Faculty of Biotechnology Research Paper

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Novel goose parvovirus in naturally infected ducks suffering from locomotor disorders: molecular detection, histopathological examination, immunohistochemical signals, and full genome sequencing
(Taylor and Francis Ltd, 2024-11-20) Mohamed A. Lebdah; Amal A. M. Eid; Reham M. ElBakrey; Abd Elgalil. El-Gohary; Mohamed R. Mousa; Hagar F. Gouda; Ahmed F. Gad; Sarah S. Helal; Mohamed G. Seadawy
In this study, we investigated the pathological effects of novel goose parvovirus (NGPV) infection on the skeletal muscle, brain, and intestine of naturally affected ducks suffering from locomotor dysfunction as a new approach for a deeper understanding of this clinical form. For this purpose, a total of 97 diseased ducks, representing 24 flocks of different duck breeds (14–75 days old), were clinically examined. In total, 72 tissue pools of intestine, brain, and skeletal muscle samples were submitted for molecular identification. Typical clinical signs among the examined ducks suggested parvovirus infection. Regarding postmortem examination, all examined ducks showed muscle emaciation (100%) either accompanied by congestion (34%) or paleness (66%). Slight congestion, either in the brain (82.5%) or intestine (75.25%), was predominantly detected. Based on molecular identification, the intestine had the highest percentage of positive detection (91.7%), followed by the skeletal muscle (70.8%), and the brain (20.8%). The main histopathological alterations were myofibre atrophy and degeneration, marked enteritis accompanied by lymphocytic infiltration in the lamina propria and submucosa, while the affected brains showed vasculitis, diffuse gliosis, and Purkinje cell degeneration in the cerebellum. Next-generation sequencing further confirmed the presence of a variant strain of goose parvovirus (vGPV) that is globally known as NGPV and closely related to Chinese NGPV isolates. Using immunohistochemistry, the NGPV antigen was positively detected in the muscle fibres, enterocytes, and Purkinje cells in the cerebellum. These findings provided proof of the involvement of virus replication in the locomotor disorders linked to NGPV infection in ducks.
Improving the growth of pea plant by biochar–polyacrylamide association to cope with heavy metal stress under sewage water application in a greenhouse
(Frontiers Media SA, 2024-09-06) Muhammad Naveed; Maryum Fatima; Zainab Naseem; Zulfiqar Ahmad; Abdel-Rhman Z Gaafar; Mubashra Shabbir; Qurrat ul Ain Farooq; Mohamed S. Hodhod; Muhammad Imran Khan; Dua Shahid; Adnan Mustafa
Sewage water is extensively used for irrigation, serving as a valuable resource for plant growth to enhance agricultural productivity. However, this practice also results in a significant accumulation of heavy metals in the soil, posing potential environmental and health risks. A study was designed to evaluate the combined effect of amendments on heavy metal immobilization in soil and improved growth and yield in pea plants. For this, the soil for each treatment was mixed with biochar (BC) (1% w/w), polyacrylamide (PAM) (0.5% w/w), and also applied in combination. Pea plants were irrigated with tap water (TW), sewage water (SW), and tap + sewage water (TW + SW). A factorial design was applied to analyze data statistically. The combined application of the biochar and polymer showed a positive response by significantly enhancing the plant growth parameters (39%–84%), physiological attributes (67%–69%), and reducing Cd (56%) and Cr (65%) concentration in soil applied with SW and TW + SW. Moreover, treatment with a combined application of BC and PAM significantly reduced Cd concentrations by 43% in roots, 50% in shoots, and 91% in grains. Similarly, Cr concentrations were reduced by 51% in roots, 51% in shoots, and 94% in grains compared to the control. Overall, the study results indicate reduced bioaccumulation and health risks associated with potentially toxic elements (PTEs), supporting the application of the polymer and biochar for irrigating pea plants with TW + SW. Leveraging the combined benefits of polymer and biochar amendments appears to be an effective strategy to remediate PTE-contaminated soil, thereby increasing plant growth and yield. Copyright
Synthesis, biological and computational evaluation of benzoxazole hybrid analogs as potential anti-Alzheimer's agents
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2024-09-13) Mohamed S Othman; Rafaqat Hussain; Fazal Rahim; Hayat Ullah; Shoaib Khan; Muhammad Taha; Mohamed A Fareid; Anas T Altaleb; Shimaa M Aboelnaga; Syed Adnan Ali Shah
