فهرست مطالب

Reports of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Volume:10 Issue: 4, Jan 2022

  • تاریخ انتشار: 1400/12/01
  • تعداد عناوین: 20
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  • Dhurgham Al-Fahad*, Bandar Alharbi, Yahya Abbas, Yahya Alkhafaji Pages 518-526
    Background

    Phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate [PtdIns (3,4,5) P3) and Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-trisphosphate (PtdIns (4,5) P2] form an insignificant number of phospholipids but play important roles in controlling membrane-bound signalling. Little attention has been given to visualize and monitor changes or differences in the local generation of PtdIns (4,5) P2 and PtdIns (3,4,5) P3 in the cell membranes of MDAMB- 231 breast cancer cell lines.

    Methods

    PLCδ1-PH-GFP and Btk-PH-GFP were used as biosensors to detected PtdIns (4,5) P2 and PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 respectively. These biosensors and antibodies were transfected, immuostained and then visualized by confocal microscopy on different cell surfaces.

    Results

    Our results showed that PLCδ1-PH-GFP/mCherry was localized at the cell membrane, while Btk-PH-GFP/mCherry was sometimes localized at the cell membrane but there was also a large amount of fluorescence present in the cytosol and nucleus. Our results also showed that the cells that expressed low levels of Btk-PH-GFP the fluorescence was predominantly localised to the cell membrane. While the cells that expressed high levels of Btk-PH-GFP the fluorescence was localization in the cytosol and cell membrane. Our results demonstrated that both anti-PtdIns(4,5)P2 and anti-PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 antibodies were localized everywhere in cell.

    Conclusions

    Our results suggest that PLCδ1-PH-GFP and Btk-PH-GFP/mCherry have more specificity, reliability, suitability and accuracy than antibodies in binding with and detecting PtdIns(4,5)P2 and PtdIns (3,4,5)P3 and in studying the molecular dynamics of phospholipids in live and fixed cells.

    Keywords: Antibodies, Biosensors, MDA-MB-231, Phosphatidylinositol
  • Shimaa Saad El-Din*, Laila Ahmed Rashed, Mervat Eissa, Ahmed Bahgat Eldemery, Omnia Abdelkareem Mohammed, Marwa Abdelgwad Pages 527-536
    Background

    Circular RNA-HIPK3 (CircHIPK3) has been shown to be aberrantly expressed in a variety of diseases, contributing to disease initiation and progression. The aim of the present study is to investigate the role of the circHIPK3 RNA/microRNA-124a interaction in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

    Methods

    This study included 79 RA patients and 30 control individuals. The patients involved were classified according to the disease activity score (DAS28) into mild (24 patients), moderate (24 patients), and severe (31 patients). Serum samples were collected to estimate the relative gene expression of circHIPK3 RNA and its target gene microRNA-124a by quantitative real time-PCR. Moreover, ELISA was used to detect the serum levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). Routine laboratory estimation of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and rheumatoid factor (RF) was also done.

    Results

    In all grades of RA groups, there was a significantly substantial elevation of circHIPK3 RNA gene expression, with subsequent downregulation of miRNA-124a when compared to the control group. CircHIPK3 and microRNA-124a expression have been established to be inversely linked. Also, estimation of serum levels of MCP-1, ESR, CRP, and RF exhibited a significant increase in all grades of RA as compared to the control group.

    Conclusions

    CircHIPK3 and microRNA-124a might be regarded as key players in the pathogenesis of RA. The cross-talk between them appears to be responsible for inducing joint inflammation by increasing MCP-1 production. Targeting circHIPK3 and microRNA-124a, and their downstream adaptor molecules, poses a new challenge for RA therapy.

    Keywords: Circhipk3, Circular RNA, Microrna-124a, Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Hanan Sharaf El-Deen Mohammed, Manal Mohamed Kamal, Hala Mostafa Elbadre, Amal Hosni, Azza Abo Elfadl, Mohamed Ahmed Mostafa, Reham Ibrahim El-Mahdy* Pages 537-553
    Background

    Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) has an important role in the genesis of coronary atherosclerosis. Lectin-like ox-LDL receptor 1 (OLR1) contributes to the uptake and internalization of ox- LDL. Genetic polymorphisms have been associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). Here we explore the association of plasma levels of ox-LDL and 3′ UTR OLR1 (rs1050286) SNP with CAD risk and inhospital adverse outcomes.

