Advancements in Life Sciences (E-Journal, University of the Punjab)
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Effects of Sapodilla Leaf Extract (Manilkara zapota L.) Administration on the Histopathological Presentation of Kidney Tubules and Glomeruli in Alloxan-Induced Mice
Get PDFBackground: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels or insulin deficiency. Sapodilla (Manilkara zapota L.) leaves are known to be potentially utilized as an alternative remedy for diabetes. The objective of this research is to investigate the effect of Sapodilla leaf extract on the improvement of histopathological presentation of kidneys in alloxan-induced diabetic mice.Methods: This research used 3 months old male mice weighing 25-35g. A total of 25 mice were used, with 5 mice per each group. The treatments employed included P1 (Sapodilla leaf extract at a dosage of 100 mg/kg BW), P2 (Sapodilla leaf extract at a dosage of 300 mg/kg BW), K+ (Pioglitazone at a dosage of 2 mg/kg BW), K0 (No treatment administered), and K- (Diabetic control). Kidney sample collection was conducted on the 14th day after therapy administration. Histopathological samples were examined using a trinocular microscope. Data analysis was conducted using the Kruskal-Wallis method, followed by the Mann-Whitney test.Results: The results of the Kruskal-Wallis test with the parameter of necrosis indicate a p-value of .001. The degeneration of cells shows a p-value of .001, while congestion shows a p-value of .001 as well. The Mann-Whitney test was conducted on the parameters of necrosis, cell degeneration, and congestion. The results indicated that the P1 treatment group was not significantly different from the P2 and K+ groups for cell degeneration and congestion; however, a significant difference was observed between P1 and K+ for the necrosis parameter.Conclusion: The study concludes the data analysis revealed that the administration of sapodilla leaf extract can ameliorate kidney damage in diabetic mice induced with alloxan. Keywords: Alloxan; Diabetes; Kidney Histopathology; Sapodilla leaf extrac
α-globin gene 20.5kb deletion and triplication mutations among Palestinian patients with microcytic hypochromic anemia
Get PDFBackground: α0-thalassemias results from double gene deletions of the α-genes on the same chromosome as in (-α)20.5. In contrast to deletion, α-globin genes triplication (αααanti3.7) is generated by homologous recombination during the process of crossover. This study was conducted to detect (-α)20.5 and ααα anti3.7 mutations in patients with microcytic hypochromic anemia in Gaza Strip-Palestine.Methods: 200 subjects with microcytic hypochromic anemia with an age range of 18 to 48 years, were recruited from hematological departments of the main hospitals in Gaza Strip. The study subjects were those who underwent premarital β-thalassemia carrier screening, and their results were negative. Iron deficiency was excluded through measurement of serum iron and total iron binding capacity (TIBC). Complete blood count was done automatically. Molecular detection of (-α)20.5and αααanti3.7 mutations were performed by Multiplex-PCR.Results: Sixty-six (33%) of the study participants proved to have α-thalassemia. The frequency of (-α)20.5and αααanti3.7 mutations were: 13.25% and 5.5%, respectively. Four genotypes were detected: -α20.5/αα accounted for 26% (52/200), αααanti3.7/αα for 2.5% (5/200), αααanti3.7/αααanti3.7 for 4% (8/200) and αααanti3.7/-α20.5 for 0.5% (1/200). The comparison of hematological parameters between -α20.5/αα and αααanti3.7 mutation carriers (αααanti3.7/αα and αααanti3.7/αααanti3.7) revealed, though not statistically significant, higher levels in carriers of αααanti3.7 mutation. The -α20.5/αααanti3.7 genotype was observed in one case.Conclusion: The rate of -α20.5and αααanti3.7 in the Palestinian population is high as compared to neighboring countries. Conducting further molecular testing to detect additional α-thalassemia mutations is needed in order to obtain a clearer picture of the genetic nature of this disease.Keywords: α-thalassemia; -α20.5deletion; αααanti3.7 triplication; Multiplex-PCR; Gaza Stri
Does Dapagliflozin ameliorate kidney function in Saudi type II diabetic patients with chronic kidney diseases?
