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Molecular diagnosis and genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium spp. in exotic birds of southwest of Iran

Jalas M, Tavalla M

Trop Biomed, 2018 Dec 01;35(4):944-950.
PMID: 33601843

Cryptosporidium parasites can infect a wide range of vertebrate hosts including reptiles, mammals, and birds. Due to the zoonotic nature of cryptosporidiosis and its close contact with exotic birds and humans, the present study aimed to determine the prevalence and genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium spp. in exotic birds of southwest of Iran, by the staining and molecular methods. In the present research, 369 stool specimens were randomly collected from exotic birds and stained by modified acid-fast stain using Ziehl-Neelsen method. The slides were examined using light microscopy at a magnification of 100X. Then, the extracted DNA was amplified using the PCR method. Finally, all genotypes and positive samples from PCR assay were sequenced by Bioneer Company (Daejeon, South Korea). Among 369 stool specimens, 25 and 27 cases were found to be positive for Cryptosporidium spp. by the modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining and the PCR methods, respectively. Based on the genotyping, C. avian genotype III and C. meleagridis were detected in 25 and 2 stool samples, respectively. The results revealed a relatively high prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in exotic birds in the southwest of Iran. Due to the zoonotic nature of C. meleagridis, these exotic birds can be a significant source of cryptosporidiosis. It is important that high-risk people, including immune-deficient patients, receive correct information about the risk of indirect and direct contact with infected exotic birds.

Matched MeSH terms: DNA
Subtype distribution of Blastocystis isolated from humans and associated animals in an indigenous community with poor hygiene in Peninsular Malaysia

Mohammad NA, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Anuar TS

Trop Biomed, 2018 Dec 01;35(4):849-860.
PMID: 33601835

Blastocystis is one of the most common parasites inhabiting the intestinal tract of human and animals. Currently, human Blastocystis isolates are classified into nine subtypes (STs) based on the phylogeny of their small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. Although its pathogenicity remains controversial, the possibility of zoonotic transmission was recognized since eight of the nine STs (except for ST9) have been reported in both humans and animals. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis isolated from humans and associated animals in an indigenous community with poor hygiene in Malaysia, where the risk of parasitic infection is high. A total of 275 stool samples were collected, subjected to DNA extraction and amplified by PCR assay. The Blastocystis-positive amplicons were then purified and sequenced. Phylogenetic tree of positive isolates, reference strains and outgroup were constructed using maximum likelihood method based on Hasegawa-KishinoYano+G+I model. The prevalence of Blastocystis infection among humans and domestic animals by PCR assay were 18.5% (45/243) and 6.3% (2/32), respectively. Through molecular phylogeny, 47 isolates were separated into five clusters containing isolates from both hosts. Among human isolates, ST3 (53.3%) was the predominant subtype, followed by ST1 (31.1%) and ST2 (15.6%). Chicken and cattle had lower proportions of ST6 (50%) and ST10 (50%), that were barely seen in humans. The distinct distributions of the most important STs among the host animals as well as humans examined demonstrate that there is various host-specific subtypes in the lifecycle of Blastocystis.

Matched MeSH terms: DNA
Seroprevalence and molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii in young healthy blood donors in Northern Iran

Kalantari N, Sheikhansari MR, Ghaffari S, Alipour J, Gorgani-Firouzjaee T, Tamadoni A, et al.

