Management of Hyperglycaemia by Ethyl Acetate Extract of Balanites aegyptiaca (Desert Date).

Reactive oxygen species play a significant role in the pathogenesis of retinopathy in diabetes patients. The current study aimed to assess the effect of ethyl acetate extract (EAE) from Balanites aegyptiaca (10, 25 or 50 mg/kg b.w.) in experimental diabetic rats. To achieve this aim, five groups of male rats were included: control, diabetic, and diabetic rats treated with 10, 25, and 50 µg/kg b.w. of EAE for eight weeks. Our results suggests a protective role of EAE against oxidative stress induced by streptozocine. EAE treatment produced a reduction in blood glucose levels, HbA1c, malondialdehyde and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in diabetic retina (p < 0.001), as well as an enhancement in antioxidant capacity against streptozocine-induced oxidative stress. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL-1ß) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were significantly reduced in diabetic rats treated with EAE, compared with untreated diabetic rats. Analysis of EAE by GC-MS indicated the presence of ß-sistosterol. Overall, EAE modulates oxidative stress induced by streptozocine and enhances antioxidant activity, which may provide additional endothelial protection in retina of diabetic rats. These results hold great promise in the management of diabetic complications.

A propidium monoazide-quantitative PCR method for the detection and quantification of viable Enterococcus faecalis in large-volume samples of marine waters.

The development of rapid detection assays of cell viability is essential for monitoring the microbiological quality of water systems. Coupling propidium monoazide with quantitative PCR (PMA-qPCR) has been successfully applied in different studies for the detection and quantification of viable cells in small-volume samples (0.25-1.00 mL), but it has not been evaluated sufficiently in marine environments or in large-volume samples. In this study, we successfully integrated blue light-emitting diodes for photoactivating PMA and membrane filtration into the PMA-qPCR assay for the rapid detection and quantification of viable Enterococcus faecalis cells in 10-mL samples of marine waters. The assay was optimized in phosphate-buffered saline and seawater, reducing the qPCR signal of heat-killed E. faecalis cells by 4 log10 and 3 log10 units, respectively. Results suggest that high total dissolved solid concentration (32 g/L) in seawater can reduce PMA activity. Optimal PMA-qPCR standard curves with a 6-log dynamic range and detection limit of 10(2) cells/mL were generated for quantifying viable E. faecalis cells in marine waters. The developed assay was compared with the standard membrane filter (MF) method by quantifying viable E. faecalis cells in seawater samples exposed to solar radiation. The results of the developed PMA-qPCR assay did not match that of the standard MF method. This difference in the results reflects the different physiological states of E. faecalis cells in seawater. In conclusion, the developed assay is a rapid (∼5 h) method for the quantification of viable E. faecalis cells in marine recreational waters, which should be further improved and tested in different seawater settings.

Molecular docking analysis of some medicinal extracts for pro-apoptotic, antiinflammatory and antioxidative activities using HCC cell lines.

We investigated the biological activities of 14 medicinal plants from Saudi Arabia as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-proliferative properties using hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines. Hexane extracts exhibited the maximum inhibitory activities against albumin denaturation compared with those of other solvents. Baccharoides schimperi hexane extract showed the highest anti-inflammatory while Ocimum basilicum methanol extract showed significantly high hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (p < 0.001). B. schimperi methanol extract showed highest cytotoxicity and anti-proliferation activity (IC50; 25 µg/ml) in hepatocellular carcinoma cell line. Annexin V and caspase-9 activities were induced significantly (p < 0.001) by B. schimperi and the response increased in a dose dependent compared with untreated cells (p < 0.001). The docking scores showed a low docking energy binding of 2-Cyclohexylpiperidine of B. schimperi with COX-2, (-16.62 kcal/mol), high affinity for apoptotic and anti-inflammatory potency It can be concluded that, B. schimperi active ingredients as 2-Cyclohexylpiperidine and phytol contributed to its biological activity.

Preliminary comparison of different immune and production components in local and imported Saanen goats reared under a sub-tropical environment.

