Background/aim Bioinformatics is the automatic processing of biological information, and it is a helpful tool to study the structure-function relationship of various proteins. Here, it was used in the in silico study of an AmyB201 from Bacillus strain, named AmyB201 to describe its origin and properties, which could help us to improve the performance of this enzyme through mutagenesis. Materials and methods The protein sequence of AmyB201 was purchased from NCBI data Base. The Signal P and the Protparam were used to determine the properties of AmyB201. In addition, programs like Swiss-model, Phyre2 and PyMOL were used to generate and manipulate the AmyB201 models. Results Comparaison study of Amy B201using Blast program showed an identity of 94% and 91% with amylases from Bacillus spUS586 and Bacillus spUS572, respectively. Subsequently, the analysis of the sequence by the Signal P. program revealed the presence of a signal peptide, which confirms the extracellular nature of the enzyme. Furthermore, the examination of the AmyB201 sequence by Espript showed that it has the same secondary structure with amylases from Bacillus spUS586 and Bacillus spUS572, with the exception of a few differences that could explain the specificity of each enzyme. In addition, the inspection of the 3D models showed the presence of three typical domains of amylases, namely the domains: A, B, C. Using these structures, we have been able to explain some properties of AmyB201. Conclusion This study was able to describe the origin of some properties of AmyB201, and could help us to improve the performance of this enzyme through mutagenesis.
Background/aim Ellagic acid (EA) is widely recognized as a natural compound with pharmacological potency as a polyphenolic molecule, possessing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, and antiproliferative characteristics. The present study aims to evaluate the potential neuroprotective effect of EA in retinal degeneration induced experimentally in rabbits. Material and methods A total of 27 male white New Zealand rabbits, with an average weight ranging from 1.5 to 2 kg, were divided into three groups (nine each). Group I served as the control group, while group II and group III, the macular degeneration (MD) induction groups that received a single intravitreal injection of sodium iodate (SI). Following the injection, group III was given 50 mg/kg of EA powder for 21 days, starting immediately after MD induction. Ophthalmic examinations of the retinas were conducted on days 7, 14, and 21 using a fundus camera, followed by electroretinogram (ERG) recording after MD induction. Apoptotic caspase-3 and caspase-7 activities in the retina tissues were also measured postdecapitation. Results The results showed a significant decrease (P≤0.05) in electroretinogram ‘a- and b-waves’ following intravitreal SI injection in group II and III comparing with control group. The pattern of internucleosomal fragmentation, indicating apoptosis, was time-dependent. The injection also increased relative caspase-3 and caspase-7 activity. However, group III of rabbits that is treated with EA exhibited noticeable improvements in these outcomes in comparing with group of MD-induced rabbits. Conclusions The administration of EA demonstrated a notable impact in improving the retina’s function, and decreased the apoptosis levels in MD model of rabbits
Background/aim Epilepsy is a brain disorder affecting individuals of all ages. It is one of the most common neurological disorders, affecting about 50 million people globally. The study objective was to study the different genotypes of Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene among adult idiopathic generalized epileptic patients and to assess their influence on cognitive functions of those patients. Patients and methods Forty adult patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) and 20 healthy controls were enrolled in this study from Kafrelsheikh Governorate, Egypt. Patients were recruited from the Neurology Department at Kafrelsheikh University Hospital. Neuropsychological evaluation was conducted to all participants. Genotyping of the APOE gene polymorphisms (rs429358 and rs7412) was then carried out using both restriction fragments length polymorphism and Sanger sequencing to evaluate the correlation between the genotype and cognitive functions of patients with IGE. Results Most of the patients and controls showed the wild type genotype ε3/ε3 of both polymorphisms of APOE gene; rs429358 and rs7412. Only six patients and one control had different genotypes other than the wild type. The study showed that a highly significant association (P<0.001) between IGE and cognitive impairment especially attention, memory, and fluency. Meanwhile, no statistically significant differences were found in distribution of Addenbrooke score and parameters according to APOE genotype distribution in patients’ group, while in controls there was no significant difference in distribution of attention and visuospatial processing parameters according to genotype distribution. Yet, there was a significant increase in Addenbrooke, memory, fluency, and language processing in ε3/ε3 genotype compared to ε3/ε4 genotype, (P=0.000, 0.007, 0.016, and 0.000, respectively). Conclusion This study supports the evidence of a distinct cognitive profile in patients with epilepsy regardless the APOE gene genotype.
