Anti-proliferative, Anti-angiogenic and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Moringa peregrina Leaf Extracts on Testosterone- Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Rats

AIM

To investigate the potential anti-inflammatory and biochemical effects of Moringa peregrina leaf extracts on testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in rats.

METHODS

Six groups of rats (each group included 5 rats) were included in this study. The groups included: 1) the control group, 2) the testosterone-induced BPH group, 3) with 50 mg/kg bwt (bodyweight) oil-treated BPH, 4) with 100 mg/kg bwt. oil-treated BPH, 5) with 500mg/kg bwt. ethanol treated BPH and 6) with 1,000 mg/kg bwt. aqueous treated BPH group. Biochemical markers were measured to evaluate the effect of M. peregrina leaf extracts.

RESULTS

Our results showed a significant improvement in the thickness of epithelial cells of the BPH glandular tissues when treated with different M. peregrina extracts (p < 0.05). In addition, M. peregrina extracts showed anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenesis effects on the BPH tissues by reduction of IL-6, PCNA and VEGF-A, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our preclinical study concluded that M. peregrina leaf extracts showed a significant effect on BPH by reducing inflammation, proliferation, and angiogenic processes with no signs of toxicity.

Heat shock proteins gene expression and physiological responses in durum wheat (Triticum durum) under salt stress

Salt stress is a major abiotic stress causing adverse effects on plant growth and development. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of NaCl stress on growth, stress indicator parameters (lipid peroxidation, chlorophyll content and proline content), yield, and the expression of heat shock proteins genes (Hsp17.8, Hsp26.3, Hsp70 and Hsp101) of five Jordanian durum wheat (Triticum durum) landraces. Plants were irrigated with tap water as control or 200 mM NaCl. Significant differences among the 5 Triticum durum landraces in terms of growth parameters, stress indicator parameters, and expression of heat shock proteins genes were observed. Salt stressed landraces demonstrated decreased growth, increased levels of stress indicator parameters, and upregulation in Hsp17.8, Hsp26.3, Hsp70 and Hsp101 expression. Landraces T11 and M23 showed the highest growth, lowest levels of stress indicator parameters, and high expression of heat shock protein genes under NaCl stress. Whereas, J2 and A8 landraces showed the lowest growth, highest levels of stress indicator parameters and low expression of heat shock protein genes under NaCl stress. In conclusion, NaCl stress caused significant reduction in growth parameters, increased level of lipid peroxidation and proline content and upregulation in heat shock proteins gene expression levels. Growth, stress indicator parameters and gene expression results suggest that T11 and M23 landraces are the most NaCl stress tolerant landraces and could be used to enhance the gene pool in wheat breeding programs.

4,977-bp human mitochondrial DNA deletion is associated with asthenozoospermic infertility in Jordan

Male infertility is commonly associated with sperm abnormalities including asthenozoospermia. The molecular basis of asthenozoospermia was linked to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations. The 4,977-bp human mtDNA deletion is one of the most common mutations of spermatozoa and results in loss of about 33% of the mitochondrial genome. In this preliminary study, we aimed to investigate the presence of 4,977-bp mtDNA deletion in asthenozoospermic infertile men in Jordan. Semen specimens of 120 asthenozoospermic infertile men and 80 normozoospermic individuals were collected at the in vitro fertilization unit. MtDNA was extracted after the enrichment of spermatozoa; then, polymerase chain reaction was performed using 4,977-bp mtDNA deletion-specific primers. The deletion of 4,977-bp mtDNA was detected in 79.2% of asthenozoospermic patients compared to 10% in normozoospermic controls. The results showed a significant association between the presence of 4,977-bp mtDNA deletion and the asthenozoospermia and infertility (OR = 34.2000, 95% CI = 14.57-80.26, p-value < .001). In conclusion, our findings underscored a strong association between 4,977-bp mtDNA deletion and asthenozoospermia in the Jordanian population.

