Background: Autophagy is responsible for the degradation of cytoplasmic components in lysosomes and vacuoles. Generally, autophagy contributes to cellular survival against stress, since autophagy-deficient (atg) mutants are predominantly more sensitive to environmental stress, including nutrient starvation, than their WT counterparts are. Nevertheless, we found that compared with WT Physcomitrium patens (P. patens) plants, atg mutants can survive desiccation stress in the presence of ABA; however, the underlying molecular mechanism is not understood.Methods: To comprehend the molecular mechanism, two distinct analyses (proteomic analysis and microarray expression analysis) were performed on P. patens WT and atg mutant protonemal colonies.Results: An integrated analysis showed that signaling pathways involved in MYBs and MAPKs were activated and that protective proteins such as LEAs and antioxidant-related proteins were not differentially expressed between the WT and atg mutant. This suggests that the atg mutant is highly tolerant to desiccation stress through the activation of cell proliferation during dehydration and rehydration.Conclusion: This study has provided evidence that autophagy is involved in the relationship between desiccation tolerance and cell proliferation, but the direct effects remain elusive. Further work is needed to elucidate the dynamics of proteins involved in autophagy and the induction of desiccation tolerance.Keywords:Autophagy, Desiccation, Physcomitrium, EBP1, MYB, MAPKEditorial Note: This manuscript contains updated information in the authors' affiliation section.
Background: Tinospora cordifolia and Gynura procumbens are important medicinal plants native to South and Southeast Asia. This study integrates metagenomic and metabolomic approaches to compare microbial communities and bioactive compound profiles in wild and cultivated populations of T. cordifolia and G. procumbens.Methods: Microbiome analysis using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and metabolomic profiling via LC-MS/MS were performed on root and leaf of both plants.Results: Bacterial communities in T. cordifolia and G. procumbens varied significantly between leaf and root. Proteobacteria dominated all samples, while roots harbored higher bacterial diversity, including Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Chloroflexi, particularly in wild populations. Metabolomic analysis revealed distinct profiles between organs, with leaves showing greater population-dependent variability, especially in T. cordifolia, where 482 metabolites differed significantly between wild and cultivated plants. Notably, turmerone was upregulated in wild leaves, while cinnamic acid was downregulated. Root metabolomes were more stable but still exhibited population-specific patterns in G. procumbens. In T. cordifolia, bis(4-ethylbenzylidene)sorbitol positively correlated with Actinobacteria and Chloroflexi, while vicenin and 2-methoxyestradiol showed negative correlations with several phyla, suggesting antimicrobial potential. In G. procumbens, ethamivan positively correlated with Firmicutes and Chloroflexi.Conclusion: These findings highlight the role of ecological and organ identity in driving plant-microbiome-metabolite dynamics, with implications for medicinal plant quality, bioactivity, and cultivation.Keywords: Bioactive Compounds, Biological Diversity, Gynura procumbens, Metagenomics, Microbial Communities, Tinospora cordifolia
Background: Gallstones or cholelithiasis are a major public health issue, which often remain asymptomatic, although they can sometimes cause discomfort by obstructing the digestive tract. Spermidine (SPD) and Spermine (SPE) are two polyamines (PAs) that regulate the growth of hepatocytes in the liver. The PAs play two functions in preserving cellular oxidative equilibrium by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and providing protection against free radical damage when serving as an enzyme substrate. Therefore, levels and metabolism of PA serve as significant markers of neoplastic alterations in the liver.Methods: Gallstone patients from multiple internal medicine hospitals were surveyed, and samples were taken and evaluated from them. Similarly, samples from healthy individuals were also taken. Under regular laboratory circumstances, the patient samples were characterized using biochemical tests, and their data was documented.Result: The levels of polyamines (PAs) and the common oxidative stress (OS) biomarker malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined. The main liver function tests and lipid profile levels showed no significant differences between the two studied groups. Whereas malondialdehyde (MDA), SPE, and SPD levels were significantly higher in patients than in the control group.Conclusion: The results of the study led to an association between polyamine levels and gallstone disease. An increase in PA levels was observed in cholelithiasis patients. It is concluded that PAs are associated with cholelithiasis and may be considered as potential predictors of this disease.Keywords:Cholelithiasis, Spermine, Spermidine, Malondialdehyde, Oxidative stress
