Mitigation of Benzene-Induced Haematotoxicity in Sprague Dawley Rats through Plant-Extract-Loaded Silica Nanobeads.

Benzene, a potent carcinogen, is known to cause acute myeloid leukaemia. While chemotherapy is commonly used for cancer treatment, its side effects have prompted scientists to explore natural products that can mitigate the haematotoxic effects induced by chemicals. One area of interest is nano-theragnostics, which aims to enhance the therapeutic potential of natural products. This study aimed to enhance the effects of methanolic extracts from Ocimum basilicum, Rosemarinus officinalis, and Thymus vulgaris by loading them onto silica nanobeads (SNBs) for targeted delivery to mitigate the benzene-induced haematotoxic effects. The SNBs, 48 nm in diameter, were prepared using a chemical method and were then loaded with the plant extracts. The plant-extract-loaded SNBs were then coated with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). The modified SNBs were characterized using various techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The developed plant-extract-loaded and CMC-modified SNBs were administered intravenously to benzene-exposed rats, and haematological and histopathological profiling was conducted. Rats exposed to benzene showed increased liver and spleen weight, which was mitigated by the plant-extract-loaded SNBs. The differential white blood cell (WBC) count was higher in rats with benzene-induced haematotoxicity, but this count decreased significantly in rats treated with plant-extract-loaded SNBs. Additionally, blast cells observed in benzene-exposed rats were not found in rats treated with plant-extract-loaded SNBs. The SNBs facilitated targeted drug delivery of the three selected medicinal herbs at low doses. These results suggest that SNBs have promising potential as targeted drug delivery agents to mitigate haematotoxic effects induced by benzene in rats.

Inhibition realization of multidrug resistant bacterial and fungal isolates using Coccinia indica extracts.

The crude aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts of Coccinia indica were screened for methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), multidrug resistant (MDR) Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Candida auris and Trichophyton rubrum. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were assessed by standard disc diffusion and tube dilution methods. The results showed that ethanolic extract inhibited MRSA, C. auris at 250 µg/mL and S. pyogenes at 200 µg/mL comparable to the susceptible antibiotics used as positive controls. There was no observable activity against T. rubrum, while a mild activity was observed with ethanolic extracts over E. coli at higher concentrations which did not turn out to be complete or significant inhibition. Aqueous extract did not exhibit any observable activity over the five organisms tested. Furthermore, the results showed clear cut concentration dependent antibacterial and antifungal activities with additional variation of specific activity over Gram positive and negative bacteria, yeast and filamentous fungi. So, it is evident that ethanolic extract of Coccinia indica could be further escalating for mechanistic studies in the era of multidrug resistance, indigenous preparations from herbs could be a safe choice over clinically challenging organisms.

The ameliorative effect of kaempferol against CdCl2- mediated renal damage entails activation of Nrf2 and inhibition of NF-kB.

This study evaluated the nephroprotective effect of kaempferol against cadmium chloride (CdCl2) -induced nephropathy in rats. It also investigated if activation of Nrf2 is a common mechanism of action. Adult male rats ((150 ± 15 g) were divided into 4 groups (n = 8/each) as a control (1% DMSO, orally), control + kaempferol (200 mg/kg, orally), CdCl2 (50 mg/l in drinking water), and CdCl2 + kaempferol (200 mg/kg)-treated rats. All treatments were conducted for 8 weeks. Kaempferol significantly attenuated CdCl2-induced weight loss, reduction in kidney weights, and the injury in the glomeruli, proximal tubules, and distal tubules in the treated rats. It also significantly lowered serum levels of urea and creatinine, increased urine output and urinary creatinine levels and clearance but reduced urinary levels of albumin urinary albumin exertion (UAER), and urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR) in these rats. In parallel, kaempferol downregulated renal levels of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax and unregulated those of Bcl2. In the kidney tissues of the control animals and CdCl2 rats, kaempferol significantly attenuated oxidative stress, inflammation and significantly boosted levels of manganese superoxide dismutase and glutathione. Also, and in both groups, kaempferol suppressed the nuclear levels of NF-κB p65, downregulated Keap1, and stimulated the nuclear activation and protein levels of Nrf2. In conclusion, kaempferol is a potential therapeutic drug to prevent CdCl2-induced nephropathy due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects mediated by suppressing NF- NF-κB p65 and transactivating Nrf2.