    Methods

    A case-control study enrolled 192 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), 100 patients with unstable angina, and 100 healthy controls. Baseline, clinical characteristics, and risk scores of the patients were determined. Plasma ox-LDL and other biochemical variables were measured. All subjects are genotyped for OLR1 (rs1050286) by RT-PCR
    with TaqMan SNP genotyping assay.

    Results

    Plasma ox-LDL was higher with enhanced sensitivity and specificity in identifying patients with STEMI and was found as a significant independent risk factor for CAD in those two groups. Levels of ox-LDL were increased with increasing poor prognostic factors in STEMI patients that are associated with an increased incidence of some adverse events and in-hospital mortality. Elevated STEMI risk was associated with T allele of OLR1 (rs1050286) (odds ratio of 4.9, 95% CI: 2.6-9.4, p< 0.001). STEMI patients who have T allele exhibited higher risk scores, coronary multivessel narrowing, and elevated incidence of in-hospital major adverse clinical events.

    Conclusions

    These results suggest that plasma ox-LDL, as well as T allele of ORL-1 (rs1050286), is associated with the increased risk for developing STEMI and the associated adverse clinical outcomes.

    Keywords: Coronary artery disease, genotyping, OLR1, outcomes, Oxidized low-density lipoprotein
  • Azam Rashidbaghan, Ali Mostafaie*, Yaghoub Yazdani Pages 554-564
    Background

    Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is common in children but rare in adults. Vincristine (VCR) is one of the drugs used at the beginning of treatment. Some genes are resistant to VCR in B-ALL. 

    Methods

    Here, we examined the effect of VCR on gene expression changes in a T-ALL cell line, Jurkat. The MTT method was used to determine the IC50 in Jurkat cells treated with different concentrations of VCR for 48 and 72 hours. Total RNA was isolated from the cells and cDNA was prepared. The Human Cancer Drug Target PCR Array kit was used to evaluate the 84 gene expression changes in Jurkat cells. Protein-protein interaction was analyzed by STRING software.

    Results

    We identified 66 differentially expressed genes as comparison to untreated cells. The response to VCR-induced apoptotic events was remarkable in the pathways of heat shock protein, topoisomerase, protein kinases, cathepsins and cell cycle. In other pathways, there were resistant genes as well as sensitive genes to VCR treatment. Some proteins like HSP90AA1 and ESR1 had determining associations with other proteins.

    Conclusions

    The results suggest VCR target genes in T-ALL cells may be beneficial biomarkers for ALL treatment and can be used to select appropriate synergistic drugs for VCR.

    Keywords: ALL, Gene expression profile, Jurkat, PCR array, Vincristine
  • Pham Thanh*, Nu Ngoc Doan Huyen Phan, Van Giang Tran, Thi Quynh Nguyen, Minh Duc Tran, Nguyen Thanh Hung Pages 565-572
    Background

    Orcinol-β-D-glucoside, which is also known as orcinol glucoside, is a major phenolic glucoside compound in the rhizome of the Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. This compound has many medicinal properties such as being antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antiosteoporosis, stress relief,
    antidepressant, etc.

    Methods

    Determination of reducing sugar content by Bertrand’s method, determination of lipid content by Soxhlet method, determination of vitamin C content by iodine titration, determination of enzyme activity catalase by titration with KMnO4. Quantification of Orcinol-β-D-glucoside was conducted by HPLC analysis.

    Results

    The Orcinol-β-D-glucoside of C. orchioides in Thuy Bang mountain was highest. Besides, the content of reducing sugars, vitamin C, enzyme catalase, and lipids of C. orchioides differed significantly among sites. In which, the reducing sugar and vitamin C of C. orchioides in Ngu Binh mountain was highest. Whereas, enzyme catalase was also highest in Thuy Bang mountain. However, the lipid content of C. orchioides was also highest in Huong Tho mountain.

