Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine

181–182

Authors: Somsri Wiwanitkit, Viroj Wiwanitkit

Malaria is an important tropical mosquito borne infection. It is still the present global public health issue. The management of malaria requires antimalarial drugs. The resistance to antimalarial drugs is a very big problem. The genetic variant is proposed to be an important factor affecting susceptibility to antimalarial drug. Here, the authors studied the change in molecular weight due to important pfatp6 and pfmdr1 polymorphisms and further implied the interrelationship with susceptibility to antimalarial drug. The greatest change can be seen in case of G639D (of pfatp6 polymorphism) while the least change can be seen in the case of N1042D (of pfmdr1 polymorphism). The results from some studies imply that there must be other factors that affect the susceptibility to antimalarial drugs. Those factors might be protein conformation factors, epigenetic factors or environmental factors. Further studies on these aspects should be carried out. It is concluded for possible role of epigenetic phenomenon.

188-192

Authors: Nadine Alvarez, Daymí Serpa, Ramlah Kadir, Yanely Tirado, Reinier Borrero, Sonsire Fernandez, Rub
en Cabrera, Yolanda Valdes, Caridad Zayas, Reinaldo Acevedo, Luis Izquierdo, María Elena Sarmiento, Mohd-Nor Norazmi, Jos
e Luis P
erez, Armando Acosta

Objective: To characterize the immunogenicity and the induction of cross-reactive responses against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) of a proteoliposome (PL) from Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette–Gu
erin (BCG) with and without alum hydroxide (AL) as adjuvant (PLBCG-AL and PLBCG, respectively) in BALB/c mice. Methods: BALB/c mice were inoculated with phosphate buffer solution, BCG, PLBCG and PLBCG-AL. The humoral immunogenicity was determined by ELISA [immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgG1 and IgG2a] and the cellular immunogenicity was evaluated in vivo by delayed type hypersensitivity. The humoral cross-reactive response against M. tuberculosis was determined by Western blot. Results: Sera from animals immunized with PLBCG-AL and PLBCG showed significant increase in specific total IgG and IgG1 antibodies and the presence of cross-reactive antibodies against M. tuberculosis antigens, which were more intense with the use of alum as adjuvant. Mice immunized with PLBCG and PLBCG-AL also showed a specific cellular response in vivo. Conclusions: The cellular and humoral immunogenicity of PLBCG and the capacity to induce cross-reactive responses against M. tuberculosis is in agreement with the protective capacity previously demonstrated by this vaccine candidate and supports the continuation of its evaluation in further stages.

198–207

Authors: Sidgi Syed Anwer Abdo Hasson

Objective: To explore whether a DNA immunization approach targeting the major haemorrhage molecule of a prothrombin activator-like metalloproteinase from Echis ocellatus (E. ocellatus) venom could be conceived to inspire antibodies with more prominent specificity and equal adequacy to current conventional antivenoms systems. Methods: The isolated DNA EoMP-6 was used as the template for PCR amplification using the EoDC-2-specific forward and reverse primers. A PCR product of approximately 700 bp was obtained and cloned into pSecTag-B expression vector where anti-EoDC-2 antibodies were generated and analysed for their efficacy to neutralise local haemorrhage in vitro and in vivo. Results: Our results suggest that the generated anti-EoDC-2 showed a remarkable efficacy by (a) interfering with the interaction of the recombinant disintegrin “EoDC-2” isolated from the E. ocellatus as well as other viper species to the a2b1-integrins on platelets; (b) complete inhibition of the catalytic site of the metalloproteinase molecules in vitro using an adaptation antibody zymography assay. Furthermore, it has a polyspecific potential and constitutively expressed significant inhibition by cross-reaction and neutralised venom-induced local haemorrhage exerted by different viper species in vivo. The potential characteristic of EoDC- 2 against one part (the non-catalytic domain) as opposed to the whole molecule to neutralise its haemorrhagic activity is of crucial importance as it represents a novel approach with greater immunological specificity and fewer hazards, if any, than conventional systems of antivenom production, by exposure large animals that usually being used for the current antivenom production to a less injurious than expression of the whole molecule containing the catalytic metalloprotease domain. Hence, we report for the first time that our preliminary results hold a promising future for antivenom development. Conclusions: Antibodies generated against the E. ocellatus venom prothrombin activatorlike metalloprotease and disintegrin-cysteine-rich domains modulated and inhibited the catalytic activity both in vitro and in vivo of venom metalloproteinase disintegrin cysteine rich molecules. Thus, generating of venom specific-toxin antibodies by DNA immunization offer a more rational treatment of snake envenoming than conventional antivenom.

