Category Archives: Uncategorized
Non-coding RNA NEAT-1 and interleukin-6 as diagnostic indicators for vitiligo
Mai M. Sharabi1*, Amr A. Zahra1, Azza M. Elamir1,
Talal A. Abd El Raheem2, Nesreen M. Aboraia2
1Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,
Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt;
2Department of Dermatology, STDs Andrology, Faculty of Medicine,
Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt;
*e-mail: mmm29@fayoum.edu.eg
Received: 15 March 2024; Revised: 23 April 2024;
Accepted: 31 May 2024; Available on-line: 17 June 2024
Vitiligo belongs to chronic autoimmune diseases and results in a loss of functioning melanocytes and skin depigmentation. Nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT-1) is a long non-coding RNA that has a vital role in the diagnostics and treatment of certain autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. It is suggested that NEAT-1 can increase the pro-inflammatory cytokine level via regulatory network. The aim of the work was to measure the serum level of NEAT-1 and IL-6 in vitiligo patients compared with healthy controls and to estimate its relation to disease activity. In the study, 60 individuals were enrolled subdivided into 40 vitiligo patients and 20 healthy controls of similar age and gender. NEAT-1 expression was detected by Quantitative real-time PCR, and IL-6 level was measured by ELISA. To assess the severity of the disease Vitiligo area scoring index (VASI) was calculated. Results showed that there was a significant increase in both NEAT-1 and IL-6 levels in vitiligo patients compared with the control group. A positive correlation between NEAT-1 and IL-6 levels and a negative correlation between NEAT-1 level and VASI score was revealed. The elevated serum levels of NEAT-1 and IL-6 suggest that these circulating biomarkers have promise as diagnostic indicators for vitiligo and possible targets for therapeutic interventions.
Embelin mitigates hepatotoxicity induced by isoniazid and rifampicin in rats
O. F. Mosa
Public Health Department, College of Al-Lieth Health Science,
Umm Al Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia;
e-mail: drosama2030@gmail.com
Received: 09 March 2024; Revised: 29 April 2024;
Accepted: 31 May 2024; Available on-line: 17 June 2024
Isoniazid and rifampicin are reliable drugs against tuberculosis, but while effective, their use is associated with the risk of drug-induced liver damage. Embelin, a natural parabenzoquinone derived from the Embelia ribes plant, has gained attention for its potential therapeutic properties, antioxidant and organ-protective effects. The study aimed to assess the hepatoprotective properties of embelin against liver damage induced by isoniazid and rifampicin in rats. Wistar rats were used, and liver damage was induced by administration of isoniazid (100 mg/kg) and rifampicin (100 mg/kg). Embelin was given at doses of 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg for 21 days. All the drugs were given orally. Serum levels of the oxidative stress markers, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity measured by enzymatic assay kits (Elabscience, China), and the levels of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukins IL-1β and IL-6 measured by ELISA kits (Randox, UK) were estimated. Embelin administration at varying doses effectively restored AST, ALT, ALP, SOD and catalase activity and notably decreased MDA and nitric oxide concentration as well as expression of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in the serum of animals with drug-induced liver damage. These findings underscore embelin’s hepatoprotective effects, likely attributed to its radical scavenging properties and ability to suppress cytokine production.
PREX proteins level correlation with insulin resistance markers and lipid profile in obese and overweight non-diabetic patients
N. Hamza1*, A. A. Kasim2, W. E. Hameed3
1Babel Health Directorate, Ministry of Health and Environment, Babel, Iraq;
2Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Pharmacy,
University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq;
3Nutrition Clinic Unit, Al-Imam Al-Sadiq Teaching Hospital,
Ministry of Health, Babil, Iraq;
*e-mail: ali.abdulhussein@uobasrah.edu.iq
Received: 04 March 2024; Revised: 03 April 2024;
Accepted: 31 May 2024; Available on-line: 17 June 2024
Metabolic dysregulation and obesity are associated with many metabolic alterations, including impairment of insulin sensitivity and dyslipidemia. Recent studies highlight the key role of phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-triphosphate-dependent Rac exchange proteins (PREX proteins) in the pathogenesis of obesity, advocating further elucidation of their potential therapeutic implications. The present study aimed to estimate the serum level of PREX proteins and its potential association with insulin resistance markers and plasma lipids level in obese and overweight non-diabetic patients. The study included 30 persons classified as obese, 30 as overweight, and 30 healthy individuals of similar age and gender. The levels of PREX1 and PREX2 were measured using ELISA kits, insulin, fasting glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin and total lipid profile were determined using appropriate photometric kits. HOMA-IR was used as a measure of insulin sensitivity. According to the obtained results, obese non-diabetic patients had higher serum PREX1 level compared to both overweight and normal-weight individuals. PREX1 correlated positively with the markers of insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. PREX2 level was shown to be lower both in obese compared to overweight patients and in overweight compared to normal-weight individuals. PREX2 correlated negatively with the markers of insulin resistance but not with the markers of dyslipidemia.
