Faculty of Biotechnology Research Paper

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Gamma radiation-assisted synthesis of tea tree oil-based chitosan films for active packaging applications
(John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 2025-04-13) Asmaa Sayed; Manar E. Abdel-Raouf; Mikhail Magdy; Ghada A. Mahmoud
Sustainable packaging materials with inherent antimicrobial and antioxidant properties are increasingly demanded for food preservation. In this study, chitosan/polyacrylamide/tea tree oil (CS/PAAm/TTO) films were developed via gamma irradiation, varying both the irradiation dose (10–50 kGy) and the TTO concentration (25–100 μL) to attain an optimized formulation with superior performance. In this regard, the optimization was accomplished via atomic force microscopy (AFM) through assessing the surface morphologies of the films prepared at different irradiation doses, which identified 30 kGy as the optimal irradiation dose for TTO incorporation. On the other hand, comprehensive characterizations using Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and contact angle measurements revealed that increasing the irradiation dose and TTO content enhanced hydrophobicity and improved mechanical properties. More specifically, the contact angle increased significantly at higher TTO levels, indicating an increased surface hydrophobicity, while tensile tests demonstrated improved flexibility. In addition, antimicrobial assays confirmed the efficacy of the films against a range of pathogens, and the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl assay indicated notable antioxidant activity, with an IC50 value of 111.45 μg/mL for the optimized formulation. These findings underscore the potential of the developed biofilms as advanced, multifunctional packaging materials, offering a promising environmentally friendly alternative to conventional packaging for food preservation.
Synthesis, structural characterization, in vitro biological evaluation and in silico molecular docking of some new 1,2,3-Benzotriazole-based Schiff base derivatives
(Elsevier B.V, 2025-04-09) Shawkat Hayat; Mohamed S. Othman; Hayat Ullah; Amina Qureshi; Fazal Rahim; Sadiqa Begum; Mohsan Nawaz; Abdul Wadood; Amal H. Al-Bagawi; Ahmed M. Aref; Mohamed A. Fareid; Rashid Iqbal
1,2,3-benzotriazole-based Schiff base derivatives were synthesized, characterized through different techniques such as 1 HNMR, 13CNMR, and HREI-MS, and screened against the alpha-glucosidase enzyme. All the synthesized analogues showed good inhibitory potentials with IC50 values ranging from 2.20 ± 0.30 μM to 24.40 ± 0.10 μM as compared to the standard drug acarbose (IC50 = 10.30 ± 0.20 μM). The most potent analogues among the series are 3 (IC50 = 4.30 ± 0.20 μM), 8 (IC50 = 9.40 ± 0.10), 9 (IC50 = 6.20 ± 0.40), 10 (IC50 = 6.60 ± 0.20), 11 (IC50 = 6.10 ± 0.30), 12 (IC50 = 4.70 ± 0.50 μM), 13 (IC50 = 2.20 ± 0.30 μM), 14 (IC50 = 4.30 ± 0.20 μM), and 16 (IC50 = 7.40 ± 0.20), which were found manyfold more active than the standard drug acarbose. A structureactivity relationship study was established that significantly depends on the position, nature, number, and electron-donating/withdrawing effect of the substituent(s) attached to the phenyl ring. We conducted molecular docking studies to investigate the binding interaction of the most potent analogues with the active site of an enzyme.
Modulating Effect of Green Tea and Vitamin C in the Management of “Alzheimer's disease: Oxidative Stress, Cell-Based Anti-Inflammatory and Genotoxic Profiles
(NIDOC (Nat.Inform.Document.Centre), 2025-04-16) Salwa M. El-Hallouty; khaled Mahmoud; Mahmoud Kh. Hanafy; Eman Ayman Abdellatef; Elham M.Youssef
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder. Green tea (GT) and vitamin C are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aims to investigate the potential oxidative stress, cell-based anti-inflammatory and genotoxic Profiles for synergistic effect of green tea and vitamin c against to Alzheimer's disease. In vitro assessments included their several antioxidant parameters and ability to inhibit inflammatory markers such as nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and matrix metallopeptidase 1(MPP1) in lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophages. In vivo approach evaluated genotoxicity and their potential neurotherapy against Alzheimer's disease using a rat model. Behavioral, biochemical, and histological evaluations were conducted. Green tea methanolic extract (GTME) and vitamin C showed enhanced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory modulator activities. The neurotoxicity rat’s model exhibited cognitive decline and brain injury in contrast to the control group. While treated rats with GTME and vitamin C exhibited improved cognitive function, behavior and reduced AChE levels the combination exerted a significantly more potent effect. Histological analysis confirmed improved brain tissue structure in rats receiving the combined treatment. Crucially, neither compound exhibited genotoxic properties. The combination of GTME and vitamin C demonstrated a promising therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative diseases due to their synergistic effects.
