68 results on '"Mona Alonazi"'
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2. Novel Stable Protease Inhibitor from Phoenix dactylifera (L.) Flowers with Antimicrobial and Antitumoral Activities
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Ikram Jemel, Najeh Krayem, Abir Ben Bacha, Mona Alonazi, Habib Horchani, and Hanène Ghamgui
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Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Published
- 2024
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3. Staphylococcus aureus Alkaline Protease: A Promising Additive for Industrial Detergents
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Mona Alonazi
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alkaline serine protease ,Staphylococcus aureus ,thermostability ,versatile biocatalyst ,detergent formulations ,Chemical technology ,TP1-1185 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
A novel alkaline serine protease, derived from the Staphylococcus aureus strain ALA1 previously isolated from dromedary milk, was subjected to purification and characterization. Optimal protease production occurred under specific culture conditions. The purified protease, designated S. aureus Pr with a molecular mass of 23,662 Da and an N-terminal sequence, showed an approximately 89% similar identity with those of other Staphylococcus strains. It exhibited its highest enzymatic activity at a pH of 10.0 and 60 °C in the presence of 3 mM Ca2+. Remarkable thermostability was observed at temperatures up to 70 °C and within a pH range of 6.0 to 10.0 for 2 h. The presence of Ca2+ or Mg2+ and Zn2+ significantly enhanced both enzymatic activity and thermal stability. Additionally, notable stability was demonstrated in the presence of reducing and chaotropic agents as well as in surfactants, oxidizing agents, and organic solvents commonly found in detergent compositions. This highlights the enzyme’s potential as a versatile biocatalyst, especially in detergents. Its stability and compatibility with laundry detergents matched Alcalase 2.5 L, type Dx, and the Stearothermophilus protease, used as controls. Collectively, this study investigated the potential utilization of S. aureus Pr in industrial detergents as an excellent candidate for incorporation as an additive in detergent formulations.
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- 2024
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4. Urtica pilulifera leaves extract mitigates cadmium induced hepatotoxicity via modulation of antioxidants, inflammatory markers and Nrf-2 signaling in mice
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Shaimaa Hussein, Abir Ben Bacha, Mona Alonazi, Maha Abdullah Alwaili, Maysa A. Mobasher, Najla Ali Alburae, Abeer A. Banjabi, and Karim Samy El-Said
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Urtica pilulifera ,antioxidants ,nuclear-related factor-2 ,cadmium ,hepatotoxicity ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 - Abstract
Introduction: Cadmium (Cd) is a harmful heavy metal that results in many toxic issues. Urtica pilulifera showed potential pharmaceutical applications. This study investigated the possible ameliorative mechanism of Urtica pilulifera leaves extract (UPLE) against hepatotoxicity induced by cadmium chloride (CdCl2) in mice.Methods:In vitro phytochemical screening and the metal-chelating activity of UPLE were ascertained. Four groups of forty male mice were used (n = 10) as follows; Group 1 (G1) was a negative control. G2 was injected i.p., with UPLE (100 mg/kg b. wt) daily. G3 was injected i.p., with Cd (5 mg/kg b. wt) daily. G4 was injected with Cd as in G3 and with UPLE as in G2. On day 11, the body weight changes were evaluated, blood, and serum samples were collected for hematological and biochemical assessments. Liver tissues were used for biochemical, molecular, and histopathological investigations.Results: The results showed that UPLE contains promising secondary metabolites that considerably lessen the negative effects of Cd on liver. Furthermore, UPLE inhibited oxidative stress and inflammation; restored antioxidant molecules; and promoted nuclear-related factor-2 (Nrf-2) expression. Also, UPLE improved the histopathological alterations induced by Cd.Discussion: This study explored the beneficial role of UPLE treatment in Cd-induced liver injury through enhancing Nrf-2 signaling and antioxidant enzyme gene expression in the liver of mice. Therefore, UPLE could have valuable implications against hepatotoxicity induced by environmental cadmium exposure. Which can be used as a chelating agent against Cd.
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- 2024
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5. In vitro and in silico analysis of Solanum torvum fruit and methyl caffeate interaction with cholinesterases
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Maha Aljabri, Khadiga Alharbi, and Mona Alonazi
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Solanum torvum ,Methyl caffeate ,Antioxidant ,Acetylcholinesterase ,Butyrylcholinesterase ,Molecular dynamics ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 - Abstract
Oxidative stress along with dysfunction in cholinergic neurotransmission primarily underlies cognitive impairment. A significant approach to mitigate cognitive dysfunction involves the inhibition of cholinesterases, namely acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Exploring the potential antioxidant and anticholinesterase effects of edible plants holds promise for their utilization as botanicals to enhance cognition. Solanum torvum fruit with vast biological properties are used as food. In the present study, butanolic extract of S. torvum fruits (BESTF) was prepared. Additionally, the study investigated into the properties of methyl caffeate (MC), a compound present in S. torvum, obtained in its pure form. In vitro antioxidant and anticholinesterases activity of BESTF and MC were determined. BESTF and MC showed potent antioxidant property. BESTF and MC dose-dependently inhibited AChE (IC50 values: 166.6 µg/ml and 680.6 µM, respectively) and BChE (IC50 values: 161.55 µg/ml and 413 µM, respectively). BESTF and MC inhibited AChE and BChE in competitive mode. Active site gorge of AChE/BChE was occupied by MC which formed interaction with amino acids present in catalytic site and PAS in in silico. Further, molecular dynamics simulations followed by free energy calculation, principal component analysis and dynamic cross-correlation matrix provided the compelling evidence that that MC maintained stable interactions during MD simulation with AChE and BChE. Collectively, the results from the present study underlines the cognitive-enhancing effect of BESTF and MC.
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- 2023
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6. Combined immobilized lipases for effective biodiesel production from spent coffee grounds
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Mona Alonazi, Sooad K. Al-Diahan, Zaenab R.A. Alzahrani, and Abir Ben Bacha
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Immobilized ,Lipase ,Biodiesel ,Coffee ,Extract ,Polysaccharides ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 - Abstract
This work describes the enzymatic transesterification of the oil extracted from SCGs for synthesis of biodiesel as a promising alternative to diesel fuels based on petroleum. Biocatalysts from various sources were tested for biodiesel synthesis using coffee oil among which CaCO3- immobilized Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus stearothermophilus showed the highest conversion yields (61 ± 2.64% and 64.3 ± 1.53%, respectively) in 4 h. In further optimizing reaction parameters, methanol to oil molar ratio, biocatalyst quantity, water content, as well as incubation time and temperature markedly improved oil-to-biodiesel conversion up to 99.33 ± 0.57 % in a solvent free reaction after 12 h at 55 °C. A mixture of inexpensive CaCO3-immobilized bacterial lipases at a 1:1 ratio was the best environment-friendly catalyst for biofuel synthesis as well as the ideal trade-off between conversion and cost. Obtained coffee biodiesel remained stable beyond 40 days at ambient storage conditions and its chemical characteristics were comparable to those of other known biodiesels according to the European requirements (EN14214). Collectively, SCGs, after oil extraction, could be an ideal substrate for the production of an environment-friendly biodiesel by using appropriate mixture of CaCO3-immobilized lipases.
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- 2023
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7. Unveiling sex-based differences in developing propionic acid-induced features in mice as a rodent model of ASD
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Nasreen Kamalmaz, Abir Ben Bacha, Mona Alonazi, Gadah Albasher, Arwa Ishaq A. Khayyat, and Afaf El-Ansary
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Autism ,Sex difference ,Propionic acid ,Behavior ,Medicine ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 - Abstract
Background Males are more likely to develop autism as a neurodevelopmental disorder than females are, although the mechanisms underlying male vulnerability are not fully understood. Therefore, studying the role of autism etiologies considering sex differences in the propionic acid (PPA) rodent model of autism would build greater understanding of how females are protected from autism spectrum disorder, which may be used as a treatment strategy for males with autism. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the sex differences in oxidative stress, glutamate excitotoxicity, neuroinflammation, and gut microbiota impairment as etiological mechanisms for many neurological diseases, with specific reference to autism. Method Forty albino mice were divided into four groups of 10 animals each with two control and two treated groups of both sexes received only phosphate-buffered saline or a neurotoxic dose of PPA (250 mg/kg body weight) for 3 days, respectively. Biochemical markers of energy metabolism, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and excitotoxicity were measured in mouse brain homogenates, whereas the presence of pathogenic bacteria was assessed in mouse stool samples. Furthermore, the repetitive behavior, cognitive ability, and physical-neural coordination of the animals were examined. Results Collectively, selected variables related to oxidative stress, glutamate excitotoxicity, neuroinflammation, and gut bacteria were impaired concomitantly with altered behavior in PPA-induced rodent model, with males being more susceptible than females. Conclusion This study explains the role of sex in the higher vulnerability of males to develop autistic biochemical and behavioral features compared with females. Female sex hormones and the higher detoxification capacity and higher glycolytic flux in females serve as neuroprotective contributors in a rodent model of autism.
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- 2023
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8. Functional Characterization and Anti-Tumor Effect of a Novel Group II Secreted Phospholipase A2 from Snake Venom of Saudi Cerastes cerates gasperetti
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Mona Alonazi, Najeh Krayem, Mona G. Alharbi, Arwa Ishaq A. Khayyat, Humidah Alanazi, Habib Horchani, and Abir Ben Bacha
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snake venom ,secreted phospholipase A2 ,stability ,anti-tumor effect ,cytotoxicity ,human cancer cell lines ,Organic chemistry ,QD241-441 - Abstract
Secreted phospholipases A2 are snake-venom proteins with many biological activities, notably anti-tumor activity. Phospholipases from the same snake type but different geographical locations have shown similar biochemical and biological activities with minor differences in protein sequences. Thus, the discovery of a new phospholipase A2 with unique characteristics identified in a previously studied venom could suggest the origins of these differences. Here, a new Group II secreted phospholipase A2 (Cc-PLA2-II) from the snake venom of Saudi Cerastes cerastes gasperetti was isolated and characterized. The purified enzyme had a molecular weight of 13.945 kDa and showed high specific activity on emulsified phosphatidylcholine of 1560 U/mg at pH 9.5 and 50 °C with strict calcium dependence. Interestingly, stability in extreme pH and high temperatures was observed after enzyme incubation at several pH levels and temperatures. Moreover, a significant dose-dependent cytotoxic anti-tumor effect against six human cancer cell lines was observed with concentrations of Cc-PLA2 ranging from 2.5 to 8 µM. No cytotoxic effect on normal human umbilical-vein endothelial cells was noted. These results suggest that Cc-PLA2-II potentially has angiogenic activity of besides cytotoxicity as part of its anti-tumor mechanism. This study justifies the inclusion of this enzyme in many applications for anticancer drug development.
