Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ingvill Pedersen Saebo, Magnar Bjoras, Henrik Franzyk, Emily Helgesen, James Alexander Booth
Summary: In vitro determination of hemolytic properties is commonly used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of chemicals, drugs, or blood-contacting medical devices or materials. However, there is significant variation in the protocols used in different experimental setups, leading to difficulties in interpretation and comparison of results. This study examines the impact of different variables on the outcome of the assay and proposes an optimized protocol to standardize future hemolysis studies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Hedmon Okella, Hilda Ikiriza, Sylvester Ochwo, Clement Olusoji Ajayi, Christian Ndekezi, Joseph Nkamwesiga, Bruhan Kaggwa, Jacqueline Aber, Andrew Glory Mtewa, Tindo Kevin Koffi, Steven Odongo, Didier Vertommen, Charles Drago Kato, Patrick Engeu Ogwang
Summary: This study identified and extracted antimicrobial peptides from the skin mucus of African Catfish, showing antibacterial activity and potential therapeutic benefits in combating antimicrobial resistance. These peptides have low molecular weight and high hydrophobicity, making them suitable for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Heba M. Rabeae, Shaimaa S. Mahfouz, Abdel Kareem M. Abdel Latif, Hani S. Hafez, Ayman M. Abdel-Aziz
Summary: Low temperatures and the lack of food during winter force marsh frogs (Rana ridibunda) and grass frogs (Rana mascareniensis) to hibernate in order to survive. A study was conducted to investigate the effects of temperature fluctuations during hibernation and activity periods on the brain's cytoarchitecture, as well as the expression of certain genes and proteins. The results showed degeneration and reduction of neurons in various brain areas during hibernation, with decreased expression of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase and Pax6. Additionally, several heat shock proteins, uncoupling proteins, and metallothionein genes were up-regulated during hibernation, suggesting a protective role against reactive oxygen species. The study highlights the importance of brain adaptations to low temperatures and the role of the olfactory bulb in thermoregulation and protection against cellular damage.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Alexander J. Douglas, Barbara A. Katzenback
Summary: Wood frogs, with their remarkable ability to tolerate whole-body freezing, are widely distributed in North America and the only amphibian found north of the Arctic Circle. However, recent mass mortalities in wild juvenile wood frogs caused by Ranavirus spp. highlight the serious threat posed to wood frog populations. Despite limited knowledge of the wood frog immune system and antiviral response, they are being increasingly studied as a model to understand anuran immune systems and antiviral responses.
DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Prapenpuksiri Rungsa, Steve Peigneur, Nisachon Jangpromma, Sompong Klaynongsruang, Jan Tytgat, Sakda Daduang
Summary: This study investigates the structure-activity relationship of antimicrobial peptides by analyzing the effect of amino acid substitutions and deletion of C-terminal residues. It is found that phenylalanine substitution increases antibacterial activity, while deletions of C-terminal residues decrease antibacterial and hemolytic activity.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Tatiana Yu. Samgina, Irina D. Vasileva, Polonca Trebse, Gregor Torkar, Alexey K. Surin, Zhaowei Meng, Roman A. Zubarev, Albert T. Lebedev
Summary: Skin secretion of amphibians contains peptides that play a crucial role in defending against pathogens and predators. In this study, mass spectrometry was used to analyze the skin peptidome of Rana arvalis species collected in Central Slovenia and compare it with the peptidome of the Moscow population. Several novel peptides were identified, and their potential as biomarkers was suggested. The study highlights the effectiveness of using MS3 tools in proteomics/peptidomics.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Gulzar Bhat, Shabir H. Lone, Muzafar Ahmad Rather, Abdul S. Shawl
Summary: Scutellaria, a popular herb in China, has been traditionally used for treating various diseases. This study focused on the chemical investigation of Scutellaria prostrata, a perennial herb grown in Kashmir Himalaya. Eight known compounds were isolated and characterized. A simple RP-HPLC method was developed for the compounds, which showed clear separation and well-resolved peaks. Some compounds exhibited significant antioxidant and anticancer activities, while others showed promising antitubercular activity. The developed method and biological screening can serve as a quality control method for standardization of Scutellaria prostrata and contribute to a deeper understanding of its pharmacological importance.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Biophysics
Emanuelle D. Freitas, Rogerio A. Rataglioli, Josephine Oshodi, Marisa M. Beppu
Summary: The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the importance of bioactive materials in mitigating viral infections. Bioinspired antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as suitable building blocks for antimicrobial coatings due to their versatile design and environmentally friendly features. This review discusses the advances and opportunities in using AMPs to create virucidal coatings, including the fundamental characteristics of peptide structure, advances in coating medical devices, and the role of different materials in designing antiviral coatings.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Joana C. Barbosa, Itala C. Silva, Tania Caetano, Eva Mosker, Maria Seidel, Joana Lourenco, Roderich D. Suessmuth, Nuno C. Santos, Sonia Goncalves, Sonia Mendo
Summary: Lichenicidin is a promising natural antimicrobial peptide with strong bactericidal activity and no cytotoxicity towards human cells.