Potent cytotoxicity and induction of ROS‑mediated genomic instability, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis by Y2O3 NPs in Hep‑G2 hepatic cancer cells
(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2025-04-10) Hanan R. H. Mohamed; Rawan Essam; Basma A. Mohamed; George M. Hakeem; Shahd H. Elnawasani; Maria Nagy; Gehan Safwat; Ayman Diab
Hepatic cancer, one of the most prevalent and lethal cancers globally, remains a signifcant health challenge, with limited treatment options underscoring the urgent need for novel, more efective therapies. Yttrium oxide nanoparticles (Y2O3 NPs) have attracted attention in nanomedicine due to their promising properties, including enhanced drug delivery, imaging capabilities, and therapeutic efects. However, the specifc impact of Y2O3 NPs on hepatic cancer is largely unexplored. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the cytotoxic efects of Y2O3 NPs on cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, genomic stability, mitochondrial integrity, and apoptosis induction in Hep-G2 hepatic cancer cells. The results from the SRB cytotoxicity assay demonstrated a strong concentration-dependent decrease in Hep-G2 cell viability, with a notably low half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 13.15 µg/ml. Exposure to the IC50 concentration of Y2O3 NPs led to increased ROS generation, DNA damage induction, and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Furthermore, the expression of pro-apoptotic p53 and mitochondrial ND3 genes was signifcantly upregulated, while the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 gene was markedly downregulated, triggering apoptosis in Hep-G2 cells after 72 h of exposure to Y2O3 NPs. Collectively, these fndings highlight the therapeutic potential of Y2O3 NPs in hepatic cancer, emphasizing the need for further research to fully explore their efcacy as a treatment option for liver cancer
Towards propagation of epidermal cells for wound repair: glass, as cell culture substrate, enhances proliferation and migration of human keratinocytes
(Frontiers Media SA, 2025-03-20) Hady Shahin; Ingrid Steinvall; Folke Sjöberg; Moustafa Elmasry; Ahmed El-Serafi
Introduction: Human keratinocytes require relatively long propagation time which impedes their availability as autologous cell transplantation within a clinically reasonable timeframe. There is an unmet need for efficient xenofree cell expansion approaches to propagate human keratinocytes as regenerative therapy. Methods: Primary human keratinocytes and HaCaT cells were cultured on glass, plastic, and animal-derived collagen I matrix for 10 days. Proliferation, migration, DNA methylation, as well as gene and protein expression were assessed to characterize the effect of the tested culture substrates on keratinocytes at the molecular and functional levels. Results: Keratinocytes cultured on glass exhibited faster proliferation, global DNA demethylation and upregulation of epidermal differentiation markers. Scratch wound assay revealed that keratinocytes cultured on glass demonstrated enhanced cell migration compared to those on plastic or collagen I. Multiplex immunoassays identified temporal and substrate-dependent variations in a panel of keratinocyte-specific secreted factors, encompassing immunomodulatory cytokines, growth factors, and angiogenic factors. Discussion: Glass, as a culture substrate, promotes epidermal differentiation and enhances keratinocyte migration. The latter is a critical factor in reepithelialization and wound healing. Functional properties suggest that glass may optimize the inflammatory response and promote efficient wound repair, making it a promising candidate for the short-term expansion of keratinocytes for transplantation purposes. Further in-vivo validation is required to definitively establish the efficacy of keratinocytes cultured on glass for clinical applications.