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- 2023
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9. Synthesis, Biological, and Molecular Docking Studies on 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene Derivatives and Their Nanoparticles Targeting Colorectal Cancer
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Shimaa Kamal, Hamed Ahmed Derbala, Seham Soliman Alterary, Abir Ben Bacha, Mona Alonazi, Mohamed Kandeel El-Ashrey, and Nahed Nasser Eid El-Sayed
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Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Published
- 2021
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10. The anti‐inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects of probiotic on induced neurotoxicity in juvenile hamsters
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Abir Ben Bacha, Norah Al‐Orf, Mona Alonazi, Ramesa Shafi Bhat, and Afaf El‐Ansary
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apoptosis ,clindamycin ,cytokines ,heat shock protein ,propionic acid ,Nutrition. Foods and food supply ,TX341-641 - Abstract
Abstract Brain inflammation and apoptosis play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of various neurodevelopmental disorders. Probiotics have been shown to confer protection against many stresses, including apoptosis and inflammation, by modulating the gut function. The short‐chain fatty acid, propionic acid (PPA), plays an important intermediate of cellular metabolism. Although PPA exhibits numerous beneficial biological effects, its accumulation is neurotoxic. This study focused on the therapeutic potency of probiotics against PPA‐induced apoptosis and neuroinflammation in hamsters. Five groups of male golden Syrian hamsters were treated as follows: Group I as control; Group II as PPA‐treated with three doses of 250 mg PPA/kg/day; Group III as clindamycin‐treated with a single dose of 30 mg clindamycin/kg; Group IV as PPA–probiotic; and Group V as clindamycin–probiotic were two therapeutic groups which were treated with the same doses of PPA and clindamycin, respectively, followed by treatment with 0.2 g kg‐1 d−1 of probiotic (ProtexinR, Probiotics International Limited) for three weeks. Proapoptotic markers, such as caspases 3 and 7; neuroinflammation markers, such as interleukins 1β and 8; and heat shock protein 70 were measured in the brain. Significant increase of all measured markers (p ˂ .001) was observed in PPA and clindamycin‐treated hamsters compared with controls. Probiotics significantly reduced the damages and ameliorated all the test markers in both therapeutic groups compared with the control. Our results confirmed that probiotics can be utilized as a feasible strategy for managing apoptotic and inflammation‐related stresses in brain disorders by retaining the gut function.
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- 2021
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11. Testing the combined effects of probiotics and prebiotics against neurotoxic effects of propionic acid orally administered to rat pups
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Anwar Al Suhaibani, Abir Ben Bacha, Mona Alonazi, Ramesa Shafi Bhat, and Afaf El‐Ansary
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bee pollen ,oxidative stress ,neuroinflammation ,probiotics ,propionic acid ,Nutrition. Foods and food supply ,TX341-641 - Abstract
Abstract The present study investigated the combined effects of mixed probiotic and bee pollen on brain intoxication induced by propionic acid (PPA) in rat pups. Thirty western albino rats were divided into five groups, six animals each: (1) Control group receiving phosphate‐buffered saline; (2) Probiotic and bee pollen‐treated group being administered at the same dose with 200 mg/kg body weight; (c) PPA‐treated group receiving a neurotoxic dose 250 mg/kg body weight of PPA for 3 days; (d) Therapeutic group being administered the neurotoxic dose of PPA followed by probiotic and bee pollen treatment 200 mg/kg body weight; (e) Protective group receiving probiotic and bee pollen mixture treatment followed by neurotoxic dose of PPA. Selected biochemical parameters linked to oxidative stress, energy metabolism, and neurotransmission were investigated in brain homogenates from all the five groups. PPA treatment showed an increase in oxidative stress markers like lipid peroxidation coupled with a significant decrease in glutathione level. Impaired energy metabolism was ascertained via the alteration of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities. Dramatic increase of Na+ and K+ concentrations together with a decrease of GABA and IL‐6 and an elevation of glutamate levels in PPA‐treated rat's pups confirmed the neurotoxicity effect of PPA. Interestingly, the mixed probiotic and bee pollen treatment were effective in restoring the levels of glutamate, GABA, and IL‐6 in addition to normalizing the levels of lipid peroxidation and glutathione and the activities of CK and LDH. The present study indicates that mixed probiotic and bee pollen treatment can improve poor detoxification, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation as mechanisms implicated in the etiology of autism.
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- 2021
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12. Bee Pollen and Probiotics’ Potential to Protect and Treat Intestinal Permeability in Propionic Acid-Induced Rodent Model of Autism
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Mona Alonazi, Abir Ben Bacha, Mona G. Alharbi, Arwa Ishaq A. Khayyat, Laila AL-Ayadhi, and Afaf El-Ansary
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autism spectrum disorder ,leaky gut ,oxidative stress ,bee pollen ,probiotics ,Microbiology ,QR1-502 - Abstract
Rodent models may help investigations on the possible link between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and gut microbiota since autistic patients frequently manifested gastrointestinal troubles as co-morbidities. Thirty young male rats were divided into five groups: Group 1 serves as control; Group 2, bee pollen and probiotic-treated; and Group 3, propionic acid (PPA)-induced rodent model of autism; Group 4 and Group 5, the protective and therapeutic groups were given bee pollen and probiotic combination treatment either before or after the neurotoxic dose of PPA, respectively. Serum occludin, zonulin, lipid peroxides (MDA), glutathione (GSH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase, and gut microbial composition were assessed in all investigated groups. Recorded data clearly indicated the marked elevation in serum occludin (1.23 ± 0.15 ng/mL) and zonulin (1.91 ± 0.13 ng/mL) levels as potent biomarkers of leaky gut in the PPA- treated rats while both were normalized to bee pollen/probiotic-treated rats. Similarly, the high significant decrease in catalase (3.55 ± 0.34 U/dL), GSH (39.68 ± 3.72 µg/mL), GST (29.85 ± 2.18 U/mL), and GPX (13.39 ± 1.54 U/mL) concomitant with a highly significant increase in MDA (3.41 ± 0.12 µmoles/mL) as a marker of oxidative stress was also observed in PPA-treated animals. Interestingly, combined bee pollen/probiotic treatments demonstrated remarkable amelioration of the five studied oxidative stress variables as well as the fecal microbial composition. Overall, our findings demonstrated a new approach to the beneficial use of bee pollen and probiotic combination as a therapeutic intervention strategy to relieve neurotoxic effects of PPA, a short-chain fatty acid linked to the pathoetiology of autism.
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- 2023
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13. Prenatal SSRI Exposure Increases the Risk of Autism in Rodents via Aggravated Oxidative Stress and Neurochemical Changes in the Brain
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Ramesa Shafi Bhat, Mona Alonazi, Sooad Al-Daihan, and Afaf El-Ansary
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SSRI ,autism ,oxidative stress ,neurotransmitters ,fluoxetine ,Microbiology ,QR1-502 - Abstract
The mechanisms underlying selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) use during pregnancy as a major autism risk factor are unclear. Here, brain neurochemical changes following fluoxetine exposure and in an autism model were compared to determine the effects on autism risk. The study was performed on neonatal male western albino rats which were divided into Groups one (control), two (propionic acid [PPA]-induced autism model), and three (prenatal SSRI-exposed newborn rats whose mothers were exposed to 5 mg/kg of fluoxetine over gestation days 10–20). SSRI (fluoxetine) induced significant neurochemical abnormalities in the rat brain by increasing lipid peroxide (MDA), Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and caspase-3 levels and by depleting Glutathione (GSH), Glutathione S-transferases (GST), Catalase, potassium (K+), and Creatine kinase (CK) levels, similarly to what has been discovered in the PPA model of autism when compared with control. Prenatal fluoxetine exposure plays a significant role in asset brain damage in newborns; further investigation of fluoxetine as an autism risk factor is thus warranted.
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- 2023
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14. Screening and Identification of the Rhizosphere Fungal Communities Associated with Land Reclamation in Egypt
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Mostafa Nafaa, Samah Mohamed Rizk, Tahany Abdel-Ghafar Ahmed Aly, Mohamed Abdel-Salam Rashed, Diaa Abd El-Moneim, Abir Ben Bacha, Mona Alonazi, and Mahmoud Magdy
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reclaimed lands ,internal transcribed spacer (ITS) ,phylogeny ,phosphate solubilization ,Indole acetic acid (IAA) ,Agriculture (General) ,S1-972 - Abstract
Soil fungi are a wide range of microorganisms that play an essential role in enhancing the available nutrients in the soil for plants. In the current study, to study the fungal association with newly reclaimed land in Egypt, 22 composite soil samples were screened and characterized from citrus and olive orchard soil in contrast to a control soil that had never been cultivated (a nearby desert). The isolates were identified and tested for P solubilization and IAA production to highlight their potential as biofertilizers while the sampled soil was characterized. The physicochemical characteristics of the orchard’s soil sample had a high relative mean moisture content, and the C/N ratio were 45.24% and 16.8% compared with desert lands of 32.80% and 8.12%, respectively, while a higher pH was recorded for desert lands. A total of 272 fungal isolates yielded 27 filamentous fungal species. Based on ITS molecular identification, the 27 isolates belonged to phyla Ascomycota, from eight genera. Twelve species were positive in producing a phosphate clearance zone around the fungal colony growth, while ten species were able to release IAA in vitro with different tryptophan concentrations under different pH values. When known pathogenic fungi were excluded, Aspergillus tubingensis and A. fumigatus were the highest IAA producers and can solubilize phosphorus. The screening and identification of the fungal diversity of the newly reclaimed land provided insights into potential phosphate solubilizers and plant phytohormones producers (i.e., IAA). Overall, the obtained results can provide primary knowledge that indicates the great potential fungal ability to develop biofertilizers for application in improving the production of immature soil for agriculture reclamation processes and practices.
