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Reports of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - Volume:11 Issue: 3, Oct 2022

Reports of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Volume:11 Issue: 3, Oct 2022

  • تاریخ انتشار: 1401/10/24
  • تعداد عناوین: 20
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  • Zeinab Ahmad Nour*, Yasmin Elwan, Yasser Nassar, Maha Fathy Elmasry, Laila Rashed, Sara Salama Ashour Pages 367-376
    Background

    Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory immune mediated disease arising from interaction between genetic risk variants and the environment. Maternally expressed gene3 (MEG3) is a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) known for gene transcription regulation and inhibiting proliferation. MEG3 competes with microRNA (miRNA-21) influencing cell proliferation and apoptosis balance. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress proteins promote cell survival via unfolded protein response (UPR) influenced by MEG3. We aimed to detect the possible role of MEG3, miRNA-21 and ER stress proteins in pathogenesis of psoriasis vulgaris.

    Methods

    Human GRP78, ATF6, caspase3 tissue levels were assayed by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Assessment of long non-coding MEG3 and miRNA 21 expressions was done by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

    Results

    Expression of MEG3 was significantly downregulated, while miRNA-21 was remarkably upregulated, ER stress proteins GRP78, ATF6, and caspase 3 all showed low levels in homogenized psoriatic lesions when compared to normal skin. miRNA 21 and MEG3 were identified as possible diagnostic markers for psoriasis vulgaris.

    Conclusions

    MEG3 is barely expressed in psoriatic lesions while miRNA-21 expression is remarkably elevated but when correlated to each other there was unexpected positive correlation. MEG3 and miRNA-21 were identified as possible diagnostic markers for psoriasis. Undifferentiated psoriatic lesions have very weak UPR.

    Keywords: ER stress proteins, lncRNA MEG3, Microrna-21, Psoriasis
  • Alireza Beiramzadeh, Zahra Heidari, Mahtab Norozi, Mohsen Saravani* Pages 377-385
    Background

    Graves’ disease (GD) and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) are two autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs). The current study aimed to assess possible association between HOTAIR rs920778 and H19 rs3741219 polymorphisms with GD and HT.

    Methods

    We recruited 248 patients with autoimmune thyroid disease (133 HT patients and 115 GD patients) and 135 age- and sex-matched controls. The PCR-RFLP method was applied for genotyping of HOTAIR rs920778, and H19 rs3741219 polymorphisms.

    Results

    The HOTAIR rs920778 GA frequency was significantly higher in control compared to HT group. The Overdominant model showed a significant association with the risk of HT. However, no significant association was observed between this polymorphism and HT susceptibility in dominant and recessive models. The H19 rs3741219 GA was more repeated in HT patients compared to control group, but the difference was not significant. There was no association between HOTAIR rs920778 and H19 rs3741219 polymorphisms with GD in all genetic models.

    Conclusions

    Our findings indicated that HOTAIR rs920778 polymorphism decreased the risk of HT. Since, this the first study, further studies with different races are required to confirm our results.

    Keywords: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves’ disease, HOTAIR, H19, Polymorphism
  • Hatav Ghasemi Tehrani, Keihaneh Aasasi, Farahnaz Mardanian, Ferdous Mehrabian, Minoo Movahedi, Elham Naghshineh* Pages 386-393
    Background

    This study aims to evaluate the effect of Letrozole (LE) in reducing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in high-risk participants with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) treated with In vitro fertilization (IVF).

    Methods

    This study was a randomized clinical trial in which participants were randomly divided into two groups (n= 25 per group). Based on GnRH-antagonist protocol, recombinant follicle stimulating hormone 150 units/day subcutaneously and human menopausal gonadotropin 75 units/day intramuscularly used from day 2 of the menstrual cycle. In the study group, Letrozole 5 mg daily was added simultaneously with gonadotropin during the first five days of the IVF cycle and in the control group placebo was added.

