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

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is closely associated with rhabdomyolysis (RM), characterized by tubular damage and cell death through altered pyroptotic signaling pathways. This study aimed to explore the efficacy of Wheatgrass (WG) as a potential protective agent in ameliorating nephrotoxicity caused by glycerol-induced oxidative stress (OS) in rats, emphasizing the involvement of nuclear factor kappa p65 (NF-kB p65)/kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1)/neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) signaling pathway.

Methods

RM induction was achieved via a single intramuscular administration of 50% v/v glycerol dissolved in 0.9% saline solution (10 ml/kg), following a 6-h period of water deprivation. WG was administered daily at 75 mg/kg for 7 days prior to glycerol administration in the WG-pretreated groups. Renal function, OS, inflammatory, and tubular injury markers were assessed using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses were conducted to evaluate renal structural changes and NF-kB p65 expression.

Results

The glycerol-injected group exhibited significant increases in renal injury markers (blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, creatine kinase) and elevations in NGAL, KIM-1, malondialdehyde, interleukin-6, and interleukin-18 levels, alongside decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione transferase, superoxide dismutase, catalase) (p < 0.001). Moreover, immunohistochemical analysis indicated a heightened expression level of NF-kB p65, correlating with the observed histopathological alterations, which confirmed renal tubular degeneration, inflammation, and vascular alterations. However, WG pretreatment markedly reduced the concentrations of biomarkers associated with oxidative and renal damage, alongside evident decrease in the levels of inflammatory markers. Additionally, a significant restoration in immunohistochemical and histopathological changes was noted.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that WG holds notable protection against glycerol-induced acute kidney injury by mitigating OS and inflammation, particularly through NF-kBp65/KIM-1/NGAL pathway modulation. The observed biochemical and histological improvements highlight WG’s potential as a natural therapeutic candidate for AKI, warranting further clinical exploration.

Background

The Amaranthaceae family, belonging to the order Caryophyllales, represents one of the most morphologically and ecologically diversified plant families. It comprises approximately 175 genera and over 2000 species. Members of this family exhibit a broad range of adaptations and hold significant economic, ecological, and medicinal importance. Several wild species within this family have been traditionally employed in ethnomedicine across diverse cultures for the treatment of various ailments.

Aim

This review aims to comprehensively summarize the botanical characteristics, ethnobotanical relevance, phytochemical constituents, and pharmacological activities of eight medicinally important wild herbs from the Amaranthaceae family. The selected species include Amaranthus viridis, Chenopodium album, Achyranthes aspera, Alternanthera sessilis, Digera muricata, Celosia argentea, Gomphrena celosioides, and Cyathula prostrata. The review further elucidates their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic properties along with their proposed mechanisms of action, thereby validating traditional claims with scientific evidence.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted using reputable scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Information was gathered from peer-reviewed articles, ethnobotanical surveys, pharmacological reports, and toxicological studies. Each plant was evaluated based on its traditional uses, major bioactive compounds, in vitro and in vivo pharmacological assessments, and safety profile.

Conclusion

The compiled data underscore the immense therapeutic potential of wild herbs within the Amaranthaceae family. These plants are rich sources of diverse phytochemicals, including flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds, which are primarily responsible for their observed bioactivities. The documented antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic effects support their ethnopharmacological usage and warrant further exploration. The findings of this review advocate for intensified pharmacological and molecular research on these underutilized species to facilitate the development of novel natural therapeutic agents. Promoting scientific validation and sustainable utilization of these plants could significantly contribute to drug discovery and the development of plant-based pharmaceuticals.

Graphical abstract

This review comprehensively summarizes botanical description, ethnobotanical uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of some wild plants of the Amaranthaceae family.

In this manuscript, we intend to investigate the existence of solutions for a generalized Erdély-Kober integral equations based on Petryshyan theorem associated with measure of noncompactness in Banach space. Under less stringent conditions, an existence solution is established for a general category of fractional integral equations. It is natural, relevant examples will be useful enough to confirm our achievements which are presented.

Background

Curcuma aromatica (C. aromatica), a traditional medicinal plant, holds promise for addressing oxidative stress and hyperpigmentation through its rich curcuminoid and polyphenol content. Building on our previous identification of five major diarylheptanoids in its extract, this study investigated the ability of C. aromatica to mitigate oxidative stress and modulate melanogenesis with insight into its bioactive compounds’ contributions.

