High Rates of Aminoglycoside Methyltransferases Associated with Metallo-Beta-Lactamases in Multidrug-Resistant and Extensively Drug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Clinical Isolates from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Egypt

BACKGROUND

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the leading cause of healthcare-associated infections worldwide.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to identify the resistant phenotypes among P. aeruginosa and to characterize different aminoglycosides and carbapenem resistance genes as major mechanisms of resistance in these isolates, in Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI), a tertiary care hospital in Cairo, Egypt.

METHODS

During a period of 11 months, 42 P. aeruginosa clinical isolates were collected from the microbiology laboratory by routine culture. Antimicrobial sensitivity testing to the aminoglycosides gentamicin and amikacin, and other classes of antibiotics, was performed by a disk diffusion method. Isolates were tested for aminoglycoside resistance genes, aac(6')-lb, aac-(3)-lla, rmtB, rmtC, armA, rmtD, and rmtF, and carbapenemase resistance genes bla NDM, bla VIM, and bla IMP, using conventional PCR.

RESULTS

Thirty-three (78.5%) of the clinical P. aeruginosa isolates showed MDR and XDR phenotypes at 42.4% and 57.65%, respectively, and these were included in the study. Aminoglycoside resistance was found in 97%, whereas carbapenem resistance was found in 81% of the isolates phenotypically. Only 59.4% (19/26) of the aminoglycoside-resistant isolates harbored resistance genes; none of the amikacin-susceptible isolates harbored any of the tested aminoglycoside resistance genes. Aminoglycoside resistance genes rmtB, armA, aac(6')-lb, and rmtF were found at rates of 17/33 (51.5%), 3/33 (9%), 2/33 (6%), and 2/33 (6%), respectively, whereas rmtD, acc(3)-II, and rmtC were not detected. Only 40.7% (11/27) of the carbapenem-resistant isolates harbored resistance genes. Carbapenem resistance genes, bla NDM andbla VIM, were found at rates of 7/33 (21.2%) and 6/33 (18.1%), respectively, and bla IMP was not detected.

CONCLUSION

Rates of MDR and XDR P. aeruginosa and resistance to aminoglycosides and carbapenems in our setting are high. Methyltransferases and metallo-beta-lactamases are the main mechanisms of resistance to aminoglycosides and carbapenems, respectively. The presence of bla NDM and rmtF in the strains confirms their rapid dissemination in the Egyptian environment.

Assessment of eugenol inhibitory effect on biofilm formation and biofilm gene expression in methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates in Egypt

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) biofilm infection is a major threat in Healthcare facilities. The search for biofilm inhibitors is essential to overcome the antibiotic resistance. Eugenol is a phyto-compound that possesses many biological properties. In this study, the aim was to estimate the effect of eugenol on biofilms of MRSA through quantifying the level of gene expression of three genes (IcaA, IcaD and SarA) involved in biofilm development.. Fifty MRSA biofilm producers collected from the microbiology lab at Theodor Bilharz Research Institute were incubated with different concentrations of eugenol for 24 h. The minimum inhibitory concentration of eugenol (MIC) that eradicates the biofilms growth was detected. mRNA was extracted from all isolates before and after the application of eugenol at 0.5 x MIC, and then subjected to quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Results showed that fourteen isolates out of 50 (28%) exhibited intermediate biofilm formation ability, and 36 out of 50 (72%) were strong biofilm producers. The MIC values of eugenol for MRSA ranged from 3.125% to 0.01%. The mean values of MIC in both strong and intermediate biofilm forming MRSA isolates were statistically comparable (p = 0.202). qPCR results revealed that the levels of expression of the studied genes IcaA, IcaD, and SarA were decreased after eugenol treatment when compared with their corresponding values before treatment (p = 0.001). Eugenol inhibited the formation of biofilm of MRSA isolates, indicating it could be used to control infections associated with MRSA biofilms.

Isolation and characterization of lytic bacteriophages from sewage at an egyptian tertiary care hospital against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates

Background

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a pathogen to humans causing life-threatening infections. MRSA have the capability to grow resistance to many antibiotics, and phage therapy is one treatment option for this infection.