    Results

    There were statistically significant differences among the groups in terms of Estradiol level on Trigger Day (p= 0.04). The total days of stimulation and cumulative Gonadotropin dose were significantly lower in the Letrozole group (p= 0.00). There were nsignificant differences between the groups in terms of the number of oocytes retrieved, numbers of implanted embryos, and clinical pregnancy rates (p-value> 0.05). There was only one moderate case in the intervention group and 9 moderate symptoms in the control group (p= 0.04).

    Conclusions

    Administration of Letrozole with GnRH antagonist protocol, conventional protocol in PCOS cases in IVF cycle, had a significant effect on reducing the incidence of OHSS. So, if the future studies prove LE co-administration may lessen the incidence of OHSS, LE will be a highly potent drug for preventing OHSS in PCOS cases.

    Keywords: In vitro fertilization, Infertility, Letrozole, Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
  • Ramzi Amin*, Tiara Bunga Indiarsih, Prima Maya Sari, Petty Purwanita Pages 394-399
    Background

    Receptor advanced glycation end products (RAGE) activation plays an essential role in diabetic retinopathy (DR) progression. This study was aimed to explore the role of anti-RAGE antibodies (RAGE antagonists) in inhibiting DR progression through their hypoglycemic and anti inflammatory mechanism in diabetic retinopathy induced rats.

    Methods

    A total of 30 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five group. The group was consisted of normal control group, DR group without treatment, DR group with anti-RAGE 1 g/kg BW, 10 g/kg BW, and 100 g/kg BW. To assess the diabetic retinopathy, fundus photographs were taken every week using a camera with 16x magnification placed in front of the rat's eyes. Blood glucose was checked by the glucose oxidase-peroxidase method. Retinal TNF- levels and VEGF were examined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit.

    Results

    The finding of this study showed that anti-RAGE treatment at dose of 10 and 100 g/kg BW, HbA1c levels were significantly higher (p< 0.05) compared to the normal control group but significantly lower (p< 0.05) than in the diabetes group. The mean blood vessel diameter in the DR+anti-RAGE 10 and 100 g/kg BW groups was significantly lower than in the diabetic retinopathy group (p< 0.05). The administration of anti-RAGE 10 and 100 g/kg BW showed the ability to significantly reduce VEGF levels compared to the DR group (p< 0.05).

    Conclusions

    This study revealed at doses of 10 and 100 g/kg BW, anti-RAGE antibodies improved diabetic retinopathy in Wistar rats through hypoglycemic effects and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

    Keywords: Anti-RAGE (Receptor Advanced Glycation End products), Diabetic Retinopathy, Glycated Hemoglobin A, Hypoglycemic Agents, Peroxidases, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Husam Salman Jasim*, Anwar Farooq Altaie, Warkaa Touma Saloum, Ali Hussein Ali Pages 400-404
    Background

    Recent research indicates that persistent inflammatory responses may contribute to the rise of diabetic nephropathy (DN) and diabetic cardiovascular disease (DCVD) in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients (DM2). Numerous molecules associated with inflammation and angiogenesis have been implicated in the development and progression of DN and DCVD, respectively.

    Methods

    The subjects were separated into five groups: healthy controls (n= 25), type 2 diabetes mellitus patients (n= 30), type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with nephropathy DN (n= 30), and type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with cardiovascular disease DCVD (n= 30). The blood levels of irisin, IL-8, HbA1C, urea, and creatinine were determined.

    Results

    In current study there was high significant increased irisin levels (p< 0.001) in DN patients than other groups and a high significant decreased IL-8 level in DCVD.

    Conclusions

    Serum IL-8 and irisin levels may serve as early indicators of DM2 problems (DN, DCVD).

    Keywords: DM2, DN, DCVD, HbA1C, IL-8, Irisin
  • Taraneh Movahhed, Maryam Mehrabkhani, Mohsen Arefnezhad, Shokouh Sadat Hamedi, Reza Zare Mahmoudabadi, Fariba Ghanbari*, Mahjube Rostami Pages 405-410
    Background

    Chemical agents, such as Chlorhexidine are used as one of dental plaque control strategy. Researchers are looking for a natural and economic substitute with same antibacterial efficacy and less complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of the Khorasan Razavi walnut green husk extract with and without adding ZnO nanoparticles (nZnO) on  (S. mutans).