WORLD JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Emine Sonmez, Meral Kekecoglu, Arif Bozdeveci, Sengul Alpay Karaoglu
Summary: This study explored the antimicrobial and antifungal activity of Anatolian honey bee venom (HBV) against bacteria and yeast-like fungi. The results showed that Anatolian HBV exhibited significant inhibitory effects on various Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, as well as yeast-like fungi.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yujia Zhang, Zinuo Meng, Shilong Li, Ting Liu, Juan Song, Jia Li, Xiumin Zhang
Summary: The overuse of antibiotics has led to the increasing resistance of pathogenic microorganisms, and the search for alternative antimicrobial agents has become a priority. In this study, two strains of Bacillus with good antibacterial activity were isolated from commercial feed additives, and two small molecule peptides with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity were obtained. These peptides exhibited good heat, acid, and alkali resistance, as well as protease stability, making them potential feed antibiotic substitutes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Juana Maria Jimenez-Vargas, Santos Ramirez-Carreto, Gerardo Corzo, Lourival D. Possani, Baltazar Becerril, Ernesto Ortiz
Summary: This study characterized six peptides from the NDBP-4 family of scorpion antimicrobial peptides, showing preferential inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus and varied hemolytic and antimicrobial activities. Analysis revealed insights into the structure and function of these peptides, providing clues for the design of more effective and less hemolytic antimicrobial peptides.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Livia Oliveira Alves Ferreira, Szilard Molnar, Felipe Terra Martins, Pal Perjesi, Luiz Henrique Keng Queiroz, Caridad Noda-Perez
Summary: The study on symmetrical halogenated bischalcones (SHBCs) and their Michael addition reaction with reduced glutathione (GSH) revealed that the formation of adducts did not directly correlate with their cytotoxic effects on cancer cells.
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Emmanuel A. Agbebi, Olumuyiwa S. Alabi, Abraham O. Nkrumah, Omonike O. Ogbole
Summary: This study investigated the presence and antimicrobial activities of bioactive peptides in seven selected plants from three different families. The results showed that the peptide-rich fraction from Nauclea diderichii exhibited the strongest antimicrobial activity against various bacteria and fungi. The peptide fractions from Euphorbia hirta and Nauclea diderichii also exhibited bactericidal activity and had a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Karen Johanna Cardenas-Martinez, Derly Grueso-Mariaca, Yerly Vargas-Casanova, Laura Bonilla-Velasquez, Sandra Monica Estupinan, Claudia Marcela Parra-Giraldo, Aura Lucia Leal, Zuly Jenny Rivera-Monroy, Javier Eduardo Garcia-Castaneda
Summary: Short peptides derived from Lys-LfcinB showed similar antibacterial activity to Arg peptides, and could enhance the antibacterial effect of ciprofloxacin while reducing hemolytic activity. This suggests that these peptides may be a cost-effective alternative for developing drugs or combinatory treatments against bacterial infections.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PEPTIDE RESEARCH AND THERAPEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Farnaz Ahmadi Oskooei, Jamshid Mehrzad, Ahmad Asoodeh, Alireza Motavalizadehkakhky
Summary: In this study, Quercetin nanoemulsions (QuNEs) were successfully produced and their interaction with HSA and HTF proteins, cytotoxicity, and antioxidant properties were evaluated. The Quercetin-entrapped nano-emulsions formed stable complexes and showed potential for improved solubility and anticancer effects.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Fatemeh Keshmiri, Yaser Ghelmani
Summary: This study aimed to assess the impact of continuing interprofessional education on collaborative self-efficacy, attitude toward the team, and interprofessional learning. The results revealed significant improvements in participants' attitude toward the team, attitude toward interprofessional learning, and interprofessional collaborative self-efficacy.
