Browsing by Author "Safwat G."

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Antimicrobial activity of hybrids terpolymers based on magnetite hydrogel nanocomposites
(MDPI AG, 2019) Farag R.K.; Labena A.; Fakhry S.H.; Safwat G.; Diab A.; Atta A.M.; Petroleum Application Department; Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute (EPRI); Nasr City; Cairo; 11727; Egypt; Faculty of Biotechnology; October University for Modern Science and Arts; 26 July Mehwar Road intersection with Wahat Road; 6th October City P.O. Box 2511; Egypt; Chemistry Department; College of Science; King Saud University; P.O. Box 2455; Riyadh; 11451; Saudi Arabia
In the past few years, the development of hydrogel properties has led to the emergence of nanocomposite hydrogels that have unique properties that allow them to be used in various different fields and applications such as drug delivery, adsorption soil containing, tissue engineering, wound dressing, and especially antimicrobial applications. Thus, this study was conducted in order to fabricate a novel crosslinked terpolymer nanocomposite hydrogel using the free radical copolymerization method based on the usage of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS), acrylamide (AAm), acrylonitrile (AN), and acrylic acid (AA) monomers and iron oxide (Fe3O4) magnetic nanoparticles and using benzoyl peroxide as an initiator and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a crosslinker. The structure of the synthesized composite was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and x-ray powder diffraction (XRD) measurements. Furthermore, the surface morphology and the magnetic nanoparticle distributions were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurement. In addition, the swelling capacity of the hydrogel nanocomposite was measured using the swelling test. Lastly, the efficiency of the produced composite was evaluated as an antimicrobial agent for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains and a fungal strain. � 2019 by the authors.
Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Physalis peruviana L. [Chemische Zusammensetzung und biologische Aktivitt von Physalis peruvianaL.
(Springer Verlag, 2019) El-Beltagi H.S.; Mohamed H.I.; Safwat G.; Gamal M.; Megahed B.M.H.; Faculty of Agriculture; Biochemistry Department; Cairo University; Giza; Cairo; Egypt; College of Agriculture and Food Sciences; Agricultural Biotechnology Department; King Faisal University; Alhassa; Saudi Arabia; Research Park (CURP); Cairo University; Giza; Cairo; Egypt; Faculty of Education; Department of Biological and Geological science; Ain shams University; Cairo; Egypt; Faculty of Biotechnology; October University for Modern Science and Art (MSA); Giza; Egypt
Physalis peruviana L. belongs to the family Solanaceae and is considered as plant used for treating various diseases. The protective mechanism of Physalis consists of the ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and to enhance the antioxidant system in the human body. The ethanolic extract of Physalis peruviana fruits contains valuable and active compounds such as carotenoids, phenols, flavonoids, tannin, alkaloids, vitamins C, B3 and B6. Therefore, Physalis peruviana extract has antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Gram-positive Bacillus cereus demonstrated higher susceptibility than gram-negative Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas typhimureum. Also, the extract showed positive effect on the fungus used (Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans). In addition, high concentrations of Physalis peruviana ethanolic extract (800 g/ml) exhibited significant anticancer activity against lung (A549) cells but slight effect against colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells. 2019, Springer-Verlag GmbH Deutschland, ein Teil von Springer Nature.