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to isolate and characterize the lytic bacteriophages specific to MRSA from domestic sewage water at a tertiary care hospital in Egypt.

Methods

Thirty MRSA strains were isolated from different clinical samples admitted to the microbiology lab at Theodor Bilharz Research institute (TBRI) hospital, Giza, Egypt. They were confirmed to be MRSA through phenotypic detection and conventional PCR for mecA gene. They were used for the isolation of phages from sewage water of TBRI hospital. Plaque assay was applied to purify and quantify the titer of the isolated phages. The host range of the isolated phages was detected using the spot test assay. The morphology of phages was confirmed using transmission electron microscope (TEM). Digestion of DNA extracted from phages with endonuclease enzymes including EcoRI and SmaI was performed. SDS-PAGE was performed to analyze MRSA specific phage proteins. As a positive control prophages were isolated from a mitomycin C (MitC) treated culture of S. aureus strain ATCC25923. Further characterization using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to select three known Staphylophages by detecting the endolysin gene of phage K, the polymerase gene of phage 44AHJD, and the minor tail gene of phage P68.

Results

Isolated phages in this research displayed a wide host range against MRSA using the spot test, out of thirty tested MRSA isolates 24 were sensitive and got lysed (80%). The titer of the phages was estimated to be 1.04 × 106 pfu/ml using plaque test. Identification of head and tail morphology of the phages was achieved using TEM and they were designated to tailed phages of order Caudovirales, they composed an icosahedral capsid. Prophages were isolated through MitC induction. DNA of phages was digested by endonuclease enzymes. Conventional PCR yielded 341 bp of phage K endolysin gene and phage P68 minor tail protein gene 501 bp. Protein analysis using SDS-PAGE showed 4 proteins of sizes between 42 kDa and 140 kDa.

Conclusion

Phages isolated here are alike to others mentioned in previous studies. The high broad host range of the isolated phages is promising to control MRSA and can be in the future commercially suitable for treatment as lysate preparations. Animal models of phage-bacterial interaction will be our next step that may help in resolving the multidrug resistant crisis of MRSA in Egypt.

Cornu aspersum mucin attenuates indomethacins-induced gastric ulcers in mice via alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation

In the past three decades, a significant progress has been made in the prevention and treatment of gastric ulcers. The incidence of the disease has decreased, but gastric ulcer is still a medical problem. Currently, the available drugs for gastric ulcer treatment have many side effects; therefore, searching for new and safe therapeutic agents is mandatory. The present study aims to investigate the gastroprotective potential of Cornu aspersum (C. aspersum) mucin against gastric ulcers, and the mechanisms related to oxidative stress and inflammation. C. aspersum mucin was collected from 50 snails. The characteristics of C. aspersum mucin (chemical and microbiological) were evaluated. Mice were pretreated with famotidine and C. aspersum mucin (7.5 and 15 ml/kg b.w.) for 5 days, and then gastric ulcers were induced by indomethacin. Macroscopic examination, biochemical estimations, and Quantitative real-time PCR were carried out. Also, histopathological and immunohistopathological examinations were evaluated. We found that the high dose of the mucin significantly decreased the gastric mucosal malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) contents as well as interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and nuclear factor kappa β (NF-ҡB) expression, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) immunostaining. It also increased the gastric mucosal GSH and catalase contents as well as hemoxygenase-1 (HO-1) and nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expressions with regressions in gastric mucosal lesions. In conclusion, C. aspersum mucin could be a potential therapeutic candidate to protect against gastric ulceration.

The ESC ACCA EAPCI EORP acute coronary syndrome ST-elevation myocardial infarction registry

Aims 

The Acute Cardiac Care Association (ACCA)–European Association of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (EAPCI) Registry on ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) of the EurObservational programme (EORP) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) registry aimed to determine the current state of the use of reperfusion therapy in ESC member and ESC affiliated countries and the adherence to ESC STEMI guidelines in patients with STEMI.

