Biochemistry articles list

This study examines the first occurrence of non-toxic dinoflagellate blooming of Gonyaulax polygramma and Chaetoceros sp in Ambon Bay that occurred for almost three weeks in January 2019 and it caused the watercolor became red brown. The objective of this study was to identified phytoplankton species and their abundance that cause red tide in the Inner Ambon bay. Phytoplankton samples were collected, temperature, salinity and Secchi depth were measured simultaneously on the 11th and 21st January 2019 (nortwest monsoon) at fifteen sampling stations in Inner Ambon Bay. The results show that the maximum abundance of G. polygramma, Chaetoceros affinis, C. danicus and C. decipiens were found in the greatest concentration up to 20×109, 9.0x106, 5.8x106 and 3.8x105 cells.L-1, respectively. They were found either in the form of a single cell or in chains. The very high abundance of cells of those species made the waters become red brown but there was no reports of fish killed during this red tide phenomena. This is the first time report of blooming phytoplankton Gonyaulax polygramma, Chaetoceros affinis, C. danicus and C. decipiens occurred in Ambon bay during the dry season where the recorded waters temperature and salinity ranged from 30-32ºC and 29-33 psu, respectively and the secchi depths ranged from 2 to 6m. These results show this is the first report of the red tide phenomena in the Inner Ambon bay during the dry season and it occurred for a long period caused by combination of the high abundance of G. polygramma Stein, Chaetoceros affinis, C. danicus and C. decipiens.

Irma Kesaulya

Biological information processing networks rely on allosteric protein switches that dynamically interconvert biological signals. Construction of their artificial analogues is a central goal of synthetic biology and bioengineering. Receptor domain insertion is one of the leading methods for constructing chimeric protein switches. Here we present an in vitro expression-based platform for the analysis of chimeric protein libraries for which traditional cell survival or cytometric high throughput assays are not applicable. We utilise this platform to screen a focused library of chimeras between PQQ-glucose dehydrogenase and calmodulin. Using this approach, we identified 50 chimeras (approximately 23% of the library) that were activated by calmodulin-binding peptides. We analysed performance parameters of the active chimeras and demonstrated that their dynamic range and response times are anticorrelated, pointing to the existence of an inherent thermodynamic trade-off. We show that the structure of the ligand peptide affects both the response and activation kinetics of the biosensors suggesting that the structure of a ligand:receptor complex can influence the chimera's activation pathway. In order to understand the extent of structural changes in the reporter protein induced by the receptor domains, we have analysed one of the chimeric molecules by CD spectroscopy and hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry. We concluded that subtle ligand-induced changes in the receptor domain propagated into the GDH domain and affected residues important for substrate and cofactor binding. Finally, we used one of the identified chimeras to construct a two-component rapamycin biosensor and demonstrated that core switch optimisation translated into improved biosensor performance.

Cagla Ergun Ayva

Biological information processing networks rely on allosteric protein switches that dynamically interconvert biological signals. Construction of their artificial analogues is a central goal of synthetic biology and bioengineering. Receptor domain insertion is one of the leading methods for constructing chimeric protein switches. Here we present an in vitro expression-based platform for the analysis of chimeric protein libraries for which traditional cell survival or cytometric high throughput assays are not applicable. We utilise this platform to screen a focused library of chimeras between PQQ-glucose dehydrogenase and calmodulin. Using this approach, we identified 50 chimeras (approximately 23% of the library) that were activated by calmodulin-binding peptides. We analysed performance parameters of the active chimeras and demonstrated that their dynamic range and response times are anticorrelated, pointing to the existence of an inherent thermodynamic trade-off. We show that the structure of the ligand peptide affects both the response and activation kinetics of the biosensors suggesting that the structure of a ligand:receptor complex can influence the chimera's activation pathway. In order to understand the extent of structural changes in the reporter protein induced by the receptor domains, we have analysed one of the chimeric molecules by CD spectroscopy and hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry. We concluded that subtle ligand-induced changes in the receptor domain propagated into the GDH domain and affected residues important for substrate and cofactor binding. Finally, we used one of the identified chimeras to construct a two-component rapamycin biosensor and demonstrated that core switch optimisation translated into improved biosensor performance.

