Article
Immunology
Badriyah Alotaibi, Fatma Alzahraa Mokhtar, Thanaa A. El-Masry, Engy Elekhnawy, Sally A. Mostafa, Dalia H. Abdelkader, Mohamed E. Elharty, Asmaa Saleh, Walaa A. Negm
Summary: In this study, the therapeutic effects of Brassica rapa flower extract (BRFE) on gastrointestinal tract (GIT) diseases were explored. BRFE exhibited antibacterial activity against bacteria causing GIT infections and immunomodulatory activity in LPS-stimulated PBMCs. Additionally, BRFE showed anti-inflammatory activity in rats with indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers by modulating gene expression and increasing physiological enzyme activity.
JOURNAL OF INFLAMMATION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Nashwah G. M. Attallah, Walaa A. Negm, Engy Elekhnawy, Elshaymaa Elmongy, Najla Altwaijry, Hala El-Haroun, Thanaa A. El-Masry, Suzy A. El-Sherbeni
Summary: The study investigated the antimicrobial potential of Cupressus macrocarpa leaves against MRSA and found that its extracts demonstrated strong inhibitory effects on the bacteria, reducing both growth and efflux activity significantly. The phytochemical profiling of the leaves revealed a large number of compounds, showing promising antimicrobial properties against MRSA both in vitro and in vivo.
Article
Plant Sciences
Emna Ghouili, Ghassen Abid, Moez Jebara, Rim Nefissi Ouertani, Ana Caroline de Oliveira, Mohamed El Ayed, Yordan Muhovski
Summary: This study investigated the changes in protein abundance in barley leaves associated with growth promotion induced by application of date palm waste compost. The results showed that compost application had a positive impact on growth and stress adaptation in barley.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Asmaa Saleh, Walaa A. A. Negm, Thanaa A. A. El-Masry, Duaa Eliwa, Badriyah Alotaibi, Manal E. E. Alosaimi, Khalid Nijr Alotaibi, Sameh Magdeldin, Sebaey Mahgoub, Engy Elekhnawy
Summary: The anti-inflammatory potential of Penicillium brefeldianum endophytic fungus was investigated in carrageenan-induced inflammation in rats. The results showed that the fungus-treated group (200 mg/kg) had a significant decrease in edema weight, fewer inflammatory cells, and thickened epidermis. Immunostaining and qRT-PCR analysis both demonstrated a decrease in immune cells and interleukin gene expression in the fungus-treated group. Additionally, the levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were considerably diminished in this group. These findings suggest that P. brefeldianum endophytic fungus has promising anti-inflammatory properties.
MICROBIAL CELL FACTORIES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Moneerah J. Alqahtani, Engy Elekhnawy, Walaa A. Negm, Sebaey Mahgoub, Ismail A. Hussein
Summary: This study investigated the antifungal potential of Encephalartos villosus leaves methanol extract (EVME) against Candida glabrata, a commonly found fungal species associated with invasive candidiasis. The results showed that EVME exhibited antifungal activity and affected the fungal cell wall and efflux pump genes. In addition, in vivo experiments using a murine model with systemic infection demonstrated the ability of EVME to reduce kidney tissue congestion and inflammation. Overall, this study highlights the potential antifungal activity of EVME against Candida glabrata.
Article
Microbiology
Fatemah A. Alherz, Walaa A. Negm, Engy Elekhnawy, Thanaa A. El-Masry, Eman M. Haggag, Moneerah J. Alqahtani, Ismail A. Hussein
Summary: Green synthesized silver nanoparticles showed potential as antifungal and anti-biofilm agents, and exhibited beneficial effects in wound healing.