Background/aim Debris accumulation beneath the dentures initiates countless difficulties such as inflamed oral mucosa and denture stomatitis. Denture stomatitis is a prevalent pathologic illness that is commonly linked to Candida albicans. Accordingly, treatment requires applying effective anti-inflammatory and antifungal medicaments that do not negatively influence the properties of denture base materials. Antifungal oral gel and ozonated water have quite an impact on inhibiting Candida albicans growth and treating denture stomatitis, so they have been selected in this research. This study aimed to compare the effect of antifungal oral gel and ozonated water on the tensile and compressive strengths of poly methyl metha acrylate (PMMA) and Nylon or polyamide denture base materials. Patients and methods This study was carried out for two types of denture base materials; group I PMMA and group II Nylon or polyamide. Total samples for both groups were 160 and fabricated following American Dental Association specifications No.12 for assessing tensile and compressive strengths. For each group (80 samples each group), the compressive strength was measured before (10 samples each) and after (10 samples each) the application of antifungal oral gel (10 samples each), and ozonated water (10 samples each), overnight for 15 days for each. Also, the tensile strength was measured for each group before (10 samples each) and after (10 samples each) the application of antifungal oral gel (10 samples each) and ozonated water (10 samples each) overnight for 15 days for each. Comparison between pre and post measurements was accomplished by Paired t-test, while comparison between heat-cure PMMA and nylon was carried out by using an Independent t-test. Results PMMA was significantly affected by ozonated water regarding compressive (P =0.0001) and tensile (P =0.0001) strength while antifungal oral gel had a significant effect only on the tensile strength (P =0.0001) but not the compressive strength (P =0.57). Both antifungal oral gel (P =0.7) and ozonated water (P =0.75) have insignificant effects on the compressive strength of nylon denture base material and also insignificant effect on tensile strength of nylon denture base material (P =0.16) for ozonated water and (P =0.37) for antifungal oral gel. Conclusion Ozonated water could adversely impact both the compressive and tensile strength of PMMA denture base material and the antifungal oral gel could affect only its tensile strength. Ozonated water and antifungal oral did not affect the compressive and tensile strength of the nylon denture base material.
Background/aim Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic, unexceptional, frequent disease of inflammatory origin, autoimmune background with unspecified etiology. Also it has been regarded as an oral potentially malignant disorder and reflects the potential hazard of malignant transformation into oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Beclin-1 happens to be one of the proteins regulating autophagy, where its dysfunction has been involved in various disorders. The function of Beclin-1, as per a marker for autophagy, still needs to be verified in oral premalignant lesions and their progression to OSCC. E-cadherin is an integral intercellular epithelial component responsible for intercellular adhesion, in which its down-expression denotes diminished cellular adhesion and propensity for invasion. Our work aimed to explore the levels of Beclin-1 and E-cadherin in erosive and nonerosive OLP and OSCC to assess the possible role of autophagy in the pathogenesis of OLP and estimate the malignant potential in each OLP type. Materials and methods This retrospective study was carried out in the pathology unit Ain Shams University Specialized Hospital. Sixty formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks, along with their clinicopathologic records, were retrieved from the archives of the Department of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry, Ain Shams University, Egypt. They were classified into three groups (20 each) as follows: group 1: the negative control group; group 2: comprised OLP cases, subdivided into two groups (10 each): group 2A, the erosive type and group 2B, the nonerosive type and group 3: comprised the OSCC cases, subdivided into two groups (10 each): group 3A, well-differentiated OSCC and group 3B, moderately differentiated OSCC. Immunohistochemistry was utilized to assess the expression levels of both Beclin-1, as a marker of autophagy and E-cadherin, as a marker of invasiveness and aggressiveness, to validate the malignant transformation potential. Results The present result obtained significant increases (P<0.05) in the levels of Beclin-1in a group of patients with OLP, the erosive type (G2A), and both groups of OSCC cases (G3A and B), while G3B was the highest level. Regarding E-cadherin, a significant decrease (P<0.05) was found in their levels in all groups of OLP and OSCC cases, compared to the control group; however group G3B exhibited the lowest reduction. Correlation between Beclin-1 and E-cadherin revealed an insignificant correlation between the two markers in all groups, except a significant negative correlation (r=−0.9, P<0.03) was found in a group of OLP patients with erosive type. Conclusion Beclin-1 could potentially be an important prognostic marker in OLP and OSCC. Low levels of E-cadherin expression in erosive OLP indicate greater potential for invasiveness, migration capability and a higher tendency to malignant transformation, which was found comparable to OSCC.