    Methods

    In this in vitro study, antimicrobial effect of the Hydro-ethanolic extract of WGH, was evaluated. Broth Dilution and Agar diffusion methods were used with 90 tubes containing different dilutions of WGH extract (100 to 0.006 mg/ml). ZnO nanoparticles (nZnO) were added to 45 tubes. Streptococcus mutans was exposed to 15 different serial concentrations of study extracts, from 100 mg/ml to 0.006 mg/ml. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the study extracts were determined and zone of inhibition diameter was compared to positive controls (chlorhexidine 0.2%, nZnO), and negative control (sterile distilled water). The differences between the mean diameters, were analyzed by independent sample T- teS.

    Results

    Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of study extract was found to be 50 mg/mL, with adding nZnO, MIC was reduced to 3.12 mg/mL. Mean diameter of inhibition zone at 3.12 mg/ml with and without adding ZnO nanoparticles were 17.67±0.57 mm and 8±0.001 mm, respectively, (p-value< 0.001).

    Conclusions

    Adding nZnO could be enhanced antimicrobial efficacy of the WGH extract against S. mutants, while it was still less effective than chlorhexidine.

    Keywords: Dental decay, Nanoparticles, Streptococcus mutans, Walnut green husk, Zinc oxide
  • Elnaz Zahiri, Hamidreza Ghorbani, Ali Moradi, Hassan Mehrad-Majd, Fariba Mohammadi, Noorieh Sharifi Sistani, Seyed Isaac Hashemy* Pages 411-420
    Background

    Bladder cancer is one of the most common genitourinary cancers with significant mortality. Finding reliable tumor markers and potential drug targets can improve early diagnosis, prognosis, and more effective therapeutic protocols. Previous studies have reported the involvement of the substance P (SP)/neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) system in cancers. The potential prognostic role and the interaction of SP and NK-1R in bladder tumor are yet to be elucidated.

    Methods

    Serum samples from 22 primarily diagnosed patients with bladder cancer as well as 22 healthy controls were examined for SP level using ELISA method. Tissue distribution of NK-1R in tumor samples and their adjacent normal tissues was evaluated through immunohistochemistry.esults: Serum SP levels in patients with bladder cancer were higher than the healthy group (p< 0.001) and had a significant correlation with NK-1R staining intensity (p< 0.001), percentage of stained cells (p< 0.001), and NK-1R tissue distribution. Also, the immunoreactivity of NK-1R in cancer samples increased significantly without correlation with tumor characteristics. However, no significant association was found between SP and NK-1R levels with clinical characteristics including tumor size (p= 0.33), tumor stage (p= 0.29), grade (p= 0.93), NK-1R staining intensity (p= 0.53), and percentage of stained cells (p= 0.32).

    Conclusions

    According to our findings, despite the lack of association between SP and NK-1R with clinical characteristics of bladder cancer, their serum levels were higher in patients with bladder cancer. Further studies are needed to confirm the potential prognostic role of SP and NK-1R in bladder cancer.

    Keywords: Biomarker, Bladder cancer, Neurokinin-1 receptor, Substance P, Prognosis
  • Hoyam Yousif Hussin Alimam, Waleed Abdelateif Hussein, Sabah Ibrahim, Sara Abdelgani, Nahed Alharthi, Lienda Bashier Eltayeb*, Salih Abdelgadir Elmahdi, Abdelkarim Abobakr Abdrabo Pages 421-429
    Background

    Diabetes-related vascular complications linked to increase in the expression of VEGF and its receptors. It helps to accelerate tissue damage inflicted by hyperglycemia, which is potential risk for diabetic complications. The study aimed to assess VEGF genetic polymorphism and its correlation with glucose and HbA1C level among Sudanese patients with diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy.

