Journal of Advanced Biomedical Sciences

Acute Elevation of Liver Enzymes Following Anti-thymocyte Globulin Treatment in a Patient with Aplastic Anemia: A Case Report

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 08:01:16 +0000

Background & Objective: Plastic anemia, a rare hematological disorder resulting inpancytopenia, is primarily managed through immunosuppression. Anti-thymocyteglobulin (ATG), a polyclonal antibody derived from equine or lapine sources, is onesuch immunosuppressive treatment. While common side effects of ATG include allergicreactions, thrombocytopenia, headache, and myalgia, more severe but less frequentadverse effects encompass dyspnea and chest pain. The incidence and severity of liverfunction test abnormalities associated with ATG administration remain subjects ofongoing debate; however, most cases present with mild and transient enzyme elevations.

Case: We present the case of a 13-year-old male child diagnosed with aplastic anemia (AA) who was admitted to the hematology clinic for ATG treatment. Three days after the initiation of ATG therapy, following the third dose, the patient developed severe hepatotoxicity. The patient experienced symptoms including chest pain, icterus, myalgia, and abdominal tenderness. Laboratory investigations revealed a significant elevation in liver enzymes and serum bilirubin levels. Upon discontinuation of ATG, the symptoms resolved within six days, accompanied by a marked reduction in liver enzymes and bilirubin levels. Subsequently, the patient received the fourth dose of ATG without adverse reactions

Conclusion: Our patient developed frank symptomatic hepatitis, manifesting as icterus and right upper quadrant pain. Given the existing literature, this presentation does not appear to be common and warrants increased vigilance

The Impact of Saffron Crocin on Clinical and Psychological Complications of Opioid Substance Withdrawal Syndrome: A Systematic Review of in vivo and clinical trial studies

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 08:01:30 +0000

Background & Objectives: Drug addiction constitutes a global issue associated with severe personal, economic, social, and health problems. Saffron, an herbal medicine, has demonstrated potential therapeutic applications for mental and physical symptoms. This review assesses the efficacy of saffron crocin in managing the clinical and psychological complications of opioid substance withdrawal syndrome(OWS).

Materials & Methods: The research methodology entailed a comprehensive literature review spanning from 2010 to 2023, utilizing databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. The search focused on the impact of saffron crocin on clinical and psychological complications of OWS. Human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and animal studies published in English were included for data synthesis. Subsequently, information was collated based on the following parameters: study author, number of studies, dosage, control group, duration, outcome criteria, and primary outcomes.

Results: Eight articles were analyzed, demonstrating the efficacy of saffron and crocin in treating OWS by ameliorating withdrawal symptoms and improving laboratory indicators.

Conclusion: While several RCTs support the effectiveness of saffron crocin in alleviating OWS symptoms, further rigorous studies are warranted to corroborate these findings.

Myrtle Essential Oil-Loaded Alginate Nanoparticles: A Dual Therapeutic Approach for Cytotoxicity Against Skin Cancer Cells and Antibacterial Effects on Common Pathogens

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 08:01:36 +0000

Background & Objectives: The skin, being the body’s largest organ, is not only susceptible to one of the most prevalent forms of cancer but also vulnerable to a myriad of pathogens, including bacteria. Myrtle essential oil (EO) has been shown to possess both anticancer and antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of alginate nanoparticles containing myrtle EO on melanoma (A375) and epidermoid carcinoma (A431) cell lines, as well as on some common bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus.

Materials & Methods: Initially, myrtle EO was analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Subsequently, alginate nanoparticles were prepared via the ionic-gelation method and characterized by dynamic light scattering, Zeta potential, and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Encapsulation efficacy was then determined using UV-Vis spectrometry. Both cytotoxicity assessment (MTT assay) and evaluation of antibacterial effects (microdilution assays) were conducted using the 96-well plate format.

Results: The major compounds identified in myrtle EO were α-pinene, 1,8-cineole, linalool, linalool acetate, and geranyl acetate. The alginate nanoparticles exhibited a size of 160 ± 9 nm, a SPAN of 0.96, and a Zeta potential of -26 ± 2 mV. The encapsulation efficacy was determined to be 78.4%. It was found that the nanoparticles demonstrated cytotoxicity against A375 and A431 cells with IC50 values of 211 μg/mL and 308 μg/mL, respectively. The most potent antibacterial effect was observed against S. aureus (IC50: 266 μg/mL).

