Journal of Experimental and Molecular Biology
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BCL-2 Gene Expression Effect on Haematological Profiles among CML Patients in Ile –Ife. Osun State. Nigeria
Get PDFBCL-2 was the first anti-death gene. A key for oncogenic mechanism in several haematological malignancies, has been attributed to the upregulation of BCL-2 which is caused by numerous mechanisms. The aim of the study is to evaluate the BCL-2 gene mutation by its expression level and the resultant effect on haematological profiles among Chronic Myelogenous Leukemic (CML) patients in Ile Ife. This study was cross-sectional and a total of 100 consenting participants were recruited: 50 known CML patients and 50 control subjects. Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Ile-Ife, a Referral Centre for haematologic malignancies, and Seventh Day Adventist Hospital, Ile-Ife, were used as the study centers. Full blood count was done using 3-part haematology auto analyzer (Mindray), while RNA extraction and qPCR Bcl-2 quantification were done using real time PCR equipment. The results obtained from the study shows that there are higher expression levels of the Bcl-2 gene in CML samples compared with control samples, attaining significant p<0.05. Bcl-2 overexpression, suggests that dysregulated Bcl-2 is potentially involved in the pathogenesis of CML. The haematology parameters also shows significant effect of Bcl-2 mutation (p<0.05) as follows: 30% leukocytosis was observed in CML with gene expression compared to normal leukocyte count observed among 43(86%) control and 29(58%) CML with no gene expression. It was noted that more than halve i.e 24% CML with overexpression have anaemia while more than halve i.e.44%CML with no expression and 70%control has normal PCV. The 14% thrombocytosis among the CML with gene expression compared to 2% among the non-expressed CML and 4% among the control is prognostic. The overexpression observed in this study is suggestive of a level that is characteristic of CML patients, and its association with anaemia, leukocytosis and neutrophilia and can be used in the evaluation of the disease and aid in the BCL-2 therapy. 
NUTRITIONAL AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF SELECTED DROUGHT TOLERANT NIGERIAN LOCAL RICE CULTIVARS
Get PDFDrought-tolerant rice cultivars with inherent good quality traits are important in ensuring adequate and nutritious food for humans, particularly in sub-Saharan African regions like Nigeria. Thus, for the attainment of effective nutrition security in a climate-changing world, it is expedient to scientifically characterize, identify, and develop good quality rice cultivars with intrinsic drought tolerance potentials. In this study, four potentially drought-tolerant rice cultivars were collected from local rice farmers in some Northern parts of Nigeria. They were first subjected to preliminary drought tolerance validation, then physicochemical, proximate, mineral, and transgene diagnostic analyses. The proximate analysis results showed that the cultivars have good protein content particularly “Nassarawa-Lafia” (10.20±0.00%) while “Jigawa-Mafa” has the highest fiber and magnesium content of 1.81±0.01% and 31.80±0.04% respectively. Mineral content analysis results also revealed cultivars like “Jigawa-Mafa” and “Nassarawa-Lafia” as high potassium enriched up to 118.72±0.41mg/100g and 117.06±0.91mg/100g. The molecular diagnostics showed no transgene presence in all the samples. These findings highlight the good nutritional qualities of the cultivars and their potential health benefits. This calls for a more in-depth search of the expansive local genetic pool for crops with promising abilities for cultivation and subsequent breeding programs to address the increasing food and nutrition challenges
Evaluation of Candida Species on Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces among Students Residing in School Hostels in a Tertiary Institution, Ile Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
Get PDFCandida species are significant opportunistic fungal pathogens that can cause various diseases, particularly among individuals with compromised immunity. While there is plenty of literature on Candida in clinical and public settings, incidence on surfaces within student residence halls is still not well understood. The distribution and frequency of Candida species were assessed on surfaces that come into contact with food and non-food items at the Obafemi Awolowo University residence halls in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Seven out of nine residence halls of the university were studied using a cross-sectional investigation. Sterile swabs were used to collect surface samples from 50 rooms, which were subsequently processed on Hi Chrome Candida Differential Agar and Sabouraud Dextrose Agar. Data analysis was done using the Chi-square test with a significance level of p < 0.05. It was found that Candida species were fairly common, with an occurrence rate of 86%. The contamination rate on non-food contact surfaces was 64% compared to 76% on food contact surfaces. Its dominating species was Candida glabrata, which comprised 28%, followed by Candida albicans 6%, and Candida tropicalis was also 6%. More pronounced co-infections were noticed at the postgraduate hall: food-contact surfaces between the Candida albicans and Candida glabrata comprised 28.6%. The Moremi Hall recorded the greatest percentage of total contamination at 26%. The results stress the need for improved hygienic practices, routine check-ups, and public health programs to avoid opportunistic infections among students, as well as the need to turn attention to the possible danger of fungal contamination in communal living facilities
Unraveling the plant growth-promoting potential of Bacillus safensis P1.5S through genome analysis
Get PDFPlant growth-promoting bacteria have emerged as promising eco-friendly alternatives to traditional agricultural practices. These beneficial microbes promote plant growth through various mechanisms including nitrogen fixation, production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), salicylic acid (SA), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and antimicrobial secondary metabolites. In this study, we performed a genome-based characterization of bacterial strain P1.5S using bioinformatic tools to identify genes associated with plant growth promotion. The draft genome of strain P1.5S is 3,667,318 bp in size, assembled into 13 contigs. Taxonomic analysis confirmed the identity of the strain as Bacillus safensis (dDDH: 80.6%; ANI: 97.84%). Our in silico investigation revealed gene clusters related to nitrogen fixation (10 genes), as well as genes involved in the production of IAA (12 genes), SA (7 genes) and VOCs biosynthesis. Additionally, the genome encodes biosynthetic gene clusters for secondary metabolites with antimicrobial properties such as lipopeptides, peptides and polyketides. The presence of genes related to siderophore and hydrolytic enzymes production highlights the strain’s potential for biocontrol. Moreover, genes associated with root colonization further support the plant-beneficial potential of this strain. Bacillus safensis P1.5S is a promising candidate for agricultural practices, but further greenhouse and field studies are necessary to validate its potential
Ficus Exasperata Suppresses Early Events in Colorectal Carcinogenesis by Down Regulating the Expression of Beta-Catenin, Enhancing Adenomatous Polyposis Coli and Boosting the Immune System.