Evaluation of Vitamin B12, Folate and Ferritin Serum Levels in Jordanian Population

Vitamin B12, folate, and ferritin are vital for the development of the nervous system, blood formation, and diverse metabolic functions. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the status of vitamin B12, folate and ferritin in the Jordanian population across distinct geographical locations. In this retrospective study, the cohort population included 2,880 Jordanian individuals with an average age of 47 y for males and 34 y for females (January 2014-December 2016). Vitamin B12, folate, and ferritin were measured in the blood samples by immunoassay on an automated instrument. Prevalence of low levels of vitamin B12 among males and females was similar across the four regions (24%). Equivalently high levels of folate were reported in males (24.4%) and females (23.4%). Additionally, 37.4% of males and 20.4% of females showed low levels of ferritin. Pearson's correlations did not show any association between age, vitamin B12, folate, and ferritin levels in both sexes. Univariate odd ratio (OR) and age-adjusted OR in males showed a significant decrease in low vitamin B12 risk in the region of Tafela when compared to Irbid. In conclusion, our results showed a significant difference in vitamin B12 levels between populations according to their geographical locations. Ferritin levels were low in almost a quarter of the Jordanian population with a high prevalence in males and females in Irbid and Maan, respectively. These differences might be associated with the genetic, dietary and lifestyle situation which requires further studies to elucidate the risk factors for vitamin B12 and ferritin deficiency.

Homologous G776G Variant of Transcobalamin-II Gene is Linked to Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) deficiency, due to improper internalization of cobalamin, is a metabolic disorder prevalent in impoverished and elderly populations and is associated with megaloblastic anemia and dementia. It has been suggested that mutations in transcobalamin II (TCN2) or gastric intrinsic factor (GIF) proteins can alter their binding efficiency to cobalamin or reduce the ability of their receptors to internalize them. In this case-control study, the correlation between vitamin B12 deficiency and alternative alleles of TCN2 and GIF was investigated in a Jordanian population. One hundred individuals with vitamin B12 deficiency (B12 < 200 mg/mL) were enrolled in our study to evaluate the TCN2 and GIF polymorphisms. The control group (B12 > 200 mg/mL) included 100 individuals. Our results indicated a significant association between the homologous variant of the TCN2 gene (G776G) and vitamin B12 deficiency, and an intermediate phenotype in heterozygous individuals (p < 0.001, OR = 5.6, 95% CI = 2.95 to 10.63). The GIF gene, however, showed no correlation between the A68G variant and vitamin B12 deficiency (p = 0.2). This study expounds the association of TCN2 polymorphism with cobalamin levels in a Jordanian population and highlights the necessity of further studies to elucidate the molecular basis and impact of TCN2 and GIF genes polymorphisms on vitamin B12 deficiency and associated disorders.

Integrating morphological characters, molecular markers, and distribution patterns to assess the identity of Blepharis species from Jordan

BACKGROUND

Blepharis constitutes an important part of the vegetation of the Jordanian arid and semi-arid regions, yet whether one or more species of this genus occurs in the Jordanian area is uncertain. We addressed this question by assessing morphological characters and testing Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers from three populations of Blepharis: two northern (lower slopes of Kufranjah valley and the Dead Sea region) and one southern (Wadi al Yutm).

RESULTS

Shoots from randomly chosen Blepharis plants were harvested from each of the three populations for morphological and molecular analyses. In the northern populations, spikes were lax and bract width was significantly shorter than length of the longest lateral spine compared to the southern population. A multivariate linear discriminant analysis distinguished the northern populations from the southern one by internode length, bract width, longest lateral spine length, and bract width to spine length ratio. The ISSR analysis revealed that 44 markers across eight primers were polymorphic with major allele frequency of 83.6% and an average of 5.5 polymorphic markers per primer. The genetic resemblance among individuals ranged from 0.27 to 0.96. The three Blepharis populations were accordingly clustered into two distinct groups, similar to the analysis of morphological differences and corresponding with the "northern" and "southern" population designations.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results strongly indicate the occurrence of two discrete Blepharis species in Jordan and reject the hypothesis that the genus is represented by only one species. We propose that the Blepharis species in Jordan are B. attenutata Napper (represented by the northern populations) and B. ciliaris (L.) B. L. Burtt (represented by the southern population). These findings are important for informing and revising floristic work within the region and an updated key has been included in our findings.