Background/aim Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with multiple chronic conditions and increased risks of complications and mortality. The relationship between OSA and obesity is complex but increased body fat is widely recognized as a major risk factor for OSA. This work aims to determine the cut-off values of the body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR), neck circumference (NC) that can be used to predict the occurrence of OSA and its severity. Patients and methods This observational cross-sectional study included 241 Egyptian male patients, complaining from symptoms of OSA. The patients were subjected to measurements of obesity indices and underwent polysomnography to confirm the diagnosis of OSA according to the recommended guidelines for the manual scoring of respiratory events. Results The present study exhibited a significant association between BMI, WHR and NC with different polysomnographic parameters. BMI, NC, and WHR were the most significant predictors of OSA (P<0.05). Cutoff values reported 34.35 kg/m2 for BMI with 73.2% sensitivity and 69.4% specificity, while for NC reported 42.5 cm with 68.3% sensitivity and 75.5% specificity, and for WHR exhibited 1.0259 cm, with 59.9% sensitivity and 65.3% specificity. The severity of OSA in male sex was associated with older age, increased BMI, NC, WHR. The severity of OSA was also associated with decreased O2 saturation and higher Desaturation index, Arousal index, and snoring index. Conclusion Increased BMI, NC, and WHR were the most significant predictors of OSA and correlated with the severity of the disease in male patients.
Background/aim Obesity phenotype results from interactions between epigenotype and genotype. DNA methylation constitutes the most relevant epigenetic mechanism that regulates gene expression in human cells. Leptin (LEP) has a promoter region that presents CpG (CG dinucleotide repeats) islands which may undergo a methylation process. The DNA methylation process could be influenced by nutrition and alter adipocyte LEP gene expression. This study aimed to investigate whether the LEP gene promoter could be epigenetically modified by dietary weight reduction intervention and whether these changes affect its circulating level which may be involved in regulating the expression of the LEP gene in obesity. Patient and methods A total of 82 obese females were prescribed 3 months weight loss program. Fifty-eight women with a mean age of 41.62±10.70 years and a mean baseline BMI of 38.32+ 4.01 kg/m2 completed this longitudinal follow-up intervention study. Epigenetic mark, baseline and endpoint anthropometric, and laboratory parameters were assessed. Therefore, the methylation of the promoters of the LEP gene, using methylation-specific PCR, and measuring LEP levels before and after the dietary intervention program, and after bisulfite modification were investigated. Results After successful weight loss in obese females, Leptin receptor (LEPR) promoter methylation patterns had significantly higher values, and serum LEP levels had significantly lower values compared with before the dietary intervention program (P<0.05). Among the obese females with BMI equal to or more than 40 kg/m2the most increased variable was LEP promoter methylation (↑10.2%), while among the obese females with BMI less than 40 kg/m2, it increased by ↑1.7%. Among both groups of obesity, the most decreased variable was LEP (↓94.7% and ↓89.4, respectively). Conclusion These results support the assumption that in obesity, there is a link between LEPR methylation and LEP blood levels. The epigenetic profile of LEP gene could be affected by serum LEP via feedback regulation.
Background/aim Recently, there has been a marked increase in interest toward using microbial resources, especially yeast, to synthesize carotenoids. Ovarian cancer is a major health problem worldwide, as it is the most frequently diagnosed form of cancer in women and contributes significantly to cancer-related deaths. Yeast carotenoids are currently under evaluation for cost-effective and nonhazardous drugs derived from natural products. The principal objective of this study is to evaluate the natural pigment produced from Rhodotorula and characterize it by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometric and to evaluate the ability of its synergistic antitumor effect with γ-radiation. Materials and methods A new pigmented yeast was isolated from yogurt and identified. The pigment was characterized and studies of its biological activities were conducted. The isolate was defined as Rhodotorula mucilaginosa GMM with accession number OQ120277 by 18 S rDNA, and the pigment was characterized by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometric. Combining γ-radiation with a carotenoid pigment was also tested for its synergistic anticancer properties in CAOV-3 and HEK-293 cell lines and in experimental mice bearing solid tumors. BAX, BCL2, P53, MMP2, MMP9, caspase-3, and caspase-9 were measured using ELISA techniques. Results The maximum production of total carotenoids was 2.99 g/l. Pigment extract constituents exhibited 12 major compounds during its identification. Their structures can be sorted as 8 tetra, and 3 triterpenoidal carotenes (astaxanthin, 4,4’-E-diapophytoene, torularhodin, 1,2,1’,2’-tetrahyroxylycopene, E-β-apo-8’-carotenal, 10’-apo-E-β-caroten-10’-ol, β-carotene, torulene, echinenone, 1,2,1’,2’-tetrahyroxy dihydrolycopene, and α-canthaxanthin). The pigment exhibited DPPH scavenging activity, and the combination of natural pigment and radiation therapy showed a significant reduction (P<0.05) in the levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP2, MMP9), and significant increases (P<0.05) in the levels of tumor protein p53, Bax and caspases-3 and caspases-9 in CAOV-3 cell lines and mice bearing solid tumors. Conclusion The natural pigment produced by yeast fermentation in this study exhibited a potential antitumor efficacy when combined with radiation in cell lines and against Ehrlich solid tumors.