Trop Biomed, 2018 Dec 01;35(4):1017-1027.
PMID: 33601849

T. gondii is a life-threatening infection in immunocompromised patients which may be transmitted through blood transfusion. The present study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence and molecular detection of T. gondii infection and the associated risk factors among young healthy blood donors in the central part of Mazandaran province, northern Iran. Blood samples were taken from 500 participants and the serum was separated. All serum samples were tested for the presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies (IgG) and then all positive samples were evaluated for IgM antibodies using commercial ELISA kits. All IgM positive samples and 66 randomly selected IgG positive samples were further tested by PCR of the REP-529 gene. Anti-Toxoplasma antibodies (IgG) avidity test was performed for 142 IgG positive samples which were randomly selected. In the current study, anti-T. gondii antibodies (IgG) and (IgM) were found in 316 (63.2%) and 3 (0.95 %) participants, respectively. Seropositivity rate of Toxoplasma was higher among blood donors living in rural areas (P=0.000) and those with a history of soil and animal contact (P<0.05). PCR of the REP-529 gene showed T. gondii DNA in 21 out of 66 samples. The REP-529 gene was not detected in IgM positive samples. Low avidity antibodies (IgG) was found in 23.2% of the IgG positive samples. In conclusions, this study found that the prevalence of toxoplasmosis among young healthy blood donors in north of Iran was high. To reduce the risk of parasite transmission, leukofilteration method are recommended for donated blood used for immunosuppressed patients.

Matched MeSH terms: DNA
Fulltext Influence of DRD2 Polymorphisms on the Clinical Outcomes of Opioiddependent Patients on Methadone Maintenance Therapy

Zahari Z, Lee CS, Ibrahim MA, Musa N, Mohd Yasin MA, Lee YY, et al.

J Pharm Bioallied Sci, 2020 Nov;12(Suppl 2):S787-S803.
PMID: 33828379 DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.JPBS_248_19

Introduction: Dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) is one of the dopamine receptors that have been studied in relation to opioid dependence. It is possible, therefore, that DRD2 gene (DRD2) polymorphisms influence treatment outcomes of patients with opioid dependence. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of DRD2 polymorphisms on the clinical outcomes of opioid-dependent patients on methadone maintenance therapy (MMT).
Materials and Methods: Patients with opioid dependence (n = 148) were recruited from MMT clinics. Pain sensitivity, severity of the opiate withdrawal syndrome, and sleep quality were assessed using cold pressor test (CPT), Subjective Opiate Withdrawal Scale (SOWS-M), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)-Malay, respectively. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted from whole blood, and then was used for genotyping of Val96Ala, Leu141Leu, Val154Ile, Pro310Ser, Ser311Cys, TaqI A, -141C Ins/Del, and A-241G polymorphisms.
Results: Among 148 patients, 8.1% (n = 12), 60.8% (n = 90), 27.7% (n = 41), and 29.1% (n = 43) had at least one risk allele for Ser311Cys, TaqI A, -141C Ins/Del, and A-241G polymorphisms, respectively. There were no significant differences in pain responses (pain threshold, tolerance, and intensity), SOWS, and PSQI scores between DRD2 polymorphisms.
Conclusion: The common DRD2 polymorphisms are not associated with pain sensitivity, severity of the opiate withdrawal syndrome, and sleep quality in patients with opioid dependence on MMT. However, this may be unique for Malays. Additional research should focus on investigating these findings in larger samples and different ethnicity.

Matched MeSH terms: DNA
Identification of Copy Number Variation Among Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip and or Without Cleft Palate With Hypodontia: A Genome-Wide Association Study

Ghazali N, Abd Rahman N, Ahmad A, Sulong S, Kannan TP

Front Physiol, 2021;12:637306.
PMID: 33732167 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.637306

Nonsyndromic cleft lip and or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) with the hypodontia is a common developmental abnormality in humans and animals. This study identified the genetic aberration involved in both NSCL/P and hypodontia pathogenesis. A cross-sectional study using genome-wide study copy number variation-targeted CytoScan 750K array carried out on salivary samples from 61 NSCL/P and 20 noncleft with and without hypodontia Malay subjects aged 7-13 years old. Copy number variations (CNVs) of SKI and fragile histidine triad (FHIT) were identified in NSCL/P and noncleft children using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) as a validation analysis. Copy number calculated (CNC) for each gene determined with Applied Biosystems CopyCaller Software v2.0. The six significant CNVs included gains (12q14.3, 15q26.3, 1p36.32, and 1p36.33) and losses (3p14.2 and 4q13.2) in NSCL/P with hypodontia patients compared with the NSCL/P only. The genes located in these regions encoded LEMD3, IGF1R, TP73, SKI, FHIT, and UGT2β15. There were a significant gain and loss of both SKI and FHIT copy number in NSCL/P with hypodontia compared with the noncleft group (p < 0.05). The results supported that CNVs significantly furnish to the development of NSCL/P with hypodontia.