Three objectives were included in this research work. The first objective compared different immune components in healthy mature males, mature females, and female kids of local and imported Saanen goats, reared under a sub-tropical environment. The significantly differing immune components were the blood monocyte percent, blood CD8 count, and the total white blood cell count. The second objective compared the performance of Saanen versus local does. The means of the milk yield and prolificacy of the imported Saanen does were significantly higher than those of the local does (p<0.05). The third objective compared the immune responses (hemagglutination-HA titers) and complement fixation (CF) titers in mature does of the two breeds to chicken red blood cells (c-RBC). The HA titers showed a significant seroconversion only in imported Saanen (p<0.05) but not in local does; however, the CF titers increased significantly at 4 weeks following priming with c-RBC in local (p<0.05) but not in the imported Saanen does. The impact of the differences in blood immune components and responses to antigens in the compared goats on protection potential against prevalent diseases in the sub-tropical zone of the eastern Mediterranean countries is discussed.

Optimization of Saanen sperm genes amplification: evaluation of standardized protocols in genetically uncharacterized rural goats reared under a subtropical environment.

The purpose of this research is to optimize quantitatively the amplification of specific sperm genes in reference genomically characterized Saanen goat and to evaluate the standardized protocols applicability on sperms of uncharacterized genome of rural goats reared under subtropical environment for inclusion in future selection programs. The optimization of the protocols in Saanen sperms included three production genes (growth hormone (GH) exons 2, 3, and 4, αS1-casein (CSN1S1), and α-lactalbumin) and two health genes (MHC class II DRB and prion (PrP)). The optimization was based on varying the primers concentrations and the inclusion of a PCR cosolvent (Triton X). The impact of the studied variables on statistically significant increase in the yield of amplicons was noticed in four out of five (80%) optimized protocols, namely in those related to GH, CSN1S1, α-lactalbumin, and PrP genes (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the yield of amplicons related to MHC class II DRB gene, regardless of the variables used (P > 0.05). The applicability of the optimized protocols of Saanen sperm genes on amplification of uncharacterized rural goat sperms revealed a 100% success in tested individuals for amplification of GH, CSN1S1, α-lactalbumin, and MHC class II DRB genes and a 75% success for the PrP gene. The significant success in applicability of the Saanen quantitatively optimized protocols to other uncharacterized genome of rural goats allows for their inclusion in future selection, targeting the sustainability of this farming system in a subtropical environment and the improvement of the farmers livelihood.

Ruthana date extract inhibited proliferation of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells by modulation of BAX gene.

Cancer response to chemotherapeutic agents and its side effects remain a challenge for the development of new anticancer compounds. Dates are consumed worldwide due to their high nutritional value. We investigated the cytotoxicity and expression of the proapoptotic BAX gene in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells treated with Ruthana date ethanolic extract (RDE). The RDE ingredients analyzed by GC/MS and HepG2 cells were treated with different concentrations of RDE for 24, 48, and 72 h. Cytotoxicity, cell viability, DNA fragmentation, and BAX expression were determined. The GC/MS analysis of RDE showed its high content of quercetin, myricetin kaempferol, thymine, and catechol as the most active ingredients. HepG2 treated with RDE showed a significant change in morphological characteristics related to cell death. The antiproliferative activity determined by WST-1 demonstrated that RDE significantly reduced cell viability. Cells treated with RDE (10-60 mg) showed gradual DNA fragmentation in a dose-dependent manner. Gene expression analysis showed upregulation of BAX at 30 mg/ml of RDE (p < 0.001). However, it showed downregulation at (40-60 mg/ml) as compared to control. Our findings indicated that RDE exert cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells due to its high content of flavonoids. This effect through DNA fragmentation and activation of the proapoptotic BAX gene.

Leishmaniasis prevalence, awareness and control in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Leishmaniasis is a widespread skin protozoan infectious disease. It is an intracellular parasitic microorganism that develops in the body of infected female phlebotomine sandflies vector, prior to its transmission to human or animal host by the vector bite. The objective of this review is to highlight the current prevalence of Leishmaniasis in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the direction in research for its control. Materials: The update literature covered The infection of the host with this trypanosome starts with a skin bite from the infected sand fly, followed by penetration of the parasite into cellular structures of the skin, or its infiltration to the circulatory system, targeting the internal organs. Different research groups are experimenting on construction of recombinant Leishmania antigens, compiled from this protozoa and from antigens recovered from the saliva of sand flies, in an attempt to immunize the host for protection against this disease. Conclusion: The benefits behind such a review is to support the personnel involved in developing evidence-based policy guidelines, strategies and standards for disease prevention and management of their implementation; in addition, it provided a technical support to member states to collaborate on establishment of an effective systems to handle the Leishmaniasis.