Background/aim Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is common and has clinical consequences, such as a decline in quality of life, reduction in lung functions, hospitalization, and death. This study aims to assess the clinical phenotyping of hospitalized patients with AECOPD, and the correlation between the phenotype of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) exacerbation and clinical outcome. Patients and methods This is a prospective cross-sectional study which included thirty- nine patients from the Chest diseases department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University. Each patient was subjected to full history taking, clinical examination, plain chest radiography, bacterial culture, viral polymerase chain reaction, modified medical research council dyspnea scale, and COPD assessment test. Results Most of our patients were males (92.3%), mean age was 65.33±9.73 years, 92% of the study populations were smokers and the mean BMI was 25.94±5.04 kg/m2. Four phenotypes were identified as bacterial, viral, co-infection, and noninfectious. Regarding the clinical outcome, the viral phenotype had the highest ICU admission rate (58.3%), while the co-infection phenotype had the highest mean duration of hospital stay (18.13±16.8 days), and in-hospital mortality of 37.5%. Conclusion Clinically important differences in outcomes suggest that a phenotyping strategy based on etiologies can enhance AECOPD management.
Background/aim Evaluating the risk of amputation in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is essential. A critical Limb Ischemic patient (CLI) is known as end stage of PAD. Creating novel approaches to pinpoint high-risk patients would allow for targeted treatments and support specialized clinical trials focused on limb preservation. This study’s objective is to evaluate tibial adversity and scoring for risk of lower extremity amputation in critical limb ischemic patients (CLI). Patients and methods This study is a prospective study carried out on 30 patients with symptomatic lower extremity PAD in Al-Zahraa University Hospital from February 2023 to January 2024 interval. All patients were assessed by hemodynamics study and multislice noncontrast CT and tibial angioplasty according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The patients followed up at day 1 and 3 and 6 months. Results Patients with CLI exhibited significant high (p < 0.05) tibial artery calcification scores, which were linked to increased limb ischemia levels, with high risk for amputation compared to traditional risk factors. 26 patients were amputation free rate and only 4 patients were done major amputation. Nonmodifiable risk factors correlated with elevated tibial artery calcification scores. Conclusions The present study indicated that tibial scoring independently predicts the risk of lower extremity amputation, even when considering other risk factors in patient with CLI. Increasing calcium scores are associated with greater PAD severity.
Background/aim Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autoinflammatory disease, with a high prevalence in the Mediterranean region. It is brought out by variants in the MEFV gene. The present goal is to describe the demographic, clinical features, and MEFV gene variants among Egyptian FMF patients and to explore the relation of MEFV variants with clinical features and selected laboratory markers. Patients and methods The present study enrolled 302 patients with FMF from both sexes with a mean age 18.01±8.73 years. Patients were recruited from the Clinical Genetic Clinic, Medical Research Centre of Excellence, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt, during the period from 2021 to 2023. All patients were subjected to complete history taking, clinical evaluation, and laboratory investigations. C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A (SAA) protein and vitamin D were measured using enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay technique, while erythrocyte sedimentation rate was measured by Westergren method. In addition, MEFV genetic variants were investigated using a real-time PCR genotyping assay and direct sequencing of exon 2 and exon 10 of the MEFV gene. Results The average age of FMF cases was 18.01±8.73 years (with a range between 2 and 34 years), and the female/male ratio was 1.07. The most prevalent symptoms were abdominal pain, fever, and arthritis. Genotyping of the MEFV gene demonstrated that 215 (71.2%) patients were heterozygotes, 26 (8.6%) patients were compound heterozygotes and 12 (4.0%) patients were homozygotes, while 49 (16.2%) patients had no detected mutation. p. Met 694Ile was the most common MEFV variant (36.7%), followed by p. Met680Ile (21.5%), p.Val726Ala (9.6%), p.Glu148Gln (8.94%), and p.Met694Val (7.94%). There was no significant variation in clinical manifestations between different MEFV gene variants. The level of SAA protein was higher in FMF patients carrying the Met694Val variant, while carriers of the p. Glu148Gln variant showed lower erythrocyte sedimentation rate, SAA, and higher serum vitamin D. Conclusion The most commonly encountered MEFV gene variants among our Egyptian FMF cases were p. Met694Ile followed by p. Met680Ile. No phenotype-genotype association was observed. The p. Met694Val variant could be a possible risk factor for developing amyloidosis. Investigating the whole MEFV gene is recommended to fully understand the molecular background of FMF cases and properly establish a good correlation with the variable phenotypes.