    Conclusions

    The result will contribute to providing the scientific basis for the selection of breeding, planting, development of C. orchioides in Thua Thien Hue province, as well as other provinces in Vietnam and opening new research directions for applications in the future.

    Keywords: Antioxidants, Hypoxidaceae, Medicinal Plants, Vietnam
  • Maya Savira*, Donel Suhaimi, Andani Eka Putra, Yusrawati Yusrawati, Nur Indrawati Lipoeto Pages 573-579
    Background

    Cervical cancer is the fourth most deadly cancer in the world, and it is caused by infection of high-risk subtypes of Human PapillomaVirus (HPV) in most cases. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence oncogenic HPV in cervical cancer patients in Riau Province Indonesia and to determine the clinical manifestation of HPV in cervical cancer patients in Riau Province Indonesia.

    Methods

    This research was a descriptive study conducted at Arifin Achmad General Hospital Riau from February to August 2018 which aimed to analyze HPV genotype prevalence oncogenic of cervical cancer patients.

    Results

    This study showed out 86 of 110 women (78.1%) were found HPV positive, and the most common genotype of HPV was HPV 16 (38.2%). The average age of cervical cancer patient was 50 years old, and the average number of parities was 4 times. The majority of participants were married at the age before 20 years (77.3%) and had low educational background (64.5%). Vaginal bleeding happened in more than half of the participant as major clinical manifestation (72.7%), followed by fluor albus (72.7%), pelvic pain (60.2%) and fatigue (65.9%).

    Conclusions

    The most common HPV genotype in Riau Province was HPV type 16 and the most common clinical symptoms of cervical cancer patient were vaginal bleeding, fluor albus, pelvic pain and fatigue.

    Keywords: Cervical cancer, Clinical manifestations Human Papilomavirus, Human Papilomavirus genotype prevalence
  • Zahereh Karimi, Javad Daneshmoghadam, Hamid Ghaedi, Ehsan Khalili, Ghodratollah Panahi*, Mehrnoosh Shanaki* Pages 580-588
    Background

    Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been the primary tool for an unbiased study of the genetic background of coronary artery disease (CAD). They have identified a list of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). In this study, we aimed to replicate the association of rs2954029 and rs6982502, a GWAS identified SNP, to CAD in an Iranian population.

    Methods

    A sample of 285 subjects undergoing coronary angiography, including 134 CAD patients and 151 healthy. The genotype determination of rs2954029 and rs6982502 SNPs performed using the high-resolution melting analysis (HRM) technique. 

    Results

    Our results revealed that the TT genotype of rs2954029 (p= 0.009) and rs6982502 (p< 0.001) were significantly higher in CAD patients compared with controls. Binary logistic regression showed that rs6982502 and rs2954029 increase the risk of CAD incidence (2.470 times, p= 0.011, 95% CI= [1.219-4.751], and 2.174 times, p= 0.033, 95% CI= [1.066-4.433] respectively). After adjusting for confounders, we found that rs6982502 and rs2954029 are significantly associated with CAD risk.

    Conclusions

    These data showed that the TT genotype of rs2954029 and rs6982502 is associated with the risk of CAD in a hospital-based sample of the Iranian population, which has replicated the result of recent GWAS studies.

    Keywords: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS), High-Resolution Melting (HRM), Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP)
  • Suri Dwi Lesmana*, Esy Maryanti, Elva Susanty, Dedi Afandi, Wida Harmas, Delly Noer Octaviani, Iskandar Zulkarnain, Muhammad Agung Bariq Pratama, Mislindawati Mislindawati Pages 589-596
    Background

    Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a significant health problem. The high number of cases requires preventions, including controlling the dengue vector, Aedes aegypti mosquito. One of the control methods is the use of insecticides containing organophosphate. This study aims to detect organophosphate resistance in Aedes aegypti from DHF endemic subdistrict, Riau, Indonesia by a sensitivity test of temephos and 5% malathion and measuring the activity of non-specific alpha and beta esterase enzymes.