Get PDFBackground: In recent years, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has become increasingly prevalent and is associated with numerous cardiovascular and renal complications. Various drug classes are utilized for treating and preventing complications in patients with T2DM. Dapagliflozin, a selective sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor, has recently been approved for treating chronic kidney disease (CKD), whether DM is present. This study evaluates dapagliflozin effectiveness in managing T2DM patients with CKD.Methods: Adult diabetic patients with CKD who received 10 mg dapagliflozin once daily for 12 months were compared with another group on a glucose-lowering regimen without dapagliflozin. Data of HbA1C and kidney function tests, including eGFR, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), sodium, potassium, calcium, and albumin levels were retrieved before starting dapagliflozin treatment and then every three months for a total of 12 months.Results: 159 diabetic patients with varying CKD stages received a glucose-lowering regimen. Group I (n=84) included 51 males and 33 females who were administered dapagliflozin, while group II (n =75) comprised 35 males and 40 females who received different glucose-lowering regimens without dapagliflozin. Furthermore, during the 12-month study period, a higher proportion of patients in the dapagliflozin group were identified as having retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma (29.8%, 11.9%, and 4.8%, respectively).Conclusion: The present findings indicate that dapagliflozin did not demonstrate a significant renal protective effect during the first 12 months in this cohort. Further research is warranted to assess the long-term impact of dapagliflozin.Keywords: Dapagliflozin, Diabetes Mellitus, Chronic Kidney Disease, Renal Failur
Isolation and Screening of the Heavy Metals, Antibiotics Resistant and Acidophilic Profile of Bacterial strains from Lead Acid Batteries Repairing and Recycling Units
Get PDFBackground: Heavy metal contamination from unregulated waste disposal poses serious risks to ecosystems, soil, water, and human health. Lead acid battery recycling sites are major sources of such pollution. This study aimed to isolate and characterize bacterial strains with potential for bioremediation from lead acid battery workshops in Shoba Bazaar, Peshawar.Methods: Water samples were collected from contaminated sites and cultured in both nutrient agar and LB media. After incubation, 30 bacterial isolates were screened for tolerance to cadmium, lead, zinc, and chromium (50–300 mM), as well as resistance to commonly used antibiotics (ampicillin, amoxicillin, azithromycin, cefixime, and kanamycin). The most tolerant strains, designated LRB1, LRB2, and LRB3, were further analyzed for acid and temperature resistance. Morphological and molecular characterization included Gram staining, microscopic analysis, plasmid isolation and genomic DNA extraction.Results: Isolates LRB1, LRB2, and LRB3 demonstrated high lead tolerance of 270 mM, 300 mM, and 270 mM, respectively. All three strains exhibited resistance to multiple antibiotics like ampicillin (10μg), amoxicillin (30μg), azithromycin (15μg), cefixime (5μg) and kanamycin (30μg), and LRB3 showed growth across a broad pH range (2–8). Plasmid DNA was successfully isolated, indicating potential plasmid-mediated resistance. Gram staining revealed that the isolates were Gram-positive bacilli and cocci. Furthermore, genomic DNA extraction and 16S rDNA PCR with universal primers were used for detection and identification of the bacterial isolates.Conclusion: The isolated bacterial strains demonstrated remarkable tolerance to heavy metals, acids, and antibiotics, suggesting their potential role in the bioremediation of contaminated environments. Further molecular studies are required to elucidate the mechanisms underlying their resistance and to evaluate their suitability for biotechnological applications.Keywords: Heavy metal resistance; Antibiotic resistance; Lead acid batteries; Acidophilic strains; Lead Resistant strain
Anti-D Antibody Prevalence and Its Role in Hemolytic Disease Among Fetuses and Neonates in Erbil City
Get PDFBackground: Hematologists and obstetricians have focused their attention on the Rh antigen alloimmunization, especially the Rh-D antigen, which leads to severe health defects such as haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). This study aimed to develop a profile for mothers with negative Rh-D who get pregnant with babies with positive Rh-D and to determine the rate of anti-D antibodies.Methods: In this study, 1028 blood samples were collected from 514 parents, who are mothers with Rh-negative and fathers with Rh-positive, in Erbil city of Iraq, from April 2022 to April 2023. All participating mothers were Rh-negative women married to Rh-positive men, and inclusion was not limited to those with a prior Rh-positive child. However, most participants had experienced