Genome-wide association studies have become an indispensable tool in the determination of candidate genes that are found to be insignificant associations with certain phenotypes.This review is aimed at examining GWAS as a critical tool in elucidating the role of the CCR5 gene in HIV-1 infections.The presence of a CCR5 coreceptor is a genetic factor that modifies the outcome of HIV-1 infections.The CCR5 receptors are predominantly found on the surface of leucocytes, cells such as macrophages, CD4 and monocytes where they serve as entry receptors for HIV-1.The absence of abnormalities in CCR5 receptors increases the hostʼs resistance to HIV-1 infection and its progression.In cases where mutation of the CCR5 gene occurs, resulting in a 32 base pair deletion and the absence of CCR5 on immune cell surfaces makes humans that are homozygous for 32 to be resistant to HIV-1 infections.Likewise, people heterozygous for 32 record delays in the progression of HIV-1 infections, a less rapid decline in the CD4 cell count and even lower viral load in circulation.The discovery of the role of CCR5 receptors and the impact of its mutation through GWAS have had a substantial impact on medical care, particularly the improvement of HIV-1 therapies.It resulted in the development of antiretroviral therapeutic agents that blocks the expression of the CCR5 receptors.These CCR5 blockers have immense potential in HIV-1 therapy as they have a high potential for prevention and treatment.This review thus provides evidence for the need to embrace GWAS and its applications in therapeutic strategies against viral infectious diseases.
Background and Objective: Amplified product of desired gene and a digested product of DNA cloning vectors using restriction enzymes is proceeding for identification of molecular size, and restriction fragments need to be separated in agarose gel electrophoresis system, both of these steps are time-consuming and expensive procedures in molecular cloning techniques.To perform agarose gel electrophoresis, expensive agarose powder will be required.The extraction of DNA molecules from the gel is a multistep process and expensive kits are required.Materials and Methods: Based on the outcomes of the present study, a new matrix was proposed in which DNA molecules can be separated and desired fragments can be extracted and purified without the use of any commercial kit available on the market.For matrix mixture preparation, 0.5% each of agarose and silica gel was taken in 1 x TAE buffer and the agarose and silica mixture was dissolved at boiling temperature.After dissolving substances, 2 µL of Ethidium Bromide (EtBr) of concentration 10 mg mLG 1 was added and solidified into a gel casting tray.The amplified PCR product and vector digested product was carried out as per the standard procedure.From the gel desired fragment of DNA was extracted.Results: The agarose and silica-formed gel are a little clear and bands also seems to be prominent.Recovery of DNA bands was almost 90%.The purity of extracted DNA is within the range.The obtained DNA is suitable for restriction digestion, ligation, PCR, sequencing, transformation, etc. Conclusion: The preparation of silica-based gel is very economical and the extraction of DNA from these gels is very simple without the utilization of any commercial gel extraction kits.Its cost is almost one-tenth of the traditional system, and a single step is required for electrophoresis and gel extraction.
Background and Objective: Oxidative stress caused by activities of free radicals has been implicated to play a major role in different disease conditions including organ related diseases such as kidney disease.This study was designed to investigate the effects of Physalis angulata on CCl 4 induced oxidative stress.Materials and Methods: The ethanol root extract of Physalis angulata was administered to thirty made albino rats divided into six caged of five rats each.On the 14th day of the experiment, carbon tetrachloride was used to induce oxidative stress in the animal.Samples were collected and assayed for some kidney function biomarkers.Results: The results show that carbon tetrachloride significantly (p<0.05)deteriorated the renal functions of rats.This is seen in the high elevation of renal function biomarkers such as uric acid, urea and creatinine in the positive control group.Lipid peroxidation products such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and lipid hydroperoxides (LHP) was also significantly elevated (p<0.05) in the positive control when compared to the normal control, standard (silymarin) control and all the test groups.The ethanol root extract of Physalis angulata and the standard drug (silymarin) significantly protected the kidney from oxidative stress caused by CCl 4 .The plant also showed the capacity to stabilize the levels of vitamin C and E following the CCl 4 attack.Conclusion: The administration of Physalis angulata root extract showed the potential of quenching or reducing the activities of free radicals thereby reducing oxidative stress.
