Journal of Basic and Applied Research in Biomedicine

Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation: Antibiofilm Strategies and conventional methods of evaluation.

Sham Ma'aitah — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen known for its ability to form resilient biofilms, which contribute to its persistence in chronic infections and resistance to antimicrobial agents. This review provides a detailed examination of biofilm development stages—attachment, maturation, and dissemination and highlights the role of specific genes in each stage, with a focus on quorum sensing as a key regulatory mechanism governing bacterial communication within biofilms. It also evaluates conventional methods for analyzing P. aeruginosa biofilm phenotypes, discussing their purposes, advantages, and limitations. Accordingly, future research should focus on standardizing protocols, advancing imaging technologies, and targeting biofilm-specific mechanisms. Collaborative efforts across disciplines and translational research will be essential for developing effective therapies. This review aims to deepen our understanding of P. aeruginosa biofilm dynamics and highlight the implications for developing effective therapies against biofilm-associated infections.

Nanomaterials in Medicine: Advancing Drug Delivery, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics

Nasreen Kader — Sat, 30 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Nanomaterials have revolutionized various fields of medicine, providing innovative solutions for drug delivery, diagnostics, vaccines, and regenerative therapies. The aim of this review is to explore the diverse applications of nanomaterials in medicine, highlighting their potential to enhance treatment efficacy, improve patient outcomes, and address complex medical challenges. Through successful applications like Doxil and Abraxane, nanotechnology has demonstrated its ability to improve targeted drug delivery, while lipid nanoparticles have played a pivotal role in the development of mRNA vaccines for COVID-19. Nanomaterials offer unique advantages, such as their small size, tunable surface properties, and the ability to cross biological barriers, which enable precision therapies and improved diagnostic sensitivity. However, this review also addresses the challenges associated with nanomaterials, including safety concerns, potential toxicity, long-term biodegradability, and the regulatory hurdles that must be overcome for clinical translation. As researchers work to develop biocompatible and biodegradable materials, new opportunities arise in personalized medicine, stimuli-responsive nanomaterials, and theranostics that combine diagnosis and therapy into a single platform. In conclusion, while nanotechnology in medicine offers immense potential for future medical innovations, addressing safety and regulatory challenges will be crucial for the broader adoption of nanomaterials in clinical practice. This review emphasizes the need for continued research and development to realize the full potential of nanomedicine in improving healthcare outcomes globally.

Molecular Detection of Some Risk Factors of Thromboembolism among Nigerian Women on Hormonal Contraceptives

Obzzelu Progress, Emokpae Mathias, Erhabor Osaro — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Hormonal contraceptives are commonly used by women of reproductive age and may be associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism. Any rise in the relative risk of venous thromboembolism related to specific contraceptive formulations could lead to a notably elevated absolute risk. This study seeks to evaluate the potential role of Factor V Leiden (FVL) and Prothrombin G20210A mutations as risk factors for thromboembolism in users of hormonal contraceptives in Benin City. The study population consisted of 50 non-contraceptive users, 50 non-hormonal contraceptive users, 50 progestin-only contraceptive users, and 50 combined oral contraceptive users recruited from Family Planning Clinics in Benin City. Each participant provided aseptically collected venous blood, with 5.0 mL collected in total. 0.5 mL was placed in a container containing 3.1% tri-sodium citrate anticoagulant for the manual determination of Prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). Additionally, 0.5 mL of venous blood was dispensed into a plain container with 0.25 mL DNA-RNA shield solution for the detection of Factor V Leiden and Prothrombin 20210A gene mutations using PCR Duplex Prothrombin 20210 and Factor V. Data analysis was conducted using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 software. The findings revealed that the overall mutation carriage rate (AA and AG) for the Prothrombin 20210A gene (5%) was more prevalent than FVL (3%) among the subjects. Furthermore, the mean PT and APTT (in seconds) were significantly lower (p<0.001) among women using combined hormonal contraceptives. These findings suggest a potential association between the presence of FVL and FII genes mutations and thromboembolism among Nigerian women using hormonal contraceptives.

Bioassay-Guided Isolation of Antimicrobial Compounds from Marine Sponge Neopetrosia exigua