at least one pregnancy, and their obstetric histories were recorded through verbal interviews. This ensures that the reported 1.7% prevalence of anti-D antibodies represents all Rh-negative mothers with Rh-positive partners, rather than a pre-selected subgroup. Next, ABO and RhD typing tests were done for all samples (fathers and mothers), and then the Du test and antibody screening were applied to all mother samples.Results: Mothers’ blood samples were divided into age groups: 20-25: 35 (7%), 26-30: 165 (32%), 31-35: 191 (37%), 36-40: 112 (22%), and over 40: 11 (2%). Among Rh-negative mothers, blood group O was most common (40.3%), and AB least (2.9%). Of the nine anti-D–positive mothers, the highest distribution was observed in the 36–40 age group (44%), followed by 26–30 and 31–35 (22% each), and over 40 (11%), with no cases in the 20–25 age group.Conclusion: The abortion rate showed a positive correlation with increasing maternal age and pregnancy duration. Anti-D antibodies and other alloantibodies have become the major cause of HDFN. Therefore, primary screening for antibodies, monitoring, and blood transfusion are crucial in order to prevent the severity of the antibody effect on the infant.Keywords: HDFN, Haemolytic disease, Rh-D, Anti-D, Abortio
Molecular Identification of Cystic Echinococcosis in Mosul, Iraq
No full textBackground: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a significant parasitic disease with substantial global economic and public-health impacts. It is caused by the larval form of Echinococcus granulosus.Methods: The aim of this study was to identify the Echinococcus species in humans and livestock within Mosul, Iraq. This research work comprised fifty-five samples of viable Echinococcus cysts, including thirty from humans and twenty-five sheep. Human specimens were acquired from the main hospital in Mosul. Animal specimens were collected in the Al-Saadoon abattoir from June 2022 to March 2023.Results: DNA samples were extracted from the protoscolex and blastoderm of each cyst sample. The mitochondrial 12S rRNA and cox1 genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction. Gene sequencing and phylogenetic analyses were performed on 10 PCR-positive samples (5 from humans and 5 from sheep) selected by cyst size for laboratory feasibility.Conclusion: The findings revealed that genotypes G1 and G3 were present in human echinococcosis cysts in Mosul while G1 genotypes were found in sheep. These findings highlight the need for integrated public-health and veterinary control measures.Keywords: Echinococcus granulosus, Cystic echinococcosis, sensu stricto, Nineveh, Ira
The G894T Polymorphism of the Endothelial NO-Synthase Gene Influences Human Blood Oxygen Transport
Get PDFBackground: Nitric oxide (NO) interacts with haemoglobin to help blood carry oxygen to tissues. The polymorphism G894 T of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (G894T eNOS) affects NO synthase activity and expression. Polymorphism's effects on oxygen-dependent biological processes are currently unknown.Methods: Study subjects were healthy young males aged 18 to 24 years (n = 172). Blood samples were drawn from the cubital vein at rest, 12 hours after the last food intake. G894T polymorphism and the blood oxygen indices (pO₂, CvO₂, SO₂, pH, p50 standard [temperature = 37 °C, pH = 7.4, pCO₂ = 40 mm Hg], and p50 actual [measured at actual temperature, pH, and pCO₂]) were determined. Results: In persons with the TT-genotype, the oxygen content in venous blood was 48.7% (p=0.006, q=0.016) lower compared to subjects with the GT-genotype and 49.4% (p=0.012, q=0.017) lower compared to subjects with the GG-genotype. The saturation of blood in carriers of the TT-genotype was 32.4% (p=0.014, q=0.018) and 35.9% (p=0.007, q=0.016) lower as opposed to subjects with the GT-genotype and the GG-genotype, respectively. In the blood of subjects with the TT-genotype, the oxygen tension was 26.1% (p=0.008, q=0.016) lower as compared to subjects with the GT-genotype and 27.4% (p=0.012, q=0.017) lower as opposed to the GG-genotype. Volunteers with a common allele in their genotype (GG + GT) had an oxygen tension approximately 36.5 % higher than subjects with the TT genotype, whereas subjects with the TT genotype exhibited oxygen tension about 26.7 % lower than those carrying a common allele (p = 0.008). The blood pH values of the subjects having the recessive genotype were 0.022 units lower compared to the GG (p=0.038, q=0.038) and GT (p=0.034, q=0.036) genotypes. In volunteers with the TT-genotype, the p50stand parameter was 5.8% (p=0.019, q=0.023) lower compared to subjects with the GT-genotype and 6.8% (p=0.009, q=0.016) lower compared to volunteers with the GG-genotype. In persons with two T-alleles in their genotype, p50act was 5.4% (p=0.008, q=0.016) lower compared to subjects with the GT-genotype and 6.4% (p=0.005, q=0.016) lower compared to persons with the GG-genotype. Conclusion: The T-allele of G894T polymorphism is associated with low values for oxygen content, oxygen tension, acidic pH shift and increased haemoglobin affinity for oxygen under standard and real conditions. The presence of a minor allele in the G894T polymorphism of the NOS3 gene contributes to the formation of the oxygen transport function of blood.Keywords: Blood Oxygen, Nitric oxide, polymorphism G894 T, Endothelium NOS, Genotyp
