Malaysian Journal of Biochemistry
& Molecular Biology
(E-ISSN: 2600-9005)
The Official Publication of the Malaysian Society for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (MSBMB)
Indexed by SCOPUS and Malaysian Citation Index (MYCITE)
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December 2020
Malay. J. Biochem. Mol. Biol. (2020) 23 (3)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page 1-7
Angelo Mark P. Walag and Romeo M. Del Rosario
INITIAL EVALUATION OF METAL CONTENT OF Acanthaster planci AND Linckia laevigata COLLECTED FROM CARMEN, AGUSAN DEL NORTE, PHILIPPINES
Abstract
Harmful substances like metals ultimately end in the seafloor and contaminate marine ecosystems. These substances are of particular concern due to their bioavailability and toxicity to marine organisms. In this study, metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Zn, and Cu) were determined in the body wall of common sea star L. laevigata, and A. planci collected from Carmen, Agusan del Norte, Philippines. The metal content in terms of concentration of L. laevigata follows the order Pb > Cu > Cd > Cr > Zn while for A. planci is Pb > Cu > Cr > Zn > Cd. Both species were found to consistently contain the most lead and copper, which could suggest bioaccumulation of these elements from the environment. It is believed that these metals were sourced from the sediments or their food and are accumulated in their body wall. The differences in metal content for Pb and Cd were believed to be due to the difference in the diet for the two species. Comparable metal content was found in Cd, Cr, and Zn. It is recommended that further studies are conducted, especially in monitoring the metal content in the sediment and bioaccumulation of these metals in different trophic levels.
Page 8 - 14
Galina Gubina-Vakulyck, Anatolii Onishchenko, Oksana Nakonechna, Andrii Lupyr, Tatyana Gorbach,
Alla Bondareva, Svetlana Stetsenko, Viktoriya Tkachenko, Hanna Polikarpova and Anton Tkachenko
LONG-TERM EXPOSURE TO CAFFEINATED ENERGY DRINKS PROMOTES APOPTOSIS OF CARDIOMYOCYTES AND RESULTS IN ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION IN MYOCARDIAL BLOOD VESSELS
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the apoptosis rate and endothelial function of the heart of rats that were orally exposed to a caffeinated energy drink (CED). The rats were orally exposed to CED for two weeks. The content of caspase-3, endothelial NO-synthase (eNOS), endothelin-1 (ET-1), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), the activity of poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) was determined in the heart homogenates. Expression of heat shock protein 90α (HSP90α) and proliferation-associated Ki-67 protein in the heart were evaluated. Biochemical analysis demonstrated the activation of apoptosis in the heart of rats exposed to CED with the evidence of the elevated concentration of caspase-3 and the reduced activity of PARP. Consumption of CED was accompanied by the development of endothelial dysfunction in the cardiac vasculature, which was confirmed by a higher content of ET-1 and VEGFA in heart homogenates and HSP90α overexpression in endothelial and endocardial cells. Oral exposure to CED for two weeks is associated with enhanced apoptosis of cardiomyocytes and the development of endothelial dysfunction in the cardiac blood vessels.
Page 15 - 22
Ghaidaa Raheem Lateef Al-Awsi, Gulboy Nasir, Majida M. Meteab Alshammari and Abdolmajid Ghasemian
ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTIBIOFILM EFFECTS OF BISMUTH NANOPARTICLES PRODUCED BY BACILLUS SUBTILIS AGAINST MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the effect of green bismuth oxide (BiO) NPs against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) from wound infections. Among 450 wound samples collected from patients admitted to the hospital, 200 P. aeruginosa isolates were identified. MDR strains of P. aeruginosa were detected by disc diffusion method. BiO NPs were synthesized using wild Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) strain and infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The antibacterial effect of the NPs compared to antibiotics against MDR strains was evaluated using a standard disk diffusion method. BiO NPs were synthesized at 0.005 M concentration of solution. According to the SEM images, the BiO NPs were irregular in size and ranged from 23-41 nm. According to the disk diffusion method, the highest inhibitory effect of BiO NPs was observed against MDR P. aeruginosa at 2000 ppm. The MIC and MBC of Bi-O NPs at 2000 ppm and >2000 ppm was observed against 97/200 (47.5%) of MDR P. aeruginosa. Eighty percent and 20% of P. aeruginosa produced strong and moderate-level biofilms, respectively. In the presence of sub-inhibitory concentration (1200 ppm) of Bi-ONPs, 52 (26%) isolates produced strong-level biofilms (p=0.001) and 22 (11%) produced moderate-level biofilm (p=0.029), while 53% of remaining isolates produced weak biofilms. The results exhibited a significant decrease in biofilm formation in the presence of Bi-O NPs. BiO NPs exerted an antibacterial effect that 2000 ppm and had a significant inhibitory effect against P. aeruginosa biofilms.
Page 23 - 29
Manaf A. Guma, Hekmat Ahmed Owaid, Kiffah Shaddhan Hamad, Hazim Abdul Rahman Alhiti, Mustafa Abdulrahman Jumaah Alhiti, Tahir Rissan Dikheel and Bilal Aldahham
ASSOCIATION OF Helicobacter pylori INFECTION WITH THE MOST COMMON AFFECTED AGE: A STATISTICAL STUDY
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium that causes infections, and the most prevalent symptom is upper abdominal pain. However, the age group of people who are most susceptible to H.pylori infection is still a matter of debate. In this study, we aim to analyse and report the results of H. pylori tests for patients amongst the Iraqi population. The descriptive and retrospective studies involve 224 Iraqi patients of both genders, aged between 18-67 years who gave oral consent and displayed upper abdominal pain. All patients were interviewed and clinically examined before being tested with a qualitative serological test and stool examination. The population of the study consisted of 114 males and 125 females with mean age 25 and 26 years, respectively. The results showed that there were no negative serum tests for both genders: the peak age of infection was between 30-39 years and 50 patients showed positive for both tests. Results showed that the middle-aged population is significantly the more affected group according to serological tests which were positive in all tested patients. Moreover, the study also showed that the antigen detection of H. pylori by IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies using the Rapid Test strips is the most trustable biomarker and is recommended as the initial test for any work involving H. pylori.
Page 30 - 38
Muna H. Jankeer
THE PREVENTIVE ROLE OF Thymus vulgaris ALCOHOLIC LEAF EXTRACT AGAINST CARBON TETRACHLORIDE INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY IN MALE ALBINO RABBITS
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the preventive role of Thymus vulgaris alcoholic leaves extract against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) hepatotoxicity in male albino rabbits. Thirty rabbits were randomly divided into 5 groups (6 rabbits/group). They were dosed daily for 21 days as follows: The 1st group was given 1.5 ml olive oil/kg of body weight (BW) orally days/week as a negative control. The 2nd group was treated with 3 ml orally (1 CCl4:1 olive oil) as a singular dose every 3 days/week as a control. The 3rd, 4th and 5th groups were treated with 3 ml CCl4/kg BW, and after 30 min of the ingestion, these groups were treated once with Thymus vulgaris alcoholic (200, 400, 600 mg/kg) daily, respectively. The results showed that treatment with CCl4 caused a significant decrease in the level of protein, albumin, globulin and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, but a significant increase in the level of bilirubin, cholesterol, triglycerides, very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in serum of positive group as compared with the negative group. A significant decrease in the level of the glutathione, an increase in the level of malondialdehyde and protein were observed in liver tissue, which indicates the ability of CCl4 to induce hepatotoxicity. The results showed that the rabbits that dosed with Thymus vulgaris extract caused an increase in some of the liver function tests and lipid profile. It is concluded that the Thymus vulgaris possesses liver protective activity against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in rabbits.
Page 39 - 49
N.A. Hasan, M.Y. Rafii, A.R. Harun, F. Ahmad, S. Hussein, Kogeethavani Ramachandran, A.I. Akmal Shukri and Ab. M. Haslinda
RADIOSENSITIVITY OF RICE GENOTYPES TO ION BEAM IRRADIATION BASED ON SEEDLING TRAITS AND PHYSIOLOGICAL INDICES
Abstract
Three Malaysian modern rice genotypes viz., MR84, MR219 and MR284 were examined for varietal differences in radiosensitivity to ion beam irradiations. Dry healthy seeds were exposed to variable doses of ion beam radiations at 10-100 Gy with 10 Gy intervals. The result in this study demonstrated that LD50 for MR84, MR219 and MR284 were 70.9331 Gy, 69.3927 Gy and 52.78Gy, respectively. Shoulder dose for MR84, MR219, MR284 were ranged between 40Gy- 60Gy. This study found highly significant differences among the genotypes (p<0.05) for all traits studied allowing the distinction of three genotype categories. The differences among radiation treatments were highly significant (p<0.05) for germination percentage, shoot and root length, chlorophyll contents (a, b), plant height and panicle fertility. Furthermore, Duncan Multiple Range Test was applied to compare the mean values of all genotypes and doses. MR84 and MR219 showed no significant differences with respect to root length. Increasing in ion beam irradiation doses caused a significant reduction in shoot length and chlorophyll A content. The genotype × dose interaction for all tested traits exhibited significant differences indicating the effect of different radiation levels in performance for characters. In general, genotypes displayed variable response towards ion beam irradiations.
Page 50 - 57
Noor Dina Muhd Noor, Nor Hafizah Ahmad Kamarudin, Mohd Shukuri Mohamad Ali and Raja Noor Zaliha Raja Abd. Rahman
CHAPERONE CO-EXPRESSION OF INDUSTRIALLY IMPORTANT ENZYMES
Abstract
Overproduction of recombinant proteins particularly the industrial important enzymes continues to be an inevitable step in their biochemical and structural characterization. Along with other methods, chaperones highly contribute to the improvements in protein overexpression. Due to its versatility, molecular chaperones play a great role to inhibit protein denaturation, suppress the accumulation of disabled protein in the cell and assist in refolding and degradation of denatured proteins. This review focuses on recent advances utilizing chaperones in promoting and regulating protein folding among industrial enzymes; amylases, lipases, proteases and catalases. This review emphasizes the function and role of molecular chaperones which facilitate the production of recombinant enzymes. We presented the effect of chaperone and co-chaperone expression for the soluble expression of recombinant enzymes which would be advantageous for the developments and industrial applications of these enzymes in the future.