Methods and results 

Between 1 January 2015 and 31 March 2018, a total of 11 462 patients admitted with an initial diagnosis of STEMI according to the 2012 ESC STEMI guidelines were enrolled. Individual patient data were collected across 196 centres and 29 countries. Among the centres, there were 136 percutaneous coronary intervention centres and 91 with cardiac surgery on-site. The majority of centres (129/196) were part of a STEMI network. The main objective of this study was to describe the demographic, clinical, and angiographic characteristics of patients with STEMI. Other objectives include to assess management patterns and in particular the current use of reperfusion therapies and to evaluate how recommendations of most recent STEMI European guidelines regarding reperfusion therapies and adjunctive pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments are adopted in clinical practice and how their application can impact on patients’ outcomes. Patients will be followed for 1 year after admission.

Conclusion 

The ESC ACCA-EAPCI EORP ACS STEMI registry is an international registry of care and outcomes of patients hospitalized with STEMI. It will provide insights into the contemporary patient profile, management patterns, and 1-year outcome of patients with STEMI.

Recombinant Expression of Cec-B Peptide in Escherichia coli with a Significant Anticancer Effect on Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Cecropin-B (Cec-B) is an Antimicrobial Peptide (AMP) found in insects.

OBJECTIVES

Recombinant production of Cec-B peptide in Escherichia coli (Rosetta™ DE3), and studying its anticancer effect on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell line (HCC).

METHODS

The Cec-B gene of Drosophila melanogaster was synthesized by PCR assembly using the Simplified Gene Synthesis (SGS) method. To express the recombinant peptide in E. coli (Rosetta™ DE3); the synthesized gene was cloned into pET-15b expression vector. The recombinant peptide was expressed as insoluble aggregates called Inclusion Bodies (IBs) using 2mM lactose inducer. IBs were solubilized in a denatured form using 8 M urea followed by in-vitro protein refolding using rapid dilution method. The refolded Cec-B was purified using cation-exchange SP-FF column. Cytotoxicity of recombinant Cec-B (rCec-B) was reported on normal human lung cell line (WI-38), and Hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2).

RESULTS

The Cec-B gene was expressed and purified at concentration 1.212±0.1 mg/ml which represents 48.49±4% of the total proteins injected to the column (2.5±0.2 mg/ml). The safe dose of purified rCec-B on normal WI-38 cells was calculated to be 1.57 mg/ml. The half-maximal Inhibitory Concentration (IC50) of rCec-B on HepG2 cell line was calculated to be 25 μg/ml. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) showed that untreated and treated HepG2 cells had cell diameters from 11-12.92 μm and 14.18-21.58 μm, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study revealed a successful expression of the rCec-B peptide using a pET-based expression system with a simple purification step. The purified peptide could be considered as a hopeful anticancer drug against HCC.

A Novel Cell-based In vitro Assay for Antiviral Activity of Interferons α, β, and γ by qPCR of MxA Gene Expression

BACKGROUND

Human MxA gene is related to the class of interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes (ISGs) that plays a role in antiviral resistance.

OBJECTIVE

Implementation of standard curves obtained from designing a procedure for data processing in relative qPCR between MxA expression and interferon's antiviral activity (IU/ml). These standard curves can be used to detect the antiviral activity of any new compound rapidly and safely.

METHODS

To detect the optimum incubation time for maximum MxA gene expression in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), the isolated human PBMCs (1x106 cells) were incubated with a concentration of 1000 IU/ml of each IFN at different time intervals; 2 h, 4 h, 6 h, and 24 h post-treatment. A standard curve was performed for each IFN (α, β, and γ) at different concentrations (250, 500, 750, 1000, 1500, and 2000 IU/ml).

RESULTS

As observed at 4 h incubation time of 1000 IU/ml concentration, IFN-γ provided a higher expression of MxA compared to IFN-α and IFN-β. Correlation analyses between IFN-α and IFN-β, IFN-β and IFN-γ were non-significant. However, there was a significant correlation between IFN-α and IFN-γ (p<0.01). Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed that cut-off values of IFN- γ, IFN-β, and IFN-α were 58.14 > 7.31 and > 3.33, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The relative expression of MxA is a biomarker for IFN-α, β, and γ, especially IFN-α. It has compiled and validated a standard curve-based protocol for PCR data processing. It shows that the standard curve is an easy alternative tool to assess antiviral activity. We revised all patents relating to the antiviral assays of the used interferons.