Estimate the relationship between SNP of the IL-17 gene (rs2275913) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)
Get PDFBackground: One cytokine that may be important in cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is interleukin-17 (IL-17). The functions of IL-17 and its receptor genes can be affected by functional genetic variations.Methods: The study examined the relationship between the IL-17A gene's rs2275913 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in 40 samples (30 patients and 10 controls).Results: The rs2275913 variant had a homozygous GG, heterozygous GA, and homozygous AA pattern in the population under investigation. Most patients were in the homozygous GG state, and the homozygous variant AA was present among patients and controls. The IL-17A gene had patterns of polymorphism within the tested Thi-Qar community members.Conclusion: This study found a genotype-specific association between IL-17A gene rs2275913 variants and cardiovascular disease. The GA heterozygous genotype was significantly higher in healthy volunteers than in patients (p = 0.02), indicating a possible protective effect. While no significant correlation was observed for overall allele frequency, these findings suggest that certain genotypes of this polymorphism may influence CVD prevalence among Thi-Qar residents.Keywords: IL-17 gene, SNP, Cardiovascular Diseases, rs227591
Ferroportin Gene Polymorphism, Ferritin, and TIBC Levels Associated with the Severity of COVID-19 among patients: A Sequencing Analysis
Get PDFBackground: SARS-CoV-2 may also be termed a high-load virus due to its rapid spread in the bloodstream. In vitro studies verify that iron chelators can inhibit the virus, indicating iron's key component in viral replication. What's more, increased apoptosis (ferroptosis) due to intracellular accretion of iron has been discovered in biopsy specimens of COVID-19 patients. Unlike harsh pneumonitis, COVID-19 does not demonstrate a hepcidin-initiated accretion of iron at foci of infection, suggesting a different iron metabolism profile.Methods: This work explored COVID-19 risk and severity according to Ferroportin gene polymorphisms, SNPs rs3811621 and rs10202029. Infected and recovered individuals' samples were utilized for genotypic analysis to observe possible genetic associations.Result: There were no notable associations of SNP rs3811621 and SNP rs10202029 both with susceptibility to COVID-19, and harshness of the disease. Frequencies of genotype between patient and recovery groups did not differ. Ferritin values, however, were significantly different between mild, severe, and recovery cases. Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) was significantly lower in recovery subjects than in moderate or severe disease subjects, a predictable and significant finding.Conclusion: Ferroportin polymorphisms (rs3811621 and rs10202029) do not appear to influence COVID-19 susceptibility and severity. In spite of that, variations in ferritin and TIBC across different patient populations demonstrate their significance as biomarkers in defining iron metabolism during and after infection.Keywords: COVID-19; Ferroportin; ferritin; polymorphism; Sequencing; TIB
Assessment of Protein Klotho as Monitor in Diabetic Nephropathy
Get PDFBackground: Klotho is a protein found throughout the body with higher concentrations in the kidneys. Specifically, as a person ages, the levels of Klotho decline gradually, correlating with the natural decrease in kidney function. As we age, a decline in klotho leads to various age-related illnesses like chronic kidney disease, hypertension, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Klotho plays a role in regulating metabolism, including glucose and fatty acids, as well as aiding in bile acid production.Methods: A total of 135 subjects were enrolled in this study, comprising 90 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 45 healthy controls. The diabetic patients were divided into three subgroups based on the level of albuminuria: macroalbuminuria (n = 22), microalbuminuria (n = 23), and normoalbuminuria (n = 45). Serum Klotho levels were measured using the ELISA technique, along with other kidney function tests. The study was conducted at the Hospital of Telafer, Mosul, Iraq, from November 2021 to April 2022.Result: Compared with controls, diabetic nephropathy (DN) patients had lower serum Klotho levels.Conclusion: The diagnosis of DN with serum klotho can be promising, and lower serum klotho serves as a good biomarker.Keywords: Diabetic nephropathy (DN), eGFR, Soluble alpha-Klotho, Albuminuria, Type 2 diabetes mellitu