Background and Objective: Diethylnitrosamine (DEN) is a well-known liver carcinogen in rats, forming DNA adducts in the liver and inducing hepatocellular damage.The present study was focused on anticancer and antioxidant effects of methanol leaf extract of Aristolochia bracteolata and its fractions against diethylnitrosamine induced hepatocarcinoma in rats.Materials and Methods: Hepatocellular damage was induced using diethylnitrosamine orally.Hepatocellular damage was assessed using biochemical parameters of the liver function tests, antioxidant enzymes which are considered as biomarkers in hepatocarcinoma.Results: Diethylnitrosamine caused significant hepatocellular damage with liver enzymes (Apatite transaminases, alanine transaminases and alkaline phosphatase activities) of 381±0.84,125±0.37,510±0.51 and 293±1.45,75±1.57,274±1.71compared to the control groups at p<0.05, respectively.However, treatments with methanol leaf extract of Aristolochia bracteolata and its fractions as well as Silymarin significantly reverse the liver damage 284±2.88,298±4.26298±1.57for different doses of the plant extract and fractions and Silymarin 295±0.71,respectively.So also, a significant decrease was observed in total protein, albumin, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and total antioxidant with a corresponding increase in total bilirubin, interestingly, Aristolochia bracteolata significantly increase total protein, albumin, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and total antioxidant with a decrease in total bilirubin concentration.Conclusion: Generally, the of administration of methanol leaf extract of Aristolochia bracteolata and its fractions promotes the healing of the liver cells through the anti-proliferative, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of this natural product by maintaining the hepatocellular membrane integrity.
Background and Objective: Endophytic bacteria can protect host plants by producing secondary metabolites and also improve host plant growth by various direct and indirect mechanisms.This unique character makes a special role in, using endophytic bacteria in sustainable agriculture.The study aims to isolate endophytic bacteria from Azadirachta indica (neem) leaf and screen for their biocontrol and plant growth-promoting properties.Materials and Methods: Thirteen endophytic bacteria were isolated from neem leaf and it was tested for their in vitro antifungal activities against Rhizoctonia solani.A total of 3 isolates (N1B, N4B and N5B) were selected on the broad antifungal activity (50, 56 and 75% mycelial inhibition).Among different solvents used for the extraction of secondary metabolites from endophytic bacteria, only ethyl acetate extract of N5B showed maximum zone of inhibition in well diffusion method against fungal pathogen.Results: The GC-MS analysis of ethyl acetate extracts of N5B exhibited 14 compounds with antifungal activity, such as dimethoxyglycerol docosyl ether, pentadecanoic acid, oleic acid etc. Selected 3 endophytic isolates were identified up to molecular level using 16S rRNA sequencing and it was identified as Bacillus haynesii, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.The identified isolates were used for nursery experiments based on their strong in vitro antifungal and PGP activities such as P, K and Zn solubilization, N fixation, IAA, HCN and EPS production.Conclusion: The tested bacterial isolates significantly decreased disease severity in rice, infected with R. solani and increased plant biomass when compared with un-inoculated control.The findings suggested above mentioned 3 bacterial species may be promising candidates as a biocontrol agent to confer resistance to sheath blight disease of rice.
Background and Objective: The presence of natural antioxidant activity in plants has been well acknowledged worldwide.There is increasing demand for a natural antioxidant to replace synthetic additives in the food and pharmacological industries.The main goal of this study was to fractionate and identify active antioxidant principles in Phyllanthus amarus leaves.Materials and Methods: Samples of matured and healthy looking leaves of Phyllanthus amarus were collected.Extraction of the plant was done using ethanol and fractionation with different solvents of varied polarity via column chromatography, starting from n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol, methanol and lastly, water.The fractions were screened for antioxidant activity by a 2, 2-Diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay.Fraction 10b shows high antioxidant activity and was subjected to further analysis using the GC-MS and FTIR analysis and 32 compounds were identified.Total phenol and total flavonoid contents were analyzed by the Folin Ciocalteu method and aluminium chloride colorimetric method, respectively.Results: The result for total antioxidant activity shows that fraction 10b has the highest antioxidant activity (83 mg mLG 1 ) while fraction 2a shows the lowest antioxidant activity (13 mg mLG 1 ).The result for total phenol content showed that fraction 10b has the highest phenol content (430 mg mLG 1 ) and fraction 2a has the lowest phenol content (9 mg mLG 1 ).Fraction 3b shows the highest concentration of total flavonoid content (143 mg mLG 1 ) while fraction 2a shows the lowest concentration (23 mg mLG 1 ).The result shows a strong positive correlation between total antioxidant and total phenol content.The relationship between total antioxidant and total flavonoid content shows negative.Conclusion: This present study concluded that the high phenol content present in Phyllanthus amarus leaves is entirely responsible for the antioxidant activity of the plant.
