Avicenna Journal of Medical Biotechnology

The Need for Serious Support for Basic Medical Science in Iran

Shahin Akhondzadeh — 2024-06-16

The Article Abstract is not available.

Role of Recombinant Proteins for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis

Mahboubeh Soleimani SasaniSasani — 2024-06-16

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease and chronic inflammatory disorder that affects joints and causes inflammation, pain, stiffness, and eventually progressive joint destruction. Approximately 1% of the world's population is estimated to suffer from RA, and if this disease is left untreated, it can lead to severe disability. Despite all the efforts and advances made by professionals in the field, there is currently no definitive treatment for RA, and most treatment strategies are aimed at relieving symptoms and improving patients' quality of life. One of the most promising current approaches is the use of recombinant proteins that target specific signaling pathways involved in the development of RA to alleviate symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. This article discusses the genetic and immunological factors that influence the development of RA, recombinant proteins, methods of using these proteins, approved drugs, and side effects associated with treating RA.

Exploring the Molecular Underpinnings of Skin Regeneration and Wound Healing: The Role of Renin Angiotensin

Seyedeh Hoda Qoreishi — 2024-06-16

The aim of this study is to review the role of renin-angiotensin in skin regeneration and wound healing with a focus on molecular mechanisms. Angiotensin receptor type 1 (AT1R) are abundant in the wounded area, and thus, lead to the activation of ERK, STAT1, and STAT3 which can lead to epidermal self-renewal. The expression of Renin Angiotensin System (RAS) components was significantly lower in wounds caused by burning, rather than intact skin, noting that RAS is involved in the re-epithelialization of skin. ERK, STAT and STAT3 are the targets of Ang II, indicating that RAS active components are involved in fibroblast, stem cells and keratinocyte migration. The effect of inhibiting the RAS on wound healing is context-dependent. On one hand, it is suggested that inhibiting RAS during this phase may slow down wound healing speed. On the other hand, studies have shown that RAS inhibition in this phase can lead to α-SMA activation, ultimately accelerating the wound healing process. Most of the investigations indicate that the inhibition of RAS with Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) and Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) plays a significant role in tissue remodeling in the last phase of wound healing. It has been shown that the inhibition of RAS can inhibit scar formation and fibrosis through the downregulation of inflammatory and fibrogenic agents, such as TGF-β, SMAD2/3, and TAK1, PDGF-BB, and HSP47. To sum up, that local administration of RAS regulators might lead to less scar formation and inflammation in the last phase of wound closure.

Exploring the Potential of In vitro Maturation (IVM) of Oocytes: Indications, Applications, and Treatment Protocols

Hossein Torkashvand — 2024-06-16

Background: This review addresses the current understanding of In Vitro Maturation (IVM) treatment, including indications and effective treatment protocols influencing oocyte developmental competence.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed to gather relevant studies, clinical trials, and reviews related to IVM. Databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE, and pertinent medical journals were searched. The selected literature was analyzed and synthesized to offer a comprehensive overview.

Results: IVM has emerged as a promising technique for inducing maturation in immature oocytes across various developmental stages. Its applications extend to areas utilizing In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), gaining traction as a treatment option for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and fertility preservation in cancer patients. Recent advancements have led to improved global pregnancy rates, resulting in successful births. IVM also holds potential in reducing risks associated with conventional IVF, including ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and multiple pregnancies. Despite these advantages, IVM adoption in clinical practice remains limited. Ongoing research aims to refine therapeutic protocols and expand clinical indications.

Conclusion: IVM holds promise in assisted reproductive technology, spanning applications from cancer patient fertility preservation to addressing PCOS. Enhanced pregnancy rates highlight efficacy, while risk reduction compared to IVF underscores its importance. Further research is needed for optimal use across patient groups, emphasizing protocol refinement and expanded applications.

Evaluation of the Spatial Arrangement of Rabbit Hepatocytes Based on Voronoi Tessellation Following Exposure to Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

Zia Moasses — 2024-06-16

Background: Zinc oxide nanoparticles have been utilized in different fields over the last decades. These nanoparticles can pose significant risks to various organs such as the liver. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles on liver histology, serum biochemistry, and spatial arrangement of the hepatocytes in the female New Zealand white rabbit.

Methods: The rabbits received 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg of the zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) intraperitoneally once every 3 days for 28 days. The serum levels of the aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and zinc were assessed 48 hr following the first administration. The histopathological changes and Voronoi tessellation were evaluated after the last administration.

Results: Our findings showed that the ZnO NPs significantly increased the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and zinc. The histopathological findings showed ballooning degeneration, and sinusoidal congestion in ZnO NPs administrated groups. The Voronoi tessellation diagrams also confirmed that ZnO NPs changed the regular spatial arrangement of hepatocytes to random and cluster patterns.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the ZnO NPs alter the liver spatial arrangement and induce hepatic pathological changes that may affect liver function in rabbits

Studying the Effect of Magnetron Copper Deposition on the Surface Topography of Biodegradable Antibacterial Coating

Maratuly Bauyrzhan — 2024-06-16

Background: The surface properties of the materials used significantly influence the success and longevity of medical implants. Increasing surface roughness promotes osteoblast activity and osseointegration, while biodegradable materials such as copper have shown potential for antimicrobial applications. However, the effect of coating parameters on surface topography is not well investigated.

Methods: Sputtering of copper was performed using EPOS-PVD-440 system (Zelenograd, Russia). The samples were examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with subsequent image processing in Mountains software (Digital Surf). Antibacterial efficacy was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus by measuring the zone of inhibition. Additionally, copper ion release was monitored over time to assess its correlation with changes in surface topography.