EXT1 as an Independent Prognostic Biomarker in Breast Cancer: Its Correlation with Immune Infiltration and Clinicopathological Parameters
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2025-03-13) Amira Hossny; Hatem A. F. M. Hassan; Sherif Ashraf Fahmy; Hazem Abdelazim; Mahmoud Mohamed Kamel; Ahmed H. Osman; Sherif Abdelaziz Ibrahim
Exostosin 1 (EXT1) encodes a type II transmembrane glycosyltransferase residing in the endoplasmic reticulum and plays an essential role in the elongation of heparan sulfate chain biosynthesis. Additionally, EXT1 may act as an oncogene that could promote cell proliferation as well as cancer cell metastasis. Herein, we investigated EXT1’s expression pattern and prognostic value in breast cancer, along with its immunological implications. Immunohistochemical staining of EXT1 was assessed in 85 breast cancer patients. Patients were categorized into molecular subtypes, namely luminal A, luminal B, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), along with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Correlations of EXT1 immunostaining with clinicopathological parameters were evaluated. Furthermore, the correlations of EXT1 expression with tumor immune infiltration and immune cell surface markers were assessed using TIMER. Moreover, survival analysis was conducted to reveal EXT1’s prognostic value. EXT1 expression was markedly associated with the status of the estrogen receptor (ER), molecular subtypes, and recurrence status. In addition, high levels of EXT1 expression were associated with worse overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS). Analysis of immune infiltration indicated that EXT1 expression was positively correlated with dendritic cells (DCs), macrophages, neutrophils, CD4+ T cells, and CD8+ T cells, although it showed a negative correlation with the tumor purity. Overall, this study suggests that the elevated EXT1 expression, particularly in TNBC, has a positive correlation with poor prognosis and with immune-infiltrated cells in breast cancer. Therefore, it may emerge as an independent prognostic biomarker, immunological marker, and potential future therapeutic target for the most aggressive TNBC subtype.
Extraction of grape seeds by different solvents affects the activities of the resultant extract
(Springer Open, 2025-03-19) Kareem Tarek; Alyaa Farid; Gehan Safwat
Phenolic compounds are concentrated in grape seeds; 60–70% of the extractable grape phenols are found in the seeds. The focus of this research was to isolate the phytochemicals from grape seed and to determine their ability to prevent haemolysis, their antioxidant and microbiological activities. By using the extraction procedure, three solvents were used (distilled water, ethanol and methanol). A high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) test was performed to analyse the phenolic compounds and flavonoids content that were used to determine the efficiency of the various solvents used in the extraction process. All the variables under study, namely yield percentage, phenolic component concentration, and flavonoid content got significantly affected by the choice of the solvent used. The flavonoid content of the extracts was in the order methanolic extract>ethanolic extract>water extract. The methanolic extract of the grape seeds exhibited the most powerful antioxidant and hemolysis inhibitory effects among the three extracts, followed by the ethanolic and water extracts. The antibacterial activity of methanolic extract was found to be higher as compared to the ethanolic extract against Staphylococcus aureus. The antibacterial activity of the ethanolic and methanolic extracts against Salmonella enteritidis, Bacillus subtilis, Aspergillus niger and Escherichia coli were found to be equivalent. In conclusion, grape seeds contained several bioactive compounds that exerted an antioxidant, hemolysis inhibition and anti-microbial activities. These activities depends on the concentration of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in the grape seed extracts. Methanol was the superior solvent in the extraction process followed by ethanol.
Resilient STR loci under gamma radiation: A preliminary study on DNA stability in buccal swabs
(Elsevier Ltd, 2025-03-06) Amani Kraishan; Ahmad M. Refaat; Jenan A. Almhaini; Alaa Saeed Bazuhair; Saeed M. Al-Qahtani; Marwan A. Althomali; Hatem Al-Ameryeen; Ali H. Alomari; Abdul-Wali Ajlouni
This study explores how gamma radiation affects DNA concentration and the stability of autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) markers in buccal swab samples. A total of 160 swabs from 20 volunteers were exposed to therapeutic radiation doses ranging from 1 to 80 Gy. The results revealed a clear dose-dependent decrease in DNA concentration, indicating significant DNA damage as radiation increased. Despite this, the autosomal STR markers remained stable across all doses, demonstrating their robustness against radiation-induced damage. These findings are crucial for clinical and forensic applications, confirming that STR profiling remains reliable for cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy and in forensic cases involving irradiated DNA. The study emphasizes the value of STR markers in genetic analysis under challenging conditions and highlights the need for further research on their long-term stability in diverse biological contexts.