Aim: Current study aims exploration of bis-benzoxazole bearing bis-Schiff base scaffolds (1–16) as anti-Alzheimer's agents. Materials & methods: 2-aminophenol is used as starting materials which react with different reagents in different step to give us bis-benzoxazole bearing bis-Schiff base analogs. NMR and HREI-MS techniques were used for characterization. All derivatives demonstrated varied range of activities with IC50 values 1.10 ± 0.40–24.50 ± 0.90 μM against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and 1.90 ± 0.70–28.60 ± 0.60 μM against butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) in contrast to donepezil. In both cases, analog-3 was found most potent. Molecular docking explored modes of interactions between scaffolds and receptor sites of targeted enzymes. Conclusion: This study offering promising approach for optimization and development of potent inhibitors of cholinesterase enzymes. © 2024 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Industrially important enzymes of endophytic fungi
(Elsevier, 2024-01-01) Amira M.G. Darwish; Bassem Balbool; Fatma A. Abo Nouh
Endophytic fungi are a promising group of microorganisms that produce plant-associated bioactive metabolites with diverse chemical entities and structural functions including enzymes. Endophytic fungal enzymes have been gradually used in industrial production, and the production of amylase, cellulase, laccase, lipase, protein, xylanase, pectinase, phytase, and phenoxidase has been matured and industrialized. Safety and feasibility are the main keys for selective criteria of these enzymes. The ability of these fungi to produce a wide variety of enzymes makes their possible use in the most diverse fields, such as food, cosmetic, cleaning agents, biofuels, and pharmacy. Enzyme metabolites isolated from endophytic fungi exhibited various pharmacological properties, such as antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic activities. Besides mining the endophytic fungi for novel bioactive compounds and enzymes, new molecular studies that deal with the activation of putative pathways to produce new compounds or enzymes were carried out such as the activation of the silent biosynthetic cluster genes targeting some novel strains using the genetic engineering tools. Endophytic fungi have the ability to cause highly selective catalytic conversion of high-value compounds in an environmentally friendly manner (biotransformation), which can be important for the production of innovative bioactive molecules for food and nutrition, agriculture, and environment. The request for microbial sources is projected to witness significant growth in the near future due to their wide range of food and feed processing applications; consequently, unique endophytes with properties of biosynthesizing will represent future targets of scale-up and therapeutic studies.
Modulation efciency of clove oil nano‑emulsion against genotoxic, oxidative stress, and histological injuries induced via titanium dioxide nanoparticles in mice
(Nature Publishing Group, 2024-12-01) Hanan R. H. Mohamed; Sawsan El‑Shamy; Sherein S.Abdelgayed; RofdaAlbash; Haidan El‑Shorbagy
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) have found wide applications in medical and industrial fields. However, the toxic effect of various tissues is still under study. In this study, we evaluated the toxic effect of TiO2-NP on stomach, liver, and kidney tissues and the amelioration effect of clove oil nanoemulsion (CLV-NE) against DNA damage, oxidative stress, pathological changes, and the apoptotic effect of TiO2-NPs. Four groups of male mice were subjected to oral treatment for five consecutive days including, the control group, the group treated with TiO2-NPs (50 mg/kg), the group treated with (CLV-NE) (5% of the MTD), and the group treated with TiO2-NPs plus CLV-NE. The results revealed that the treatment with TiO2-NPs significantly caused DNA damage in the liver, stomach, and kidney tissues due to increased ROS as indicated by the reduction of the antioxidant activity of SOD and Gpx and increased MDA level. Further, abnormal histological signs and apoptotic effect confirmed by the significant elevation of p53 expression were reported after TiO2-NPs administration. The present data reported a significant improvement in the previous parameters after treatment with CLV-NE. These results showed the collaborative effect of the oils and the extra role of nanoemulsion in enhancing antioxidant effectiveness that enhances its disperse-ability and further promotes its controlled release. One could conclude that CLV-NE is safe and can be used as a powerful antioxidative agent to assess the toxic effects of the acute use of TiO2-NPs.