214–221

Authors: Fateheya Mohamed Metwally, Hend Mohamed Rashad, Hanaa Hamdy Ahmed, Asmaa Ahmed Mahmoud, Ehab Ragaa Abdol Raouf, Aboelfetoh Mohamed Abdalla

Objective: To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of the potent anti-obesity effect of Moringa oleifera Lam. (M. oleifera) ethanolic extract and to clarify the link between these mechanisms and the associated metabolic and vascular risks in the experimental model of visceral obesity. Methods: M. oleifera ethanolic extract was orally administered at 600 mg/kg body weight in obese female rats daily for 12 weeks. At the end of treatment, body weight was determined, and the atherogenic index, coronary artery index, glucose level, insulin resistance status, liver and kidney functions were assessed. Also, the mRNA of leptin, adiponectin and resistin in visceral adipose tissue was determined by quantitative real time-PCR. Results: The results showed that M. oleifera extract down-regulated mRNA expression of leptin and resistin, while it up-regulated adiponectin gene expression in obese rats relative to untreated obese control counterparts. This amelioration of genes expression was paralleled by a reduction in body weight and improvement of the atherogenic index and coronary artery index, as well as glucose level and insulin resistance value without adverse effects on liver or kidney functions, versus the untreated obese control ones. Conclusions: It is reasonable to assume that the anti-obesity, anti-atherogenic and antidiabetic properties of M. oleifera are mechanistically achieved via working directly on the adipokines of the visceral adipose tissue. Therefore, M. oleifera may be a good therapeutic candidate for the symptoms of metabolic syndrome.

227–233

Authors: Ghodsieh Bagherzade, Maryam Manzari Tavakoli, Mohmmad Hasan Namaei

Objective: To synthesis silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by using extract of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) wastages and to test their antibacterial activity against six bacteria. Methods: In this paper, the synthesis of AgNPs using aqueous extract of saffron wastage as a green method without any chemical stabilizer and reducer is demonstrated. The synthesized AgNPs were determined by UV–vis spectrum, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy analysis. Results: UV–vis spectrum showed a peak at 450 nm due to excitation of surface plasmon vibrations. Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy showed that nanoparticles were capped with plant secondary metabolites. X-ray diffraction analysis also demonstrated that the size range of the synthesized nanoparticles was 12–20 nm. Transmission electron microscope image illustrated AgNPs with spherical shape and an average size of 15 nm. The result of antibacterial activities showed that the biosynthesized AgNPs had an inhibiting activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Shigella flexneri and Bacillus subtilis. Conclusions: The biosynthesized AgNPs showed significant antibacterial effect against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Shigella flexneri and Bacillus subtilis, so, it can be used in biomedical applications.

240–244

Authors: Swastika Oktavia, Nastiti Wijayanti, Bambang Retnoaji

Objective: To examine the anti-angiogenic potential of Artocarpus heterophyllus (A. heterophyllus) seed extract in chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). Methods: This study used chicken CAM ex ovo culture to examine the potential antiangiogenic activity of A. heterophyllus seed methanolic extract. Basic fibroblast growth factor was used to induce the ectopic formation of blood vessels on CAM treated with extract. Blood vessel number was assessed by macroscopic and microscopic observation, and compared and analyzed for all treatments and controls. Results: Macroscopic observation revealed that a dose of 35 mg/mL of methanolic extract of A. heterophyllus seeds could inhibit basic fibroblast growth factor-induced angiogenesis by 61% in chicken CAM ex ovo culture. This concurred with microscopic observations on the histological structure of blood vessels, which indicated that extract treatment repressed the formation of new blood vessels. Conclusions: This is the first study to report the anti-angiogenic effect of methanolic extract derived from A. heterophyllus seeds and its potential as a candidate for future anticancer therapy.

