Cellular and Molecular Biology

Unveiling Talaromyces marneffei emergence among HIV/AIDS patients: exploring phylogeny and molecular identification

Milad A. Mezher — 2025-02-20

Talaromyces marneffei is a pathogenic fungus that causes fatal health complications for patients who are infected with HIV. For the current investigation, sputum samples were collected from 19 immunosuppressed patients from two hospitals located in Baghdad, Iraq by which they were inoculated onto both Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) medium at 25 °C and BHI (brain heart infusion) agar at 36±1 °C for growth before being identified using single and nested PCR methods. The 18S rRNA gene sequence of T. marneffei was used to create two sets of oligonucleotide primers, RRF1 and RRH1 which are considered fungus-specific outer primers were employed. Both nested and solo PCRs using the T. marneffei-specific inner primers (Pm1 and Pm2) were carried out. To define the phylogenetic relatedness of this isolate, the MEGA X program was used to align the nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences of T. marneffei. Results showed that the wine-colored pigmented isolates in agar were dimorphic, exhibited bloom-like twigs and spore chains characteristic under the microscope, and were filamentous type colonies with light yellow villi. Finally, immuno-compromised patients in Iraq have T. marneffei in their blood cultures that will be induced to pathogenicity, and the PCR assay is valuable for T. marneffe identifying. Other results from nested PCR revealed that 8 human isolates, from 19, have specific fragments of about 400 bp on the agarose gel.

Investigating the alleviation of endothelial injury by apelin: insights from network pharmacology and in vitro experiments

Yingbang Li — 2025-02-20

Vascular lesion is the most important complication of diabetes, and vascular endothelial injury is the basis of vascular lesions. Although apelin was considered to have a positive effect on cardiovascular, the potential mechanisms remain unclear. In this work, we aimed to determine whether apelin alleviates endothelial injury through Src/Stat3 pathway. In virtue of network pharmacology, Src/Stat3 was sifted of 44 overlapping targets of diabetes and apelin. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with high glucose (HG) and oleic acid (OA) to simulate the physiological environment of endothelial injury in vitro. Cell viability and migration were promoted while apoptosis rate and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) release were reduced in the presence of apelin. Not only the protein expression of phosphorylated Src and Stat but also eNOS were raised by apelin. In conclusion, apelin dramatically improved cell status by activating Src/Stat3 pathway and increasing expression of eNOS. Apelin may provide an opportunity for the development of cardiovascular drugs.

Effect of traction force during surgery on physical integrity and histological changes in peripheral nerves: experimental study on rabbits

Rebwar Hassan Mohammed — 2025-02-20

Sensory and motor nerve damage is a common complication of maxillofacial surgery and trauma. Procedures such as orthognathic surgery, tumor resection, and salivary gland interventions can damage peripheral nerves when the surrounding soft tissue or the nerve itself is manipulated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the histological changes in the sciatic and median nerves of albino rabbits following traction-induced nerve injury. Nine albino rabbits were included in the study and divided equally into three groups, with three rabbits per group. In each rabbit, four peripheral nerves were exposed: the right and left sciatic nerves and the right and left median nerves. In Group A, varying traction forces (0.5 N, 1 N, 1.5 N, and a control of 0 N) were applied to each nerve for 5 minutes. The same traction forces used in Group A were applied to Groups B and C for 10 minutes and 15 minutes, respectively. Nerve fiber abnormalities, as well as damage to the axons, myelin sheath, and connective tissue layers, were assessed through histological examination. Histopathological evaluation of the injured nerves revealed Grade I and Grade II nerve injuries in Group A, while Grade IV and Grade V nerve injuries were noted in Groups B and C, respectively, based on the criteria established by the histopathologist.

Effect of vgb gene on microbial chondroitin sulfate production in recombinant Escherichia coli pETM6-PACF-vgb and physicochemical characterization of produced chondroitin sulfate