Results

Spectrophotometric analysis of its ethyl acetate extract revealed significantly high phenolic content, with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays confirming strong antioxidative activity. Using B16 cells, the extract demonstrated non-toxic inhibition of melanin synthesis, reduced tyrosinase activity, and downregulated melanogenic proteins such as tyrosinase, related proteins, and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF). Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis (GO-KEGG) along with molecular docking showed that five major diarylheptanoids strongly interacted with these proteins, modulating key pathways involved in pigmentation and beyond.

Conclusions

Together, these findings highlight C. aromatica’s dual action in combating oxidative stress and inhibiting melanogenesis, positioning it as a promising candidate for advancing medicinal chemistry approaches to hyperpigmentation and oxidative damage.

Background

Lernaea species, which are part of the genus Lernaea, are widespread parasites capable of infecting a wide range of freshwater fish. Their classification is exceedingly challenging and contentious due to a significant amount of intraspecific variability in morphology and substantial similarities between different species.

Aim of study

The aim of this study was to gather data and molecular diagnosis to the Lernaea species that infect Carasobarbus luteus in in the Shatt al-Hilla, Iraq.

Materials and methods

In this study conducted in Shatt- Hilla, Iraq between September 2023 and April 2024, 26 sample of Lernaea species were obtained from 150 fish sample exam belonging to Carasobarbus luteus. The larvae of Lernaea species were studied by molecular analysis done by primer design for 18S RNA and 28S RNA, PCR amplification, sequencing, and comparing gene loci of 18S RNA and 28S RNA of larvae isolated from Lernaea species.

Results

The sequencing of 18S RNA and 28S RNA revealed that all larval Lernaea from all infected fishes represented exactly one species of Lernaea cyprinacea parasite based upon comparing and identifying a percentage of the Gene Bank database. The genetic characteristics of L. cyprinacea in this study are available in the Gene Bank database, and they were deposited in the Gene Bank. Their accession numbers were demonstrated as LC830719, LC830720, LC830721, and LC830722.

Conclusion

This is the first molecular diagnostic research on L. cyprinacea parasite from Carasobarbus luteus in Iraq. It found all larval Lernaea were of one species. PCR assays and DNA analyses are important in the detection of parasites on fish.

Due to challenges such as poor aqueous solubility and compromised oral bioavailability, delivering Vemurafenib via a topical route using a scalable and biocompatible carrier-based hydrogel. This study aims to develop and characterize Vemurafenib-loaded transferosomes for the management of skin cancer. A Vemurafenib-loaded transferosomal gel was developed and thoroughly analyzed using various techniques, including transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet spectroscopy, dermatokinetic parameters, entrapment efficiency, stability assessment, in vitro release study, vesicle elasticity examination, and antioxidant assays. The in vitro release of formulations was analyzed using four models: Korsmeyer, Higuchi, first-order, and zero-order models. The transferosomes exhibited a typical size of 105 nm, with a zeta size of 106.31 nm and a polydispersity index of 0.2417. Among the models investigated for in vitro release analysis, the Higuchi model was found to be the most suitable for the transferosome formulation. Compared to the standard formulation, the Vemurafenib-loaded transferosomal gel achieved a significantly higher concentration of 140.45 µg/ml on the skin epidermis within just 1.5 h. Additionally, in two hours, the Vemurafenib-loaded transferosomal gel resulted in a greater concentration of 118.52 µg/ml in the skin dermis, surpassing the usual formulation. Furthermore, the group receiving twice-daily administration of Vemurafenib-loaded transferosomal gel exhibited minimal hyperkeratosis compared to other treatment groups. The (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) (MTT) assay showed a higher A-431 cell lines inhibition under vemurafenib Hydrogel formulation, i.e., 78.28%. This study offers compelling evidence for the effectiveness of the Vemurafenib transferosomal gel, demonstrating its enhanced skin absorption. The formulation shows considerable promise for further research and potential clinical application in skin cancer treatment.

Background

Huperzine A, a naturally derived compound, has garnered interest for its capacity to inhibit cholinesterase with multifaceted neuroprotective effects and is obtained from Huperzia serrata (Chinese club moss plant). This review highlights its pharmacological potential in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Huperzine A was used in various neurological conditions in traditional Chinese treatments.