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- 2023
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15. Biodiesel Production by Single and Mixed Immobilized Lipases Using Waste Cooking Oil
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Abir Ben Bacha, Mona Alonazi, Mona G. Alharbi, Habib Horchani, and Imen Ben Abdelmalek
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biodiesel ,CaCO3 ,immobilized lipase ,Bacillus stearothermophilus ,Staphylococcus aureus ,waste cooking oil ,Organic chemistry ,QD241-441 - Abstract
Biodiesel is one of the important biofuels as an alternative to petroleum-based diesel fuels. In the current study, enzymatic transesterification reaction was carried out for the production of biodiesel from waste cooking oil (WCO) and experimental conditions were optimized, in order to reach maximum biodiesel yield. Bacillus stearothermophilus and Staphylococcus aureus lipase enzymes were individually immobilized on CaCO3 to be used as environmentally friendly catalysts for biodiesel production. The immobilized lipases exhibited better stability than free ones and were almost fully active after 60 days of storage at 4 °C. A significant biodiesel yield of 97.66 ± 0.57% was achieved without any pre-treatment and at 1:6 oil/methanol molar ratio, 1% of the enzyme mixture (a 1:1 ratio mixture of both lipase), 1% water content, after 24 h at 55 °C reaction temperature. The biocatalysts retained 93% of their initial activities after six cycles. The fuel and chemical properties such as the cloud point, viscosity at 40 °C and density at 15 °C of the produced biodiesel complied with international specifications (EN 14214) and, therefore, were comparable to those of other diesels/biodiesels. Interestingly, the resulting biodiesel revealed a linolenic methyl ester content of 0.55 ± 0.02% and an ester content of 97.7 ± 0.21% which is in good agreement with EN14214 requirements. Overall, using mixed CaCO3-immobilized lipases to obtain an environmentally friendly biodiesel from WCO is a promising and effective alternative for biodiesel production catalysis.
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- 2022
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16. The Impact of Dietary Consumption of Palm Oil and Olive Oil on Lipid Profile and Hepatocyte Injury in Hypercholesterolemic Rats
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Tarfa Albrahim, Maram H. M. Alotaibi, Norah M. M. Altamimi, Atheer M. A. Albariqi, Lamees A. O. Alqarni, Sara N. A. Alassaf, Hisham S. Aloudah, Mohammed Alahmed, Ahmad T. Almnaizel, Maha R. Aldraihem, and Mona Alonazi
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palm oil ,olive oil ,hypercholesterolemia ,oxidative stress ,inflammation ,FAS ,Medicine ,Pharmacy and materia medica ,RS1-441 - Abstract
A metabolic disease called hypercholesterolemia is connected to both oxidative damage and inflammation. The goal of the current investigation was to determine if olive oil and palm oil could prevent hypercholesterolemia-induced oxidative stress in the liver of rats fed a high-cholesterol diet (HCD). The experimental mice were given HCD for three months while also receiving 0.5 mL/kg of either palm or olive oil. Serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, vLDL cholesterol, and the atherogenic index all significantly increased in HCD-fed rats, while HDL cholesterol significantly dropped. Additionally, HCD caused a notable rise in proinflammatory cytokines and serum transaminases in liver tissue. Additionally, HCD significantly increased the production of nitric oxide and lipid peroxidation in the liver while decreasing antioxidant enzymes. Treatment with palm and olive oils dramatically reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and lipid peroxidation, improved antioxidant defenses, and considerably improved liver function indicators. Additionally, the examined oils dramatically decreased the expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS) in the liver of rats receiving HCD. In conclusion, HCD-fed rats exhibit significant antihyperlipidemic and cholesterol-lowering benefits from palm and olive oils. The improved antioxidant defenses, lower inflammation and lipid peroxidation, and altered hepatic FAS mRNA expression were the main mechanisms by which palm and olive oils produced their advantageous effects.
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- 2022
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17. A Proteinaceous Alpha-Amylase Inhibitor from Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract: Purification, Characterization, and Insecticide Effects against C. maculates Insect Larvae
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Aida Karray, Mona Alonazi, Raida Jallouli, Humidah Alanazi, and Abir Ben Bacha
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α-amylase inhibitor ,insecticide effects ,kinetic parameters ,plant defense ,Organic chemistry ,QD241-441 - Abstract
The main objective of the current study was the extraction, purification, and enzymatic characterization of a potent proteinaceous amylase inhibitor from Moringa oleifera. The antimicrobial potential and insecticide effects against C. maculates insect larvae were also studied. The α-amylase inhibitor was extracted in methanol (with an inhibitory activity of 65.6% ± 4.93). Afterwards, the inhibitor αAI.Mol was purified after a heat treatment at 70 °C for 15 min followed by one chromatographic step of Sephadex G-50. An apparent molecular weight of 25 kDa was analyzed, and the N-terminal sequence showed the highest identity level (89%) with the monomeric α-amylase inhibitor from Triticum dicoccoides. αAI.Mol was found to tolerate pH values ranging from 5.0 to 11.0 and showed maximal activity at pH 9.0. Thermal stability was remarkably important, since the inhibitory activity was maintained at 55% after 1 h of incubation at 70 °C and at 53% after an incubation of 45 min at 80 °C. The potency of the current purified inhibitor against amylases from different origins indicates that αAI.Mol seems to possess the highest affinity toward human salivary α-amylase (90% inhibitory activity), followed by the α-amylase of insects Callosobruchus maculatus and Tribolium confusum (71% and 61%, respectively). The kinetic parameters were also calculated, and the Kmax and Vmax of the digestive amylase were estimated at 185 (mmol/min/mg) and 0.13 mM, respectively. The inhibitor possesses a strong bactericidal effect against Gram+ and Gram- strains, and the MIC values were >1 against B. cereus but >6 against E. coli. Interestingly, the rates of survival and pupation of C. maculates insect larvae were remarkably affected by the purified αAI.Mol from Moringa oleifera.
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- 2022
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18. Biochemical, Kinetic and Biological Properties of Group V Phospholipase A2 from Dromedary
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Mona Alonazi, Aida Karray, Raida Jallouli, and Abir Ben Bacha
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phospholipase V ,kinetics ,characterization ,biological activities ,Organic chemistry ,QD241-441 - Abstract
Secretory group V phospholipase A2 (PLA2-V) is known to be involved in inflammatory processes in cellular studies, nevertheless, the biochemical and the enzymatic characteristics of this important enzyme have been unclear yet. We reported, as a first step towards understanding the biochemical properties, catalytic characteristics, antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects of this PLA2, the production of PLA2-V from dromedary. The obtained DrPLA2-V has an absolute requirement for Ca2+ and NaTDC for enzymatic activity with an optimum pH of 9 and temperature of 45 °C with phosphatidylethanolamine as a substrate. Kinetic parameters showed that Kcat/Kmapp is 2.6 ± 0.02 mM−1 s−1. The enzyme was found to display potent Gram-positive bactericidal activity (with IC50 values of about 5 µg/mL) and antifungal activity (with IC50 values of about 25 µg/mL)in vitro. However, the purified enzyme did not display a cytotoxic effect against cancer cells.
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- 2022
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19. Comparative study on the independent and combined effects of omega-3 and vitamin B12 on phospholipids and phospholipase A2 as phospholipid hydrolyzing enzymes in PPA-treated rats as a model for autistic traits
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Hanan Alfawaz, Ramesa Shafi Bhat, Manar Al-Mutairi, Osima M. Alnakhli, Abeer Al-Dbass, Mona AlOnazi, Majidh Al-Mrshoud, Iman H. Hasan, and Afaf El-Ansary
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Autism ,Propionic acid ,Omega-3 ,Vitamin B12 ,Phospholipase A2 ,Phospholipids ,Nutritional diseases. Deficiency diseases ,RC620-627 - Abstract
Abstract Background Abnormal phospholipid metabolism is a major component of many neurodevelopmental disorders including autism. Oral administration of propionic acid (PPA) can produce behavioral abnormalities and biochemical features in rodents similar to those observed in autism and can thus be used as a model to understand impaired brain fatty acid metabolism in autism. Methods The present study was designed to understand alterations in phospholipid metabolism in the brain of a rodent model of autism and to explore omega-3 and vitamin B12 as remedies. Five groups of rats were selected: Group 1 was the control. Group 2 was the rodent model of autism treated with a neurotoxic dose of PPA. Group 3 was given vitamin B12 cobalamin (16.7 mg/kg/day) for 30 days after PPA treatment. Group 4 was given pharmaceutical grade Omega-3 (200 mg cholesterol free-DHA/kg body weight/day), a product of Madre lab, Germany, for 30 days after PPA treatment for 3 days. Group 5 was given a combined dose of ω-3 + Vitamin B12 for the same duration post-PPA treatment. Phospholipid levels and Phospholipase A2 were measured in the brain homogenates of all the groups. ELISA and western blotting were used to detect the cPLA2 protein level. Results A significant decrease in phospholipid levels and a significant increase in cPLA2 were found in brain tissue of PPA-treated rats; however, both ω-3 and vitamin B12 were efficient in ameliorating the neurotoxic effect of PPA. Conclusion Both ω-3 and vitamin B12 may play a role in ameliorating impaired phospholipid metabolism in autism; however, proper clinical trials are needed.
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- 2018
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20. Synthesis and Characterization of Some New Quinoxalin-2(1H)one and 2-Methyl-3H-quinazolin-4-one Derivatives Targeting the Onset and Progression of CRC with SAR, Molecular Docking, and ADMET Analyses
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Nahed N. E. El-Sayed, Taghreed M. Al-Otaibi, Mona Alonazi, Vijay H. Masand, Assem Barakat, Zainab M. Almarhoon, and Abir Ben Bacha
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colorectal cancer ,dysbiosis ,cyclooxygenase-2 ,lactate dehydrogenase A ,quinazoline ,quinoxaline ,Organic chemistry ,QD241-441 - Abstract
The pathogenesis of colorectal cancer is a multifactorial process. Dysbiosis and the overexpression of COX-2 and LDHA are important effectors in the initiation and development of the disease through chromosomal instability, PGE2 biosynthesis, and induction of the Warburg effect, respectively. Herein, we report the in vitro testing of some new quinoxalinone and quinazolinone Schiff’s bases as: antibacterial, COX-2 and LDHA inhibitors, and anticolorectal agents on HCT-116 and LoVo cells. Moreover, molecular docking and SAR analyses were performed to identify the structural features contributing to the biological activities. Among the synthesized molecules, the most active cytotoxic agent, (6d) was also a COX-2 inhibitor. In silico ADMET studies predicted that (6d) would have high Caco-2 permeability, and %HIA (99.58%), with low BBB permeability, zero hepatotoxicity, and zero risk of sudden cardiac arrest, or mutagenicity. Further, (6d) is not a potential P-gp substrate, instead, it is a possible P-gpI and II inhibitor, therefore, it can prevent or reverse the multidrug resistance of the anticancer drugs. Collectively, (6d) can be considered as a promising lead suitable for further optimization to develop anti-CRC agents or glycoproteins inhibitors.
