Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences最新文献

Background

Cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1) enzyme plays an important metabolic role, especially in the metabolism of xenobiotics, endogenous substances, and procarcinogens. It may be involved in tumor initiation and progression. High levels of CYP1B1 have been identified in aggressive breast cancer cell lineages. The aim of the present study was to identify the expression and role of this enzyme in progression, prognosis, and clinical features of breast cancer patients.

Methods

Microarray paraffin-embedded tumor samples from 166 women with breast cancer were analyzed by immunohistochemical for CYP1B1. Statistical analyses were performed to correlate CYP1B1 expression with various clinical parameters among breast cancer patients. Bioinformatic tools were used to determine differential CYP1B1 mRNA and protein expression from patients in databases compared with our cohort.

Results

The CYP1B1 enzyme was overexpressed in 75% of breast cancer tissues. This result remained consistent regardless of the treatment regimen. Furthermore, although it was not negatively associated with overall survival, its expression was notably higher in patients who died and in patients with ER- (estrogen receptor negative) and PR- (progesterone receptor negative) tumors and p53 (protein 53) mutation carriers. These findings align with the consulted databases, which indicated a relationship between CYP1B1 expression, tumor progression, and malignancy, suggesting its potential role as a biomarker for tumor aggressiveness.

Conclusions

In conclusion, CYP1B1 showed a positive correlation with breast cancer malignancy, tumor progression, and toxicity effects in breast cancer patients. These findings emphasize the importance of CYP1B1 as a potential treatment target and its significance in the clinical management of breast cancer.

Background

Collagen, derived from various biological sources, is crucial in supporting a range of physiological processes and developmental pathways. However, concerns have been raised regarding the potential teratogenic effects of collagen. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) model has emerged as a premier vertebrate model for investigating the impact of biomaterials on vertebrate development, both under normal and pathological conditions. The present study sought to assess the acute toxicity, developmental toxicity, cardiotoxicity, and teratogenic toxicity of fish collagen extracted from Decapterus macarellus fish species on various developmental parameters. Acid-solubilized collagen was extracted from D. macarellus, and zebrafish embryos (< 96 h) were subsequently exposed to varying collagen concentrations of 62.5 parts per million (ppm), 125 ppm, 250 ppm, 500 ppm, and 1000 ppm. Key developmental parameters, including survival rate, hatching rate, heart rate, and deviations in four apical points: embryo coagulation, lack of somite formation, non-detachment of the tail, and lack of heartbeat observations were recorded over a period of 0–96 h post-fertilization (hpf). Positive and negative controls were parallelly carried out analysing the results statistically with pairwise Kruskal–Wallis test followed by a Dunn pairwise test.

Results

The results indicated that the survival rate of zebrafish embryos ranged from 96.97 ± 5.25 to 82.28 ± 9.80% at 96 hpf across all tested collagen concentrations. No significant differences were observed (P > 0.05) compared to the negative control group or between the various treated concentrations. The hatching rate at 48 hpf and heart rates at 72 hpf and 96 hpf in the treated groups showed no significant variations compared to the negative control (P > 0.05). Furthermore, no abnormal changes were recorded in the four apical points; embryo coagulation, lack of somite formation, non-detachment of the tail, and lack of heartbeat in embryos, treated with collagen. All the observed results cumulatively indicated the nontoxic effect of collagen from D. macarellus on zebrafish embryo development.

Conclusions

The results confirm the extracted from D. macarellus is nontoxic and causes no teratogenic effects in zebrafish embryo development. It further validates the potential of using collagen as a biocompatible material, where non-toxicity and developmental safety are paramount.