249–252

Authors: Atheer Awad Mehde, Faridah Yusof, Wesen Adel Mehdi, Raha Ahmed Raus, Layla Othman Farhan3, Jwan Abdulmohsin Zainulabdeen, Zaima Azira Zainal Abidin, Hamid Ghazali, Azlina Abd Rahman

Objective: To prove probable relations between serum E3 SUMO-protein ligase NSE2 (NSMCE2) concentration, peroxynitrite related to oxidative stress in nephrolithiasis patients. Methods: A total of 60 patients with nephrolithiasis and 50 healthy volunteers were involved in this study. Colorimetric method was used to detect blood urea, creatinine, uric acid, protein, albumin, total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, peroxynitrite, nitric oxide and oxidative stress index. Glutathione, NSMCE2 and superoxide dismutase were measured by ELISA. Results: A significant increase in level of peroxynitrite, total oxidant status, NSMCE2 and oxidative stress index in patients was observed, while total antioxidant status and glutathione were significantly decreased. Conclusions: The study concluded that serum NSMCE2 significantly correlated with peroxynitrite and oxidative stress in patients with nephrolithiasis.

257–261

Authors: Andriy Synytsya, Jutamart Monkai, Roman Bleha, Anna Macurkova, Tomas Ruml, Juhee Ahn, Ekachai Chukeatirote

Objective: To evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial property of three different partitioned extracts (petroleum ether, ethanol and water) prepared from some fungal mycelia. Methods: Seven fungal mycelia were prepared, initially extracted with acidified ethanol (0.2 mol/L HCl in 80% ethanol), yielding the raw crude extracts. The obtained extracts were then further partitioned with petroleum ether (F1), ethanol (F2) and water (F3). All the fractions were tested for antimicrobial activity using the disc diffusion assay. Results: Our data showed that all the fractions could inhibit the testing bacteria. However, the inhibitory activity was found to be dependent on (i) the fungal strains used; (ii) the solvent extracted; and (iii) the testing bacteria assayed. In general, the ethanolic extracts (F2) derived from all fungi displayed highest inhibitory activity against the testing bacteria except for Chaetomium sp. Conclusions: The findings of the present study concluded that the extracts prepared from the fungal mycelia had the bioactive compounds with antibacterial property. This study is a pioneering work and further study should be carried out for development of the new drug leads.

265–274

Authors: Khaled Mohamed Mohamed Koriem

Infectious diseases resemble a great threat to the human health according to World Health Organization where about 17% of all deaths (z9.2 million deaths) in 2013 recorded are related to infectious diseases. The pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites are the principle causes of infectious diseases. Ebola, AIDS, dengue, hepatitis, malaria, tuberculosis and schistosomiasis are among 216 infectious diseases found where the immunity represents the first line defense in infection. Lipidomic includes examination of different biological lipids in the biological cell. The lipidomic research covers all aspects of individual lipid molecule including its structure, function, connection with other cell constituents such as protein, lipid, and metabolite in both health and disease conditions. Details of cell biology obtained from different pathogens (viruses, bacteria, and parasites) provide a great data on molecular structure of hostpathogen relation and consequently on infection process. The lipids here play a very important role in many processes involved in host-pathogen relations. The role of lipid in host-pathogen link includes many processes in (1) structural host constituents, (2) host recognition, (3) intracellular transferring, and (4) energy and resource homeostasis during pathogen duplication. There are many lipid phosphatases, kinases, and lipases molecules that greatly involved in these processes and controlling pathogen expression and infection progress. The cell lipid metabolism depends on an adequate energy stores that push the infection to be accelerated and disease symptoms to be appeared. Consequently, future lipidomics studies are the basic for detecting the lipid role in host-pathogen relations which help in therapy advances and biomarkers development.