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- 2021
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21. Sinapic Acid Suppresses SARS CoV-2 Replication by Targeting Its Envelope Protein
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Raha Orfali, Mostafa E. Rateb, Hossam M. Hassan, Mona Alonazi, Mokhtar R. Gomaa, Noura Mahrous, Mohamed GabAllah, Ahmed Kandeil, Shagufta Perveen, Usama Ramadan Abdelmohsen, and Ahmed M. Sayed
- Subjects
sinapic acid ,SARS CoV-2 ,COVID-19 ,viral envelope protein ,molecular dynamic simulation ,Therapeutics. Pharmacology ,RM1-950 - Abstract
SARS CoV-2 is still considered a global health issue, and its threat keeps growing with the emergence of newly evolved strains. Despite the success in developing some vaccines as a protective measure, finding cost-effective treatments is urgent. Accordingly, we screened a number of phenolic natural compounds for their in vitro anti-SARS CoV-2 activity. We found sinapic acid (SA) selectively inhibited the viral replication in vitro with an half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 2.69 µg/mL with significantly low cytotoxicity (CC50 = 189.3 µg/mL). Subsequently, we virtually screened all currently available molecular targets using a multistep in silico protocol to find out the most probable molecular target that mediates this compound’s antiviral activity. As a result, the viral envelope protein (E-protein) was suggested as the most possible hit for SA. Further in-depth molecular dynamic simulation-based investigation revealed the essential structural features of SA antiviral activity and its binding mode with E-protein. The structural and experimental results presented in this study strongly recommend SA as a promising structural motif for anti-SARS CoV-2 agent development.
- Published
- 2021
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22. A Novel Thermostable and Alkaline Protease Produced from Bacillus stearothermophilus Isolated from Olive Oil Mill Sols Suitable to Industrial Biotechnology
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Aida Karray, Mona Alonazi, Habib Horchani, and Abir Ben Bacha
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protease ,Bacillus stearothermophilus ,characterization ,thermostable ,Organic chemistry ,QD241-441 - Abstract
This study was conducted to identify a new alkaline and thermophilic protease (Ba.St.Pr) produced from Bacillus stearothermophilus isolated from olive oil mill sols and to evaluate its culture conditions, including temperature, pH, carbon and nitrogen sources, and incubation time. The optimum culture conditions for cell growth (10 g/L) and protease production (5050 U/mL) were as follows: temperature 55 °C, pH 10, inoculation density 8 × 108 CFU/mL, and incubation time 24 h. The use of 3% yeast extract as the nitrogen sources and galactose (7.5 g/L) as the carbon sources enhanced both cell growth and protease production. Using reversed-phase analytical HPLC on C-8 column, the new protease was purified with a molecular mass of approximately 28 kDa. The N-terminal sequence of Ba.St.Pr exhibited a high level of identity of approximately 95% with those of Bacillus strains. Characterization under extreme conditions revealed a novel thermostable and alkaline protease with a half-life time of 187 min when incubated with combined Ca2+/mannitol. Ba.St.Pr demonstrated a higher stability in the presence of surfactant, solvent, and Ca2+ ions. Consequently, all the evaluated activity parameters highlighted the promising properties of this bacterium for industrial and biotechnological applications.
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- 2021
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23. Purification and Biochemical Characterization of a New Protease Inhibitor from Conyza dioscoridis with Antimicrobial, Antifungal and Cytotoxic Effects
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Aida Karray, Mona Alonazi, Slim Smaoui, Philippe Michaud, Dina Soliman, and Abir Ben Bacha
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Conyza dioscoridis ,protease inhibitor ,characterization antimicrobial effect ,protein therapeutics ,Organic chemistry ,QD241-441 - Abstract
The main objective of the current study was the extraction, purification, and biochemical characterization of a protein protease inhibitor from Conyzadioscoridis. Antimicrobial potential and cytotoxic effects were also examined. The protease inhibitor was extracted in 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 6–7). Then, the protease inhibitor, named PDInhibitor, was purified using ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by filtration through a Sephadex G-50 column and had an apparent molecular weight of 25 kDa. The N-terminal sequence of PDInhibitor showed a high level of identity with those of the Kunitz family. PDInhibitor was found to be active at pH values ranging from 5.0 to 11.0, with maximal activity at pH 9.0. It was also fully active at 50 °C and maintained 90% of its stability at over 55 °C. The thermostability of the PDInhibitor was clearly enhanced by CaCl2 and sorbitol, whereas the presence of Ca2+ and Zn2+ ions, Sodium taurodeoxycholate (NaTDC), Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), Dithiothreitol (DTT), and β-ME dramatically improved the inhibitory activity. A remarkable affinity of the protease inhibitor with available important therapeutic proteases (elastase and trypsin) was observed. PDInhibitor also acted as a potent inhibitor of commercial proteases from Aspergillus oryzae and of Proteinase K. The inhibitor displayed potent antimicrobial activity against gram+ and gram- bacteria and against fungal strains. Interestingly, PDInhibitor affected several human cancer cell lines, namely HCT-116, MDA-MB-231, and Lovo. Thus, it can be considered a potentially powerful therapeutic agent.
- Published
- 2020
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24. A computational study of structural analysis of Class I human glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) variants: Elaborating the correlation to chronic non-spherocytic hemolytic anemia (CNSHA).
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Maysaa Alakbaree, Abbas Hashim Abdulsalam, Haron H. Ahmed, Farah Hasan Ali, Ahmed Al-Hili, Mohd Shahir Shamsir Omar, Mona Alonazi, Joazaizulfazli Jamalis, Nurriza Ab Latif, Muaawia Ahmed Hamza, and Syazwani Itri Amran
- Published
- 2023
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25. Biophysical and in-silico studies on the structure-function relationship of Brugia malayi protein disulfide isomerase
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Pawan Kumar Doharey, Pravesh Verma, Amit Dubey, Sudhir Kumar Singh, Manish Kumar, Timir Tripathi, Mona Alonazi, Nikhat Jamal Siddiqi, and Bechan Sharma
- Subjects
Structural Biology ,General Medicine ,Molecular Biology - Published
- 2023
26. Expression, purification, and biophysical characterization of recombinant MERS-CoV main (Mpro) protease
- Author
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Ghada Obeid Almutairi, Ajamaluddin Malik, Mona Alonazi, Javed Masood Khan, Abdullah S. Alhomida, Mohd Shahnawaz Khan, Amal M. Alenad, Nojood Altwaijry, and Nouf Omar Alafaleq
- Subjects
Structural Biology ,General Medicine ,Molecular Biology ,Biochemistry - Published
- 2022
27. Synthesis, Biological, and Molecular Docking Studies on 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene Derivatives and Their Nanoparticles Targeting Colorectal Cancer
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Mohamed K. El-Ashrey, Seham Alterary, Shimaa Kamal, Hamed A. Derbala, Mona Alonazi, Nahed N. E. El-Sayed, and Abir Ben Bacha
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chemistry.chemical_classification ,Antioxidant ,Chemistry ,General Chemical Engineering ,medicine.medical_treatment ,General Chemistry ,Sodium Dichloroacetate ,Metabolism ,Enzyme ,Biochemistry ,Cell culture ,medicine ,Cytotoxic T cell ,Cytotoxicity ,QD1-999 ,ADME - Abstract
Initiation of colorectal carcinogenesis may be induced by chromosomal instability caused by oxidative stress or indirectly by bacterial infections. Moreover, proliferating tumor cells are characterized by reprogrammed glucose metabolism, which is associated with upregulation of PDK1 and LDHA enzymes. In the present study, some 4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene derivatives in addition to Fe3O4 and Fe3O4/SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) supported with a new Schiff base were synthesized for biological evaluation as PDK1 and LDHA inhibitors as well as antibacterial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic agents on LoVo and HCT-116 cells of colorectal cancer (CRC). The results showed that compound 1b is the most active as PDK1 and LDHA inhibitor with IC50 values (μg/mL) of 57.10 and 64.10 compared to 25.75 and 15.60, which were produced by the standard inhibitors sodium dichloroacetate and sodium oxamate, respectively. NPs12a,b and compound 1b exhibited the strongest antioxidant properties with IC50 values (μg/mL) of 80.0, 95.0, and 110.0 μg/mL, respectively, compared to 54.0 μg/mL, which was produced by butylated hydroxy toluene. Moreover, NPs12a and carbamate derivative 3b exhibited significant cytotoxic activities with IC50 values (μg/mL) of 57.15 and 81.50 (LoVo cells) and 60.35 and 71.00 (HCT-116 cells). Thus, NPs12a and compound 3b would be considered as promising candidates suitable for further optimization to develop new chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents against these types of CRC cell lines. Besides, molecular docking in the colchicine binding site of the tubulin (TUB) domain revealed a good binding affinity of 3b to the protein; in addition, the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) analyses showed its desirable drug-likeness and oral bioavailability characteristics.
- Published
- 2021
28. Inflammatory Cytokines Correlate with Dry Eye Indexes Estimated by Keratograph in Healthy Subjects
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Mona Alonazi, May N. Al-Muammar, Rania H. Fahmy, Afaf El-Ansary, and Ramesa Shafi Bhat
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business.industry ,Immunology ,Healthy subjects ,Medicine ,sense organs ,business ,Molecular Biology ,Biochemistry ,eye diseases ,Proinflammatory cytokine - Abstract
Background: Inflammation plays a major role in dry eye diseases and is the prime target in clinical treatments of the disease. Objective: To determine whether the inflammatory cytokines in the tear film of patients with dry eye correlate with parameters such as Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT) and Tear Meniscus Height (TMH) and could be used together as predictive biomarkers of disease severity. Methods: This study included 58 eyes (29 female subjects; age, 19–25 years) comprising 20 normal eyes (control), 20 eyes (level 1 dryness), and 18 eyes (level 2 dryness). Dryness level 1 or 2 is keratographic diagnosis according to the tear break-up time cut-off value obtained. After ophthalmic examinations, including determination of non-invasive TBUT average and first second and TMH using Keratograph 4 (to measure dryness level), tears of all participants were collected. Five cytokines, including interleukin 6, 10, 12, interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α, were measured using ELISA. Results: Significant changes were observed in all measured cytokines and these changes correlated with eye dryness severity scores. Both groups (levels 1 & 2) showed remarkable changes related to ocular surface alterations in clinical examinations. Significantly, shorter TBUT and TMH were recorded in both groups and were positively correlated with the dryness severity. Conclusion: Cytokines could be used as predictive markers for pre-clinical diagnosis of dry eye diseases and as prognostic markers to monitor treatment effectiveness.