Strigol1/albumin/chitosan nanoparticles decrease cell viability, induce apoptosis and alter metabolomics profile in HepG2 cancer cell line.

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths globally. Bioavailable, effective and safe therapeutic agents are urgently needed for cancer treatment. This study evaluated the metabolomics profiling, anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of strigol/albumin/chitosan nanoparticles (S/A/CNP) on HepG2 cell line. The diameter of S/A/CNP was (5 ±â€¯0.01) nm. The IC50 was 180.4 nM and 47.6 nM for Strigol1 and S/A/CNP, respectively, after incubation for 24 h with HepG2 cells. By increasing the concentration of S/A/CNP, there was chromatin condensation, degranulation in the cytoplasm and shrinking in cell size indicating pro-apoptotic activity. Metabolomics profiling of the exposed cells by LC/MS/MS revealed that S/A/CNP up-regulated epigenetic intermediates (spermine and spermidine) and down-regulated energy production pathway and significantly decreased glutamine (P < 0.001). These findings demonstrated that S/A/CNP has anti-proliferative, apoptotic effects and modulate energetic, and epigenetic metabolites in the hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2).

Impact of embryonic passaging of H9N2 virus on pathogenicity and stability of HA1- amino acid sequence cleavage site.

BACKGROUND: Highly virulent Avian Influenza viruses might arise from avirulent strains following viral passaging. This work aims at studying the impact of embryonic passaging of H9N2 on the stability of the HA1 amino acid sequence and its relatedness to pathogenicity. MATERIAL/METHODS: The original H9N2 virus was propagated for 3 consecutive passages in embryonated chicken eggs. Pathogenicity and amino acids sequences at the HA1 gene level of the original (P0), and the once (P1), twice (P2), and three times (P3) passaged viruses were compared. RESULTS: The percent mortality significantly increased in embryos inoculated with P2 (86.7%) and P3 of H9N2 (100%) in comparison to P0 (0.0%) and P1 of H9N2 (46.1%) (P<0.05), while the density of propagated H9N2 declined with passaging. The R-S-S-R motif was stable at the HA1 cleavage site of P0, P1, P2, and P3 viruses. The similarity in the HA1 sequences among the differently passaged viruses ranged between 93.2 to 100%. CONCLUSIONS: The pathogenicity increased significantly upon passaging in chicken embryos in spite of the presence of the same motif at the HA1 cleavage site. Further investigations will target the study of changes in the whole HA protein and of Neuraminidases that could be responsible for a higher pathogenicity.

Hemorrhagic fever in Saudi Arabia: challenge to public health, effective management and future considerations.

BACKGROUND: Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF) refers to a group of febrile illnesses caused by different viruses that result in high mortality in animals and humans. Many risk factors like increased human-animal interactions, climate change, increased mobility of people and limited diagnostic facility have contributed to the rapid spread of VHF. MATERIALS: The history of VHFs in the Saudi Arabian Peninsula has been documented since the 19th century, in which many outbreaks have been reported from the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia. Despite presence of regional network of experts and technical organizations, which expedite support and respond during outbreaks, there are some more challenges that need to be addressed immediately. Gaps in funding, exhaustive and inclusive response plans and improved surveillance systems are some areas of concern in the region which can be dealt productively. This review primarily focusses on the hemorrhagic fevers that are caused by three most common viruses namely, the Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever virus, Rift valley fever virus, and Dengue fever virus. CONCLUSION: In summary, effective vector control, health education, possible use of vaccine and concerted synchronized efforts between different government organizations and private research institutions will help in planning effective outbreak-prevention and response strategies in future.

Regression of the level of different heavy metals to size of marine organisms harvested from the "Jiyeh" oil spill zone of the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

This study aimed to establish a baseline data on regression of the levels of Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni) and Vanadium (V) to specific size dimensions of selected marine organisms harvested from an oil spill zone of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Twenty samples of each of Siganus rivulatus, Mullets and oysters were collected from each of six harvest sites. A total of 1, 3, and 3 respective significant regression equations (p < 0.01) were established between Pb, Ni, V and specific size dimensions of the selected marine organisms. The significant correlation associated with the highest R (2) value was obtained between the Pb (y) level and the width (x) of the Siganus rivulatus (y = -86.833x + 417.72). The other six statistically significant correlations were associated with lower values of R (2) ranging between 0.338 and 0.380. This baseline data will be used in the future to evaluate the self-purification process of pollutants in different sizes of indicator-marine organisms in this part of the Mediterranean Sea.