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have emerged as significant regulators in cancer biology, modulating gene expression via transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and epigenetic pathways. Their functions in apoptosis, autophagy, inflammation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are essential to tumorigenesis, advancement, and metastasis. This study presents a bibliometric overview of global research trends, collaborative networks, and hotspots in cancer-related ncRNA research (2005–2024). Bibliometric mapping was integrated with a targeted literature review, employing prevalent author-keywords as anchors to identify theme clusters. These clusters underscore research hotspots, while the integrated literature synthesis contextualizes the most actively studied biological themes, correlating publication patterns with established knowledge. The Scopus database was employed for data collecting, providing extensive coverage of peer-reviewed literature. Bibliometric tools, such as VOSviewer and Biblioshiny, were utilized to examine keyword co-occurrences, define conceptual clusters, and show international cooperation. China published the most ncRNA-related cancer papers and had highest total number of citations, whereas the United States ranked second in both publishing output and total citations but had a higher citation rate per article. Overall, these findings show the distribution of research production and citation patterns among leading contributing countries, with variances in average citation rates due in part to disparities in publishing volume. A focused literature review, directed by the analyses of the retrieved author keywords, revealed that the main research domains center on the regulatory roles of ncRNAs in apoptosis, autophagy, metastasis, inflammation, and clinical applications. Emerging themes, such as their involvement in angiogenesis and immune evasion, underscore the dynamic and evolving nature of this field.Keywords:Lncrnas, Cancer Biology, Bibliometric Analysis, Apoptosis, Autophagy, Good Health and Well-Being
Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder affecting women of reproductive age. Oxidative stress may contribute to its pathogenesis. Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) is an antioxidant enzyme associated with high-density lipoprotein, and its genetic polymorphisms may alter enzyme activity. This study aimed to investigate the association between PON1 L55M polymorphism (rs854560) and PCOS in Iraqi women.Methods: This case-control study included 80 women aged 20–35 years who were in good general health and matched for age and body mass index (BMI). Genomic DNA was extracted using a commercial kit. The PON1 L55M polymorphism was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and genotyped by direct sequencing. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.Results: No significant differences were observed between patients and controls regarding age or BMI. Genotype frequencies of rs854560 showed no significant differences between the two groups. Likewise, allele distribution was not significantly associated with PCOS (P > .05).Conclusions: The PON1 L55M polymorphism was not associated with susceptibility to PCOS in this sample of Iraqi women. Further studies with larger sample sizes are recommended.Keywords: PCOS, Paraoxonase-1, PON1, L55M, rs854560
Background: Congenital heart defects (CHD) are the most common birth defects, affecting approximately 0.8% of live births worldwide. CHD impairs the function and structure of the heart and blood vessels. Due to this damage, blood flow is impaired, which affects many major organs, including the brain, and causes various neurodevelopmental disorders.Methods: In this study, we recruited a five-generation pedigree for analysis. The proband was born with congenital heart disease and subsequently developed various neurodevelopmental disorders. To understand the causes of the disease, we performed clinical whole-exome sequencing and applied various bioinformatics tools to determine the pathogenicity of the mutation.Results: Molecular investigation revealed a novel lethal mutation (c.2321G>A) in KDM6A, causing the substitution of Glycine to Glutamic acid (Gly774Glu). The mutation was further confirmed using Sanger sequencing. Various bioinformatics tools were used to predict the lethality of the mutations. KDM6A disruption causes various diseases, among which Kabuki syndrome is the most prevalent.Conclusion: Our findings may aid in the further development of genome-based medicines, leading to a reduction in mortality rates and improved healthcare in newborns.Keywords:Congenital heart disease, Kabuki syndrome, Neurodevelopmental disorder, Whole exome sequencing, Novel mutation