Article
Microbiology
Walaa A. Negm, Mona El-Aasr, Ghada Attia, Moneerah J. Alqahtani, Rania Ibrahim Yassien, Amal Abo Kamer, Engy Elekhnawy
Summary: In this study, the in vitro and in vivo antifungal activity of Encephalartos laurentianus methanol extract (ELME) against Candida albicans was investigated for the first time. ELME exhibited antifungal activity and could inhibit biofilm formation and the expression of biofilm-related genes in C. albicans. Moreover, ELME showed protective effects against C. albicans-induced renal damage in rats. In addition, ELME had no significant cytotoxicity on normal human skin fibroblasts.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Qinyu Li, Chunjie Zhang, Tuya Xilin, Mingyue Ji, Xiangxi Meng, Yulian Zhao, Bateer Siqin, Na Zhang, Minhui Li
Summary: Koumiss is a traditional fermented dairy product with health benefits. This study analyzed the composition of koumiss and its effects on immune modulation. The results showed that koumiss can improve immune function in immunosuppressed rats. These findings provide an experimental basis for its development as a therapeutic product.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Nader Dashti Gerdabi, Mehri Ghafourian, Motowo Nakajima, Sara Iranparast, Ali Khodadadi
Summary: The study demonstrated that 5-ALA can increase gene expression of NKG2D and the presence of its receptor on NK cells, thereby activating NK cells' killing activity and preventing the growth and metastasis of cancer cells.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ana Bokulic, Jasna Padovan, Darija Stupin-Polancec, Astrid Milic
Summary: In this study, a subclonal line with low P-glycoprotein expression was obtained through an isolation procedure, and MDCK clones with substantially lower P-glycoprotein efflux were successfully identified, demonstrating their usefulness as a tool for assessing passive permeability in early drug discovery.
ACTA PHARMACEUTICA
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Nashwah G. M. Attallah, Engy Elekhnawy, Walaa A. Negm, Ismail A. Hussein, Fatma Alzahraa Mokhtar, Omnia Momtaz Al-Fakhrany
Summary: This study successfully synthesized silver nanoparticles using Gardenia thailandica leaf extract for the first time, and demonstrated their potential antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The active constituents in the leaf extract were identified and their antioxidant activity was evaluated. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized using various analytical techniques. Further experiments revealed that the silver nanoparticles induced morphological changes and altered gene expression in S. aureus bacteria, and showed wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects in vivo.
Article
Biology
Neda Javadian, Ghasem Karimzadeh, Mohsen Sharifi, Ahmad Moieni
Summary: In this study, tetraploid callus cultures of Linum album, a plant endemic to Iran known for its medicinal properties, were established to increase the production of podophyllotoxin (PTOX). The tetraploid calli produced 2.1-fold more PTOX compared to diploid calli. The up-regulation of key genes involved in PTOX biosynthesis was observed in the tetraploid calli, indicating that autopolyploidy could be an effective strategy for enhancing PTOX production in L. album callus.
Article
Plant Sciences
Vladimir Skalicky, Ioanna Antoniadi, Ales Pencik, Ivo Chamrad, Rene Lenobel, Martin F. Kubes, Marek Zatloukal, Asta Zukauskaite, Miroslav Strnad, Karin Ljung, Ondrej Novak
Summary: Auxin and cytokinin show subcellular distribution in Arabidopsis cells, forming hormone gradients. This finding provides important insights into the mechanisms of plant growth and development.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mohd Afiq Hazlami Habib, Mohd Nazri Ismail
Summary: The fruit and leaf of God's crown plant have been traditionally used for treating various diseases. However, the proteins of this tropical plant are still not well studied. Three protein extraction methods were compared for their efficiency in recovering proteins from the plant, with the phenol extraction method showing the highest percentage of protein recovery. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis revealed that proteins identified through the phenol extraction method included a significant percentage of enzymatic proteins with various biological functions.
JOURNAL OF FOOD BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Preeti Patel, Archana Prasad, Sateesh Chandra Gupta, Abhishek Niranjan, Alok Lehri, Satya Shila Singh, Pratibha Misra, Debasis Chakrabarty
Summary: The study evaluated the growth and phytochemical variations in different tissues of two contrasting genotypes of Solanum viarum under in vitro and field conditions, revealing significant differences in growth, yield, and phytochemical content. The prickleless genotypes showed improved growth parameters and better bioactive phytomolecules repository, indicating higher yield potential over prickled plants. The study also examined gene expression profiles related to metabolite biosynthesis, providing insights for selecting an improved prickleless genotype of Solanum viarum.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Asmaa Saleh, Dalia H. Abdelkader, Thanaa A. El-Masry, Duaa Eliwa, Badriyah Alotaibi, Walaa A. Negm, Engy Elekhnawy
Summary: This study isolated chlorogenic acid (CGA) from Euphorbia milii flowers and prepared CGA nanoparticles using the electrospraying technique in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) polymeric matrix. The optimized formula (F2) exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and antiviral activity against HCoV-229E and MERS-CoV. The encapsulation of CGA into electrospray PVA/PLGA nanoparticles shows promise as an antimicrobial agent.