Luteal phase serum progesterone levels after GnRH-agonist trigger - how low is still high enough for an ongoing pregnancy?

In the past years, individualization of assisted reproductive technique (ART)-treatment is increasingly common to customize the treatment protocol to the patient's specific conditions. The use of GnRH-agonist for final oocyte maturation in a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-antagonist protocol is the best approach to reduce the risk for ovarian hyperstimulation in high responder patients. However, due to severe luteolysis, the reproductive outcome with this approach in combination with the use of vaginal progesterone as luteal phase support, was poor. Cycle segmentation as alternative to a fresh transfer requires embryo freezing which might not be applicable to all patients due to various reasons. The concept of luteal coasting monitors the progesterone-level closely and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) for rescue of the corpora lutea is administered when the progesterone-level drops below a certain threshold. However, the lower range of progesterone levels in the early luteal phase after GnRH-agonist trigger, which is compatible with achieving and maintaining a pregnancy, is unknown. This case-series demonstrates, that ongoing pregnancies can be achieved even with a progesterone-level below 15 ng/ml in the early luteal phase with the timely administration of an hCG-rescue bolus. With the concept of luteal coasting, individualization of the luteal phase support according to the patient's specific luteolysis pattern is possible.

Restoring shoulder abduction in children with Erb's palsy: when to add trapezius transfer to a teres major transfer

A total of 35 children with Erb's palsy and shoulder abduction of < 90° underwent transfer of teres major. In 18 cases (group 1) a trapezius transfer was added (combined procedure). In 17 cases (group 2) teres major transfer was carried out in isolation (single procedure). The mean gain in abduction was 67.2° (60° to 80°) in group 1 and 37.6° (20° to 70°) in group 2, which reached statistical significance (p < 0.001). Group 2 was further divided into those who had deltoid power of < M3 (group 2a) and those with deltoid power ≥ M3 (group 2b). The difference in improvement of abduction between groups 2a and group 2b was statistically significant (p < 0.001) but the difference between group 2b and group 1 was not (p = 0.07). We recommend the following protocol of management: in children with abduction ≥ 90° a single procedure is indicated. In children with abduction < 90°: a combined procedure is indicated if deltoid power is < M3 and a single procedure is indicated if deltoid power is ≥ M3. If no satisfactory improvement is achieved, the trapezius can be transferred at a later stage.

Lab-scale Preparation of Recombinant Human Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 in Escherichia coli and its Potential Safety on Normal Human Lung Cell Line

BACKGROUND

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is structurally similar to insulin and acts as an endocrine hormone secreted by the liver.

OBJECTIVE

Production of recombinant human IGF-1 (rhIGF-1) in Escherichia coli (E.coli) and evaluation of its proliferation stimulatory activity.

METHODS

hIGF-1 gene cloned into pBSK (+) simple vector was transformed into TOP 10 chemically competent cells of E. coli. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was achieved using specific hIGF-1 gene primers to confirm the successful transformation. To express the rhIGF-1 in E. coli (Rosetta (DE3) pLysS); the hIGF-1 gene was cloned into the pET-15b expression vector and then the recombinant pET-15b/IGF-1 vector was transformed into a chemically prepared competent expression bacterial cells; Rosetta (DE3) pLysS. The rhIGF-1 was expressed as insoluble aggregates called inclusion bodies (IBs) using a 2 mM Isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) inducer. IBs were solubilized in a denatured form using 6 M guanidinium hydrochloride (GdmCl), followed by in vitro protein refolding using the rapid dilution method. The refolded hIGF-1 was purified using the HiTrap- ANX anion exchange column. Western blot and ELISA using rabbit polyvalent anti-hIGF- 1 were performed to confirm the protein antigenic identity. Cell proliferation activity of rhIGF-1 was testified on normal human lung cell line (WI-38).