Page 58 - 65
Noor Masyitah Jumahat, Navindra Kumari Palanisamy, Annamalai Chandra Mouli and Jamal Hussaini
IN VITRO STUDY AND MOLECULAR ANALYSIS OF babA AND sabA ADHESIN GENES OF CLINICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL H. pylori ISOLATES AND THEIR ROLE IN H. pylori COLONIZATION AND PATHOGENESIS
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) colonization in the gastric mucosa is the initial stage of infection to occur and ultimately causing gastric diseases such as chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric cancer. H. pylori produce several virulence factors, including babA and sabA, that are essential for colonization of the stomach. This study aims to determine the expression of babA and sabA of different H. pylori isolates in vitro and its role in H. pylori colonization and pathogenesis. H. pylori S3 (cagA-), S5 (cagA+), C7 (cagA-) and C8 (cagA+) strains from humans and cockroaches were co-cultured into AGS cells for 6h. Bacterial adherence was determined using Giemsa staining and dilution plating. The expression of babA and sabA was conducted using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Fold differences in the gene expression were determined using the 2-ΔΔCt method. Bacteria adherence rate was higher in infected AGS cells with H. pylori S5 (cagA+) and C8 (cagA+). The expression of the babA gene was significantly upregulated in H. pylori cagA+. However, babA gene expression was downregulated in H. pylori cagA- strains after interaction with the AGS cells. In contrast, the expression of the sabA gene was upregulated in all H. pylori strains. Higher expression of the babA and sabA gene in H. pylori cagA+ increased the bacteria adherence rate in which permit the H. pylori to invade the epithelial cells. Hence, this study postulates that babA and sabA gene plays a vital role in H. pylori colonization. The adhesion of H. pylori to the gastric epithelium is mediated by the adhesin and allows the release of cagA into the host cells that facilitates colonization, induces mucosal inflammation and enable persistent infection that can lead to severe clinical outcomes.
Page 66 - 70
Prajna P Shetty, Thriveni. G.K and Nalini K
INHIBITION ASSAY OF ALA DEHYDRATASE BY SUCCINYL ACETONE IN TYROSINEMIA TYPE 1: A RAPID HT1 SCREENING TECHNIQUE FOR RESOURCE CONSTRAINED DIAGNOSTIC SETUPS
Abstract
Succinyl acetone is a specific marker of tyrosinemia type I. The present study was undertaken to develop a simple and cost-effective quantitation method for succinyl acetone in dried blood spot (DBS) implementable in resource-constrained diagnostic settings. Spectrophotometric microassay based on the inhibitory effect of succinyl acetone on δ- aminolevulinate dehydratase (ALA-D) in erythrocytes, which catalyzes the formation of porphobilinogen from δ-aminolevulinic acid and is measured at 550nm. The reliability and suitability of the method for routine laboratory practice was assessed before the method was used for screening. Greater inhibition of ALA-D activity was observed when succinyl acetone was spiked to blood before spotting. The stability of succinyl acetone in DBS progressively deteriorated when stored at -800C. Among the 71 samples processed; an inhibition ranging from 2.75% to 55.47% was observed. The maximum inhibition of 63 - 73.47% was observed for a couple of the tyrosinemia true positive cases. The proposed method is useful for the mass screening of newborn babies for Tyrosinemia type I. This could ensure early detection and intervention while addressing the challenge of expenses involved in high-end technology, till the newborn becomes a universal reality.
Page 71 - 82
Ragaa F. Fathy, Shallan M.A, Wagdy K.B. Khalil, Samah M. Bassem, Fagr Kh. Abdel-Gawad and Abdel- Rahim E.A
GENOTOXICOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL STUDIES ON Holothuria atra FOR ALLEVIATING REACTIVE TEXTILE DYES CONTAINING WASTEWATER IMPACTS IN NILE TILAPIA, Oreochromis niloticus (L.)
Abstract
Anthropogenic organic dyestuffs and their derivatives have been enormously used in various manufactures such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics and leather. Such environmental chemicals can readily be discharged into the aquatic ecosystem through industrial effluent drainage. Several research studies have indicated that synthetic organic dyes and their derivatives could cause reproductive impairment in aquatic fauna. However, the endocrine-disrupting impacts of such dyestuffs and colorants containing wastewaters have been scarcely explored. Herein, we examined the potential of three different sorts of reactive textile dyes (RTDs), i.e., reactive red 195 (RR195), reactive yellow 18 (RY18), and reactive blue 4 (RB4) to interrupt sex steroids synthesis. Furthermore, our study investigated the biological role of Holothuria atra (H. atra) in the attenuation of the deleterious effects induced by such organic dyes. For this purpose, tilapia fish juveniles of Oreochromis niloticus (O. niloticus) were used. Regulatory fluctuations have been observed in three substantial hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG axis) genes by all tested reactive dyes, i.e., downregulation of FSHβ, LHβ (sex steroids) and CYP19A1 (steroidogenic gene) and up-regulation of them in the presence of H. atra. Our outputs suggest that some RTDs could act as endocrine disruptors and may consequently severely impact the aquatic environment.
Page 83 - 87
Redzuan Nul Hakim Abdul Razak, Azantee Yazmie Abdul Wahab, Roszaman Ramli, Nik Mohammad Faez Nik Osman, Afzan Mat Yusof, Nik Fakhuruddin Nik Hassan, Hussin Muhammad, Muhammad Alif Mazlan and Muhammad Lokman Md Isa
IDENTIFICATION OF BRCA1 TUMOR SUPPRESSOR GENE EXPRESSION AS A DNA REPAIR GENE IN FROZEN CLEAVAGE EMBRYO CELL AT IIUM FERTILITY CENTRE
Abstract
BRCA1 is known as the essential tumor suppressor gene in human that expresses a protein that called breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein. It has two main functions which are repairing the damaged DNA and also inducing the apoptotic mechanism to eliminate the cell when mutated DNA could not be repaired. In this study, all the embryo samples that have been used were considered as grade 1 according to Embryo Grading. This study aimed to investigate BRCA1 gene expression in relation to the human embryo quality. The RNA from the cleavage embryo was extracted and was tested by Reverse-Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (rt-PCR) and gel electrophoresis. The results showed that BRCA1 gene expression was expressed in frozen cleavage embryos. Furthermore, the statistical analysis revealed that there are no significant differences among the fragmentation rates and also in Pre-embryo Genome Activation (EGA) and Embryo Genome Activation (EGA) phases. This study would be beneficial in terms of controlling the DNA repair gene activity during the pre-implantation phase. The expression of BRCA1 could be a useful health assessment indicator for embryos.
Page 88 - 97
Redzuan Nul Hakim Abdul Razak, Muhammad Alif Mazlan, Azmir Ahmad, Mohd. Azri Abd. Jalil, Abdul Halim Abdul Jalil and Muhammad Lokman Md. Isa
VIABILITY OF FRESHLY PREPARED CELLS DERIVED FROM FOETAL BRAIN OF RABBIT AT DIFFERENT TEMPERATURE SETTINGS DURING TRANSPORTATION
Abstract
The characteristics of rabbit cells, i.e., high proliferative activity, high passage numbers, and morphologically similar to human cells renders it a potential source of a cell line. Nonetheless, they are not widely characterised for research purposes. This study aimed to observe the effects of different temperature settings on the viability of rabbit foetal brain (RFB) cells at different time points. The harvested RFB cells were divided into room temperature (RT), ice packs (ICE), and refrigerator (4 °C) groups. Cell viability was determined at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. Following cell viability determination, the cells were recultured for 24 h to observe cell viability and morphology post-transportation. The cell viability was analysed statistically for within and more than 24 h duration using the one-way ANOVA test, and the cell morphology was observed under the microscope. For the within 24 h analysis, the ICE group showed the best condition for 24 h transportation due to significantly higher cell viability (p<0.05) compared to the RT group. Meanwhile, for the more than 24 h analysis, the RT group showed the best condition for more than 24 h transportation due to higher cell viability compared to the ICE and 4 °C groups, albeit the non-significance. The reculturing of RFB cells showed no remarkable difference in the cell viability and morphology in all transportation time points at all temperature settings. In conclusion, the study found that the RFB cells are suitable to be transported using ice packs for transportation within 24 h and room temperature for transportation of more than 24 hours.
Page 98 - 102
Sujatha R. and Kailash K
PENTRAXIN-3 AS AN EMERGING RELIABLE NON-INVASIVE SERUM MARKER IN THE DETECTION OF ALCOHOLIC FIBROSIS
Abstract
Alcoholic cirrhosis is the end spectrum of alcoholic liver disease, which includes fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis and superimposed hepatocellular carcinoma. Fibrosis is central to the pathology of all types of chronic liver disease. Pentraxin-3 is involved in numerous roles like regulation of inflammation and innate resistance to pathogens. It is strongly expressed on collagen bundles and fibrotic areas. After ethical clearance, demographic and laboratory details were collected from medical records. Leftover samples were used for serum pentraxin-3 estimation using an ELISA kit. The study included a total of 40 participants who were males 20 known cases of alcoholic liver disease and the control group included 20 healthy controls. The average value of serum pentraxin-3 in alcoholic liver disease cases was significantly (p=0.006) elevated as compared with healthy volunteers (0.51 ± 0.13ng/ml vs 0.27 ± 0.1ng/ml).This study concludes that serum pentraxin-3 could emerge as one of the novel non-invasive biomarkers in predicting the progression of fibrosis in alcoholic liver disease patients.
Page 103 - 118
Suzana Adenan, Chee Fah Wong, Saripah Salbiah Syed Abdul Azziz, Som Cit Si Nang, Rosmilah Misnan, Iffah Izzati Zakaria, Mardiana Mohd Ashaari, Dhilia Udie Lamasudin and Raja Noor Zaliha Raja Abd. Rahman
POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS: CHARACTERISTICS AND ITS DEGRADATION BY BIOCATALYSIS REMEDIATION
Abstract
An excessive released of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to surroundings is one of the major factors that cause environmental pollution to increase globally. This issue had gained scientist’s attention to study PAHs biodegradation pathways and their toxicity towards humans and the environment. They found that the major mechanism responsible for the ecological recovery of PAH-contaminated sites happened to be from the microbial degradation process. However, there are a few limitations faced by the PAHs degrading bacteria where the bacteria die due to extremely polluted areas. This leads the researchers to utilize genetic engineering to produce enzymes that can withstand and survive in extreme environments. Recent information and technology such as path sources, properties and biochemical pathways by means to produce the simplest and less harmful components in polluted ecosystems are discussed in this review. In-depth studies in regards to bacteria biocatalysis involving bacterial-produced-enzymes to degrade PAHs help develop new methods to enhance the bioremediation effectiveness in the future.