Cagla Ergun Ayva

Type 2 Diabetes mellitus contributes to the development or progression of many chronic and age-related pathological processes. One of the major risk factors for morbidity and mortality among patients with diabetes is renal and vascular disease as well as heart disease. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was associated with a significantly increased age of kidney disease with higher urea and creatinine levels. 76 Libyan subjects participated in the study. The subjects were divided into three categories. One group hosts diabetes case (n=40) while the other group serves as a control (n=12) and the other group has no type 2 diabetes mellitus but urea and creatinine levels are elevated (n=36). After oral informed consent of the study participants, 5 ml of venous blood was drawn under sterile conditions for whole blood analysis. Fasting blood sugar was analyzed. Urea and creatinine levels were compared between diabetic and non-diabetic patients. However, a statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 26 where the correlation between parameters was analyzed by an independent samples t-test. In this study, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus caused a significant increase in urea and creatinine compared to the control group. The study indicated that type 2 diabetes mellitus increases the damage to the kidney function.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is an inducible transamidating acyltransferase that catalyzes Ca2+-dependent protein modifications. TG2 enzyme disruption has been implicated in several different disease processes and disorders such as Huntington and Parkinson’s diseases, cancers such as breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancers. Coeliac disease (CD) is the one disease state that TG2 activity plays a crucial role. To date, a gluten-free diet is the only accepted form of therapy for CD. Because of the important role of TG2 enzyme in the initiation of CD, therefore, this study was aimed at the identification of TG2 inhibitors from natural sources, as a potential intervention in CD therapy. Competitive amine inhibitors are the most widely used TG2 inhibitors because they are commercially available, chemically stable and relatively non-toxic in living systems. The natural products chosen for this study were dietary flavonoids. Flavonoids were extracted from different food samples. The flavonoids food extracts were subjected to the TG2 activity assays to examine their effect on the enzyme activity. The assays were carried out under optimal conditions of pH, Ca2+ and with N, N-dimethylcasein (acyl-donor) or casein (acyl-acceptor) as acyl-donor substrates and biotin cadaverine (acyl-acceptor) or TVQQEL as (acyl-donor) substrates. TG activity was measured by two different microplate assays, Biotin-labeled cadaverine incorporation assay and Biotin-labeled peptide cross-linking assay. In the TG2 amine incorporation activity, all of food extracts display a significant inhibition effect towards the human recombinant transglutaminase2 (hrTG2) and guinea pig transglutaminase 2 (gplTG2) (20 - 50% of inhibition). While in the TG2 cross-linking activity, the majority of food extracts displayed an inhibition effect on the gplTG2 cross-linking activity (50 - 70% of inhibition) but only the strawberry and kale extracts showed an effect on hrTG2 activity (40 - 50% of inhibition). The inhibition of TG2 activity can be considered as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of CD.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Tobacco smoking negatively affects the quality of saliva and affects many biological parameters including salivary α-amylase enzyme activity. Salivary α-amylase enzyme is essential for the catabolism of carbohydrates. Forty- five healthy male volunteers aged between 18 and 69 years (40.0 ± 15.0) were divided into two groups, namely, the control group (n = 21) and the cigarette smoker group (n = 24). The effect of smoking on salivary α-amylase enzyme activity depends on the number of smoked cigarettes per day and the type of cigarettes as well as the period for how long the person smoking tobacco cigarettes was investigated. Different methods were used to analyze the activity of salivary α-amylase enzyme including the dinitrosalicylic acid method (standard colorimetric method). The results showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in salivary α-amylase activity in Libyan smokers compared to the non-smokers in the morning and night, also, the findings showed a significant decline in salivary α-amylase activity during the increasing smoking period. The activity of salivary α-amylase in the young age smokers group increases in morning and night compared to the non-smokers group. There is no change in the activity of salivary α-amylase in the middle and older adult groups in the morning and night compared to young smokers group. In conclusion, smoking for a long period time more than 20 cigarettes per day decreases the activity of salivary α-amylase in Libyan subjects.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Uric acid has increasingly been associated with insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetic patients who are hyperuricemic have a risk of developing diabetic complications. Pathogenesis of uric acid may decrease nitric oxide bioavailability in vascular smooth muscle, endothelial cells and direct scavenging of nitric oxide by uric acid. A decrease in endothelial nitric oxide production by uric acid has also been associated with endothelial dysfunction and insulin resistance. This study aims is to determine the relationship between uric acid and glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study included 161 Libyan patients (67 males and 94 females) diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Both levels of serum uric acid and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were determined. The patients were divided into two groups. The controllable diabetic group with HbA1c of less than 06.0% and the uncontrollable diabetic group with HbA1c of more than 06.0%. Patients who are suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus without complications were included whereas patients with smoking, alcoholism, nephrotic disease, malignancy, hepatitis, and renal failure or kidney disease were excluded. The mean and standard deviation of uric acid, HbA1c and Pearson correlation coefficient test were considered. In the controllable diabetic group, serum uric acid mean was found to be 4.807 ± 1.39 and HbA1c was found to be 5.032 ± 1.39. In the uncontrollable diabetic group, serum uric acid was 4.897 ± 1.66 and HbA1c was 8.396 ± 1.65. Uric acid level has significantly been correlated with HBA1C in controlled and uncontrolled diabetic patients (p < 0.05). In addition, the uric acid level was found to be higher in uncontrolled diabetic group than that in the controlled group (p < 0.05). A possible relationship between serum uric acid and incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus was noted. Thus, uric acid can be used as a potential biomarker to indicate impaired glucose metabolism.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