Erbium oxide nanoparticles induce potent cell death, genomic instability and ROS‑mitochondrial dysfunction‑mediated apoptosis in U937 lymphoma cells
(Springer Verlag, 2025-03-22) Hanan R. H. Mohamed; Yusuf Ahmed Elberry; Hagar Magdy; Maryam Ismail; Maivel Michael; Nourhan Eltayeb; Gehan Safwat
Erbium oxide nanoparticles (Er2O3-NPs) have attracted signifcant attention for their unique physicochemical properties, including high surface area, biocompatibility, and stability. However, the impact of Er2O3-NPs on lymphoma cells (LCs) has not been explored, making this an innovative avenue for exploration. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore the infuence of Er2O3-NPs on cell viability, genomic and mitochondrial DNA integrity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and apoptosis induction in human U937 LCs. Er2O3-NPs were characterized using X-ray difraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The efect of Er2O3-NPs on cell viability and genomic DNA integrity was estimated after 48 h using the WST-1 cytotoxicity and alkaline Comet assays, respectively. The generation level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential were also analyzed. Flow Cytometry was used to assess apoptosis induction and quantitative RT-PCR was conducted to measure the apoptotic (p53), anti-apoptotic (Bcl2), and mitochondrial (ND3) gene expression. Our results demonstrated the purity and well distribution of Er 2O3-NPs and revealed that Er2O3-NPs induce strong cytotoxicity on U937 cells, as evidenced by a concentration-dependent reduction in cell viability with an IC50 value of 3.20 µg/ml. Exposure of U937 LCs to the IC50 concentration (3.20 µg/ml) of Er2O3-NPs promoted excessive ROS generation, leading to dramatic damage to genomic DNA and mitochondrial membrane potential, as well as marked dysregulation of apoptotic (p53), anti-apoptotic (Bcl2) and mitochondrial ND3 gene expression. This cascade of events triggered both apoptosis and necrosis in Er2O3-NPs-treated U937 LCs. In conclusion, these fndings highlight the strong in vitro cytotoxic potential of Er2O3-NPs against highly aggressive U937 LCs, mediated by excessive ROS production, which leads to severe genomic DNA and mitochondrial membrane damage, as well as profound alterations in apoptotic, anti-apoptotic and mitochondrial gene expression. Future research is needed to further investigate the potential use of Er2O3-NPs in treating lymphoma and to optimize their therapeutic efcacy
Evaluation of the effect of grape seed extract loaded-chitosan nanoparticles on cryptosporidiosis in dexamethasone immunosuppressed male mice
(Elsevier B.V, 2025-02-25) Karim Tarek; Gehan Safwat; Alyaa Farid
Cryptosporidiosis is a worldwide health problem that results in an economic loss. The disease is caused by the protozoan Cryptosporidium spp. Individuals with suppressed immunity, like those with organ transplantation, cancer and human immunodeficiency virus syndrome, suffer from the infection that may lead to the death. Nitazoxanide (NTZ) is the approved FDA treatment for cryptosporidiosis in immunocompetent individuals. There is an urgent need to find a new natural treatment that can replace NTZ in immunosuppressed hosts. The study aimed to use grape seed extract loaded chitosan nanoparticles (GSEx-CHNPs) in treatment of cryptosporidiosis in immunosuppressed male mice. GSEx was prepared by the alcoholic extraction method followed by the identification of its bioactive components. GSEx-CHNPs were synthesized by ionic gelation method and physically characterized then their activities were examined in vitro. The experimental groups, included immunocompetent and immunosuppressed groups, was treated with NPs for 14 days post infection (PI). The results showed the presence of many phenolic compounds in the GSEx. GSEx-CHNPs significantly improved the loss in animals body weight, cleared the infection and amolerated the serum cytokines levels. GSEx-CHNPs showed anti-cryptosporidial activity especially in immunosuppressed mice model. Where, it amolerated the disturbance in the cytokine profile leading to an anti-inflammatory response.
Calcium titanate nanoparticlesinduced cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and oxidative stress in human nonsmall lung cancer cells
(Nature Publishing Group, 2025-02-21) Hanan R. H. Mohamed; Shahd E. E. Shaheen; Esraa H. Ibrahim; Nesma O. E. Hussein; Gehan Safwat
Calcium titanate nanoparticles (CaTiO3NPs) have garnered significant attention due to their unique properties and excellent biocompatibility, which have led to their increased use in various fields and consumer products. This rise in application necessitates a better understanding of their biological and toxicological effects. However, there is limited data on the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of CaTiO3NPs in human normal skin fibroblasts (HSF) and non-small lung cancer (A-549) cells. Consequently, this study aimed to explore the effect of 48-hour exposure to CaTiO3NPs on cell viability, genomic DNA integrity, and oxidative stress induction in human cancer A-549 cells, compared to normal HSF cells. The cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of CaTiO3NPs were assessed using the Sulforhodamine B (SRB) cytotoxicity and Alkaline Comet assays, respectively. To estimate possible oxidative stress induction and variation in apoptotic gene expression, reactive oxygen species (ROS) analysis and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were also performed. Our findings demonstrated that exposure to CaTiO3NPs for 48 h resulted in low toxicity toward both normal HSF and cancer A-549 cells, with cell death observed only at high concentrations (100 and 1000 µg/ml). The IC50 value of CaTiO3NPs in both HSF and A-549 cells was greater than 1000 µg/ml; specifically, the IC50 value in A-549 cells at 48 h was 1670.65 µg /ml. However, treatment with CaTiO3NPs for 48 h at the IC50 concentration of 1670.65 µg /ml resulted in significant genomic DNA damage and excessive ROS generation, along with a notable disturbance in the expression level of apoptotic (p53 and Bax) and anti-apoptotic Bcl2 genes in A-549 cells. In contrast, no significant changes were observed in HSF cells treated for 48 h with the same concentration (1670.65 µg /ml) of CaTiO3NPs. Collectively, these findings indicated that despite short-term exposure to CaTiO3NPs causing low cytotoxicity in both normal HSF and A-549 cells. CaTiO3NPs were selectively genotoxic toward A-549 cells. This genotoxicity was mediated through excessive ROS generation, which disrupted genomic DNA integrity and altered the expression of apoptotic genes, triggering apoptosis in A-549 cells. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to fully understand the toxicological and biological properties of CaTiO3NPs.