Matched MeSH terms: DNA Copy Number Variations
Molecular detection of Candidatus Anaplasma camelii in camels (Camelus dromedarius) from Asir Province, Saudi Arabia

Alshahrani MY, Alanazi AD, Alouffi AS, Abdullah HHAM, Allam AM, Mahmoud MS, et al.

Trop Biomed, 2020 Sep 01;37(3):587-598.
PMID: 33612774 DOI: 10.47665/tb.37.3.587

Knowledge of molecular identification of tick-borne pathogens in camels in Saudi Arabia is very limited; few molecular epidemiological studies have been under taken. This study was to detect Anaplasma spp. and Piroplasma spp. in camels from Asir Province, Saudi Arabia. A total of 150 blood samples were collected from camels in Asir Province and investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that targeted 18S rRNA and 23S rRNA to detect the DNA of Piroplasma spp. and Anaplasma spp., respectively. The positive samples for 23S rRNA were assayed again by PCR targeting the 16S rRNA. All the blood samples were free from Piroplasma spp. infection. Three camels (2%) were found to be positive for Anaplasma infection through use of PCR that targeted the 23S rRNA gene. There were no significant differences between ages or sexes in the camels that tested positive for Anaplasma. All positive Anaplasma infections were recorded in camels that were infested by ticks. Two Anaplasma sequences for the16S rRNA gene were deposited in GenBank with accession numbers MN882724 and MN882725. They recorded 99.16% and 99.34% similarities (respectively) with KF843825.1 (Candidatus Anaplasma camelii reported in Unizah, Saudi Arabia). Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the two sequences recorded in this study were close to each other; both were located in one cluster with Candidatus Anaplasma camelii isolates that were recorded before in the adjacent areas of Unizah in Saudi Arabia and Iran. In conclusion: two new Anaplasma genotypes close to Candidatus Anaplasma camelii were found in camels in Asir Province, Saudi Arabia for the first time. The camels in this province were found to be free of Piroplasma infection.

Matched MeSH terms: DNA
Characterization of serum protein fractions of dogs naturally infected with Ehrlichia canis or Anaplasma platys associated with uveitis

Nimsuphan B, Prasroedsang S, Kengradomkij C, Thayananuphat A, Kromkhun P

Trop Biomed, 2020 Sep 01;37(3):551-559.
PMID: 33612770 DOI: 10.47665/tb.37.3.551

Uveitis associated with Ehrlichia canis or Anaplasma platys infections were reported in dogs. However, only two E. canis-infected dogs with hypergammaglobulinemia showed acute blindness were reported. There were limited data of the species of Ehrlichia or Anaplasma and the alteration of serum protein fractions in infected dogs. Thus, the species of causative pathogen were investigated and compared the serum protein fractions between infected dogs associated with anterior uveitis and panuveitis in clinical situations. All 103 studied dogs were brought into the ophthalmology clinic which each dog showed signs of unilateral or bilateral uveitis related to ehrlichial infection. Dogs were divided into anterior uveitis and panuveitis groups. The species of Ehrlichia or Anaplasma were identified using nested-PCR based on the 16S rRNA gene and DNA sequencing from blood samples. The serum protein fractions were analyzed using electrophoresis. Fifty-eight dogs (56.31%) were positive of which E. canis and A. platys were detected in 51 and 7 dogs, respectively. The total serum protein and globulin levels were higher in the infected dogs associated with panuveitis than anterior uveitis while the albumin levels were significantly lower in the panuveitis group. The A/G ratios significantly decreased in both groups. Gamma globulin was detected at high levels in both groups while beta globulin significantly increased in the panuveitis group. Hypergammaglobulinemia was detected in 76.92 and 90.90% of infected dogs associated with anterior uveitis and panuveitis, respectively. Most of the infected dogs associated with panuveitis showed significantly levels of hyperproteinemia, hyperbetaglobulinemia and hypergammaglobulinemia compared with anterior uveitis group. E. canis was found as the major pathogen in infected dogs associated with uveitis in this study.