Development of rapid and cost-effective top-loading device for the detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM antibodies.

Infection with SARS-CoV-2, the Betacoronavirus, caused a pandemic that affected the globe negatively. The gold method, RT-PCR, can detect SARS-CoV-2 but it is time-consuming and needs sophisticated equipment and professional personnel. On the other hand, rapid tests offer fast results and can detect anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (Abs). The aim of this study is to develop a new rapid and cost-effective method for the detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM Abs. A new top-loading detection device was developed and composed of a small piece of plastic (25 × 25 × 0.5 mm) with an opening in the center, a piece of nitrocellulose (NC) membrane enough to block the opening from one side and adhesive tape to affix the NC to the plastic piece. The NC is blotted with anti-human IgG/IgM and rabbit serum. The device was evaluated against a commercially available IgG/IgM ELISA detection kit using normal, Covid-19-positive, HCV, HBV, and Cytomegalovirus-positive sera. Outcomes demonstrated simplicity, reproducibility, and accuracy of the new device and results can be obtained in less than 5 min. We anticipate our developed assay method to be used widely in point of care before deciding on the use of expensive nucleic acid assays.

Antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and cytotoxic activities of green synthesized nanoparticles from Acacia honey and Calotropis procera.

Calotropis procera and Somra (Acacia) honey are used in traditional medicine. The benefits of mixing 20% Somra honey and C. procera leaf water extract (CPLWExt) were aimed to be studied. Honey/CPLWExt were utilized to produce silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) separately. AgNPs were characterized via UV/Vis and electron microscope scanning. Bio-molecules in CPLWExt/honey were investigated utilizing FT-IR spectroscopy. Biological activities of CPLWExt and honey were tested. The outcomes showed that CPLWExt and honey have numerous functional groups and could produce AgNPs. CPLWExt, CPLWExt + AgNPs, honey and honey + AgNPs hindered the growth of rat splenocytes, while CPLWExt + honey invigorated it. Antimicrobial power was found in CPLWExt and honey, which increased in the presence of AgNPs. Honey/honey + AgNPs suppressed the proliferation of HeLa and HepG2 cells. In conclusion, honey/CPLWExt could produce AgNPs and showed immunomodulatory and antibacterial power. Somra honey/honey + AgNPs have anticancer power. Somra honey + CPLWExt reflected a good immunostimulatory powers that can be nominated as an immunostimulant.

Antibody profile in symptomatic/asymptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infected Saudi persons.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-infected persons could be symptomatic or asymptomatic. Asymptomatic and symptomatic patients can transmit SARS-CoV-2. This study aimed to study the humoral immune response in Saudis who are Covid-19 symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. We created three types of enzyme-linked immunosorbant assays (ELISAs) to reveal IgG and IgM antibodies (Abs) against SARS-CoV-2. The developed ELISAs were designed to detect Abs against SARS-CoV-2 N, S and N + S proteins. A number of Covid-19 symptomatic (1 5 3) and asymptomatic (84) RT-PCR-confirmed patient sera were used to evaluate the ELISAs and to determine the IgG and IgM antibody profile in those patients. The sensitivity and specificity of these ELISAs were evaluated using pre-Covid-19 pandemic serum samples. The results revealed the existence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM Abs in Covid-19 symptomatic and asymptomatic Saudi persons. The use of SARS-CoV-2 N and S proteins in the same ELISA greatly increased the detectability of infection. In conclusion, the Covid-19 symptomatic and asymptomatic Saudi persons demonstrated both IgG and IgM antibody profile with higher titer in symptomatic patients. The use of N + S proteins as antibody capture antigens greatly increased the ELISA sensitivity.

Characterization of the native honey bee (Apis mellifera jemenitica) in the south western region of Saudi Arabia using morphometric and genetic (mtDNA COI) characteristics.