Background: Cadmium is a highly toxic heavy metal that poses serious threats to aquatic ecosystems by interfering with key biochemical and physiological functions in exposed organisms. The present study evaluated the tissue-specific accumulation of cadmium and its associated effects on enzymatic and metabolic profiles in Cyprinus carpio under chronic exposure conditions.Methods: Healthy specimens of Cyprinus carpio (70–80 g) were acclimatized under laboratory conditions and divided into control (n = 5) and treated (n = 5) groups. The treated groups were exposed to cadmium chloride at concentrations of 2.0, 1.7, 1.4, and 0.2 mg/L for durations of 30, 40, 50, and 60 days, respectively. Serum biochemical markers including SGPT, SGOT, ALP, CPK, LDH, glucose, total protein, urea, calcium, and cholesterol were assessed. Cadmium bioaccumulation in liver, gills, intestine, and muscle tissues was quantified using atomic absorption spectrophotometry.Results: Statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05) and exposure duration–dependent variations were recorded across all evaluated parameters. Activities of SGPT, CPK, and LDH exhibited a consistent downward trend with increasing exposure time. In contrast, ALP and SGOT showed a biphasic response, characterized by an initial decline during 30–50 days of exposure followed by a marked elevation at 60 days, exceeding control values. Metabolic indicators such as glucose, total protein, calcium, and cholesterol were significantly reduced during early exposure phases, with partial recovery observed at prolonged exposure. Blood urea levels initially declined but increased sharply at later stages, suggesting progressive metabolic impairment. Cadmium distribution was clearly tissue-dependent, with the highest accumulation detected in the liver, followed by gills, intestine, and muscle. Hepatic cadmium levels approximately doubled after 60 days of exposure, indicating its central role in metal sequestration and detoxification.Conclusion: Chronic exposure to cadmium induces pronounced biochemical and metabolic disruptions in Cyprinus carpio, along with significant tissue-specific accumulation patterns. These findings highlight the potential ecological risks associated with cadmium pollution and emphasize the need for continuous environmental monitoring and regulatory control.Keywords: Cadmium, Bioaccumulation, Biochemical Alterations, Cyprinus Carpio, Heavy Metal Toxicity
Background: Sialolithiasis is a common ailment of major salivary glands. Sialoliths are usually less than 1 cm in diameter and frequently found in the submandibular gland and its duct (Wharton’s duct). A sialolith is considered giant if it is greater than 1.5cm in diameter and almost exclusively develop in the Wharton’s duct.Methods: Literature review was conducted using search engines such as PubMed and Google Web Browser looking for key terms such as “salivary stone”, “sialolith” and “Submandibular duct”. A 17-year-old female with recurrent swelling and xerostomia underwent a diagnostic workup using occlusal radiography to localize a sialolith in the terminal portion of the submandibular duct. The management involved an intraoral surgical excision under local anesthesia to remove the 17 × 10 mm calcification, followed by ductal irrigation to successfully restore salivary function.Results: A total of 12 research articles were found relevant to our topic after analysis of the initial pool of research papers. We report a case of a large sialolith in the course of submandibular gland duct of a 17-year-old female who attended our clinic complaining of recurring swelling and pain in the left Wharton’s duct opening area. The patient also complained of dry mouth. Occlusal radiography confirmed a sialolith in the terminal part of the submandibular duct. Surgical removal of a brownish sialolith measuring 17 × 10 mm in size was undertaken under local anesthesia intraorally.Conclusion: The management of giant sialoliths can be achieved via a minimally invasive surgical procedure and subsequently normal salivary flow was established and pain during meals disappeared.Keywords:Sialolith, Submandibular duct, Salivary stone