No full textWingless (Wnt) signalling is an important evolutionarily conserved signalling pathway in animals that regulates biological processes such as development, cell growth, and differentiation. Abnormalities in the components of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway have been a major cause of cancer, especially in colorectal cancer (CRC). This study investigates the effect of the methanol leaf extract of Ficus exasperata (MEFE) on the wnt signalling pathway, considering beta-catenin and adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) as key markers. This study further delves into the quantitative and qualitative phytochemicals present in the leaf extract. Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) level and some haematological indices were also assayed for, in the test animals. A total of forty-eight Wistar rats, grouped into 8 cages, were used for this study. The control group was the first group; group 2 was treated with extract alone (500 mg/kg body weight); group 3 rats were injected subcutaneously with 40 mg/kg b.w. of 1,2- dimethylhydrazine (DMH) twice a week; group 4 was treated with both the leaf extract (500 mg/kg b.w.) and DMH; group 5 was treated with the leaves extract (750 mg/kg b.w.) and DMH; group 6 was pretreated with the leaf extract (500 mg/kg b.w.) before the administration of DMH; group 7 (post-treated) was given DMH for some weeks before the commencement of treatment with the leaf extract (500 mg/kg b.w.); group 8 was given the carcinogen and treated with a standard drug (12.5 mg/kg b.w. of 5-fluorouracil} simultaneously. Appreciable amount of phenol, flavonoid, tannin and anthocyanidin were present in the plant extract. Alkaloids, terpenoids, phytosterols, saponins and anthraquinones were also found in the plant. The immune system of the rats was strengthened by the extract. The haemoglobin and red blood cell levels of rats treated with the plant extract were within the normal range compared to the control (p<0.05). Reduced glutathione level and adenomatous polyposis gene were reduced while, malondialdehyde level and beta-catenin gene expression were statistically significantly increased in carcinogen-only treated groups compared to other groups (p < 0.05). The plant was able to inhibit oxidative stress and also suppress the expression of β-catenin while enhancing the expression of adenomatous polyposis coli. These potentials might be a s a result of the phytochemicals present in the plant extract.
ISOLATION AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF RHIZOBIAL STRAINS ISOLATED FROM SOYBEAN NODULES IN LIMPOPO PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA: Characterization of rhizobial strains from soybean root nodules
No full textLimited nitrogen in the soil is a major constraint to sustainable crop production in most developing countries including South Africa. Soybean productivity in South Africa is limited by drought, poor soil fertility, and the ineffectiveness or unavailability of native strains. Most soil in South Africa contains low or ineffective rhizobium strains for biological nitrogen fixation in legume crops. The study aimed to isolate and characterize compatible rhizobial strains for soybeans in response to soil moisture conservation technologies and Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculation in Limpopo province, South Africa. The study used a phylogenetic analysis of 21 bacteria' 16S rRNA gene sequences isolated from soybean root nodules in the Limpopo province. Experiments were conducted at Syferkuil farm and Lebopo sites in Limpopo province. DNA was extracted to perform PCR amplification of the 16S ribosomal RNA using primer fD1 and rD1. Sequencing was done at Inqaba Biotec, Pretoria, and edited using Bioedit and Mega X programs. A total of 21 bacterial isolates were isolated from soybean root nodules. The isolated strains from Syferkuil and Lebopo sites had both medium-growing and fast-growing strains; however, they were dominated by fast-growing strains. Phylogenetic results showed four categories of bacterial genera: Agrobacterium, Bradyrhizobium, Bacillus, and Rhizobium. Application of local rhizobium strains and efficient strains could enhance productivity and contribute to the low input cost of soybean production in Limpopo provinc
INVESTIGATING THE IN VIVO EFFECTS OF COPPER COORDINATION COMPOUNDS WITH THIOSEMICARBAZONES ON ERYTHROCYTE REDOX BALANCE
Get PDFThiol-disulfide homeostasis plays a vital role in cellular and systemic functions, regulating biosynthetic reactions, growth, transport, repair, and redox signaling through the dynamic interplay between thiol (-SH) and disulfide (-S-S-) states. This study evaluated the effects of copper coordination compounds with thiosemicarbazones (CCTs) on thiol-disulfide metabolism in 120 rats (Rattus norvegicus Albicans). The animals were divided into 10 groups by sex, with the control group receiving saline and experimental groups (Groups 2–10) administered specific CCTs (10 µg/kg, subcutaneously) for 30 days. CCTs, known for their medicinal potential, particularly as anticancer agents, enhanced antioxidant defenses by increasing total and reduced glutathione (tGSH, rGSH) and decreasing oxidized glutathione (GSSG). These findings underscore the potential of CCTs in modulating redox balance and their promise in therapeutic applications, including cancer treatment
