1.Nanoparticles: Weighing the Pros and Cons from an Eco-genotoxicological Perspective
Preeyaporn KOEDRITH ; Mujibur RAHMAN ; Yu Jin JANG ; Dong Yeop SHIN ; Young Rok SEO
Journal of Cancer Prevention 2021;26(2):83-97
The exponential growth of nanotechnology and the industrial production have raised concerns over its impact on human and environmental health and safety (EHS). Although there has been substantial progress in the assessment of pristine nanoparticle toxicities, their EHS impacts require greater clarification. In this review, we discuss studies that have assessed nanoparticle eco-genotoxicity in different test systems and their fate in the environment as well as the considerable confounding factors that may complicate the results. We highlight key mechanisms of nanoparticle-mediated genotoxicity. Then we discuss the reliability of endpoint assays, such as the comet assay, the most favored assessment technique because of its versatility to measure low levels of DNA strand breakage, and the micronucleus assay, which is complementary to the former because of its greater ability to detect chromosomal DNA fragmentation. We also address the current recommendations on experimental design, including environmentally relevant concentrations and suitable exposure duration to avoid false-positive or -negative results. The genotoxicity of nanoparticles depends on their physicochemical features and the presence of co-pollutants. Thus, the effect of environmental processes (e.g., aggregation and agglomeration, adsorption, and transformation of nanoparticles) would account for when determining the actual genotoxicity relevant to environmental systems, and assay procedures must be standardized. Indeed, the engineered nanoparticles offer potential applications in different fields including biomedicine, environment, agriculture, and industry. Toxicological pathways and the potential risk factors related to genotoxic responses in biological organisms and environments need to be clarified before appropriate and sustainable applications of nanoparticles can be established.
2.Nanoparticles: Weighing the Pros and Cons from an Eco-genotoxicological Perspective
Preeyaporn KOEDRITH ; Mujibur RAHMAN ; Yu Jin JANG ; Dong Yeop SHIN ; Young Rok SEO
Journal of Cancer Prevention 2021;26(2):83-97
The exponential growth of nanotechnology and the industrial production have raised concerns over its impact on human and environmental health and safety (EHS). Although there has been substantial progress in the assessment of pristine nanoparticle toxicities, their EHS impacts require greater clarification. In this review, we discuss studies that have assessed nanoparticle eco-genotoxicity in different test systems and their fate in the environment as well as the considerable confounding factors that may complicate the results. We highlight key mechanisms of nanoparticle-mediated genotoxicity. Then we discuss the reliability of endpoint assays, such as the comet assay, the most favored assessment technique because of its versatility to measure low levels of DNA strand breakage, and the micronucleus assay, which is complementary to the former because of its greater ability to detect chromosomal DNA fragmentation. We also address the current recommendations on experimental design, including environmentally relevant concentrations and suitable exposure duration to avoid false-positive or -negative results. The genotoxicity of nanoparticles depends on their physicochemical features and the presence of co-pollutants. Thus, the effect of environmental processes (e.g., aggregation and agglomeration, adsorption, and transformation of nanoparticles) would account for when determining the actual genotoxicity relevant to environmental systems, and assay procedures must be standardized. Indeed, the engineered nanoparticles offer potential applications in different fields including biomedicine, environment, agriculture, and industry. Toxicological pathways and the potential risk factors related to genotoxic responses in biological organisms and environments need to be clarified before appropriate and sustainable applications of nanoparticles can be established.
3.Computational approaches for molecular characterization and structure-based functional elucidation of a hypothetical protein from Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Genomics & Informatics 2023;21(2):e25-
Adaptation of infections and hosts has resulted in several metabolic mechanisms adopted by intracellular pathogens to combat the defense responses and the lack of fuel during infection. Human tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is the world’s first cause of mortality tied to a single disease. This study aims to characterize and anticipate potential antigen characteristics for promising vaccine candidates for the hypothetical protein of MTB through computational strategies. The protein is associated with the catalyzation of dithiol oxidation and/or disulfide reduction because of the protein’s anticipated disulfide oxidoreductase properties. This investigation analyzed the protein's physicochemical characteristics, protein-protein interactions, subcellular locations, anticipated active sites, secondary and tertiary structures, allergenicity, antigenicity, and toxicity properties. The protein has significant active amino acid residues with no allergenicity, elevated antigenicity, and no toxicity.
4.In Silico Screening of Natural Products as Potential Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Using Molecular Docking Simulation.
Rajib HOSSAIN ; Chandan SARKAR ; Shardar Mohammad Hafiz HASSAN ; Rasel Ahmed KHAN ; Mohammad ARMAN ; Pranta RAY ; Muhammad Torequl ISLAM ; Sevgi Durna DAŞTAN ; Javad SHARIFI-RAD ; Zainab M ALMARHOON ; Miquel MARTORELL ; William N SETZER ; Daniela CALINA
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2022;28(3):249-256
OBJECTIVE:
To explore potential natural products against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) via the study of structural and non-structural proteins of human coronaviruses.
METHODS:
In this study, we performed an in-silico survey of 25 potential natural compounds acting against SARS-CoV-2. Molecular docking studies were carried out using compounds against 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLPRO), papain-like protease (PLPRO), RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), non-structural protein (nsp), human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 receptor (hACE2R), spike glycoprotein (S protein), abelson murine leukemia viral oncogene homolog 1 (ABL1), calcineurin-nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) and transmembrane protease serine 2.