Ayse Sebnem Erenler — 2025-02-20

Chondroitin Sulfate (CS) is an essential component of the extracellular matrix and is a sulfated glycosaminoglycan structurally composed of a polysaccharide chain consisting of N-acetyl galactosamine and glucuronic acid. The use of CS of animal origin is common in pharmacological research. The disadvantages of traditional sources and methods used in the production of CS, which is used in various applications in the medicine, veterinary, pharmacy, and cosmetic sectors, have made microbial production a vital alternative. In this study, recombinant Escherichia coli (pETM6-PACF-vgb) strain, in which kfoA, kfoC, kfoF and vgb gene regions are co-expressed, and E. coli pETM6-PACF strain, which does not contain the vgb gene, were used in the microbial production of CS. The vgb gene is the region responsible for expressing the bacterial protein Vitreoscilla hemoglobin (VtHb). This study investigated the effect of the expression of VtHb in E. coli on increasing bacterial cell respiration and, therefore, how ATP production would affect cell growth and the acquisition of chondroitin and microbial chondroitin sulfate (MCS) from biomass. The analysis results determined a 23.07% increase in the amount of MCS produced from the vgb⁺ strain. The presence of vgb had positively affected culture age and reproductive kinetics. Spectrophotometric measurements, NMR, HPLC, FT-IR, TGA, DTA, and DSC analyses for the reproductive values and physicochemical characterization of the obtained MCS were applied to discuss this production process. For more detailed results on this subject, future research focused on optimization is needed.

Long non-coding RNA LINC00520 promotes malignant progression of gastric adenocarcinoma through miR-519b-3p/HIF1A axis

Jie An — 2025-02-20

Gastric cancer is a prevalent malignant tumor, characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates globally. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a class of transcripts exceeding 200 nucleotides in length, are non-protein-coding molecules that exert crucial regulatory functions in cellular biology. Investigating the regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs in gastric cancer is essential. This study aimed to elucidate the functional role and molecular mechanisms of LINC00520 in gastric cancer. Initially, the GEO database was screened for differentially expressed genes associated with the malignant progression of gastric cancer. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was utilized to ascertain the LINC00520 expression in gastric cancer tissues. Subsequently, cellular functional assays were conducted to investigate the potential effects of LINC00520 on cellular behavior. The interaction between LINC00520, miR-519b-3p, and HIF1A was examined through bioinformatics analysis, and their binding interactions were confirmed using dual-luciferase reporter gene assays and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. Our findings revealed a marked increase in the LINC00520 expression in gastric cancer tissues. Overexpression of LINC00520 was observed to enhance the malignant progression of gastric cancer cells. Through bioinformatics analysis, dual-luciferase reporter assays, and RIP assays, we demonstrated that LINC00520 upregulated HIF1A expression by competitively binding to miR-519b-3p, thereby acting as a molecular sponge. In conclusion, this study indicates that LINC00520, which is highly expressed in gastric cancer, exerts its effects by targeting the miR-519b-3p/HIF1A axis. These insights provide a foundation for developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for gastric cancer.

Notch/IL33/ST2 signaling was involved in the maintenance of intestinal epithelial barrier through regulating tight junction after LPS stimulation

Yuanling Zhang — 2025-02-20

Interleukin-33(IL33), an alarm cytokine of the IL-1 family, is expressed mainly in epithelial cells of barrier tissues and is involved in the repair of epithelia to maintain barrier function. However, the mechanisms regulating IL33 expression and the mechanisms by which IL33 regulates the intestinal barrier function are not fully clarified. In this study, Caco-2 cells and siRNA were applied to investigate the role of Notch/IL33/ST2 Signaling in regulating intestinal epithelial barrier function, which was demonstrated by protein expression of tight junctions and trans-epithelial resistance (TER) assay. Our results revealed that Notch signaling pathway was activated and IL33 expression was up-regulated after LPS stimulation. After blocking Notch signaling with DPAT or siRNA for Notch1, IL33 expression was significantly down-regulated in Caco-2 cells. The protein expression of tight junctions (ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1) was down-regulated after siRNA for IL33 in Caco-2 cells with LPS stimulation. Also, the intestinal epithelial TER was down-regulated after siRNA for IL33 with LPS stimulation or not. Exogeneous IL33 promoted the tight junction protein expression and increased the TER. Finally, our data further showed that IL33 regulates intestinal epithelial barrier function through the ST2 receptor. In conclusion, our results indicated that IL33/ST2 axis, which was activated by the Notch signaling, maintains intestinal epithelial barrier function through regulating tight junction protein expression under inflammatory conditions. This study provides a new therapeutic pathway of regulating intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction.

