereditary blood condition characterized by a decrease or absence in the production of the beta-globin chain of hemoglobin. Patients with beta-thalassemia major often require regular blood transfusions and are at an increased risk of developing complications such as iron overload and cardiac injury. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in Klotho protein as a multifunctional protein known for its anti-aging and cardio-protective properties. Several studies have revealed a potential correlation between Troponin, a protein released into the circulation as a result of heart muscle damage, and the level of Klotho protein.

Methods: This study included thirty Beta-Thalassemia Major (β-TM) patients and thirty control healthy subjects. Levels of Klotho protein and Troponin-I were determined using the ELISA technique and measured for all participants.

Results: Serum Klotho protein and Troponin-I levels were significantly elevated in β-TM patients compared to healthy control subjects (P< 0.001). A positive correlation was found between serum Klotho protein and Troponin-I in the β-TM patients' group.

Conclusions: A positive correlation was found between serum Klotho protein and Troponin-I in the β-TM patients, which may highlight a relationship between Klotho and cardiac damage.

Background: X-ray exposure can result in acute or chronic damage to lung tissue, leading to pneumonitis and fibrosis. Given the potent antioxidant properties of sumac, this study investigates the impact of hydroalcoholic sumac extract on X-ray-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats.

Methods: In this experimental study, 36 rats were randomly divided into six groups of six rats each. The treatment and sham groups received intraperitoneal administration of the extract daily for one week before exposure to X-ray radiation. On the seventh day, all rats except those in group 3 were exposed to 2 Gy of 6 MV X-rays using an electro-linear accelerator. Lung tissue was subsequently removed to assess the subacute effects of the extract. Data analysis involved independent sample t-tests and one-way ANOVA using SPSS 26.

Results: A single dose of X-rays significantly increased oxidative stress and lung tissue damage in rats. However, rats receiving vitamin C and hydroalcoholic sumac extract at two different doses (100 and 400 mg/kg intraperitoneally) positively improved lung damage and decreased antioxidant parameters.

Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that hydroalcoholic sumac extract can mitigate oxidative stress and enhance lung repair following X-ray radiation exposure.

Background: Breast cancer remains a significant global health concern, with challenges in treating advanced stages necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic approaches. Bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) have shown promise in cancer immunotherapy by targeting cancer cells and modulating immune responses. This study investigated the effects of Helicobacter pylori-derived OMVs on the activation of the Snail/β-Catenin gene cascade in regulating inflammation and cell migration in a mouse model of breast cancer.

Methods: The OMVs were extracted from the culture of H. pylori strain 26695 (ATCC 700392) using ultracentrifugation. In the mouse model, the vesicles were injected intraperitoneally into Balb/c mice with breast tumors. Tumor growth was assessed through histological examination of tumor samples. IgA and IgG antibodies were measured using ELISA. The expression of E-cadherin and vimentin proteins was evaluated by immunohistochemistry, and real-time PCR was used for vimentin, Snail, α-SMA, and β-catenin in serum samples from the different groups.

Results: The OMV treatment led to a significant increase in the expression of α-SMA, β-catenin, Snail, and vimentin genes, indicating a potential induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and enhanced cancer cell growth. Additionally, a decrease in vimentin expression and an increase in E-cadherin expression were observed, suggesting inhibition of cell migration. The study also revealed alterations in systemic IgA and IgG antibody levels, indicating potential immunomodulatory effects of OMVs.

Conclusions: These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of OMVs derived from H. pylori in breast cancer treatment by targeting gene cascades involved in cancer progression and modulating immune responses.

Background: SARS-CoV-2 infection can cause significant alterations in our lives. Oxidative stress (OS) has been proposed to play a major role in COVID-19 pathogenesis, and the determination of OS biomarkers provides insight into disease severity.

Methods: The study was conducted during the second wave of the pandemic in 2020. Fifty blood samples were collected from patients admitted to one of the COVID-19 isolation centers in Baghdad, Iraq. The samples were subdivided into 25 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and 25 non-ICU patients, compared to 25 healthy controls. All participants were aged 35-52 years.

Results: The study showed that the mean (±SD) serum total oxidant status (TOS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly increased (p< 0.001) in the ICU group compared to the control and non-ICU groups. Conversely, the levels of serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and serum antioxidative enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase, and glutathione (GSH) were significantly decreased (p< 0.001) in the ICU group compared to both the control and non-ICU groups. Serum zinc levels were significantly decreased (p< 0.001) in both ICU and non-ICU groups compared to the control group, while serum selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and vitamins C and E were significantly decreased (p< 0.001) in the ICU group compared to both the control and non-ICU groups.

Conclusions: The presence of OS biomarkers in the sera of COVID-19 patients offers a potential new approach for the treatment of this disease.