    Methods

    This observational study determined Aedes aegypti resistance from larvae to adult in one DHF endemic subdistrict in Riau, Indonesia. The bioassay was used for temephos sensitivity of Aedes aegypti larvae. The LC99 value was analyzed using probit and compared with the diagnostic value from WHO. The WHO susceptibility test was conducted to determine 5% malathion resistance from adult mosquitoes. The mortality of less than 90% was declared as resistant. Measurement of alpha and beta esterase levels used Lee's microplate assay technique based on visual identification and absorbance value (AV).

    Results

    The results showed that Aedes aegypti were resistant to temephos. It also showed that adult mosquitoes were resistant to 5% malathion. Based on the alpha esterase activity test, it was found that most of the mosquitoes showed very sensitive meanwhile, based on the beta esterase activity test, most of the mosquitoes were moderate resistance.

    Conclusions

    This study suggests that Aedes aegypti population from DHF endemic subdistrict in Riau, Indonesia are indicated to develop resistance to organophosphate.

    Keywords: Aedes aegypti, Dengue Hemorrhagic fever, Organophosphate, Resistance
  • Maryam Taghdiri, Sirous Naeimi*, Majid Fardaei, Seyd Mohammad Bagher Tabei Pages 597-601
    Background

    Junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB) is an autosomal recessive skin disorder with defective adhesion of dermal- epidermal within the lamina lucida region of the basement membrane zone. The main characterization of JEB is blistering and fragile skin and mucous membrane. Laminins are noncollagenous part of basement membrane and classified as a family of extracellular matrix glycoprotein. Laminins contain three chains: Laminin α, Laminin β and Laminin γ. LAMC2 (laminin subunit gamma 2) gene encodes γ subunit of laminin and its mutation contributes to JEB. Here, we report a disease-causing nonsense mutation and a large deletion mutation in LAMC2 gene in two families affected by JEB.

    Methods

    Whole exome sequencing (WES) was carried out on the mother of patient in family I and the patient himself in family II to detect the underlying mutations. Then, sanger sequencing was performed to confirm the identified mutations.

    Results

    Next generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis of the first family showed a novel, nonsense mutation in LAMC2 gene (LAMC2: NM_005562: exon14:c.C2143T: p.R715X). The heterozygous state of the mutation was confirmed by sanger sequencing in the parents and unaffected brother. In Family II, NGS data had no coverage in the large area of LAMC2 gene. Thus, to confirm the possible deletion sanger sequencing was done and blasting of sequence showed the deleted region of 9.4 kb (exon10-17) in LAMC2 gene.

    Conclusions

    In summary, current study reported a novel disease-causing premature termination codon (PTC) mutation in LAMC2 gene and a large deletion mutation in patients affected by JEB.

    Keywords: Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa, LAMC2 gene, Novel mutation, Skin disorder
  • Ali Nasrollahzadeh, Majid Momeny, Davood Bashash, Hassan Yousefi, Seyed Asadollah Mousavi, Seyed Hamidollah Ghaffari* Pages 602-613
    Background

    Glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive and common form of glioma, accounts for over 13,000 death per year in the United States which indicates the importance of developing novel strategies for the treatment of this fatal malignancy. Although Arsenic trioxide (ATO) hinders the growth and survival of GBM cells, the requirement of concentrations higher than 4 μM for triggering apoptotic cell death has questioned its safety profile. Since the NF-κB signaling pathway plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis and chemo-resistance, targeting this oncogenic pathway may sensitize GBM cells to lower concentrations of ATO.

    Methods

    Anti-tumor effects of ATO as monotherapy and in combination with Bay 11-7082 were determined using MTT, crystal violet staining, Annexin V/PI staining and scratch assays. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis was applied to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-tumor activity of this combination therapy.

    Results

    Our results revealed that ATO and Bay 11-7082 synergistically inhibited the proliferation and survival of GBM cells. Also, it was revealed that NF-κB inhibition using Bay 11-7082 enhanced the inhibitory effects of ATO on migration of GBM cells via suppressing the expression of NF-κB target genes such as TWIST, MMP2, ICAM-1, and cathepsin B. Furthermore, combination treatment of GBM cells with ATO and Bay 11-7082 significantly induce apoptotic cell death coupled with downregulation of NF-κB anti-apoptotic target genes including Bcl-2 and IAP family members.