Background and Objectives: Functional foods are commonly ingested orally.For efficient bioavailability, a product must be in a form that is easily digestible and thus able to enter the blood stream rapidly.The objective of the study was to compare the effectiveness of Cinnamomum zeylanicum infusion and Cinnamomum zeylanicum capsules on blood plasma level of type 2 diabetes mellitus subjects.Materials and Methods: One gram of Cinnamomum zeylanicum capsule and 75 mL of infusion were supplemented to 60 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus.The effectiveness of the supplements were investigated on serum blood glucose levels after a period of 45 days.The blood parameters assessed were fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, serum insulin and serum fructosamine.Results:Results indicated that there was no significant difference between the capsule ingested group and infusion ingested group indicating that consumption of both forms of cinnamon had the same effect.Conclusion: Hence, it was concluded that cinnamon powder when consumed regularly at effective levels has a good impact on blood glucose levels of type 2 diabetes subjects.
Background and Objective: Acute Renal Failure or disease (ARF) is a complicated disorder that causes a fast reduction in kidney function and anemia is a common feature of this disease.This study aimed to evaluate the anemia situation in patients with acute renal failure among men and women.Materials and Methods: This case study was conducted on 56 patients with acute renal failure attending DEE Medical Center, Buruku, Jos, Plateau State Nigeria, from January-September, 2019.Initially, two separate blood samples were taken from each patient, 2 mL uncoagulated sample harvest for biochemical assay and EDTA anticoagulated whole blood sample for hematocrit value.Serum was used to determine the level of urea, creatinine and hematocrit value was done with EDTA anticoagulated samples by hematocrit centrifuge.The values obtained in urea and creatinine were divided into three groups: low, moderate and high, data obtained were analyzed by SPSS software.Results: Generally, the study revealed the anemic condition of all the acute renal disease patients irrespective of gender (p<0.05).However, it was discovered that the mean hematocrit value of females (22.2+3.3) was higher than of males (19.8+2.5).Conclusion: It was discovered that the severity of anemia in acute renal disease in men was as a result of the effect of the disease on testosterone level synthesized in the kidney, therefore, it is recommended that testosterone can be used as alternative or complementary for erythropoietin to boost up hematocrit value in severely anemic patients and management of acute renal failure in men.
Background and Objectives: Levamisole is an anthelmintics drug principally use for the treatment and control the range of nematodes in animal and human.It is I-isomer of dI-tetramisole with greater safety margin than the racemic mixture tetramisole.This study was designed to examine the efficacy of levamisole by using modified Mc-master technique.Materials and Methods: The experiment was performed on 25 dogs in Vom environment using Modifying Mc-master chamber, polytene bag, concentrated salt solution, microscope, universal bottle and syringe and needle.There were 10 male and 15 female dogs, out of the 25 dogs sampled during the experiment.The organisms identified were Hookworm, Toxocara and Coccidia.The faecal samples were collected directly from both clinical and sub-clinical cases from the rectum labelled and taken to National Veterinary Research institute (NVRI), Vom, Nigeria, Parasitology laboratory for analysis to determine the presence of helminths, eggs and oocyst.The dogs were then treated with levamisole orally and re-sampled after 24 h and analyzed in the NVRI Parasitology laboratory.Results: Out of 25 dogs that were sampled 15 are positive while 10 are negative for helminthosis.The results were obtained by comparing the percentage reduction of wormʼs burden of the first sample collected and the second sample collected after medication.The results were expressed in term of percentage reduction, but from the obtained result showed significant reduction between the first and second samples in hookworm, toxocara ova, but there is no significant reduction in coccidia organism.Conclusion: From the study it was reaffirmed that levamisole does not have any effect on the coccidian organism, but it has an anthelmintic property on nematodes such as; hookworms and toxocara organism with some level of resistant in some of the dogs.
Background and Objective: Breast cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in economically developing countries such as India.Evidential research is explained about the anticancer properties.The present study investigated curcumin along with the γ-irradiation effect on two different breast cancer cell lines.Materials and Methods: MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell was irradiated with gamma rays prior to the curcumin treatment.A 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, clonogenic assays and wound healing assays were performed.The results were analyzed with a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the Bonferroni multiple comparison post-test, using In Stat software version 3.00.Results: The results of the MTT assay showed a statistical significance with p>0.001, similarly, clonogenic assay revealed that the curcumin reduced the proliferation rate of cells.Correspondingly, wound healing assay resulted in control of the cell-cell interaction and cell migration at two different time points.Conclusion: In conclusion, curcumin along with a lower dose (8 Gy) of radiation acted as the best combinatorial drug treatment for breast cancer cell lines.Our findings put up a rationale for further clinical/preclinical analysis of combination treatments with a lower dose and fewer side effects in breast cancer.
