Journal of Advanced Biotechnology and Experimental Therapeutics

23-33

Authors: Asalh M. Mahmood , Risala H. Allami , Yasir W. Issa

Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune disorder causing thyroid cell destruction. This research aimed to evaluate CTLA-4 expression levels in patients with HT. As well as understand the risk and protective effects of two CTLA-4 SNPs polymorphisms (rs231775 and rs5742909) in Iraqi patients. A case control study was conducted on 50 HT patients (5 men and 45 females) which were assembled from Baghdad teaching hospital, Baghdad, Iraq. The relative gene expression method was used to measure the gene expression of CTLA-4 using qRT-PCR. The single nucleotide polymorphisms of (318C/T (rs231775) and +49A/G (rs5742909) were sequenced for data analysis. There was a significant increase of serum CTLA-4 levels and, there was a significant increase in fold change of CTLA-4 in HT patients compared to controls. The allele and genotype frequencies according to Hardy Weinberg equilibrium showed significant differences in HT patients in the study, the 318C/T (rs231775) variant showed differences in the AA genotype when compared to controls. However, there were no significant differences observed in the AG and GG genotypes. Similarly, for the CTLA-4 SNP +49A/G (rs5742909), no significant differences were found in the CC, CT, and TT genotypes. Despite these observations, both studied SNPs showed an increased expression of the soluble form and fold change of the immune checkpoint CTLA-4 in HT patients. The study reveals that CTLA-4 gene SNPs rs231775 and rs5742909 significantly influence the expression of CTLA-4 levels in HT patients, which potentially may cause HT incidence and development.

44-52

Authors: Naufal Faruq Purwanto , Neni Susilaningsih , Bernardus Parish Budiono , Nani Maharani , Ignatius Riwanto

Liver cirrhosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. Definitive therapy is liver transplantation, but it is constrained by difficulties in finding a transplant donor. Human mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy can help liver regeneration directly, through hepatogenic differentiation, or indirectly through the paracrine secretome. Thus, this study aims to determine the effect of Human mesenchymal stem cell secretome (HuMSC-S) administration on caspase 3 levels and apoptotic hepatic cells in a rat model with cholestasis after choledochal duct ligation receiving urso deoxy cholic acid (UDCA). Twenty-four male Wistar rats were subjected to a choledochal duct ligation and were included in this randomized experimental study. After surgical intervention, all rats were randomly assigned into 4 group: control, UDCA, HuMSC-S, and a combination of UDCA and HuMSC-S for 4 weeks. Caspase-3 levels were assessed from the blood sample, while the apoptosis of hepatocytes was evaluated using histopathologic examination of the liver. Interestingly, caspase-3 level was significantly lower in the UDCA and HuMSC-S-treated groups compared to the UDCA or HuMSC-S alone. Similarly, the apoptosis of hepatocyte was significantly lower in the combination group compared to the UDCA or HuMSC-S alone. In conclusion, addition of HuMSC-S to UDCA lowered caspase-3 levels and apoptotic cell count in rats with hepatic cholestasis after choledochal duct ligation.

65-73

Authors: Noor Mohammed Abdulrahman , Shatha Hussein Ali

Osteoporosis is widely distributed condition characterized by bone weakness making it more fragile and easier to be fractured. Various elements enter in bone structure making it rigid to tolerate body weight and any accident. Many factors had a role in progression of osteoporosis such as age, gender, medications, and genetic variations in enzymes responsible for vitamin D metabolism. The aim of the current study is to evaluate role of polymorphism of metabolic enzyme CYP24A1 on responding to vitamin D in postmenopausal osteoporotic women. Forty postmenopausal women were followed up for 2 months and took 50000IU/week of vitamin D during study period, and 30 postmenopausal women without osteoporosis as a control group. Blood samples were taken pre- and post-treatment to determine responder to vitamin D therapy. Regarding vitamin D level, there was a significant difference between responder and non-responder at pre-treatment levels. GG genotype of rs2762934 SNP and AA genotype of rs4809957 SNP are the predominant in non-responder group, and both genotypes showed negative correlation to being responsiveness to vitamin D therapy. The homozygote wild GG genotype of rs2762934 predict vitamin D non-responsiveness in sample of osteoporotic postmenopausal women. The AA genotype of the rs2762934 substantially increases the responsiveness while AA of rs4809957 is associated with non-responsiveness. In conclusion, this study will implicate in correct choosing the desired dose of vitamin D for desired osteoporotic women to get better response and avoid any harmful ef

83-94

Authors: Md. Ahsanul Kabir , S. M. Jahangir Hossain , Gautam Kumar Deb , Shahanaj Ferdousi Shejuty , Dipa Das , Abdullah Al Noman

