GC-MS Profile, Antioxidant Activity, and in Silico Study of the Essential Oil from Schinus molle L. Leaves in the Presence of Mosquito Juvenile Hormone-Binding Protein (mJHBP) from Aedes aegypti

Schinus molle is a medicinal plant used as an anti-inflammatory and for rheumatic pain in the traditional medicine of Peru. On the other hand, Aedes aegypti is the main vector of several tropical diseases and the transmitter of yellow fever, chikungunya, malaria, dengue, and Zika virus. In this study, the aim was to investigate the antioxidant activity in vitro and the insecticidal activity in silico, in the presence of the mosquito juvenile hormone-binding protein (mJHBP) from Aedes aegypti, of the essential oil from S. molle leaves. The volatile phytochemicals were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and the profile antioxidants were examined by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. The evaluation in silico was carried out on mJHBP (PDB: 5V13) with an insecticidal approach. The results revealed that EO presented as the main volatile components to alpha-phellandrene (32.68%), D-limonene (12.59%), and beta-phellandrene (12.24%). The antioxidant activity showed values for DPPH=11.42±0.08 μmol ET/g, ABTS=134.88±4.37 μmol ET/g, and FRAP=65.16±1.46 μmol ET/g. Regarding the insecticidal approach in silico, alpha-muurolene and gamma-cadinene had the best biding energy on mJHBP (ΔG=-9.7 kcal/mol), followed by beta-cadinene (ΔG=-9.5 kcal/mol). Additionally, the volatile components did not reveal antioxidant activity, and its potential insecticidal effect would be acting on mJHBP from A. aegypti.Revisión por pare

Lagerstroemia speciosa extract ameliorates oxidative stress in rats with diabetic nephropathy by inhibiting AGEs formation

Diabetes mellitus is amongst the most severe incurable diseases affecting a huge number of people everywhere in the world. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the main cause for kidney disease, possibly due to the lack of appropriate DN treatments. The current study is to assess the role of Lagerstroemia speciosa extract (LSE) in the mitigation of DN in a streptozotocin rat model of hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia. The animal model of DN was induced in Sprague Dawley rats by administering streptozotocin and fed on a western diet for six weeks. The administration of LSE treatment at a dose of 400 mg/kg for six weeks. LSE showed a significant decline in enhanced biochemical parameters, for instance, glucose level, creatinine, and lipid profile. LSE treatment lowered the enhanced albumin level. The advanced glycation end-product level in kidneys was significantly reduced along with augmentation in the glutathione level and a decrease in lipid peroxidation. The inflammatory markers were also reduced considerably. Thus, LSE treatment effectively protects against streptozotocin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. LSE might act as a possible adjuvant for DN therapy and needs to be investigated further

Patterns of Genetic Diversity among Alphasatellites Infecting Gossypium Species

Alphasatellites are small single-stranded circular DNA molecules associated with geminiviruses and nanoviruses. In this study, a meta-analysis of known alphasatellites isolated from the genus Gossypium (cotton) over the last two decades was performed. The phylogenetic and pairwise sequence identity analysis suggested that cotton-infecting begomoviruses were associated with at least 12 different alphasatellites globally. Three out of twelve alphasatellite were associated with cotton leaf curl geminiviruses but were not isolated from cotton plants. The cotton leaf curl Multan alphasatellite, which was initially isolated from cotton, has now been reported in several plant species, including monocot plants such as sugarcane. Our recombination analysis suggested that four alphasatellites, namely cotton leaf curl Lucknow alphasatellites, cotton leaf curl Multan alphasatellites, Ageratum yellow vein Indian alphasatellites and Ageratum enation alphasatellites, evolved through recombination. Additionally, high genetic variability was detected among the cotton-infecting alphasatellites at the genome level. The nucleotide substitution rate for the replication protein of alphasatellites (alpha-Rep) was estimated to be relatively high (~1.56 × 10−3). However, unlike other begomoviruses and satellites, the first codon position of alpha-Rep rapidly changed compared to the second and third codon positions. This study highlights the biodiversity and recombination of alphasatellites associated with the leaf curl diseases of cotton crops

Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.): A Potential Candidate for Phytoremediation? Biological and Economical Points of View

Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is an important oil seed crop that is mostly cultivated in temperate climates. In addition to many commercial applications, flax is also used as a fibrous species or for livestock feed (animal fodder). For the last 40 years, flax has been used as a phytoremediation tool for the remediation of different heavy metals, particularly for phytoextraction when cultivated on metal contaminated soils. Among different fibrous crops (hemp, jute, ramie, and kenaf), flax represents the most economically important species and the majority of studies on metal contaminated soil for the phytoextraction of heavy metals have been conducted using flax. Therefore, a comprehensive review is needed for a better understanding of the phytoremediation potential of flax when grown in metal contaminated soil. This review describes the existing studies related to the phytoremediation potential of flax in different mediums such as soil and water. After phytoremediation, flax has the potential to be used for additional purposes such as linseed oil, fiber, and important livestock feed. This review also describes the phytoremediation potential of flax when grown in metal contaminated soil. Furthermore, techniques and methods to increase plant growth and biomass are also discussed in this work. However, future research is needed for a better understanding of the physiology, biochemistry, anatomy, and molecular biology of flax for increasing its pollutant removal efficiency

Hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) as an early predictor of acute hydrogen cyanamide (Dormex) poisoning

Hydrogen cyanamide (Dormex) is a plant growth regulator that is classified as a highly toxic poison. There are no definite investigations to help in its diagnosis and follow-up. This study aimed to investigate the role of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in the diagnosis, prediction, and follow-up of Dormex-intoxicated patients. Sixty subjects were equally divided into two groups: group A, the control group, and group B, the Dormex group. Clinical and laboratory evaluations, including arterial blood gases (ABG), prothrombin concentration (PC), the international normalized ratio (INR), a complete blood count (CBC), and HIF-1α, were done on admission. CBC and HIF-1α were repeated for group B 24 and 48 h after admission to track abnormalities. Group B also had brain computed tomography (CT). Patients with abnormal CT scans were referred for brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Significant differences in levels of HB, WBCs, and platelets were also detected in group B up to 48 h after admission, as white blood cells (WBCs) rose with time and hemoglobin (HB) and platelets diminished. The results described a highly significant difference in HIF-1α between the groups, and it depended on the clinical condition; therefore, it can be used in the prediction and follow-up of patients up to 24 h after admission

Phenotypic Characterization of Circulating Tumor Cells Isolated from Non-Small and Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients

In the present study, we evaluated the expression of JUNB and CXCR4 in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) of lung cancer patients and investigated whether these proteins have prognostic clinical relevance. Peripheral blood from 30 patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was filtered using ISET membranes, and cytospins from 37 patients with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) were analyzed using confocal and VyCAP microscopy. Both JUNB and CXCR4 were expressed in the vast majority of lung cancer patients. Interestingly, the phenotypic patterns differed between NSCLC and SCLC patients; the (CK+/JUNB+/CXCR4+) phenotype was present in 50% of NSCLC vs. 71% of SCLC patients. Similarly, the (CK+/JUNB+/CXCR4–) was present in 44% vs. 71%, the (CK+/JUNB–/CXCR4+) in 6% vs. 71%, and the (CK+/JUNB–/CXCR4–) phenotype in 38% vs. 84%. In NSCLC, the presence of ≥1 CTCs with the (CK+/JUNB+/CXCR4+) phenotype was associated with worse progression-free survival (PFS) (p = 0.007, HR = 5.21) while ≥2 with poorer overall survival (OS) (p p = 0.041, HR = 5.01). Consequently, JUNB and CXCR4 were expressed in CTCs from lung cancer patients, and associated with patients’ survival, underlying their key role in tumor progression

Exploitation of selected plant extracts as bio-control against fungal contaminants in animal feed

Objectives: Pakistan is among the top agricultural countries around the globe, but mycotoxin contamination causes a major commercial loss every year. The present study aimed to isolate the fungi and their mycotoxins present in contaminated feed of animals in the local market of Peshawar. Methodology: The antifungal activity of certain plant extracts was to be tested against pathogenic fungi. TLC method was used for mycotoxin analysis and it was found that Aflatoxin G1, G2, B1 and B2 were present in different amounts both qualitatively and quantitatively based on samples. Result: This study found the presence of contamination in all the tested feed samples. All ten samples were found positive for Aspergillus flavus. B1 toxin was found in high quantity in all ten samples, while G2 was found in a lower quantity as compared to other toxins such as G1, B1 and B2. The quantity of aflatoxin was from 48.6 to 284.7 ppb in 25 g of samples. In the case of antifungal potency, all plant extracts showed important antifungal potency against tested fungi. The MIC and MFC values noted ranged from 110 to 300 mg/ml and 100–300 mg/ml respectively. Citrus aurantium and Myrtus communis were absorbed to have antifungal potency against all test fungi. Citrus aurantium extracts were also found to inhibit the growth of Aspergillus flavus. Conclusion: According to the results of the present research, a variety of fungal strains and aflatoxins were present in animal feed in numerous parts of Peshawar, Pakistan and different plant extracts can be used in animal feed to reduce this type of contamination