SIGNALING PATHWAYS REGULATED BY BRASSICACEAE EXTRACT INHIBIT THE FORMATION OF ADVANCED GLYCATED END PRODUCTS IN RAT BRAIN.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was identification signaling molecules mediated the formation of AGEs in brain of rats injected with CdCl2 and the role of camel whey proteins and Brassicaceae extract on formation of AGEs in brain. METHODS: Ninety male rats were randomly grouped into five groups; Normal control (GpI) and the other rats (groups II-V) were received a single dose of cadmium chloride i.p (5 µg/kg/b.w) for induction of neurodegeneration. Rats in groups III-V were treated daily with whey protein (1g/kg b.w) or Brassicaceae extract (1mg/kg b.w) or combined respectively for 12 weeks. RESULTS: It was found that whey protein combined with Brassicaceae extract prevented the formation of AGEs and enhance the antioxidant activity compared with untreated group (p <0.001). Serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukine (IL-6) levels were significantly decreased (p<0.01) in rats treated with whey protein and Brassicaceae extract formation compared with untreated. The combined treatment showed a better impact than individual ones (p<0.001). The level of cAMP but not cGMP were lowered in combined treatment than individual (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: It can be postulated that Whey protein + Brassicaceae extract formation could have potential benefits in the prevention of the onset and progression of neuropathy in patients.

Metagenomic Analysis of Antibiotic-Induced Changes in Gut Microbiota in a Pregnant Rat Model.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA, USA)-approved category B antibiotics are commonly prescribed to treat infections during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to investigate antibiotic-induced changes in gut microbiota (GM) that occur during pregnancy. The 16S rRNA amplicon deep-sequencing method was used to analyze the effect of category B antibiotics (azithromycin, amoxicillin and cefaclor) on GM during pregnancy using a rat model. The GM composition was substantially modulated by pregnancy and antibiotics administration. Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Chlamydiae, Actinobacteria, and Cyanobacteria were the dominant phyla. Antibiotic treatment during pregnancy increased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and reduced Firmicutes. The genera Shigella, Streptococcus, Candidatus Arthromitus, and Helicobacter were significantly (p < 0.05) more abundant during pregnancy. Antibiotics significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the relative abundance of Lactobacillus but increased that of Enterobacter. There was a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in Lactobacillus sp., Lactobacillus gallinarum and Lactobacillus crispatus during pregnancy. Antibiotic treatment reduced bacterial diversity; the lowest number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were detected in the cefaclor-treated groups. Antibiotics significantly (p < 0.05) promoted weight gain during pregnancy, and increased relative abundance of Shigella sonnei, Enterococcus hormaechei, and Acinetobacter sp. GM perturbations were accompanied by increases in Proteobacteria abundance and weight gain in pregnancy following antibiotic treatment.

MODULATION OF CARCINOGEN-METABOLIZING ENZYME BY MADINAH MINT (Mentha spp) IN RAT LIVER.

BACKGROUND: The present study was undertaken to assess whether boiling water mint extract (BWME) modulates the cytochrome P450 mixed function oxidase system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male albino rats were randomly divided into two groups, comprising 12 animals each. The first group served as control, whereas the second was maintained on BWME (10 % w/v) as its sole drinking liquid for six weeks. Liver microsomal were separated and subjected for phase I and II enzymes (cytochrome P450 mixed function oxidase) analysis. RESULTS: The results obtained showed that, BWME caused a significant elevation in the activity of epoxide hydrolase (p<0.001) when compared with the control. However, glutathione S-transferase and glucuronosyl transferase activities were significantly decreased (p<0.001 and p<0.01) respectively compared with control. The mutagenic activity of N-nitrosopiperidine was lower in the mint-treated hepatic microsomal compared with the controls. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that BWME has the potential to suppress the activity of cytochrome enzymes involved in the bio-activation of chemical carcinogen; hence may display chemo preventive activity.

Evaluation of a Salmonella Enteritidis vaccine and related ELISA for respective induction and assessment of acquired immunity to the vaccine and/or Echinacea purpurea in Awassi Ewes.