Comparative study for the detection of Egyptian buffalo butter adulteration with vegetable oils using conventional and advanced methods
(Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2019) Hamed A.M.; Aborass M.; El-Kafrawy I.; Safwat G.; Dairy Science Department; Faculty of Agriculture; Cairo University; Giza; Egypt; Faculty of Biotechnology; October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA); Cairo; Egypt
Adulteration of butter can occur when milk fat is replaced with cheaper oils due to the economic advantage of such substitution. With potential health risks on consumers, the issue raises alarming public health concerns. The adulteration of the Egyptian buffalo butter (EBB) with vegetable oils (VOs) was detected by conventional and advanced techniques. EBB was mixed with VOs at different ratios 25, 50, and 75% (w/w). The conventional methods (saponification number, iodine value, polenskee value, and Reichert-Meissl value) were compared with advanced methods (GC, HPLC, and FTIR). The results indicated that the assurance of conventional methods is not adequate at expansion levels under 50.0% VOs in EBB. In light of the progressions prompted by advanced methods using GC and HPLC, the debasement of EBB with 25.0% VOs can be detected and are more accurate in detecting the sterols and their fractions in butter. � 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differential expression of RAGE, EGFR and Ki-67 in primary tumors and lymph node deposits of breast carcinoma
(Wiley-VCH Verlag, 2018) Aboushousha T.; Hammam O.; Safwat G.; Eesa A.; Ahmed S.; Esmat M.E.; Helmy A.H.; Department of Pathology; Cairo university; Cairo; Egypt; Faculty of Biotechnology; October University for Modern Sciences and Arts; Cairo university; Cairo; Egypt; Department of Pathology; Faculty of Medicine; Cairo university; Cairo; Egypt; Department of Surgery; Theodor Bilharz Research Institute; Cairo university; Cairo; Egypt
Background: Breast cancer is a complex disease that results from the inheritance of a number of susceptible genes. Intensive search wok was conducted world-wide on molecular bases of breast cancer in order to achieve the best therapeutic modalities; however, breast cancer still remains a challengeable task. It is very important to determine if the biological parameters in metastatic regional lymph nodes are similar to that in the primary breast cancer because therapy is indicated for patients with synchronous metastatic regional lymph nodes of breast cancer. Difference in therapeutic response in cases of breast cancer may be assumed partially to variability in the biological behavior of tumor tissue in primary breast cancer and lymph node metastasis. Aim: Our aim is to evaluate any variability in the expression of three types of tissue markers in both the primary breast tumors and corresponding axillary lymph nodes in order to expect the targeted therapeutic effect on both sites. Material and Methods: Three markers from different categories; RAGE, EGFR and Ki-67 were immunohistochemicalyl studied for their expression in biopsy specimens from primary breast tumors and their corresponding axillary lymph nodes. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the expression of these markers between benign and malignant breast lesions.Although we found some differences in the expression of the three studied markers between primary breast cancer and corresponding axillary lymph nodes, yet these variations were mostly not statistically significant. Conclusion: Our findings support the validity of anti-RAGE and anti-EGFR therapy for treatment of both primary and nodal metastatic breast cancer in immunopositive cases. � 2018 Asian Pacific Organization for Cancer Prevention.
Dysregulation of miR-125b predicts poor response to therapy in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia
(Wiley-Liss Inc., 2019) El-Khazragy N.; Elshimy A.A.; Hassan S.S.; Matbouly S.; Safwat G.; Zannoun M.; Riad R.A.; Department of Clinical Pathology and Hematology; Faculty of Medicine; Ain Shams Medical Research Institute (MASRI); Ain Shams University; Cairo; Egypt; Former Department of Biomedical Research; Armed Forces College of Medicine (AFCM); Cairo; Egypt; Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology; Faculty of Medicine; Cairo University; New Giza University; Cairo; Egypt; Department of Clinical Pathology; National Cancer Institute; Cairo University; Cairo; Egypt; Department of Pediatrics; Faculty of Medicine; Ain Shams University; Cairo; Egypt; Department of Cancer Biology; Faculty of Biotechnology; October University for Modern Sciences and Art (MSA) University; Cairo; Egypt; Department of Pediatrics; Faculty of Medicine; Al Azhar University; Cairo; Egypt; Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Biology; Global Research Lab; Cairo; Egypt