- Published
- 2021
29. Neurochemical Changes in the Brain After Fetal Exposure to Fluoxetine, A Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SRI) in Rodents
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Mona Alonazi, Amina El Gezeery, Ramesa Shafi Bhat, and Afaf El-Ansary
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Fluoxetine ,Neurochemical ,business.industry ,Serotonin reuptake inhibitor ,Medicine ,Pharmacology ,business ,Fetal exposure ,Molecular Biology ,Biochemistry ,medicine.drug - Abstract
Background: In utero exposure to Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) is considered as a risk factor for many neurodevelopmental diseases. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether prenatal SSRI exposure changes newborn brain chemistry. Method: An animal based study was designed in which utero SSRI exposed rat’s pups were compared to one without drug exposure. Neurochemical changes of the infants were assessed after 2 days of birth by estimating the levels of inflammatory cytokines, neurotransmitters and caspases in the brain exposed to SSRI at prenatal stage and compared to normal unexposed newborn. Results: Our results showed significant neurochemical changes in SSRI-exposed newborns. A significant decrease in dopamine, and serotonin levels with a remarkable decrease in noradrenaline in addition to remarkable increase of IFN-γ and caspase-3 levels was observed in the brain tissues of prenatal exposed SSRIs rat pups. Conclusion: The results suggest that prenatal SSRI treatment may affect brain development of newborn hence should be used warily during gestation period.
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- 2021
30. Biochemical Study of Bacillus stearothermophilus Immobilized Lipase for Oily Wastewater Treatment
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Abir Ben Bacha, Mona Alonazi, Humidah Alanazi, Mona G. Alharbi, Raida Jallouli, and Aida Karray
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immobilized lipase ,CaCO3 ,wastewater treatment ,Process Chemistry and Technology ,Chemical Engineering (miscellaneous) ,Bioengineering - Abstract
Traditional wastewater treatments involve expensive mechanical and physiochemical methods, so researchers have been developing cost-effective, sustainable technologies that use enzymes to produce higher quality effluents and recover more energy and nutrients from wastewater. A thermostable, alkaline, and solvent-tolerant lipase was partially purified from thermophilic Bacillus stearothermophilus. The lipase displayed maximum activity at 50 °C and pH 11.0 and catalyzed both short- and long-chain triacylglycerols at similar rates. B. stearothermophilus lipase also exhibited high stability when incubated at 40 °C for 1 h with anionic and non-ionic surfactants. Studies show that thermostable enzymes can be improved through immobilization and modification of other reaction conditions. Therefore, B. stearothermophilus lipase was immobilized through adsorption on CaCO3, Celite 545, and silica gel with the CaCO3 support producing the best adsorption rate (89.33%). The optimal initial lipase activity was approximately 4500 U.g−1 after 60 min. Interestingly, 93% of the initial lipase activity was retained after six cycles, and almost 50% of the initial activity remained after 12 cycles. Furthermore, immobilization improved storage stability with 98.85% of the initial lipase activity retained after 60 days of storage at 4 °C. The biochemical characteristics of immobilized lipase shifted toward a slightly alkaline region, reaching maximum activity at pH 12. The optimal temperature of immobilized lipase was 60 °C. Immobilization also improved enzymatic stability by widening the pH range from 5–9 (for free lipase) to 4–11, and thermostability by reaching 65 °C. The application of immobilized lipase in wastewater treatment was observed through oil layer biodegradation. Notably, treating wastewater for 10 days with immobilized lipase almost removed the chemical oxygen demand (COD) from 1950.1 down to 4.04 mg.L−1. Similarly, lipid content was almost removed from 15,500 ± 546 mg.L−1 down to 12 mg.L−1. All results highlight the potential value of CaCO3-immobilized lipase as an effective biocatalyst for hydrolyzing wastewater.
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- 2022
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31. Association of Maternal Diabetes and Autism Spectrum Disorders in Offspring: a Study in a Rodent Model of Autism
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Abeer Al-Dbass, Malak M Aljumaiah, Dina A. Soliman, Afaf El-Ansary, Mona Alonazi, Mohammed Alahmed, and Ahmad T. Almnaizel
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Type 1 diabetes ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Pregnancy ,business.industry ,Offspring ,Insulin ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Glutamate receptor ,General Medicine ,medicine.disease ,Streptozotocin ,medicine.disease_cause ,Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience ,Endocrinology ,Internal medicine ,Medicine ,Autism ,business ,Oxidative stress ,medicine.drug - Abstract
The present study investigated that maternal type 1 diabetes may contribute to autism pathogenesis in offspring, and that insulin therapy during pregnancy may prevent the onset of autism. As evidenced, selected brain biomarkers representing the accepted etiological mechanism of autism in newborn rats from diabetic mothers and diabetic mothers receiving insulin therapy compared to the propionic acid (PPA) rodent model of autism were screened. Female Wistar rats with a controlled fertility cycle were randomly divided into three groups: a control group, a group treated with a single dose of 65 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) to induce type 1 diabetes (T1D), and a group treated with a single dose of STZ to induce T1D along with insulin therapy. Neonatal rats from these groups were divided into four experimental groups of six animals each: the control group, oral buffered PPA-treated group administered a neurotoxic dose of 250 mg/kg PPA for 3 days to induce autism, neonatal rats from mothers with T1D, and neonatal rats from mothers with T1D receiving insulin therapy. Biochemical parameters of oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and glutamate excitotoxicity were examined in brain homogenates from all neonatal rats. The development of pathogenic bacteria was monitored in stool samples from all rat groups. Descriptive analyses of changes in fecal microbiota and overgrowth of Clostridium species were performed in diabetic mothers, diabetic mothers treated with insulin therapy, and their offspring. Clostridium species may induce autism-relevant behaviors in offspring from mothers with T1D. Maternal T1D without insulin therapy increased lipid peroxidation levels, reduced GST activity, and lower offspring’ vitamin C and GSH levels. Increased IL-6 levels and reduced GABA levels were detected in brain homogenates from neonatal rats whose mothers had T1D. Interestingly, insulin therapy reduced MDA and IL-6 levels and increased GST, GSH, and vitamin C levels in brain homogenates of neonatal rats from mothers with T1D receiving insulin therapy compared to the PPA-treated group. Based on our results, the PPA-treated group and neonatal rats from mothers with T1D exhibited similar results. These findings suggest that neonatal rats from mothers with T1D may develop autism-relevant biochemical autistic features and that insulin therapy may ameliorate oxidative stress, poor detoxification, inflammation, and excitotoxicity as ascertained mechanisms involved in the etiology of autism.
- Published
- 2021
32. The anti‐inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects of probiotic on induced neurotoxicity in juvenile hamsters
- Author
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Afaf El-Ansary, Abir Ben Bacha, Mona Alonazi, Ramesa Shafi Bhat, and Norah Al-Orf
- Subjects
medicine.drug_class ,propionic acid ,heat shock protein ,Inflammation ,Pharmacology ,Anti-inflammatory ,law.invention ,Probiotic ,law ,Heat shock protein ,medicine ,TX341-641 ,Neuroinflammation ,Caspase ,Original Research ,biology ,business.industry ,Nutrition. Foods and food supply ,Neurotoxicity ,apoptosis ,respiratory system ,clindamycin ,medicine.disease ,cytokines ,Apoptosis ,biology.protein ,medicine.symptom ,business ,Food Science - Abstract
Brain inflammation and apoptosis play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of various neurodevelopmental disorders. Probiotics have been shown to confer protection against many stresses, including apoptosis and inflammation, by modulating the gut function. The short‐chain fatty acid, propionic acid (PPA), plays an important intermediate of cellular metabolism. Although PPA exhibits numerous beneficial biological effects, its accumulation is neurotoxic. This study focused on the therapeutic potency of probiotics against PPA‐induced apoptosis and neuroinflammation in hamsters. Five groups of male golden Syrian hamsters were treated as follows: Group I as control; Group II as PPA‐treated with three doses of 250 mg PPA/kg/day; Group III as clindamycin‐treated with a single dose of 30 mg clindamycin/kg; Group IV as PPA–probiotic; and Group V as clindamycin–probiotic were two therapeutic groups which were treated with the same doses of PPA and clindamycin, respectively, followed by treatment with 0.2 g kg‐1 d−1 of probiotic (ProtexinR, Probiotics International Limited) for three weeks. Proapoptotic markers, such as caspases 3 and 7; neuroinflammation markers, such as interleukins 1β and 8; and heat shock protein 70 were measured in the brain. Significant increase of all measured markers (p ˂ .001) was observed in PPA and clindamycin‐treated hamsters compared with controls. Probiotics significantly reduced the damages and ameliorated all the test markers in both therapeutic groups compared with the control. Our results confirmed that probiotics can be utilized as a feasible strategy for managing apoptotic and inflammation‐related stresses in brain disorders by retaining the gut function., This study ascertained the role of neuroinflammation and apoptosis as neurotoxic effects in the PPA‐induced rodent model of autism. Clindamycin showed relatively fewer neurotoxic effects compared with orally administered PPA. Moreover, our study showed that probiotics exert ameliorative effects and may be used as a novel noninvasive and safe treatment strategy.