Apis mellifera jemenitica incorporates a few perceived subspecies that vary in their natural properties and farming qualities. Mitochondrial COI gene sequence (mtCOI) has not been used before for bee identification in the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia. The aim of this work was to study the morphometry and analyzing the mtCOI of all collected bees. The nucleotide sequence of the mtCOI gene was analyzed. Similarity searches and distances between each obtained DNA and sequences available in GenBank were made. Morphometric analysis revealed close similarities among the studied bees, but these similarities are different from those previously indicated in earlier studies of the same region. Molecular studies revealed that the collected bees are similar to each other and some other sequences found in GenBank, but these bees are a new hybrid or subspecies that are different from those previously reported in the same region, indicating the emergence of a new hybrid.

Development of in-house ELISAs for the detection of anti-SARS­CoV­2 RBD and N IgG and IgM antibodies in biological samples.

By the end of year 2019, the new virus SARS-CoV-2 appeared, causing the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), and spread very fast globally. A continuing need for diagnostic tools is a must to contain its spread. Till now, the gold standard method, the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), is the precise procedure to detect the virus. However, SARS-CoV-2 may escape RT-PCR detection for several reasons. The development of well-designed, specific and sensitive serological test like enzyme immunoassay (EIA) is needed. This EIA can stand alone or work side by side with RT-PCR. In this study, we developed several EIAs including plates that are coated with either specially designed SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid or surface recombinant proteins. Each protein type can separately detect anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM or IgG antibodies. For each EIAs, the cut-off value, specificity and sensitivity were determined utilizing RT-PCR confirmed Covid-19 and pre-pandemic healthy and other viruses-infected sera. Also, the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to define the specificities and sensitivities of the optimized assay. The in-house EIAs were validated by comparing against commercial EIA kits. All in-house EIAs showed high specificity (98-99%) and sensitivity (97.8-98.9%) for the detection of IgG/IgM against RBD and N proteins of SARS-CoV-2. From these results, the developed Anti-RBD and anti-N IgG and IgM antibodies EIAs can be used as a specific and sensitive tool to detect SARS-CoV-2 infection, calculate the burden of disease and case fatality rates.

One-spot fabrication and in-vivo toxicity evaluation of core-shell magnetic nanoparticles.

This research, for the first time, report the synthesis of core-shell magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) consisting poly acrylic acid (PAA) coated cobalt ferrite (CF) using a simple co-precipitation route. Nanocrystalline PAA@CF-NPs, particle size of 9.2 nm, exhibited saturation magnetization as 28.9 emu/g, remnant magnetization as 8.37 emu/g, and coercivity as 543 Oe. Keeping biomedical applications into consideration, PAA@CF-NPs were further analysed to evaluate antimicrobial performance against Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and Gram negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) bacteria, and biocompatibility with reference to activated splenic cells. The PAA@CF-NPs were viable to the normal splenic cells (up to 1000 µg/ml) and do not affect the ability of fast dividing ability of the cells (activated splenic cells). An optimized dose of PAA@CF-NPs was intramuscularly administrated (100 µg/ml) into Albino mice to evaluate acute toxicity. The results of these studies suggest that injected PAA@CF-NPs do not affect vital organs mainly including liver and kidneys that confirmed the heptic/renal biocompatibility. The outcomes of this research project such developed nano-system for biomedical applications, mainly for magnetically guided drug delivery and image guided therapies development. However, to support the proposed claims, extended in-vivo studies are required to explore bio-distribution, chronic toxicity, and homeostatic conditions.

Silver Nanoparticle Production by Ruta graveolens and Testing Its Safety, Bioactivity, Immune Modulation, Anticancer, and Insecticidal Potentials.