ARTIFICIAL CELLS NANOMEDICINE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ehssan Moglad, Engy Elekhnawy, Walaa A. Negm, Duaa Eliwa, Salwa Sami Younis, Basma Mohamed Elmansory, Sebaey Mahgoub, Eman A. Ahmed, Omnia Momtaz Al-Fakhrany
Summary: This study investigated the antibacterial and anti-Toxoplasma potential of Ficus retusa-derived endophytic fungi, particularly Aspergillus niger. The fungal extract showed antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates and disrupted biofilm formation. It also exhibited anti-Toxoplasma effects in vivo, reducing mortality and parasite count in mice.
ARTIFICIAL CELLS NANOMEDICINE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
S. A. El-Sherbeni, W. A. Negm
Summary: The process of wound repair involves the coordination of different cell types and the formation of collagen to promote wound contraction, epithelial cell proliferation, and healing. The use of traditional medicinal plants in wound healing has been practiced for centuries, and recent scientific research supports their efficacy. This review focuses on the wound-healing effects of plant extracts and natural substances in animal models over the past 5 years, showing promising results in various phases of wound healing. Incorporating bioactive natural products into wound dressings has shown positive effects in hemostasis, inflammation, growth, re-epithelialization, and remodeling.
INFLAMMOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Reem Binsuwaidan, Walaa A. Negm, Engy Elekhnawy, Nashwah G. M. Attallah, Eman Ahmed, Sameh Magdeldin, Ehssan Moglad, Sally Abdallah Mostafa, Suzy A. El-Sherbeni
Summary: Neuroinflammation is a complex disorder that causes neurological and somatic ailments. Salvadora persica extract (SPE) has been found to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and it also shows promising antiviral potential against herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). In addition, SPE has been shown to inhibit acetylcholinesterase, decrease oxidative stress, downregulate inflammatory gene expression, and protect against neurodegeneration in mice.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Nashwah G. M. Attallah, Amal Kabbash, Walaa A. A. Negm, Engy Elekhnawy, Reem Binsuwaidan, Omnia Momtaz Al-Fakhrany, Moataz A. A. Shaldam, Ehssan Moglad, Marwa Tarek, Nehal Samir, Heba M. M. Fawzy
Summary: This study investigated the potential therapeutic effects of Saussurea costus root extract (SCRE) on respiratory ailments. The results showed that SCRE exhibited antiviral activity against human coronavirus (HCoV-229E) and influenza virus (H1N1) in vitro, and protected the lungs from acute injury in vivo. Molecular docking studies revealed the affinity of SCRE's major constituents for caspase-3, HO-1, and iNOS proteins. These findings suggest that SCRE could be a promising source of novel therapeutic agents for respiratory tract diseases.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Samar Zuhair Alshawwa, Thanaa A. El-Masry, Engy Elekhnawy, Hadil Faris Alotaibi, Al-Sayed Sallam, Dalia H. Abdelkader
Summary: Electrospraying (ES) technology is an efficient micro/nanoparticle fabrication technique. Gelurice(R) 48/16 (GLR) is used to stabilize the dispersion of Celecoxib (CXB). CXB loaded in polyvinylpyllodine (PVP) stabilized with GLR forms microparticles (CXB-GLR-PVP MPs). The MPs show favorable in vitro properties and demonstrate potential for anti-inflammatory effects.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Hayder M. Al-kuraishy, Ali I. Al-Gareeb, Hend Mostafa Selim, Athanasios Alexiou, Marios Papadakis, Walaa A. Negm, Gaber El-Saber Batiha
Summary: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative brain disease caused by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Vitamin D (VD) plays a critical role in maintaining brain functions and can protect against PD by modulating dopaminergic neurons and reducing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. However, the therapeutic effect of VD in well-established PD remains controversial.
NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERGS ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Respiratory System
Mona Ibrahim Ahmed, Randa Ibrahim Ahmed, Hasnaa Osama, Amira Karam Khalifa, Abdullah Ali Alshehri, Gaber El-Saber Batiha, Walaa A. Negm, Marwa Kamal
Summary: A positive response in reversibility testing is widely used to diagnose patients with airway limitations. However, this study found that it doesn't accurately reflect the exact airway irreversibility. The study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a bronchodilation reversibility test using salbutamol and fluticasone/salmeterol combination in obese non-smoker subjects. It was found that the combination of fluticasone/salmeterol had a higher bronchodilation effect compared to salbutamol inhaler, especially in obese individuals.
BMC PULMONARY MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Samar Zuhair Alshawwa, Thanaa A. El-Masry, Mohamed Nasr, Ahmed Y. Kira, Hadil Faris Alotaibi, Al-Sayed Sallam, Engy Elekhnawy
Summary: This study demonstrates the use of cubosomal nanoparticles as a delivery system for celecoxib, improving its bioavailability and exerting antibacterial effects by reducing inflammation and bacterial burden.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
A. Saleh, T. A. El-Masry, W. A. Negm, B. Alotaibi, M. E. Elharty, K. N. Alotaibi, E. Elekhnawy
Summary: This study aimed to produce selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using Euphorbia milii Des Moul leaves extract (EME) and evaluate their antibacterial activity against Salmonella typhimurium. The results showed that SeNPs exhibited potential antibacterial activity both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, SeNPs also improved the survival rate and reduced inflammation markers in the gastrointestinal tract infection model.
EUROPEAN REVIEW FOR MEDICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
M. Kamal, W. A. Negm, A. M. Abdelkader, A. A. Alshehri, G. El-Saber Batiha, H. Osama
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the use of the most common over the counter (OTC) medications and their effects on patients. The results showed that the most commonly used OTC drugs by the participants in the study were paracetamol, followed by ibuprofen. The gender of the patients was significantly related to the use of OTC drugs and patient counseling by the pharmacist.
EUROPEAN REVIEW FOR MEDICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Ahmed Zayed, Mohamed A. Salem, Walaa A. Negm, Shahira M. Ezzat
Summary: Fever is a complex process caused by infection and inflammation, which can have severe biological effects on the body. Anti-pyretic drugs are prescribed to reduce body temperature and protect the brain. Natural anti-pyretic drugs are in high demand, and this article discusses the pathways, models, and screening of anti-pyretic natural products. It could contribute to the development of safe and effective natural anti-pyretic medications.
REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE FARMACOGNOSIA-BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOGNOSY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
H. M. Al-Kuraishy, R. R. ABD Hasan, A. I. A. Al-Gareeb, S. S. Aggad, A. S. M. Aljohani, I. M. El-Ashmawy, E. Elekhnawy, S. A. Mostafa, W. A. Negm, G. E. Batiha
Summary: This study aimed to determine whether alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and vitamin C can protect mice against the liver damage caused by methotrexate (MTX). The results showed that pretreatment with ALA and vitamin C dose-dependently increased the levels of glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), significantly decreased the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and improved liver histological architecture. These findings suggest that ALA and vitamin C are effective in treating MTX-induced liver damage.
EUROPEAN REVIEW FOR MEDICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Rasha Assad Assiri, Thanaa A. El-Masry, Sahar M. El-Haggar, Engy Elekhnawy, Salwa Seif Eldin, Aya H. El-Kadem, Sally Abdallah Mostafa, Aya Ibrahim Elberri, Sameh Magdeldin, Walaa A. Negm, Fatma A. Mokhtar
Summary: Acute lung injury (ALI) is a serious and often fatal condition characterized by inflammation and oxidative stress. This study investigates the potential beneficial effects of Tamarix nilotica, a Middle Eastern plant, on ALI induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The results show that certain fractions of T. nilotica exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, reducing the levels of inflammatory mediators and improving lung function in mice with ALI. Additionally, the study found that T. nilotica has antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae and can inhibit biofilm formation.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