The incidence of diabetes mellitus has increased globally making it a major public health concern. Diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic disorder that causes an imbalance in the electrolytes which regulate essential metabolic mechanisms of the body. This study aimed to estimate the electrolyte levels in Libyan patients with type II diabetes mellitus and to investigate their relations to glycemic control and body mass index. A total of 122 Libyan subjects whose ages ranged between 35 years and 60 years for both sexes were included in this study, 77 patients were type II diabetic patients (37 males and 40 females) and 45 subjects were healthy individuals (23 males and 22 females) live in Tripoli area, Libya. The levels of blood glucose, HbA1c, sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium and calcium were estimated in this study along with the measurement of body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. All the findings were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA test. Significant increases in glucose, HbA1c, potassium, chloride, calcium, blood pressure and BMI among diabetic patients were observed as compared to the healthy individuals. On the other hand, significant decreases in sodium and magnesium levels among the diabetic patients were observed as compared to the control group. In addition, significant alterations in all the biochemical parameters in uncontrolled diabetic patients as compared to the controlled diabetic patients, and in unhealthy weight diabetic patients as compared to the healthy weight patients. It is concluded that diabetes mellitus results in an imbalance of electrolytes. Poor glycemic control and obesity have adverse effects on electrolyte balance among diabetic Libyan patients. Good glycemic control, maintaining a healthy weight and regular evaluation of electrolytes among diabetics can reduce the fatalities associated with electrolyte rearrangements.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Cardiovascular diseases represent a formidable global health challenge, standing as the foremost cause of both mortality and morbidity. Atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction, as primary contributors to this epidemiological burden, underscore the urgent need for effective therapeutic interventions with minimal side effects. Natural compounds derived from plants have emerged as promising candidates, given their enhanced efficacy and reduced adverse effects. Phytochemicals, in particular, have garnered attention for their potential as alternative therapeutic agents. This review delves into the cardioprotective potential of pinocembrin (5,7-Dihydroxy flavanone), a compound extracted from various plants and honey. Renowned for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, pinocembrin demonstrates significant cardioprotective effects through the modulation of diverse signaling pathways. Atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction entail intricate cellular mechanisms involving oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, cellular remodeling, and programmed cell death. Pinocembrin, by targeting key factors within these pathways, exhibits cardioprotective actions. While existing research underscores its effectiveness, further investigations are warranted to elucidate the impact of pinocembrin on additional cardiovascular conditions and explore novel molecular targets, thus paving the way for future advancements in therapeutic interventions.

Brinda Elangovan

The rate of oxygen consumption was measured in mercury chloride treated freshwater fish, cyprinus carpio for 96h and compared to control group. The present investigation showed that average oxygen rate was decreased in all treated animal as compared to controlled group. Behavioural changes was also recorded in both concentration. The behavioural alterations observed like surfacing, erratic movement, increased mucous secretion, decreased opercular movement and loss of balance. The present study revealed that, mortality rate increased with increases in concentration.

.Vijay Digambar Suryawanshi

“Phyllanthus emblica” known to be amla has role in the skin aging influences the changes in skin, including skin dryness, wrinkle, and irregular pigmentation. Initially the 6 day observation has been taken for the ageing activity to be track to study the TREM2 pathway of “Phyllanthus emblica”. Cellular observation and pathway consideration: The environmental impact of pH, Temperature, Humidity and stability of amla fruits is important for the ageing of cells in neuronal cascade of TREM2 Pathway, while studying the fruits cell cycle. The melanin suppression through inhibition of tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein-2 activities, the strong antioxidant, and the potent matrix metalloproteinase-2 in cellular observation of tyrosinase pathway. The study aimed to evaluate the anti-skin aging efficacy of amla.