Syed Idid, Shahbudin Saad, Deny Susanti — Sat, 30 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The marine sponge Neopetrosia exigua has shown great potential as a source of bioactive compounds with significant antimicrobial properties. This study applied bioassay-guided fractionation to isolate and evaluate the antimicrobial activities of various compounds from N. exigua collected off the coast of Langkawi Island, Malaysia. Methanol extracts were partitioned into different fractions, with dichloromethane (CH₂Cl₂) and n-butanol (n-BuOH) fractions exhibiting the most potent antimicrobial activities. Four compounds were isolated: a previously undescribed bisulphate avarol derivative (1), two compounds isolated for the first time from N. exigua isohyrtiosine A (2) and demethylcystalgerone (3) and xestospongien (4), a known compound in N. exigua. The bisulphate avarol derivative (1) showed the most potent antibacterial effect, with the ability to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus at concentrations as low as 2.6 µg/mL, indicating its potential as a powerful antibacterial agent for drug development. Additionally, it exhibited strong bactericidal activity against Bacillus cereus and fungicidal activity against Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. Isohyrtiosine A (2), an indole alkaloid, exhibited moderate antimicrobial effects, while xestospongien (4) demonstrated broad-spectrum bacteriostatic activity. Demethylcystalgerone (3), a meroditerpenoid, showed selective activity against Gram-positive bacteria. These findings highlight the potential of N. exigua as a source of novel antimicrobial agents, particularly in combating antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Further research into the mechanisms of action and chemical diversity of sponge-derived compounds could lead to the development of new therapeutic agents for resistant infections.

Serum Levels of Lead and Selected Acute Phase Proteins in Patients with Substance Use Disorders

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Chronic inflammation, immune system dysfunction and elevation in the levels of toxic metals such as lead (Pb) are common observations in patients with substance use disorders (SUD). However, there is little information on the acute phase profile of SUD patients with different serum levels of Pb. Therefore, serum levels of selected acute phase proteins in SUD patients with different serum levels of Pb were determined in this study. Methods: A total of 84 adults consisting of 45 patients with SUDs and 39 controls were enrolled into this case-control study. Serum levels of Pb, albumin and C-reactive protein (CRP) were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, bromocresol green (BCG) colorimetric method, and ELISA, respectively. Thereafter, CRP-albumin ratio (CAR) was calculated as appropriate. Results: Serum levels of Pb and albumin were significantly higher in patients with SUDs compared with the controls. Considering variation in acute phase proteins based on Pb level, the serum level of albumin was significantly lower, while the serum CRP level and CAR were slightly higher in patients with SUDs whose Pb level was higher than 5 µg/dL compared with patients whose Pb level was ≤5 µg/dL. No significant differences were observed in the levels of Pb, albumin, CRP, CAR in patients with SUDs who abuse single substance compared with those who abuse multiple substances. Conclusion: SUD is associated with increased serum levels of Pb and albumin, and alteration in the serum levels of acute phase proteins appears to be influenced by the serum Pb level. Therefore, there is the need for routine measurement of Pb level in patients with SUDs as they could benefit from therapeutic interventions involving chelation of Pb which could prevent disordered acute phase responses in the patients and facilitate optimal response to antipsychotics.

Three Novel Triterpene Glycosides from the Sea Cucumber Stichopus chloronotus with Potent Cytotoxic Activities

Osama Althunibat, Ridzwan Hashim, Muhammad Taher, Jamaludin Daud — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study aimed to isolate the active cytotoxic compounds from Stichopus chloronotus. The isolation process was carried out by using successive separation methods including liquid-liquid partitioning, vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC), size exclusion chromatography, normal and reverse phase chromatography, and HPLC which had been guided by the cytotoxic assay (MTT). The bioassay guided separation technique led to isolation of three new cytotoxic saponins (A, B, and C), which exhibited positive reactions with Liebermann–Burchard reagent. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated based on the interpretation of their spectra upon analyzing them with various spectroscopic methods including infra-red spectrophotometry (IR), one and two dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), in addition to the positive mode of electrospray mass analysis (+ESI-MS). Based on the analysis, the structures of the isolated compounds were concluded as triterpene glycosides composed of holostane type aglycones attached to various sulphated sugar units. The molecular formula of the glycoside A was suggested as C₆₆ H₁₀₄Na₂O₃₆S₂ (calculated molecular weight = 1583.62 Da), B as C₆₆H₁₀₃Na₃O₄₀S₃ (MW= 1701.66 Da) and glycoside C as C₆₆H₁₀₀Na₄O₄₃S₄ (MW= 1801.69 Da). Furthermore, the cytotoxic effects of the isolated glycosides (A, B, and C) were evaluated against various cancer cell lines and found that the glycoside C (IC ₅₀ = 0.9-2.4 µM) was the most potent cytotoxic glycoside, followed by glycoside B (IC ₅₀ = 1.3-2.9 µM) and A (IC₅₀ = 2.4-7.5 µM). These findings, therefore, present S. chloronotus as a promising source of novel cytotoxic saponins with potent anti-cancer activities that require further research into their modes of action and therapeutic applications.