Matched MeSH terms: Sequence Analysis, DNA
Genetic diversity and DNA barcoding of the black fly (Diptera: Simuliidae) vectors of parasites causing human onchocerciasis in Guatemala

Pramual P, Bunchom N, Saijuntha W, Tada I, Suganuma N, Agatsuma T

Trop Biomed, 2019 Dec 01;36(4):938-957.
PMID: 33597465

Genetic variation based on mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) and II (COII) sequences was investigated for three black fly nominal species, Simulium metallicum Bellardi complex, S. callidum Dyar and Shannon, and S. ochraceum Walker complex, which are vectors of human onchocerciasis from Guatemala. High levels of genetic diversity were found in S. metallicum complex and S. ochraceum complex with maximum intraspecific genetic divergences of 11.39% and 4.25%, respectively. Levels of genetic diversity of these nominal species are consistent with species status for both of them as they are cytologically complexes of species. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the S. metallicum complex from Guatemala divided into three distinct clades, two with members of this species from several Central and South American countries and another exclusively from Mexico. The Simulium ochraceum complex from Guatemala formed a clade with members of this species from Mexico and Costa Rica while those from Ecuador and Colombia formed another distinct clade. Very low diversity in S. callidum was found for both genes with maximum intraspecific genetic divergence of 0.68% for COI and 0.88% for COII. Low genetic diversity in S. callidum might be a consequence of the result being informative of only recent population history of the species.

Matched MeSH terms: DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic
Fulltext Comparative evaluation of osteogenic differentiation potential of stem cells derived from dental pulp and exfoliated deciduous teeth cultured over granular hydroxyapatite based scaffold

Hagar MN, Yazid F, Luchman NA, Ariffin SHZ, Wahab RMA

BMC Oral Health, 2021 May 15;21(1):263.
PMID: 33992115 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-021-01621-0

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells isolated from the dental pulp of primary and permanent teeth can be differentiated into different cell types including osteoblasts. This study was conducted to compare the morphology and osteogenic potential of stem cells from exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) and dental pulp stem cells (DPSC) in granular hydroxyapatite scaffold (gHA). Preosteoblast cells (MC3T3-E1) were used as a control group.
METHODOLOGY: The expression of stemness markers for DPSC and SHED was evaluated using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Alkaline phosphatase assay was used to compare the osteoblastic differentiation of these cells (2D culture). Then, cells were seeded on the scaffold and incubated for 21 days. Morphology assessment using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) was done while osteogenic differentiation was detected using ALP assay (3D culture).
RESULTS: The morphology of cells was mononucleated, fibroblast-like shaped cells with extended cytoplasmic projection. In RT-PCR study, DPSC and SHED expressed GAPDH, CD73, CD105, and CD146 while negatively expressed CD11b, CD34 and CD45. FESEM results showed that by day 21, dental stem cells have a round like morphology which is the morphology of osteoblast as compared to day 7. The osteogenic potential using ALP assay was significantly increased (p

Matched MeSH terms: RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase
Fulltext Complete mitochondrial genomes and phylogenetic relationships of the genera Nephila and Trichonephila (Araneae, Araneoidea)

Yong HS, Song SL, Chua KO, Wayan Suana I, Eamsobhana P, Tan J, et al.

Sci Rep, 2021 May 21;11(1):10680.
PMID: 34021208 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90162-1

Spiders of the genera Nephila and Trichonephila are large orb-weaving spiders. In view of the lack of study on the mitogenome of these genera, and the conflicting systematic status, we sequenced (by next generation sequencing) and annotated the complete mitogenomes of N. pilipes, T. antipodiana and T. vitiana (previously N. vitiana) to determine their features and phylogenetic relationship. Most of the tRNAs have aberrant clover-leaf secondary structure. Based on 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs) and 15 mitochondrial genes (13 PCGs and two rRNA genes), Nephila and Trichonephila form a clade distinctly separated from the other araneid subfamilies/genera. T. antipodiana forms a lineage with T. vitiana in the subclade containing also T. clavata, while N. pilipes forms a sister clade to Trichonephila. The taxon vitiana is therefore a member of the genus Trichonephila and not Nephila as currently recognized. Studies on the mitogenomes of other Nephila and Trichonephila species and related taxa are needed to provide a potentially more robust phylogeny and systematics.