In this study, we investigated the preparation, characterization, and antibacterial properties of strontium oxide (SrO) nanoparticles doped with different ratios of copper oxide (CuO) (1, 2, 3, and 4 mol.%). The SrO@CuO nanoparticles were synthesized using the sol–gel method, which is known for producing highly homogeneous and pure nanoparticles in a versatile and cost-effective manner. The study investigates the impact of CuO on the growth of the nanoparticles and their antibacterial and dielectric properties. Several techniques including X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, FTIR, and dielectric spectroscopy were used to analyze the morphological, crystallographic, and electric properties of the SrO@CuO nanoparticles. The dielectric properties of the nanoparticles were performed to study the polarization at the interface, energy loss (tan ε), and conductivity from 0.1 Hz to 20 MHz. Koop's two-layer model was suggested to explain the changes in impedance with frequency. The model suggests that the samples contain well-directing grains detached by some insulating grain boundary. As the frequency increases, the impedance decreases, and the interfacial polarization goes down. This happens when the dielectric dipoles stop following the applied reciprocating electric field. The antibacterial effects of CuO nanoparticles on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis were also observed. The samples showed antibacterial efficacy. The study found that the concentration of CuO significantly affects the structure, spectroscopic properties, and antibacterial efficacy of the CuO nanoparticles. The results indicate that SrO@CuO nanoparticles are appropriate for energy storage, recording media, microwaves, and antimicrobial agents.

Background

Some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been shown to have antibacterial activities in different experimental settings. In the current study, the antibacterial activities of meloxicam and diclofenac were evaluated when combined with curcumin, a polyphenolic compound, against clinically relevant bacteria. The aim was to determine whether these combinations could provide a novel, synergistic approach to combat pathogenic bacteria.

Results

The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of curcumin (CCM), meloxicam (MXM), and diclofenac (DC), alone or in combination, were determined using the microdilution broth method. The CCM/MXM combination exhibited synergistic activity against a methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) strain which is resistant to chloramphenicol and clindamycin. It reduced MICs up to 32-fold and achieved a fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) of 0.28 (FICI < 0.5 indicates synergy). Synergy was also observed against a levofloxacin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (FICI = 0.5). Growth kinetics experiments confirmed these findings, with significant reductions in MSSA and E. faecium growth rates (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively). Additionally, the biofilm inhibition activity was evaluated.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that curcumin combined with meloxicam could offer a good antibacterial combination specifically for Gram-positive bacteria. This is a promising approach for topical antibacterial preparations, where high local concentrations can be achieved to combat clinical pathogenic bacteria. Further research on these combinations may support their potential as adjunct therapies for managing bacterial infections or cases of topical infection with concurrent inflammatory disorders.

Endophytic fungi’s application in biological wastewater treatment is a cost, clean, and eco-friendly. This study aimed to assess the efficiency of three Aspergillus species in the mycoremediation of industrial (I) and agricultural (A) wastewater. These species were Aspergillus flavipes, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus flavus isolated from the bark of a medicinal plant (A0cacia saligna). Aspergillus species were subculture on potato dextrose broth at 28 °C for 7 days on a rotatory shaker at 180 rpm until fungal pellets were formed. Before and after treatment with fungi, all wastewater samples were examined for pH, TDS, salinity, EC, COD, BOD, TP, TN, and turbidity. According to the results, Aspergillus flavipes has a good removal efficiency of total phosphorus, removing 78% of it from sample (I) after 25 days, and turbidity removing 91% after 20 days in (A) sample. Aspergillus niger has a high chemical oxygen demand removal efficiency of 99% and 99.8% in (I and A) samples after the 15^th and 10^th day, respectively, in addition to total nitrogen removal efficiency of 99% in (A) sample after the 25^th day; and turbidity removal efficiency of 99.7% in the same sample. Also, Aspergillus flavus recorded high removal of biological oxygen demand by 76% and 66% in (I and A) samples after the 10^th day of each, respectively; total nitrogen by 69% after the 10^th day in (I) sample; total phosphorus by 23% after 10^th day in (A) sample; electrical conductivity by 10.7% after 10^th day in (I) sample; and total dissolved salts by 1.3% after 5^th day in (I) sample. The results explained that Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus were the most efficient in the removal of chemical oxygen demand and biological oxygen demand which represented indicators of pollution in wastewater. The obtained results will be useful for optimal management of agricultural and industrial wastewater.