- Published
- 2021
33. Association between inflammatory cytokines/chemokines, clinical laboratory parameters, disease severity and in-hospital mortality in critical and mild COVID-19 patients without comorbidities or immune-mediated diseases
- Author
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Muaawia Hamza, Muhanad Alhujaily, Bandar Alosaimi, Karim El Bakkouri, Mohammed S. AlDughaim, Mona Alonazi, Mona Awad Alanazi, Basma Abbass, Abdulsalam Alshehri, Samia T. Al-Shouli, Wael Alturaiki, and Maaweya Awadalla
- Subjects
Medical Laboratory Technology ,Clinical Biochemistry ,Immunology ,Immunology and Allergy - Abstract
There are limited data on inflammatory cytokines and chemokines; the humoral immune response; and main clinical laboratory parameters as indicators for disease severity and mortality in patients with critical and mild COVID-19 without comorbidities or immune-mediated diseases in Saudi Arabia. We determined the expression levels of major proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines; C-reactive protein (CRP); procalcitonin; SARS-CoV-2 IgM antibody and twenty-two clinical laboratory parameters and assessed their usefulness as indicators of disease severity and in-hospital death. Our results showed a significant increase in the expression levels of SARS-CoV-2 IgM antibody; IL1-β; IL-6; IL-8; TNF-α and CRP in critical COVID-19 patients; neutrophil count; urea; creatinine and troponin were also increased. The elevation of these biomarkers was significantly associated and positively correlated with in-hospital death in critical COVID-19 patients. Our results suggest that the levels of IL1-β; IL-6; IL-8; TNF-α; and CRP; neutrophil count; urea; creatinine; and troponin could be used to predict disease severity in COVID-19 patients without comorbidities or immune-mediated diseases. These inflammatory mediators could be used as predictive early biomarkers of COVID-19 disease deterioration; shock and death among COVID-19 patients without comorbidities or immune-mediated diseases.
- Published
- 2022
34. Evaluation of the in vitro anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic potential of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Origanum syriacum and Salvia lanigera leaves
- Author
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Mona S. Alwhibi, Nadine M. S. Moubayed, Ikram Jemel, Nahed N. E. El-Sayed, Abir Ben Bacha, and Mona Alonazi
- Subjects
chemistry.chemical_classification ,biology ,Traditional medicine ,Chemistry ,medicine.drug_class ,Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis ,General Medicine ,Diclofenac Sodium ,010501 environmental sciences ,biology.organism_classification ,medicine.disease_cause ,01 natural sciences ,Pollution ,Anti-inflammatory ,Lipoxygenase ,Enzyme ,Origanum syriacum ,medicine ,biology.protein ,Environmental Chemistry ,Cytotoxicity ,Oxidative stress ,Salvia lanigera ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences - Abstract
In this study, the chemical compositions of the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of the leaves of Origanum syriacum and Salvia lanigera were identified based on GC-MS spectrometric analyses. The in vitro anti-inflammatory potential of the different extracts was evaluated by determining the membrane stabilization of human red blood cells and the percent inhibition of the COX1/2, 5LOX, and sPLA2-V enzymes. Both ethanolic extracts showed maximum membrane stabilization (≤ 91%, at 100 μg/mL) compared to the aqueous extracts (≤ 45%) and the reference drug diclofenac sodium (90.75%). The membrane-stabilizing effects of the ethanolic extracts could be directly correlated to their anti-inflammatory activity. While both ethanolic fractions strongly inhibited the 5LOX and COX-1 enzymes at 100 μg/mL, only the O. syriacum ethanolic extract selectively inhibited sPLA2-V (99.35%, at 50 μg/mL). The differences in the pharmacological efficiencies of the different extracts could be attributed to the variation in their chemical compositions particularly the content of oxygenated monoterpenoids. Additionally, none of the ethanolic extracts demonstrated cytotoxicity to human colorectal cancer cell lines (HCT-116 and Lovo), even at the highest concentration tested (200 μg/mL). The safe profiles of these extracts towards the tested cell lines may be due to the absence of the toxic phthalic acid ester substances. Collectively, these findings clearly suggest that the studied ethanolic extracts of O. syriacum and S. lanigera can be considered interesting candidates for the treatment of human inflammatory diseases related to oxidative stress and microbial infections.
- Published
- 2021
35. SDS induces amorphous, amyloid-fibril, and alpha-helical structures in the myoglobin in a concentration-dependent manner
- Author
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Sundus AlResaini, Ajamaluddin Malik, Mona Alonazi, Abdullah Alhomida, and Javed Masood Khan
- Subjects
Structural Biology ,General Medicine ,Molecular Biology ,Biochemistry - Published
- 2023
36. Psychobiotics improve propionic acid-induced neuroinflammation in juvenile rats, rodent model of autism
- Author
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Mona Alonazi, Abir Ben Bacha, Anwar Al Suhaibani, Ahmad T. Almnaizel, Hisham S. Aloudah, and Afaf El-Ansary
- Subjects
General Neuroscience - Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the protective and therapeutic potency of bee pollen and probiotic mixture on brain intoxication caused by propionic acid (PPA) in juvenile rats. Five groups of six animals each, were used: the control group only receiving phosphate-buffered saline; the bee pollen and probiotic-treated group receiving a combination of an equal quantity of bee pollen and probiotic (0.2 kg/kg body weight); the PPA group being treated for 3 days with an oral neurotoxic dose of PPA (0.25 kg/kg body weight); the protective and therapeutic groups receiving bee pollen and probiotic mixture treatment right before and after the neurotoxic dose of PPA, respectively. The levels of interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, tumor necrosis factor α, and interferon γ (IFN-γ) were investigated to evaluate the neuroinflammatory responses in brain tissues from different animal groups. The much higher IL-1β, IL-8, and IFN-γ, as pro-inflammatory cytokines (P < 0.001), together with much lower IL-10, as anti-inflammatory cytokine (P < 0.001) compared to controls clearly demonstrated the neurotoxic effects of PPA. Interestingly, the mixture of bee pollen and probiotics was effective in alleviating PPA neurotoxic effects in both therapeutic and protective groups demonstrating highly significant changes in IL-1β, IL-8, IL-10, and IFN-γ levels together with non-significant reduction in IL-6 levels compared to PPA-treated rats. Overall, our findings demonstrated a new approach to the beneficial use of psychobiotics presenting as bee pollen and probiotic combination in neuroinflammation through cytokine changes as a possible role of glial cells in gut–brain axis.
- Published
- 2022
37. Construction of a complete human glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase dimer structure bound to glucose-6-phosphate and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate cofactors using molecular docking approach
- Author
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Maysaa Alakbaree, Sayazwani Amran, Mohd Shamsir, Haron Ahmed, Muaawia Hamza, Mona Alonazi, Arjumand Warsy, and Nurriza Ab Latif
- Published
- 2022
38. Effect of Blueberry Extract on Liver in Aged Rats
- Author
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Tarfa Albrahim and Mona Alonazi
- Subjects
Aging ,Article Subject ,Plant Extracts ,Blueberry Plants ,Cell Biology ,General Medicine ,Biochemistry ,Antioxidants ,Rats ,Oxidative Stress ,Liver ,Animals ,Lipid Peroxidation ,Biomarkers - Abstract
Aging and age-related disorders are prominent issues. Aging is associated with a gradual impairment of physiology at the genetic, cellular, tissue, and whole organism level that directly influences the development of chronic diseases and organ failure. Blueberries, on the other hand, are well known for their high content of bioactive compounds and have demonstrated positive impacts on metabolic factors that influence health and general well-being. This study is aimed at evaluating the ameliorating the effects of blueberry on the liver of aged rats by monitoring changes in metabolic disturbances, oxidative stress, and inflammatory disruption. The aged group of rats was orally administered with blueberry extract (200 mg/kg) for a period of 4 weeks. The results revealed that aging was associated with an increase in body weight, liver weight, and metabolic parameters like serum insulin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and liver function markers accompanied with a decrease in vitamin D levels. Furthermore, the results showed a significant diminish in the activities of antioxidant enzymes, glutathione content with an elevation in lipid peroxidation, inflammatory mediators (tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 6, and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) as well as fibrotic markers (TGF-β1) in the liver of aged rats. Compared to the young rats (control group), blueberry effectively reversed age-mediated disruption of the aforementioned parameters. Hence, blueberries can be used as a potential therapeutic strategy for the management of age-related liver dysfunction and disease.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
39. Role of Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) Juice on Chronic Nanotoxicity of Silver Nanoparticle-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Male Rats
- Author
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Mona Alonazi and Tarfa Albrahim
- Subjects
Biophysics ,Pharmaceutical Science ,Bioengineering ,02 engineering and technology ,Pharmacology ,010402 general chemistry ,medicine.disease_cause ,01 natural sciences ,Biomaterials ,Superoxide dismutase ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Drug Discovery ,medicine ,biology ,Chemistry ,Organic Chemistry ,General Medicine ,Glutathione ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,0104 chemical sciences ,Hepatoprotection ,Catalase ,Nanotoxicology ,biology.protein ,Alkaline phosphatase ,Liver function ,0210 nano-technology ,Oxidative stress - Abstract
Introduction Nanoparticles are at the forefront of rapidly developing nanotechnology and have gained much attention for their application as an effective drug delivery system and as a mediated therapeutic agent for cancer. However, the cytotoxicity of nanoparticles is still relatively unknown and, therefore, additional study is required in order to elucidate the potential toxicity of these nanoparticles on cells. Materials and methods Thus, the following work aimed to investigate the capability of Beta vulgaris (beetroot) water extract (BWE; 200 mg/kg) to protect hepatic tissue following silver nanoparticles (AgNPs; 80 mg/kg; >100 nm) intoxication in male rats. Results AgNPs-intoxication elevated the liver function markers - including serum transaminases and alkaline phosphatase activities - and decreased serum levels of albumin and total proteins, in addition to disturbing the oxidation homeostasis. This is evidenced by the increased lipid peroxidation, the depleted glutathione, and the suppressed activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase. In addition, an apoptotic reaction was observed following AgNPs treatment, as indicated by the up-regulation of p53 and down-regulating Bcl-2 expressions, examined by the immunohistochemistry method. Furthermore, AgNPs exhibited a marked elevation in liver DNA damage that was indicated by an increase in tail length, tail DNA% and tail movement. However, BWE eliminated the biochemical and histological alterations, reflecting its hepatoprotection effect in response to AgNPs. Discussion Collectively, the present data suggest that BWE could be used following AgNPs as a potential therapeutic intervention to minimize AgNPs-induced liver toxicity.
