Advancements in Life Sciences (E-Journal, University of the Punjab)
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Anti-atherosclerotic potential of fatty acids in Chlorella vulgaris via inhibiting the foam cell formation: An in silico study
Get PDFBackground: WHO in 2019 announced that atherosclerosis is included in the top leading cause of mortality, which is more than 32% of deaths worldwide. The most common early symptom of atherosclerosis is the formation of foam cells inside blood vessel wall. Fatty acids from Chlorella vulgaris have the potential to inhibit foam cell formation. The purpose of this study is to analyze the inhibitory activity of fatty acids from C. vulgaris towards various proteins involved in foam cell formation.Methods: The fatty acids content of C. vulgaris was determined based on previous research. The molecular samples of fatty acids and proteins including CETP, LOX1, ACAT1, and CD36 were obtained from the PubChem and RCSB PDB databases. Drug-likeness and probable activity screening were conducted using the SWISS ADME and PASS Online web servers. Molecular docking was performed using AutoDock Vina, which is integrated into the PyRx software.Results: All fatty acids comply with the Lipinski rule of five. Thirteen fatty acids were predicted to have anti-atherosclerosis activity based on PASS online screening: myristoleic acid, hexadecadienoic acid, linolenic acid, palmitoleic acid, linoleic acid, heptadecenoic acid, oleic acid, eicosadienoic acid, nonadecenoic acid, gadoleic acid, heneicosanoic acid, brassidic acid, and nervonic acid. Molecular docking simulation results showed that Nervonic acid binds to CETP, LOX1, and ACAT1 in the same site as an inhibitor with the lowest binding affinity value (-5.9, -7, and -7.8 kcal/mol). Hexadecadienoic acid binds to CD36 with the lowest binding affinity value (-4.9 kcal/mol) and binds in the same site with inhibitor.Conclusion: Therefore, nervonic acid and hexadecadienoic acid have a high potential as a foam cell formation inhibitor.Keywords: Atherosclerosis; Fatty acid; Foam cell; Molecular dockin
Phytochemical and Antioxidant Analysis of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Ethanolic Extract
Get PDFBackground: Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is famous for its antioxidant activity, and its antioxidant activity can potentially counteract oxidative stress-related diseases. Ginger pungency and odor are a result of it s bioactive compounds, including gingerols, shogaols, paradols, and zingerone. In the present work, a study of the phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity of ginger and its therapeutic potentials was performed.Method: Method: Dried rhizomes of ginger were extracted with 70% ethanol for 24 hours, and 18.2% dark brown, paste-like extract was yielded. The extract then was analyzed for bioactives with the use of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Antioxidant activity was measured with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay.Results: GC-MS analysis revealed that the extract contained high concentrations of fatty acids and their derivatives, comprising 86.43% of its contents. Additionally, aldehydes and alkenes (0.02%) and hydrocarbons (13.58%) were detected. Gallic acid (71.25 ppm), hydroxybenzoic acid (49.25 ppm), ferulic acid (50.11 ppm), ellagic acid (20.25 ppm), and caffeic acid (11.58 ppm) phenolic compounds were confirmed in HPLC analysis. Ginger extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity, as same as activity observed with vitamin C, with an IC50 value of 65.11 µg/mL in the DPPH assay.Conclusion: The current study confirms that the ethanolic extract of ginger possesses a high level of antioxidants, with a potential for numerous therapeutic uses.Keywords: Zingiber officinale; Ethanolic extract; Phytochemicals; Antioxidant; Therapeutic potentia
Contribution of Environmental Toxicants and Lifestyle in Development of Cardiovascular Diseases
Get PDFEnvironmental pollutants and lifestyle factors are significantly contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which are the major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Exposure of heavy metals such as lead, chromium and Arsenic particulate matter (PM 2.5 and PM 10), and persistent organic pollutants like dichloro diphenyl trichloroethane and dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethylene are critical factors affecting cardiovascular health and cause CVD. Evidence suggests that these pollutants and various lifestyle choices such as smoking, and physical inactivity, activates multiple pathways including oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction thereby increasing risk of CVD. This review aims to critically analyze the complex relationship between environmental contaminants and sedentary lifestyle and their involvement in CVD risk.Keywords: Lifestyle Factors; Pesticides; Environmental Toxins; Cardiovascular Disease
Iron-Based Nanoparticles Synthesis, Characterization, and Antimicrobial Effectiveness
Get PDFBackground: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a significant and pressing public health concern, posing serious challenges to effectively preventing and treating persistent diseases. Developing new antibiotics with different mechanisms of action is crucial to effectively address challenges in treating infections. A lot of work has already been done on mono-metallic nanoparticles to address the issue.Methods: This study aimed to synthesize multi-metallic iron, silver, and chitosan-embedded nanoparticles using a green approach. Iron, silver, chitosan nanoparticles, and a composite of iron–silver–chitosan was also synthesized. The synthesized nanoparticles and composites were characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to evaluate their structural parameters. Their antimicrobial efficacy was investigated through MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration), MBC (minimum bactericidal concentration), and well-disk diffusion assays against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Candida albicans.Results: The size of the Cu-NPs, Cu-Ag NPs, and Cu-Ag-CS NPs were found to be in the range of 32-40 nm size with a spherical shape. The nanocomposites' MIC and MBC were calculated to be 125 μg/mL and 500 μg/mL, respectively. The nanocomposites exhibited a range of clear inhibition zones, with a minimum diameter of 12 ± 0.5 mm and a maximum diameter of 22 ± 0.5 mm. Conclusion: The iron–silver–chitosan nanocomposite has been shown to have significant antimicrobial effects in the laboratory environment compared to other nanoparticles hence can be applied as potential biomedical/biological candidates in future.Keywords: Antibacterial; Antifungal Agents; Iron; Silver; Chitosan; Nanoparticles