    Methods

    A case-control study was conducted among a total of 252 subjects and divided into four groups of 63 subjects each. Glucose and HBA1c were measured then the VEGF gene was amplified using polymerase chain reaction. The data were analyzed using SPSS.

    Results

    The HBA1c, and blood glucose levels had significantly (P value≤0.00001) highest mean in the DR group, DN group followed by DM. There is a non-significant correlation between VEGF Genotypes and HbA1c, and blood glucose levels (P value≤0.102, 0.173) Patients with GC genotypes will be 74.6%, and 54% higher at risk to develop DR, and DN respectively and 40 % lower at risk to develop DM than those without GC genotype. While patients with CC genotypes will be 22.2% higher at risk of developing DM and 9.5%, 12.2% higher at risk of developing DR and DN respectively.

    Conclusions

    The VEGF +405G/C gene polymorphism is linked to diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic nephropathy in type 2 Sudanese diabetics, and the presence of the GC genotypes and G allele is a significant predictor for retinopathy. There is no significant relation between HbA1C serum levels, blood glucose, and the VEGF +405G/C gene polymorphism.

    Keywords: Diabetic Nephropathy, Diabetic Retinopathy, Blood Glucose, HbA1c, Gene polymorphism, VEGF-A
  • Ismail Shorudi Dadi, Ramin Saravani, Tahereh Khalili*, Saman Sargazi*, Mahdi Majidpour, Mohammad Sarhadi, Shekoufeh Mirinejad, Sheida Shahraki, Ali Alidadi Pages 430-439
    Background

    Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health concern involving roughly one-tenth of developed countries' populations. The flavin-containing dimethylaniline monooxygenase 3 (FMO3) gene encodes an enzyme that catalyzes trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a toxin in CKD sufferers. This preliminary study aims to evaluate the association between coding region variations of FMO3, rs2266782G/A (E158K), rs2266780A/G (E308G), and rs1736557G/A (V257M), and the susceptibility to CKD.

    Methods

    A total of 356 participants were enrolled, including 157 patients diagnosed with CKD and 199 age-matched healthy individuals. Genotyping of FMO3 gene variations was performed via PCR-RFLP and ARMS-PCR methods.

    Results

    Our findings revealed a significant association between rs2266780A/G and rs1736557G/A and CKD under different genetic models. Compared to the GGG haplotype of rs2266782/rs1736557/rs2266780, the GAG, GAA, AAG, and AAA haplotype combinations conferred an increased risk of CKD in our population. Interaction analysis revealed that some genotype combinations, including GA/AA/AA, AA/AA/AA, GA/AA/GA, and GG/AG/AA, dramatically increased CKD risk in the Iranian population. No correlation was found between FMO3 polymorphisms and CKD stages.

    Conclusions

    These observations highlight the potential impact of coding variants of the FMO3 gene on the onset of CKD. Further investigations into expanded populations and diverse races are needed to confirm our findings.

    Keywords: Chronic kidney disease, FMO3, Genetic variant, Single-nucleotide polymorphism, Trimethylamine N-oxide
  • Abdollah Davodian, Kobra Foroughi, Amir Atashi, Masoud Soleimani* Pages 440-449
    Background

    MicroRNA is a form of non-coding RNAs that able to regulate gene expression. miR-424 is one of the members of the regulatory family, which plays an important role in the proliferation and differentiation of myeloid cells. Epigenetic changes can change the level of miR-424 under environmental factors. Therefore, the level of expression of miR-424 in U937 cells of the myeloid line was evaluated in this research under the influence of vitamin D3 (VitD3) and retinoic acid (RA).

    Methods

    In this study, U937 cells were cultured in the presence of VitD3, and RA to evaluate cell proliferation, viability via the trypan blue exclusion test, and expression level of miR-424 by real-time PCR at specific times.

    Results

    Cell proliferation has shown a significant decrease in the RA group versus other groups during incubation times (P < 0.05). In VitD3 group, there was a significant increase in cell proliferation after 24- and 48-hours incubation periods versus other groups. In the VitD3 and RA groups, the increase of cell proliferation caused the downregulation of miR-424. In addition, the upregulation of VitD3 group and downregulation of the RA group were significant versus the control group (P < 0.05).