Background: Occult hepatitis B infection (OHBI), defined as positive seroreactivity for HBV DNA and negative seroreactivity for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), poses a challenge due to its hidden and asymptomatic nature. This study aimed to investigate the molecular rate of OHBI in blood donors and to assess the accompanying liver function profile.Methods: Blood specimens from 200 HBsAg-negative blood donors were tested by a rapid chromatographic assay (Micro-point combo kit, USA) for HBV serological markers (HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb, and HBcAb) and detection of HBV DNA by nested PCR.Results: Of the 200 HBsAg-negative donors, 160 (80%) were seronegative for any hepatitis B serologic marker. Conversely, 5 (2.5%) HBsAb+, 4 (2%) HBcAb+, 11 (5.5%) HBsAb+HBcAb+, 20 (10%) HBcAb+HBeAb+ were positive. Of significance, 4 (2%) donors had evidence of HBV DNA, corresponding to a 2% OHBI prevalence in this population. Moreover, OHBI-positive donors presented higher levels of liver enzymes indicative of potential liver injury. OHBI was detected in 2% of blood donors, showing the risk of HBV transmissibility by blood transfusion from those who are seemingly negative for HBsAg. In addition, the high liver enzymes in OHBI-positive donors may signify a link with the outcome of chronic HBV infection.Conclusions: Our data suggest the need to develop a sensitive screening strategy to identify OHBI among blood donors in order to reduce HBV transmission. It also highlights the importance of monitoring liver function tests in OHBI-positive individuals to prevent possible liver-related complications sequelae.Keywords:Blood donors, Blood transfusion, Liver function, Occult hepatitis B infection
Background: DNA barcoding is an efficient molecular biology technique that utilizes a short genetic locus with sufficient variability to enable precise organism identification. Typically, regions such as ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase (rbcL) and maturase K (matK) in plants are widely used due to their balance between interspecific divergence and intraspecific conservation. These standardized genomic fragments are amplified by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and subsequently sequenced for comparative analysis. Every species has its own characteristic DNA barcode, which can be matched against curated reference libraries, enabling accurate identification even when morphological traits are ambiguous, damaged, or insufficient for taxonomic classification. This approach has been particularly transformative in biodiversity monitoring, ecological studies, and the detection of cryptic or invasive species. Presenting DNA barcodes in a graphical form provides an alternative and powerful way to store and display sequence information as it facilitates cross-comparison. The generated graphical outputs can be incorporated into machine learning algorithms for species recognition in further large-scale ecological and conservation research.Methods: The matK and rbcL genes of the collected five senna species were selected as DNA barcodes to confirm and distinguish these plant samples. An alternative method was also presented to extract the characteristics of the DNA sequences with graphical operation based on Chaos Game Representation (CGR).Results: It was found that the power to discriminate between species was high enough when a two-locus barcode approach was applied with 90% successful amplification using the provided protocol optimization. The similarity/dissimilarity comparison of the collected plant samples was also achieved by the obtained CGR.Conclusion: Grouping of individuals based on genetic relationship was consistent with morphology and taxonomy, particularly when the primers for matK were used, whereas the rbcL barcode was less effective in distinguishing species.Keywords:DNA barcode, matK, rbcL, Senna species, Chaos Game Representation
Background: Molecular characteristics are good markers for distinguishing between closely related species. Molecular taxonomy has been significantly improved by DNA-based strategies with increasing accuracy and efficiency in identifying species through the use of PCR-based methods. We used inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers in this research to compare and examine the genetic profiles of several Oscillatoria species from native freshwater environments.Methods: Algal samples were taken from natural freshwater environments in the autumn season (September–November 2022). To reduce contamination, DNA was obtained from unialgal cultures of Oscillatoria spp. Then, ISSR analysis was done to assess genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships between the isolated strains.Results: Seven species were identified: Oscillatoria acuta (OS1), O. princeps Vaucher (OS2), O. annae (OS3), O. margaritifera (OS4), O. proteus Skuja (OS5), Oscillatoria sp. (OS6), and O. sancta (OS7). O. annae and Oscillatoria sp. were most similar and were found to have the greatest genetic similarity (index = 0.6598), indicating that a close evolutionary relationship exists. The two with the lowest similarity were O. acuta and O. proteus Skuja (index = 0.4330), indicating greater genetic divergence.Conclusion: Our results support the use of ISSR markers in determining genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships among Oscillatoria spp. This method is promising for improving the molecular taxonomy of cyanobacteria.Keywords: Genetic Diversity, Oscillatoria, Phylogenetic analysis, Cyanobacterial taxonomy, ISSR markers