Dr. Wahul Umesh B

The screening of perfect diuretics for non-clinical utility in Diabetes mellitus is a relatively novel approach which gain inssight into underlying the pathophysiological processes. This study is aims to evaluate the diuretic effect of a crude aqueous & alcoholic extract of M.charantia Linn. using Albino Wistar Rat model. In this study, the comparative observation of Diuretic activity with standard and extracted compound were shown that the estimated 24‐hour urine contains the Na+ - 3.82 g, 3.82 g, 3.92 g and K+ - 1.35 g, 1.39 g, 1.48 g wt. for Vehicle control, Standard drug, and Extracted compound respectively. Which possess the favoring result means from the spot urine were 10.7±7.0 g/24 h and 3.9±2.1 g/24 h, respectively. Coefficients were 0.035, 0.022, 0.046 at (d±2SD = 7.07 g, 4.42 g and 8.92 g) for sodium chloride and 0.068, 0.031, 0.046 at (d±2SD =4.92 g, 2.31 g, and 3.34 g) for potassium chloride. The Na+ and K+ results can be deduced by conversion (1 g NaCl=0.4 g Na+, 1 g KCl≈0.5 g K+). The present study guide formulation of non clinical trials with statistical study to further measuring the claimed efficacy of M. charantia as a natural remedy for diabetes mellitus.

Dr. Wahul Umesh B

The study of diabetes is not only limited to particular symptoms, but it is consequently affects the pathological and functional changes in the metabolic pathways of human body system. In those symptomatic diseases various drugs are used to treat the diabetes such as biosimilar therapy including use of insulin and insulin analogues, oral hypoglycaemic agents and various other complementary medicines. In understanding of suggested potential antidiabetic, effect of M. charaantia Linn. on fasting blood sugar levels and its biochemical analysis in alloxan- induced diabetic rats were investigated. The extracts of M. charaantia Linn. Produced a significant antidiabetic activity at normal dose levels of their lethal doses. A comparison between the action of reduction in blood glucose level in different dose forms of M. charantia extract and Std. drug were seen. An oral glucose tolerance or oral tolerance test were performed with the use of glucose strip Accu-check meter. The different extract viz. ethanol extract + water, petroleum ether + Isopropyl alcohol extract were used for further dosing purpose. The ethanol + water extract were showed significant (P<0.001) antidiabetic activity. In alloxan induced rat model blood glucose level were as, 214.5±5 mg/dLfor std.drug and 216.5±5 mg/dL in comparison with diabetic control 225.5±5 mg/dL. An ANOVA was used for the statistical analysis and p-values less than 0.01 compared to normal group and 0.05 compared to diabetic control group were considered statistically significant. The extract of M.charantia Linn. from seed at the dose of 250 mg/kg, significantly shows the better result in reduction of blood glucose level as compared to the concentration of 500 mg/kg. The increased level of glucose due to the damage of pancreas showed regeneration of pancreatic enzymes by extract of M. charaantia Linn. Which were damaged by alloxan treatment. These solvent extract also balance the body weight loss in diabetic rat, hence the present extract shows the potential to act as antidiabetic drug.

Dr. Wahul Umesh B

The % age elemental composition (ash, crude fat, crude protein, moisture and total carbohydrates) was determined in the Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc., Phaseolus lunatus Linn., and Phaseolus vulgaris Linn., legume flours. M. uniflorum contained moisture (8.9), ash (3.34), crude fat (1.30), crude protein (18.15) and total carbohydrate (68.31). Similarly, moisture (9.14), ash (3.73), crude fat (1.78), crude protein (22.64) and total carbohydrate (62.71) were estimated in P. lunatus. Meanwhile, P. vulgaris contained moisture (9.43), ash (3.61), crude fat (3.49), crude protein (19.46) and total carbohydrate (64.01). The gross, ash free, moisture and ash free calorific values were also determined. P. vulgaris showed the highest(3.91) and P. lunatus lowest (3.84), whereas M. uniflorum (3.86) caloric values (kcal/g), respectively. The elemental composition and caloric values of tested legume flours justify them as good sources of nutrition and energy.

Dr. Salman Ahmed