Ruta graveolens, a plant belonging to the family Rutaceae, is traditionally used as a medicinal plant and a flavoring agent in food. This work aimed to prepare silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the ethanol extract from R. graveolens leaves and test different biological activities as well as insecticidal potentials in the extract and extract prepared AgNPs. Dried and powdered R. graveolens leaves were subjected to extraction using ethanol, and this extract was used to synthesize AgNPs. AgNP synthesis was monitored by the change in color, UV spectrophotometry, and electron microscopy (scanning). Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy was used to monitor the functional groups in the extracts. Immunological, physiological, anticancer, antibacterial, and insecticidal potentials of the extract and its prepared AgNPs were tested. Results showed the ability of the leaf extract to synthesize. SEM examination revealed a spherical shape of AgNPs with a size of 40-45 nm. The extract contained many functional groups as indicated by FT-IR. The extract alone inhibited the growth of normal rat splenic cells, while the extract containing AgNPs stimulated its growth. Extract alone stimulated HeLa cell proliferation and inhibited HepG2 growth, while both cell line growth was inhibited by the extract containing AgNPs. Both the extract and extract with AgNPs were safe on RBCs and did not cause any severe elevation in liver enzymes. The extract alone and with AgNPs showed insecticidal activity against Culex pipiens. Our findings suggest that the R. graveolens leaf extract, alone or with AgNPs, is biologically safe on animal cells and has antibacterial, insecticidal, and immunomodulation potentials.

Kaempferol protects against cadmium chloride-induced hippocampal damage and memory deficits by activation of silent information regulator 1 and inhibition of poly (ADP-Ribose) polymerase-1.

The neuroprotective effect of Kaempferol against cadmium chloride (CdCl2) -induced neurotoxicity is well reported. The silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) and poly (ADP-Ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP1) are two related cellular molecules that can negatively affect the activity of each other to promote or inhibit cell survival, respectively. It is still largely unknown if the neurotoxicity of CdCl2 or the neuroprotection of Kaempferol are mediated by modulating SIRT1 and/or PAPR1 activities. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that CdCl2-induced memory deficit and hippocampal damage are associated with downregulation/inhibition of SIRT1 and activation of PAPR1, an effect that can be reversed by co-treatment with Kaempferol. Rats (n = 12/group) were divided into 4 groups as control, control + Kaempferol (50 mg//kg), CdCl2 (0.5 mg/kg), and CdCl2 + Kaempferol. All treatments were administered orally for 30 days daily. As compared to control rats, CdCl2 reduced rat's final body weights (21.8%) and their food intake (30%), induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in their hippocampi, and impaired their short and long-term recognition memory functions. Besides, the hippocampi of CdCl2-treated rats had higher levels of TNF-α (197%), and IL-6 (190%) with a concomitant increase in nuclear activity and levels of NF-κB p65 (721% & 554%). Besides, they showed reduced nuclear activity (53%) and levels (74%) of SIRT1, higher nuclear activity and levels of PARP1 (292% & 138%), increased nuclear levels of p53 (870%), and higher acetylated levels of NF-κB p65 (513%), p53 (644%), PARP1 (696%), and FOXO-2 (149%). All these events were significantly reversed in the CdCl2 + Kaempferol-treated rats. Of note, Kaempferol also increased levels of MnSOD (73.5%), and GSH (40%), protein levels of Bcl-2 (350%), and nuclear activity (67%) and levels (46%) of SIRT1 in the hippocampi of the control rats. In conclusion, Kaempferol ameliorates CdCl2-induced memory deficits and hippocampal oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis by increasing SIRT1 activity and inhibiting PARP1 activity.

The Protective Role of Toll-Like Receptor Agonist Monophosphoryl Lipid A Against Vaccinated Murine Schistosomiasis.

PURPOSE: Schistosomiasis is a disease that afflicts over 220 million people worldwide. To date, there is no vaccine against schistosomiasis and chemotherapy relies basically on a single drug, praziquantel. The current study was undertaken to investigate the therapeutic effects of monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) as an adjuvant in soluble egg antigen (SEA)-vaccinated and Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice. METHODS: Mice were divided into two groups of uninfected and Schistosoma mansoni infected. The two groups were treated differently with MPLA, SEA and praziquantel. Study parameters included parasitological, immunological and biochemical parameters. RESULTS: Parasitological parameters revealed that intraperitoneal injection of MPLA into SEA-vaccinated and S. mansoni-infected mice was effective in reducing the worm and egg burden, granuloma count and diameter as well as the total area of infection in their livers versus SEA-untreated but infected ones. In addition, MPLA showed ameliorative action on the elevated liver oxidative stress marker, including malondialdehyde (MDA) and a decrease in the level of the antioxidant enzymes, reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) which may have a role in the liver damage and fibrosis due to S. mansoni infection. CONCLUSION: Treatment with MPLA has multi-functions in attenuating the deleterious impacts of S. mansoni infection in mice livers. Its effects are mediated through a reduction of ova count, worm burden, granuloma diameter and amelioration of antioxidant defense systems, and liver function biomarkers.

