Archives of Razi Institute最新文献

In Ayurveda, Vitex negundo (VN) is used as a drug to manage pain, inflammation, and problems related to polycystic ovary disease and the menstrual cycle. The bioactive compounds isolated from this plant exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, and microbicidal properties. The shrub VN is known for its role in the modulation of cellular events like apoptosis and cell cycle. There is still a scarcity of data in the literature on the cytotoxic activity of VN extracts on ovarian cancer. Therefore, in the present study, the phytochemical composition, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer activities of leaf extracts were evaluated. The chloroform and methanol fractions exhibited higher phenolic content (161.04 ± 0.02 mg/g GAE and 152.56 ± 0.05 mg/g GAE, respectively) than those of other fractions. The aqueous and petroleum ether fractions exhibited higher flavonoid content (215.27 ± 0.28 mg/g QE and 111.82 ± 0.05 mg/g QE, respectively). The acetone and methanol extracts showed significant anti-oxidant capacities. Both leaf extracts of VN inhibited PA1 cancer cell growth in a dose-dependent manner with IC₅₀ values of 88.01 ± 3.14 and 112.30 ± 1.93 μg/ml, respectively, as compared to the standard drug Doxorubicin with IC₅₀ value 2.91 μg/ml (P<0.05, One-way ANOVA). The gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis allowed us to identify twenty-five bioactive compounds in acetone extract and twenty-two in methanol extract. Therefore, further studies should focus on the isolation of novel compounds that are more effective and less toxic, and that constitute interesting substitutes for the development of anti-cancer drugs.

Galliformes have a global distribution and are bred by humans as domestic animals or game birds. The world's poultry population is increasing due to high consumer demand for poultry products. Due to the increasing growth of Galliformes breeding, this study aimed to investigate gastrointestinal parasites in the feces of some species of Galliformes. In the present study, 100 distinct fecal samples were collected from seven different Galliformes species, including rural chickens, peacocks, partridges, pheasants, turkeys, quails, and guinea fowls. Sampling of each bird was performed separately, and these birds were kept in cages. In order to identify gastrointestinal parasites, the samples were evaluated using the Clayton-Lane method, the Modified Ziehl-Neelsen, and the Trichrome staining methods. Among 100 birds sampled, 53% were positive for gastrointestinal parasites. Moreover, 30%, 18%, and 5% of birds were infected with Eimeria spp., nematodes, and Giardia spp., respectively. The highest rate of parasitic infestation in Galliformes was related to protozoan infections, and the highest rate of protozoan infection was related to Eimeria (30%). In addition, complex infestation was not detected. Considering that most parasitic infections have been detected in apparently healthy birds, it is recommended to observe hygiene to regularly disinfect cages and reduce the density of birds in the nests. Due to the zoonotic potential of Giardia and the contamination of some birds with this parasite, this issue should be considered by public health officials, bird sellers' markets, owners, and breeders of these birds.

Obesity is the result of positive energy balance in which various hormones and neurotransmitters are involved. Using Dietary supplements is a common and popular method to lose weight. Medicinal plants with specific effects on metabolizing enzymes, blocking adipogenesis, and improving energy metabolism can be a suitable alternative to these supplements. In this study, the role of hydro-alcoholic extract of Dactylorhiza maculate (Salep) plant on obesity and its related hormones and antioxidants was investigated. Forty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: Control, Sham, and Salep extract (three doses): 80, 160, and 320 mg/kg. The extract was fed by gavage for 29 days. After the 29^th day, blood and tissue samples were taken. Rats' ELISA kits were used to measure adiponectin, obestatin, resistin, orexin-A, insulin, epinephrine, Agouti Related Neuropeptide (AgRP), omentin, chemerin, amylin, neuropeptide-Y (NPY), and ghrelin. In addition, we measured leptin, cholecystokinin (CCK), antioxidants, and lipid profile factors. Evaluation of weight changes showed that Salep extract helped the animals to lose weight significantly in the 160 and 320 mg/kg Salep groups. Leptin, adiponectin, AgRP, obestatin, CCK, chemerin, adiponectin, and total antioxidants displayed a significant increase compared to the control group. In contrast, ghrelin, omentin, resistin, NPY, amylin, orexin-A, epinephrine, and Malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased in the Salep groups. The lipid profile was also affected by the extract. These findings suggest that the Salep extract prevents appetite, reduces ghrelin, and affects digestive factors; the Salep extract can change the secretory factors of adipose tissue and lipid profile and ultimately help to lose weight.

Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) is one of the main etiologies of viral gastroenteritis in dogs across the globe. This disease is mainly characterized by the presence of diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, anorexia, and dehydration. This virus is responsible for high mortality and morbidity rates in unvaccinated dogs and those younger than three months. The monitoring of viral variants in our region has demonstrated that in the last seven years, variant CPV-2c has been circulating exclusively, which is unusual if we consider that in the rest of the world, at least two variants co-circulate among dog populations. To the best of our knowledge, no studies in Mexico have reported genomic sequences of CPV-2, which are relevant for population comparisons at the genetic level. Therefore, the present study aimed to sequence genomes associated with CPV-2c. To meet this objective, rectal swab samples were collected from dogs with suspected CPV-2 infection. Five positive cases diagnosed by lateral flow testing and polymerase chain reaction were selected for viral genome sequencing. Comparative analyses illustrated that the obtained genome sequences were > 99% homologous to those reported for CPV-2 in the GenBank. On the other hand, 52 nucleotide mutations were identified in the vp1/vp2 gene, out of which three impacted amino acid transition (T226S, F267Y, and A440T). Phylogenetic analysis of the vp1/vp2 gene demonstrated that the five sequences clustered in a clade called "III", pertaining to sequences from USA and Uruguay. To our knowledge, this was the first report of genomic sequences associated with CPV-2 in Mexico, which is of great relevance for the epidemiological-molecular understanding and evolution of the virus.

Trichomonas vaginalis and Candida spp. are the most common causes of vaginal infections among reproductive-age women. T. vaginalis is a sexual protozoa parasite that causes trichomoniasis. Candida spp. are fungal and cause infection in the female genital tract named candidiasis. Both microorganisms if not treated correctly may lead to various complications, such as abortion, premature delivery, disorders of menstrual cycle, and infertility. The current study aimed to study the frequency of infections with T. vaginalis and Candida spp., including C. albicans, C. krusei, and C. glabrata, among females with vaginal infection in Duhok City, Kurdistan region, Iraq. A total of 400 vaginal swabs were collected from women with vaginal infections that attended the Vin Private Laboratory (n=250) and Arveen Private Laboratory (n=150). Out of these 400 vaginal swabs samples, 24 samples were recorded positive for T. vaginalis by direct smear and 100 samples for candidiasis by culturing on the CHROMagar^TM Candida. Three species of Candida were isolated, namely C. albicans, C. krusei, and C. glabrata, and their prevalence rates were obtained at 60.9%., 28.25, 7.3%, and 3.6%, respectively. Vaginal infection was commonly found in the age group of 25-35 years (49.6%), followed by the age group of 35-45 years (36.4%). Moreover, 3.2% of samples were found to have a mixed infection with trichomoniasis and candidiasis. Because these two causative agents cause numerous complications in women, it is highly recommended proper controlling measures, such as health education, personal hygiene, and treatment of infected women, be implemented to prevent or decrease vaginal infection.