JOURNAL OF INTERPROFESSIONAL CARE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mohammad Ehsan Salehi, Ahmad Asoodeh
Summary: A new endoglucanase with new properties was isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of Osphranteria coerulescens larvae. The enzyme showed the highest activity and stability at 50 degrees C and pH 8.5, making it suitable for use in various industries.
WASTE AND BIOMASS VALORIZATION
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Samaneh Sepahi, Sina Gerayli, Mohammad Delirrad, Mohammad Ehsan Taghavizadeh Yazdi, Hadi Zare-Zardini, Behzad Bushehri, Adel Ghorani-Azam
Summary: Inhibition of cholinesterase (ChE) activity has been used as the main diagnostic method for organophosphate (OP) and carbamate pesticides poisoning. However, ChE activity may also be altered due to exposure to other toxicants and medical conditions. This systematic review identified additional biomarkers, such as beta-glucuronidase, neuropathy target esterase, and hematological indicators, that show high sensitivity and accuracy in the diagnosis of OP poisoning.
JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMICAL AND MOLECULAR TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Elaheh Gheybi, Ahmad Asoodeh, Jafar Amani
Summary: This study designed a recombinant protein for clinical diagnosis of breast cancer, which can detect stem cells in breast cancer and confirmed the stability of the protein structure and the exposure of the antigenic domain. The results showed a link between CD44v serum levels and the prevalence of breast cancer.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Fatemeh Koohzad, Ahmad Asoodeh
Summary: Bioresponsive nanodrug delivery systems using poly-anionic and poly-cationic biopolymers have been developed for tissue engineering applications. These systems have exhibited pH-sensitive drug release properties and are capable of meeting the requirements for ideal wound dressing. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that the synthesized nanofiber scaffold enhances wound healing by promoting cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, and tissue repair.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Niloofar Ghobadi, Ahmad Asoodeh
Summary: Natural plant phytochemicals, including curcumin, have shown efficacy against various diseases, including cancer. However, the clinical use of curcumin is limited due to its poor solubility and metabolism. Co-administration of curcumin with other phytochemicals, such as resveratrol, quercetin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, and piperine, has been found to improve its effectiveness in cancer treatment, showing synergistic effects on cell proliferation, invasion, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest.