RESULTS

rhIGF-1 was purified from the HiTrap-ANX column at a concentration of 300 μg/ml. Western blot showed a single 7.6 kDa band obtained in the induced Rosetta (DE3) pLYsS. ELISA confirmed the molecular identity of the rhIGF-1 epitope, the concentration of purified rhIGF-1 obtained from the ELISA standard curve using rhIGF-1 reference protein as a standard was 300 μg/ml, and activity on WI-38 cells was 2604.17I U/mg.

CONCLUSION

Biologically active native rhIGF-1 protein was successfully expressed. Patents related to the preparation of IGF-1 were mentioned along the text.

Basic Guidelines for Bacteriophages Isolation and Characterization

The world is on the cusp of a post-antibiotic period. A century ago, before the advent of antibiotics, bacteriophage therapy was the treatment of choice for bacterial infections. Although bacteriophages have yet to be approved as a treatment in Western medicine, researchers and clinicians have begun to anticipate phage therapy. Bacteriophages are viruses that depend on bacterial cell metabolism to multiply. They offer a promising alternative to the use of antibiotics, and an excellent antibacterial option for combating multidrug resistance in bacteria. However, not every phage is suitable for phage therapy. In particular, prophages should not be used because they can lysogenize host cells instead of lysing them. To offer adequate therapeutic options for patients suffering from various infectious diseases, a wide selection of different phages is needed. While there is no evidence of direct toxicity induced by phage particles, it is crucial to study mammalian cell-phage interactions. This requires phage preparations to be free of bacterial cells, toxins and other compounds to avoid skewing host responses. Negative staining of purified viruses and electron microscopy remain the gold standard in the identification of bacteriophages. Interestingly, genomics has greatly changed our understanding of phage biology. Bacteriophage genome sequencing is essential to obtain a more complete understanding of their biology, and to obtain confirmation of their lifestyle. Full genetic sequencing of bacteriophage will enable a better understanding of the phage encoded proteins and biomolecules (especially phage lytic enzymes) involved in the process of bacterial cell lysis and death. Mass spectrometry can be used for the identification of phage structural proteins. The use of lytic phages as biocontrol agents requires the most appropriate and standard methods to ensure application safety. This review pursues recent research and methods in molecular biology for the isolation and characterization of phages to facilitate follow-up and implementation of work for other researchers. Patents related to this topic have been mentioned along the text.

A phase II trial of gemcitabine combined with vinorelbine as first-line chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer

1098

Background: MBC (metastatic breast cancer) is among the leading causes of cancer deaths in women worldwide and in Egypt. Gemcitabine has shown synergy with vinorelbine in preclinical models, and has a toxicity profile that is different from vinorelbine. Methods: This was an open-label, single-arm, non-randomised phase II study in patients with locally advanced or MBC who have been previously treated with one anthracycline with/without taxane, based regimen in the adjuvant/neoadjuvant setting. The primary objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of this combination by determining overall response rate. Secondary endpoints were the assessment of the toxicity of gemcitabine in combination with vinorelbine, as well as the time to disease progression, one-year survival. Results: Of the 74 patients enrolled, 72 patients were evaluable for primary treatment outcome (tumor response rates). Overall response rate was 42%. Four patients (6%) had complete response and 26 patients (36%) had partial response. Nineteen patients (26%) had stable disease. Among the 30 patients who had a response to treatment during the study period, the median time to disease progression was 37 weeks (range 1 -60). Median duration of response was 43 weeks (95% CI 31- unestimated). The probability of surviving one year from the Kaplan-Meier estimate for 12 months is 77% (95% CI 64%-86%). Mean percentage of dose intensity of gemcitabine and vinorelbine received was 86% (SD 13%). Mean number of cycles received was 4.4 (SD 1.8). Grade III-IV neutropenia was reported to be 10%, thrombocytopenia was 1.4%, and febrile neutropenia (with documented infection) was 1.4%. As for the clinical toxicities, the most common grade III-IV toxicities were nausea (24%) and diarrhea and stomatitis (11%). Serious clinical adverse events; 5 (7%) hospitalizations for adverse events mainly due to anemia, febrile neutropenia, septic shock and hepatic failure. There were 2 platelet transfusions and 14 RBC transfusions. Conclusions: With a disease control rate of 68%, gemcitabine/vinorelbine demonstrated to have a promising efficacy and at the same time good tolerability in metastatic breast cancer patients.