In the era of free antibiotics used in animal production, the application of feed additives should be prioritized to improve poultry health and production.  The present study was conducted to evaluate the influences of garlic fermented by Lactobacillus spp. on the growth rate, intestinal microorganisms, and immune response of turkey broilers. A completely randomized design was used, involving 90 turkey broilers aged 1-56 days, with five treatments and three replicates per treatment. The birds were given feed and water ad libitum for the entire experiment period. The treatments included the supplementation of aqueous extract from fermented garlic (FG) to drinking water. The results showed that broilers supplemented with 0.8% FG exhibited the largest final body weight (1,158 g/bird), body weight gain (19.64 g/bird/day), and significantly improved feed conversion ratio (1.962) while decreasing the feed intake of turkey broilers from to 1-56 days. The immune organ indices, including the spleen, thymus, and bursa of Fabricius indices, were increased in the 0.6% FG treatment group (P<0.05), while antibody titers (at 28 and 42 days of age) were improved in the 0.6% and 0.8% FG treatments (P<0.05). Clostridium perfringens and Salmonella spp. were not detected in the intestines of these birds, while the amount of Escherichia coli was reduced (P<0.05) and Lactobacillus spp. increased (P>0.05) without a significant effect. It can be concluded that supplementation with 0.8% FG improved growth performance, and 0.6% FG may enhance the immunity of turkeys. Moreover, 0.6% and 0.8% FG could be widely used for poultry production.

Toxoplasmosis, which is caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, is a parasitic, infectious disease. 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-H2DA, queen bee acid (QBA), is one of the most prevalent fatty acids (>40%) present in royal jelly. Studies have pointed to antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenic, and antimicrobial effects of 10-H2DA, improving the immune system. This experimental survey aimed to assess the in vitro efficacy of QBA against tachyzoites and intracellular parasites of the T. gondii RH strain. Anti-Toxoplasma effects of QBA against tachyzoites were examined by MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay for 30, 60, 120, and 180 min. In addition, the effect of QBA on infection rate and intracellular parasites was studied. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-Time PCR) was also applied to assess the expression level of the Caspase-3 gene. The best efficiency of QBA was obtained at 100 and 50 µg/mL, whereas all tachyzoites were diminished, followed by 120- and 180-min treatment, respectively. It was also found that the best repressing efficacy of QBA in the infection rate and the load of parasites into the Vero cells was indicated at 100 µg/mL (P<0.001). Nonetheless, the combination of QBA (12.5 µg/mL) along with atovaquone 30 µg/mL displayed the most marked effect on the infection rate and a load of parasites into the Vero cells in the infected Vero cells. The expression level of the Caspase-3 gene was dose-dependently increased after the exposure of tachyzoites to QBA, mainly at ½ IC₅₀ and IC₅₀ compared to normal saline. The obtained findings exhibited the high in vitro potency of QBA, especially in combination with atovaquone against T. gondii RH strain tachyzoites. Although apoptosis induction can be suggested as one of the principle mechanisms, more studies are required to elucidate its accurate mechanisms, as well as its efficacy and safety in animal models and clinical settings.

Diphtheria is a re-emerging disease with a changing epidemiology. It is thus essential to recognize diphtheria's clinical profile, patterns of morbidity and mortality, and the level of immunization. This study aimed to analyze the clinical-epidemiological profile of patients with diphtheria at the Infectious Disease Hospital, New Delhi, India. The present study was a cross-sectional investigation conducted on 94 patients diagnosed with diphtheria. The data collection tool was a questionnaire that had questions eliciting details such as socio-demographic characteristics, clinical history, examination findings, and vaccination history. The case fatality rate was calculated. Means and proportions were also measured, and the significance level was set at P <0.05. The meanSD age of the participants was 94.4 years. Laryngeal involvement was found in 10 (11%) participants. Complete diphtheria vaccination doses were taken by 6 (6.4%) participants. The case fatality rate was 13%, and complications such as neuropathy were found in 21 (22%) cases, cardiac problems in 12 (13%), and respiratory problems in 13 (14%). Longer duration of the illness, delayed presentation, and complications were associated with poor clinical outcomes (P<0.05). The majority of diphtheria cases were 6-10 years old and had a low socio-economic status. Most of them had a partial vaccination against diphtheria. Around one-third of the patients had complications related to diphtheria, and the case fatality rate was also high. Key preventive measures for controlling the deadly diphtheria disease include specialized immunization programs for areas with poor immunization coverage, as well as the early detection and treatment of suspected cases.