Comparative renoprotective effect of Tamarix dioica leaf extracts and metformin against acetaminophen-induced renal toxicity in Swiss albino mice: Novel insights on renoprotection and therapeutic potential

Aishah E Albalawi — 2025-02-20

Nephrotoxicity is characterized by the adverse effects on kidney function caused by various substances, including hazardous chemicals and drugs. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective properties of aqueous, methanolic, and ethanolic extracts of Tamarix dioica leaf against acetaminophen-induced kidney damage and compare their efficacy with metformin, a known neuroprotective agent. Thirty-six albino mice were randomly divided into six groups, including a standard control group, an acetaminophen-toxified group, a positive control group treated with metformin (at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight), and three experimental groups treated with aqueous, methanolic, and ethanolic T. dioica extracts (at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight each). The neuroprotective potential of the T. dioica extracts was assessed by evaluating hematological markers, electrolyte levels (Na+, K+, Cl-), antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, MDA), renal function tests (urea and creatinine), and toxicity markers (SGOT and SGPT). Additionally, histopathological analysis was conducted to observe any pathological changes in kidney tissues stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The results demonstrated that the T. dioica leaf extracts effectively restored all the indicators and antioxidant enzyme levels to normal, significantly differing from the elevated levels observed in the acetaminophen control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, histopathological examination revealed regeneration of glomeruli and renal tubules in the stained tissues. These findings suggest that T. dioica leaf extracts can potentially mitigate acetaminophen-induced nephrotoxicity.

Genome-wide identification: molecular characterization and evolutionary aspects of Sox genes in Nile tilapia

Muhammad Farhan Khan — 2025-02-20

Nile tilapia has become one the most significant species in global aquaculture due to its exceptional adaptability, rapid growth and high reproductive capacity. Role of Sox genes in reproduction and development made attention to further investigate the role of these genes. Based on N. tilapia importance in aquaculture industry and role of Sox genes in the development of tissues and organs during embryogenesis, this study systematically analyzed Sox genes functionality in N. tilapia by using computational tools. In our study, phylogenetic analysis revealed that N. tilapia is most closely related to blue tilapia compared to other species. Sox genes are conserved in nature and share both acidic and basic properties as well as thermostable and hydrophobic in nature. The subcellular localization in N. tilapia indicated that majority of the Sox proteins are expressed in the Nucleus and Cytoplasm. Enrichment analysis explains the Sox genes’ role in cell differentiation, and biosynthesis process and acts as a molecular functional regulator. Significant differences in transcription binding sites were observed, highlighting the potential role of these regulatory regions in the regulation of Sox genes in N. tilapia. First time it is reported that Sox genes in N. tilapia have four major recombinant breakpoints that revealed phylogenetic segregation across several recombination fragments. In this primer, we aim to provide the reader with a comprehensive overview of Sox gene family in N. tilapia and to provide the functional properties of Sox genes for better follow-up in upcoming experiments for futuristic research.

Combined use of WNT signal pathway inhibitor FH535 and docetaxel causes mitotic catastrophism and antiproliferative effect in non-small cell lung cancer

Eda Nur Avşar — 2025-02-20

The development of treatment methods used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is important to prevent problem of increasing mortality. However, the treatment methods used in clinical settings at the clinic are insufficient to eliminate this problem. For this purpose, it was aimed to determine whether the combination of docetaxel (DTX) and FH535 can be used as an anticancer agent candidate in A549 cells and whether it is a candidate drug combination that can be used in clinical treatment after in vivo studies. FH535 is a WNT signaling pathway inhibitor and is known to be overactive in NSCLC. In this study, the effects of DTX and WNT signaling pathway inhibitor FH535 used in NSCLC treatment on A549 and BEAS-2B cell lines were evaluated at the cellular level. While increasing the anticancer activity in A549 cells, the doses showing minimum toxic effect in BEAS-2B cells were determined by Real Time Cell Analysis method. Mitotic activity, BrdU cell proliferation assay and caspase 3,7 activity assay were performed for detailed analysis of the combination dose at cellular level. The results show that the combined dose had an antimitotic effect on A549 cells, causing mitotic catastrophism, while in BEAS-2B cells neither agent was more toxic than either agent alone, reducing mitotic activity and BrdU activity, leading the cell to mitotic catastrophism, while caspase 3,7 activity was unchanged. This study demonstrated for the first time the effects of the combination of DTX and FH535 on A549 and BEAS-2B cell lines.