[Table: see text]

Bacteriophages as Therapeutic Agents: Alternatives to Antibiotics

Bacteriophages are bacterio-specific viruses that constitute the main portion of the environment. Bacteriophages inject their genome into the targeted bacterial cells and some of them can disrupt the metabolism of bacteria and cause bacterial cell disintegration. The application of bacteriophages to kill bacteria is known as bacteriophage therapy. Since bacteriophages target bacteria and are strain-specific, every bacteriophage/bacterial host pair is unique. They are believed to cause no harm to humans. An additional advantage of the strain-specific nature of bacteriophages is that they do not disrupt the beneficial natural flora in the body. Bacteriophage therapy in the West is not a recognized medicine at this time, and no products are registered. Some clinicians are turning to bacteriophage therapy for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant infections. Lack of adverse effects makes bacteriophage therapy ideal for use. Funding research, media attention, and the increased publication of articles helped in a widespread understanding of its therapeutic potential. The first prerequisite for the use of bacteriophage therapy is simply the availability of bacteriophages for treatment, which is often complicated at this stage of bacteriophage production. This includes providing access to all biologically active bacteriophages against the bacterial isolate of the patient and meeting regulatory criteria of purity, traceability, and characterization. A monophage preparation, which is a single bacteriophage, or a phage cocktail, which consists of a number of combined bacteriophages against one or more bacterial species may be used. Accordingly, the antibiotic resistance crisis brought back bacteriophage therapy as a potential complementary or alternative treatment. Bacteriophages are promising cheap antibacterials.

Molecular and Biological Characterization of a Prepared Recombinant Human Interferon Alpha 2b Isoform

Recombinant human interferon alpha2b (rhIFN-α2b) protein is FDA approved for treatment of many tumors and viral diseases. A rhIFN-α2b isoform has been produced and purified from the refolding reaction using high-resolution anion ion exchange chromatography. This isoform has a proper MW (19 kDa) and high purity and homogeneity. The conservation of native linear and conformational epitopes in this isoform was immunologically confirmed by Western blot and ELISA. Mass spectrometry assessment of its intact mass showed average mass (19,337 Da) equivalent to that of the expressed rhIFN-α2b protein without any chemical modification and without the first methionine. Peptide mapping of rhIFN-α2b through tryptic digestion of reductive/alkylated protein using urea as a denaturing agent gave the best pattern. The rhIFN-α2b had a high specific antiviral activity (2.5 × 10⁸ ± 1.1 × 10⁸IU/mg protein). In vivo clearance study of rhIFN-α2b in female SD rats (500 μg/kg, intramuscularly) revealed rapid clearance (elimination half-life 0.54 h with a maximum plasma concentration of 33,792 pg/ml) compared with the commercial rhIFN-α2 (elimination half-life 0.75-0.96 h). In conclusion, the prepared rhIFN-α2b isoform has high purity, homogeneity, native like chemical and structural composition, high antiviral activity, and proper biological stability, which reduce its immunogenicity and raise its therapeutic efficiency.