Page 119 - 127
Tajudeen A Owolarafe, Chimaobi J. Ononamadu, Godwin O. Ihegboro, Kailani Salawu Muhammad K Atiku, Adamu J. Alhassan and Alhassan M.Wudil
TOXICOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF ACUTE AND SUBCHRONIC ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF ETHYL ACETATE EXTRACT OF Ziziphus mauritiana LEAF
Abstract
This study aimed at evaluating the effect of ethyl acetate extract of Ziziphus mauritiana leaves on biochemical parameters in Wistar rats. Twenty-five albino rats equally divided into five experimental groups were used. One group served as control and received the carrier solvent treatment. Four test groups were treated with Z. mauritiana extract at 200, 400, 600 and 1000 mg/kg body weight respectively. The experiment lasted for 21 days after which the rats were sacrificed and blood collected for biochemical and haematological evaluation. Liver and Kidney-body weight ratio was computed. histoarchitecture of the Liver and Kidney were also investigated. The results showed no death at 5000mg/kg body weight while some haematological parameters were significantly (P<0.05) affected at 400, 600 and 1000mg/kg body weight for haemoglobin, red blood cell, parked cell volume, white blood cell and platelet concentrations. There were also significant (P<0.05) alterations in activities of gamma-glutamyl transferase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase, as well as the levels of total protein, albumin and globulin in the serum. Significant (P<0.05) increase were observed in the computed liver-body weight ratio with marked alterations in histoarchitecture of the liver cells. Significant (P<0.05) alterations were observed at all doses administered for creatinine, urea, sodium, chloride and biocarbonate ions with marked difference in kidney-body weight ratio and kidney cell architecture. These alterations in haematological parameters, liver function enzymes, kidney function indices and histological evaluation suggest toxicity of the extract on the animals at 400, 600 and 1000mg/kg body weight despite its non-toxic classification of acute administration of the extract.
Page 128 - 132
Wira Eka Putra, Wa Ode Salma and Diana Widiastuti
THE POTENCY OF BOESENBERGIN A AND BOESENBERGIN B COMPOUNDS FROM Kaempferia pandurata AS ANTI-METASTATIS AGENT: IN SILICO STUDY
Abstract
Metastasis is hallmark of the cancer. Recently, targeting molecules that are responsible in promoting metastasis might be one of favorable strategies. In this study, we aimed to evaluate bioactive compounds of Kaempferia pandurata rhizome as anti-metastasis against NF-κB. Molecular docking and molecular interaction among ligands and target protein were applied in this study. Importantly, we found the greatest substances which might possible to become inhibitor to NF-κB. Boesenbergin A and B were predicted to have the favorable interaction scores, -8.2 kcal/mol and -7.1 kcal/mol, respectively. More detail, boesenbergin A has certain interaction to residual amino acids such as GLU160, ASP121, THR153, SER113, LYS149, VAL145, HIS144, THR146, TYR60, ALA62, VAL61, HIS112, ALA111, LEU143, ALA156, ARG157. While the boesenbergin B has interaction to residual amino acids such as SER249, PHE310, LEU272, VAL254, HIS307, ARG308, ALA311, ASP274, CYS273, LYS275, LYS244. In the future, further research is necessary to confirm and validate the biological activities of boesenbergin A and B, especially in metastasis incidence.
Page 133 - 137
Wira Eka Putra, Wa Ode Salma and Diana Widiastuti
VIRTUAL SCREENING OF POTENTIAL HEPATOPROTECTIVE AGENTS FROM Andrographis panuculata AGAINST MACROPHAGE INFLAMMATORY PROTEIN-1β
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the bioactive compounds of A. paniculata as an inhibitor against the macrophage inflammatory protein-1β (CCL-4) to avoid liver diseases. Multiple bioactive compounds from A. paniculata were screen through in silico approach. The score of binding affinity and the interaction trends among the ligands and protein were considered to determine potential hepatoprotective agents from those compounds. According to our prediction, there are four compounds of A. paniculata which may have potential as an inhibitor to the protein target, CCL-4 such as andrographidine A, bisandrographidine C, anrographidine C, and neoandrographolide. Furthermore, the ligands – residual amino acid interaction are andrographidine A – CCL4 (Van der Waals, Carbon Hydrogen Bond, Conventional Hydrogen Bond, Pi-Pi Stacked, and Pi-Alkyl); bisandrographidine C – CCL4 (Van der Waals, Conventional Hydrogen Bond, Alkyl/ Pi-Alkyl, and Unfavorable Acceptor-Acceptor); anrographidine C – CCL4 (Van der Waals, Conventional Hydrogen Bond, Carbon Hydrogen Bond, Pi-Pi Stacked, and Unfavorable Acceptor-Acceptor); neoandrographolide – CCL4 (Van der Waals, Conventional Hydrogen Bond, and Alkyl/ Pi-Alkyl). In the future, more experiments based on laboratory works are needed mainly to evaluate the specific mechanism of action of these compounds against the CCL4.
Page 138 - 149
Yow San Chan and Khim Phin Chong
PHYTOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATION AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF Ganoderma boninense
Abstract
Ganoderma lucidum is known as a functional mushroom and is traditionally being used as medicine but G. boninense is well known as the causal pathogen of basal stem rot disease of oil palm. Numerous secondary metabolites of mushrooms from this genus have been reported with various biological activities. However, there are not many reports report on the medicinal benefits of G. boninense. Hence, this study was designed to investigate the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activities of the fruiting body G. boninense extracts. Various groups of phytochemicals were extracted using solvents with different polarities such as chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone, methanol, ethanol and distilled water. Results confirmed the presence of numerous phytochemicals in G. boninense fruiting body. Ethanolic extract of G. boninense has the highest phenolic (33.05 ± 1.374 mg GAE/g DW) and total flavonoid (8.20 ± 0.059 mg QE/g DW) content. Furthermore, ethanolic extract of G. boninense also exhibited the greatest potency in antiradical activity with IC50 of 113.9 ± 2.78 μg/ml. Correlation coefficient, R2 = 0.97 suggested phenolic acids of ethanol extract was contributed to its radical scavenging activity.
Page 150 - 159
Nur Fathiah Tahir, Aiman Wadhihah Ruslan and Nadiya Akmal Baharum
DEFINING THE ANTI-FUNGAL POTENTIAL OF PLANT THAUMATIN-LIKE PROTEIN (TLP): A MINI REVIEW
Abstract
Unrelenting threats of fungal diseases have caused huge losses to farmers around the world. Despite efforts and progress made in strengthening the conventional breeding strategies, a sustainable solution is yet to be discovered. Thus, the development of transgenic crops using anti-fungal genes such as thaumatin-like protein (TLP), a member of class 5 pathogenesis-related protein (PR-5), is deemed as a viable solution to achieve better resistance trait. However, the plant genome usually has multiple TLP copies with varying signature domains and motifs. It is possible that not all of the copies exert anti-fungal activity. In addition, the biological roles of TLPs underlying their ability to improve the plants’ tolerance are still inconclusive. This mini-review will discuss the unique characteristics of TLPs, which might contribute to their anti-fungal property as well as the various biological roles the proteins may play in the plants’ defense mechanism against fungal infection. Several TLPs that have been proven to possess anti-fungal activity will also be discussed. Moreover, the impact of transgenic plants overexpressing TLPs in combating fungal diseases will also be elaborated via several successful transgenic researches. The information presented in this mini-review will greatly highlight the potential of TLPs as an anti-fungal agent, especially in the generation of transgenic plants with improved tolerance against fungal diseases.
August 2020
Malay. J. Biochem. Mol. Biol. (2020) 23 (2)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page 1-7
Ahmad Razi Othman, Nur Suhada Mohd Halimi, Muhammad Shafiq Sharafuddin Mat Zaini, Hassimi Abu Hasan, Nur ‘Izzati Ismail, Siti Rozaimah Sheikh Abdullah
DEGRADATION OF CARBOFURAN USING MALAYSIAN ISOLATE Bacillus sp.
Abstract
Pesticides are beneficial to the agricultural sector. Carbofuran is one of the most common pesticides used in the agricultural industry. Acting as a neurotransmitter inhibitor through Acetyl Cholinesterase activity, carbofuran can become a harmful substance to animals and humans in uncontrolled situations. Another concern is the persistence of carbofuran in the environment, especially at soil surfaces and in surface water. Thus, remediation of this contaminant is essential to prevent or minimise toxic effects on animals and humans. Green technology is the optimum method to achieve this objective with minimum side effects. Using potential bacteria to remediate the contaminant is proven to reduce the carbofuran toxicity. Local bacteria from a carbofuran contaminated area were isolated and identified as Bacillus sp. isolates S2B, S3C, S4B and S5B with accession numbers MN689686, MN689687, MN689688 and MN689689, respectively. These four bacteria showed significant potential in degrading carbofuran. Isolate S2B showed the fastest degradation rate with 91% degradation within 7 days. Isolates S4B and S5B showed 99% degradation after 14 days of incubation. The results of this study are vital, since current knowledge and data on potential bacterial isolates that can degrade carbofuran in Malaysia are still deficient. Our findings will be beneficial in the future for treating similar contaminants.
Page 8 - 18
Mohd Ezuan Khayat, Aisamuddin Ardi Zainal Abidin and Fadzlie Wong Rizal Wong
ISOLATION OF BIOACTIVE MILK PROTEINS: A REVIEW
Abstract
Proteins are one of the major milk components that are diverse in constructions, structures and functional properties. Based on available evidence, individual milk proteins confer a wide range of potential health benefits, thus, attracting interests from both researchers and manufacturers to develop the most optimal methods for their isolation. The aim is to obtain an optimal yield of proteins with the highest purity in the shortest time. Due to the structural diversity and varying protein stability, a specific method for the isolation of each milk protein may be needed. Over the past decades, many techniques have been assessed to isolate milk proteins such as filtration, precipitation and chromatographies. Most of the milk proteins require the incorporation of more than one technique to be successfully isolated. The advent of technology has also improved isolation processes. This review aims to present the current knowledge on the development of methods for isolating milk proteins. The progression of the isolation techniques is expected to obviate problems associated with the underutilisation of milk proteins.