Background: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most well-known sort of leukemia in children. In spite of favorable survival rates, some patients relapse and achieve a poor outcome. Methods: We analyzed miR-125b and Bcl-2 expressions in pediatric patients with ALL and evaluated their clinical utility as molecular markers for the prediction of disease outcomes. Results: Downregulation of miR-125b and increased Bcl-2 expression levels in pediatric patients with ALL were associated with poor prognosis at diagnosis. At day 28 of induction, miR-125b was significantly increased, whereas Bcl-2 was downregulated. Loss of miR-125b during diagnosis and its elevation after therapy are strongly correlated with short leukemia-free survival and worse survival. Moreover, the combination of miR-125b with Bcl-2 markers can clearly enhance the prediction of the disease outcome. Finally, a univariate analysis highlighted the independent prognostic value of miR-125 in a pediatric patient with ALL. Conclusions: miR-125b and Bcl-2 together are potent predictors for the prognosis and, therefore, can be used as therapeutic targets in childhood ALL. � 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of phytoplasma infection on plant hormones, enzymes and their role in infected sesame
(Parlar Scientific Publications, 2018) Youssef S.A.; Safwat G.; Shalaby A.B.A.; El-Beltagi H.S.; Plant Pathology Research Institute; Agriculture Research Center; Giza; Egypt; Faculty of Biotechnology; University for Modern Science and Art (MSA); Egypt; Biochemistry Dept; Faculty of Agriculture; Cairo University; P. Box 12613; Gamma st.; Giza; Cairo; Egypt; Cairo University; Research Park (CURP); Faculty of Agriculture; Giza; Cairo; Egypt
Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) from the family of Pedaliaceae is one of the most ancient crops and oilseeds. It was a major oilseed crop in the ancient world due to its easiness of extraction, great stability, and resistance to drought. One of the most dangerous pathogens that affect sesame and other plants worldwide is phytoplasma. Phytoplasma can cause different character of symptoms such as: phyllody, the common symptom caused by phytoplasma infection, stunting, changing the color of leaves from green to yellow and alteration of the floral parts into leafy structures bearing no capsule and seeds, which consider a serious threat for the production of sesame in many countries. On the other hand, effect of the phytoplasma infection on plant enzymes such as Peroxidase and Polyphenol oxidase and hormones like Auxins, Cytokinin, Gibberellins and Abscisic acid were studied. Electron microscopy assay was used to verify the cellular changes which conducted as a result of phytoplasma infection. Infected sesame samples which examined by PCR were used as an exporter of phytoplasma and directly applied for electron microscopy test and the analysis of enzymes and hormones. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to detect ultra-structural changes in infected sesame plants. � 2018 Parlar Scientific Publications. All rights reserved.
Evaluation of osteopontin as a biomarker in Hepatocellular carcinomas in Egyptian patients with chronic HCV cirrhosis
(Asian Pacific Organization for Cancer Prevention, 2018) Abdel-Hafiz S.M.; Hamdy H.E.; Khorshed F.M.; Aboushousha T.S.; Safwat G.; Saber M.A.; Seleem M.; Soliman A.H.; Theodore Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI); Egypt; Faculty of Biotechnology; October University of Modern Sciences and Arts; Egypt; Theodore Bilharz Research Institute El-Warrak; Embaba Giza; Egypt; National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Institute (NHTMRI); Egypt; National Cancer Institute; Cairo University; Cairo; Egypt
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a high incidence disease in Egypt with a poor prognosis and survival. Biomarkers are important for diagnosis of HCC at an early stage. Osteopontin (OPN), a glycoprotein secreted by macrophages, osteoblasts, and T cells, is also highly expressed in a variety of tumors, such as examples in the breast, colon, and stomach. The present study aimed to correlate the serum level of OPN in HCV-positive hepatocellular carcinoma patients, with OPN expression in tumor and non-tumor liver tissues in order to identify its efficacy as a biomarker for diagnosis. Material and Methods: Out of total of 146 patients, 80 were selected for inclusion in the study. Blood samples as well as specimens of tumor and non-tumor liver tissue were collected. In addition, blood samples from 20 healthy volunteers were obtained as controls. Serum OPN and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) were evaluated by ELISA for HCC and control groups. OPN and AFP gene expression were examined by real-time PCR, after homogenization and DNA extraction from serum samples and liver tissues. Results: It was found that serum OPN levels were significantly higher in the HCC group compared to normal group (P=0.009), with a strong positive correlation with AFP expression. However, there was no significant difference between OPN expression in tumor and non-tumor liver tissue. Conclusion: Serum OPN is highly suggested to be a professional candidate for HCC early diagnosis, with a diagnostic ability and accuracy equal or higher than for AFP. � 2017, Asian Pacific Organization for Cancer Prevention.