    Conclusions

    We concluded that the expression level of miR-424 was critically affected in the dose- and time-dependent of RA and VitD3 treatment in the U937 cell line. Treatment with VitD3 decreased the expression of miR-424 and RA treatment increase miR-424 expression level in physiological doses.

    Keywords: Cell Proliferation, Differentiation, miR-424, U937 Cells
  • Neda Motamedirad, Susan Hosseini, Reza Ebrahimzadeh-Vesal, Semiramis Tootian, Mohammadreza Abbaszadegan* Pages 450-456
    Background

    Amenorrhea is defined as the absence of menstruation at the reproductive age of women. Amenorrhea caused by various etiological factors including genetic factors, intrauterine malformations, endocrine dysfunction, and environmental factors. Genetic factors particularly chromosomal abnormalities are the main cause of Amenorrhea. This study was performed to estimate the frequency and types of chromosomal abnormalities in patients with amenorrhea in the northeast of Iran.

    Methods

    A total of 381 women with the history of amenorrhea participated in this study. Peripheral blood lymphocyte cultures were performed according to the standard GTG banding method.

    Results

    296 (77%) of a total of all cases had a normal karyotype (46, XX) while 85 patients (23%) had abnormal karyotype. The numerical and structural abnormalities of X chromosome were observed in 52 (61%), the abnormalities of Y chromosome were observed in 23 (27.2%) and rearrangements between autosomal and/or sex chromosomes were observed in 10 (11.8%).

    Conclusions

    The present study revealed that cytogenetic study is essential for early diagnosis and treatments of Amenorrhea.

    Keywords: Amenorrhea, Chromosomal Abnormalities, Cytogenetics
  • Ramzi Amin*, Muhammad Apriliandy Shariff, Petty Purwanita, Mgs Irsan Saleh Pages 457-464
    Background

    Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of diabetes mellitus complication and occurred in retinal microvascular. This study was aimed to investigate the efficacy of Sambiloto, Andrographis paniculate (A. paniculata) extract on glycemic profile, antioxidant and inflammatory cytokine parameters in diabetic rats, and phytochemical analysis of A. paniculata.

    Methods

    A. paniculata extract (APE) was carried out by maceration with ethanol. Diabetes mellitus in Wistar male rats was induced with streptozotocin. Retinal vessel diameters were estimated using a method by Vucetic. Inflammatory cytokine and antioxidant parameters were evaluated in retinal tissue. The alkaloid and flavonoid contents in extract were analyzed using thin layer chromatography method.

    Results

    Funduscopic examination presented some changes in the diameter of the blood vessels. The vessel diameter in the diabetic retinopathy group with APE in concentration of 100 and 200 mg/kg BW groups was significantly lower than in the DR group (p<0.05). The administration of APE in dosages of 100 and 200 mg/kg BW showed reduced glutathione, SOD, and catalase levels compared to the DR group (p<0.05).

    Conclusions

    A. paniculata extract doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg BW improved diabetic retinopathy in rats through hypoglycemic effects, antioxidant effects, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

    Keywords: Andrographis paniculata, Antioxidants, Diabetic Retinopathy, Plant Extracts, Retinal Vessels
  • Seyed Ali Miresmaeili Mazrakhondi*, Hadi Zare-Zardini Pages 465-470
    Background

    Immunological alterations in schizophrenic patients have been considered during last decade. There are no remarkable reports on the changes of IL-17A and IL-21 in schizophrenic patients. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate changes of serum IL-17A and IL-21 in schizophrenic patients in comparison with healthy controls.

    Methods

    In the present study serum levels of IL-17A and IL-21 in 30 patients with schizophrenia before treatment and three months after treatment were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and compare to 30 match healthy control group.