Role of Arabidopsis ABF1/3/4 during det1 germination in salt and osmotic stress conditions

Arabidopsis det1 mutants exhibit salt and osmotic stress resistant germination. This phenotype requires HY5, ABF1, ABF3, and ABF4. While DE-ETIOLATED 1 (DET1) is well known as a negative regulator of light development, here we describe how det1 mutants also exhibit altered responses to salt and osmotic stress, specifically salt and mannitol resistant germination. LONG HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5) positively regulates both light and abscisic acid (ABA) signalling. We found that hy5 suppressed the det1 salt and mannitol resistant germination phenotype, thus, det1 stress resistant germination requires HY5. We then queried publically available microarray datasets to identify genes downstream of HY5 that were differentially expressed in det1 mutants. Our analysis revealed that ABA regulated genes, including ABA RESPONSIVE ELEMENT BINDING FACTOR 3 (ABF3), are downregulated in det1 seedlings. We found that ABF3 is induced by salt in wildtype seeds, while homologues ABF4 and ABF1 are repressed, and all three genes are underexpressed in det1 seeds. We then investigated the role of ABF3, ABF4, and ABF1 in det1 phenotypes. Double mutant analysis showed that abf3, abf4, and abf1 all suppress the det1 salt/osmotic stress resistant germination phenotype. In addition, abf1 suppressed det1 rapid water loss and open stomata phenotypes. Thus interactions between ABF genes contribute to det1 salt/osmotic stress response phenotypes.

Association between MTHFR 677C>T Polymorphism and Vitamin B12 Deficiency: A Case-control Study

BACKGROUND

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency is a prevalent worldwide health concern. Several factors are associated with vitamin B12 deficiency including lifestyle, genetic predisposition, and malfunctions in the absorption and transport of vitamin B12. In the current case-control study, we aimed at investigating the association between MTHFR polymorphisms and vitamin B12 deficiency in a Jordanian population.

METHODS

Two polymorphic sites of the MTHFR gene (c.677C>T, rs1801133 and c.1286A>C, rs1801131) were analyzed using RFLP and DNA sequencing in a group of vitamin B12 deficient individuals (45 males and 55 females). As a control, 100 matching individuals (age and sex) with vitamin B12 levels > 200 ng/mL were also recruited for this study.

RESULTS

The MTHFR c.677C>T variant was significantly associated with vitamin B12 deficiency in individuals from northern Jordan. The frequency of the homozygous MTHFR c.677C>T genotype was significantly higher in B12 deficient individuals in comparison with the control group (X2 = 8.397, p = 0.0150). The T allele frequency showed significant association with vitamin B12 deficiency in the study population (OR= 1.684, 95% CI: 1.116 to 2.542, p = 0.017). On the other hand, the MTHFR c.1286A>C variant did not show significant association with vitamin B12 deficiency in the selected population.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed a significant association between homozygous MTHFR c.677C>T variant and T allele frequencies and vitamin B12 deficiency in the Jordanian population.

Plants genotoxicity as pollution bioindicator in Jordan using comet assay

This study aimed to assess genotoxicity in wild plants grown in Jordan as a pollution bioindicator. Comet assay was used to evaluate the level of DNA damage in plants collected from different areas in Jordan. Significant differences in plant DNA damage index and frequency were observed among sites of collection. Results show that plants collected from Aqaba back road and Ghour Assaal had significantly higher damage values. In contrast, plants collected from Wadi Rum, Al Naqab Heights, Swaimeh/Deadsea and Alshoneh Aljanobyeh showed low levels of DNA damage. A similar trend was observed for lipid peroxidation rates. Furthermore, heavy metal analysis showed that plants collected from Aqaba back road and Aqaba airport had the highest Al, Cr, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb contents. A significant correlation was observed between DNA Damage Index, DNA Damage Frequency, lipid peroxidation rate, soil Cu, Cd and Pb biomarkers, indicating that heavy metals pollution is a major source for genotoxicity in these plant species. Finally, our results approved the feasibility of using plants and Comet assay system as a diagnostic tool for pollution in any environment adversely affected by different pollution sources.