Evaluation of some chemical constituents, antioxidant, antibacterial and anticancer activities of beta Vulgaris L. Root
(Parlar Scientific Publications, 2018) El-Beltagi H.S.; Mohamed H.I.; Megahed B.M.H.; Gamal M.; Safwat G.; Faculty of Agriculture; Biochemistry Department; Cairo University; Giza; Cairo; Egypt; Cairo University; Research Park (CURP); Giza; Cairo; Egypt; Faculty of Education; Department of Biological and Geological Science; Ain Shams University; Cairo; Egypt; Faculty of Biotechnology; October University for Modern Science and Art (MSA); Egypt
Beta vulgaris is belonging to the family Chenopodiaceae and has several varieties with bulb colors ranging from yellow to red. Deep redcolored beet roots are the most popular for human consumption, both cooked and raw as salad or juice. The ethanolic extract of beetroots contains valuable and active compounds such as carotenoids, phenols, flavonoids, tannin, alkaloids, vitamins C, B3, B6 and B9. Therefore, beetroot extract has antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against gram positive and negative bacteria. Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus demonstrated higher susceptibility than Gramnegative Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas typhimureum. Beta vulgaris ethanolic extract exhibit significant anticancer activity against lung (A549) but slight effect against colorectal adenocarcinoma Caco-2 cell lines at the high concentrations of ethanolic extract (800 ?g/ml). � 2018 Malaysian Nature Society. All rights reserved.
Evaluation of the phytochemical, antioxidant, antibacterial and anticancer activity of Prunus domestica fruit
(Academic Press, 2019) El-Beltagi H.S.; El-Ansary A.E.; Mostafa M.A.; Kamel T.A.; Safwat G.; Cairo University; Faculty of Agriculture; Biochemistry Department; Giza; Cairo; Egypt; Cairo University; Research Park (CURP); Giza; Cairo; Egypt; October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA); Faculty of Biotechnology; Egypt
Plants have been used long ago through man history of life for their use in food and medicinal drives. In modern life, natural products have been extracted and isolated from several kinds of plants for the development of new drugs. There are numerous interests in natural antioxidants extracted from medicinal plants, vegetables and fruits, which might help to prevent oxidative damage. One of such plants is plum Prunus domestica L., family Rosaceae. Samples from 'African Rose', and 'Santa Rosa' plum cultivars were collected from local market in Giza governorate, Egypt. The main phytochemicals of plums (fruit flesh and skin) were analyzed. Total polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, anthocyanins, and reducing power were higher in 'African Rose' fruit. The ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of two plum cultivars were both high in the antioxidant effect with IC50 13.923 and 18.416 ?g/ml of ethanolic extract of 'African Rose', and 'Santa Rosa' respectively. The IC50 of 'African Rose' and 'Santa Rose' extract against Caco-2 was 4 and 8.5 ?g/ml. GC-MS analysis was carried out, fourteen and twenty one compound were identified in 'Santa Rosa' and 'African Rose' respectively. The fruits had an antimicrobial action against gram positive and negative bacteria. There was anticancer activity against 3 cell lines: Liver cell line (HepG2), colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cell line, and breast cell line (MCF-7). � 2018.
GC-MS analysis, antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer activities of extracts from Ficus sycomorus fruits and leaves
(Academic Press, 2019) El-Beltagi H.S.; Mohamed H.I.; Abdelazeem A.S.; Youssef R.; Safwat G.; Cairo University; Faculty of Agriculture; Biochemistry Department; Giza; Cairo; Egypt; Cairo University; Research Park (CURP); Giza; Cairo; Egypt; Ain Shams University; Faculty of Education; Department of Biological and Geological Science; Cairo; Egypt; October University for Modern Science and Art (MSA); Faculty of Biotechnology; Egypt
Higher plants have been utilized worldwide as characteristic drug a long time to cure human diseases. About 80% of individuals globally use plants as safe sources of medication to cure human diseases through completely different medicine system. One of the available indigenous medicinal plants, Ficus sycomorus belongs to the Moraceae family. The plant contains totally different teams of biologically active compounds that square measure chargeable for the biological activity. Ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of leaves of Ficus sycomorus contain higher concentrations of total phenols, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids and steroids than the fruit extracts. Ethanolic extract in both fruits and leaves gave higher concentrations of phytochemical compounds than the ethyl acetate extracts. Therefore, fruit and leaves extract have antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against gram positive, negative bacteria and fungus. Also, the percentage of Liver cell line (HepG2), Colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) and Breast cell line (MCF-7) viability was decreased with increasing the concentrations of the ethanolic extract of fruits and leaves of Ficus sycomorus. The high concentrations of ethanolic extract of fruits caused high reduction in the viability of cancer cells, especially in Colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cell line. In addition, phytochemical compound screened by GC-MS method. In GC-MS analysis, 12 bioactive phytochemical compounds were identified in fruits and 29 bioactive compounds were detected in leaves extract. These totally different active phytochemicals are found to possess a good vary of activities, which can facilitate within the protection against incurable diseases. � 2019, Academic Press.