Animal brucellosis is a contagious and zoonotic disease prevalent in many countries particularly in developing nations where unhygienic practices are more common. It is caused by an intracellular bacterium; hence the incubation period is prolonged. Most animals show clinical symptoms in last trimester which leads to economic losses. Trade restrictions are another problem for the endemic regions. In terms of public health, carrier animals are the source of the diseases either through consumption of animal products (milk, meat etc.) and also through direct contact with animals. The clinical diseases can be diagnosed through various methods including culture, serology, ELISAs, PCR, qPCR etc. However, the sub-clinical cases are difficult to diagnose and remains a threat to other animals and humans. So in this article the literature has been thoroughly reviewed regarding inflammatory markers that have potential to be used as diagnostic tools in carrier/sub-clinical cases. Among these TNF-α, Interleukins, IFN-γ have been reported to be most widely used markers. Keywords:Brucellosis, Animal, Markers, TNF-α, Interleukins
Background: Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a highly biocompatible biopolymer valued for its unique nanofibrillar structure, excellent mechanical strength, high water retention, and intrinsic non-toxicity, making it particularly suitable for biomedical applications.Methods: A three-dimensional (3D) composite scaffold composed of BC and fish collagen peptides (FCP) was fabricated via a one-step in situ biosynthesis method by incorporating optimized concentrations of FCP (0.1% and 0.5%) into the BC culture medium during bacterial fermentation. The structural integrity and surface morphology of the scaffolds were examined using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The biological functionality of the scaffolds was further evaluated by culturing HT-22 neuronal cells (mouse hippocampal origin) on both pristine BC and BC-FCP scaffolds. Cell adhesion, morphology, and neurite outgrowth were evaluated using fluorescence microscopy after 2 days of incubation.Results: The BC-FCP composite scaffolds demonstrated superior microstructural integrity and biological performance compared to pristine BC. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy revealed a denser and more uniform nanofibrous architecture in BC-FCP scaffolds, confirming the successful incorporation and uniform distribution of collagen peptides within the cellulose matrix. HT-22 neuronal cells cultured on these scaffolds showed markedly enhanced adhesion, spreading, and neurite outgrowth, particularly at the higher FCP concentrations (0.5%) demonstrating the neuro-supportive capability of the composite system.Conclusion: The BC-FCP composite scaffolds significantly enhance neuronal adhesion and growth, making them promising candidates for neural tissue engineering and regenerative applications.Keywords:Bacterial cellulose, Fish collagen peptides, 3D scaffolds, Biocompatibility, Neuronal outgrowth
Celiac disease (CD), commonly known as gluten intolerance, is a genetically driven autoimmune disorder triggered by consuming gluten-containing grains such as wheat, rye, and barley. At the core of its pathogenesis is the enzyme transglutaminase 2 (TG2), which deamidates gluten peptides into immunotoxic glutamate. These modified peptides bind to Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8) receptors on antigen-presenting cells, triggering an immune response that damages the intestinal lining and leads to villous atrophy. This study aims to investigate Nigella sativa-derived phytochemicals as potential inhibitors of TG2. Initially, 132 phytochemicals identified from N. sativa were screened using molecular docking, and four compounds demonstrated significant docking scores. The interactions of these phytochemicals with the TG2 binding site were then analyzed and visualized using appropriate software. Subsequently, ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion) and toxicity evaluations confirmed their favorable pharmacokinetic profiles and acceptable toxicity levels. Afterward, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to assess stability, with parameters such as root-mean-square deviation (RMSD), root-mean-square fluctuation (RMSF), hydrogen bonding interactions (HB), radius of gyration (Rg), and solvent-accessible surface area (SASA) analyzed. Over a 100 ns simulation, three compounds displayed stable interactions with TG2. These findings suggest that three Nigella sativa phytochemicals could serve as promising TG2 inhibitors, laying the groundwork for future in vitro and in vivo studies to confirm their potential therapeutic efficacy for treating celiac disease.