Page 19 - 29
Alaa Huwaidi, Khairunisa Amira Ahmad, Mahmoud Magdy, Noor Azmi Shaharuddin, Shinya Ikeno and Amir Syahir
IDENTIFICATION OF MYCOSPORINE-LIKE AMINO ACIDS AND EXPRESSION OF 3-DEHYDROQUINATE SYNTHASE GENE IN UV RADIATIONS-INDUCED Deinococcus radiodurans R1
Abstract
Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) are a group of more than 40 metabolites originated from 4-deoxygadusol featuring antioxidants, growth stimulation, and UV protective properties in many microorganisms. In D. radiodurans R1, 3-dehydroquinate synthase (DHQS) gene annotated in chromosome 1 encodes the precursor for all MAAs. In this study, a significant amount of MAAs were identified in D. radiodurans R1 after treatment with a different type of UV radiations, namely; the low energy UVA (360 nm) 6W and 100 W, and high energy UVC (254 nm) 6W at a period of 12 to 48 hours. The total RNA and MAAs were isolated from the UV-treated D. radiodurans R1. RT-qPCR experiment of the DHQS gene resulted in a significant increase of expression. Consequently, specific MAAs were identified using time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS). They are mycosporine-taurine, mycosporine-glutamine, mycosporine-glutaminol, mycosporine-glutaminol-glucoside, mycosoprine-glycine, mycosporine-2-glycine, mycosporine-glycine:glutamic acid, shinorine, mycosporine-methylamine:serine, palythine-serine, and palythinol. The results suggested that these compounds play essential roles in D. radiodurans R1 radio-tolerance especially mycosporine-methylamine:serine and palythine-serine. This study can help to further understand the mechanism of radiation resistance in D. radiodurans R1, and its potential to be utilized as protective compound against radiation risk.
Page 30 - 33
Arpita Chakraborty, Weena Stanley and M. Mukhyaprana Prabhu
INSULIN THERAPY FOR TREATING HYPERTRIGLYCERIDEMIA – A CASE REPORT FROM A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN COASTAL KARNATAKA, INDIA
Abstract
Severe hypertriglyceridemia (HTG), being one of the most common causes of dyslipidemia is hazardous and predisposing factor leading to increased risk of atherosclerosis and acute pancreatitis. Various genetic disorders leading to disordered metabolism of triglycerides result in primary HTG. We are reporting a case of a 49-year-old non-diabetic male with severe HTG with triglyceride levels of 1032 mg/dl. He was treated with insulin infusion therapy along with fenofibrates and saroglitazar for 3 days as a result of which, TG levels came down to 331 mg/dl. During his follow up visit after 6 months, a normal triglyceride level of 105 mg/dl was found. This implies that aggressive treatment and monitoring are required in such patients to ensure an appropriate and optimal therapeutic response and to prevent the development of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease in the future.
Page 34 - 45
Asha Devi Pallujam, Siti Afiqah Zali, Siti Nur Hazwani Oslan, Abu Bakar Salleh and Siti Nurbaya Oslan
CRITICAL PHYSICAL PARAMETERS FOR OPTIMUM RECOMBINANT PROTEIN PRODUCTION IN YEAST SYSTEMS
Abstract
Yeasts become the most preferred expression system for the production of recombinant proteins which play an important role in the development of biopharmaceutical products, antibodies for disease treatment, and enzymes for the food industries. The ability to grow in simple media, and ease of genetic manipulation with the benefits of typical eukaryotic expression which include protein processing, folding, and post-translational modifications, have pushed them as one of the emerging hosts for recombinant protein production. Furthermore, yeasts are additionally quicker, easy to use, and cost-effective with high yield production in comparison to higher expression hosts. The effective productivity of the recombinant proteins is also influenced by the external parameters. This paper reviews different optimization methods of the recombinant protein production for several factors such as pH, temperature, media, agitation rate, inducer, inoculum size and induction time using one factor at a time (OFAT), Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN). This review highlights the current studies regarding the optimization of the recombinant proteins expressed in three different yeasts namely; Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Komagataella phaffii and Yarrowia lipolytica. These are the critical parameters that can be used to optimize the recombinant protein in yeast systems. The purification methods used to purify the proteins are also discussed for each system.
Page 46 - 52
Chai Siew Ying, Nur Fathiah Tahir, Nur Syazana Abu Bakar, Teo Chee How, Nur Fatihah Mohd Yusoff, Nadiya Akmal Baharum and Noor Baity Saidi
GENOME-WIDE IDENTIFICATION AND EXPRESSION ANALYSIS OF BANANA RBOH GENES IN RESPONSE TO Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4
Abstract
Respiratory burst oxidase homologs (RBOH) is the key enzyme responsible for the production of reactive oxygen species which act as important signal during plant responses to abiotic and biotic stresses. However, RBOH homologs have not been characterized in banana. In this study, we have identified twelve Rboh genes distributed on eight chromosomes of Musa acuminata subsp. malaccensis (DH Pahang) through a genome-wide analysis. MaRbohs exist as sibling paralogs with variable exon-intron structures and highly conserved functional domains. Phylogenetic analysis clustered MaRBOH into four distinct subgroups (I, II, III and IV). The expression of MaRbohs following 24 hours of inoculation with Fusarium oxysporium f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 revealed diverse patterns in root tissues. MaRbohH1 and MaRbohA2 were strongly upregulated and downregulated, respectively in response to the root-dip inoculation. This is the first report on the genome-wide characterization of Rboh genes from banana and their expression in response to the fungal pathogen TR4. This research provides a basis for the exploration of the role of NADPH oxidase in banana defence against the root pathogen.
Page 53 - 58
Daoudi Sofiane, Adli Djallal Eddine, Benaissa Tahar and Ali Othman Adil
SYNTHESIS AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF NEW QUATERNARY AMMONIUM SALTS BEARING 1,2,4-TRIAZOLE MOIETIES DERIVED FROM THREE NATURAL AMINO ACIDS
Abstract
Secondary quaternary ammonium salts (QAS) derived from three natural amino acids (L-Leucine, L-Phenylalanine and L-Methionine) bearing 1,2,4-triazole and acetic acid moieties were synthesized and characterized by IR, 1H and 13C NMR. The antimicrobial properties of the synthesized compounds were screened for their preliminary in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activity against a panel of standard strains of pathogenic microorganisms including three gram-positive bacteria, three gram-negative bacteria, and two registered yeast species. The results obtained from the antimicrobial activity showed that all the synthesized compounds displayed varying degrees of inhibition against the tested microorganisms. It was concluded that the compounds 6c possess good activity against Gram-positive bacteria compound 6b showed moderate activity, compounds 6(a-c) displayed remarkable and significant anti-yeast activities.
Page 59 - 68
Hau Eng Huan, Zamzahaila Mohd Zin, Noor Azmi Shaharuddin, Amirrudin Ahmad and Mohd Khairi Zainol
EFFECT OF CRUDE AND PURIFIED FISH PROTEIN HYDROLYSATE FROM YELLOWSTRIPE SCAD (Selaroides leptolepis) IN REDUCING OIL UPTAKE IN DEEP FRIED BATTERED SQUID
Abstract
Frying is one of the oldest cooking methods to prepare desirable food. Fat is a naturally palatable par excellence when hot frying fat replaces water loss, exerting a tenderizing effect on the crust for flavour, crispness and pleasant taste. However, fried products are commonly related to chronic coronary health diseases. Thus, the desire to find a way to produce healthy, yet delicious food is crucial. This study aimed to determine the effect of crude and purified protein hydrolysate incorporated in batter in deep-fried seafood products. The purified protein hydrolysate A and B were obtained at different retention times. The viscosity of batter and batter pick up were found to be insignificantly different among the protein hydrolysate. Purified protein hydrolysate A and B had significantly lower oil uptake than crude protein hydrolysate. In contrast, water retention was seen highest in purified protein hydrolysate A followed by purified protein hydrolysate B and crude protein, (59%, 57% and 35%) respectively. The crust formed by incorporating crude protein had a combination of a few large pores and many small pores. There were a few large pores but a very small number of small pores in the crust incorporated purified protein hydrolysate A, while purified protein hydrolysate B incorporation resulted in a higher number of small pores.
Page 69 - 77
Ibrahim I. Hussein, Abdulrasheed Mansur, Jabir Hamza, Luka Ayuba and Nelson H. Gideon
ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF Aloe vera GEL AND ETHANOLIC EXTRACTS ON SOME BACTERIAL INFECTIOUS AGENTS OF CLINICAL ORIGIN
Abstract
The study examined the antibacterial activity of Aloe vera gel and ethanolic extract against some infectious bacterial agents (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus) of clinical origin. This is a bid to further exploit herbal plants for innovative drugs towards relieving the threat of microbial antibiotic resistance and advancing in herbal medicine. The ethanolic extract obtained by ethanol extraction and the Aloe gel removed from the fleshy stem of Aloe plant was applied for the preparation of various standards, and subsequent impregnation onto sterile circular disc. Afterward, the pure cultures obtained from microbiological screening of bacterial isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility test by the disc diffusion method. The findings revealed P. aeruginosa and E. coli portrays significant susceptibility to the gel and ethanolic extract of Aloe vera across all the standards in a dose-dependent pattern. However, the Aloe gel depicted higher antibacterial efficacy than the ethanolic extract due to certain reasonable factors. The antibacterial activity of these Aloe extracts was attributed to the combined presence and actions of the assorted bioactive, nutritional and phytochemicals of the Aloe plant. On the contrary, S. aureus showed complete resistance to both Aloe extracts with no zones of inhibitions recorded even after prolonged incubation. This suggested S. aureus as a resistant strain admissibly owing to the clinical origin of these isolates. This study further established Aloe vera as a herbal antibacterial agent that could be exhaustively tapped for pharmaceutical productions specifically a new line of potent drugs to complement orthodox medicine.