The WHO and CDC recently declared monkeypox virus (MPXV) a zoonotic disease known as monkeypox (Mpox) a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. According to the CDC, no treatment is specifically approved for Mpox infections. Medicinal plants are crucial in healthcare and economic development, particularly for low- and middle-income countries. This review offers valuable insights into the pathogenesis and the management of Mpox through therapeutic approaches and vaccination strategies using plant-based molecules. Core structural proteins necessary for both viral entry and the immune response, including A29, H3L, and L1R, are involved in the pathogenesis of MPXV. Potential targets for vaccines include proteins like A35R and B6R, which are essential to the propagation of viruses. The MPXV evades the immune system by concealing its DNA, suppressing the interferon response, limiting T and NK cell activation, and preventing apoptosis, complicating vaccine and treatment development. Antivirals (tecovirimat, brincidofovir) and vaccinations (JYNNEOS, ACAM2000) manage Mpox. A recent study revealed early clinical trial results, indicating that the antiviral drug tecovirimat, a well-known conventional treatment, is no more effective than a placebo against the clade I virus type Research gaps, low vaccination effectiveness, and availability are challenges. This review offers a novel perspective on combating the global threat of Mpox by investigating alternative management strategies centered on plant-derived compounds.

Graphical Abstract

Background

Recent progress in parasite genomics has is enabled for greater understanding of genetic structure of parasites, including the species of Plasmodium, Leishmania, and Trypanosoma. Cutting-edge next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques, such as high-throughput sequencing, has enabled the discovery of essential genes linked to the metabolic pathways, drug resistance, and life cycle adaptations. Advancements in the field of genomics have enabled the deep understanding of biological processes and evolutionary adaptations of parasites.

Results

Investigating the genomes in various parasite strains has enhanced our understanding of their evolutionary adaptations, enhancing our capacity to predict epidemics and develop therapies that effectively act against various parasitic strains. Synthetic biology has also proposed novel treatment approaches, including the gene therapies and bioengineered microbes, that shows potential in fighting or inhibiting parasite illnesses. Revolutionary genome-editing methods, such as CRISPR-Cas9, have enabled the accurate genetic alterations, expediting the progress of sophisticated medicinal therapies, that are specifically designed for parasite management and eradication.

Conclusion

Microbiome engineering, an emerging area, provides a novel opportunities for disease prevention by integrating the techniques such as transplanting faecal microbiota and genetically tailored bacteria to restore microbial equilibrium and decrease parasite populations. Nevertheless, the enduring stability of modified microbiomes, possible environmental hazards, and ethical concerns related to gene editing emphasise the necessity for stringent safety measures and monitoring by regulatory authorities. Using these technologies responsibly and ethically is crucial to guarantee the continuous therapeutic advancement.

Graphic abstract

Objective

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a significant reproductive health concern characterized by the depletion of primary follicles, often resulting from exposure to genotoxic agents. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic potential of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) and/or placental extracts (PE) in ameliorating POI induced by cyclophosphamide, a widely used chemotherapeutic agent.

Materials and methods

Thirty-five 8–10 weeks and weight 200 ± 20 g female albino Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were evenly distributed into five groups: negative control (Group 1), positive control cyclophosphamide (CPA) (Group 2), stem cell therapy (CPA+MSCs) (Group 3), placental extract therapy (CPA+PE) (Group 4), and combination therapy (CPA+MSCs+PE) (Group 5). Rats in the CPA group received intraperitoneal (IP) cyclophosphamide injection (50 mg/kg), followed by daily (8 mg/kg) cyclophosphamide injection (14 days). Subsequently, the rats received 1 × 10⁶ MSCs via intravenous administration and/or 50 µL of PE, followed by sacrifice after 4 weeks. Flow cytometry was used to identify MSCs. Hormone levels (FSH, LH, E₂, and progesterone) were assessed using ELISA, and primordial follicles were quantified to evaluate primordial follicle reserves. Ovarian structure was histomorphologically evaluated, and PCNA immunohistochemistry was conducted. Morphometric measurements and statistical analyses were performed.

Results

Hormonal measurements revealed a decrease in E2 and progesterone levels, accompanied by an increase in FSH levels following cyclophosphamide treatment. However, after BM-MSC therapy, hormonal levels nearly returned to normal. In addition to BM-MSC therapy, PE treatment was also evaluated. PE administration resulted in partial restoration of hormonal balance, showing a mild increase in E2 and progesterone levels, with a slight reduction in FSH levels compared to the cyclophosphamide-treated group.