- Published
- 2020
40. Alpha Amylase from Bacillus pacificus Associated with Brown Algae Turbinaria ornata: Cultural Conditions, Purification, and Biochemical Characterization
- Author
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Mona Alonazi, Abir Ben Bacha, Aida Karray, and Ahmed Yacine Badjah-Hadj-Ahmed
- Subjects
0106 biological sciences ,purification ,Starch ,Bioengineering ,lcsh:Chemical technology ,01 natural sciences ,Tryptic soy broth ,lcsh:Chemistry ,03 medical and health sciences ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Hydrolysis ,010608 biotechnology ,Turbinaria ornata ,Chemical Engineering (miscellaneous) ,characterization ,lcsh:TP1-1185 ,Food science ,Amylase ,Lactose ,030304 developmental biology ,0303 health sciences ,biology ,Bacillus pacificus ,Process Chemistry and Technology ,fungi ,Maltose ,biology.organism_classification ,α-amylase ,chemistry ,lcsh:QD1-999 ,biology.protein ,Alpha-amylase - Abstract
We aimed in the current study, the identification of a marine bacterial amylase produced by Bacillus pacificus, which was associated with Turbinaria ornata. Cultural conditions were optimized for the highest amylase production on Tryptic soy broth media supplemented with starch 1% at initial pH 9, 55 °, C for 24 h. The newly purified amylase was characterized for a possible biotechnological application. Data indicated that the obtained amylase with a molecular weight of 40 kD and the N-terminal sequence of the first 30 amino acids of amBp showed a high degree of homology with known alpha amylase, and was stable at 60 °, C of pH 11. Among the tested substrate analogs, amBp was almost fully active on Alylose and Alylopectine (97%), but moderately hydrolyzed glycogen <, sucrose <, maltose <, lactose. Therefore, the current amylase mainly generated maltohexaose from starch. Mg2+ and Zn2+ improved amylase activity up to 170%. While ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) similarly induced the greatest activity with purified amylase, PCMB had the least effect. Regarding all these characteristics, amylase from marine bacterial symbionts amBp has a new promising feature for probable therapeutic, industrial, and nutritional applications.
- Published
- 2021
41. Lycopene corrects metabolic syndrome and liver injury induced by high fat diet in obese rats through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic pathways
- Author
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Mona Alonazi and Tarfa Albrahim
- Subjects
Blood Glucose ,Liver Cirrhosis ,Male ,Simvastatin ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Anti-Inflammatory Agents ,medicine.disease_cause ,Weight Gain ,Antioxidants ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Lycopene ,Medicine ,Insulin ,Liver injury ,Metabolic Syndrome ,General Medicine ,Lipids ,Cytokines ,lipids (amino acids, peptides, and proteins) ,medicine.symptom ,Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury ,medicine.drug ,medicine.medical_specialty ,PPAR-γ ,RM1-950 ,Diet, High-Fat ,Fibrinolytic Agents ,Diabetes mellitus ,Internal medicine ,Animals ,Obesity ,Rats, Wistar ,Pharmacology ,Inflammation ,business.industry ,Cholesterol ,medicine.disease ,Lipid Metabolism ,Fibrosis ,Rats ,Endocrinology ,chemistry ,Dyslipidemia ,Oxidative stress ,Therapeutics. Pharmacology ,Metabolic syndrome ,Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors ,business ,Weight gain - Abstract
Obesity is a global epidemic disease that is closely associated with various health problems as Diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular, and metabolic disorders. Lycopene (LYC), a red-colored carotenoid, has demonstrated various promising therapeutic effects. Hence, the potential of LYC was studied against high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and metabolic disturbances in rats. Animals fed on HFD and orally supplemented with LYC (25 and 50 mg/kg) or simvastatin (10 mg/kg) every day for 3 months. The results revealed that long-term consumption of HFD significantly increased weight gain, liver weight, cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein-B (Apo-B), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c) levels, as well as decreasing the high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) levels. Moreover, high blood glucose and insulin levels accompanied by low peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) were recorded in HFD group. Further, HFD rats displayed lower levels of antioxidant biomarkers (SOD, CAT, GPx, GR and GSH), in addition to higher levels of MDA, NO and inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, TNF-α, and MPO). Marked increases were observed in atherogenic index, lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase together with fibrosis markers (TGF-β1 and α-SMA) in rats fed on HFD. Comparing to model group, LYC was able to effectively reverse HFD-mediated alterations at dose dependent manner. Altogether, dietary supplementation of LYC successfully reversed HFD-induced alterations through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic properties. Hence, LYC displayed a therapeutic potential to manage obesity and its associated pathologies.
- Published
- 2021
42. Non-enzymatic glycation enhances anionic surfactant induced aggregation and amyloidogenesis
- Author
-
Ajamaluddin Malik, Ghada Obeid Almutairi, Javed Masood Khan, Mona Alonazi, Sundus Mohammed AlRusaini, and Abdullah S. Alhomida
- Subjects
Materials Chemistry ,Physical and Theoretical Chemistry ,Condensed Matter Physics ,Spectroscopy ,Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics ,Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials - Published
- 2022
43. Synthesis and Characterization of Some New Quinoxalin-2(1H)one and 2-Methyl-3H-quinazolin-4-one Derivatives Targeting the Onset and Progression of CRC with SRA, Molecular Docking, and ADMET Analyses
- Author
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Mona Alonazi, Assem Barakat, Taghreed M Al-Otaibi, Zainab M. Almarhoon, Nahed N. E. El-Sayed, Abir Ben Bacha, and Vijay H. Masand
- Subjects
In silico ,Lactate dehydrogenase A ,lactate dehydrogenase A ,Pharmaceutical Science ,Organic chemistry ,colorectal cancer ,Analytical Chemistry ,03 medical and health sciences ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,0302 clinical medicine ,QD241-441 ,quinoxaline ,Drug Discovery ,Quinazoline ,Physical and Theoretical Chemistry ,Cytotoxicity ,education ,Quinazolinone ,030304 developmental biology ,0303 health sciences ,education.field_of_study ,dysbiosis ,Warburg effect ,In vitro ,Multiple drug resistance ,chemistry ,Chemistry (miscellaneous) ,cyclooxygenase-2 ,030220 oncology & carcinogenesis ,Cancer research ,Molecular Medicine ,quinazoline ,ADMET - Abstract
The pathogenesis of colorectal cancer is a multifactorial process. Dysbiosis and the overexpression of COX-2 and LDHA are important effectors in the initiation and development of the disease through chromosomal instability, PGE2 biosynthesis, and induction of the Warburg effect, respectively. Herein, we report the in vitro testing of some new quinoxalinone and quinazolinone Schiff’s bases as: antibacterial, COX-2 and LDHA inhibitors, and anticolorectal agents on HCT-116 and LoVo cells. Moreover, molecular docking and SAR analyses were performed to identify the structural features contributing to the biological activities. Among the synthesized molecules, the most active cytotoxic agent, (6d) was also a COX-2 inhibitor. In silico ADMET studies predicted that (6d) would have high Caco-2 permeability, and %HIA (99.58%), with low BBB permeability, zero hepatotoxicity, and zero risk of sudden cardiac arrest, or mutagenicity. Further, (6d) is not a potential P-gp substrate, instead, it is a possible P-gpI and II inhibitor, therefore, it can prevent or reverse the multidrug resistance of the anticancer drugs. Collectively, (6d) can be considered as a promising lead suitable for further optimization to develop anti-CRC agents or glycoproteins inhibitors.
- Published
- 2021
44. Testing the combined effects of probiotics and prebiotics against neurotoxic effects of propionic acid orally administered to rat pups
- Author
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Afaf El-Ansary, Anwar Al Suhaibani, Ramesa Shafi Bhat, Mona Alonazi, and Abir Ben Bacha
- Subjects
propionic acid ,Pharmacology ,medicine.disease_cause ,neuroinflammation ,Lipid peroxidation ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Lactate dehydrogenase ,medicine ,oxidative stress ,TX341-641 ,Original Research ,biology ,Nutrition. Foods and food supply ,Glutamate receptor ,Neurotoxicity ,Glutathione ,respiratory system ,bee pollen ,medicine.disease ,chemistry ,probiotics ,Bee pollen ,biology.protein ,Creatine kinase ,Oxidative stress ,Food Science - Abstract
The present study investigated the combined effects of mixed probiotic and bee pollen on brain intoxication induced by propionic acid (PPA) in rat pups. Thirty western albino rats were divided into five groups, six animals each: (1) Control group receiving phosphate‐buffered saline; (2) Probiotic and bee pollen‐treated group being administered at the same dose with 200 mg/kg body weight; (c) PPA‐treated group receiving a neurotoxic dose 250 mg/kg body weight of PPA for 3 days; (d) Therapeutic group being administered the neurotoxic dose of PPA followed by probiotic and bee pollen treatment 200 mg/kg body weight; (e) Protective group receiving probiotic and bee pollen mixture treatment followed by neurotoxic dose of PPA. Selected biochemical parameters linked to oxidative stress, energy metabolism, and neurotransmission were investigated in brain homogenates from all the five groups. PPA treatment showed an increase in oxidative stress markers like lipid peroxidation coupled with a significant decrease in glutathione level. Impaired energy metabolism was ascertained via the alteration of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities. Dramatic increase of Na+ and K+ concentrations together with a decrease of GABA and IL‐6 and an elevation of glutamate levels in PPA‐treated rat's pups confirmed the neurotoxicity effect of PPA. Interestingly, the mixed probiotic and bee pollen treatment were effective in restoring the levels of glutamate, GABA, and IL‐6 in addition to normalizing the levels of lipid peroxidation and glutathione and the activities of CK and LDH. The present study indicates that mixed probiotic and bee pollen treatment can improve poor detoxification, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation as mechanisms implicated in the etiology of autism., The present study indicates that mixed probiotic and bee pollen treatment can improve poor detoxification, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation as mechanisms implicated in the etiology of autism.