Purifcation and Immobilization of Burkholderia gladioli Cholesterol Oxidase on Calcium Alginate, with Robust Catalytic Stability for Cholesterol Oxidation In Vitro
(Springer New York, 2025-02-05) Ashraf S. A. El‑Sayed; Ahmed A. Shindia; Walaa M. El‑Badry; Ahmed A. Mostafa; Abdullah A.Al‑Ghanayem; Amgad M. Rady
Cholesterol oxidase (COX) is a key enzyme in diagnostic kits of cardiovascular diseases via oxidation of cholesterol producing smart enantiomerically compounds; however, the enzyme catalytic stability is the challenge. So, the objective of this study was to purify COX from novel endophytic bacterial isolates of medicinal plants that could have unique catalytic efciency for the desired applications. Among the recovered forty bacterial isolates, Burkholderia gladioli EFBL PQ721377, an endophyte of Eruca sativa, had the highest COX productivity (14.7 μmol/mg/min). The COX productivity of B. gladioli has been maximized by with the response surface methodology, giving the highest productivity 30.9 μmol/mg/min, by ~2.0-fold increment compared to control. The enzyme was purifed to its molecular homogeneity with subunit structure 40 kDa. The enzyme was entrapped in Ca-alginate with immobilization yield 87.5%, and the efciency and homogeneity in Ca-alginate beads were assessed by FTIR and SEM–EDX analyses. The free and Ca-alginate-COX conjugates have the same maximum reaction temperature at 37–40 °C, reaction pH at 7.5 and pH stability at 6.5–8.0. The thermal stability of Ca-alginate-COX was increased by ~ 7.0 folds compared to the free one, ensuring the protective role of alginate beads on enzyme tertiary structure. Ca-alginate-COX had a higher potency of oxidation of human serum cholesterol, than the free one, confrming the feasibility of the product release, and allosteric activation of the enzyme, with a reliable operative stability till the ffth cycle, for production of cholest-4-en-3-one, as the precursor of various drugs.
Deciphering the Interplay of the PD-L1/MALT1/miR-200a Axis During Lung Cancer Development
(Wiley-Blackwell, 2025-01-05) Sherien M. El-Daly; Sahar S. Abdelrahman; Mona A. El-Bana; Yasmin Abdel-Latif; Dalia Medhat; Safaa M. Morsy; Hanaa A. Wafay
Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Our study investigates the involvement of the PD-L1/MALAT1/miR-200a-3p axis in lung tumor progression using a murine model of lung carcinogenesis. Lung tumors were induced in rats, which were divided into groups and sacrificed at different stages of tumor development. A histopathological examination was performed to assess tumor progression. Immunohistochemistry was applied to evaluate the expression of Ki-67 and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). The level of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and expression analysis of metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1), miR-200a-3p, and zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) were evaluated for each stage of induction. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated a progressive upregulation of the proliferative marker Ki-67 and the immune checkpoint protein PD-L1 during the induction process, indicative of enhanced tumor proliferation and immune evasion. Additionally, CEA levels revealed a progressive increase across induction stages, with a significant increase in advanced tumor stages, highlighting its clinical relevance as a biomarker for lung cancer progression. Expression analysis revealed dynamic upregulation of MALAT1 and downregulation of miR-200a during lung tumor induction, which correlated with advanced tumor stages and elevated PD-L1 expression, suggesting that the negative correlation between MALAT1 and miR-200a is involved in the development of lung tumors. ZEB1 expression exhibited a notable increase in the advanced stages of induction, consistent with its association with aggressive lung cancer. Our findings underscore the interplay between molecular pathways involved in lung tumor development and the potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications of the PD-L1/MALAT1/miR-200a-3p axis.