Energy content of plant organs and population cohorts in Moringa peregrina: concepts for species conservation management in arid regions
(Egyptian Academy of Science and Technology, 2024-12-01) Ahmad K. Hegazy; Mohammad K. Okla; Zahra S. Husein
Conservation management and sustainable use of Moringa peregrina are needed to overcome overexploitation coupled with potential environmental changes. This study demonstrates the energy dynamics of M. peregrina, how stored energy influences species persistence amidst environmental challenges, and the importance of energy reserves in the resilience of the species population. Field, greenhouse, and lab experiments were conducted at the levels of population cohorts, plant organs, seeds, and seedlings to demonstrate the relationship between energy content and the persistence of the species. Seedlings and juveniles stored around 12,000 joule/g in roots, while uncoppiced adults stored about 9,000 joule/g in stems, and coppiced adults stored 1,800-4,000 joule/g in lignotubers. In adult trees, the number of sprouting stems is correlated with the energy content in lignotubers. Over the ten years of seed storage, a rapid rate of energy depletion was observed, ranging from 16,821 to 5,059 joule/g, which is associated with decreased germination and viability. The energy content in two-month-old seedlings varied from 240 to 800 joule/seedlings under 200 and 800 mm rainfall, respectively. The unstable population structure could be ascribed to the depletion of stored energy in lignotubers following uncontrolled coppicing and the rapid depletion of seed energy, which hinders the population resilience.
Molecular variations and photosynthetic pigment content of Avicennia marina growing in subtropical habitat types
(Egyptian Academy of Science and Technology, 2024-12-01) Samar S. Marae; Ahmad K. Hegazy; Merit Rostom; Zahra S. Hussein; Hossam E. A. Awad
Mangrove habitats are important ecosystems for their ecological value, and goods and services they offer. These costal habitats are currently vulnerable due to excessive human activities. The black mangrove Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh. (Avicenniaceae) populations growing in Nabq protected area represents the northernmost latitudinal limit of the Indo-Pacific-East African naturally growing mangrove forests. In this study, nine A. marina populations inhabiting Gulf of Aqaba were studied to assess the genetic relationship among the populations by Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) and Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) as DNA Markers. Variations of photosynthetic pigment content were assessed in the populations growing in different habitat types. The numbers of polymorphic bands were 18 and 6 for SCoT and ISSR, respectively. The percentage of polymorphism showed wide range amounted to 40.9 for SCoT and 25 for ISSR, while the number of amplicon bands ranged from 8–10 in SCoT and 2-9 in ISSR. The genetic relationships among populations using SCoT and ISSR analysis showed close relationship between the nearby but different habitat type populations such as sand mound and littoral populations, or between populations of same habitat types in the study region. The photosynthetic pigment content of chlorophyll a and b, and carotenoids in the littoral and intertidal populations were higher than that in the sand mound and salt plain populations. Populations inhabiting Nabq protected area have wide range of polymorphism among different habitat types. Further studies are required to investigate the genetic relationships among populations of A. marina inhabiting the eastern and western sides of the Red Sea.
Evaluation of Vincamine Loaded with Silver Nanoparticles as a New Potential Therapeutic Agent Against Ehrlich’s Solid Carcinoma in Mice
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2024-11-01) Naief Dahran; Mohamed S. Othman; Mohamed E. Ghoniem; Mai A. Samak; Mohamed T. Elabbasy; Sofian T. Obeidat; Ghada M. Aleid; Shimaa Abo Elnaga; Azza M. Khaled; Aya A. Altaleb; Ahmed E. Abdel Moneim
Vincamine, a monoterpenoid indole alkaloid with vasodilatory properties, is extracted from the leaves of Vinca minor. The present study aimed to determine the potential anticancer effects of vincamine loaded in silver nanoparticles (VCN-AgNPs) in mice with Ehrlich solid carcinoma (ESC). After tumor transplantation, the mice were divided into five groups: ESC, ESC+Cisplatin (CPN; 5 mg/kg), ESC+VCN (40 mg/kg), ESC+AgNPs (6 mg/kg), and ESC+VCN-AgNPs (20 mg/kg). The administration of VCN-AgNPs to ESC-bearing mice improved their survival rate and reduced their body weight, tumor size, and tumor weight compared to the ESC group. Furthermore, VCN-AgNPs intensified oxidative stress in tumor tissues, as evidenced by elevated levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and nitric oxide (NO), along with a reduction in the levels of the antioxidants investigated (GSH, GPx, GR, SOD, CAT, and TAC). Furthermore, VCN-AgNPs increased the apoptotic proteins Bax and caspase-3, decreased the anti-apoptotic protein (Bcl-2), increased the inflammatory markers TNF-α and IL-1β, and inhibited angiogenesis by lowering VEGF levels in tumor tissues, all of which led to apoptosis. Furthermore, histopathological studies showed that VCN-AgNPs suppressed the progression of Ehrlich carcinoma and induced the formation of clusters of necrotic and fragmented tumor cells. VCN-AgNPs possess cytotoxic and genotoxic effects against ESC because of their pro-oxidant, pro-apoptotic, pro-inflammatory, and antiangiogenic effects. Additionally, the combination of VCN-AgNPs was more effective and safer than chemically synthesized AgNPs, as indicated by an increase in the lifespan of animals and the total tumor inhibition index.