Page 78 - 85
Ismail Ahmad, Budu Budu, Mochammad Hatta, Andi Ihsan, Sitti Rahmatiah, Nasrullah Nasrullah, Sumira Laudo, Nureni Djalil, Muhammad Basri and Ilhamsyah Muin
ANALYSIS OF mRNA EXPRESSION OF PEROXISOME PROLIFERATOR-ACTIVATED RECEPTOR GAMMA COACTIVATOR 1-ALPHA (PGC-1α) GENE AND THE PHYSICAL FITNESS LEVELS (VO2max) IN THE CANDIDATES FOR INDONESIAN HAJJ HEALTH OFFICERS
Abstract
Indonesian Hajj Health Officers (PKHI) are health officers instructed by the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia to provide health services, development, and protection to Hajj pilgrims during the Hajj pilgrimage implementation, hence, a healthy physical condition in PKHI becomes one of the primary keys of success in providing health services. This study aimed at knowing the role of PGC-1α gene expression in increasing the physical fitness levels (VO2max) of the PKHI candidates. The data were collected from 30 subjects of PKHI consisting of 17 males and 13 females. The assessment of PGC-1α gene expression using mRNA and RT-PCR was done in the biomedical-biomolecular laboratory of Hasanuddin University Medical Research Center (HUM-RC), Makassar, and the measurement of VO2max of three 3 times using the Multistage Fitness Test (MFT) technique with Bleep Test method, namely before and after 1600 meter running workout with a duration of 20-30 minutes per session, 3 times a week with a frequency of 16 times. The result showed that the average scores of PGC-1α gene expression after physical exercise in males and females were (7.45±2.17 ΔΔCT) and (5.46±2.87 ΔΔCT) respectively. They were higher than the average scores before physical exercises in males and females, namely (3.46±0.72 ΔΔCT) and (3.38±0.57 ΔΔCT) respectively with the statistical significance level or p-value of less than 0.001. Further, the average scores of VO2max in males and females after physical exercises were 38.65±1.69 ml/kg/min and 28.98±1.30 ml/kg/min respectively, and they were better than average scores before physical exercises, namely 33.78±1.29 ml/kg/min and 24.82±0.37 ml/kg/min respectively (p-value <0.001). It concludes that mRNA expression of PGC-1α gene increases the level of physical fitness (VO2max) in PKHI candidates.
Page 86 - 92
K. Ponnazhagan, Ursula Sampson, N. Muninathan and J. Sivakumar
EFFECT OF VITAMIN D AND COMBINATION WITH LIV-52 ON ANTIOXIDANT LEVELS IN CARBON TETRACHLORIDE (CCL4) INDUCED LIVER DISEASE IN WISTAR RATS
Abstract
Liver is the principal organ for maintaining the body’s internal environment and metabolizes various compounds that produce free radicals. However, the antioxidant system is crucial for human health and survival to maintain the redox homeostasis in the liver. When the excessive ROS is generated in the tissue, the homeostasis will be disturbed, resulting in oxidative stress, which plays a critical role in liver diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate both enzymatic and non- enzymatic antioxidant activity of Vitamin D and combination with Liv-52 on Carbon tetrachloride-induced liver disease. Male Albino Wistar rats were used in this study. Liver disease was induced in rats by Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) at the dose of 1ml mixed with 50% of olive oil and administered into experimental animals twice a week for five weeks after conformation of liver disease treated with Vitamin D and Liv-52 for 5 weeks. The levels of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants were significantly increased in vitamin D and Liv-52 treated animals when compared with liver disease animals. Moreover, the levels of Vitamin D and Liv-52 a good indicator of restoring the liver architecture, were also reversed in the damage after treatment. We conclude that a combination of Vitamin D and Liv-52 is capable of restoring the liver architecture and can also increase the antioxidants in liver disease rats.
Page 93 - 98
Le Pham Tan Quoc
EVALUATION OF PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SPRAY DRIED PINEAPPLE (Ananas comosus Merr.) POWDER PRODUCED WITH GUM ARABIC AS CARRIER AGENT
Abstract
The pineapple juice contains many bioactive compounds and they are quite sensitive to heat, light and oxygen. There are many methods to maintain these compounds, especially spray drying technology with gum arabic (GA) as a carrier agent. However, the physico-chemical properties of raw material and products should be determined to enhance storage stability. The received result showed that the pineapple juice was spray-dried with 16% gum arabic (w/w) at drying air temperature of 160°C, output temperature of 70°C, airflow rate of 70 m3/h, feed flow rate of 750 mL/h and pressure of 4 bar. In addition, the current study also evaluated the changes in physico-chemical properties of gum arabic before and after the spray drying process including encapsulation yield, total polyphenol content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AA), moisture, bulk density, flowability, wettability, hygroscopicity, water solubility index (WSI), color parameters, structure and distribution of particles. In conclusion, GA has a significant influence on physico-chemical properties of powder produced by spray-drying method. While the values of moisture, bulk density, wettability and a* of powder product are lower than those of initial material, the opposite is true for the values of TPC, AA, hygroscopicity and WSI. It is noticeable that the values of flowability, L* and b* are relatively equally represented in both the initial material and powder product. In addition, the product has many various small sizes and its structure was smooth and spherical.
Page 99 - 105
N. Muninathan and Ursula Sampson
A STUDY OF BIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF ANTIGEN RECOGNIZED BY MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY CAMA3C8 AGAINST HUMAN BREAST CANCER CELL LINE
Abstract
Biochemical studies have shown structural alterations in carbohydrates present on cell membrane constituents like glycolipids, glycoprotein and cell secretary products accompanying neoplastic transformation. Many of the monoclonal antibodies raised against cancer cells have been shown to react with these alternated carbohydrates. Therefore, these monoclonal antibodies are useful for the immunohistochemical diagnosis of cancer in a specific organ. In the present study, the biochemical characterization of the antigen recognized by monoclonal antibody CAMA3C8 against human breast cancer cell line was investigated. The study was conducted at Meenakshi Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India. The immunohistochemical method was used to determine whether the antigenic determinant is a carbohydrate moiety or not. This is a combination of an avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method and acetylation technique. There was no positive reaction product for CAMA3C8 was found in the acetylated CAMA cells. The positive reaction reappeared in deacetylated cells similar to the peroxidase staining. This technique was used to confirm that monoclonal antibody CAMA3C8 is specific for an epitope on the carbohydrate moiety of the antigenic molecule. We conclude that the CAMA3C8 recognizes an antigen that is highly glycated with O-linked carbohydrate moiety with N-terminal neuraminic acid in breast cancer cell line.
Page 106 - 112
Raihan Farhana Zainudin, Mardiah Zainal Abidin, Aliana Najwa Hamsah Zollappi, Nor Liana Aqilah Mohd Yatim, Norain Mohd Tamsir, Muhajir Hamid and Mohd Ezuan Khayat
ENHANCEMENT OF ANTI-ADVANCE GLYCATION END PRODUCT FORMATION AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF SALAK PEEL EXTRACTS USING BETAINE-BASED DEEP EUTECTIC SOLVENTS
Abstract
Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are harmful compounds produced through a non-enzymatic-glycation between proteins and sugars in the bloodstreams. Their accumulation triggers the production of reactive oxygen species which disturbs the functions of the cells and implicates in many diseases. In this study, we compared the anti-AGE and antioxidant properties of salak fruit peels extracted using four betaine-based deep eutectic solvents (DES) and a conventional solvent (aqueous ethanol). Betaine: sorbitol were found to be the most effective solvent for extracting polyphenols from salak peels while for flavonoid extraction, both betaine:sorbitol and betaine:propylene glycol exhibited the highest efficiency. The antioxidant activity of betaine:sorbitol extract was also found to be highest when assayed using FRAP assay while in another assay (DDPH assay), the antioxidant activity of betaine:citric acid:water extract was found to be the best. As for anti-AGEs property, the highest activity was found in betaine:sorbitol, betaine:glycerin and betaine:propylene glycol extracts. The flavonoids of the extracts showed high correlations with the anti-AGEs activities. However, they were found to be correlated only with the antioxidant activity obtained from FRAP assay but not from DPPH assay. It can be concluded from this study that the utilization of DES could yield better bio-activities of salak peel extracts.
Page 113 - 122
Rashidah Abd Halim, Nor'Aishah Hasan and Kogeethavani Ramachandran
BIOCONTROL AND PLANT GROWTH PROMOTION IN RICE PLANT (Oryza sativa L.) BY ENDOPHYTIC BACTERIA
Abstract
Endophytic bacteria are bacteria that have an intimate relationship with their host without inducing any pathogenic symptom. It has the ability to protect their host against phytopathogens and promote plant growth. The present study was designed to isolate and characterize bacterial endophytes from the root and stem of rice plants for their potential as biocontrol agents against rice bacterial leaf blight disease (Xanthomonas oryzae pv Oryzae (Xoo)) and plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits. A total of two hundred and twelve endophytic bacteria were successfully isolated from surface-sterilized healthy rice samples collected from different rice cultivation fields across Peninsular Malaysia. Seventeen isolates (7.3%) were found to inhibit the growth of Xoo by using disc diffusion assay. In vitro test demonstrated the ability of 19 (8.15%) strain to produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), 9 (3.86%) fixed nitrogen, 30 (12.86%) to produce phosphate solubilization and 16 (6.87%) to produce siderophores. Molecular identification by 16S rRNA amplification successfully identified the potential endophytic bacteria as Enterobacter sp., Geobacillus thermoparaffinivorans, Gamma proteobacterium, Pseudomonas fluorescent, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus. Under greenhouse conditions, high root and shoot length were recorded in rice inoculated with Bacillus subtilis with 69.87±3.56 cm and 29.73±1.55 cm respectively. Geobacillus thermoparaffinivorans exhibited the highest disease suppressing activity against Xoo and grain yield per panicle (34.23±7.79 g) on rice. In the light of these findings, Geobacillus thermoparaffinivorans may be considered as a source of biocontrol agent and plant growth promoter to boost rice productivity.