Matched MeSH terms: Sequence Analysis, DNA
Fulltext Small Interfering RNA (siRNA) and Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR): emerging molecular tools for genetic manipulation

Simon I. Okekpa, Rabiatul Basria S.M.N. Mydin, Munirah Mohd Nor, Emmanuel Jairaj Moses

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(3):300-308.
MyJurnal

Gene manipulation tools have transformed biomedical research and improved the possibilities of their uses for therapeutic purposes. These tools have aided effective genomic modification in many organisms and have been successfully applied in biomedical engineering, biotechnology and biomedicine. They also shown a potential for therapeutic applications to alleviate genetic and non-genetic diseases. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) and clustered regularly inter-spaced short-palindromic repeat/associated-protein system (CRISPR/Cas) are two of the tools applied in genetic manipulation. This review aims to evaluate the molecular influence of siRNA and CRISPR/Cas as novel tools for genetic manipulations. This review discusses the molecular mechanism of siRNA and CRISPR/Cas, and the advantages and disadvantages of siRNA and CRISPR/Cas. This review also presents comparison between siRNA and CRISPR/Cas as potential tools for gene therapy. siRNA therapeutic applications occur through protein knockout with- out causing damage to cells. siRNA knocks down gene expression at the mRNA level, whereas CRISPR/Cas knocks out gene permanently at the DNA level. Inconclusion, gene manipulation tools have potential for applications that improve therapeutic strategies and plant-derived products, but ethical standards must be established before the clin- ical application of gene editing.

Matched MeSH terms: DNA
Fulltext Meta-Analysis of Quantitative Traits Loci (QTL) Identified in Drought Response in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Selamat N, Nadarajah KK

Plants (Basel), 2021 Apr 07;10(4).
PMID: 33917162 DOI: 10.3390/plants10040716

Rice is an important grain that is the staple food for most of the world's population. Drought is one of the major stresses that negatively affects rice yield. The nature of drought tolerance in rice is complex as it is determined by various components and has low heritability. Therefore, to ensure success in breeding programs for drought tolerant rice, QTLs (quantitative trait loci) of interest must be stable in a variety of plant genotypes and environments. This study identified stable QTLs in rice chromosomes in a variety of backgrounds and environments and conducted a meta-QTL analysis of stable QTLs that have been reported by previous research for use in breeding programs. A total of 653 QTLs for drought tolerance in rice from 27 genetic maps were recorded for analysis. The QTLs recorded were related to 13 traits in rice that respond to drought. Through the use of BioMercartor V4.2, a consensus map containing QTLs and molecular markers were generated using 27 genetic maps that were extracted from the previous 20 studies and meta-QTL analysis was conducted on the consensus map. A total of 70 MQTLs were identified and a total of 453 QTLs were mapped into the meta-QTL areas. Five meta-QTLs from chromosome 1 (MQTL 1.5 and MQTL 1.6), chromosome 2 (MQTL2.1 and MQTL 2.2) and chromosome 3 (MQTL 3.1) were selected for functional annotation as these regions have high number of QTLs and include many traits in rice that respond to drought. A number of genes in MQTL1.5 (268 genes), MQTL1.6 (640 genes), MQTL 2.1 (319 genes), MQTL 2.2 (19 genes) and MQTL 3.1 (787 genes) were annotated through Blast2GO. Few major proteins that respond to drought stress were identified in the meta-QTL areas which are Abscisic Acid-Insensitive Protein 5 (ABI5), the G-box binding factor 4 (GBF4), protein kinase PINOID (PID), histidine kinase 2 (AHK2), protein related to autophagy 18A (ATG18A), mitochondrial transcription termination factor (MTERF), aquaporin PIP 1-2, protein detoxification 48 (DTX48) and inositol-tetrakisphosphate 1-kinase 2 (ITPK2). These proteins are regulatory proteins involved in the regulation of signal transduction and gene expression that respond to drought stress. The meta-QTLs derived from this study and the genes that have been identified can be used effectively in molecular breeding and in genetic engineering for drought resistance/tolerance in rice.