Majra Honey Abrogated the Normal and Cancer Cells Proliferation Inhibition by Juniperus procera Extract and Extract/Honey Generated AgNPs.

BACKGROUND: Juniperus procera and Majra honey are well-known as a folk medicine in many countries. OBJECTIVES: This work aimed to study the immunomodulatory effects after mixing Majra honey, J. procera water leaves extract and silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) on immune or cancer cells. METHODS: Juniperus procera water leaves extract and 20% Majra honey were prepared. Both the extract and honey were used separately to synthesize AgNPs. AgNPs were characterized using UV/Vis spectrophotometry and electron microscopy. Bioactive molecules in honey and the extract were explored using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Protein profile of honey was explored using Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate- Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and honey sugar content was determined using High- Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Biological activities of honey and the extract were tested. RESULTS: The results demonstrated the ability of the extract/honey to produce AgNPs in a spherical shape. The extract/honey contained many functional groups. SDS-PAGE of Majra honey showed many protein bands. HPLC revealed honey is of good quality and no external additives are added to it. The extract and extract+ AgNPs inhibited the growth of normal rat splenic cells while honey stimulated it. The extract+honey turned stimulatory to the splenic cells' growth and significantly diminished the inhibitory potential of the extract containing AgNPs. Both the extract and honey have antimicrobial activities, this potential increased in the presence of AgNPs. Honey and Honey+AgNPs inhibited HepG2 cancer cell proliferation while Hela cell growth inhibited only with honey+AgNPs. CONCLUSION: Both honey and the extract have antibacterial and immunomodulatory potentials as well as the power to produce AgNPs. Majra honey alone showed anticancer activity against HepGe2 cells, but not against Hela cells, and when contained AgNPs had anticancer activity on both cell lines. Mixing of Majra honey with J. procera extract showed characterized immunomodulatory potentials that can be described as immunostimulant.

Study of anticancer, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and silver nanoparticles production by Sidr honey from three different sources.

Sidr honey is used as food and medicine in many countries. Study of immunomodulatory and anticancer activity of Sidr honey did not tested before. The aim of this work was to study the anticancer activity and immunomodulatory as well as antimicrobial potential of Sidr honey and its synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Sidr honey from three sources (two from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and one from Pakistan) was diluted to 20% and tested for its biological activities and to synthesize AgNPs. The results demonstrated that honeys could produce AgNPs (spherical shape), modulated the growth of normal splenic cells, and have antimicrobial activities. Sidr honey has anticancer activity against HepG2 but not Hela cells. Sidr honey can be used as antimicrobial agent, but can be used as anticancer agent with care as it stimulated cell growth of some lines (e.g., Hala) and inhibited another (e.g., HepG2).

Development of Rift Valley fever (RVF) vaccine by genetic joining of the RVF-glycoprotein Gn with the strong adjuvant subunit B of cholera toxin (CTB) and expression in bacterial system.

One of the mosquito-borne zoonotic diseases is the Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV). Currently, there is no completely licensed vaccine that can be used to vaccinate animals or humans outside endemic areas. The aim of this work was to use the RVFV glycoprotein (Gn) and the subunit B of cholera toxin (CTB) at gene level and build up fused recombinant vaccine. The gene of CTB was joined to the gene Gn to work as an adjuvant in the resulting fusion protein. The designed merged genes (CTB-Gn) was tested for restriction sites, open reading frames, expected fusion protein tertiary structure and antigenicity using computer software. The insert sequence was submitted to the BioProject (GenBank). The insert was subcloned into the pQE-31 expression plasmid. The target recombinant protein (rCTB-Gn) was expressed in M15 bacteria, purified and identified by protein gel electrophoresis. The insert got the accession No: PRJNA386723. Analysis of the designed rCTB-Gn protein revealed that it had the right 3D structure, immunogenic and at the correct molecular weight. The presence of the CTB in the proposed vaccine will augment its immunogenicity. Doses and protection levels of the vaccine need to be manipulated.