Human DNA Mutations and their Impact on Genetic Disorders

DNA is a remarkably precise medium for copying and storing biological information. It serves as a design for cellular machinery that permits cells, organs, and even whole organisms to work. The fidelity of DNA replication results from the action of hundreds of genes involved in proofreading and damage repair. All human cells can acquire genetic changes in their DNA all over life. Genetic mutations are changes to the DNA sequence that happen during cell division when the cells make copies of themselves. Mutations in the DNA can cause genetic illnesses such as cancer, or they could help humans better adapt to their environment over time. The endogenous reactive metabolites, therapeutic medicines, and an excess of environmental mutagens, such as UV rays all continuously damage DNA, compromising its integrity. One or more chromosomal alterations and point mutations at a single site (monogenic mutation) including deletions, duplications, and inversions illustrate such DNA mutations. Genetic conditions can occur when an altered gene is inherited from parents, which increases the risk of developing that particular condition, or some gene alterations can happen randomly. Moreover, symptoms of genetic conditions depend on which gene has a mutation. There are many different diseases and conditions caused by mutations. Some of the most common genetic conditions are Alzheimer's disease, some cancers, cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome, and sickle cell disease. Interestingly, scientists find that DNA mutations are more common than formerly thought. This review outlines the main DNA mutations that occur along the human genome and their influence on human health. The subject of patents pertaining to DNA mutations and genetic disorders has been brought up.

Interdisciplinary gene manipulation, molecular cloning, and recombinant expression of modified human growth hormone isoform-1 in E. coli system

BACKGROUND

Growth hormone (GH) is a hormone that promotes growth, cell reproduction, and cell restoration in humans and animals.

OBJECTIVES

Production of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and assessment of its characteristics and proliferation stimulatory activity.

METHODS

The hGH gene was cloned into a pET 3a expression vector and transformed into a competent E. coli cell. The refolded hGH was purified, Western blot and batch fermentation were performed. Cell cytotoxicity was tested on Vero cells, and MALDI-TOF and Nano-LC-ESI MS/MS were used for protein and target peptide analysis.

RESULTS

Induced rhGH was purified with a concentration of 511.9 mg/ml. Western blot confirmed the molecular identity of rhGH, showing a single 22 kDa band. The bacterial growth at OD600 after 24 h in batch fermentation was 9.78 ± 0.26, and wet cell weight (WCWg/L) was 15.2 ± 0.32. Purified rhGH activity on Vero cells was 0.535 IU/mg. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed a score of 70.51 % and coverage of 60.37 %.

CONCLUSION

Biologically active native rhGH protein was successfully expressed in the Prokaryotic system. Our goal is to increase its production on a pilot level in the native form at a high activity effect identical to isoform 1.

Molecular docking, characterization, ADME/toxicity prediction, and anti-ulcer activity of new quercetin derivatives on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in mice

Gastric ulcer (GU) is a serious upper gastrointestinal tract disorder that affects people worldwide. The drugs now available for GU treatment have a high rate of relapses and drug interactions, as well as mild to severe side effects. As a result, new natural therapeutic medications for treating GU with fewer negative side effects are desperately needed. Because of quercetin's (QCT) diverse pharmacological effects and unique structural features, we decided to semi-synthesize new QCT derivatives and test them for antiulcer activity. Docking assays were performed on the synthesized compounds to determine their affinity for TLR-4/MD-2, MyD88/TIR, and NF-κB domains, an important inflammatory pathway involved in GU development and progression. Mice were given oral famotidine (40 mg/kg/day), QCT, QCT pentamethyl (QPM), or QCT pentaacetyl (QPA) (50 mg/kg/day) for 5 days before GU induction by a single intraperitoneal injection of indomethacin (INDO; 18 mg/kg). QPM and QPA have a stronger binding affinity for TLR-4/MD-2, MyD88/TIR and NF-κB domains than QCT. In comparison, they demonstrated the greatest reduction in ulcer score and index, gastric MDA and nitric oxide (NO) contents, MyD88 and NF-κB expressions, and gastric TLR-4 immunostaining. They also enhanced the levels of GSH, CAT, COX-1, and COX-2 in the gastric mucosa, as well as HO-1 and Nrf2 expression, with histological regression in gastric mucosal lesions, with QPA-treated mice demonstrating the best GU healing. QPA is safe against all of the target organs and adverse pathways studied, with good ADME properties. However, further in vitro experiments are necessary to demonstrate the inhibitory effects of QPM and QPA on the protein targets of interest. In addition, preclinical research on its bioavailability and safety is essential before clinical management can be undertaken. Overall, the new QPA derivative could one day serve as the basis for a new class of potential antiulcer drugs.