Cryopreservation has been used extensively for cattle in Bangladesh, however no study was conducted on the cryopreservation of buffalo sperm in Bangladesh. Thus, the current study aimed to evaluate the suitability of different semen extenders for improving the post-thaw quality of Bangladeshi buffalo sperm under a manual cryopreservation protocol. The manual cryopreservation protocol was compared and optimized with a commercial biofreezer protocol. Then, the efficacy of different diluters was evaluated using the optimized manual cryopreservation protocol. Meanwhile, the post-thaw sperm quality in terms of motility and morphology was evaluated by computer assisted sperm analyzer during the optimization process. During manual cryopreservation, the first cooling from 37 °C to 5 °C was done in an equilibration chamber and the second cooling from 5 °C to -120 °C in a Styrofoam box using liquid nitrogen vapor from different distances (0.5, 1.5, 1.6, 2 and 3 inches). Simultaneously, another batch of sperm was cryopreserved using a programmable freezer. The highest number of motile sperms (62.67±1.12; P<0.01) and progressive motility (38.97±1.10; P< 0.001) was observed at 1.6 inches above liquid nitrogen, which were similar to the results obtained from automated biofreezer protocol (65.94±4.65 and 45.54 ± 3.64, respectively). To evaluate the semen extenders’ efficacy, one locally developed Tris-fructose-egg yolk-based diluter and two commercial diluters (Andromed, and Triladyl) were used in the freezing of buffalo sperm. The highest recovery and conception rates were observed in sperm diluted with tris-fructose-egg yolk-based (TFE) (82.4% and 80%, respectively). Therefore, it is suggested that this manual cryopreservation protocol and the TFE diluter could be a suitable and inexpensive alternative for Bangladeshi buffalo sperm considering post-thaw sperm quality and fertility.

106-117

Authors: Fredmoore L. Orosco

Peptide-based nanovaccines have emerged as promising strategies for combating re-emerging and emerging infectious diseases. They exhibit excellent immunogenicity and therapeutic potential. They have shown the ability to elicit robust immune responses, such as activation of antigen-presenting cells, induction of antibodies and T-cell responses, and generation of memory immune cells. This comprehensive review article aims to provide a thorough overview of recent advances in the field, including immunological mechanisms, structural design approaches, and utilization of various nanomaterials. Overall, peptide-based nanovaccines hold great promise in combating infectious diseases. Precise design and assembly of targeted and tailored immune responses will enable effective prevention, treatment, and long-term protection. Further research is needed to optimize their efficacy, safety, and clinical translation. The knowledge gained from these studies will pave the way for a future with more effective immunotherapeutic interventions against infectious diseases.

136-146

Authors: Neng Tine Kartinah , Hardiyanti Rusli , Ermita I.Ibrahim Ilyas , Trinovita Andraini , Nurul Paramita , Dewi Irawati S. Santoso , Brilliant Cahya Puspasari , Julfiana Mardhatillah

In type 2 diabetes, a decrease in expression of glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) results in decreased glucose uptake while fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) promotes glucose uptake. The liver and other organs, such as the muscles, produce FGF21. Physical activity increases FGF21 secretion from skeletal muscles. FGF21 is thought to promote glucose uptake during exercise by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Thus, the goal of this study is to determine how high-intensity interval training (HIIT) affects glucose uptake via FGF21 signaling in diabetic rats. Twenty-four eight-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four categories including Control (Con), DM intervention (ConDM), DM group undergoing continuous training (DM-CT), and DM group undergoing high-intensity interval training (DM-HIIT). The trainings in the exercise groups (DM-CT and DM-HIIT) were performed six days a week for six weeks. We analyzed FGF21 levels in serum and muscles by ELISA. Measurement of phosphorylated AMPK in muscles used ELISA, and that of mRNA GLUT4 expression used RT-PCR. Following HIIT interventions, the glucose level in plasma was closer to normal level. An increase in FGF21 levels aided in the reduction in blood glucose. The HIIT group had significantly higher FGF21 levels in serum and muscles. An increase in FGF21 was followed by an increase in AMPK phosphorylation and GLUT4 expression in the HIIT group. In diabetic rats, HIIT promotes glucose uptake via FGF21, which activates AMPK and increases GLUT4 expression.

157-166

Authors: Md. Abu Hassan , Md. Toheder Rahaman , Najmul Hassan Parvez , Khadija Al Ferdous , Sumon Sarkar

Lead (Pb) is the most dangerous xenobiotic causing variety of negative impacts on human and animal health. Thus, the current study intended to investigate the effect of different doses of Pb on biochemical and histological abnormalities and the beneficial effects of vitamin C in the kidney and liver of quail. A total of 72 male Japanese quails, aged 12 days were allotted in four groups with four replications. Control group (T0) received normal diet, group T1 and T2 received Pb at a dose of 70 mg and 700 mg/kg body weight (bw), respectively for 21 days, while group T3 received 700 mg Pb /kg bw for 11 days followed by only vitamin C supplementation at a dose of 70 mg/kg bw without any Pb for next 10 days. After end of treatment, blood serum was collected, and the kidney and liver were taken for a histoarchitecture study. As expected, Pb-induced significant elevations of biochemical markers of liver and kidney injury were observed in different periods of treatment (group T3 at day 21) and decreased (except creatinine) following vitamin C supplementation in group T3 at day 21. Also, Pb treatment induced congestion, necrotic foci in different organs, reactive cells in central vein, degeneration of hepatocytes, necrosis in the portal area as well as renal tubular degeneration, all of which were slightly improved by vitamin C in group T3. Therefore, the findings suggest that the use of vitamin C could be a potential preventive agent against Pb-induced toxicity.