Genetic variability of somaclonal variation in micropropagated Jatropha curcas L.
(International Society for Horticultural Science, 2017) Dahab A.A.; Amin A.; Ibrahim Y.V.R.; Safwat G.; Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research Department; Biotechnology Lab; Horticulture Research Institute; ARC; United States; Department of Plant Physiology; Faculty of Agriculture; Cairo University; Egypt; Faculty of Biotechnology; October University for Modern Sciences and Arts; Egypt
Jatropha curcas L. has immense economic potential, ecological and environmental significance. This work was conducted to develop a protocol for indirect plant regeneration using mature seeds as in vitro establishment plant material and test the feasibility of using Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) for establishing a genetic basis for somaclonal variation produced throughout such protocol. Maximum percentage of germination was recorded on wetted cotton with distilled water when cultures were incubated at 28C. Adding different combinations of growth regulators to the MS (Murashige and Skoog) culture medium could induce callus formation and stimulated callus growth. In this concern, the combination of 2.5 mg L-1 BA + 0.1 mg L-1 IBA was an appropriate supplement compared with other tested treatments. Formed calli were transferred to regeneration MS medium containing different combinations of adenine sulphate (AdS) and cytokinins; BA and Kin. Medium contained 25 mg L-1 AdS combined with 1 mg L-1 BA was propitious to plant regeneration. Data on the effect of different growth regulators on multiplication of regenerated shoots revealed that, the treatments devoid of BA caused callus reinitiation, while the highest concentration of BA in absence of both Kin and IBA produced high shoot number of suitable length with lower callus formation level, which indicates that it is the best shoot multiplication treatment . As per the current study RAPD analysis provided a good tool to detect the genetic diversity in J. curcas.
Immunohistochemical and biochemical expression patterns of TTF-1, RAGE, GLUT-1 and SOX2 in HCV-associated hepatocellular carcinomas
(Asian Pacific Organization for Cancer Prevention, 2018) Aboushousha T.; Mamdouh S.; Hamdy H.; Helal N.; Khorshed F.; Safwat G.; Seleem M.; Pathology Departmenty; ; Giza; Egypt; Biochemistry Departmenty; ; Giza; Egypt; Surgical Department; Theodor Bilharz Research Institutey; ; Giza; Egypt; Faculty of Biotechnology; ; Giza; Egypt; National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute; Cairo; Egypt
Objective: To investigate the expression of TTF-1, RAGE, GLUT1 and SOX2 in HCV-associated HCCs and in surrounding non-tumorous liver tissue. Material and Methods: Tissue material from partial hepatectomy cases for HCC along with corresponding serum samples and 30 control serum samples from healthy volunteers were studied. Biopsies were classified into: non-tumor hepatic tissue (36 sections); HCC (33 sections) and liver cell dysplasia (LCD) (15 sections). All cases were positive for HCV. Immunohistochemistry (IHC), gene extraction and quantitative real-time reverse-transcription assays (qRT-PCR) were applied. Results: By IHC, LCD and HCC showed significantly high percentages of positive cases with all markers. SOX2 showed significant increase with higher HCC grades, while RAGE demonstrated an inverse relation and GLUT-1 and TTF-1 lacked any correlation. In nontumorous-HCV tissue, we found significantly high TTF-1, low RAGE and negative SOX2 expression. RAGE, GLUT-1 and SOX2 show non-significant elevation positivity in high grade HCV compared to low grade lesions. TTF-1, RAGE and SOX2 exhibited low expression in cirrhosis compared to fibrosis. Biochemical studies on serum and tissue extracts revealed significant down-regulation of RAGE, GLUT-1 and SOX2 genes, as well as significant up-regulation of the TTF-1 gene in HCC cases compared to controls. All studied genes show significant correlation with HCC grade. In non-tumor tissue, only TTF-1 gene expression had a significant correlation with the fibrosis score. Conclusion: Higher expression of TTF-1, RAGE, GLUT-1 and SOX2 in HCC and dysplasia compared to non-tumor tissues indicates up-regulation of these markers as early events during the development of HCV-associated HCC.