The aim of this study was to evaluate an experimental Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) bacterin and an indirect ELISA system to assess quantitatively the acquired immunity in Awassi ewes to the vaccine and/or Echinacea purpurea (EP) dried roots. Four treatments of the ewes were included in the experimental design, with 6 ewes/treatment. The first treatment (T1) had the controls that were non-vaccinated and non-treated with EP. The T2 ewes were only treated with EP. The T3 and T4 ewes were vaccinated at D1 (initiation of trial) and D10, while the T4 ewes were additionally administered the EP dried roots. Blood was collected from the jugular vein of all ewes at D1, D10, D21 and D45. The construction of the vaccine and the ELISA are detailed within the manuscript. The ELISA was able to detect quantitatively the significant acquired primary and secondary immunity to the vaccine in T3 and T4 ewes, compared to their low level of background immunities at initiation of the experiment (p<0.05). In addition, the ELISA detected the absence of seroconversion at all blood sampling times (p>0.05) in T1 control ewes, and in the T2 ewes that were given only the (EP) (p>0.05). Moreover, the ELISA was able to uncover the significant seroconversion of secondary immune response in T4 ewes at D21 compared to that at D10 (p<0.05), and the absence of significant seroconversion of secondary response in T3 ewes. This is the first work in literature that reports the need to supplement the vaccination by the experimental SE bacterin with daily oral intake of 250mg of EP-dried roots, effective the first vaccination day and up to 21 days, for obtaining a statistically significant seroconversion.

Impact of sporadic reporting of poultry Salmonella serovars from selected developing countries.

This review documents the sporadic reporting of poultry Salmonella serovars in South Africa, Egypt, Indonesia, India, and Romania, five countries selected based on the importance of their distribution in different regions of the world and their cumulative significant population size of 1.6 billion. South Africa reported contamination of its poultry carcasses by S. Hadar, S. Blockley, S. Irumu, and S. Anatum. Results from Egypt showed that S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium were predominant in poultry along with other non-typhoid strains, namely S. Infantis, S. Kentucky, S. Tsevie, S. Chiredzi, and S. Heidelberg. In Indonesia, the isolation of Salmonella Typhi was the main focus, while other serovars included S. Kentucky, S. Typhimurium, and S. Paratyhi C. In India, S. Bareilly was predominant compared to S. Enteritidis, S. Typhimurium, S. Paratyphi B, S. Cerro, S. Mbandaka, S. Molade, S. Kottbus, and S. Gallinarum. Romania reported two Salmonella serovars in poultry that affect humans, namely S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium, and other non-typhoid strains including S. Infantis, S. Derby, S. Colindale, S. Rissen, S. Ruzizi, S. Virchow, S. Brandenburg, S. Bredeney, S. Muenchen, S. Kortrijk, and S. Calabar. The results showed the spread of different serovars of Salmonella in those five developing countries, which is alarming and emphasizes the urgent need for the World Health Organization Global Foodborne Infections Network (WHO-GFN) to expand its activities to include more strategic participation and partnership with most developing countries in order to protect poultry and humans from the serious health impact of salmonellosis.

Screening of selected indigenous plants of Lebanon for antimicrobial activity.

The objective of this study is to test in vitro the antimicrobial efficacy of 39 water and 39 methanol extracts derived from different parts of 27 indigenous wild plant species that have been commonly used in Lebanese folk medicine. The antimicrobial efficacy was determined using the single disk diffusion method, with 10 and 20 microl load extract volume per disc. Nine test microorganisms were used namely, Escherichia coli, Proteus sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella dysenteria, Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans. Only one water extract out of 39 derived from whole plant of Alchemilla diademata showed an antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The percentage of test organisms that were susceptible to 10 most efficacious methanol plant extracts (20 microl/disc) were as follows: Achillea damascena whole plant (88.8%), Anthemis scariosa flower (88.8%), Cirsium sp. whole plant (88.8%), Centaurea ainetensis flowers (88.8%), Hieracium sp. whole plant (88.8%), Origanum libanoticum whole plant (99.9%), Ranunculus myosuroudes whole plant (88.8%), Nepata curviflora leaf (88.8%), Nepata curviflora stem, and Verbascum leptostychum flower (99.9%). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined on plant extracts that showed high efficacy against the test organisms. The chance to find antimicrobial activities was more apparent in methanol rather than water extracts of the same indigenous plants of Lebanon, with higher antimicrobial activities in 20 microl methanol extract-discs in comparison to that present in the 10 microl discs (P < 0.05).