- Published
- 2021
45. Sinapic Acid Suppresses SARS CoV-2 Replication by Targeting Its Envelope Protein
- Author
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Usama Ramadan Abdelmohsen, Mostafa E. Rateb, Mokhtar R. Gomaa, Ahmed M. Sayed, Mona Alonazi, Noura Mahrous, Raha Orfali, Ahmed Kandeil, Shagufta Perveen, Mohamed S. Gaballah, and Hossam M. Hassan
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Microbiology (medical) ,In silico ,030106 microbiology ,viral envelope protein ,SARS CoV-2 ,Biochemistry ,Microbiology ,Article ,03 medical and health sciences ,Viral envelope ,Pharmacology (medical) ,sinapic acid ,General Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics ,Cytotoxicity ,Structural motif ,IC50 ,molecular dynamic simulation ,Chemistry ,lcsh:RM1-950 ,COVID-19 ,In vitro ,lcsh:Therapeutics. Pharmacology ,030104 developmental biology ,Infectious Diseases ,Viral replication ,Sinapic acid - Abstract
SARS CoV-2 is still considered a global health issue, and its threat keeps growing with the emergence of newly evolved strains. Despite the success in developing some vaccines as a protective measure, finding cost-effective treatments is urgent. Accordingly, we screened a number of phenolic natural compounds for their in vitro anti-SARS CoV-2 activity. We found sinapic acid (SA) selectively inhibited the viral replication in vitro with an half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 2.69 µg/mL with significantly low cytotoxicity (CC50 = 189.3 µg/mL). Subsequently, we virtually screened all currently available molecular targets using a multistep in silico protocol to find out the most probable molecular target that mediates this compound’s antiviral activity. As a result, the viral envelope protein (E-protein) was suggested as the most possible hit for SA. Further in-depth molecular dynamic simulation-based investigation revealed the essential structural features of SA antiviral activity and its binding mode with E-protein. The structural and experimental results presented in this study strongly recommend SA as a promising structural motif for anti-SARS CoV-2 agent development.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
46. Human G6PD variant structural studies: Elucidating the molecular basis of human G6PD deficiency
- Author
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Maysaa Alakbaree, Sayazwani Amran, Mohd Shamsir, Haron H. Ahmed, Muaawia Hamza, Mona Alonazi, Arjumand Warsy, and Nurriza Ab Latif
- Subjects
Genetics - Published
- 2022
47. The Independent and Combined Effects of Omega-3 and Vitamin B12 in Ameliorating Propionic Acid Induced Biochemical Features in Juvenile Rats as Rodent Model of Autism
- Author
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Nadine M. S. Moubayed, Afaf El-Ansary, Mona Alonazi, Norah Algahtani, Ramesa Shafi Bhat, Manal Abdulaziz Binobead, Sarah I. Bukhari, Hanan Alfawaz, Nashwa Othman, and Haya S Alzeer
- Subjects
Male ,0301 basic medicine ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Gut flora ,medicine.disease_cause ,Antioxidants ,03 medical and health sciences ,Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,0302 clinical medicine ,Internal medicine ,Fatty Acids, Omega-3 ,Animals ,Medicine ,Vitamin B12 ,Autistic Disorder ,chemistry.chemical_classification ,biology ,Fatty acid metabolism ,business.industry ,Brain ,Lipid metabolism ,Vitamins ,General Medicine ,Glutathione ,Lipid Metabolism ,medicine.disease ,biology.organism_classification ,Gastrointestinal Microbiome ,Rats ,Vitamin B 12 ,030104 developmental biology ,Endocrinology ,chemistry ,Autism ,Propionates ,business ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery ,Oxidative stress ,Polyunsaturated fatty acid - Abstract
Metabolites of proper fatty acids modulate the inflammatory response and are essential for normal brain development; equally, abnormal fatty acid metabolism plays a critical role in the pathology of autism. Currently, dietary supplements are often used to improve the core symptoms of Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The present study analyzed the effects of orally supplemented omega-3 (ω-3) and vitamin B12 on ameliorating oxidative stress and impaired lipid metabolism in a propionic acid (PPA)-induced rodent model of autism, together with their effect on the gut microbial composition, where great fluctuations in the bacterial number and strains were observed; interestingly, polyunsaturated fatty acids such as omega-3 induced higher growth of the gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus and decreased the survival rates of Clostridia sp. as well as other enteric bacterial strains. Thirty-five young male western albino rats were divided into five equal groups. The first group served as the control; the second group was given an oral neurotoxic dose of PPA (250 mg/kg body weight/day) for 3 days. The third group received an oral dose of ω-3 (200 mg/kg body weight/day) for 30 days after the 3-day PPA treatment. Group four was given an oral dose of vitamin B12 (16.7 mg/kg/day) for 30 days after PPA treatment. Finally, group five was given a combination of both ω-3 and vitamin B12 at the same dose for the same duration after PPA treatment. Biochemical parameters related to oxidative stress and impaired fatty acid metabolism were investigated in the brain homogenates of each group. The effects of the dietary supplements on the gut microbiota were also observed. The PPA-treated autistic model expressed significantly higher levels of lipid peroxides and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and significantly less glutathione (GSH), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) than the control group. However, a remarkable amelioration of most of the impaired markers was observed with oral supplementation with ω-3 and vitamin B12, either alone or in combination. Our results concluded that impairment at various steps of the lipid metabolic pathways may contribute to the development of autism; however, supplementation with ω-3 and vitamin B12 can result in a positive therapeutic effect.
- Published
- 2018
48. A Novel Thermostable and Alkaline Protease Produced from Bacillus stearothermophilus Isolated from Olive Oil Mill Sols Suitable to Industrial Biotechnology
- Author
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Mona Alonazi, Habib Horchani, Abir Ben Bacha, and Aida Karray
- Subjects
0106 biological sciences ,Nitrogen ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Pharmaceutical Science ,Bacillus ,01 natural sciences ,Article ,Analytical Chemistry ,lcsh:QD241-441 ,03 medical and health sciences ,Bacterial Proteins ,lcsh:Organic chemistry ,010608 biotechnology ,Endopeptidases ,Drug Discovery ,medicine ,Yeast extract ,characterization ,Physical and Theoretical Chemistry ,Olive Oil ,030304 developmental biology ,Bacillus stearothermophilus ,0303 health sciences ,Protease ,Chromatography ,biology ,Molecular mass ,Chemistry ,Thermophile ,Organic Chemistry ,Temperature ,protease ,thermostable ,Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ,biology.organism_classification ,Carbon ,Solvent ,Chemistry (miscellaneous) ,Molecular Medicine ,Mannitol ,Bacteria ,Biotechnology ,medicine.drug - Abstract
This study was conducted to identify a new alkaline and thermophilic protease (Ba.St.Pr) produced from Bacillus stearothermophilus isolated from olive oil mill sols and to evaluate its culture conditions, including temperature, pH, carbon and nitrogen sources, and incubation time. The optimum culture conditions for cell growth (10 g/L) and protease production (5050 U/mL) were as follows: temperature 55 °C, pH 10, inoculation density 8 × 108 CFU/mL, and incubation time 24 h. The use of 3% yeast extract as the nitrogen sources and galactose (7.5 g/L) as the carbon sources enhanced both cell growth and protease production. Using reversed-phase analytical HPLC on C-8 column, the new protease was purified with a molecular mass of approximately 28 kDa. The N-terminal sequence of Ba.St.Pr exhibited a high level of identity of approximately 95% with those of Bacillus strains. Characterization under extreme conditions revealed a novel thermostable and alkaline protease with a half-life time of 187 min when incubated with combined Ca2+/mannitol. Ba.St.Pr demonstrated a higher stability in the presence of surfactant, solvent, and Ca2+ ions. Consequently, all the evaluated activity parameters highlighted the promising properties of this bacterium for industrial and biotechnological applications.
- Published
- 2021
49. A New Group II Phospholipase A2 from Walterinnesia aegyptia Venom with Antimicrobial, Antifungal, and Cytotoxic Potential
- Author
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Abir Ben Bacha, Ikram Jemel, Islem Abid, and Mona Alonazi
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Glycosylation ,Bioengineering ,Venom ,lcsh:Chemical technology ,complex mixtures ,lcsh:Chemistry ,03 medical and health sciences ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Phospholipase A2 ,antimicrobial effect ,Chemical Engineering (miscellaneous) ,lcsh:TP1-1185 ,Cytotoxicity ,snake venom ,chemistry.chemical_classification ,secreted phospholipase A2 ,030102 biochemistry & molecular biology ,biology ,Chemistry ,Process Chemistry and Technology ,biology.organism_classification ,030104 developmental biology ,Enzyme ,lcsh:QD1-999 ,Biochemistry ,Snake venom ,Walterinnesia aegyptia ,Toxicity ,biology.protein ,cytotoxicity ,lipids (amino acids, peptides, and proteins) - Abstract
Many venomous species, especially snakes, contain a variety of secreted phospholipases A2 that contribute to venom toxicity and prey digestion. We characterized a novel highly toxic phospholipase A2 of group II, WaPLA2-II, from the snake venom of Saudi Walterinnesia aegyptia (W. aegyptia). The enzyme was purified using a reverse phase C18 column. It is a monomeric protein with a molecular weight of approximately 14 kDa and an NH2-terminal amino acid sequence exhibiting similarity to the PLA2 group II enzymes. WaPLA2-II, which contains 2.5% (w/w) glycosylation, reached a maximal specific activity of 1250 U/mg at pH 9.5 and 55 °, C in the presence of Ca2+ and bile salts. WaPLA2-II was also highly stable over a large pH and temperature range. A strong correlation between antimicrobial and indirect hemolytic activities of WaPLA2 was observed. Additionally, WaPLA2-II was found to be significantly cytotoxic only on cancerous cells. However, chemical modification with para-Bromophenacyl bromide (p-BPB) inhibited WaPLA2-II enzymatic activity without affecting its antitumor effect, suggesting the presence of a separate &lsquo, pharmacological site&rsquo, in snake venom phospholipase A2 via its receptor binding affinity. This enzyme is a candidate for applications including the treatment of phospholipid-rich industrial effluents and for the food production industry. Furthermore, it may represent a new therapeutic lead molecule for treating cancer and microbial infections.
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
50. Cytotoxic, Antioxidant, and Metabolic Enzyme Inhibitory Activities of
- Author
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Mona, Alonazi, Habib, Horchani, Mona, Alwhibi, and Abir, Ben Bacha
- Subjects
Metabolic Syndrome ,Cytotoxins ,Euphorbia ,Plant Extracts ,Drug Evaluation, Preclinical ,Humans ,Enzyme Inhibitors ,HCT116 Cells ,Antioxidants ,Research Article - Abstract
Plants of the Euphorbia genus present a wide range of therapeutic applications. This study is aimed at investigating new antidigestive enzyme agents from Euphorbia cyparissias through inhibition of lipid and carbohydrate absorption, to evaluate their potential applications for the treatment of metabolic syndrome. Lipase, phospholipase, protease, α-amylase, β-glucosidase, and xanthine oxidase activities under treatment with aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Euphorbia cyparissias were observed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of these extracts, as well as their antioxidant and cytotoxic effects. Results showed that ethanolic and aqueous extracts exhibited important inhibitory activity in a concentration-related manner on digestive enzymes, which is more effective than the commercial drugs used as controls. Results also showed that, out of the two extracts tested, the ethanolic extract presented the most promising results in inhibiting the activities of all digestive enzymes used. Moreover, the two extracts displayed a higher reducing power than that of the positive control used. The obtained results, together with previous reports in the literature, strongly suggest that Euphorbia cyparissias extracts may be natural inhibitors of the digestive enzymes and thus a potential new drug for metabolic syndrome treatment.
- Published
- 2020
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