Improved salinity tolerance of rice through cell type-specific expression of ATHKT1;1
(2010) Plett D.; Safwat G.; Gilliham M.; Miller I.S.; Roy S.; Shirley N.; Jacobs A.; Johnson A.; Tester M.; Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics; University of Adelaide; Glen Osmond; SA; Australia; School of Agriculture. Food and Wine; Waite Research Institute; University of Adelaide; Glen Osmond; South Australia; Australia; Horticulture Research Institute; Agriculture Research Centre; Cairo; Egypt; Faculty of Biotechnology; October University for Modern Sciences and Arts; Cairo; Egypt; Department of Agriculture and Ecology; Faculty of Life Sciences; University of Copenhagen; Frederiksberg; Denmark; School of Botany; University of Melbourne; Melbourne; VIC; Australia
Previously, cell type-specific expression of AtHKT1;1, a sodium transporter, improved sodium (Na+) exclusion and salinity tolerance in Arabidopsis. In the current work, AtHKT1;1, was expressed specifically in the root cortical and epidermal cells of an Arabidopsis GAL4-GFP enhancer trap line. These transgenic plants were found to have significantly improved Na+ exclusion under conditions of salinity stress. The feasibility of a similar biotechnological approach in crop plants was explored using a GAL4-GFP enhancer trap rice line to drive expression of AtHKT1;1 specifically in the root cortex. Compared with the background GAL4-GFP line, the rice plants expressing AtHKT1;1 had a higher fresh weight under salinity stress, which was related to a lower concentration of Na+ in the shoots. The root-to-shoot transport of 22Na+ was also decreased and was correlated with an upregulation of OsHKT1;5, the native transporter responsible for Na+ retrieval from the transpiration stream. Interestingly, in the transgenic Arabidopsis plants overexpressing AtHKT1;1 in the cortex and epidermis, the native AtHKT1;1 gene responsible for Na+ retrieval from the transpiration stream, was also upregulated. Extra Na+ retrieved from the xylem was stored in the outer root cells and was correlated with a significant increase in expression of the vacuolar pyrophosphatases (in Arabidopsis and rice) the activity of which would be necessary to move the additional stored Na+ into the vacuoles of these cells. This work presents an important step in the development of abiotic stress tolerance in crop plants via targeted changes in mineral transport. 2010 Plett et al.
