Runglawan Sudmoon¹, Arunrat Chaveerach², Unchaleeporn Ameamsri², Penkhae Thamsenanupap^3,4, Natapol Pumipuntu^4,5, Shiou Yih Lee⁶, Ong Ghim Hock⁶, Tawatchai Tanee^3,4*

¹Faculty of Law, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand

²Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand

³Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham, Thailand

⁴One Health Research Unit, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham, Thailand

⁵Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham, Thailand

⁶Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, INTI International University, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination, notably lead (Pb), poses a threat to plants and, consequently, human health through the food chain. This study investigates Pb accumulation in rice and how it affects the rice DNA. The rice (Oryza sativa) samples were cultivated in the soil supplemented with Pb at concentrations of 0, 15, 30, 60, and 120 mg/kg. Then the samples were harvested and analyzed for Pb accumulation and DNA alterations using the PCR amplification profiles measured through genomic template stability (GTS). The results demonstrate a Pb concentration hierarchy (root > stem > leaves), with Bioconcentration Factor (BCF) and Translocation Factor (TF) rising when soil Pb contents are supplemented. For DNA alterations, observed GTS values ranged from 23.3 to 76.67%, revealed a general decline with increasing Pb. This correlation assured the influence of Pb on rice DNA stability. Our findings suggest that heavy metal concentration, particularly Pb, has a direct influence on the integrity of rice DNA. Understanding these dynamics is vital for unraveling the complexities of heavy metal-induced genetic changes in plants and their potential implications for food safety and environmental health.

Keywords: Bioconcentration Factor, DNA changes, Genomic template stability, Lead accumulation, Translocation Factor

Rabia Kalsoom1, Hani Z. Asfour2, Hafiz Muhammad Ali3, Abdul Qayyum3*, Shazia Anjum4**, Faisal Maqbool1, Nuzhat Sial1, Riaz Hussain3, Sultan H. Alamri5, Nadeem Ali6, Nisreen Rajeh7, Irfan Irshad8, Asif Idrees9
1Department of Zoology, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, 63100, Pakistan
2Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah-21589, Saudi Arabia
3Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, 63100, Pakistan
4Faculty of Chemical and Biological Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, 63100, Pakistan
5Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah-21589, Saudi Arabia
6Center of Excellence in Environmental Studies, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah-21589, Saudi Arabia
7Department of Clinical Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah-21589, Saudi Arabia
8Institute of Continuing Education and Extension, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore-54000, Pakistan
9KBCMA, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Narowal, Pakistan

Abstract

Currently terrestrial ecologies are polluted by numerous chemical compounds unceasingly leading to high risk of exposure to variety of life. Among these, bifenthrin is widely used for the control of different sucking and chewing insects and other leaf miner insects around the globe. The current study elaborated the toxic effects of oral administration of bifenthrin in male Japanese quails at sub-lethal (less than 1% mortality) concentrations (10mg/kg, 20mg/kg and 30mg/kg b.w.) during a period of 30 days. During the course of the study, the quails did not show any behavioural or clinical signs. However, a significantly (p<0.05) decreased RBCs and platelets counts and haemoglobin concentration while a significantly (p<0.05) increased MCV, MCHC, total leucocytes and neutrophils were observed in the birds administered with higher concentrations of bifenthrin. Moreover, the incidence of lobed nuclei, blebbed nuclei, condensed nuclei, notched nuclei, binuclear, pear shaped and micro-nuclei were significantly (p<0.05) increased in the erythrocytes of the groups C and D during the experiment. The diameter of seminiferous tubules, height of germinal epithelium and the number of seminiferous tubules containing normal spermatozoa were significantly (p<0.01) decreased while the number of pyknotic cells and degenerated seminiferous tubules were increased significantly (p<0.05) towards the end of the experiment (day-30) in the quails of groups C and D compared to the control group. Hence, the alterations in the hematological indices and histopathological changes in heart, spleen and testes indicate potential toxicity of bifenthrin and its adverse effects in the Japanese quail even at sub-lethal concentrations.