Explore the physical properties of the synthesized UiO-66, Zn-BiOBr, and Zn-BiOBr/UiO-66 heterostructures for optical applications
(Elsevier B.V., 2025-01-05) A. Farid; Hassan Nageh; T.S. Soliman; A. Khalid; Nour Marwan; Mohamed Taha
The Zn-BiOBr/UiO-66 Heterostructures were prepared using a simple wet chemical method. Three heterostructures were prepared by varying the weight percentage of UiO-66 to Zn-BiOBr. The prepared materials' chemical compositions and phase structure were investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Furthermore, the morphology was investigated via Field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and elemental mapping techniques. The optical features were analyzed through UV–vis spectrophotometry. The bandgap energy was calculated using the Tauc equation and was found 4.24 eV for UiO66 and 2.17 eV for the ZnBiOBr composite. After combining the ZnBiOBr composite with the UiO66 material the bandgap energy of the composite decreased to 4.07, 3.94, and 3.75 eV after doping 10 %, 20 %, and 30 % UiO-66, respectively. Additionally, the refractive index of the Zn-BiOBr/UiO-66 heterostructure increases from 2.1520 for the UiO-66 composite to about 2.1929, 2.2254, and 2.2748 for 10, 20, and 30 % UiO66. Moreover, an enhancement was observed for other optical parameters like electronegativity, metallization, and optical conductivity. Besides, the W-DD model was used to investigate the nonlinear optical parameters, which showed an improvement in the first- and third-order nonlinear optical susceptibility, and nonlinear refractive index values with increasing UiO-66 content in the composite matrix.
Modeling climate‑related global risk maps of rice bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonas oryzae (Ishiyama 1922) using geographical information system (GIS)
(Springer Nature, 2024-10-17) Sameh M. H. Khalaf; Monerah S. M. Alqahtani; Mohamed R. M. Ali; Ibrahim T. I. Abdelalim; Mohamed S. Hodhod
Rice is a critical staple crop that feeds more than half of the world’s population. Still, its production confronts various biotic risks, notably the severe bacterial blight disease produced by Xanthomonas oryzae. Understanding the possible effects of climate change on the geographic distribution of this virus is critical to ensuring food security. This work used ecological niche modeling and the Maxent algorithm to create future risk maps for the range of X. oryzae under several climate change scenarios between 2050 and 2070. The model was trained using 93 occurrence records of X. oryzae and five critical bioclimatic variables. It has an excellent predictive performance, with an AUC of 0.889. The results show that X. oryzae’s potential geographic range and habitat suitability are expected to increase significantly under low (RCP2.6) and high (RCP8.5) emission scenarios. Key climatic drivers allowing this development include increased yearly precipitation, precipitation during the wettest quarter, and the wettest quarter’s mean temperature. These findings are consistent with broader research revealing that climate change is allowing many plant diseases and other dangerous microbes to spread across the globe. Integrating these spatial predictions with data on host susceptibility, agricultural practices, and socioeconomic vulnerabilities can help to improve targeted surveillance, preventative, and management methods for reducing the growing threat of bacterial blight to rice production. Proactive, multidisciplinary efforts to manage the changing disease dynamics caused by climate change will be critical to assuring global food security in the future decades.