    Results

    Serum levels of IL-21 in schizophrenic patient was significantly higher than control group (P= 0.001). Serum levels of IL-17A in the schizophrenic patients had no significant changes than the control group (P= 0.4). Serum levels of IL-17A in patients with schizophrenia three months after treatment than before treatment had no significant change (P=0.7) and IL-21 serum levels in schizophrenic patient three month after treatment was not significant changed in comparison with this group before treatment (P= 0.06).

    Conclusions

    The serum levels of interlukine-21 is elevated in schizophrenic. Results of this study showed that IL-21 might be involved in the pathologic mechanism of schizophrenia.

    Keywords: Immunity, Interleukin-17A, Interleukin-21, Schizophrenia
  • Hooman Shalmashi, Sahar Safaei, Dariush Shanehbandi, Milad Asadi, Soghra Bornehdeli, Abdolreza Mehdi Navaz* Pages 471-478
    Background

    Colorectal cancer (CRC) is still considered one of the prevalent cancers worldwide. Investigation of potential biomarkers for early detection of CRC is essential for the effective management of patients using therapeutic strategies. Considering that, this study was aimed to examine the changes in lncRNA FOXD2-AS1 expression through colorectal tumorigenesis.

    Methods

    Fifty CRC tumor tissues and fifty adjacent normal tissue samples were prepared and involved in the current study. Total RNA was extracted from the samples and then reverse transcribed to complementary DNA. Next, the expression levels of lncRNA FOXD2-AS1 were evaluated using real-time PCR in CRC samples compared to normal ones. Also, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of FOXD2-AS1 for CRC.

    Results

    The obtained results showed that the expression level of FOXD2-AS1 gene was significantly (p<0.0001) up-regulated in tumor tissues compared to normal marginal tissues. Also, a significant correlation was observed between higher the expression of FOXD2-AS1and the differentiation of tumor cells. Furthermore, ROC curve analysis estimated an AUC value of 0.59 for FOXD2-AS1, suggesting its potential as a diagnostic target.

    Conclusions

    Taken together, the current study implied that tissue-specific upregulation of lncRNA FOXD2-AS1 might be appropriate diagnostic biomarkers for CRC. Nonetheless, more studies are needed to validate these results and further illustrate FOXD2-AS1 function through colorectal tumorigenesis.

    Keywords: Biomarker, Colorectal cancer, FOXD2-AS1, lncRNA, qRT-PC
  • Ravindra Maradi, Vivek Joshi*, Vaideki Balamurugan, Divya Susan Thomas, Manjunath Goud Pages 479-486
    Background

    COVID-19 is caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Coronavirus 2. Since the antioxidant mechanisms such as glutathione peroxidase or superoxide dismutase are downregulated during infection by the virus, there is an imbalance in the oxidant-antioxidant system. In this study we aimed to identify the effect of COVID-19 on the antioxidant defense mechanism by comparing the concentrations of antioxidants and microminerals in COVID-19 patients and healthy controls.

    Methods

    This cross-sectional analytical study involved 200 patients at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal University. The serum concentrations of antioxidants and minerals were determined to establish the impact of COVID-19 on antioxidants mechanism and nutrient status in COVID-19 patients.

    Results

    The serum concentrations of GPX (10.36 ± 2.70 ≥ 5.82 ± 1.64 mKAT/L, p < 0.0001) and copper (2192.5 ± 449.8 ≥ 782.15 ± 106.5 µg/dL, p < 0.0001) were significantly greater, and zinc (34.78 ± 4.5 ≤ 81.07 ± 10.13 µg/dL, p < 0.0001) was significantly less, in the study group than in controls. The Pearson correlation between serum SOD and zinc was significant (r = 0.491, p < 0.0001) indicating the importance of zinc in maintaining and improving SOD activity. No significant correlations were observed between copper and SOD (r = -0.089) or iron and CAT (r = -0.027).

    Conclusions

    Our study demonstrated the expected increase in oxidant-radical production during COVID-19 by estimating the altered concentrations of antioxidants and the minerals required to neutralize the elevated ROS. This finding is not novel but adds to the existing literature, which recommends nutritional supplementation of microminerals and antioxidants.