RESULTS:
Among the screened compounds, amentoflavone showed the best binding affinity with the 3CLPRO, RdRp, nsp13, nsp15, hACE2R. ABL1 and calcineurin-NFAT; berbamine with hACE2R and ABL1; cepharanthine with nsp10, nsp14, nsp16, S protein and ABL1; glucogallin with nsp15; and papyriflavonol A with PLPRO protein. Other good interacting compounds were juglanin, betulinic acid, betulonic acid, broussooflavan A, tomentin A, B and E, 7-methoxycryptopleurine, aloe emodin, quercetin, tanshinone I, tylophorine and furruginol, which also showed excellent binding affinity towards a number of target proteins. Most of these compounds showed better binding affinities towards the target proteins than the standard drugs used in this study.
CONCLUSION
Natural products or their derivatives may be one of the potential targets to fight against SARS-CoV-2.
Animals
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Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use*
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Biological Products/pharmacology*
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COVID-19/drug therapy*
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Humans
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Mice
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Molecular Docking Simulation
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SARS-CoV-2
5. Comparative investigation of the free radical scavenging potential and anticancer property of Diospyros blancoi (Ebenaceae)
Muhammad Ali KHAN ; Md. Mahbubur RAHMAN ; Md. Nazmul SARDAR ; Md. Saiful Islam ARMAN ; Mamunur RASHID ; Golam SADIK ; A.H.M. Khurshid ALAM ; Md. Badrul ISLAM ; Md. Jahangir Alam KHANDAKAR ; A.H.M. Khurshid ALAM
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 2016;6(5):410-417
Objective: To investigate the comparative effects of Diospyros blancoi (Ebenaceae) leaves (DBL), root bark (DBRB) and stem bark (DBSB) on free radicals and cancer. Methods: The polyphenol contents, antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties were determined using standard spectrophotometric methods. Cytotoxicity and anticancer activities were performed on brine shrimp nauplii and Ehrlich ascite carcinoma cells, respectively. Results: Among the extracts, DBSB showed the highest total antioxidant capacity and reducing capacity on ferrous ion. Based on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities, DBSB showed (95.760 ± 0.343)% and (67.460 ± 2.641)% scavenging with IC
6.Review on diagnosis and molecular characterization of Toxoplasma gondii in humans and animals
Uddin, A.H.M.M. ; Hossain, D. ; Ahsan, M.I. ; Atikuzzaman, M. ; Karim, M.R.
Tropical Biomedicine 2021;38(No.4):511-539
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoon which causes toxoplasmosis, an
important zoonotic disease that is endemic worldwide. Common sources of T. gondii infection
in humans are food or water contaminated with oocysts and raw or undercooked meat with
cysts. In animals, common sources of infection include feed, water, or litter contaminated
with oocysts. The diagnosis and molecular characterization of T. gondii infection in humans
and animals is crucial due to public and veterinary health importance. Various traditional
and serological methods have been used in clinical practice for toxoplasmosis diagnosis,
but interpreting the results remains a challenge. Several molecular techniques have also
been used for the detection and genetic characterization of T. gondii, but primarily in research
settings. In this paper, we review the techniques that are currently used for the diagnosis
and genetic characterization of T. gondii in humans and animals, along with their advantages
and disadvantages. The techniques reviewed have laid the groundwork for the future
development of more effective and precise detection and characterization of T. gondii. These
advances will contribute to a better understanding of epidemiology, prevention and control
of toxoplasmosis. Thus, this review would be of particular interest to clinical physicians,
veterinarians and researchers.
7.Microbial water quality in pangasius and tilapia aquaculture systems in five regions of Bangladesh
Seikh Razibul Islam ; Md. Emranul Ahsan ; Mohammad Mahfujul Haque ; Muhammad Abdur Razzak ; Louise Schlü ; ter ; Raju Podduturi ; Niels O. G. Jø ; rgensen
Malaysian Journal of Microbiology 2021;17(4):435-451
Aims:
To determine abundance of potential pathogenic microorganisms in pangasius and tilapia farms in five major fish-producing areas in Bangladesh by PCR approaches.
Methodology and results:
Important microbial water quality indicators were studied in water of 38 fish farms producing
pangasius (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) and tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in five major fish-producing areas of
Bangladesh. The parameters included physicochemical data and PCR detection of total coliforms and E. coli, species of
potentially pathogenic Vibrio, and cyanobacterial genes encoding the toxins microcystin and saxitoxin. Quantitative PCR
showed that coliform bacteria occurred in all fish farms with densities from one to 2.2 × 105 per mL, while E. coli ranged
from none to 5.0 × 104 per mL. Numbers of total coliforms and E. coli were higher in pangasius farms than in tilapia
farms, and when high abundances occurred, coliform bacteria and E. coli bacteria co-varied. Detection of Vibrio-specific
genes indicated presence of Vibrio species in 76% of the farms and included V. vulnificus and V. cholerae. The human
pathogen type of V. cholerae (carrying the ctxA gene) and the fish pathogen V. parahaemolyticus were not detected.
The microcystin-encoding mcyE gene ranged from undetectable to 2.6 × 105 copies per mL and tended to be highest in
pangasius farms. The saxitoxin-encoding gene sxtA was not found in any of the farms.
Conclusion, significance and impact of study
Based on the high abundance of especially coliform bacteria and E.
coli, we recommend more efficient water quality monitoring systems to improve detection and control of fecal coliforms
and to reduce presence of microcystin-producing cyanobacteria in aquaculture farms in Bangladesh
Water Quality
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Tilapia
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Catfishes