Significance of CD70, VEGF and CD90 Immunohistochemical Expression in Colorectal Cancer
(Asian Pacific Organization for Cancer Prevention, 2024-10-01) Tarek Aboushousha; Merna Osama; Merna Mohamed; Yasmine Khaled; Hesham A Elmeligy; Yousra Ossama
Background: Colorectal cancer is the 4th most reported reason for cancer death worldwide. It is a complex and multifaceted disease with diverse histopathological manifestations. CD70 is present on activated immune cells and is upregulated in patients who have finished adjuvant therapy. VEGF controls angiogenesis and demonstrates immuno-regulatory characteristics that inhibit the anticancer activity of immune cells. CD90 is an extracellular cancer stem cell marker and regulates apoptosis, cell migration, and T cell activation. Aim of work: to elucidate the prognostic potential of a combined immunohistochemical assessment of CD70, VEGF, and CD90 biomarkers in colorectal cancer tissues. Materials and methods: Our study is a retrospective study done on 70 paraffin blocks (45 colorectal carcinoma cases and 11 adenomas, along with 14 cases of colitis serving as controls) were subjected to conventional Hematoxylin and Eosin stain for routine histopathological assessment and immunohistochemical staining for CD70, VEGF and CD90. Our investigation focused on evaluating the expression of CD70, VEGF, and CD90 in various colorectal tissues, including colitis, adenomas, and adenocarcinomas, as well as different grades of adenocarcinoma tissues, different stages of tumor invasiveness, and lymph node status. Results: Our research revealed distinctive expression patterns of CD70, VEGF, and CD90 across different stages and grades of colorectal cancer. Conclusion: our research signifies the potential clinical utility of the CD70, VEGF, and CD90 triad as prognostic markers in colorectal cancer. The combined analysis of these markers emerged as a potent prognostic tool, offering valuable insights into disease progression. Our research showed that epithelial CD90 is the most sensitive marker for both tumor stage and lymph node status. CD70 and VEGF showed a statistically significant relation with lymph node status only and not with tumor stage.
Preparation of bee venom-loaded chitosan nanoparticles for treatment of streptozotocin-induced diabetes in male Sprague Dawley rats
(Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 2024) Alyaa Farid; Adham Mohamed; Ayten Ahmed; Farah Mehanny; Gehan Safwat
Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) can be defned as an increase in the blood sugar level and a disturbance in protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism. Bee venom (BV) is useful for treating and preventing diabetic rats’ histological and biochemical problems. Although the medical advantages of BV have been identifed, its safety has remained a substantial barrier for its application. Consequently, the goal of our work was to prepare bee venom-loaded chitosan (BV-CS) nanoparticles (NPs), which would then be physically characterized. This was followed by examining the efect of the synthetized BV-CS NPs on oxidation, infammation and coagulation in vitro. In diabetic rats’ model [induced by streptozotocin (STZ)], the produced BV-CS NPs were tested as an anti-diabetic medication. Results In vivo testing on pancreatic tissue homogenates showed that BV-CS NPs have antioxidant and antiinfammatory properties. The results showed that BV-CS NPs can be used as a safe and efcient therapy for diabetes. Up to a concentration of 250 µg/ml, the generated NPs demonstrated potential antioxidant, membrane stabilizing, and non-cytotoxic capabilities. Our fndings indicated that the administration of BV-CS NPs signifcantly controlled blood glucose levels and metabolic abnormalities that accompanied diabetes induction. Conclusions BV-CS NPs were successful in treating STZ-induced diabetes in rats, stimulated insulin secretion and were safe to be used in vivo. Key points 1. BV-CS NPs demonstrated potential in vitro antioxidant and non-cytotoxic capabilities. 2. BV-CS NPs increased insulin secretion and decreased blood sugar level. 3. BV-CS NPs reduced oxidative stress and infammation in vivo.