Interaction between 12p chromosomal abnormalities and Lnc-HOTAIR mediated pathway in acute myeloid leukemia
(Wiley-Liss Inc., 2019) El-Khazragy N.; Ghozy S.; Matbouly S.; Zaki W.; Safwat G.; Hussien G.; Khalifa O.; Clinical Pathology and Haematology Department; Faculty of Medicine; Ain Shams University Biomedical Research Department; Cairo; Egypt; Neurosurgery Department; Faculty of Medicine; Mansoura University; Mansoura; Egypt; Department of Paediatric; Faculty of Medicine; Ain Shams University; Cairo; Egypt; Department of Biochemistry; Faculty of Medicine; Ain Shams University; Cairo; Egypt; Department of Molecular Biology; Faculty of Biotechnology; October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA); Cairo; Egypt
Objectives: To investigate the correlation of homeobox (HOX) transcript antisense RNA expression with clinicopathological features and the clinical prognosis of the patients with chromosome 12p abnormalities associated acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We also investigate the association of 12p chromosomal on the expression of HOTAIR, miRNA-193a, and c-kit gene as targeting genes for HOTAIR in AML. Methods: AML patients with 12p chromosomal abnormalities were recruited and compared to AML with other chromosomal abnormalities rather than 12p. The long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) �HOTAIR,� miR-193a, and c-Kit genes expression were measured in bone marrow samples using Syber green based real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: We found a significant difference for the expression levels of HOTAIR, c-kit, and miR-193a between 12p abnormalities associated AML and those without. The survival analysis revealed that patient's with low expression levels of HOTAIR and c-kit had significantly better survival and leukemia free survival. In contrast, miR-193a was associated with better overall survival but not leukemia free survival. Conclusion: 12p abnormalities associated AML were associated with worse prognosis. Our results proved that HOTAIR, miR-193a, and c-kit genes are independent prognostic predictors in 12p chromosomal associated AML; therefore it may represent a novel therapeutic application in AML in the future. � 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Phenotyping root system architecture of cotton (gossypium barbadense L.) grown under salinity
(Walter de Gruyter GmbH, 2017) Mottaleb S.A.; Darwish E.; Mostafa M.; Safwat G.; Cairo University; Egypt; October University for Modern Sciences and Arts; Egypt; Agricultural Botany Department; Plant Physiology Division; Faculty of Agriculture; Cairo University; Egypt; Faculty of Biotechnology; October University for Modern Sciences and Arts; Egypt
Soil salinity causes an annual deep negative impact to the global agricultural economy. In this study, the effects of salinity on early seedling physiology of two Egyptian cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.) cultivars differing in their salinity tolerance were examined. Also the potential use of a low cost mini-rhizotron system to measure variation in root system architecture (RSA) traits existing in both cultivars was assessed. Salt tolerant cotton cultivar Giza 90 produced significantly higher root and shoot biomass, accumulated lower Na+/K+ ratio through a higher Na+ exclusion from both roots and leaves as well as synthesized higher proline contents compared to salt sensitive Giza 45 cultivar. Measuring RSA in mini-rhizotrons containing solid MS nutrient medium as substrate proved to be more precise and efficient than peat moss/sand mixture. We report superior values of main root growth rate, total root system size, main root length, higher number of lateral roots and average lateral root length in Giza 90 under salinity. Higher lateral root density and length together with higher root tissue tolerance of Na+ ions in Giza 90 give it an advantage to be used as donor genotype for desirable root traits to other elite cultivars. 2017 Walter de Gruyter GmbH. All rights reserved.
Phytochemical screening, antimicrobial, antiaxidant, anticancer activities and nutritional values of cactus (opuntia ficus indicia) pulp and peel
(Parlar Scientific Publications, 2019) El-Beltagi H.S.; Mohamed H.I.; Elmelegy A.A.; Eldesoky S.E.; Safwat G.; Biochemistry Department; Faculty of Agriculture; Cairo University; Giza; Cairo; Egypt; Agriculture Biotechnology Department; College of Agriculture and Food Sciences; King Faisal University; P.O. Box 420; Alhassa; 31982; Saudi Arabia; Cairo University Research Park (CURP); Giza; Cairo; Egypt; Department of Biological and Geological Science; Faculty of Education; Ain Shams University; Cairo; Egypt; Faculty of Biotechnology; October University for Modern Science and Art (MSA); Egypt
Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill is belonging to the family Cactaceae. The chemical composition of the pulp and peel of cactus showed that pulp has high content of proteins, moisture and lipid but low con-tent of total fiber and ash as compared to the peel. The peels of the cactus were considerably higher in fiber than the pulp. The ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of peel have high concentrations of total phenols, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids than the pulp extracts. The ethanolic extract in both pulp and peel gave higher concentrations of phytochemical compounds than the ethyl acetate extract. Therefore, pulp and peel extract has antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against gram positive, negative bacteria and fungus. Also, the percentage of Liver cell line (HepG2), Colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) and Breast cell line (MCF-7) viability was decreased with increasing the concentrations of the ethanolic extract of the pulp and peel cactus (500, 1000, 1500, 2000, 3000 ^g/ml). The most pronounced reduction in the viability of cancer cells was detected after treatment with pulp extract than peel extract. The high concentrations of ethanolic extract of the pulp and peel cactus caused the high reduction in the viability of cancer cells especially in Liver cell line (HepG2). In addition, the phytochemical compound screened by GC-MS method. In this GC-MS analysis, 31 bioactive phytochemical compounds were identified in the pulp of cactus and 27 bioactive compounds were detected in peel extract. These different active phytochemicals have been found to possess a wide range of activities, which may help in the protection against incurable diseases. 2019 Parlar Scientific Publications. All rights resreved.