    Conclusions

    Altogether, these findings suggest that combination therapy with ATO and Bay 11-7082 may be a promising strategy for the treatment of GBM.

    Keywords: Arsenic trioxide (ATO), Bay 11-7082, NF-κB signaling pathway, U87 cells, Apoptosis
  • Azam Ahmadi, Mohamd Reza Bayatiani, Fatemeh Seif*, Jamshid Ansari, Parisa Rashidi, Mona Moghadasi, Mobarakeh Etemadi Pages 614-621
    Background

    Current cancer treatments include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Despite these treatments, a main issue in cancer treatment is early detection. microRNAs (miRNAs) can be used as markers to diagnose and treat cancers. This study investigated the effect of radiotherapy on miR-374 expression, and APC and GSK-3β, two of its target genes, in the WNT pathway, in peripheral blood samples from radiotherapy-treated colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.

    Methods

    Peripheral blood was collected from 25 patients before and after radiotherapy. RNA was extracted from the blood and cDNA synthesized. miR-374, APC, and GSK-3β expression was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and the amplicons were sequenced. Finally, the data were statistically evaluated.

    Results

    Quantitative RT-PCR revealed significant down-regulation of miR-374 (0.63-fold) and upregulation of APC (1.12-fold) and GSK-3β (1.22-fold) in CRC patients after five weeks of radiotherapy. Sequencing of PCR-produced amplicons confirmed the conservation of mature and precursor sequences encoding miR-374. miR-374 expression changed with time after radiotherapy treatment and related tumor grading. Increased age and tumor grade positively correlated with decreased miR-374 expression.

    Conclusions

    miR-374 expression, and that of its two target genes, APC and GSK-3β, changed after radiotherapy. These genes can likely be used as  diagnostic radiotherapy markers in CRC.

    Keywords: Biomarker, Colorectal cancer, Mir-374, Radiotherapy
  • Mahla Nikpoor, Azadeh Lohrasbi-Nejad*, Jafar Zolala Pages 622-632
    Background

    Antimicrobial peptides belong to the innate defence system of creatures. These peptides attach to the bacterial membrane in order to die microorganisms by penetrating them. Hence, biotechnology researchers pay more attention to produce antimicrobial peptides for use in various fields. The studies showed that rabbit tissue with inflammation and skin ulcers would be producing CAP18 peptide, which belongs to the cathelicidin group.

    Methods

    In this study, the optimized sequence of the cap18 gene was placed into the pPICZAα plasmid after the alpha-factor signal and transformed into Pichia pastoris (X-33 strain). Purification of the recombinant peptide was done based on its histidine tail at C-terminal, and western blotting method was used to demonstrate the purification of rCAP18. The antibacterial activity of the purified and desalted rCAP18 was investigated at different concentrations against pathogenic bacteria.

    Results

    The maximum expression level of rCAP18 (17.5 kDa) was seen 90 h after induction of alcohol oxidase I (AOX1) promoter with methanol. The concentration of rCAP18 was 33 mg/L after purification with Ni-NTA Sepharose column. The function of rCAP18 (4.3, 5.7, 7 μg/ml) was investigated against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Results showed that %CFU/cm2 reached 28% after P. aeruginosa cells treatment with 7 μg/ml of rCAP18.

    Conclusions

    This study presented the findings related to heterologous expression of cap18 gene, and evaluation of rCAP18 antibacterial effects. Our results showed that rCAP18 plays a significant role in inhibiting bacterial growth, especially Gram-negative bacteria.

    Keywords: Antibacterial activity, Cathelicidin, Recombinant CAP18, Heterologous expression
  • Ismawati Ismawati*, Ilhami Romus, Mukhyarjon Mukhyarjon, Afra Muthya Pages 633-639
    Background

    The effect of proteasome inhibitors on atherosclerosis is known to vary depending on the atherosclerosis stage. Previous studies have shown that the highest proteasome expression in atherosclerotic lesions is at the progression stage. Adhesion molecules play a role in the progression stage of atherosclerosis, but no studies have analyzed the effect of proteasome inhibitors on the expression of adhesion molecules at this stage.