Metabolic Shift and Hyperosmolarity Underlie Age-Related Macular Degeneration
(MDPI, 2024-09-20) Laurent Schwartz; Jules Schwartz; Marc Henry; Ashraf Bakkar
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is both a poorly understood and devastating disease. Here, we analyze the physico-chemical forces at stake, including osmolarity, redox shift, and pressure due to inflammation. Hyperosmolarity plays a key role in diseases of the anterior segment of the eye such as glaucoma, cataracts or dry eyes, and corneal ulceration. However, its role in macular degeneration has been largely overlooked. Hyperosmolarity is responsible for metabolic shifts such as aerobic glycolysis which increases lactate secretion by Muller cells. Increased osmolarity will also cause neoangiogenesis and cell death. Because of its unique energetic demands, the macula is very sensitive to metabolic shifts. As a proof of concept, subretinal injection of drugs increasing hyperosmolarity such as polyethylene glycol causes neoangiogenesis and drusen-like structures in rodents. The link between AMD and hyperosmolarity is reinforced by the fact that treatments aiming to restore mitochondrial activity, such as lipoic acid and/or methylene blue, have been experimentally shown to be effective. We suggest that metabolic shift, inflammation, and hyperosmolarity are hallmarks in the pathogenesis and treatment of AMD.
Evaluation of insulin-like growth factor-1 in apparently healthy infants and prepubertal Egyptian children with different nutritional statuses
(BMC Pediatrics, 2024) Hanan Mina Fouad; Amal Ahmed Mohamed; Nashwa Adel; Mohamed Abdulhay; Iman Khalifa; Randa Ibrahim; Naglaa Elsalway; Ghada Maher Thabet; Karima Nasraldin; Ingy Maher El-Hefny; Marwa S. Abd Elraouf; Dalia Ghareeb
Objectives to estimate insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels in apparently healthy infants and prepubertal children and compare results among different nutritional statuses. Methods Our cross-sectional work is a sub-study of a screening project for anemia and nutritional status. We included 252 apparently healthy infants and children with a mean age of 3.7 ± 1.3 years (1.1–6.6), with equal gender distribution. Data retrieved included breastfeeding and anthropometric measures. We tested the stored blood samples for IGF-1 levels. The sample size was reached when all kits were consumed. Results abnormal anthropometric measures were detected in 32.9%, either a single or multiple, and 86.5% were breastfed. Girls had significantly higher serum IGF-1 levels than boys (P: <0.001), which was noticeable in girls with abnormal nutritional status detected with anthropometry. Breastfeeding showed no significant association with IGF-1 levels. No significant difference was observed between IGF-1 levels between children with normal versus those with abnormal growth measures. Children with overweight or obesity had significantly lower IGF-1 than children with other body mass index (BMI) categories. Serum IGF-1 levels correlated positively with arm muscle area Z scores in infants and toddlers and weight and BMI Z scores in children between three and four. Also, IGF-1 correlated positively with the triceps skinfold Z score and arm muscle area Z score between four and five. Conclusions Among studied infants and prepubertal children, serum IGF-1 was significantly higher in girls than boys and was considerably lower in children with overweight or obesity. Breastfeeding showed no association with IGF-1 levels.
The MiR-200c/FOXP3 Network: A Promising Biomarker for Predicting Trastuzumab Response in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
(Sage: Technology in Cancer Research & Treatment, 2023-10) Mohamed S. Othman,; Mohamed Tharwat Elabbasy,; Ahmed M. Aref,; Aya A. Altaleb; Marwa Hamdy Mohammed,; Doaa Atef Mohamed Soliman,; Nashwa El-Khazragy,
Purpose: Resistance to Trastuzumab is a significant challenge in the management of HER2-positive Metastatic Breast cancer (HER2-MBC), and a better understanding of the molecular causes of resistance is required to develop more effective treatment plans. While elevated plasma levels of miR-200 and FOXP3 have been linked to breast cancer progression and treatment response, no clinical studies have confirmed these results. Methods: The study involved 40 patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (HER2-MBC). The expression levels of miR-200c-3p and the FOXP3 gene were assessed in plasma samples at two time points: baseline (BL) and after the consent completion of one cycle of Trastuzumab, utilizing quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Clinical response to Trastuzumab was evaluated 12 months post-therapy and correlated with the time to progression (TTP) through Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: Low plasma expression level of miR-200c-3p was detected before therapy in HER2-MBC, compared to healthy controls, and decreased dramatically in the follow-up sample at disease progression, while increased after one cycle of Trastuzumab therapy in patients who were sensitive to Trastuzumab. At baseline, a low expression level of miR-200c was significantly associated with overexpression of FOXP3, poor prognosis, and shorter time to progression. Conclusions: The findings suggest that miR-200c-3p may be a promising biomarker for predicting the response to Trastuzumab in HER2-MBC patients.