Exploring IFN-γ +874T/A gene polymorphisms among suspected tuberculosis cases in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Tani Sagna — 2025-02-20

Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) plays a crucial role in resistance to mycobacterial infections, as it is a regulatory cytokine that acts as a pro-inflammatory mediator. Consequently, variants in the gene encoding this cytokine may be associated with a high risk of contracting pulmonary tuberculosis. The present study aimed to investigate the genetic susceptibility of polymorphisms in the gene coding for IFN-γ to infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Burkina Faso. This cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2023 to January 2024. Venous blood was collected from suspected cases. Tuberculosis was confirmed by GeneXpert (CEPHEID). Human genomic DNA was extracted using the salting-out extraction technique, followed by the amplification and genotyping of IFN-γ gene polymorphisms,through the conventional PCR. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS and Epi info software. A total of 168 participants were included in the study, with an average age of 38.58 ±14.88, the majority of whom were men (76.19%). In our study population, 73.2% (123/168) were confirmed positive for tuberculosis. Some 46.4% (78/168) of the previous cases were contacts. Of these contact cases, 82.05% (64/78) were GeneXpert positive. The genotypic frequencies of the IFN-γ gene were distributed as follows: 73.3% (AA), 21.8% (AT) and 4.9% (TT), with a frequency of 84.2% for the A allele versus 15.8% for the mutated T allele. No statistically significant association was found between IFN-γ gene polymorphisms and M. tuberculosis infection in Burkina Faso. IFN-γ gene polymorphisms (IFN +874T/A) do not appear to be associated with M. tuberculosis infection in Burkina Faso.

Biological effects of L-carnitine on ovine oocyte maturation and embryo development

Abbase Darzi nia — 2025-02-20

This study was conducted to determine the effects of L-carnitine on in vitro ovine maturation and early embryo development. In the first experiment, oocytes were matured in TCM-199 medium with different concentrations of L-carnitine (0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mM) and after fertilization, presumptive zygotes were cultured for 9 days on mCR2aa medium. In the second experiment, oocytes were matured in a maturation medium with various concentrations of L-carnitine (0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mM). After fertilization, presumptive zygotes were cultured in a culture medium containing various L-carnitine concentrations (0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mM). In vitro maturation (IVM) was carried out in a humid atmosphere of 5% CO2, 5% O2, and 90% N2 at 38.5 °C, and for in vitro culture (IVC), the concentration of O2 decreased to 5%. Morula and blastocyst development was evaluated on days 5 and 9, respectively. The results of the first experiment showed that the concentrations of 0.125, and 0.25 mM L-carnitine numerically led to an increase in the percentage of morula, blastocyst, and hatched blastocyst compared with control. The percentage of blastocyst formation increased at concentrations of 0.125 mM and 0.25 mM (31.97 ± 0.74 and 31.60 ± 1.39, respectively) compared with the control treatment (29.44 ± 2.42) (p>0.05). The results of the second experiment showed that the different concentrations of L-carnitine, simultaneously in the maturation and culture media of ovine embryos, similar results were observed when it was used only in the maturation medium, and the percentage of blastocyst formation increased at concentrations of 0.125 mM and 0.25 mM (35.62 ± 0.45 and 35.04 ± 1.70, respectively) compared to the control treatment (31.56 ± 3.39) (p>0.05). In conclusion, the use of L-carnitine in the media for oocyte maturation and embryo culture is recommended.

Prenatal DEHP exposure induces hippocampal neurotoxicity in male offspring via PTEN dysregulation and impaired Akt/mTOR and NMDA signaling

Natalia Kiknadze — 2025-02-20

Widespread human exposure to phthalates is caused by their intensive usage in industrial and consumer plastic products. DEHP (di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) is one of the most often used phthalates and is presented not only in food and fluids but also in the air and dust contact with plastic products. Regrettably, phthalates easily migrate into the human body and act as potent toxicants, mainly on endocrine and metabolic status. In the last decade, several epidemiological studies have indicated a correlation between prenatal exposure to phthalates and adverse effects on neurodevelopment in offspring. Our research aimed to assess the impact of DEHP prenatal subchronic exposure on male offspring's behavior and learning ability and identify the primary target brain structure/s of neurotoxic action. Heightened anxiety in male offspring was evident through increased rearing, frequent line crossings, hurried movements, and reduced grooming behavior. These behaviors were accompanied by a decline in recognition memory and diminished interest in exploring novel objects. Obtained data showed that prenatal oral exposure to DEHP in a selected concentration induces irreversible changes in brain structures of the male offspring, primarily in the hippocampus, that underlies significant alterations in cognitive behavior and enhanced anxiety. The molecular mechanism of DEHP-induced hippocampal neurotoxicity in the maturing male brain involves changes in phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) subcellular location, which suppresses Akt/mTOR signaling, enhances GluN2B NMDA mediated synapse depression and decreases mitochondrial fusion.