Conclusion: The alginate nanoparticles containing myrtle EO, which exhibited notable cytotoxicity against melanoma and epidermoid carcinoma cells as well as potent antibacterial effects, show promise for further investigation in vivo studies.

Larvicidal Activity of Melissa officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis Extracts and Their Lethal Impact on Detoxifying Enzymes in Aedes aegypti L. Larvae

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 08:01:41 +0000

Background & Objectives: Mosquito-borne diseases significantly impact global health, particularly in tropical regions. While synthetic insecticides are currently employed to control mosquito vectors, their detrimental effects on ecosystems and persistence necessitate alternative control methods. Botanicals, owing to their diverse phytocompounds, offer potential for controlling and preventing vector-borne diseases by targeting insect eggs and larvae. This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of Melissa officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis extracts (methanolic and aqueous) against Aedes aegypti larvae, a vector of arboviruses.

Materials & Methods: Total protein content in control and plant extract-exposed larval homogenates was estimated using bovine serum albumin as a standard. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and carboxylesterase assays were performed to determine larvicidal effects. Larval mortality was assessed after 24 hours of exposure.

Results: Our findings revealed that the methanolic leaf extract of M. officinalis exhibited superior larvicidal activity (100% at 1000 ppm) compared to the methanolic R. officinalis extract (84±2.45% at 1000 ppm). In contrast, the aqueous extracts of both plant species inferred no larvicidal activity. The LC50 and LC90 values for M. officinalis methanolic extract were 378.7 ppm and 795.8 ppm, respectively, whereas those for R. officinalis were 648.9 ppm and 1152.9 ppm, respectively. Furthermore, biochemical assays measuring total protein, acetylcholinesterase, α-carboxylesterase, and β-carboxylesterase activities were conducted for M. officinalis, corroborating and substantiating its larvicidal properties.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the methanolic leaf extract of M. officinalis possesses significant larvicidal efficacy against A. aegypti. These findings suggest that this plant or its phytocompounds could serve as a bioinsecticide, offering a potential alternative to environmentally toxic and non-biodegradable synthetic insecticides.

Ultra-sensitive Two-dimensional Photonic Crystal Biosensor for Oral Cancerous Cell Detection

Hossein Ghaforyan — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 08:01:48 +0000

Background & Objectives: Over the past two decades, biophotonic sensors based on two-dimensional (2D) photonic crystals (PhCs) have garnered significant attention in cancer diagnosis. This technology has become a crucial tool in early cancer detection and treatment response monitoring due to its ability to detect minute changes in biomarker concentrations and molecular interactions. The development of these sensors through advanced nano and microfabrication techniques has significantly improved diagnostic accuracy and speed, promising substantial enhancements in therapeutic outcomes for cancer patients.

Materials & Methods: A biosensor based on a 2D PhC was designed and simulated for the detection of oral cancer cells in a sample. The biosensor, structured with silicon rods in air using the Finite-Difference Time-Domain tool, utilizes five rods as an analyte for detecting normal and cancerous cells, thereby evaluating the sensor’s performance.

Results: The variation in the transmission spectrum was studied to detect the presence of malignant cells in the test sample. The sensor’s structural parameters were carefully adjusted to enhance its sensitivity, a crucial factor in the accurate detection of cancerous cells. Two critical parameters, Q-factor and sensitivity, were derived from the results. The sensor achieved a sensitivity of 1148 nm/RIU with a Q-factor of 193.

Conclusion: The designed biosensor demonstrates superior accuracy and sensitivity in identifying both malignant and normal cells in the test sample, making it suitable for real- time deployment in point-of-care applications.

Biocompatibility Analysis of Mouse Spleen-Derived Extracellular Matrix

Yasin Ghabool, Mahshid Reghbati, Nasser Mahdavi-Shahri, Amin Tavassoli — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 08:01:54 +0000

Background & Objectives: This study aimed to construct a decellularized mouse spleen scaffold and evaluate its cellular compatibility in vitro using murine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs).