β‑glucan nanoparticles alleviate acute asthma by suppressing ferroptosis and DNA damage in mice
(Apoptosis : an international journal on programmed cell death , 2024-09-21) Bassam W. Ebeed; Islam Ahmed Abdelmawgood; Mohamed A. Kotb; Noha A. Mahana; Ayman Saber Mohamed; Marwa A. Ramadan; Abeer Mahmoud Badr; Manar Nasr; Osama Mohsen Qurani; Reem Mohamed Hamdy; Nada Yasser Abd El‑Hakiem; Mariam Khaled Fahim; Mariam Morris Fekry; Jehane I. Eid
Asthma is a severe respiratory disease marked by airway inflammation, remodeling, and oxidative stress. β-Glucan (BG), a polysaccharide constituent of fungal cellular structures, exhibits potent immunomodulatory activities. The investigational focus was on the anti-asthmatic and anti-ferroptotic properties of beta-glucan nanoparticles (BG-NPs) in a murine model of allergic asthma induced by ovalbumin (OVA). BG was extracted from Chaga mushrooms (Inonotus obliquus), and its BGNPs were characterized utilizing techniques including FT-IR, UV visible spectroscopy, zeta potential analysis, DLS, XRD, and TEM. The Balb/C mice were allocated into five groups: control, untreated asthmatic, dexamethasone (Dexa)-treated (1 mg/kg), BG-treated (100 mg/kg), BG-NPs-treated (45 mg/kg), and BG-treated (100 mg/kg). Treatment with BG-NPs markedly diminished the entry of inflammatory cells into the respiratory passage, serum IgE concentrations, DNA damage, and markers of oxidative stress through the reduction of malonaldehyde (MDA) levels and enhancing the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). Furthermore, BG-NPs reduced iron deposition and promoted the transcriptional activity of the GPx4 gene in pulmonary cells, attenuating ferroptosis. The results demonstrated that BG-NPs reduced asthma by inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, and ferroptosis. Our results suggest that BG-NPs could be used as potential treatments for allergic asthma.
Chromosomal instability: a key driver in glioma pathogenesis and progression
(BioMed Central Ltd, 2024-09) Mazzoleni, Adele; Awuah, Wireko Andrew; Sanker, Vivek; Bharadwaj, Hareesha Rishab; Aderinto, Nicholas; Tan, Joecelyn Kirani; Huang, Helen Ye Rim; Poornaselvan, Jeisun; Shah, Muhammad Hamza; Atallah, Oday; Tawfk, Aya; Elmanzalawi, Mohamed Elsayed Abdelmeguid Elsayed; Ghozlan, Sama Hesham; Abdul‑Rahman, Toufk; Moyondafoluwa, Jeremiah Adepoju; Alexiou, Athanasios; Papadakis, Marios
Chromosomal instability (CIN) is a pivotal factor in gliomas, contributing to their complexity, progression, and thera‑ peutic challenges. CIN, characterized by frequent genomic alterations during mitosis, leads to genetic abnormali‑ ties and impacts cellular functions. This instability results from various factors, including replication errors and toxic compounds. While CIN’s role is well documented in cancers like ovarian cancer, its implications for gliomas are increasingly recognized. CIN infuences glioma progression by afecting key oncological pathways, such as tumor sup‑ pressor genes (e.g., TP53), oncogenes (e.g., EGFR), and DNA repair mechanisms. It drives tumor evolution, promotes infammatory signaling, and afects immune interactions, potentially leading to poor clinical outcomes and treatment resistance. This review examines CIN’s impact on gliomas through a narrative approach, analyzing data from Pub‑ Med/Medline, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Scopus. It highlights CIN’s role across glioma subtypes, from adult glioblastomas and astrocytomas to pediatric oligodendrogliomas and astrocytomas. Key fndings include CIN’s efect on tumor heterogeneity and its potential as a biomarker for early detection and monitoring. Emerging therapies tar‑ geting CIN, such as those modulating tumor mutation burden and DNA damage response pathways, show promise but face challenges. The review underscores the need for integrated therapeutic strategies and improved bioinfor‑ matics tools like CINdex to advance understanding and treatment of gliomas. Future research should focus on com‑ bining CIN-targeted therapies with immune modulation and personalized medicine to enhance patient outcomes.