Background/aim Liver fibrosis is a persistent inflammatory liver disorder that contributes to a wide variety of conditions, including schistosomiasis. There is no approved therapy for liver fibrosis to date; therefore, finding effective therapeutic targets is a crucial need. There are several studies on natural products, such as bee venom and its bioactive substances like melittin (MEL), for the treatment of inflammatory disorders. The therapeutic effect of MEL in a BALB/c mouse model of Schistosoma mansoni-induced liver fibrosis was studied in this research. Materials and methods Forty-eight male BALB/c mice were classified into six groups (eight mice each): a healthy control group and five groups infected subcutaneously with cercariae of S. mansoni. The infected groups were classified into the infected control group, the Praziquantel (PZQ)-treated group, and three MEL-treated groups that received three different doses (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mg/kg, respectively) for 14 days. Hepatic granuloma index (GI) was measured in each experimental mouse, and serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-17 (IL-17), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and immunoglobulin E were measured by ELISA techniques. Additionally, expressions of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) were assessed in splenocytes. Moreover, histopathology of the liver and spleen were also investigated. Results S. mansoni-infected mice showed significant (P<0.05) increases in the pro-inflammatory mediators and upregulate expression of STAT3, and NF-κB compared with the healthy group. MEL exhibited potent anti-inflammatory effects, as evidenced by significant (P<0.05) inhibition of the elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-17, as well as immunoglobulin E levels and hepatic GI, while the anti-inflammatory IL-10 was significantly (P<0.05) increased. In addition, MEL treatment significantly (P<0.05) inhibited the expression of STAT3 and NF-κB in splenocytes compared with healthy mice. The most positive effects were associated with MEL were observed at the maximum dose. Conclusion According to the findings of this study, MEL alleviates the degree of hepatic inflammation in a mouse model of S. mansoni-induced liver fibrosis by modulating inflammation through suppression of STAT3 and NF-κB.
Background/aim Lateral epicondylitis known frequently as tennis elbow, is a common disease affecting the elbow joint. It affects 1 to 3% of the population yearly especially individuals in their forties, although the pain has usually a gradual onset, it may occur abruptly. Laser acupuncture is a complementary modality that is used to stimulate the acupoints by low-power laser beam instead of the traditional needles. The present study aims to evaluate the efficiency of laser acupuncture in the management of chronic lateral epicondylitis in adolescents. Patient and methods This study is a randomized controlled trial study on sixty adolescent patients with lateral epicondylitis visiting the acupuncture and laser clinic in excellence Medical Centre, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt, during the first of November 2023 till the end of January 2024. The patients were divided into two groups (30 each). The first group was subjected to low-power laser and brufen 400 mg twice daily for 4 weeks, while the patients in the second group were given just the same dose of brufen and used as a control. Pain score, patient rated elbow score, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured before and after the end of treatment. IL-6 was measured by Elisa techniques. Results The present study exhibited insignificant differences ( P >0.05) between the studied groups of adolescents with chronic lateral epicondylitis regarding pain score and Patient elbow score before intervention and then it became significantly lower ( P <0.05) in both groups group at the end of treatment with Laser and brufen or without Laser. However, adolescent patients subjected to laser and brufen exhibited more reduction ( P <0.01) than in the control group treated with brufen only. In addition, the levels of IL-6 exhibited more reduction in the Laser group ( P <0.01) than in the control group. Conclusion Low-power laser is efficient in pain reduction and improvement of elbow joint function when 200 mw power, continuous wave, and 12 Joules energy is applied on each acupoint in chronic lateral epicondylitis adolescent patients.