Phenotypic and molecular variation in drought tolerance of Jordanian durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) landraces

Drought is considered one of the major constraints of plant growth and productivity worldwide. Plants respond to drought through different mechanisms including physiological, biochemical, and gene expression modulation. Studying these mechanisms will provide better understanding of drought response mechanisms and will help breeders in developing new cultivars. In this study, growth, biochemical, and molecular responses of four wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) landraces to drought stress (300 mM mannitol) were investigated at the seedling stage. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to assess gene expression level for a drought stress responsive gene (DHN15.1). Germination percentage, shoot length, root length, and root number for all T. durum landraces were decreased significantly under drought stress. However, drought stress caused an increase in proline content, lipid peroxidation level, and DHN15.1 transcript level. According to the studied traits, the Karak landrace showed long shoots (48% relative to its control), the longest roots (45% relative to its control) and the highest proline content (483% relative to its control). The results indicate that from the landraces studied, Karak may be selected as the most tolerant wheat landrace and may help in wheat breeding programs for adaptation to drought-prone environments.

Cadmium, copper and zinc toxicity effects on growth, proline content and genetic stability of Solanum nigrum L., a crop wild relative for tomato; comparative study

Plants like other organisms are affected by environmental factors. Cadmium, copper and zinc are considered the most important types of pollutants in the environment. In this study, a comparison of growth and biochemical parameters between the crop wild relative (CWR) Solanum nigrum versus its cultivated relative Solanum lycopersicum to different levels of Cu, Zn and Cd stress were investigated. The presence of ZnSO4 and CuSO4 in Murashige and Skoog medium affected severely many growth parameters (shoot length, number of roots and leaves, and fresh weight) of both S. nigrum and S. lycopersicum at high levels. On the other hand, CdCl2 significantly reduced most of the studied growth parameters for both species. S. nigrum exhibited higher tolerance than S. lycopersicum for all types of stress. In addition, results show that as stress level increased in the growing medium, proline content of both S. nigrum and S. lycopersicum increased. A significant difference was observed between the two species in proline accumulation as a result of stress. In addition, a higher accumulation rate was observed in the crop wild relative (S. nigrum) than in cultivated S. lycopersicum. Changes in Inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) pattern of CuSO4 treated S. nigrum and S. lycopersicum plants were also observed. In conclusion, based on growth and biochemical analysis, S. nigrum showed higher level of metals tolerance than S. lycopersicum which indicates the possibility of using it as a crop wild relative for S. lycopersicum.

Regeneration and assessment of genetic fidelity of the endangered tree Moringa peregrina (Forsk.) Fiori using Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR)

Moringa peregrinais an endangered species of Moringaceae.M. peregrinais a multipurpose tree with a wide variety of potential uses including its medicinal activity. In our study, a rapid and efficient micropropagation protocol for M. peregrina has been established. In vitro germinated seedlings were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different levels of either 6-benzyladenine (BA) or kinetin (Kin). The maximum shoot proliferation of 6.5 shoots per explant with 100 % shoot proliferation rate was observed on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l BA. On the other hand, MS medium supplemented with 1 mg/l indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) resulted in the maximum number of roots. Micropropagated plants were successfully acclimatized. Genetic stability of micropropagated plants was assessed using Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR). The amplification products were monomorphic in all in vitro grown plants. No polymorphism was detected indicating the genetic integrity of in vitro propagated plants. This micropropagation protocol could be useful for raising genetically uniform plants for plant propagation and commercial cultivation.