Editorial: Inflammatory tumor microenvironment: role of cytokines and virokines in breast cancer progression and metastasis
(Frontiers Media SA, 2024-06) Mohamed, Hossam Taha; El-Shinawi, Mohamed; Mohamed, Mona Mostafa
Various factors contributing to breast cancer progression and metastasis (Feng et al., 2018; Park et al., 2022). One of these factors is the presence of inflammatory tumor microenvironment (TME), which composed of cellular components (e.g., cancer cells, immune cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, mast cells) and non-cellular components (e.g., extracellular matrix proteins, cytokines, chemokines, signal molecules), and it differs significantly from the normal tissue microenvironment in terms of low vascular density, hypoxia, weak acidity, and reducibility (Zarrilli et al., 2020). Breast cancer cells control the function of TME components via the expression of cytokines that can increase selfproliferation, growth, and treatment resistance in an autocrine form, and encourage recruitment, activation, and differentiation of other cells in the TME in a paracrine approach as IL-6, IL-8, and even VEGF (Malla and Kiran, 2022; Nengroo et al., 2022; Habanjar et al., 2023).
Enhancing Zea mays L. seedling growth with He - Ne laser-irradiated Alcaligenes sp. E1 to mitigate salinity stress
(Elsevier B.V, 2024-08) Ouf, Salama A; El-Amriti, Fawkia A; El-Yasergy, Khaled F; Abu-Elghait, Mohammed; El-Hussein, Ahmed; Mohamed, Mahmoud S.M
Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are a beneficial strategy to improve agriculture and mitigate abiotic stress. To increase the efficacy of this approach, the utilization of He[sbnd]Ne laser radiation (L) and methylene blue (MB) as photosensitizer is commonly suggested. This study evaluated the role of the IAA-producing rhizobacterial strain Alcaligenes sp. E1 on maize growth under salt stress (150 mM NaCl) with the application of laser and methylene blue. The results showed that treatment of Alcaligenes sp. E1 with red laser and methylene blue exhibited a maximum increase in shoot length (44 %), root length (49 %), fresh weight (34 %), dry weight (45.6 %), chlorophyll a (51 %), and carotenoids (71 %) over the stressed control. In addition, it demonstrated more activity to antioxidant activities (SOD, CAT, GSH, and TAC) and limited oxidative damage resulting from ROS formation. In conclusion, Alcaligenes sp. has a good ability to stimulate maize growth when applied with laser radiation and photosensitizer under normal and saline conditions. Thus, we propose that red laser and photosensitizer will have promising applications in crop biostimulation and sustainable agriculture.
Adaptive Mechanisms During the Recovery of Tolerant and Sensitive Local Grape Genotypes Subjected to Salt Stress
(Universidad del Zulia, 2024-08) Mahmoud, Rania; Ashry, Fouad; Shallan, Roqaya
Utilization of distinct genetic resources is an auspicious prospective strategy to combat adverse impacts of salinity, which is expected to get worse under climate change conditions, for maintaining grape production and quality. This research aims to study the adaptive mechanisms during the recovery of tolerant and sensitive salt-stressed local grape genotypes on the bases of biochemical, anatomical and gene expression responses. Transplants of three Egyptian grapes (Vitis vinifera); Baltim Eswid, Romy Ahmer and Romy Abiad, were exposed to sodium chloride-induced salt stress of 2.28 and 3.75 mS compared to 695 µS water-irrigated control for two months, then all plants were irrigated with tap water for additional one month for recovery. Recovered Baltim Eswid cultivar following the highest saline treatment gave maximum survival percentage (100 %), while Romy Abiad recorded the lowest rate (40 %). Suggested adaptive mechanisms include: damage reduction caused by salinity-related oxidative stress, osmotic adjustment, and perform structural modifications that allow protection. It was concluded that, Blatim Eswid is a superior salt-tolerant local grape genotype, while Romy Abiad is the most sensitive as affected mostly by oxidative stress represented by a significant increment of hydrogen peroxide content.

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