Limonene as a Multi-Target Antibiofilm and Quorum Sensing Inhibitor Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Haitham Qaralleh — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common causative pathogen of nosocomial infections, has recently evolved multidrug resistance, creating an urgent demand to develop alternate antimicrobials targeting virulence systems. In this study, we elucidate the inhibitory effects of limonene, a monoterpene abundantly present in citrus essential oils, on biofilm formation and quorum sensing systems of P. aeruginosa. The determination of limonene antibacterial activity determined the MIC to be 0.63 mg/mL. Limonene showed strong antibiofilm activity, inhibiting by 97.18% at MIC, while at sub-MIC (0.078 and 0.039 mg/mL), it also demonstrated good efficacy. Mechanistic analyses revealed that limonene inhibits biofilm formation via the modulation of bacterial aggregation, surface hydrophobicity, swarming motility, and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) release. Under sub-MIC levels, limonene also inhibited important virulence factors like pyocyanin, rhamnolipids, and LasA protease. Additionally, limonene played a role in interrupting quorum sensing communication, as it inhibited violacein biosynthesis by Chromobacterium violaceum and decreased acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) synthesis in P. aeruginosa. High-throughput molecular analysis confirmed massive downregulation of pivotal quorum sensing genes (lasI/R and rhlI/R), ultimately pointing to limonene's remarkable property of interfering with bacterial signaling circuitry. These results highlight limonene as a multi-target pharmacological agent against P. aeruginosa, representing a promising alternative to classical antibiotics. More studies are required to determine its mechanisms of action, effects on other quorum sensing regulated genes, and responsiveness in clinical settings. These findings add to the mounting evidence supporting the use of natural compounds against antibiotic resistance and biofilm-associated infections.

Acute and Chronic Toxicity of Xylopia aethiopica on Selected Haematological Parameters in Wistar Rats

Loveth Emokpae, Rachel Okojie, Henry Uwumarongie — Wed, 25 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Plants do not only serve as a source of food, but, also as a source of shelter, clothing and more importantly as a source of medicines for the treatment of diseases due to their therapeutic virtues. Plants like Xylopia aethiopica otherwise known as Negro pepper or African is used traditionally to treat several diseases and as food and spice in most African countries. It is of public interest to scientifically verify its toxicity and health benefits of this plant. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the administration of the leaves and fruits (with and without seeds) extracts of X. aethiopica on haematological parameters in Wistar Rats. The Wistar rats were administered with 125 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg of hydro-ethanolic extracts of the leaves, fruits with seeds and fruits without seeds extracts by oral gavage for 30 days, 60 days and 90 days while the control group received feeds and water ad libitum. After the treatment periods, rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and blood collected by cardiac puncture. Full blood count was conducted using Automated Haematology analyser. Data were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a p-value of 0.05 was considered significant. The haemoglobin (Hb) level (p =0.46) and packed cell volume (PCV) (p =0.23) of the rats were not significantly different from controls. But, mean white blood cell count (WBC) (p =0.01) and platelet count (PLT) (p =0.01) were significantly increased in a dose dependent manner after three months’ treatment. The mean WBC was significantly higher amongst the female rats, while mean platelet was higher amongst the male rats when compared with the controls. There was sex dependent increases in WBC and platelet counts among Wistar rats.

Prevalence of Salmonella and Escherichia coli and Associated Risk Factors Among Camel and Bovine Meat Slaughtered at Jigjiga Municipal Abattoir, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia

Mustafe Ahmed, Bashir Bashir, Mahamed Abdilahi, Samatar Mahamed — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

A cross-sectional study involving microbiological analysis was conducted from March 2021 to August 2021 in Jigjiga town to isolating and identifying Salmonella and E. coli from raw meats of camels and bovines slaughtered at the Jigjiga municipal abattoir and assessing possible associated related risk factors for the isolates. A total of 384 examined samples for the presence of Salmonella and E. coli. From the total samples examined, 64 (16.7%) and 44 (11.5%. were found to be E. coli and Salmonella positive respectively. Out of the 199 meat samples taken from camel, 31 (15.6%) and 32 (16.1%) were found positive for Salmonella and E. coli respectively while a total 185 meat samples of bovines, 13 (7%) and 32 (17%) were found positive for Salmonella and E. coli, respectively. In the univariable logistic regression analysis result, Salmonella revealed a statistically significant difference among different ages (OR (CI) = 2.36 (1.195–4.679); p-value = 0.013). The multivariable regression analysis showed there was no statistically significant difference between the two sex groups (OR (CI) = 2.01 (0.892–4.544); p = 0.092). In an univariable logistic regression analysis result, the odds of meat contamination in young-aged animals with E. coli were three times higher than in adult animals, showing a statistically significant difference (OR = 2.83 (1.567–5.095; p = 0.001). The prevalence of E. coli was higher in animals with poor body condition (31.9%), followed by medium (15.5%) and good body-conditioned animals (1.8%). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, the odds of contamination of samples with E. coli from poor-body condition animals were 22 times higher than samples taken from good-body condition animals (OR (CI) = 21.8 (5.022 - 95.059); p = 0.000). To prevent cross-contamination of Salmonella and E. coli, hygiene must be improved, standardized procedures, and training programs should be implemented. Further studies on molecular characterization and serotyping of these species are also needed.