Egyptian Novel Goose Parvovirus in Immune Organs of Naturally Infected Ducks: Next-Generation Sequencing, Immunohistochemical Signals, and Comparative Analysis of Pathological Changes Using Multiple Correspondence and Hierarchical Clustering Approach
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2025-01-13) Mohamed A. Lebdah; Amal A. M. Eid; Reham M. ElBakrey; Abd Elgalil. El-Gohary; Mohamed G. Seadawy; Mohamed R. Mousa; Hagar F. Gouda; Nehal I. A. Goda; Mostafa F. El-Hosseny; Ahmed S. El-tahlawy; Rokayya Sami; Rasha A. Al-Eisa; Sarah S. Helal
The present study aims to better understand the nature of currently circulating GPV strains and their pathological impact on the immune system during natural outbreaks among different duck breeds in Egypt. For this purpose, 99 ducks (25 flocks) of different breeds, aged 14–75 days, were clinically examined, and 75 tissue pools from the thymus, bursa of Fabricius, and spleen were submitted for virus detection and identification. Clinical and postmortem findings were suggestive of GPV infection. Concerning the immune system organs, atrophy in the thymus (60.6%), bursa (45.5%), and spleen (38.3%) was the most common gross lesion. Microscopically, the pathological impact of the virus was exhibited by a necrotic thymic cortex with Hassall’s corpuscle disintegration, the disappearance of normal bursal histological morphology accompanied by atrophied follicles and lymphocytic depletion, and apoptosis of B-lymphocytes in lymphoid follicles of the spleen. Furthermore, immunohistochemical examination revealed positive signals of the parvovirus detected in thymic lymphocytes in the cortex, bursa-dependent lymphoid follicle of the medulla, and diffuse positive expression of viral antigens in the spleen. GPV was detected in ducks using polymerase chain reaction, with the highest percentage of positive detection in the bursa of Fabricius (76%). Next-generation sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the detected virus was a variant of GPV, globally named novel GPV (NGPV), and closely related to Chinese NGPV isolates. To our knowledge, the current study is pioneering to address the immunopathological impact of NGPV among naturally infected ducks confirmed with full genome sequencing and immunohistochemical identification worldwide.
Genome-wide identifcation of MGT gene family in soybean (Glycine max) and their expression analyses under magnesium stress conditions
(BioMed Central Ltd, 2025-01-23) Ammar Anwar; Junaid Akhtar; Saba Aleem; Maida Aleem; Muhammad Khuram Razzaq; Saud Alamri; Qasim Raza; Iram Sharif; Arooj Iftikhar; Shehreen Naseer; Zaheer Ahmed; Iqrar Ahmed Rana; Waheed Arshad; Muhammad Imran Khan; Javaid Akhter Bhat; Muqadas Aleem; Abdel-Rhman Z. Gaafar; Mohamed S. Hodhod
Background Magnesium (Mg) is essential for plant growth and development and plays critical roles in physiological and biochemical processes. Mg defciency adversely afects growth of plants by limiting shoot and root development, disturbing the structure and membranes of the grana, reducing photosynthesis efciency, and lowering net CO2 assimilation. The MGT (Magnesium transporter) family isresponsible for the absorption and transportation of magnesium in plants. Although the MGT family has been identifed in diferent plant species, research regarding the soybean MGT genes islimited. Results In the current study, a total of 39 MGT genes distributed on 17 diferent chromosomes were identifed in soybean. Phylogenetic analysis classifed GmMGTs into three subgroups, NIPA, MRS2/MGT, and CorA, which showed little homology with MGTs of Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa members and clustered tightly with GmMGTs. Gene structure and conserved motif analysis also confrmed similar grouping in GmMGTs. The expansion of the GmMGT members in NIPA and MRS2/MGT was predicted, while CorA was identifed as the most conserved group in G. max. Segmental duplication under purifying selection pressure was identifed as the major driving force in the expansion of MGTs in soybean. GmMGTs showed diverse tissue-specifc and stress-response expression patterns due to the presence of stress-related cis-regulatory elements in their promoter regions. Under Mg-defciency and surplus stress conditions, a decrease in root length, shoot length, and root and shoot fresh as well dry weight in susceptible genotypes showed the variegated expression of MGTs in soybean genotypes. Furthermore, the upregulation of GmMGT2 and GmMGT29 in tolerant genotypes in response to Mg-defciency as well as surplus stress conditions in leaves suggested the essential role of GmMGT genes in the absorption and transportation of Mg in soybean leaves. Conclusion This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the MGT gene family in soybean, providing insights into their evolutionary relationships, gene classifcation, protein structures, and expression patterns under both Mg defciency and Mg surplus conditions.