Biochemical and molecular characterization of fermented cabbage and soybeans using starter culture
No full textThe aim of this study was to characterize starter cultures of LAB (lactic acid bacterium) and Bacillus spp. for controlled fermentation of cabbage and soybeans to achieve desired products. Cultured isolates were studied morphologically and revalidated using biochemical and molecular methods. Extracted DNA was amplified using two specific primers. Banding pattern at 1500bp showed the presence of LAB and Bacillus subtilis DNA amplified. La57 primer amplified amino acid antiporter gene that identified LAB while ENIF primer amplified endoglucanase gene that identified B. subtilis. The16S ribosomal RNA was sequenced using the Sanger’s method for strain specific identification. As a result, the test organisms were morphologically identified as Pediococcus spp and B. subtilis. They differed in the type enzyme production (4:7 respectively). Sequence alignment identified them as Pediococcus pentosaceus strain DSM20336 (LAB) and B. subtilis subsp. subtilis strain 168. This is the novelty in this work. Results showed that P. pentosaceus induced ferments contained the least number of isolates in cabbage (Lactobacillus spp., Streptococcus spp. and Pediococcus spp) and soybean (Bacillus spp., Streptococcus spp. and Pediococcus spp) unlike in spontaneous fermentation where 8-9 bacterial isolates were recorded. The study identified potential fermenting strains of bacteria that could be employed as potential starter culture in the industrial fermentation of vegetable and legume foods to boost food security in Nigeria. These findings have industrial and economic benefits
CONTRIBUTION TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF ODONATA (INSECTA) IN MOLDOVA: IAŞI COUNTY
Get PDFFrom 21‑vi to 29‑vi‑2024 I made an odonatological study trip to Iaşi County, northeastern Romania. During this trip I examined 39 sites of both standing and flowing water and noticed 23 species of Odonata. Many sites are threatened by littering and drying out. The results of the trip demonstrate the summer aspect of the Southeast European dragonfly and damselfly fauna; neither spring nor autumn species were observed. Interesting from a faunistic point of view are the very early observation of immature Sympecma fusca at two sites, the northernmost record of Somatochlora meridionalis east of the Carpathians, and the almost complete absence of species of the genera Lestes, Aeshna, Gomphus s.l., Libellula and Sympetrum. The mentions of some species in the literature are critically examined
TOXICOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF CARBON NANOMATERIALS ON LEMNA MINOR L.: INSIGHTS INTO PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL ALTERATIONS
Get PDFSynthetic carbon-based nanomaterials, such as multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), carboxyl-functionalized nanotubes (MWCNTs-COOH), and fullerene soot, are increasingly being utilised in practical industrial and agricultural applications. This reality raises concerns about their potential unfavourable ecotoxicological impact on aquatic ecosystems where they may accidentally end up. In this context, the present research aimed to evaluate several physiological and biochemical responses of plants belonging to the species Lemna minor L. when interacting with these types of nanomaterials, experimentally added at two concentrations (50 and 200 mg/L) to their culture medium over a 14-day cultivation period.
The results obtained demonstrated the appearance in the test plants of functional effects dependent on the dose and nature of the tested nanomaterial, reflected by significant changes in photosynthetic performance (decreases in the content of photo-assimilatory pigments and the efficiency of photosystem II), as well as by the activation of biochemical markers of oxidative stress (increases in the content of flavonoids and polyphenols, changes in POD and SOD activities). The functionalized nanotubes (MWCNTs-COOH) induced the most pronounced biochemical responses, while fullerene soot had more moderate effects, possibly due to its reduced bioavailability in the cultivation media.
The results highlight the sensitivity of Lemna minor to chemical stress generated by synthetic carbon-based nanomaterials present in the cultivation medium, thus confirming its usefulness as a model organism in ecotoxicological studies and emphasising the need for rigorous assessments regarding the potential impact of these nanomaterials on aquatic plants in natural ecosystems, to lay the groundwork for responsible ecological management strategies