    Keywords: COVID-19, Cytokines, Glutathione Peroxidase, Minerals, Reactive oxygen species, Zinc
  • Raghda Makia*, Khulood Al-Sammarrae, Mohammad Al-Halbosiy, Mohammed Al-Mashhadani Pages 487-492
    Background

    Normally happening substances like flavonoids are regarded as active candidates for the treatment and prevention of cancer The purpose of this study was to see how Iraqi E. arvense total flavonoid affected cell lines biologically and human lung fibroblast normal cell line (WISH).

    Methods

    Plant powder was extracted by reflex apparatus, then thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was used to determine total flavonoids. Cytotoxicity assay (MTT) was used to determine the cytotoxic activity of the prepared plant against human breast cancer (MCF-7), cells human cervix cancer (HELA), human colon cancer (Caco-2) and human lung fibroblast normal cell line (WISH).

    Results

    The flavonoids Rutin, Quercetin, Kaempferol, and luteolin were detected using the Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) technique. In contrast to the negative control, the extract inhibited cell growth to a highest of 82.158% for MCF-7 and 61.360% for Caco-2 at the concentration (100 µg/ml), and (54.880%) for Hela cell line at the concentration (100 µg/ml). In addition, the concentration (6.25 µg/ml) of total flavonoid extract produced a decrease in the growth of the normal WISH cell line to reach (1.094%).

    Conclusions

    Equisetum arvense contain high amounts of flavonoids, the qualification of some flavonoids compounds was detected using TLC. The total flavonoids showed significant cytotoxic activity against various types of cancer cell lines and normal cell line in vitro, the antitumor activity was highly efficient in a dose and cell type dependent manner

    Keywords: Equisetum arvense L, Caco2, Hela, Total flavonoid, MCF-7, WISH
  • Fatemeh Khadir, Zohreh Rahimi*, Asad Vaisi-Raygani, Ebrahim Shakiba, Rozita Naseri Pages 493-501
    Background

    Preeclampsia is a multifactorial hypertensive disorder of pregnancy with multisystem involvement. Recent studies have demonstrated that preeclampsia is associated with increased placental oxidative stress at the cellular level. The nuclear factor erythroid‑2‑like 2 (Nrf2) / Kelch‑like ECH‑associated protein 1 (Keap1) signaling is an antioxidant pathway that plays an important role in protecting cells against oxidative stress. Here, we aimed to determine the possible association between the Keap1 variants and genetic susceptibility to preeclampsia.

    Methods

    In a case-control study, 150 preeclampsia patients and 150 women with normal pregnancy from Northern Iran were selected to evaluate the genotypes of Keap1 (rs11085735) using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction length polymorphism (RFLP) method.

    Results

    A significant association between genotypes of Keap1 rs11085735 polymorphism with the renal function biomarkers and the risk of preeclampsia was not found. However, the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level was higher in the presence of the Keap1 AA genotype compared to AC and CC genotypes. We found a significantly higher prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in mild- and severe- preeclampsia and also hypothyroidism in severe preeclampsia compared to controls.

    Conclusions

    We found an association between preeclampsia with GDM and hypothyroidism. Our findings suggest that the Keap1rs11085735 polymorphism may not be a risk factor for susceptibility to preeclampsia in our studied population; however, this polymorphism could affect the activity of AST.

    Keywords: Gestational diabetes mellitus, Hypothyroidism, Keap1 variants, Oxidative stress, Preeclampsia
  • Fujiati Fujiati, Haryati Haryati*, Joharman Joharman, Sabrina Wahda Utami Pages 502-510
    Background

    Rhodomyrtus Tomentosa (Karamunting) is one of South Kalimantan's biodiversity. In previous research on asthma and coal dust exposure models, nebulization with an ethanol extract of R. tomentosa leaves has been shown to reduce inflammatory cells. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity on the stabilization of red blood cell membranes and to identify the chemical compounds present in extracts of R. tomentosa leaves.