Calcium hydroxide nanoparticles induce cell death, genomic instability, oxidative stress and apoptotic gene dysregulation on human HepG2 cells
(Nature Publishing Group, 2025-01-23) Hanan R. H. Mohamed; Esraa H. Ibrahim; Shahd E. E. Shaheen; Nesma O. E. Hussein; Ayman Diab; Gehan Safwat
Calcium hydroxide nanoparticles (Ca(OH)2NPs) possess potent antimicrobial activities and unique physical and chemical properties, making them valuable across various fields. However, limited information exists regarding their effects on genomic DNA integrity and their potential to induce apoptosis in normal and cancerous human cell lines. This study thus aimed to evaluate the impact of Ca(OH)2NPs on cell viability, genomic DNA integrity, and oxidative stress induction in human normal skin fibroblasts (HSF) and cancerous hepatic (HepG2) cells. Cell viability and genomic DNA stability were assessed using the Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay and alkaline comet assay, respectively. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured using 2,7-dichlorofluorescein diacetate, while the expression level of apoptosis-related genes (p53, Bax, and Bcl-2) were quantified using real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The SRB cytotoxicity assay revealed that a 48-hour exposure to Ca(OH)2NPs caused concentration-dependent cell death and proliferation inhibition in both HSF and HepG2 cells, with IC50 values of 271.93 µg/mL for HSF and 291.8 µg/mL for HepG2 cells. Treatment with the IC50 concentration of Ca(OH)2NPs selectively induced significant DNA damage, excessive ROS generation, and marked dysregulation of apoptotic (p53 and Bax) and anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) gene expression in HepG2 cells, triggering apoptosis. In contrast, exposure of HSF cells to the IC50 concentration of Ca(OH)2NPs caused no significant changes in genomic DNA integrity, ROS generation, or apoptotic gene expression. These findings indicate that Ca(OH)2NPs exhibit concentrationdependent cytotoxicity in both normal HSF and cancerous HepG2 cells. However, exposure to the IC50 concentration was non-genotoxic to normal HSF cells while selectively inducing genotoxicity and apoptosis in HepG2 cancer cells through DNA breaks and ROS-mediated mechanisms. Further studies are required to explore the biological and toxicological properties and therapeutic potential of Ca(OH)2NPs in hepatic cancer treatment.
Cobalt oxide nanoparticles induce cytotoxicity and excessive ROS mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and p53-independent apoptosis in melanoma cells
(Nature Publishing Group, 2025-01-06) Hanan R. H. Mohamed; Basma A. Mohamed; George M. Hakeem; Shahd H. Elnawasani; Maria Nagy; Rawan Essam; Ayman Diab; Gehan Safwat
Nanotherapy has emerged as a promising strategy for the targeted and efficient treatment of melanoma, the most aggressive and lethal form of skin cancer, with minimized systemic toxicity. However, the therapeutic efficacy of cobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co3O4NPs) in melanoma treatment remains unexplored. This study aimed to assess the therapeutic potential of Co3O4NPs in melanoma treatment by evaluating their impact on cell viability, genomic DNA and mitochondrial integrity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and apoptosis induction in melanoma A-375 cells. Our findings demonstrated a concentration-dependent reduction in cell viability upon treatment with five Co3O4NP concentrations (0.2, 2, 20, 200, and 2000 µg/ml), with an IC50 value of 303.80 µg/ml. Treatment with this IC50 concentration significantly increased ROS generation, induced dramatic DNA damage, and disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential integrity. Flow cytometric analysis revealed apoptosis and necrosis induction following Co3O4NP exposure at the IC50 concentration value. Results of qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated remarkable dysregulation of apoptotic and mitochondrial genes, including a significant downregulation of apoptotic p53 and mitochondrial ND3 genes and marked upregulation of the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl2. These findings highlight the novel potential of Co3O4NPs as potent inducers of melanoma A-375 cell death in a concentration-dependent manner through excessive ROS production, genomic instability, mitochondrial dysfunction and dysregulation of apoptotic and mitochondrial gene expression, ultimately promoting apoptosis in A-375 cells. This study thus underscores the potential of Co3O4NPs as a promising nanotherapeutic candidate for melanoma treatment, warranting further exploration to elucidate their full biological and clinical applicability.