    Methods

    This experimental study aimed to analyze the effect of a proteasome inhibitor, namely bortezomib, on the vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule1 (ICAM-1) expressions in blood vessels of rat model of atherosclerosis at the progression stage. This study used 18 male Wistar rats divided into three groups, i.e. group I that is the control group given standard feed, group II induced by atherosclerosis, and group III induced by atherosclerosis and given bortezomib. Atherosclerosis induction was performed using vitamin D3 (700,000 IU/kg) orally by gastric intubation on the 1st day and atherogenic feed given for four days. Bortezomib 50 μg/kgBW/day was administered intra-peritoneally. The expression of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 molecules was measured using immunohistochemistry and analyzed quantitatively using Adobe Photoshop software.

    Results

    The statistical test showed differences in VCAM-1 expression between atherosclerosis + Bortezomib group and atherosclerosis group, but there were no differences in the expression of ICAM-1 and atherosclerotic lesions between the groups.

    Conclusions

    Administration of bortezomib 50μg/kg for four days in progressive atherosclerosis model rats can inhibit VCAM-1 expression, although it does not affect ICAM-1 expression and cannot inhibit atherosclerotic lesion formation.

    Keywords: Atherosclerosis, Bortezomib, Proteasome, VCAM-1, ICAM-1
  • Setareh Zahedian, Azadeh Hekmat*, Saeed Hesami Tackallou, Mahmood Ghoranneviss Pages 640-652
    Background

    For many years, the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin (DOX) has been used to treat various cancers; however, DOX initiates several critical adverse effects. Many studies have reported that non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma can provide novel, but challenging, treatment strategies for cancer patients. To date, tissues and cells have been treated with plasma-activated medium (PAM) as a practical therapy. Consequently, due to the harmful adverse effects of DOX, we were motivated to elucidate the impact of PAM in the presence of DOX on MCF-7 cell proliferation.

    Methods

    MTT assay, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) assay, and flow cytometry analysis were utilized in this research. 

    Results

    The results demonstrated that 0.45 μM DOX combined with 3-min PAM significantly induced apoptosis (p< 0.01) through intracellular ROS generation in MCF-7 when compared with 0.45 μM DOX alone or 3-min PAM alone. In contrast, after treatment with 0.45 μM DOX plus 4-min PAM, cell necrosis was increased. Hence, DOX combined with 4-min PAM has cytotoxic effects with different mechanisms than 4-min PAM alone, in which the number of apoptotic cells increases.

    Conclusions

    Although further investigations are crucial, low doses of DOX plus 3-min PAM could be a promising strategy for cancer therapy. The findings from this research may offer advantageous and innovative clinical strategies for cancer therapy using PAM.

    Keywords: Apoptosis, Breast cancer lymphedema, Doxorubicin, Plasma-activated medium (PAM), Necrosis
  • Mohammad Sadegh Khorrami, Fatemeh Sadabadi, Alireza Pasdar, Hamide Safarian-Bana, Forouzan Amerizadeh, Habibollah Esmaeily, Mohsen Moohebati, Alireza Heidari-Bakavoli, Gordon Ferns, Majid Ghayour-Mobarhan*, Amir Avan Pages 653-663
    Background

    Cardiovascular disease is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The Proline and Serine Rich Coiled-Coil 1 gene in 1p13.3 locus has been reported to be associated with low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and coronary artery disease (CAD). The objective of this study was to investigate the association between the rs599839 polymorphism of the Proline and Serine Rich Coiled-Coil 1 (PSRC1) gene with CVD outcomes in a population sample recruited as part of the Mashhad-Stroke and Heart-Atherosclerotic-Disorders (MASHAD) cohort.

    Methods

    Five hundred and nine individuals who had an average follow-up period of 10 years were enrolled as part of the MASHAD cohort. DNA was extracted and genotyped using the TaqMan-real-time-PCR based method.

    Results

    The study found individuals with GA/GG genotypes were at a higher risk of CVDs (OR= 4.7; 95% CI, 2.5-8.7; p< 0.001) in comparison to those with AA genotype; however, the result was not significant for GG genotype data.