In vitro anti-HIV and cytotoxic effects of pure compounds isolated from Croton macrostachyus Hochst. Ex Delile.

is an important plant in traditional African medicine, widely utilized to treat a variety of diseases. In Kenya, HIV-infected patients use leaf and root decoctions of the plant as a cure for cough, back pain, bleeding, skin diseases, warts, pneumonia, and wounds. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-HIV activities and cytotoxic effects of extracts and chemical constituents isolated from In our previous study we demonstrated that the hexane, CH Cl , ethyl acetate and methanol soluble fractions of a 1:1 CH Cl /MeOH crude extracts of the leaves and stem bark of exhibited potent anti-HIV activities against HIV-1 with IC values ranging from 0.02–8.1 μg/mL and cytotoxicity effects against MT-4 cells ranging from IC = 0.58–174 μg/mL Hence, hexane soluble extract of 1:1 CH Cl /MeOH crude extract of the leaves of that was more potent against HIV-1 at IC = 0.02 μg/mL was subjected to column chromatography leading to the isolation of 2-methoxy benzyl benzoate (1), lupenone (2), lupeol acetate (3), betulin (4), lupeol (5), sitosterol (6) and stigmasterol (7). Lupenone (2), lupeol acetate (3) and betulin (4) exhibited anti-HIV-1 inhibition at IC = 4.7 nM, 4.3 and 4.5 μg/mL respectively. The results obtained from this study support the potential of as a source of anti-HIV constituents

Interleukin-22 Polymorphisms in Plasmodium falciparum-Infected Malaria Patients

Background and Objectives. Malaria infection, caused by Plasmodium falciparum, is the most lethal and frequently culminates in severe clinical complications. Interleukin-22 (IL-22) has been implicated in several diseases including malaria. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of IL-22 gene polymorphisms in P. falciparum infection. Material and Methods. Ten single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs976748, rs1179246, rs2046068, rs1182844, rs2227508, rs2227513, rs2227478, rs2227481, rs2227491, and rs2227483, of IL-22 gene were genotyped through PCR-based assays of 250 P. falciparum-infected patients and 200 healthy controls. In addition, a luciferase reporter assay was done to assess the role of the rs2227513 SNP in IL-22 gene promoter activity. Results. We found that the rs2227481 TT genotype (odds ratio 0.254, confidence interval = 0.097-0.663, P=0.002) and the T allele is associated with protection against P. falciparum malaria as well as the rs2227483 AT genotype (odds ratio 0.375, confidence interval = 0.187-0.754, P=0.004). The haplotype A-T-T of rs1179246, rs1182844, and rs976748 was statistically more frequent in the control group (frequency 41%, P=0.034) as well as the haplotype A-G of rs2046068 and rs2227491 (frequency 49.4%, P=0.041). The variant rs2227513 G allele had a statistically higher activity (P<0.0001) with the luciferase reporter assay. Conclusion. The study suggests that IL-22 polymorphisms in rs2227481 and rs2227483 could contribute to protection against P. falciparum malaria. Also, the G allele of rs2227513, located in the promoter region of IL-22 gene, could be essential for higher expression levels of IL-22 cytokine

Investigating the effect of resveratrol on apoptosis and regulation of gene expression of Caco-2 cells: Unravelling potential implications for colorectal cancer treatment

Colorectal cancer is known for its substantial impact on global morbidity and mortality, with higher prevalence in developed regions. This study delves into the potential treatment advantages of resveratrol (RSV) in addressing colorectal cancer. Apoptosis and gene expression associated with apoptotic factors were explored using Caco-2 cells, a pertinent model for colorectal adenocarcinoma. The effect of RSV on Caco-2 cell viability was investigated using MTT assay and neutral red uptake assay. The level of generated ROS was high in cells exposed to RSV. Likewise, the enzyme superoxide dismutase, responsible for converting ROS into hydrogen peroxide, was concurrently elevated. The effect of RSV on DNA damage was examined through the TUNEL assay. The gene expression analyses for pro-apoptotic elements were studied using qRT-PCR. Furthermore, the impact of RSV on the migration of Caco-2 cells was conducted through a wound-healing assay. Our results reveal RSV’s cytotoxicity on Caco-2 cells, showing dose-dependent inhibition of viability, indicating its promise as a treatment agent. The induction of cell death by apoptosis is substantiated by DNA damage. Notably, the upregulated expression of caspase-3, Bax, and p53 genes suggests RSV’s potential to modulate key apoptosis-related elements. In addition, RSV displayed an inhibitory effect on cellular migration, a significant (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01) in cancer metastasis. These findings underscore RSV’s potential to be a multifaceted therapeutic agent targeting apoptosis and metastatic processes in colorectal cancer