Materials & Methods: A combination of physical, chemical, and enzymatic treatments was employed for mouse spleen decellularization. These included multiple freeze- thaw cycles, the ionic detergent sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and enzymatic trypsin. Histological and scanning electron microscopy analyses were conducted up to 7 days post-culture to assess the impact of decellularization and cellular adaptation to the spleen scaffolds.

Results: Histological studies revealed the attachment and penetration of BM-MSCs into the scaffolds on days 5-7 following cell seeding. Furthermore, cell migration into the scaffold was observed 5 days after the seeding process.

Conclusion: The decellularization approach utilized in this study proved to be effective and biocompatible, supporting the preservation and proliferation of BM-MSCs. These findings indicate its potential for spleen tissue engineering applications.

Inhibitory Potential of Benzo[a]phenazin-5-ol Derivatives Against C-Kit Kinase: Molecular Docking and Prediction of ADME/Drug-Likeness Properties

Abolfazl Olyaei, Monir Shalbafan, Fatemeh Rahimi, Mahdieh Sadeghpour — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 08:02:00 +0000

Background & Objectives: C-Kit, a receptor tyrosine kinase involved in intracellular signaling, has a mutated form that significantly contributes to the development of certain cancers. This study aimed to evaluate a series of benzo[a]phenazin-5-ol-tethered tri- substituted methane derivatives as potential pharmacophores for inhibiting C-Kit kinase.

Materials & Methods: Benzo[a]phenazine-5-ol derivatives were sketched and converted into Mol2 files using Marvin software. Their three dimensional (3D) structures were generated and saved in PDB format. Molecular docking studies with the C-Kit kinase (PDB code 1t46) were performed using AutoDock 4.2. Additionally, the derivatives’ physicochemical properties, ADME characteristics, and drug-likeness parameters were assessed with the SwissADME online tool.

Results: Molecular docking studies of benzo[a]phenazin-5-ol derivatives ( A-L) against C-kit kinase revealed that compounds A and C exhibited greater selectivity and stronger inhibitory effects than the reference drug, Sunitinib. Ligplot analysis demonstrated that compound A formed four hydrogen bonds with Arg791(A), Ile789(A), and His790(A), while compound C formed two hydrogen bonds with Ile571(A) and Ile789(A). ADME analysis indicated that all compounds, except C, D, and I, are potential P-gp substrates. Drug-likeness analysis showed one or two violations of Lipinski’s rule of five.

Conclusion: In summary, molecular docking studies identified compounds A and C as promising lead candidates for inhibiting C-kit kinase, demonstrating superior binding to the active site compared to Sunitinib. ADME and drug-likeness analysis revealed that compound A is a potential P-gp substrate with one violation of Lipinski’s rule of five, making it the closest pharmacological match to Sunitinib and a strong candidate for further investigation.

Cytotoxicity of Ethanolic and Methanolic Extracts of Medicago sativa L. (Alfalfa) on K562 Myeloid Cancer Cell Lines

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 08:02:05 +0000

Background & Objectives: For centuries, the alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) plant has been recognized for its versatile and active role in treating various diseases. Not only has it been utilized as a therapeutic agent, but it has also been served as a dietary component for both animals and humans. Given the distinctive attributes of this plant in ethnopharmacology, this study aimed to investigate the effects of ethanolic and methanolic extracts of M. sativa L. on the K562 myeloid cell line under in vitro conditions.

Materials & Methods: The phytochemical composition of M. sativa L. was determined through Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay, wherein K562 cells were subjected to varying concentrations (50–100 μg/mL) of methanolic and ethanolic extracts over 24, 48, and 72- hour intervals to determine the IC50. Subsequently, the most promising IC50 result was employed in flow cytometry (Flow Jo Software) analysis.

Results: Active constituents identified included phytol, phenol, linolenic acid, and glycine. Statistical analysis revealed a time-dependent but not dose-dependent effect. It was noteworthy that the IC50 for the methanolic extract after 72 hours was 9.45 μg/mL, whereas it was 19.3 μg/mL for the ethanolic extract. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that the methanolic extract caused 49.16% and the ethanolic extract caused 15.42% of cell death.

Conclusion: The results demonstrated that the ethanolic extract of alfalfa is more effective than the methanolic extract on the K562 cell line. Therefore, M. sativa L. potential application in myeloid cancer therapy can be investigated in more details