    Conclusions

    The results suggest that the GA/GG genotypes of the PSRC1gene locus were at increased risk of CVD in a representative population-based cohort, demonstrating further functional analysis to discover the value of emerging marker as a risk stratification biomarker to recognize high risk cases.

    Keywords: Cardiovascular diseases, cohort studies, Genetic Polymorphism, PSRC1 gene
  • Khalid Farouq Al-Rawi, Hameed H. Ali, Manaf Abdulrahman Guma, Bilal Jasir Mohammed Aldahham, Shakir Faris Tuleab Alaaraji, Osamah Al-Ani, Aus Tariq Ali* Pages 664-674
    Background

    Chronic kidney disease (CKD), is a major public health challenge worldwide. It is more prevalent in developed countries compared with the rest of the world, due to the higher rates of life expectancy and unhealthy lifestyle related factors. This aim of the current study is to evaluate the relationship between interleukins IL-2 and IL-17 concentrations and kidney function markers in men with CKD.

    Methods

    Forty-five men with CKD and seventy controls were enrolled in the current study to assess the relationship between interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-17 (IL-17), and CKD parameters. Fasting blood samples were collected from patients with CKD and their controls at same time. Serum IL-2, and IL-17 were measured in patients with CKD and their controls, and then the relationship between these interleukins and serum creatinine, serum urea, serum uric acid and urine albumin were evaluated.

    Results

    A significant relationship was detected between IL-2 (p< 0.001), IL-17 (p< 0.001) levels and serum creatinine concentrations. The significant increase of IL-2 and IL-17 levels were also paralleled with a significant increase in serum urea (p< 0.001), and urine albumin (p< 0.001) concentrations respectively.

    Conclusions

    IL-2 and IL-17 may play a critical role in the pathophysiology of CKD. The significant increase of IL-2 and IL-17 is associated with significantly high concentrations of creatinine, serum urea and urine albumin suggesting that these interleukins may be used as targets for future biomarkers and molecular therapy. However, due to limited sample size of the current study, larger prospective cohorts are needed to confirm these observations.

    Keywords: Chronic kidney disease, Interleukins, Serum creatinine, Serum urea, Urine albumin
  • SAHAR Baghal-Sadriforoush, Morteza Bagheri*, Isa Abdi Rad, Fattah Sotoodeh Nejadnematalahi Pages 675-685
    Background

    This study evaluates the effect of simultaneous AKT inhibition and cisplatin therapy in changes of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production, apoptosis induction, and cell survival in cisplatinresistant OVCAR3 cell.

    Methods

    OVCAR3 cancer cells were treated with cisplatin, Ly 294002 (LY), and cisplatin+Ly to investigate the cytotoxicity effect of the mentioned groups via MTT assay. Then, DCFH-DA (2′, 7′- dichlorodihydro fluorescein diacetate) assay kit is used to assess the potential of treated groups in intracellular ROS generation. Protein expression levels of caspase-3, cleaved caspase 3, PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, XIAP, and Survivin are estimated through immunoblotting assay in all three experimental groups.

    Results

    The results showed that all three treated groups, including cisplatin and Ly alone and coadministration of cisplatin+Ly, could reduce the cell vitality of OVCAR3 cancer cells, induced intracellular production of ROS and increased the expression level of activated caspase 3 and Akt protein, whereas downregulated the phosphorylation of Akt protein. However, the effect of combination therapy was more tangible compared to single therapy and control groups. In contrast, the expression amount of XIAP, Survivin, and PI3K did not show detectable changes in comparison with the control group.

    Conclusions

    The results showed that the AKT inhibition by Ly could sensitize the OVCAR3 cancer cells to the cisplatin and lower the effective dose of cisplatin through hyperactivation of oxidative stress.

    Keywords: Caspase-3, Cisplatin, Ovarian cancer, PI3K, Akt signaling
  • Fujiati Fujiati, Haryati Haryati* Pages 686-696
    Background

    Combination of asthma and coal dust is a chronic and recurring airway disease related to inflammation cell activation. The Rhodomyrtus tomentosa flowering plants native to South Kalimantan exhibit a broad therapeutic potential, like anti-inflammatory and anti-remodelling properties. This study aims to analyze the effect of ethanol extract of R. tomentosa leaves (EERTL) nebulizer on the number of inflammatory cells and histomorphometry of lung tissue in a mice-like model of a combination of asthma and coal dust.