178-189

Authors: Fahim Alam Nobel , Hasib Ahammad , Sumita Rani Saha , Mohammad Asaduzzaman , Aanan Nashra , Ruksana Akter Jebin , Yeasmin Zahan , Mohammad Kamruzzaman , Golap Babu , Mohammod Johirul Islam

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been a very concerning issue with consistent rise on a global scale. The rapid spread of drug-resistant pathogenic bacteria is a serious public health concern in both developed and developing countries, including Bangladesh. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of antibiotic resistant pathogenic bacteria and their multi-drug resistance (MDR) rate in pus samples. A total of 891 pus positive samples were collected from Tangail, Bangladesh. The resulting bacterial isolates were confirmed by biochemical tests and gram staining to classify bacterial species into two large groups. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed for the identified bacterial isolates using the disk diffusion method. Escherichia coli exhibited the highest resistance level (98.92%, n=92). Also, Pseudomonas spp. displayed a substantial resistance pattern at 92.66% (n = 341), Proteus spp. at 91.58% (n = 87), Klebsiella spp. at 87.5% (n = 56), and Acinetobacter spp. exhibiting complete resistance of 100% (n =6). The cumulative MDR trend for Gram-negative bacteria was significant (92.98%, n = 583). Conversely, Gram-positive bacteria demonstrated a robust resistance pattern as well. Streptococcus spp. displayed resistance in 66.66% (n = 2) of cases, and Enterococcus faecalis exhibited resistance in 92.23% (n = 95) of instances. While Staphylococcus aureus showed a high resistance level with 95.06% (n = 77) of isolates. The overall drug-resistant pattern for Gram-positive bacteria was substantial (87.5%, n = 231). As per the findings of this study, bacteria frequently encountered demonstrate a concerning prevalence of MDR, posing a significant challenge to public health. The outcomes of this research may contribute valuable insights for formulating evidence-based treatment strategies and underscore the critical need for early identification of drug-resistant bacteria. Finally, this imperative step may hold the potential to mitigate the disease burden effectively.

205-220

Authors: Md. Fahad Jubayer , Md Abdul Malek , Towhidul Iqram , Mahmuda Begum , Md. Shahidullah Kayshar , Md. Shoaib Arifin , Md. Tariqul Islam Limon , Pabitra Chandra Das , Md. Anisur Rahman Mazumder , Margia Akter , Md Jamal Uddin , Md. Masudur Rahman

Respiratory diseases, spanning from mild illnesses like the common cold to more serious problems like pneumonia and COVID-19, pose significant challenges to global health and contribute significantly to morbidity and death. The emergence of COVID-19 has increased the need for efficient therapeutic approaches. This review article examines the potential of specific medicinal plants, namely Black Cumin, Licorice, and Echinacea, and their phytoconstituents in the management of respiratory diseases, with a specific emphasis on COVID-19. It synthesizes extant knowledge on the therapeutic efficacy of these plants, which have been used traditionally in Unani, Ayurvedic, and Chinese medicine to alleviate respiratory symptoms and boost immune functions. This review also discusses the immunomodulatory and antiviral properties of these three specific medicinal plants, as well as their function in the treatment of a number of life-threatening diseases. Incorporating insights from ethnomedicine and contemporary scientific research, this review highlights the urgency of exploring herbal medicines as complementary therapies for respiratory diseases and offers perspectives on incorporating these natural remedies into contemporary treatment paradigms, particularly in the perspective of combating COVID-19.

239-254

Authors: Emmah Clarice Ajwang , Mathew Piero Ngugi , George Isanda Omwenga , Carolyn Wanjira Muruthi

Diarrheal infections remain a public health problem. The mainstays of pharmacological therapy for infectious diarrhea include probiotics, antibacterials, and intestinal adsorbents. Nevertheless, these clinical treatments are not devoid of shortcomings including prohibitive costs and adverse effects. Medicinal plants including Plectranthus barbatus (P. barbatus) have folkloric remedies against diarrhea. However, there is paucity of knowledge to scientifically validate the efficacy of P. barbatus on diarrheal infections. The study was undertaken to ascertain antidiarrheal efficacy, bioactive composition, and toxicity profiles of P. barbatus extracts. Antidiarrheal activity and acute toxicity were carried out on Swiss albino mice. Quantitative phytocompound analysis was evaluated using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS). Results indicated that P. barbatus extract has antidiarrheal activity whereby it prolonged the start of diarrhea, causing a decline in the occurrence of wet feces and intestinal transit significantly. Additionally, the extract reduced the accumulation of intraluminal fluid resulting in decrease in distension, intestinal overload, and water content in the fecal drops. Also, acute toxicity assay on mice showed that P. barbatus extract was non-toxic at the dosage level of 2000mg/kgbw. In addition, LCMS analysis detected presence of phytocompounds associated with antidiarrheal effects including forskolin, gallic, kaempferol, and quercetin. Findings from the current study offer a scientific validation for the folkloric utilization of P. barbatus in the management of diarrhea.