The level of sex and fertility hormones in the serum of male patients recovered from COVID-19
M. K. Albayaty1*, M. S. Ali2, A. Y. AL-Tarboolee1, R. H. Yousif3
1Department of Molecular and Medical Biotechnology,
College of Biotechnology, Al-Nahrain University, Jadriya, Baghdad, Iraq;
2University of Technology-Iraq, Applied Sciences Department,
Branch of Chemistry, Baghdad, Iraq;
3Department of Forensic Evidence Sciences, College of Medical Technology,
Al-Farahidi University, Baghdad, Iraq;
*e-mail: mustafa.kahtan@nahrainuniv.edu.iq; mustafaalbayaty42@gmail.com
Received: 20 March 2024; Revised: 30 April 2024
Accepted: 31 May 2024; Available on-line: 17 June 2024
The new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that generated the COVID-19 pandemic is a broad-spectrum infection that besides the respiratory tract, can attack multiple organs, including the digestive, circulatory, and urinary systems. However, the negative consequences of SARS-CoV-2 on the male reproductive system have been largely ignored. The aim of this research was to see how SARS-CoV-2 affects the production of hormones, which are the markers of male reproductive function and fertility. The 350 Iraqi male participants were classified into two groups consisting of 150 COVID-19 recovered patients with a mean age of (32 ± 7.9) years and COVID-19 diagnosis confirmed by RT-PCR, and 200 apparently healthy male volunteers of similar age. The patients’ group was further divided into three groups depending on the recovery period of 3, 5 and 7 months. Serum levels of testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and prolactin were measured using the Mindray CL-1000i automated chemiluminescence analyzer provided with matching kits. When comparing the indices of COVID-19 recovered participants to the control group, the results revealed a decrease in testosterone level that was positively associated with the recovery period and an increase in the LH, FSH and prolactin levels that were negatively associated with the recovery period. It is supposed that infection with SARS-CoV-2 may be followed by a temporary condition of testicular failure.
Phenformin attenuates the oxidative-nitrosative stress in the liver of rats under long-term ethanol administration
A. Mykytenko1*, O. Akimov2, G. Yeroshenko3, K. Neporada1
1Department of Bioorganic and Biological Chemistry,
Poltava State Medical University, Poltava, Ukraine;
2Department of Pathophysiology, Poltava State Medical University, Poltava, Ukraine;
3Department of Medical Biology, Poltava State Medical University, Poltava, Ukraine;
*e-mail: mykytenkoandrej18@gmail.com
Received: 09 March 2024; Revised: 29 April 2024;
Accepted: 31 May 2024; Available on-line: 17 June 2024
Modulation of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway activity is considered to be a promising option in the development of approaches to chronic alcoholic hepatitis treatment. Phenformin, which is a biguanide, has been reported to increase AMPK activity. The aim of this work was to estimate the effect of phenformin as AMPK activator on the development of oxidative-nitrosative stress in the liver of rats under conditions of long-term ethanol administration. The experiments were performed on 24 male Wistar rats, divided into 4 groups: control; animals, which received phenformin hydrochloride orally at a dose of 10 mg/kg daily for 63 days; animals with a forced intermittent alcoholization for 5 days by intraperitoneal administration of 16.5% ethanol solution in 5% glucose at the rate of 4 ml/kg b.w. and subsequent transfer to 10% ethanol as the only source of drinking; animals with chronic alcohol hepatitis simulation and phenformin administration. Superoxide dismutase, catalase, NO synthase isoforms activity, superoxide anion radical production, concentration of malonic dialdehyde, peroxynitrite, nitrites, nitrosothiols concentration and oxidative modification of proteins (OMP) were estimated in liver homogenates. The increased production of oxygen and nitrogen active forms and OMP intensification in the liver of rats under long-term administration of ethanol was detected. Phenformin introduction under long-term ethanol administration was shown to limit the excess peroxynitrite formation and to prevent oxidative damage to rat liver proteins.