Prevalence, genotyping, and molecular relatedness of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from tertiary care hospitals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Turki M. Dawoud — 2025-02-20

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major nosocomial pathogen causing severe morbidity and mortality in hospitals globally.Transmission of MRSA occurs within the healthcare sector as a nosocomial infection, primarily facilitated by healthcare workers or patients admitted to medical facilities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic characterization and similarity of MRSA strains isolated from both inpatients and outpatients who visited various healthcare facilities in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A total of 200 MRSA strains were isolated from participants between March 2018 and June 2019. The recovered strains were characterized using both phenotypic and genotypic methods. All isolates (n=200) tested positive for the S. aureus 16S rRNA gene, with 92.5% also testing positive for the mecA gene, while 7.5% were identified as methicillin-susceptible. Furthermore, the typing and subtyping of the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) genetic element indicated that 61.6% of the MRSA strains were classified as type III (hospital-acquired), while 32.4% were identified as type IV and 6% remained of an unknown type. Subtyping of SCCmec type IV and the detection of the Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) gene were also conducted. The genetic relatedness among MRSA isolates, assessed through Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Polymerase Chain Reaction (RAPD-PCR), revealed two primary clusters, with no discernible differentiation between outpatient and inpatient strains. Additionally, Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) fingerprinting of the examined strains identified four major clusters. The first cluster comprised three groups (16 strains), isolated from patients with respiratory and soft tissue infections. The second cluster included two groups (12 strains), all recovered from patients with respiratory, soft tissue, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). The third and fourth clusters each contained one group (6 strains and 5 strains, respectively), all isolated from outpatients. In conclusion, Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed significant resistance to ceftriaxone, ampicillin, and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, with vancomycin and gentamicin being the most susceptible. Multiplex PCR identified all positive MRSA strains within hours. Most isolates were SCCmec type III and type IV. The PVL gene was found in all S. aureus isolates, especially in type IV and methicillin-sensitive strains, but not in type III. RAPD-PCR analysis revealed distinct profiles for outpatient and inpatient strains.

Targeting acetate kinase of Porphyromonas gingivalis: a computational approach to identifying novel inhibitors for endodontic infection treatment

Nezar Boreak — 2025-02-20

This study explores a novel approach to treating endodontic infections by targeting the acetate kinase (Ack) enzyme of Porphyromonas gingivalis, a key pathogen in these infections. Using computational methods, we developed an apo receptor-based E-pharmacophore model of P. gingivalis Ack and screened the ZINC Lead-Like database containing over 1.8 million compounds. High-throughput virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulations identified ZINC001306857494 as a promising lead compound, demonstrating stable binding to the Ack active site with a binding free energy of -41.66 kcal/mol. The compound forms multiple hydrogen bonds with highly conserved residues, including Leu119, His180, and Arg241. Molecular dynamics simulations over 250 ns confirmed the stability of the protein-ligand complex, with sustained interactions throughout the simulation period. This study presents a potential new scaffold for developing Ack inhibitors, offering a promising avenue for treating endodontic infections caused by P. gingivalis.

Electronic structures of isoquercitrin and its pharmacokinetic exploration with Dengue virus 1 NS5 methyl transferase

Afaf S Alwabli — 2025-02-20

An enzyme called dengue virus (DENV) non-structural protein 5 (NS5) methyltransferase (MTase) aids in the virus's replication by encasing viral RNA. Here, we report on the impact of the dengue virus (DENV) protein NS5 methyltransferase domain (NS5-MTase). This study investigates the structural, electronic, and biological properties of isoquercitrin using Density Functional Theory (DFT). Frontier molecular orbital energies were evaluated to assess the reactivity of the compounds, while molecular electrostatic potential mapping provided insights into charge distribution. In-silico ADME and toxicity analyses were conducted to determine the drug-likeness and safety profiles of the compound. Molecular docking simulations examined the binding interactions between Isoquercitrin and its target protein. To evaluate the potential of Isoquercitrin as a drug candidate, aspects such as absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, toxicity (ADMET), drug-likeness, and compound accessibility were analyzed. The ADME and toxicity results revealed promising drug-like properties and low toxicity, underscoring the compound's therapeutic potential.