Urinary biomarkers analysis as a diagnostic tool for early detection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma: Molecular quantification approach

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is infrequent. Currently, non-invasive biomarkers for early detection of PDAC are not accessible. Here, we intended to identify a set of urine markers able to discriminate patients with early-stage PDAC from healthy individuals.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Seventy-five urine samples from PDAC patients and 50 healthy controls were assayed using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). The chosen biomarkers were lymphatic vessel endothelial HA receptor (LYVE-1), regenerating islet-derived 1 alpha (REG1A), and trefoil factor family (TFF1).

RESULTS

LYVE-1, REG1A, and TFF1 expression in PDAC proved to be significantly elevated compared to healthy individuals (p < 0.05). Determination of these markers' expression might be useful for early tumor diagnosis with a sensitivity of 96 %, 100 %, and 73.33 % respectively, and a specificity of 100 %, 82 %, and 100 % respectively.

CONCLUSION

We have recognized three diagnostic biomarkers REG1A, TFF1, and LYVE1 that can detect patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer in non-invasive urine specimens with improved sensitivity and specificity. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no prior investigations examining the mRNA expression levels of them in urine within the Egyptian population.

Differential display analysis of mRNAs in chronic myelogenous leukaemia

Analysis of expressed mRNAs with differential display-polymerase chain reaction [DD-PCR] is a powerful tool for the characterization of genes involved in malignant pathways and might identify markers for different phases of chronic myelogenous leukaemia [CML]. We examined the presence of BCR-ABL transcripts in 25 CML patients in either the chronic phase or blast crisis. We then analysed the expression of leukocytic RNA transcripts in CML phases. DD-PCR technique was used to examine CML cases with BCR-ABL in comparison with CML cases lacking detectable BCR-ABL transcripts. Our results support the use of differential display not only for characterization of the CML differentially expressed genes but also to locate patterns that can be implemented as valuable fingerprints for each phase of CML.

Monitoring Of IGF-1 Levels In Type 2 Diabetic Patients With Macro And Microvascular Complications

Introduction/Objective

Introduction: Type-2 diabetes have a risk factor of multiple complications such as coronary artery diseases (CAD), premature atheroscalerosis and diabetic retinopathy. IGF-1 is regulated by a balance of hormones such as growth hormone and insulin. It is important that circulating IGF1 in serum has normal levels to maintain glucose metabolism.

Objectives: Monitoring of IGF-1levels in T2DM with macrovascular complications (CVD) and microvascular complications (retinopathy).

Methods

Subjects and methods: The collection of samples started in June 2018 and ended in December 2018. A total of 114 subjects were enrolled in this study; 98 clinically diagnosed T2D patients who were recruited from the outpatient clinic of the National Institute for Diabetes and Endocrinology “NIDE”, in addition to 16 healthy comparable control subjects (without diabetes). The subjects divided into 3 groups. Group 1; a population of 44 T2D patients with macrovascular complications (28 females and 16 males), the mean age was 57.4 years. Group 2; a population of 54 T2D patients with microvascular complicatios (34 females and 20 males), the mean age was 59.1 years. Group 3; a population of 16 healthy subjects (12 female and 4 males), the mean age was 59.2 years. Levels of FBS, C-peptide, HbA1c, Lipid profile, lipoprotein(a), hs-CRP and microalbuminurea were measured in all subjects. Seum concentration of IGF-1 was measured by commercially immunoenzymatic ELIZA method.

Results

It was found that serum concentration of IGF-1 decreased in diabetic patients groups compared to the control one. The mean±SD of group 1, group 2 and group 3 were (332.2±152.2), (316.9 ±142.2) and (625.4 ± 257.7) respectively.

Conclusion

It was observed that there was a negative correlation between serum IGF-1 levels in T2D patients compared to the control group. Also, it was found that T2D patients with microvascular complications had lower IGF-1 levels than patients with macrovascular ones. It seems that IGF-1 strongly involved in the incidence and pathogenesis of T2DM complications.