Decoding Parkinson's disease: A multifaceted approach to diagnosis and biomarker discovery
(Elsevier, 2024-01-01) Mahmoud Ragab; Al-Hassan Soliman; Abd El-Rahman Shaltout; Toka Aziz El-Ramly; Mariam Morris; Omar Abdelnasser A. Mohamed; Roqaia Ibrahim; Duaa Dakhlaah
We all get older, and our brains get older, but only some of us get neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease (PD). Age, which is a dynamic process, is the largest risk factor for the development and progression of PD. Decreased dopaminergic activity, tangential Lewy body illnesses, and degenerative pathologies are predisposing factors leading to PD. Due to the significant clinical overlap across parkinsonian illnesses, the misdiagnosis rate is still high (16%-20%) even when the new diagnostic standards are correctly applied. Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis militate against the therapeutic benefits of disease-modifying therapies. Thus, there is an urgent need to discover and develop precise and reliable PD biomarkers. Discovering accurate biomarkers for early diagnoses, such as prodromal diagnosis and preclinical diagnosis, is necessary for better clinical intervention and treatment at the onset of disease. Further, these reliable biomarkers can be used to evaluate the progression of PD disorder. In this book chapter, we will discuss current progress in the development of PD biomarkers from various perspectives including imaging biomarkers, clinical, genetic, RNA-based biomarkers, biochemical, metabolomics, artificial intelligence, deep learning, and machine learning aspects that play critical roles as diagnostic biomarkers for PD. © 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved
THE EFFICACY OF DIZYGTHECA KERCHOVEANA AND AZADIRACHTA INDICA EXTRACTS AS A MOLLUSCICIDAL AND SCHISTOSOMICIDAL AGENTS IN MICE
(Egyptian Society of Parasitology, 2020-04-02) AZZA M. EL AMIR; ALYAA A. FARID; MARIAM MOHAMED; WAAD RAMADAN; AYMAN ALI DIAB
In the present study, the effect of methanol extracts of two plant species, Dizygotheca kerchoveana (Maliaceae) and Azadirachta indica (Araliacaea) were tested on the activity of Schistosoma mansoni worms. Efficacy of two plant extracts compared with praziquantel (PZQ) was evaluated in vivo. The results showed that reduction was 90% in case of PZQ treatment compared to 76.91%, 62.64% after treatment with D. kerchoveana and A. indica extracts respectively. PZQ recorded highest significant number of dead ova into oogram pattern (80±1.80) at 5wk PI. But, good results were obtained by of D. kerchoveana and A. indica methanol extracts (65.00±4.05 & 60.60±3.60, respectively) at 3wk PI. Efficacy of the plant extract showed a significant (P<0.01) reduction in ova to 91-96.20% in intestine, 83.36-91.24% in hepatic tissues as compared to PZQ (10-66.50% & 1.14-80.64%, respectively). Reduction in hepatic granuloma diameter at 3wk PI was significantly (P<0.01) reduced in group treated with D. kerchoveana (40.43% & 38.30%) as compared to PZQ (8.70% & 11.7%). Sera were assayed by ELISA for IgM & IgG levels. Highly significant (P<0.01) increase in Igs levels in all infected treated or untreated groups was at 3wk & 5wk PI as compared to normal mice.
Navigating the COVID-19 Therapeutic Landscape: Unveiling Novel Perspectives on FDA-Approved Medications, Vaccination Targets, and Emerging Novel Strategies
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2024-11-25) Reham F. Barghash; Donato Gemmati; Ahmed M. Awad; Mustafa M. M. Elbakry; Veronica Tisato; Kareem Awad; Ajay Vikram Singh
Amidst the ongoing global challenge of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the quest for effective antiviral medications remains paramount. This comprehensive review delves into the dynamic landscape of FDA-approved medications repurposed for COVID-19, categorized as antiviral and non-antiviral agents. Our focus extends beyond conventional narratives, encompassing vaccination targets, repurposing efficacy, clinical studies, innovative treatment modalities, and future outlooks. Unveiling the genomic intricacies of SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the WHO-designated Omicron variant, we explore diverse antiviral categories such as fusion inhibitors, protease inhibitors, transcription inhibitors, neuraminidase inhibitors, nucleoside reverse transcriptase, and non-antiviral interventions like importin α/β1-mediated nuclear import inhibitors, neutralizing antibodies, and convalescent plasma. Notably, Molnupiravir emerges as a pivotal player, now licensed in the UK. This review offers a fresh perspective on the historical evolution of COVID-19 therapeutics, from repurposing endeavors to the latest developments in oral anti-SARS-CoV-2 treatments, ushering in a new era of hope in the battle against the pandemic.

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