Immune cells mediated the causal relationship between perturbational phenotyping of human blood cells and neuropathy pain: a two-sample and mediated mendelian randomized study

Qingwen Chen — 2025-02-20

Current research reveals a complex relationship between blood cells(BC) and neuropathic pain(NP), though the underlying biological mechanisms remain unclear. This study applies Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate causal relationships between BC and three major types of NP: diabetic peripheral neuropathy(PDPN), postherpetic neuralgia(PHN), and trigeminal neuralgia(TN). We also explore the potential mediating role of immune cells in these associations. We employed a two-sample, two-step Mendelian randomization study using the inverse variance weighted method to investigate the causal effect of BC on three major types of NP, as well as the mediating role of immune cells in the association between BC and NP. Additionally, we utilized a two-step Mendelian randomization design to explore the mediating effect of immune cells. We identified 13 distinct blood cell phenotypes under various perturbation conditions that have a significant causal relationship with NP. Additionally, we discovered 127 immune cells that exhibit a notable causal connection with NP. Through Mendelian Randomization (MR) and two-step Mendelian Randomization analyses, we found the following results: Three blood cell phenotypes were associated with PDPN, three with PHN, and seven with TN, with platelet, red blood cell, monocyte, and neutrophil responses showing significant correlations with NP risks. Immune cell analyses revealed 36 phenotypes increasing and 31 decreasing PDPN risk, 16 increasing and 21 decreasing PHN risk, and 18 increasing and 13 decreasing TN risk, with HLA DR on DCs, PB/PC AC, and CD39+ CD4+ %T cell showing the strongest associations, respectively. Mediation analysis identified immune cells, such as CD39+ resting Treg and HLA DR+ CD4+ %lymphocyte, mediating PBC effects on NP risks. Sensitivity analyses confirmed no significant heterogeneity or pleiotropy, and reverse MR analyses found no reverse causal relationships. This study provides new evidence for the causal relationship between blood cell phenotypes and neuropathic pain and proposes immune factors with potential mediating effects. However, this finding needs to be further demonstrated by more extensive clinical studies.

Green synthesis and antibacterial activity of silver and gold nanoparticles using crude flavonoids extracted from Bombax ceiba flowers

Noor Aziz — 2025-02-20

The present study explores the simple and eco-friendly green synthesis of silver (AgNPs) and gold (AuNPs) nanoparticles using aqueous flower extract of Bombax ceiba, commonly known as silk cotton. The extract, rich in flavonoids, serves as both a reducing and capping agent, facilitating the synthesis of metal nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using UV spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confirming their formation and stability. The antibacterial activity of the AgNPs, AuNPs, and crude flavonoids was evaluated against several bacterial strains, including Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus, using the agar well diffusion method. Our results show that AgNPs exhibit significant antibacterial activity, particularly against Gram-negative bacteria, with a marked zone of inhibition observed for S. typhi and E. coli. The inhibition zone increased with higher concentrations of AgNPs. In contrast, AuNPs and flavonoid solutions demonstrated only mild antibacterial effects, with no significant inhibition observed at lower concentrations (1–6 µL). The antibacterial efficacy of AgNPs was comparable to that of standard antibiotics, such as Azithromycin for Gram-positive bacteria and Ciprofloxacin for Gram-negative bacteria, suggesting their potential as effective antimicrobial agents. The antibacterial activity of the synthesized nanoparticles and the crude flavonoid extract highlights the promising use of Bombax ceiba flower extract in the green synthesis of metal nanoparticles with potential biomedical applications.

Impact of metformin therapy on serum visfatin levels in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and randomized permuted meta-analysis

E. Prabhakar Reddy — 2025-02-20

Visfatin, an, is associated with reproductive and metabolic disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Although visfatin levels are known to be elevated in PCOS, the effect of metformin treatment on these levels remains unclear. This meta-analysis aimed to assess changes in circulating visfatin levels before and after metformin intervention in PCOS patients. Relevant studies were identified through comprehensive searches, and a random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Sensitivity analysis and randomized permuted meta-analyses (with 1,000, 10,000, and 100,000 iterations) were performed to validate the findings. The analysis included four studies and showed a significant reduction in visfatin levels following metformin treatment (SMD: -0.45, 95% CI: -0.76 to -0.14, p = 0.0043). These results highlight metformin's impact on visfatin levels in PCOS, though larger trials are needed to further explore visfatin's role as a therapeutic target in PCOS.