Histological examination revealed that cyclophosphamide caused significant loss of primordial follicles, stromal blood vessel damage, and substantial fibrosis. Interestingly, combination of MSCs and PE treatment showed some ameliorative effects on ovarian histology, with reduced fibrosis and slight preservation of ovarian follicles, although these changes were less pronounced than those observed with BM-MSC therapy alone.

Conclusion

MSCs therapy was more effective in restoring ovarian folliculogenesis, whereas combination with PE provided moderate protection against the histological and immunohistochemical alterations induced by cyclophosphamide.

Background

Alogliptin belongs to gliptin family of drugs that inhibits ubiquitous enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4). Gliptins increase the life-span of incretin hormones that appear to benefit functioning of several organs via various signaling pathways.

Main body

Alogliptin is approved for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in majority of the countries. It is administered orally and efficacious as monotherapy as well as combined therapy with other T2DM drugs, such as pioglitazone and metformin. It has a good safety profile, well-tolerated in elderly patients and in patients with co-morbid conditions including risks of cardiovascular event, renal or hepatic insufficiency. Therefore, alogliptin is incessantly experimented and investigated for its therapeutic benefit. Recent developments have indicated potential of alogliptin in discrete pathological conditions. Emerging evidences suggest prominent cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, reno-protective, anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering capacity of alogliptin. Apart from inhibiting DPP-4 enzyme, alogliptin also affects several signaling mechanisms to exhibit protective effects in patients with diabetes-induced complications.

Conclusion

This review highlights the potential role of alogliptin and mechanisms involved in amelioration of several other pathological conditions apart from its role in glucose metabolism. Thus, this may provide insights for better utilization and repurposing of alogliptin as a therapeutic agent.

Background

Cervical cancer is the 4th most prevalent cancer among females globally. In India, approximately 123,907 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year, leading to 77,348 deaths annually. However, Indian healthcare system lacks the sufficient information regarding the factors influencing survival and mortality among cervical cancer patients at regional levels. Thus, we aimed to identify the predictors associated with survival outcomes and mortality rates among cervical cancer.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted over 8 months at a tertiary care hospital where 10-year (January 2013–December 2022) data of cervical cancer patients were analyzed from medical record department (MRD). Telephonic interviews were carried out with patients or patient parties to know the survival status of patients. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Kaplan–Meier curve, log-rank test and Cox regression.

Results

Out of 330 cervical cancer patients, majority (64.24%) were > 50 years of age followed by 35.76% were < 50 years. Most of the patients had abnormal body mass index (BMI) (46.96%), postmenopausal stage (75.76%), stage II cancer (43.03%), histologically poorly differentiated grade (47.88%) and squamous cell carcinoma (87.88%), with radiation plus chemotherapy being popular treatment choice (48.79%) and with the overall mean age of 56 years. Age, BMI, menopause, stage of cancer, histological grades and types of treatment were found to be significant predictors (p < 0.05) of survival among cervical cancer patients. Using cox regression analysis, advanced age (age > 50 years: hazard ratio (HR): 1.82), underweight (BMI < 18.5: HR:1), postmenopause (HR:1), advanced stage of cervical cancer (Stage I, Stage II, Stage III, Stage IV: HR:1, HR:2.78, HR:10.08, HR:20.81), poorly differentiated cervical cancer (HR:1.70), radiation therapy (HR:4.86), chemotherapy (HR:6.55) or chemoradiation therapy (HR:3.31) and surgery plus chemotherapy (HR: 4.55) were identified to be significant predictors of mortality among cervical cancer patients.

Conclusion

We conclude that the 5- and 10-year survival rates for cervical cancer patients were found to be 51.2% and 42.9%, respectively. Advanced age, underweight, postmenopausal status, advanced cancer stage, poor cancer cell differentiation and chemotherapy-based treatment were significant predictor of mortality and vice-versa for survival which might guide clinicians and policymakers in making informed clinical decisions to combat cervical cancer.