Matched MeSH terms: DNA Shuffling
Fulltext Analysis of Multiple Mycotoxins in the Qatari Population and Their Relation to Markers of Oxidative Stress

Al-Jaal B, Latiff A, Salama S, Hussain HM, Al-Thani NA, Al-Naimi N, et al.

Toxins (Basel), 2021 04 08;13(4).
PMID: 33917988 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13040267

Mycotoxins are naturally occurring food toxins worldwide that can cause serious health effects. The measurement of mycotoxin biomarkers in biological fluids is needed to assess individuals' exposure. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of mycotoxins in the Qatari population. Serum samples from 412 adults and urinary samples from 559 adults were analyzed for the presence of mycotoxin biomarkers. Multimycotoxin approaches have been applied, using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry methods. Samples were further analyzed for the oxidative stress markers and compared with regard to the incidence of mycotoxins. The presence of mycotoxins was identified in 37% of serum samples and in less than 20% of urine samples. It was found that 88% of positive of the samples were positive for only one mycotoxin, while 12% of positive samples had two or more mycotoxins. Trichothecenes and zearalenone metabolites were most commonly detected mycotoxins, followed by aflatoxins, roquefortine C and mycophenolic acid. The presence of mycotoxins was found to positively correlate with oxidative stress markers. The obtained results illustrate the importance of mycotoxin biomonitoring studies in humans and the need to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of mycotoxin-induced toxicity.

Matched MeSH terms: DNA Damage
Fulltext PH-responsive strontium nanoparticles for targeted gene therapy against mammary carcinoma cells

Bakhtiar A, Chowdhury EH

Asian J Pharm Sci, 2021 Mar;16(2):236-252.
PMID: 33995617 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2020.11.002

Genetic intervention via the delivery of functional genes such as plasmid DNA (pDNA) and short-interfering RNA (siRNA) offers a great way to treat many single or multiple genetic defects effectively, including mammary carcinoma. Delivery of naked therapeutic genes or siRNAs is, however, short-lived due to biological clearance by scavenging nucleases and circulating monocytes. Low cellular internalization of negatively-charged nucleic acids further causes low transfection or silencing activity. Development of safe and effectual gene vectors is therefore undeniably crucial to the success of nucleic acid delivery. Inorganic nanoparticles have attracted considerable attention in the recent years due to their high loading capacity and encapsulation activity. Here we introduce strontium salt-based nanoparticles, namely, strontium sulfate, strontium sulfite and strontium fluoride as new inorganic nanocarriers. Generated strontium salt particles were found to be nanosized with high affinity towards negatively-charged pDNA and siRNA. Degradation of the particles was seen with a drop in pH, suggesting their capacity to respond to pH change and undergo dissolution at endosomal pH to release the genetic materials. While the particles are relatively nontoxic towards the cells, siRNA-loaded SrF2 and SrSO3 particles exerted superior transgene expression and knockdown activity of MAPK and AKT, leading to inhibition of their phosphorylation to a distinctive extent in both MCF-7 and 4T1 cells. Strontium salt nanoparticles have thus emerged as a promising tool for applications in cancer gene therapy.

Matched MeSH terms: DNA
Fulltext Potential of Anti-Cancer Activity of Secondary Metabolic Products from Marine Fungi

Noman E, Al-Shaibani MM, Bakhrebah MA, Almoheer R, Al-Sahari M, Al-Gheethi A, et al.