The potential effect of berberine in mercury-induced hepatorenal toxicity in albino rats
(Elsevier Ltd, 2014) Othman M.S.; Safwat G.; Aboulkhair M.; Abdel Moneim A.E.; Faculty of Biotechnology; October University for Modern Science and Arts (MSA); Giza; Egypt; Zoology and Entomology Department; Faculty of Science; Helwan University; Cairo; Egypt; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department; Asturias Institute of Biotechnology; University of Oviedo; Oviedo; Spain
Mercury (Hg) is the third most dangerous heavy metal after arsenic and lead. Mercury's toxicity brings serious risks to health through negative pathological and biochemical effects. The study was designed to investigate the possible protective role of berberine (BN) in mercuric chloride (HgCl2) induced oxidative stress in hepatic and renal tissues. Adult male albino Wistar rats were exposed to mercuric chloride (HgCl2; 0.4mg/kg bwt) for 7days. Treatment with HgCl2 induced oxidative stress by increasing lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide production along with a concomitant decrease in glutathione and various antioxidant enzymes, namely superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase. HgCl2 intoxication increased the activities of liver enzymes and the bilirubin level, in addition to the levels of urea and creatinine in serum. BN (100mg/kg bwt) treatment inhibited lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide production, whereas it increased glutathione content. Activities of antioxidants enzymes, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase, were also restored concomitantly when compared to control after BN administration. BN also inhibited the apoptotic effect of HgCl2 by increasing the expression of Bcl-2 protein in liver and kidney. Histopathological examination of the liver and kidney tissues proved the protective effect of BN against HgCl2 toxicity. These results demonstrated that BN augments antioxidant defense against HgCl2-induced toxicity and provides evidence that it has therapeutic potential as hepato- and reno-protective agent. � 2014 Elsevier Ltd.
The prognostic significance of the long non-coding RNAs “CCAT1, PVT1” in t(8;21) associated Acute Myeloid Leukemia
(Elsevier B.V., 2019) El-Khazragy N.; Elayat W.; Matbouly S.; Seliman S.; Sami A.; Safwat G.; Diab A.; Clinical Pathology and Hematology Department; Faculty of Medicine; Ain Shams University Biomedical Research Department; P.O. Box 11381; Cairo; Egypt; Department of Medical Biochemistry; Faculty of Medicine; Ain Shams University; Egypt; Department of Pediatrics; Faculty of Medicine; Ain Shams University; Egypt; Faculty of Biotechnology; October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA); Cairo; Egypt
Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) is recently linked to various types of cancers, CCAT and PVT1 are two LncRNAs linked to t(8;21) associated Acute Myeloid Leukemia, the interplay between CCAT, PVT1 and the MYC proto-oncogene implicated in t(8;21) could present an opportunity for using LncRNA as prognostic biomarker or a target for therapy, We investigated the expression levels of LncRNAs in 70 patients; 30 with t(8;21) positive AML and 40 with t(8;21) negative AML, We found that CCAT1 and PVT1 are expressed in higher levels in t(8;21) positive �AML by 5.3 folds compared to t(8;21) negative group; the expression values were significantly associated with high-risk clinical criteria; moreover, they are associated with lower overall survival (OS) rate and leukemia-free survival (LFS), however we didn't find a statistically significant cut-off value of LncRNAs using the Cox regression analysis for Lnc_PVT1 except with LFS, we conclude that high expression levels of CCAT1 and PVT1 are associated with poor prognosis while being poor prognostic biomarkers in t(8;21) associated AML. � 2019 Elsevier B.V.