Cellular proliferation/cytotoxicity and antimicrobial potentials of green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Juniperus procera.

Juniperus spp. are used as medicinal plants in many countries like Bosnia, Lebanon, and Turkey. In folk medicines, these plants have been used for treating skin and respiratory tract diseases, urinary problems, rheumatism and gall bladder stones. The objectives of this work were to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using a coniferous tree, Juniperus procera leaf extract and testing the synthesized AgNPs for its antimicrobial potentials, hemolytic activity, toxicity and the proliferative effects against normal and activated rat splenic cells. Leaf extract was prepared using acetone and ethanol as solvents. AgNPs were prepared using the acetone extract. AgNPs were validated using UV-Vis spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Functional groups in the extract were identified using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. SEM images of AgNPs showed spherical and cubic shapes with a uniform size distribution with an average size of 30-90 nm. FT-IR spectroscopy showed the presence of many functional groups in the plant extract. AgNPs showed promising antimicrobial activity against tested bacteria and fungus. AgNPs also expressed a stimulating activity towards the rat splenic cells in a dose dependent manner. Acetone as solvent was safer on cells than ethanol. Green synthesized AgNPs using J. procera might be used as a broad-spectrum therapeutic agent against microorganisms and as an immunostimulant agent.

TH1/TH2 chemokines/cytokines profile in rats treated with tetanus toxoid and Euphorbia tirucalli.

Natural products, including their purified materials, play a remarkable role in drug development. The Euphorbiaceae family, mainly Euphorbia tirucalli, is used in some traditional medicine, and has evidence that its latex comprises immunomodulatory properties and cytokine production. This study aimed to measure the in vivo production of chemokines (IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-12, and RANTES), TH1 cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, GM-CSF, and IL-2) and TH2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-13) in rats after treatments with ethanol latex extract of E. tirucalli. Vaccine treated and untreated rats were divided into seven groups to assess antimicrobial activities of the extracted components. After completion of the treatment schedule, blood was withdrawn and sera were collected. The results showed that the main component of the extract was a euphol compound. The extract showed antimicrobial activity and had the ability to modulate innate and adaptive immunity. Animals treated with extract for only 7 days before vaccination showed higher levels of antibody production. The extract showed antibacterial and antifungal activities. The extract could stimulate both adaptive and innate immunity. Pre-treatment with the extract increased immune responses in vaccinated animals, indicating the usefulness of the extract before immunization.

Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles (AuNPs) Using Ricinus communis Leaf Ethanol Extract, Their Characterization, and Biological Applications.

The purpose of this study was to explore the collective biological properties of Ricinus communis ethanol leaf extract (RcExt) and extract-fabricated gold nanoparticles (RcExt-AuNPs). AuNPs were synthesized using RcExt. Fingerprint data of the biochemicals putatively found in RcExt were obtained using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography/ultraviolet-visible (HPLC/UV-VIS) analyses. RcExt-AuNPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier- transform infrared radiation (FTIR) spectroscopy. Cytotoxic activity on the Hela and HepG2 tumor cell lines was tested through cell viability, antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungal pathogens through a well diffusion assay, hemolytic activity on red blood cells through absorbance reading, and stimulatory/inhibitory effects on splenic cells by cell viability. AuNPs of 200 nm size were synthesized. GC-MS/MS analysis revealed 12 peaks and HPLC/UV-VIS analysis resulted in 18, 13, and five peaks at the wavelengths of 220, 254, and 300 nm, respectively. Cytotoxicity screening revealed that RcExt had stimulatory effects (6.08%) on Hela cells and an inhibitory effect (-28.33%) on HepG2 cells, whereas RcExt-AuNPs showed inhibitory effects (-58.64% and -42.74%) on Hela and HepG2 cells, respectively. Antimicrobial activity of RcExt-AuNPs against tested pathogens was significantly higher (average diameters of inhibition zones were higher (ranging from 9.33 mm to 16.33 mm)) than those of RcExt (ranging from 6.00 mm to 7.33 mm). RcExt and RcExt-AuNPs showed 4.15% and 100% lytic effects, respectively. Inhibitory effects on splenic cells for RcExt-AuNPs were observed to be significantly higher (-30.56% to -72.62%) than those of RcExt (-41.55% to -62.25%) between concentrations of 25 to 200 µg/mL. RcExt-AuNPs were inhibitory against HepG2 and Hela cells, while RcExt inhibited HepG2 but stimulated Hela cells. RcExt-AuNPs showed comparatively more antimicrobial activity. RcExt was safe while RcExt-AuNPs harmful to red blood cells (RBCs). RcExt and RcExt-AuNPs showed inhibitory effects on splenic cells irrespective of dose.