Findings

Acetylcholinesterase is responsible for the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter critical for cognitive functions such as memory, learning, and attention. Huperzine A exhibits neuroprotective effects by preserving acetylcholine levels, and also offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. These pharmacological actions suggest a potential role in modifying disease progression in AD and vascular dementia (VD). Although preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated promising cognitive benefits, discrepancies in outcomes still exist. While considered safe at therapeutic dosages, excessive intake may lead to adverse effects, e.g., nausea, diarrhea, and muscle cramps.

Conclusion

Research on its effectiveness in various neurological conditions is ongoing, and its use should be approached with caution and professional guidance.

Background

Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive subtype of glioma. The alteration of non-coding RNA (lncRNA H19 and microRNA-152) in glioblastoma tissues promotes cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while the exact relationship with glioblastoma is still uncertain with their genes (PTEN, KRAS, and NDRG1). This study aimed to identify new potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and novel therapeutic targets.

Methods

In a descriptive cross-sectional study, we employed quantitative real-time PCR for expression of lncRNA H19, miRNA-152, and their target genes in 84 glioblastoma specimens compared to 35 control samples (low-grade glioma, astrocytic astrocytoma, normal brain tissues). Additionally, for differential expression profile, predictive significance, and survival analysis, receiver operating characteristic analysis and Kaplan–Meier survival plot were used.

Results

The expression levels of lncRNA H19 and miR-152 were significantly altered in glioblastoma patients compared to those with low-grade glioma and normal brain tissues. Moreover, KRAS and NDRG1 showed significant upregulation in glioblastoma. It was demonstrated that lncRNA H19 has diagnostic values with AUC > 0.7 that differentiated glioblastoma from non-cancerous lesions and low-grade glioma. Nevertheless, KRAS and NDRG1 with AUC > 0.9 and > 0.8, respectively, distinguished between glioblastoma and all other comparative groups including non-cancerous lesions, low-grade glioma, and astrocytic astrocytoma. Furthermore, poor overall survival was observed with a median survival rate of 15 months.

Conclusions

The long non-coding RNA H19, along with KRAS and NDRG1, has shown promise as biomarkers for differentiating between glioblastoma, lower-grade glioma, and non-malignant lesions.

Key points

• The expression levels of the lncRNA H19 and miR-152 were significantly altered in Glioblastoma patients compared to those with Low Grade Glioma and normal brain tissues.

• The lncRNA H19, along with the genes KRAS and NDRG1, have shown promise as biomarkers for differentiating between Glioblastoma, Low Grade Glioma, and normal brain tissues.

Mastitis is a common and complex disease, mainly caused by aureus and non-aureus species, and Enterobacteriaceae. Recently, a new and serious group of Gram-positive bacteria, the sporulating bacilli, has emerged as a mastitis pathogen. The study aimed to identify and characterize novel Bacillus strains (HSM85, SLS01, and DA03) associated with bovine mastitis and to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of Ricinus communis (castor) leaf extract against these pathogens. In methodology, Bacillus strains were isolated from milk samples of mastitis-infected cows, and the antimicrobial activity of different solvent-based leaf extract fractions was assessed using MIC, MBC, killing and biofilm inhibition assays, and GC–MS analysis to identify bioactive compounds. In result we found, the chloroform (non-polar) fraction showed the highest antimicrobial activity, followed by the ethanol (polar) fraction. MIC and MBC values ranged from 25 to 200 and 25–400 µg/ml, respectively. Bacterial growth was significantly inhibited at ½ MIC, while control cells entered log phase within 4 h. Assays (MIC, MBC, MBC/MIC ≤ 4, killing, biofilm inhibition, and nucleic acid leakage) confirmed the bactericidal potential of Ricinus communis leaf extract against novel Bacillus strains. GC–MS analysis revealed 48–53 peaks across solvent extracts, identifying dominant compounds like phytol, phytyl palmitate, and tetracontane, with some solvent-specific presence. Ricinus communis leaf extract showed strong bactericidal activity against emerging Bacillus strains causing bovine mastitis, with the chloroform fraction showing the highest efficacy. Its bioactive compounds and multi-target properties suggest its potential as a natural alternative for managing mastitis in dairy cattle.