Characterization of garlic virus A, garlic virus D, and onion yellow dwarf virus infecting onion
Get PDFBackground: Allium cepa is one of the major vegetable crops cultivated in Saudi Arabia. This economically important crop faces several biotic stresses which adversely affect the quality and quantity of its production. Several virus groups (potyviruses, carlaviruses, tospoviruses, and allexiviruses) have been reported infecting Allium crops.Methods: During the growing season of 2021-2022, a total of 81 onion samples exhibiting virus-like symptoms were collected from two different geographical regions in Saudi Arabia. The serological technique (ELISA) was used to detect the important allexiviruses and potyviruses. RT-PCR amplification of partial genome sequence was done using degenerate primers for allexiviruses and potyviruses and the phylogenetic trees were constructed using different bioinformatic tools.Results: The results obtained from ELISA tests showed that 26% and 32% of onion samples were positive with both Garlic Virus A (GarV-A) and Onion yellow dwarf virus (OYDV) respectively. RT-PCR amplification and sequencing results showed that two allexiviruses, GarV-A, garlic virus D (GarV-D), and one Potyvirus (OYDV) were detected in both regions. Sequence data were deposited in the GenBank database with accession numbers, OQ397545, OQ397546 for GarV-A, OQ397547 for GarV-D, and OQ397548, OQ397549 for OYDV, sequentially. Phylogenetic tree analysis of these virus isolates showed making clades with closely related isolates of their respective viruses. Pairwise nucleotide sequence identity showed their similarity with GarV-A, GarV-D, and OYDV isolates reported earlier in the GenBank.Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, these two distinct allexiviruses (GarV-A, GarV-D) and one Potyvirus (OYDV) were isolated for the first time from an onion crop in Saudi Arabia.Keywords: Allexiviruses; Potyviruses; Serological Detection; Allium cepa; RT-PCR; Sequence
Role of Reactive Oxygen Species in the Pathogenesis of Bronchial Asthma and Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Systematic Review
Get PDFThe article discusses the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma and obstructive pulmonary diseases. The review follows a structured approach beginning with a comprehensive search of electronic databases, then findings from the included studies were summarized and used to draw comprehensive conclusions. The authors state that increased activity of oxidative processes and insufficient activity of the antioxidant system lead to the accumulation of ROS in the respiratory tract. This leads to direct damage to epithelial cells, activation of inflammatory cells, and stimulation of inflammatory mediators. ROS also activate transcription factors that increase inflammation and airway obstruction. Thus, maintaining the balance of the oxidant-antioxidant system is an important strategy for the treatment of these diseases.Keywords: Reactive oxygen species; Bronchial asthma; Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Oxidative stress; Antioxidant system
The Concept of Chloroplast Transformation; Its Relevance Towards Food Security
Get PDFThe world population is expected to reach an estimated 9.2 billion by 2050 which means up to 70% increase in food production would be needed to feed the world. Moreover, climate changes pose yet another challenge to global food security. Genetic engineering is playing its role in modern agriculture to overcome food security challenges but for better crop production more biotechnological advances are required. Chloroplast genetic engineering provides a better alternative to nuclear genetic engineering due to its properties of precise transgene insertion through homologous recombination, lack of epigenetic changes and high transgene expression. We reviewed the fundamentals behind chloroplast transformation and divulge its various applications in nutritional enhancement and agricultural stress management. Furthermore, we provide recent efforts of Ribonucleic Acid interference (RNAi) technology in the transplastomic transformation towards insect-specific and environmentally friendly control measures. We envisage that targeted chloroplast genome editing could be a game changer in the future application of chloroplast transformation.Keywords: Agricultural stress management; Chloroplast transformation; Genome editing; RNA interference; Transgenic crops
Investigation of Anthelmintic Property of Cow Urine Distillate on Ascaris and Trichuris eggs Isolated from Soil