Page 123 - 126
Sarab D. AL- Shamaa
EXTRACTION OF KERATIN FROM CHICKEN FEATHER AND ITS ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY
Abstract
Enormous quantities of chicken are consumed every year that produce an enormous number of feathers as waste material, which is considered an environmental problem. The high content of keratin in feathers makes it a suitable source of protein. In this study, white chicken feathers 50g were collected, washed, dried, solubilized in sodium hydroxide, and protein precipitated with hydrochloric acid to extract crude keratin. The extracted protein was lyophilized, and its protein nature was screened by an infrared spectroscopy technique. Results of this research revealed different transmission bands near 1653 cm-1, 1541 cm-1, 1508 cm-1, 1458 cm-1, 1130 cm-1, 1038 cm-1, 1011 cm-1, 472 cm-1, 418 cm-1. These transmission bands confirmed the protein nature of extracted material, band at 1653 cm-1 attributed to C=O stretching amide I that occurred in the 1700- 1600 cm-1 while band near 1541 cm-1 attributed to amid II which occur in the 1580- 1480 cm-1 rang, weak bands between 1130 cm-1 and 1011 cm-1 is associated with amid III. In addition, the results of this research showed that extracted keratin had antibacterial effects against some gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial isolates such as Enterobacter sakazaki, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, while there was no effect upon Listeria monocytogenes, Micrococcus. These results indicate that extracted keratin had an antimicrobial property and may be utilized for other purposes, besides big quantities of harmful feathers had been converted to a benefit substance that had many industrial uses.
Page 127 - 134
Urrmila Ranee Mareshvaran, Leena Murugan, Shamala Salvamani, Mridula Sharma, Patrick Nwabueze Okechukwu and Baskaran Gunasekaran
IN VITRO INHIBITORY POTENTIAL OF Amaranthus viridis AGAINST ALPHA-AMYLASE FOR DIABETES AND THE ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY
Abstract
The occurrence of diabetes mellitus is ever-increasing worldwide, affecting the younger generation. In the current study, insulin and conventional medication have shown to cause adverse side effects. Hence, natural and safe approaches should be explored to prevent further progression of diabetes. Phenolic acid and flavonoid are natural phytochemicals that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that are associated with specific anti-diabetic agents. Amaranthus viridis is a plant that has been utilized for medicinal purposes for its beneficial properties since prehistoric times. Thus, this study aims to investigate the antidiabetic effects of A. viridis leaf extract via in vitro and antioxidant assay. The in vitro assay of A.viridis was assessed by measuring its ability to inhibit diabetic linked enzyme α‐amylase. The antioxidant properties were measured using a colorimetric assay. The α-amylase inhibition percentage was exhibited as dichloromethane>hexane> water>methanol. DCM has exhibited the lowest IC50 value of 18.08μg/ml. As for the antioxidant assay, total phenolic content showed methanol extract of A.viridis had the highest amount of phenolic acid, 68.54mg gallic acid(GAE)/g. Besides, total flavonoid content showed methanol extract of A.viridis had the highest amount of flavonoid content that is 185.4 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g. Furthermore, free radical scavenging activity showed the methanolic extract of A.viridis has the highest free radical scavenging potential. This study shows that A.viridis leaf extract exhibits significant a-amylase inhibitory activities and antioxidant properties that could be used to fight against the oxidative-stress related diseases.
Page 135 - 141
Khadijah Nabilah Mohd Zahri, Azham Zulkharnain and Siti Aqlima Ahmad
TOXICITY OF REUSED COOKING OIL: A REVIEW
Abstract
Repeated heated cooking oil has been a regular practice to save cost and people believe that vegetable oil was the best choice of cooking oil since it has functional and nutritional benefits to consumers such as high vitamin and antioxidant content. However, the consumption of reused vegetable oil could give harmful effect on body cells. Repeatedly heated vegetable oil can produce other harmful compounds or by-products with the potential risk to human body systems, such as volatile compound (alcohol, aldehyde, and ketone), polar compound (monoacylglyceride, diacylglyceride, and glycerol), non-polar compound (trans-fatty acids) and toxic compound (acrylamide). These molecules have resulted from several reaction processes from heating including the process of hydrolysis, oxidation (oxidative decomposition, oxidative haemolytic cleavage, and millard reaction), cyclisation, isomerisation and polymerisation of oil. The formation of free radicals can cause oxidative stress and accelerate degradation of lipids. In addition, high temperature to the cooking oil could alter the antioxidant molecule function. Plus, fried food from reused cooking oil is able to change the nutritional content in food itself; for example, vitamins (E, A, B and C) and mineral component. This activity can lead to increase blood pressure, total cholesterol low-density lipoprotein (LDL), saturated fatty acid and eventually cause atherosclerosis, hypertension, neurodegenerative and even cancer. This review studies the adverse effect of repeated heated vegetable oil intake towards humans and aims at increasing the awareness of the community around the world.
Page 142 - 146
Wira Eka Putra, Wa Ode Salma, Diana Widiastuti and Muhammad Kismurtono
IN SILICO SCREENING OF PEROXISOME PROLIFERATOR ACTIVATED RECEPTOR GAMMA (PPARG)-AGONIST FROM Eugenia jambolana BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS AS POTENTIAL ANTI-DIABETIC AGENT
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus still become a serious health problem globally. The prevalence of this incidence has become increasing over the years. Current treatment has been applied, however, the new strategy is still needed to explore. Thus, in order to combat diabetes mellitus, we aimed to evaluate the potential activity of compounds from Eugenia jambolana stem bark as PPARG-agonist agents. In silico screening was performed to assess the possible and potential compounds as anti-diabetic agents. Based on our findings, we noted there are three potential compounds as PPARG-agonist, namely ellagic acid, myricetin, and friedelin. These compounds were selected based on the binding affinity scores and interaction patterns against the target protein. In detail, the ligand-protein interaction of these three compounds are ellagic acid - PPARG interaction (Van der Waals, Conventional Hydrogen Bond, Pi-Anion, and Pi-Alkyl); myricetin - PPARG interaction (Van der Waals, Conventional Hydrogen Bond, Pi-Sulfur, and Pi-Alkyl); and friedelin - PPARG interaction (Van der Waals and Alkyl/ Pi-Alkyl). From this finding, extensive research is needed to evaluate the biological function of these ligands as an anti-diabetic agent.
April 2020
Malay. J. Biochem. Mol. Biol. (2020) 23 (1)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page 1-4
Tengku Athirrah Tengku-Mazuki, Azham Zulkharnain, Kavilasni Subramaniam, Peter Convey, Claudio Gomez-Fuentes and Siti Aqlima Ahmad
EFFECTS OF ZINC (Zn) AND CHROMIUM (Cr) ON THE PHENOL-DEGRADING BACTERIA GROWTH KINETICS
Abstract
Heavy metals occur naturally within the earth crust; however, anthropogenic activities can artificially introduce these elements into the environment. Despite being the foremost isolated continent, Antarctica is not free from human contamination. Heavy metals are well-known to be the powerful inhibitors of xenobiotics biodegradation activities. A microbial growth model was presented for bacteria cell growth in the biodegradation of phenol containing heavy metals such as zinc (Zn) and chromium (Cr) ions. The Gompertz model was used to estimate three main growth parameters namely lag phase (λ), maximum growth rate (μmaz), and maximum cell number at the stationary phase (Nmax). Bacterial growth for both heavy metals was shown to be properly fit towards the curve with a high value of R2 and low square root of the variance of residuals (RSME) value. The effect of heavy metals at 1.0 ppm showed that Cr has a considerable effect on bacteria consortium, inhibiting the degradation of phenol, while Zn has no effect, removing 100% of phenol. The predicted biokinetic from this model suggests the suitability of the bacteria consortium to be used in phenol removal.
Page 5 - 11
Mohamad Khairi Zainol, Sasi Kala Surianarayanan, Mohd Aidil Adhha Abdullah, Hasmadi Mamat and Zamzahaila Mohd Zin
EFFECT OF HYDROLYSIS TIME ON ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES OF JACK BEAN (Canavalia ensiformis) PROTEIN HYDROLYSATE
Abstract
Jack Bean or Kacang Koro (Canavalia ensiformis) is one of the under-exploited tropical dry beans. This study was aimed to determine the effect of hydrolysis time on physicochemical properties, antioxidative and antimicrobial activity of Jack Bean protein hydrolysate (JBPH). The physicochemical properties of JBPH were evaluated based on protein content, WHC, OHC, degree of hydrolysis, foam stability and foaming capacity. The antioxidative activity of JBPH was measured using DPPH, hydroxyl radical scavenging, superoxide radical scavenging and FRAP. Well diffusion method was used to study antimicrobial activity of JBPH. The highest protein content (33.16±0.03%) obtained in JBPH that hydrolysed for 150 min. The degree of hydrolysis was showed for JBPH highest at 120 min (51.79±0.28%). The size of the microstructure of JBPH analysed using SEM were decrease with hydrolysis time. FTIR analysis confirmed that JBPH comprised of three major components (Region I, II and III). Water holding capacity of JBPH was the highest for the sample hydrolysed for 60 min (63.87±0.72%) while oil holding capacity depicts the highest by it at 180 min (57.17±1.19%). Foaming capacity and foam stability decreased with hydrolysis time. JBPH produced at 120 min hydrolysis time showed the highest inhibition toward DPPH (42.44%) and hydroxyl radicals (20.01%). FRAP and superoxide radical scavenging, JBPH at 90 min showed the highest inhibition (91.15±0.05 µM and 64.33%). JBPH also showed antimicrobial properties by inhibits the growth of P. aeruginosa. The best hydrolysis time to produce JBPH with the highest physicochemical properties was found at 120 min.
Page 12 - 15
Mohd Sahaid Kalil and Ahmad Razi Othman
THE EFFECT OF Rhodobacter sphaeroides CULTIVATION TECHNIQUES FOR HYDROGEN GAS PRODUCTION
Abstract
Rhodobacter sphaeroides NCIMB 8523 is a facultative anaerobic bacterium that can generate hydrogen (H2) under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. To compare hydrogen production by R. sphaeroides, three parameters were chosen in this report. First, hydrogen gas production was compared under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Second, under the different culture chamber (headspace) condition and finally, the effect of different culture volume towards hydrogen production were evaluated. Gas chromatography with thermal conductivity detector (GC-TCD) analysis was used to measure total H2 production, approximately 9.09 mL and 3.57 mL of H2 for anaerobic and aerobic respectively. Different headspace was tested under anaerobic condition and H2 production was measured. Hydrogen gas production increased proportionally with the increment of the headspace area percentage. Hydrogen production for this test was at 4.18 mL, 6.51 mL, 7.65 mL and 10.74 mL for 50%, 30%, 20% and 0% of headspace area respectively. Different culture volume (250 mL and 500mL) was chosen in H2 production under anaerobic condition. Results showed that higher H2 production achieved with 250 mL culture volume with H2 volume at 10.44 mL and 7.58 mL for 250 mL and 500 mL respectively. Obtained results showed that R. sphaeroides NCIMB 8523 produce higher H2 gas under anaerobic conditions at 0% of headspace with optimum culture volume at 250 mL.