Background: Diet-induced hyperlipidemia is strongly associated with metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases. This study explored the ameliorating effects of cinnamic acid (CA) on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperlipidemia in Wistar rats.Methods: Male Wistar rats were arranged into four groups based on their feeding pattern: control, HFD, control + CA, or HFD + CA. CA was orally administered every day (50 mg/kg body weight). The feeding was continued for 8 weeks, after which the rats were sacrificed, and oxidative stress-associated parameters such as MDA, NO, AOPP, GSH, SOD, and catalase, lipid profiles, and liver enzyme levels were investigated in the serum. Using hepatic tissues, the mRNA levels of several proteins related to the metabolism, uptake, transportation, and storage of lipid was also explored.Results: Administration of CA significantly (p<0.05) mitigated HFD-induced oxidative stress and increased hepatic enzyme activity. It also prevented the HFD-induced increased mRNA levels of SREBP-2, PPARγ, HMGCR, and Apo-B100. HFD-mediated suppression of LDLR, ABCA1, and Apo-A1 mRNA was significantly (p<0.05) increased by feeding CA. All these positive effects resulted in the reduction of liver weight, adipose tissue weight, and overall body weight, and pro-atherogenic lipid levels, except TG, along with an increase in HDL cholesterol levels.Conclusion: CA positively influences HFD-induced hyperlipidemia and adiposity in Wistar rats through its antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and gene expression modulatory effects.Keywords:Cinnamic acid, Hyperlipidemia, Adipogenesis, Sterol regulatory element-binding protein, Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor
Background: While obesity and apolipoprotein E (APOE) are both important risk factors for dementia, the exact role of their interrelationship in influencing dementia risk, particularly across different ethnicities, remains unclear. This study aims to examine the correlations between APOE and the risk of dementia in obese adults from Bengkulu.Methods: Seventy-two participants from Bengkulu, comprising obese and normal individuals (Mean age = 39.44 years; Mean BMI = 25.64 kg/m²; 33.3% APOE-?4 carriers; 69.4% female), underwent anthropometric assessments, blood sampling for APOE genotyping, and cognitive evaluation using the MoCA-Ina test. The Chi-square analysis was conducted to investigate the association between APOE and the risk of dementia in obese adults from Bengkulu.Results: Statistical analyses revealed significant differences between obese and non-obese groups regarding age (41.28 ± 6.76 vs 37.61 ± 7.19; p=0.011), sex (80.6% women and 19.4% men vs 58.3% women and 41.7% men; P = .041), BMI (28.64 ± 3.98 vs 22.63 ± 1.86; P < .001), weight (69.01 ± 12.24 vs 57.94 ± 7.97; P < .001), and MoCA-Ina score (19.4% vs 61.1%; P < .001). This study found no significant differences in cognitive decline between APOE-?4 carriers in both obese (OR: 3.67, 95% CI: 0.39 to 34.65, P = .384) and non-obese groups (OR: 0.584, 95% CI: 0.12 to 2.78, P = .706) among individuals from Bengkulu.Conclusion: We found no evidence of neurodegenerative risk associated with APOE-?4 in obese individuals from Bengkulu. Further research is required to investigate potential characteristics.Keywords: Apolipoprotein E, Ethnicity, Cognitive Decline, Dementia
Background: Blastocystis sp is one of the most common intestinal protozoa found in humans, but its pathogenesis is still unclear. One of the influencing factors is its genetic subtype. The subtypes that most commonly infect humans are subtypes 1-4. Blastocystis subtypes that are commonly found in Indonesia, especially in Padang City, are Blastocystis ST 1 and ST3.Methods: This study was experimental with a post-test-only control group design. A total of 18 rats were randomly divided into 3 sample groups: control group, treatment group with Blastocystis ST 1&3 dose 104 and dose 105. The inflammatory response was assessed by histopathological and immunohistochemical examination of NF-kappaB protein. One-way ANOVA and Kruskal Wallis tests were conducted to determine the significance of differences in the expression of each protein and gene in the three groups of animals.Result: Blastocystis ST 1 and ST 3 mixed infection in mice caused mild-moderate inflammation in histopathological examination of intestinal tissue and increased NF-kappaB protein expression, especially in the dose 105 treatment group (14.45±5.51) compared to the dose 104 treatment group (8.24±2.72) and the control group (7.41±1.21). This difference was statistically significant (P<0.05).Conclusion: This study concluded that Blastocystis ST 1&3 mixed infection can increase the inflammatory response in mice's intestinal tissue. This effect was particularly evident at higher doses 105.Keywords: Blastocystis, Histopathology, Inflammatory, NF-kappaB Protein