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Abbas Vaezi-Kakhki, Ahmad Asoodeh
Summary: Iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized through different methods were evaluated for their antioxidant and cytotoxicity effects. Nanoparticles obtained through plant mediated synthesis showed the highest antioxidant activity and effectiveness in killing cancer cells. Green synthesis methods are environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and easy to perform.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Farzaneh Fesahat, Amir Masoud Firouzabadi, Hadi Zare-Zardini, Maryam Imani
Summary: Human beta-defensins (hBDs) are cationic peptides with amphipathic spatial shape and high cysteine content. The members of this peptide family have various functions in the human body, including the reproductive system. Beta-defensin 1 interacts with chemokine receptor 6 (CCR6) to prevent bacterial infections in the male reproductive system and has positive effects on antitumor immunity and fertilization in the female reproductive system. Beta-defensin 2 has antibacterial action and may play a role in preventing cervical cancer through interactions with dendritic cells. Beta-defensin 126 is essential for sperm motility and protection against immune system factors. This study reviews the roles of beta-defensin 1, beta-defensin 2, and beta-defensin 126 in both the male and female reproductive systems.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MENS HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sattar Khashkhashi-Moghadam, Samane Soleimani, Aileen Bazanjani, Saeideh Hoseinpoor, Reza Taheri, Parisa Mokaberi, Mohammad Reza Saberi, Jamshidkhan Chamani
Summary: Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have gained increasing interest in drug delivery due to their low cost, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. This study synthesized and characterized CNCs loaded with tamoxifen (CNCs/TMX) to evaluate their binding mechanism to serum proteins. The results showed that CNCs can deliver small amounts of TMX to tumors over time, limiting dose-dependent toxicity. The findings from various analyses confirmed the structure and properties of CNCs/TMX and the formation of complexes with serum proteins. Furthermore, in vitro and in silico studies demonstrated the anticancer effects and conformational changes of carrier proteins in the presence of CNCs/TMX.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Abbasali Mokarmat-Yazdi, Masoumeh Mazidi, Mohsen Ghiasi Tarzi, Hadi Zare-Zardini
Summary: The study collected the germ of Date seeds by breaking a thousand date kernels, and it was powdered and dissolved in distilled water to achieve different concentrations. Cancerous and normal cell lines were treated with these concentrations for different time periods, and cell viability and P53 gene expression were evaluated. Results showed that the germ of Date seed led to a decrease in viable cells and an increase in P53 gene expression in both cancerous and normal cell lines.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Shervin Dokht Farhangfar, Farzaneh Fesahat, Hadi Zare-Zardini, Mahdi Dehghan-Manshadi, Fateme Zare, Seyed Mohsen Miresmaeili, Maryam Vajihinejad, Hossein Soltaninejad, Adel Ghorani-Azam
Summary: The study evaluated the efficacy of Ginsenoside Rh2 and its combination with arginine-reduced graphene (Gr-Arg-Rh2) in treating mice with breast cancer. The results showed that mice treated with Gr-Arg and Gr-Arg-Rh2 exhibited more energy compared to Rh2 and control groups. Based on these findings, Gr-Arg-Rh2 may reduce cancer-related fatigue and low energy in cancer patients.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Yaser Ghelmani, Mohammad Hossein Ahrar Yazdi, Farimah Shamsi, Tahereh Fallah
Summary: This study evaluated lung CT images in COVID-19 patients and analyzed their relationship with clinical and laboratory factors as well as the worst disease condition. The results showed a high prevalence of lung and cardiac involvement. Age was significantly related to recovery. CT score, bilateral lung involvement, and Crazy paving had a significant effect on recovery rate.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Nooshin Hatamizadeh, Afsar Sadat Tabatabaei Bafghi, Fahimeh Nokhostin, Shokoufeh Behdad, Farimah Shamsi
Summary: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of rectal and sublingual misoprostol administration in reducing bleeding during and after cesarean section. The results showed no significant difference between the two groups in intraoperative and postoperative bleeding, as well as side effects. Therefore, sublingual misoprostol can be used as an alternative to rectal misoprostol in preventing postpartum hemorrhage.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Atena Sharifi-Rad, Zeinab Amiri-Tehranizadeh, Atiye Talebi, Niknaz Nosrati, Morvarid Medalian, Mahtab Pejhan, Nazanin Hamzkanloo, Mohammad Reza Saberi, Parisa Mokaberi, Jamshidkhan Chamani
Summary: The interaction behavior between propyl acridones and calf thymus DNA was investigated, demonstrating intercalation of PA with ct-DNA and significant effects on DNA stability and conformation. The binding constants and thermodynamic parameters revealed multiple non-covalent interactions in the binding process. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulations supported the stability of DNA with increased concentrations of PA.