Page 16 - 19
Wai Meng Lau, Menaga Subramaniam and Yang Mooi Lim
MASLINIC ACID ENHANCES IMMUNOGENICITY IN A TIME-DEPENDENT MANNER IN RAJI CELLS
Abstract
The survival mechanism of tumourigenic cells has evolved to escape the vigilant scrutiny of immune responses. As such, immediate immune recognition of virus-infected cells is necessary to eradicate and delay or prevent the onset of tumour development. Although maslinic acid has been long identified as a prospective chemopreventive agent, its role as an immunogenicity enhancer is not reported. In Raji cells, maslinic acid significantly induced the expression of various genes in the antigen processing and presentation pathway over 48 hours. This observation suggests a new perspective on the mode of action of maslinic acid in targeting the immunogenicity of Raji cells, thereby preventing the onset of tumorigenesis.
Page 20 - 23
Khadijah Nabilah Mohd Zahri, Azham Zulkharnain, Salihu Ibrahim, Claudio Gomez-Fuentes, Suriana Sabri, Nancy Calisto-Ulloa and Siti Aqlima Ahmad
KINETIC ANALYSIS ON THE EFFECTS OF LEAD (Pb) AND SILVER (Ag) ON WASTE CANOLA OIL (WCO) BIODEGRADATION BY SELECTED ANTARCTIC MICROBIAL CONSORTIUM
Abstract
Canola oil is used in most of Antarctic research station base and the possibility of discharging the waste canola oil (WCO) through the pipe in the kitchen is high, which leads to environmental pollution. Consortium bacteria form the Antarctic was isolated in degrading the WCO and tested regarding the degradation of oil with the presence of heavy metals. In this study, lead (Pb) and silver (Ag) were used to determine the behaviour of the bacteria consortium to degrade the WCO. The presence of lead allowed the degradation of oil to increased 48% to 56% while the availability of silver prevented the bacterial to grow and degrade the contaminants. Many types of data are best analysed by the fitting curve. The bacterial growth was fitted using both and linear and nonlinear regression curve where the exponential growth equation was used in a nonlinear curve. Bacterial growth with lead shown to be properly fit towards the curve with a high value of R2 and low-value RMSE. In addition, there was no significant difference between linear and exponential regression curves for both conditions of the bacteria with heavy metals, lead and silver.
Page 24 - 29
Lubna Abdallah, Marah Hantash, Amany Shayeb, Maryan Jaber, Sereen Jaber, Abdullah Dweikat, Hameed Hamdan and Osama Hidmi
IN VITRO EFFECT OF CAMEL WHEY ON COPPER INACTIVATED GLUTATHIONE-S-TRANSFERASES
Abstract
The main aim of the present study was to determine the in vitro effect of some heavy metals in general and copper in particular on the activity of sheep liver glutathione-s-transferases (GSTs). Besides that, the in vitro effect of camel whey on copper inactivated GSTs was also studied in this research. The effect of heavy metals zinc, nickel, cobalt, manganese, copper and camel whey on GSTs activity was studied by spectrophotometric method using 1-chloro-2,4-dinitro-benzene (CDNB) as substrate. Results showed that copper ion had the most potent inhibitory effect on GSTs activity when compared to other studied heavy metals as it directly reduced the enzyme residual activity to reach 29.3% at 2 mM concentration. In addition to that, the further increase in incubation time between heavy metals and GSTs lead to an increase in inhibitory behavior of all heavy metals under study. Furthermore, the role of camel whey on copper inactivated GSTs was clearly showed that it can reduced the inhibitory effect of copper on enzyme activity prior to its addition. The acquired residual activity after direct whey addition increased from 0.76% to 16.48% at 2 mM copper concentration. Moreover, the pre-incubation of GSTs with camel whey for a certain period caused better effect than its direct addition. Hence, the residual activity of GSTs increased from approximately zero to 38.5% at 2 mM. In conclusion, camel whey play an important role in the activation of copper inactivated GSTs.
Page 30 - 36
Mohammed, Z.M, Haruna, Z.K, Abdullahi, Z.I, Hussein, S.A, Kurfi, B.G, Habila, J.D, Abdullahi, M.H, Aliyu, A and Ibrahim, A
ESTIMATION OF ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF Combretum micranthum METHANOL LEAF EXTRACT AS AN INDEX FOR NEUROPROTECTION AGAINST LEAD INDUCED TOXICITY IN MICE
Abstract
Combretum micranthum is a medicinal plant used for the treatment of various diseases in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria with little or no scientific basis. It is thus the aim of this research to validate antioxidant capacity of Combretum micranthum (CM) methanol leaf extracts as an index for its neuroprotective potential against lead induce toxicity in the brain of mice. Thirty six (36) Swiss Albino mice (19 - 22g body weight) were used for the study, randomized equally into six groups of six animals each and treated for the period of 14days: Normal Control (Distilled water), Negative control (40mg/kg lead acetate), Group III (lead acetate + 100 mg/kg b.w. extract), Group IV (lead acetate + 50 mg/kg b.w. extract), Group V (lead acetate + 25 mg/kg b.w. extract) and Positive control (lead acetate + 0.5 mg/kg b.w diazepam). The study assayed for the neuroprotective potential of Combretum micranthum by following in vitro tests (DPPH, Metal Chelating, and Reducing Power assays) and in-vivo tests (levels of glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)). The study indicated a significant neuroprotective effect of the Combretum micranthum methanol extract in terms of its IC50 values (DPPH: 0.467 mg/ml, Metal Chelating: 0.290 mg/ml, and Reducing Power: 0.004 mg/ml) in the in vitro tests and also indicated a significant increase of GSH, CAT and SOD levels in the brain of mice administered doses of the extract, as compared to those mice treated with 40 mg/kg lead acetate alone, which showed decreased level in the antioxidants (GSH: 23.34±1.43µG/ML, CAT: 8.65± 0.77U/mg and SOD: 10.93±0.30 U/mg) in the in vivo tests. Also, the extract was found, using GC-MS, to contain propargylamine, guanidine and acetic acid, compounds known to possess antioxidant functions. Thus, findings of the present study suggested Combretum micranthum to be a potential plant in preventing oxidative stress and brain damage that may be induced by lead administration.
Page 37 - 40
Muhjah Falah Hassan, Rabab Zahir Al-Yasiry and Rana A. Ghaleb
POSSIBLE PREDISPOSING AND PREDICTABLE FACTORS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF OVARIAN HYPER STIMULATION SYNDROME (OHSS) IN WOMEN WITH POLYCYCTIC OVARY SYNDROME (PCOS) WHOM UNDERGONE INTRACYTOPLASMIC SPERM INJECTION (ICSI)
Abstract
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a serious, iatrogenic problem which complicates ovulation induction/controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) during any assisted cycle. It usually occurs due to hCG which administered following exogenous gonadotropin stimulation for triggering final oocyte maturation. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at high risk but not all PCOS women develop OHSS. It can be effectively prevented and treated when diagnosed early. The study aims to know the possible factors which predispose the women with PCOS to develop OHSS and what are the predictors of its' development during COS/ICSI cycle to be avoided if possible, in the future by careful pre-cycle evaluation and intra-cycle monitoring of the predisposed women. The study included 53 females who seek ICSI treatment for infertility due to PCOS. They were followed up retrospectively and divided according to the development of OHSS into two groups. Group I (n=10): females who developed OHSS and group II (n=43): females who did not develop OHSS following COS/ICSI program. Assessment of demographic data, body mass index(BMI), cycle day 2 hormonal profile, TVUS for endometrial thickness(ET), the total dose of gonadotropins, duration of stimulation cycles, type of oocyte maturation trigger, estrogen and ET at the day of trigger and a total number of retrieved oocytes was done to know possible predisposing and predictable causes for developing OHSS. The study showed women who developed OHSS were insignificantly younger with a higher BMI than those who did not, p-value= 0.24 and 0.08 respectively. Cycle day 2 estrogen, LH, prolactin and ET were higher, total dose and duration of the stimulation cycle were less, most of them were triggered by GnRH agonist, having a higher level of estrogen and thicker ET at the day of trigger and produced higher number of oocytes. Conclusion: Despite being a significant, proved risk factor for OHSS, not all women with polycystic ovaries develop OHSS during COS/ICSI. Young age group women, those with a high BMI and who had high cycle day 2 E2, LH and Prolactin are more liable to develop OHSS. Women with PCOS who produced a high number of oocytes and had high serum E2 level on the day of oocyte maturation trigger are more likely to develop OHSS.
Page 41 - 46
Rashad Ayad Al-Heety
ASSOCIATION OF CIRCULATING MICRO-RNAs WITH CLINICAL FEATURES IN IRAQI PATIENTS WITH GRAVES DISEASE
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the development and functions of the immune system and involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases mainly by regulating gene expression. Circulating miRNAs can be used as a diagnostic and therapeutic target for a variety of autoimmune diseases. This study aims to assess the existence of any possible association between the expression of circulating miR-146a-5p, miR-142-3p, and let-7b with clinical features of Graves disease (GD). Forty patients with GD and forty healthy controls were involved in this study. Patients were divided into groups based on the presence or absence of clinical features (goiter and/or orbitopathy). The expression of circulating miR-146a-5p, miR-142-3p, and let-7b was determined by two steps Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) technique. Results obtained show that there is a significant elevation (p<0.01) in the expression of miR-146a-5p, miR-142-3p and let-7b in serum of patients compared with the control group, while there is non-significant overexpression (p>0.05) in patients with goiter and patients with orbitopathy compared to patients without goiter and orbitopathy. It was found that miR-146a-5p and miR-142-3p were positively correlated with the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibody (TSHR-Ab), while let-7b is negatively correlated. In conclusion, the up-regulation of miR-146a-5p, miR-142-3p and let-7b in patients and the positive correlation with TSHR-Abs indicating that circulating miRNAs could be used as biomarkers and targets for treatment, however, there is no association with its clinical features.