Get PDFBackground: Helminth infection occurs due to contact with contaminated soils and poor hygiene practices. Even though there is immense progression in human medicine, infections that occur due to bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites persist as a crucial threat to public health. Over the years, many studies indicated cow urine has antimicrobial activity. Hence, this study looks into anthelmintic property of cow urine in Ascaris spp., and Trichuris spp., eggs. Methods: The soil sample was collected at the riverside, near the toilet area and at the pond area at an aborigine village in Malaysia. Next, flotation technique was used to isolate the helminth eggs and it was identified using a light microscope. The cow urine was prepared as raw cow urine (RCU), evaporated raw cow urine diluted with distilled water (ERCUD), evaporated raw cow urine diluted with saline (ERCUS) and evaporated filtered cow urine diluted with saline (EFCUS).Results: From the soil samples, mainly two types of helminths were found which were Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura. Evaporated cow urine diluted with saline showed the most prominent result in the destruction of helminth eggs.Conclusion: Evaporated cow urine possesses biochemical agents that can be used in the future as anthelmintic agents whereby further studies should be conducted to further explore its potential to use cow urine as a potential anthelmintic agent.Keywords: Cow urine; Helminth eggs; AnthelminticEditorial Expression of Concern:18 May 2025: Following publication of this paper, the internal audit (consequent to concerns on quality raised by Web of Science) notified Advancements in Life Sciences about problems in use of English language and references. By this Editorial Expression of Concern, we alert the scientific community as we address the errors.Editorial Note:31 May 2025: You are viewing the latest version of this article having minor corrections related to the use of English language and in references section. Expression of concern is hereby revoked.
Molecular identification of Epstein-Barr virus in human placental tissue
Get PDFBackground: The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) relates to the herpesvirus family, is associated with TORCH infections, and is believed to have a substantial impact on mortality and perinatal events, as shown by epidemiological and viral studies. Moreover, there have been documented cases of EBV transmission occurring via the placenta. Nevertheless, the specific location of the EBV infection inside the placenta remains uncertain.Methods: The genomic sequences connected to the latent EBV gene and the levels of lytic EBV gene expression in placental chorionic villous cells are examined in this work. A total of 86 placentas from patients who had miscarriages and 54 placentas from individuals who had successful births were obtained for analysis.Results: The research employed qPCR to detect the BRLF1 (Rta) EBV lytic gene and quantify DNA burden in miscarriage patients and controls. In miscarriage patients, endpoint PCR and Sanger sequencing validated a particular region of the EBER1 EBV latent gene. BRLF1 gene presence ranged from 2.5 × 102 to 9.3 × 104 copies/mL in 75 miscarriage patients. However, 5 samples from healthy deliveries showed a range of 2.0 × 102 to 2.9 × 102 copies/mL. EBER1 was observed in all miscarriage samples. The sequencing results indicated full sequence identity to EBV strains.Conclusion: The detection of EBV gene expression in placental tissues in Iraq is a novel finding. The examination of EBV is of utmost importance in pregnant women who are experiencing severe illness, since it has the potential to lead to mortality in both the mother and the developing fetus.Keywords: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV); Placental tissues; Prenatal; BRLF1; EBV-encoding RNA-1 (EBER1)Editorial Note: You are viewing latest version of this manuscript which is different from the originally published article
Enhancing Indigenous Knowledge to Enhance Food Security in Rice Field Agroecosystems of Pinrang Regency, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia
Get PDFBackground: The traditional agricultural system is a cultivation system that has been passed down from generation to generation so that it becomes the local knowledge of farmers in carrying out cultivation activities. Traditional agriculture in Samaulue Village still maintains local wisdom. In the life of the community, there are social values that form local wisdom and have become part of everyday life.Methods: The population in this study were all farmer households in Samaulue Village. The number of research samples was 50 rice farmer households. The method of determining the sample using a simple random sampling. The analytical method used in exploring the potential for local wisdom values in supporting food security is a qualitative descriptive method and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). This research is a qualitative research.Results: There are three forms of local wisdom that were carried out before planting, three during the provision of seeds and the initial planting, and the traditions before harvest and harvest that are still being carried out are two. The dimensions of food security from the aspect of food availability, people rely on the availability of food that comes from their land, buying at local markets or rice selling kiosks or at rice mills in their area; in terms of food access, the main food needs of the families are fulfilled from agricultural products, while for additional food needs and daily needs are available in stalls or shops and kiosks; lastly for the food absorption dimension, the families underwent a pattern of eating three times a day.Conclusion: Local wisdom which refers to local culture in rice farming production activities includes: tudang sipulung, mappalili and mappammula (pre-planting activities), mampo and mappammula mattaneng (seed provision and initial planting activities). The form of local wisdom is preparing food reserves in the household because the tradition of mappatala (eating together), pamali (not allowed) to empty the rice container (pabbarassengeng) in the house and has brought the rice field agro-ecosystem community never experiencing hunger, even though there is a scarcity of rice.Keywords: Local Wisdom; Food Security; Rice Field Agroecosystem; Production; Consumption