Biological Activities of Euphorbia peplus Leaves Ethanolic Extract and the Extract Fabricated Gold Nanoparticles (AuNPs).

Euphorbia peplus leaves extract (EpExt) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) phytofabricated with extract (EpExt-AuNPs) were investigated for biological activities. EpExt and EpExt-AuNPs were screened for: (i) anticancer activity against Hela and HepG2 cell lines; (ii) antimicrobial activity; (iii) hemolytic activity; (iv) cytotoxic or stimulatory effects; and (v) insecticidal activity. AuNPs (size 50 nm) were synthesized. (i) EpExt had a stimulatory effect (51.04%) on Hela cells and an inhibitory effect (-12.83%) on HepG2 cells while EpExt-AuNPs showed inhibitory effects (-54.25% and -59.64% on Hela and HepG2 cells respectively). (ii) Antimicrobial activity of EpExt-AuNPs was significantly higher (ranged from 11.67 mm to 14.33 mm) than that of EpExt (ranged from 5.33 mm to 6.33 mm). (iii) Both EpExt and EpExt-AuNPs displayed 100% hemolysis. (iv) A dose-dependent inhibitory effect of EpExt was observed (ranged from -48.5% to -92.1%), which was greater than that of EpExt-AuNPs (ranged from -32.1% to -69.1%) (v) EpExt-AuNPs was more lethal against mosquito larvae with lethal concentration (LC50) value (202.692 ppm) compared to EpExt (1430.590 ppm). In conclusion, EpExt-AuNPs were inhibitory against HepG2 and Hela cells, while EpExt inhibited HepG2 but stimulated Hela cells. EpExt-AuNPs had antimicrobial effects. EpExt showed dose-dependent inhibitory effects on splenic cells. EpExt-AuNPs were lethal against mosquito larvae.

DNA vaccination using recombinant Schistosoma mansoni fatty acid binding protein (smFABP) gene.

Schistosomiasis is a fatal disease that has a negative impact on health and economics. Praziquantel (PZQ) is the drug of choice for schistosomiasis treatment, but it has no prophylactic effect; therefore, vaccination is an essential requirement in schistosomiasis control. This work was carried out to investigate the possible effect of DNA vaccination against Schistosoma mansoni infection using recombinant S. mansoni fatty acid binding protein (rsmFABP). The smFABP gene was cloned into the eukaryotic expression vector pcDNAI/Amp in order to obtain an smFABP-pcDNAI recombinant plasmid (DNA vaccine) and was used for the intramuscular DNA vaccination of out-bread Swiss albino mice prior to infection with S. mansoni cercariae. Infected groups, either DNA vaccinated or unvaccinated, were treated with PZQ at week 6 post-infection. After 8 weeks post-infection, all mouse groups were sacrificed and parasitological, immunological and histopathological parameters were studied. DNA vaccinated mice showed a high titer of anti-smFABP-IgG antibodies and acquired significant protection (74.2%, p < 0.01) against S. mansoni infection, with a reduction in ova and granuloma counts. DNA vaccinated and PZQ treated animals had higher titers of anti-smFABP-IgG antibodies and decreased (87%, P < 0.001) parenchymal granulomas compared to the DNA vaccinated PZQ untreated group. Infected mice, either non DNA vaccinated or vaccinated, had very high collagen content and fibrous granulomas (74%) compared to the PZQ treated group (10.3% fibrous granuloma) and PZQ treated + DNA vaccinated group (0% fibrous granuloma). In conclusion, DNA vaccination had protective and anti-pathological effects in naive mice and greatly improved the pathological status in PZQ-treated animals, suggesting an immunological and pathological modulating effect of PZQ treatment.