Results: Higher sputtering currents increased surface roughness and particle size, with a significant release of copper ions within the first 24 hr of immersion. Samples sputtered at higher currents exhibited coarser grain structures. The release of copper ions in the simulated biological environment led to further changes in surface topography, highlighting the critical influence of sputtering parameters on coating properties.

Conclusion: Optimizing magnetron copper deposition parameters enhances the surface topography and antibacterial effectiveness of biodegradable coatings on implants.

The Phenotypic and Molecular Identification of Phyllospheric Bacteria Possessing Antimicrobial Activity from Funtumia elastica (Preuss) Stapf.

Bolanle A. Adeniyi — 2024-06-16

Background: Unlike plant phytochemicals, little has been done to explore the metabolites from phyllosphere bacterial flora, some of which enabled them to survive interspecific competition through amensalism. This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of metabolites from Phyllospheric Bacteria (PB) isolated from Funtumia elastica (FE), against selected bacterial and fungal pathogens. Phenotypic and molecular methods were used to identify the isolated phyllo-microbiota.

Methods: The PB were aseptically isolated by sonication. Their metabolites were obtained from the fresh overnight culture of the organisms. The cell-free supernatants containing the metabolites were used for antimicrobial assays against the pathogens. The DNA of the bacterial isolates were isolated using a NIMR-BIOTECH DNA extraction kit, while their 16S rRNA was amplified with the primer: 799F 5'-AACACGGATTA GATACC-3', 1193R 5'- ACGTCATCCCCACCTTCC-3', using SolisFast* Master Mix, (Solis Biodyne-Estonia). The BLAST of the sequence was done from the NCBI Genbank. The PB strains identified were submitted to NCBI and accession numbers were assigned to them.

Results: The phyllosphere of FE yielded 21 bacterial isolates: 7 Gram-positives and 14 Gram-negatives. The metabolites from these isolates showed varying degrees of bioactivity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC29213), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 35659); Trychophyton rubrum, Candida albicans and Microsporum canis. Fifteen bioactive isolates sequenced yielded four genera, Enterobacter (E. hormaechei 98.44%), Bacillus (B. cereus 100%), Pontoea (P. dispersa 99.72%), Staphylococcus (S. arlettae 99.72%).

Conclusion: Bacteria from FE phyllosphere, produced metabolites antagonistic (cidal) to some human pathogens. This has great potential for possible drug discovery.

Bactericidal Activity of Serum by Brucella Abortus RB51 Outer Membrane Protein’s Combined by Brucella Abortus S99 Lipopolysaccharide Induction

Behnam Hajizadeh Sisakht — 2024-06-16

Background: Brucellosis vaccines are designed to induce cellular immunity. An effective brucellosis vaccine could induce both cellular and humoral immunity. Serum Bactericidal Assay (SBA) is an important method for determining vaccine humoral immunity. This study is the first to observe humoral immunity in brucellosis by SBA.

Methods: Extracted Brucella abortus (B. abortus) Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and Outer Membrane Proteins (OMPs) were injected into rabbits. Group 1 was injected with 25 µg of LPS, Group 2 was injected with 50 µg of OMPs, and Group 3 was injected with 1 ml of combined vaccine, 3 times every 2 weeks. The groups were challenged with B. abortus 544 in the second injection. Sera were separated 2 weeks after the last injection. SBA was performed, and each well was streak-cultured into a plate of Brucella agar. A colony count was done for each plate.

Results: Results have shown, the third injection of the combined vaccine had the highest titer of , and the efficacy of the vaccine was 87.71%.

Conclusion: As a conclusion, the results of this study showed that LPS and OMP's from B. abortus can provide acceptable immunity.

Lippia multiflora Leaves Extracts Enhance Cefotaxime Bactericidal Effects and Quench the Biofilm Formation in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 43300

Ablassé Rouamba — 2024-06-16

Background: The emergence of the multidrug-resistant bacteria strain has become a global world crisis. This study was designed to evaluate the antibiofilm and synergistic effects of Lippia multiflora leaf extracts on the activity of cefotaxime against the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus).

Methods: The synergistic effect of methanol and dichloromethane extracts on the bactericidal activity of cefotaxime was determined by using the antibiotic susceptibility test on agar medium. The antibiofilm activity of the extracts was measured by using the crystal violet method. The antioxidant potential of the extracts was assessed by using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric Reduction Activity Potential (FRAP) methods. The main secondary metabolites groups were analyzed by using different standard analytical tests. The total phenolics and total flavonoids were quantified spectrophotometrically.

Results: The methanol extract (final concentration of 100 µg/ml) inhibited the formation of bacterial biofilm more than salicylic acid (p<0.05). All extracts combined with cefotaxime (20 µg and 200 µg) showed good synergistic bactericidal effect on S. aureus with inhibitory diameters of up to 40 mm. The methanol extract showed higher total phenolics (462.20±10.90 mg EAG/g) and total flavonoids (26.20±0.20 mg EQ/g) contents than the dichloromethane extract (96.70±1.70 mg EAG/g and 8.00±1.20 mg EQ/g). Moreover, the methanol extract showed a higher FRAP reducing power (353.6± 4.17 mmol EQ/g) than the dichloromethane extract (385.3±7.01 mmol EQ/g). Qualitative phytochemical analysis showed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, terpenes and sterols in both extracts.

Conclusion: These data showed that L. multiflora leaves contain effective antibacterial phytomolecules for combating bacterial resistance.