J Fungi (Basel), 2021 May 30;7(6).
PMID: 34070936 DOI: 10.3390/jof7060436

The promising feature of the fungi from the marine environment as a source for anticancer agents belongs to the fungal ability to produce several compounds and enzymes which contribute effectively against the cancer cells growth. L-asparaginase acts by degrading the asparagine which is the main substance of cancer cells. Moreover, the compounds produced during the secondary metabolic process acts by changing the cell morphology and DNA fragmentation leading to apoptosis of the cancer cells. The current review has analyed the available information on the anticancer activity of the fungi based on the data extracted from the Scopus database. The systematic and bibliometric analysis revealed many of the properties available for the fungi to be the best candidate as a source of anticancer drugs. Doxorubicin, actinomycin, and flavonoids are among the primary chemical drug used for cancer treatment. In comparison, the most anticancer compounds producing fungi are Aspergillusniger, A.fumigatusA.oryzae, A.flavus, A. versicolor, A.terreus,Penicilliumcitrinum, P.chrysogenum, and P.polonicum and have been used for investigating the anticancer activity against the uterine cervix, pancreatic cancer, ovary, breast, colon, and colorectal cancer.

Matched MeSH terms: DNA Fragmentation
Fulltext Coenzyme Q10, oxidative stress, and male infertility: A review

Alahmar AT, Calogero AE, Singh R, Cannarella R, Sengupta P, Dutta S

Clin Exp Reprod Med, 2021 Jun;48(2):97-104.
PMID: 34078005 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2020.04175

Male infertility has a complex etiopathology, which mostly remains elusive. Although research has claimed that oxidative stress (OS) is the most likely underlying mechanism of idiopathic male infertility, the specific treatment of OS-mediated male infertility requires further investigation. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a vitamin-like substance, has been found in measurable levels in human semen. It exhibits essential metabolic and antioxidant functions, as well as playing a vital role in mitochondrial bioenergetics. Thus, CoQ10 may be a key player in the maintenance of biological redox balance. CoQ10 concentrations in seminal plasma directly correlate with semen parameters, especially sperm count and sperm motility. Seminal CoQ10 concentrations have been shown to be altered in various male infertility states, such as varicocele, asthenozoospermia, and medical or surgical regimens used to treat male infertility. These observations imply that CoQ10 plays an important physiological role in the maintenance and amelioration of semen quality. The present article thereby aimed to review the possible mechanisms through which CoQ10 plays a role in the regulation of male reproductive function, and to concisely discuss its efficacy as an ameliorative agent in restoring semen parameters in male infertility, as well as its impact on OS markers, sperm DNA fragmentation, pregnancy, and assisted reproductive technology outcomes.

Matched MeSH terms: DNA Fragmentation
Fulltext Thermostable Heptaplex PCR Assay for the Detection of Six Respiratory Bacterial Pathogens

Nik Zuraina NMN, Goni MD, Amalina KN, Hasan H, Mohamad S, Suraiya S

Diagnostics (Basel), 2021 Apr 22;11(5).
PMID: 33922299 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11050753

A thermostabilized, multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR) assay was developed in this study for the detection of six respiratory bacterial pathogens. Specific primers were designed for an internal amplification control (IAC) and six target sequences from Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Haemophilus influenzae. The resultant seven-band positive amplification control (PAC) of this heptaplex PCR assay corresponded to 105 base pairs (bp) of IAC, 202 bp of K. pneumoniae, 293 bp of S. aureus, 349 bp of S. pneumoniae, 444 bp of P. aeruginosa, 505 bp of M. tuberculosis, and 582 bp of H. influenzae. Results found that 6% (w/v) of the stabilizer was optimum to preserve the functional conformation of Taq DNA polymerase enzyme. This assay was stable at ambient temperature for at least 6 months. The sensitivity and specificity of this assay were both 100% when testing on the intended target organisms (n = 119) and non-intended species (n = 57). The mPCR assay developed in this study enabled accurate, rapid, and simple detection of six respiratory bacteria.

Matched MeSH terms: DNA Primers
Siriraj I Gγ(Aγδβ)0-thalassaemia causing severe thalassaemia intermedia in compound heterozygous state with IVS1-1(G→T) mutation

Wong YY, Alauddin H, Raja Sabudin RZA, Ithnin A, Jalil N, Abdul Latiff Z, et al.