Page 47 - 51
Riri Andri Muzasti and Dewi Fuji Lestari
DIAGNOSTIC AND PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF INTERLEUKIN-6 FOR PRURITUS IN PATIENTS WITH END STATE RENAL DISEASE UNDERGOING REGULAR HEMODIALYSIS
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a national health problem because the incidence tends to increase, has a poor prognosis, and requires high costs. Pruritus is estimated to occur in 20% - 90% of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing dialysis. Hemodialysis (HD) patients tend to develop inflammation, which involves several proinflammatory cytokines, such as Interleukin-6 (IL-6). Previous studies have shown that IL-6 is a central regulator of the inflammatory process and is found in dermal nerve fibers. We conducted a cross-sectional analytic study to determine the cut-off value of IL-6 levels as a marker of pruritus in ESRD patients undergoing HD. Patients were asked to fill out a Pauli-Magnus questionnaire, and we checked their serum IL-6, calcium, phosphate, and parathyroid hormone levels. Out of the 100 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we found that age, HD frequency, and IL-6 levels were significantly associated with pruritus (p = 0.003; p = 0.021 and p = 0.001). The cut-off value of IL-6 as a predictor of pruritus in ESRD patients undergoing regular HD was 101.55 mg/ml, with a sensitivity of 98.1% and specificity of 95.8%. From this study, we conclude that IL-6 levels >101.55 mg/ml was a powerful predictor of pruritus in ESRD patients undergoing regular HD.
Page 52 - 56
Aida Atiqah Mohamad Noor, Catrenar De Silva, Baskaran Gunasekaran, Shafinaz Abd Gani, Murni Marlina Abd Karim and Siti Aqlima Ahmad
IDENTIFICATION OF MARINE BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM MARINE SOIL SEDIMENTS AND THEIR ABILITY TO BIOSYNTHESISE AgNPs EXTRACELLULARLY
Abstract
Over the past few years, nanoparticles synthesis is one of the most active research in the nanotechnology field. The synthesis can be done chemically, physically and biologically. However, some researchers prefer to synthesise it biologically or also known as biosynthesis or ‘green synthesis’ because it is believed to be safer, environmentally friendly and cost-effective. In this work, we report the extracellular synthesis of 20 isolated marine bacteria from marine soil sediment which were identified and evaluated to synthesise silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). This was done by the addition of silver nitrate (AgNO3) solution with the cell-free supernatant of the isolated marine bacteria at room temperature. The marine bacteria were identified using 16S rRNA identification and neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree were constructed. Identification results showed that the isolated bacteria consist of 19 Serratia sp. and 1 Providencia sp. The biosynthesised AgNPs colloids were evaluated using morphological and optical analysis. AgNPs were observed for colour change and determined using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer. The existence of surface plasmon resonance peak at 400 to 450 nm is evidence of AgNPs formation.
Page 57 - 61
Dhiey A. Al-Aameri and Bareq N. Al-Nuaimi
MUTATIONS IN ERGOSTEROL 11 GENE OF FLUCONAZOL RESISTANT Candida albicans ISOLATED FROM DIFFERENT CLINICAL SAMPLES
Abstract
Fluconazole was used to test the susceptibility of Candida albicans isolated from different clinical samples, and to detect mutations in ERG11 gene, and their relationship to fluconazole resistance. Forty-eight isolates of Candida albicans were tested for susceptibility using the disc diffusion method (M-44). ERG11 genes of six isolates were amplified (four resistant, two susceptible) and sequenced. The sequenced genes were analyzed to detect the mutations. Out of 48 isolates of Candida albicans, 4 (8%) were resistant to fluconazole. Sixteen-point mutations were detected included 13 silent mutations, and three missense mutations. The mutations of A945C (E266D) and G1609A (V488I) were found only in susceptible Candida albicans isolates, while the mutation of G1456A (V437I) was detected only in resistant Candida albicans isolates. Candida albicans had a high susceptibility against fluconazole. The amino acid substitutions of E266D and V488I have no role in fluconazole resistance, while the substitution of V437I may have a role in developing resistance against fluconazole. Multiple point mutations in ERG11 gene may develop resistance to fluconazole.
Page 62 - 68
Aisyah Mohd Ismail and Farida Zuraina Mohd Yusof
EFFICIENCY OF COMBINED EFFECTS OF LACTIC ACID BACTERIA (Lactobacillus sp.) AND HIGH OXYGEN ATMOSPHERE ON REDUCING THE POSTHARVEST DECAY OF STRAWBERRY FRUITS
Abstract
Strawberry is one of the most delicate and perishable fruits which have a short postharvest life span estimated to be less than 5 days. It is prone to rapid dehydration, physiological disorders, bruising, mechanical injuries and infections caused by several pathogens which rapidly reduce the quality of the ripe fruit. The traditional application of chemical fungicides to control the postharvest diseases of strawberry fruits has several disadvantages, such as the adverse effects of pesticide residues on humans and favours the increase of pathogen-resistant strains. The present work used Lactobacillus casei as the bio-control agent along with the action of high oxygen atmosphere packaging to reduce the postharvest decay of strawberry fruits. Moreover, Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) and usually matches all recommendations for food products. The dual culture assay results showed that the Lactobacillus casei did not inhibit the growth of fungal pathogen as no inhibition zone produced, but it slowed down their growth compared with the controls. Meanwhile, the in-vivo screening proven that no symptoms of infection seen on the fruits until the fifth day of storage for the strawberries which were treated with the biological control bacteria and highest concentration (80%) of modified oxygen. Hence, our results support the potential of Lactobacillus casei as a bio-control agent integrated with a high oxygen atmosphere against the postharvest rot of strawberry fruits.
Page 69 - 76
Aliaksandr Chirkin, Mershed S. Altani, Nadezhda Stepanova and Anna Chirkina
CHARACTERIZATION OF BIOCHEMICAL HEALTH MARKERS DURING ATHLETIC ACTIVITY IN PUBERTY
Abstract
Over the past half-century, there has been a steady decrease in the age at which athletes begin to achieve rapid success in competitive sports. Aged-related changes occur in metabolism and its regulation during puberty. To fully understand age-related performance in competitive sports, researchers must study gender-dependent metabolic characteristics of athletes during puberty. The aim of this work was a comparative analysis of metabolic markers in athletes during puberty. The study population included 430 female adolescents (54 - control group, 376 - athletes) and 900 male adolescents (144 - control group, 756 - athletes). Blood serum was collected from the study population, and 24 biochemical markers and 7 coefficients for metabolic characteristics were assessed. The article presents data on constant and variable biochemical biomarkers of blood serum of adolescents of both sexes at puberty. Three categories of biochemical health markers were assessed. To assess the course of puberty without regular physical exertion and during sports, the following biochemical markers should be determined: the first group (independent of gender)- two markers (atherogenic index and Glucose / HDL cholesterol coefficient); the second group (during puberty in males) is the glucose level; the third group (during puberty in females) - 6 markers (the content of triglycerides, calcium, potassium, the value of TIBC, CPK activity and CPK / ALP coefficient). Conclusions: Changes in these markers can indicate negative effects on the most important biochemical and physiological processes in puberty.
Page 77 - 85
Angelo Mark P. Walag and Romeo M. Del Rosario
TOTAL FLAVONOIDS CONTENT, TOTAL PHENOLICS CONTENT, AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF Acanthaster planci AND Linckia laevigata COLLECTED FROM CARMEN, AGUSAN DEL NORTE, PHILIPPINES
Abstract
Marine invertebrates are known to contain metabolites with unprecedented diversity in terms of their molecular structures and bioactivities. The majority of the invertebrate phyla have been accounted for but only several studies on antioxidant activities have been made on Philippine sea stars. The main aim of this research is to determine the total flavonoids content, total phenolics content, and antioxidant activities of ethyl acetate and methanolic extract of Linckia laevigata and Acanthaster planci. Standard methods in plants were utilized to determine TFC and TPC while TEAC, DPPH, and FRAP assays were used to evaluate antioxidant activities. No flavonoids were detected in both species for the two solvents utilized while total phenolics were detected in both species and solvents utilized. Total phenolics were noted to be higher in methanol compared to ethyl acetate extract. A. planci also consistently recorded higher TPC for both solvents compared to L. laevigata. Consistently in DPPH and TEAC, A. planci had higher antioxidant capacity compared to L. laevigata for both solvents utilized. Overall, lower antioxidant capacities were observed for all three assays which could be due to the method of sample preparation, especially in the drying of samples which could have affected the natural antioxidants present in the body parts of the sea stars. It is recommended that conservation measures be implemented to protect these species which are a potential source of novel antioxidant compounds.
Page 86 - 89
Baskaran, A. and Karthikeyan, V.
ANALYSIS OF PHYLOGENY AND EVOLUTIONARY DIVERGENCE OF matK and rbcL SEQUENCES OF Barleria longiflora L.f
Abstract
DNA barcodes are short parts of DNA used to identify an unknown specimen of a species. The matK and rbcL gene is widely used in systematic studies to resolve divergences at many taxonomic levels. Barleria longiflora L.f belongs to the family Acanthaceae which is endemic in distribution. The collected specimens were subjected to sequence analysis of matK and rbcL gene and the same was deposited in Gene Bank and an accession number has been assigned for the same (Accession No: KR861702.1 and KR861703.1). The data were further analyzed for the construction of neighbor joining tree and to infer the evolutionary divergence among the maximum identical sequences retrieved from NCBI Gene Bank through BLAST search. The results of the search revealed that the matK and rbcL sequence of B. longiflora has not been sequenced earlier from any part of the world. The matK and rbcL sequence of B. longiflora may be used for the identification of this species reported from any part of the world through BLAST analysis if the identical sequences are submitted to Gene Bank in future.
Page 90 - 98
Soon Tsuey Ning, Adeline Chia Yoke Yin, Yap Wei Hsum and Tang Yin-Quan
ANIMAL VENOM-DERIVED ANTIMICROBIAL PEPTIDES: NOVEL AND IMPROVED WEAPON FOR CANCER TREATMENT
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of human death worldwide. Conventional standard anticancer therapies such as chemo-, hormonal-therapies and radiation, are always accompanied with undesired severe side effects and toxicities due to their low specificity. Small peptides are being identified as potential anticancer agents as they could specifically target cancer cells without disrupting normal tissues, thus enable them to be a better alternative agent for the prevention and management of cancer. The increased expression of anionic phospholipids on cancer cell surface renders them more susceptible towards cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Knowing animal venoms could impair multiple hallmarks of cancer, AMPs isolated from animal venoms might be a new strategy for cancer treatment. In this review, we present the AMPs identified from animal venoms and discuss their multiple mechanism of action against cancer cells.