    Methods

    The 24 BALB/c mice were divided into four treatment groups (n= 6 per group), were sensitized with normal saline (K), OVA + coal dust (P1), OVA + coal dust + salbutamol (P2), and OVA + coal dust + EERTL (P3). Eosinophil cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, epithelial thickness, smooth muscle, fibrosis subepithelial bronchioles, and the number of goblet cells as indicators of anti-inflammatory and antiremodelling airways.

    Results

    The number of eosinophils, neutrophils, and lymphocytes cells are given salbutamol or EERTL was significantly lower than the OVA-sensitized and coal dust exposure group only. There are meaningful differences in the average thickness of the epithelium, smooth muscle, and subepithelial fibrosis of bronchiolus. The histopathology picture of goblet cells showed an increase in the number and size (hyperplasia) in OVA-sensitized and coal dust exposure compared to another group.

    Conclusions

    It was concluded that the EERTL nebulizer could reduce inflammatory cells and remodelling process from bronchoalveolar lavage in the mice combination of asthma and coal dust models.

    Keywords: Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Remodelling, Asthma, Coal Dust, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa
  • Engy Medhat*, Ghada Ayeldeen, Hanan Hosni Ahmed, Olfat Shaker, Tamer Gheita, Sara Salma Ashour Pages 697-710
    Background

    Rheumatoid arthtritis (RA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by irreversible joint damage and deformity. The aim of this study is to investigate THRIL and HOTAIR serum expression and their target genes in Egyptian RA patients and to evaluate their relationship to the clinico-pathological data.

    Methods

    The present study included fifty-two RA patients and fifty-six healthy controls. RA patients were classified according to DAS28 score. All subjects were subjected to full history taking and clinical examination. Quantitative real time PCR was done to estimate the expression levels of serum THRIL and HOTAIR as well as their target genes tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and metalloproteinase 2 (MMP- 2) were estimated by ELISA techniques.

    Results

    Results revealed that both THRIL and HOTAIR were statistically over expressed in RA patients compared to healthy group with p-value< 0.05. Results showed as well that the target genes for those longnon coding RNAs, TNF-α and MMP-2, were also significantly higher in RA patients compared to healthy controls.

    Conclusions

    Both THRIL and HOTAIR associated with their target genes, can be considered as diagnostic markers for RA.

    Keywords: HOTAIR, Matrix metalloproteinase 2, tumor necrosis factor alpha, Rheumatoid arthritis, THRIL
  • Saurabh Kumar Agnihotri, Balawant Kumar, Ankita Jain, Anjali Anjali, Mahendra Pal Singh Negi, Rekha Sachan, Madan Lal Brahma Bhatt, Raj Kamal Tripathi, Monika Sachdev* Pages 711-721
    Background

    This study correlates the serum levels of sCD95 & TNF-α with a simple cell-based assay to evaluate the capacity of the serum sample to induce apoptosis in Jurkat cells. Interlinking of these parameters can be explored to design a minimum invasive diagnostic strategy for cervical cancer (CC).

    Methods

    Sera samples were assessed to induce apoptosis in Jurkat cells through FACS. Serum levels of sCD95 and TNF-α were measured by ELISA. JNK phosphorylation was evaluated in sera incubated Jurkat cells. Data was scrutinized through statistical analysis.

    Results

    Significantly higher serum levels of sCD95 and lower TNF-α levels were observed in CC patients; their sera samples inhibited induction of apoptosis in Jurkat cells through reduced JNK phosphorylation. Statistical analysis linked these three parameters for the early screening of CC.

    Conclusions

    Distinct sera levels of sCD95 & TNF-α in CC patients showed an anti-apoptotic effect, which can be considered for early detection of CC.

    Keywords: Apoptosis, sCD95, Jurkat Cells, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha, Uterine Cervical Neoplasms