Malays J Pathol, 2021 Apr;43(1):95-100.
PMID: 33903312

The Siriraj I Gγ(Aγδβ)0-thalassaemia is a novel mutation involving a 118kb deletion of the β-globin gene cluster. It was first reported in 2012 in two unrelated families from the southern part of Thailand. The carriers in the heterozygous state are clinically asymptomatic. Nonetheless, its complex interaction with other β-thalassaemia could give rise to different clinical phenotypes, ranging from mild thalassaemia intermedia to thalassaemia major. We report here a case of a six-year-old Malay boy, presented with pallor, growth failure and hepatosplenomegaly. His haemoglobin at presentation was 9.2g/dL with a mean cell haemoglobin of 22.6pg and a mean cell volume of 69.9fl. His peripheral blood smear showed features of thalassaemia intermedia. Haemoglobin (Hb) analysis revealed markedly raised Hb F (83%), normal HbA2 levels and absent HbA. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analysis showed compound heterozygous IVS1-1 (G→T) β-globin gene mutation and Siriraj I Gγ(Aγδβ)0-deletion (genotype βIVS1-1/ β Siriraj I deletion). Both his father and elder sister are carriers of Siriraj I Gγ(Aγδβ)0-thalassaemia while his mother carries IVS1-1 (G→T) gene mutation. Clinically, the patient is transfusion dependent on six weekly regime. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case in Malaysia involving unique Siriraj I Gγ(Aγδβ)0-thalassaemia and IVS1-1 (G→T) in a compound heterozygous state. In summary, detection of Siriraj I Gγ(Aγδβ)0-thalassaemia is essential as this deletion can lead to severe disease upon interaction with a β-thalassemia point mutation as demonstrated in our case. The establishment of effective carrier screening and genetic counselling is important to prevent its adverse consequences.

Matched MeSH terms: DNA
Fulltext The stingless bee honey protects against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damage and lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in vitro

Ooi TC, Yaacob M, Rajab NF, Shahar S, Sharif R

Saudi J Biol Sci, 2021 May;28(5):2987-2994.
PMID: 34025176 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.02.039

Oxidative stress, DNA damage, and unresolved inflammation are the predisposing factors of many chronic and degenerative diseases, including cancer. Stingless bee honey (SBH) is recognized to have high medicinal value by traditional medicine practitioners and has been used to treat various illnesses traditionally. This study aimed to determine the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and genoprotective effects of SBH by using in vitro cell culture models. The sugar content, total phenolic content, radical scavenging activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of SBH were determined in this study. Then, the protective effect of SBH against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced cell death and DNA damage was studied by using WIL2-NS human lymphoblastoid cell line, while the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 murine macrophages cell line was used to study the anti-inflammatory effects of SBH. Results from this present study showed that the major sugar contents of SBH were fructose (19.39 + 0.01%) and glucose (14.03 ± 0.03%). Besides, the total phenolic content, the radical scavenging activity, and the FRAP value of SBH were 15.38 ± 0.02 mg GAE/100 g of honey, 34.04 ± 0.21%, and 206.77 + 1.76 μM AAE/100 g honey respectively. Pretreatment with SBH protected WIL2-NS cells from H2O2-induced cell death and DNA damage (p

Matched MeSH terms: DNA Damage
Characteristics of a phage effective for colibacillosis control in poultry

Lau GL, Sieo CC, Tan WS, Ho YW

J Sci Food Agric, 2012 Oct;92(13):2657-63.
PMID: 22505020 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.5683

Colibacillosis is one of the main causes of economic loss in the poultry industry worldwide. Although antibiotics have been used to control this infection, the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria poses a threat to animal and human health. Phage therapy has been reported as one of the potential alternative methods to control bacterial infections. However, efficient phage therapy is highly dependent on the characteristics of the phage isolated. In the present study the characteristics of a lytic phage, ØEC1, which was found to be effective against the causative agent of colibacillosis in chickens in a previous in vivo study, are reported.

Matched MeSH terms: DNA, Viral

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