    Methods

    Anti-inflammatory effect of R. tomentosa leaves was evaluated by in vitro red blood cell membrane stabilization methods. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory sodium diclofenac was used as the reference drug. The content of chemical compounds in the ethanol extract of R. tomentosa leaves was identified using Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS).

    Results

    The results of inhibition of red blood cells membrane lysis showed the n-hexane fraction (concentration 25 ppm), ethyl acetate fraction (concentration 50 ppm), and a fraction of water (concentration 50 ppm) with an inhibition level of 54.5%, 81.8%, 63.6%, respectively. The ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest inhibition of hemolysis. This result is not significantly different from the standard anti-inflammatory sodium diclofenac (90.09%). Oleanonic acid and ursonic acid were two similar metabolites in subfractions ethyl acetate 1, 2, and 3, which may have anti- inflammatory properties.

    Conclusions

    R. Tomentosa leaves can have potency as an anti-inflammatory by increasing the red blood cell membrane stability equal to lysosome cells, depending on the concentration.

    Keywords: Anti-inflammatory, Oleanonic acid, Ursonic acid, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa
  • Maha Alhelf, Laila Rashed, Sahar Ahmed, Mohamed Mohamed, Marwa Abdelgwad* Pages 511-523
    Background

    Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with inflammatory nature. One of the leading causes of death in SLE patients is cardiovascular (CVS) morbidity. MiRNA-24 is highly expressed in vascular endothelial cells (VECs). This dysregulated expression pattern is associated with dysfunction or even damage of VECs and leads to the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. YKL- 40 is an inflammatory glycoprotein involved in the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction and thereby atherosclerosis. In this work, we aimed at illustrating the possible role of miR-24 and its target YKL-40 in the pathogenesis of the CVS morbidity associated with SLE.

    Methods

    This work was conducted on 40 SLE patients and 40 healthy controls. Quantitative realtime PCR (qPCR) was done to estimate the expression level of miRNA-24 in serum. In addition, we measured the serum level of YKL-40 using ELISA.

    Results

    miR-24-fold change was found to be down-regulated, whereas serum YKL- 40 was upregulated among SLE patients with observed significant and negative correlation between the two parameters.

    Conclusions

    Our study provided an insight about the role of miR-24 and its target serum YKL-40 protein in the development of SLE-related inflammation and atherosclerosis.

    Keywords: miRNA-24, SDC-1, SLE, VCAM, YKL-40
  • Zainab Nazar Hasan Anber*, Basil Oead Mohammed Saleh, Mohammed Al-Obidy Pages 524-531
    Background

    Infection with COVID-19 can cause hepatic damages. Here, we aimed to examine the effect of COVID-19 infection on the serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), albumin, and procalcitonin (PCT) concentrations as markers to evaluate the liver function.

    Methods

    In this study, 56 patients infected with COVID- 19 and 28 healthy controls was recruited in Private Nursing Home Hospital of the Medical City, Baghdad. Patients were subdivided according to disease severity into severe and non-severe groups.

    Results

    The results showed that the mean±SD value of serum AST activity and serum PCT concentrations were elevated significantly in severe group in comparison to healthy control, (p< 0.01, p< 0.001) respectively. Also, the mean ±SD value of serum ALT activity was higher in severe group compared to the healthy subjects and non-severe ones, significantly (p< 0.0001, p< 0.003) respectively. While the mean value of serum albumin concentration of severe patients and non-severe group were significantly decreased compared to healthy subjects. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) revealed that ROC value of albumin (0.992) differentiates between non- severe infected patients and healthy subjects, while the ROC value of serum ALT activity (0.735) differentiates between severe COVID-19 patients and non- severe ones.

    Conclusions

    Changes of liver function parameters in COVID-19 patients were mild to moderate and measurement of serum ALT activity is the best biomarker in differentiation between non-severe patients and severe ones and albumin concentration is excellent in discrimination between patients and controls

    Keywords: Serum aminotransferase enzymes, Albumin, Procalcitonin