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading cause of cervical and other anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers, with high-risk HPV types such as HPV-16 and HPV-18 playing a major role in oncogenesis. The viral oncoproteins E6 and E7 interfere with tumor suppressor proteins p53 and retinoblastoma (pRb), leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation, genetic instability, and resistance to apoptosis. While HPV vaccines have significantly reduced infection rates, they do not eliminate pre-existing infections or treat HPV-associated malignancies. This has driven interest in gene therapy as a potential treatment option for HPV-induced cellular damage. Gene therapy approaches, particularly CRISPR-Cas9, have demonstrated efficacy in selectively targeting and disrupting HPV oncogenes, leading to tumor regression. Other gene-editing techniques, such as zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs) and transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), also show promise in HPV gene disruption. Efficient delivery systems, including viral and non-viral vectors such as nanoparticles, liposomes, and adeno-associated viruses (AAVs), are being optimized to enhance therapeutic outcomes. However, challenges remain, particularly concerning off-target effects, delivery efficiency, and potential immunogenic responses. This review explores the mechanisms of HPV-induced carcinogenesis, the role of gene therapy in targeting viral oncogenes, and advancements in gene-editing technologies. Future directions include integrating gene therapy with immunotherapy, developing personalized treatment strategies, and improving delivery mechanisms to enhance specificity and safety. While gene therapy holds significant promise for eradicating HPV-driven malignancies, further research is needed to refine these approaches for clinical application.Keywords:Oncology, Cancer biology, Molecular biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Genomics
Background: Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART), particularly intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), bypass natural selection processes, allowing sperm with low deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) integrity to fertilize eggs, which may adversely affect ICSI outcomes. Routine semen analysis provides limited insight into male reproductive potential, necessitating advanced assessments of sperm chromatin maturity.Methods: Semen samples were collected from 92 patients after 1–21 days of sexual abstinence. Macroscopic and microscopic examinations were performed according to WHO standards (6th edition, 2021). A detailed questionnaire capturing history and physical examination was used. The relationship between sperm chromatin immaturity (SCI%) and ICSI outcomes, including fertilization rate and embryo quality, was evaluated.Result: A weak and non-significant negative correlation was observed between SCI% and fertilization rate (CC = -0.051; p = 0.63) and between SCI% and grade 1 embryos (CC = -0.093; p = 0.38). Weak, non-significant positive correlations were found between SCI% and abnormal division (CC = 0.05; p = 0.64). However, a weak positive association was identified between SCI% and grade 2 embryos (CC = 0.242; p = 0.02) and grade 3 embryos (CC = 0.212; p = 0.04). SCI% showed no significant correlation with seminal fluid parameters.Conclusion: This study concluded that sperm chromatin immaturity (SCI%) does not correlate with seminal fluid parameters but showed no significant correlation with fertilization rate or pregnancy rate and showed weak associations with some embryo grades.Keywords:DNA fragmentation, Sperm chromatin immaturity, Male infertility, Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), Embryo quality
Background: This research examined the chemical constituents, concentration of phenolic compounds, and biological efficacy of the entire Euphorbia hirta and Euphorbia hyssopifolia specimens sourced from Morocco.Methods: GC-MS was employed to analyze the chemical constituents. Three distinct methodologies, the Folin-Ciocalteu approach, the Aluminum Chloride technique, and the vanillin assay under acidic conditions were utilized to quantify the overall concentrations of polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins in hexane extracts derived from E. hirta and E. hyssopifolia. The DPPH assay served as a means to evaluate the antioxidant potential of the samples. Furthermore, an investigation was carried out employing the disc diffusion technique to assess the antibacterial efficacy against six pathogenic bacterial strains.Results: The results relating to the total phenolic content, the total flavonoid content and the total tannin content indicate that E. hirta has the highest concentration of polyphenols, and flavonoids, with values of 0.343 mg GAE/g and 11.188 µg QE/g, respectively. In addition, E. hyssopifolia had a higher concentration of tannin, and antioxidant activity with an 0.238 mg CE/g, and IC50 value of 0.403 mg/mL, respectively. The results on antimicrobial activity revealed significant efficacy against almost all the strains tested.Conclusion: As demonstrated by this work, the biochemical composition analysis of the hexane extracts reveals their significant antibacterial and antioxidant properties.Keywords: Euphorbia hirta, Euphorbia hyssopifolia, Biochemical Composition, Antioxidant Capacity, Antibacterial Capacity