Plasminogen influence on the PAI-1 release by human platelets
O. I. Yusova*, T. V. Grinenko, T. F. Drobot’ko, A. O. Tykhomyrov
Department of Enzyme Chemistry and Biochemistry, Palladin Institute of Biochemistry,
National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv;
*e-mail: yusova07@gmail.com
Received: 06 February 2024; Revised: 27 March 2024;
Accepted: 31 May 2024; Available on-line: 17 June 2024
РАІ-1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1), as a major physiological inhibitor of tissue plasminogen activator and urokinase, plays a key role in the regulation of fibrinolysis in vivo. Besides, PAI-1 suppresses plasmin formation and affects cell migration through interaction with vitronectin. РАІ-1 is secreted from α-granules of platelets upon stimulation of cells by agonists. The aim of our study was to explore the effects of Glu- and Lys-forms of plasminogen on PAI-1 secretion by platelets and to evaluate the possible role of plasminogen in modulation of agonist-induced PAI-1 release. The secretion of PAI-1 by platelets was investigated by the Western blot analysis. It has been established that depending on the agonist, PAI-1 can be released from platelets in a free form, in a complex with a tissue plasminogen activator, as well as in the form of high-molecular complexes that contain a tissue activator and vitronectin molecules. The revealed induction of PAI-1 secretion under the action of Gly- and Lys-forms of plasminogen indicates their ability to activate intracellular signaling pathways that regulate the release of platelet α-granules. Our findings may be of importance for elucidating the pathogenetic mechanisms of many diseases associated with abnormally enhanced platelet function and PAI-1-related disorders.
ATP as a signaling molecule
L. G. Babich*, S. G. Shlykov, S. O. Kosterin
Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv;
*e-mail: babich@biochem.kiev.ua
Received: 22 January 2024; Revised: 13 February 2024;
Accepted: 31 May 2024; Available on-line: 17 June 2024
The review considers the effects of extracellular ATP mediated by plasma membrane purinoreceptors in the cells of different tissues, in particular, myometrium. Recently published results suggest that cytosolic ATP may also play a role of signaling molecule, as indicated by the detection of the ATP receptor not only in the plasma membrane, but also in mitochondria. The authors have shown that ionized Ca2+ concentration in the rat myometrium mitochondria matrix is regulated by ATP at the absence of exogenous Ca2+. ATP concentration-dependent increase of [Ca2+]m was not affected in the presence of the mitochondrial Ca2+-uniporter blocker ruthenium red, the mitochondrial pore blocker cyclosporine A, or ATP synthase inhibitor oligomycin. It is assumed that cytosolic ATP could be a signaling molecule that regulates at least the Ca2+ ions exchange in mitochondria.
Research capacity building, networks, define research strategy, and funding opportunities in RECOOP HST Association
Sandor G. Vari
Director, International Research, and Innovation in Medicine Program
Cedars – Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA;
e-mail: vari@cshs.org
I built research capacity and networks for the first ten years in the RECOOP Research Consortium from 2002 to 2012. The RECOOP HST Consortium, with the financial support of Cedars–Sinai Medical Center (CSMC), applied for the International Visegrad Fund (IVF) grants. We applied for 20 Standard Grants and won 14 Standard Grants to support forming and managing research networks and multinational–multidisciplinary research projects. The IVF grants won by CSMC – RECOOP helped move toward the 21st Century and broaden the scope of activities in RECOOP. Also, the IVF grants helped to build support networks for biosafety and biosecurity, animal use in research, clinical research management, and research and Innovation management training. RECOOP HST Association implemented the Common Mechanism of Diseases (CMD) research program for innovative life science research in member countries. The objectives were to increase the number of young scientists participating in creative research. Knowledge sharing is the most essential element of collaborative research. Within the context of RECOOP, my final endeavor will focus on investigating the diagnosis and management of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Ukraine. As of January 2024, an estimated 6.3 million people have been forced to flee Ukraine, with 94 percent of them hosted in European countries, representing 5.9 million refugees. In Ukraine, an estimated 7.8 million people need health assistance, and 11.5 million need protection assistance and services. Studies of PTSD report volume abnormalities in multiple regions of the cerebral cortex. However, findings for many regions, particularly regions outside commonly studied emotion-related prefrontal, insular, and limbic regions, are inconsistent and tentative. We, as researchers, must continually share our research findings and diligently replicate established methods and protocols. These tasks can often feel akin to the labor of Sisyphus. Moreover, within the scientific community, integrity is paramount; dishonesty is swiftly met with consequences akin to the justice administered by Zeus. Therefore, we researchers must roll a boulder up a hill again and again, and after we have proved that the published scientific work is sound, the “boulder” and the scientist will stay on top of the hill.