 Keywords: Bifenthrin, Blood profile, Nuclear alterations, Seminiferous tubules, Histo-pathology, Testes

Mahmood Rasool^1*, Khalid I Alhassan², Sajjad Karim¹, Absarul Haque³, Mohammed HZ Mutwakil², Mohammed Alharthi⁴, Adeel G Chaudhary¹, Peter Natesan Pushparaj¹

¹Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

²Department of Biological Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

³King Fahd Medical Research Center, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

⁴Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Despite considerable advancements in research, particularly in oncology, colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a formidable and deadly disease. It is crucial to delve deeper into the effects of targeted therapies, signaling pathways, and genetic regulation to ensure the effectiveness of cancer treatments. In this study, we obtained microarray data for four patient-derived CRC organoids from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (accession number: GSE114060). We then used several next-generation knowledge discovery (NGKD) tools, such as GEO2R, Metascape, WebGestalt, and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software, to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms in colorectal cancer-derived organoids treated with trametinib compared to those treated with DMSO. Our NGKD analysis revealed upregulation of SAMD, TP53, and SPTLC3 and downregulation of SPRED1, TGFBI, and DUSP6. The MAPK/ERK signaling pathway was significantly downregulated and was associated with reduced expression of CDX2 in CRC organoids treated with trametinib. We concluded that SAMD9, SPRED1, TGFBI, TP53, and DUSP6 are differentially regulated and can play a pivotal role in the downregulation of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway to suppress CRC. The use of targeted therapies to regulate the specific gene signatures identified in the current study may be beneficial in the CRC associated tumor suppression . On the other hand, upregulation of SPTLC3 may be induced by MEK inhibitors and may cause hepatotoxicity alongside nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

Keywords: Colorectal cancer, Organoids, Tumor suppression, MAPK/ERK signaling pathway, MEK inhibitor, Hepatotoxicity

Mahmood Rasool^1*, Khalid I. Alhassan², Sajjad Karim¹, Absarul Haque³, Mohammed H.Z. Mutwakil², Mohammed Alharthi⁴, Adeel G. Chaudhary¹, Peter Natesan Pushparaj¹

¹Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

²Department of Biological Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

³King Fahd Medical Research Center, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

⁴Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The aim of our research was to identify molecular targets that can be targeted by drugs and patient-specific models for personalized medicine for colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, we obtained high-throughput RNA sequencing data from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) with accession number GSE205787 and analyzed it using next-generation knowledge discovery tools such as BioJupies and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by comparing the raw counts from 47 CRC patient-derived spheroids (CRC-CSCs) with those from normal spheroids from the epithelium of the colon and rectum of healthy individuals, using BioJupies tools. IPA was used to identify differentially regulated canonical pathways, upstream regulators of CRC, non-directional networks, diseases, and biofunctions, as well as to conduct subsequent perturbation analysis using the Molecular Prediction Analysis (MAP) tool. Our study demonstrates that several KEGG pathways, including the AMPK, Phospholipase D, MAPK, and PI3-AKT signaling pathways, were significantly downregulated in the CRC-CSC group. Additionally, Wnt signaling and FGFR pathways were significantly upregulated. Moreover, according to Wikipathways, the EGF/EGFR signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, G-protein signaling pathway, and Focal Adhesion-PI3-AKT pathway were downregulated in the CRC-CSC group. Furthermore, based on the Reactome, the Metabolism, Vesicle-mediated transport, RAF signaling, and G-alpha (12/13) signaling pathways were also downregulated in the CRC-CSC group. Utilizing innovative drug combination approaches and innovative drug delivery techniques, CRC treatments can be enhanced by modulating the FGFR, EGFR, and AMPK signaling pathways, which may ultimately lead to improved patient outcomes.

Keywords: Colorectal cancer, Cancer stem cell spheroids, AMP‐activated protein kinase signaling, Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor, BioJupies, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis

Narumon Tangthirasunun^1*, Darbhe Jayarama Bhat^2,3 , Supattra Poeaim¹

¹Department of Biology, School of Science, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok, 10520, Thailand

²Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia

³Vishnugupta Vishwavidyapeetam, Ashoke, Gokarna, 581326, India

Abstract

Twenty-seven coprophilous fungi, isolated from field-fed cow dung in an organic farm in Thailand, were identified using morphology and ITS barcode. A total of five genera viz. Aspergillus, Hamigera, Paecilomyces, Penicillium, and Talaromyces were identified with varying numbers and growth rates. These fungi were evaluated for their antibacterial properties against Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis, Kocuria rhizophila, Staphylococcus aureus and St. epidermidis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria. Pe. javanicum NTD-SP2-01 and Talaromyces sp. NTD-SP5-48 exhibited activity against all bacteria when tested with agar plug diffusion method. Talaromyces sp. NTD-SP5-48 was particularly effective against Gram-negative bacteria. As. terreus NTD-NG1-05 displayed the highest activity against five bacterial strains, except Ps. aeruginosa. Notably, As. terreus NTD-NG1-05 and Talaromyces sp. NTD-SP5-48 demonstrated extended antibacterial activity in the agar disk diffusion method, with fermented broth (FB) showing superior inhibitory effects compared to mycelial extract (MY). Both isolates demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against B. Subtilis. Furthermore, all isolates exhibited significant antibacterial activity against B. subtilis, with a diffusion of 0.125 mg/disk. Only Talaromyces sp. NTD-SP5-48 (FB) displayed the highest inhibition activity against Ps. aeruginosa, with a diffusion of 1 mg/disk (100 mg/mL). In terms of enzyme activity, all isolates exhibited cellulase activity, with Talaromyces sp. showing the highest cellulase activity, followed by As. terreus. Laccase activity was only observed in the unidentified isolate NTD-SP5-34, while none of the isolates showed pectinase activity.

Keywords: Antimicrobial activity, Coprophilous fungi, Heat-resistant fungi, Lignocellulolytic enzymes

Masood Ur Rehman¹, Syed Muhammad Suhail¹, Iqbal Munir², Rajwali Khan^1*

¹Department of Livestock Management, Breeding and Genetics, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, 25130, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

²Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, 25130, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

The current study aimed to evaluate the impact of three different agroecological zones on the productive and reproductive performance of Holstein-Friesian (HF) cows, along with their comparative analysis of physiological and molecular markers under subtropical conditions of Pakistan. The productive (milk yield and composition) and reproductive (service per conception and calving interval) performance of genetically identical (n=210) HF cows placed across three agroecological zones: irrigated lowlands (Okara), wet (Abbottabad), and dry (Queta) highlands were analyzed. Additionally, heat stress markers (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, serum cortisol, bovine heat shock protein 70 (HSP-70), and blood glucose) from five cows in each location (n=15 in total) were also investigated in early and late summers using commercial ELISA and calorimetric kits. Furthermore, the mRNA levels of heat shock protein genes HSPA8 and HSP90AB1 were also quantified in three agroecological zones through qRT-PCR.  The results revealed that cows raised in the wet highlands of Abbottabad exhibited significantly higher (P<0.05) milk production (daily and total lactational yield), and the lowest service period, calving interval and number of services per conception as compared to the cows from the other two agroecological zones. Furthermore, there was a significant effect (P<0.05) of agroecological zones on the heat stress indicators (SOD, GPX, cortisol, blood glucose, and HSP70) profiles and expression of heat shock protein genes in HF cows. The dairy cows from Abbottabad (Wet highlands) showed a significantly lower profile of heat stress indicators as compared to the cows from the other two agroecological zones. It can be inferred that HF cows function better in moderate agroecological zones of subtropical countries.

Keywords: Heat stress indicators, Subtropics, Holstein-Friesian cows, Agroecological zone

Heer Baloch¹, Irfan Ali Sabir², Saadullah Khan Leghari¹, Muhammad Sohail Saddiq^3*, Pravej Alam⁴, Shahbaz Khan^5*, Esha Mehik Fatima⁶, Mateen Sajid⁷, Muhammad Hammad Raza⁸, Muhammad Arif Hussain¹, Muhammad Ayoub¹, Rashid Iqbal^9,10

¹Department of Botany, Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan

²College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China

³Department of Agronomy, Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan

⁴Department of Biology, College of Sciences and Humanities, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al- Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia

⁵Colorado Water Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA

⁶Department of Entomology, Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan

⁷Department of Horticulture, Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan

⁸Department of Agri. Extension and Education, Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan

⁹Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan

¹⁰Department of Life Sciences, Western Caspian University, Baku, Azerbaijan

Abstract

Moringa leaf extract (MLE) as a biostimulant has demonstrated success in boosting the productivity of several agronomic crops, but its impact on Buckwheat crops remains unexplored. Buckwheat, recognized as an essential nutritional and functional food crop, often exhibits lower yields compared to major cereal crops grown in similar environments. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate the impact of different concentrations (1%, 2%, and 3%) of MLE on the agricultural performance of common buckwheat (CB) and tartary buckwheat (TB). A pot experiment was carried out according to completely randomized design with factorial arrangements having three replications. Results demonstrated significant improvements in growth parameters (branches, leaves, nodes, and internodes) for MLE-treated plants compared to the control group. Foliar treatment MLE 2% also increased chlorophyll content, improved membrane stability index (MSI) and relative water content (RWC), and enhanced biochemical composition (phenolic compounds, free amino acids, leaf proline, and soluble sugars) in both buckwheat genotypes followed by MLE 3% and MLE 1%. TB produced significantly higher grain yield (0.74 g) as compared to CB (0.43 g). The findings showed that a foliar treatment of MLE 2% led to increased grain yield in both TB (0.97 g) and CB (0.55 g) as compared to control group plants (0.37g TB and 0.22 g CB) respectively. This increase was associated with elevated activities of photosynthetic pigments, phenolic content, RWC, free amino acids, soluble sugars, and catalase in both buckwheat genotypes. In conclusion, MLE application at 2% significantly boosted the agriculture performance of buckwheat, and this study unlocked new insights into optimizing the productivity of the vital food crop.

Keywords: Biostimulant, Free amino acid, Phenolic, Buckwheat, Foliar application, Grain yield

Tayyaba Asghar¹, Mudassar Mohiuddin^1*, Ayesha Mohiud Din^2,3, Tahira Kamal⁴, Muhammad Khalid Mansoor¹,

Abubakar Siddique^5,6,7, Mudasser Habib⁸, Riaz Hussain⁹, Muhammad Taslim Ghori¹⁰, Hira Hameed¹, Humaira Rizwana¹¹,

Islem Abid¹², Muhammad Ehsan¹³, Aroosh Shabbir¹⁴

¹Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan

²Department of Biotechnology, Virtual University of Pakistan, Lahore, Pakistan

³School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK

⁴National Institute for Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology, National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad, Pakistan

⁵Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan

⁶Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, China

⁷Hainan Institute of Zhejiang University, Sanya, China

⁸Animal Sciences Division, Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology, Faisalabad, Pakistan

⁹Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan

¹⁰Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan

¹¹Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia

¹²Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology Research, King Saud University, P.O Box 2455, Riyad 11495, Saudi Arabia

¹³Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan

¹⁴Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), The University of Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

The lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) is a member of the Capripox genus of the Poxviridae family. It is the causative agent of lumpy skin, a highly contagious disease of cattle, water buffalo, sheep, and goats. In 2022, several outbreaks of LSD were reported in the Cholistan region of Pakistan, which has a large population of livestock living in arid conditions. A total of 230 blood/serum and scab samples were collected from three LSD outbreak locations. Clinically, affected cattle showed acute clinical signs characterized by skin nodules, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, emaciation, and lower leg edema. Hematological findings revealed non-significant changes in red blood cell and white blood cell counts (some animals had leukocytosis while others were leukopenic) whereas, hemoglobin level were significantly low. Platelet count, MPV, PCT, P-LRC, and P-LCC were elevated. Granulocytes were significantly low in LSD affected cattle while lymphocyte counts were significantly high. Serological findings revealed elevated protein levels, along with high creatinine and ALT concentrations. Amplification of DNA-dependent RNA polymerase 30 kDa subunit gene (RPO30) confirmed the presence of LSD virus in all suspected samples. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all Pakistani isolates clustered closely with isolates from neighboring countries. The SNPs differences were less than 20 among these isolates, indicating their close resemblance with each other. It can, therefore, be inferred that our LSD strains might be originated from neighboring Asian countries, that were affected by LSD in previous years.

Keywords: Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), Cholistan, Skin lesions, Hematology, Phylogenetic analysis

Pozdnyakova Yelena^1*, Solyanov Dmitry², Tatina Yelena¹, Britko Valeriy¹, Omarbekova Nazgul³, Korshukova Marina³

¹Department of Biomedicine, Karaganda Medical University, Karaganda, The Republic of Kazakhstan

²Department of Pharmacy, Karaganda Medical University, Karaganda, The Republic of Kazakhstan

³Department of Informatics and Biostatistics, Karaganda Medical University, Karaganda, The Republic of Kazakhstan

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects on the nervous system of the use of Stachys sieboldii root powder, in growing male rats on a high fat and sucrose (HFHS) diet. The animals were divided into three groups: Intact – normal rodent chow, HFHS – high fat and sucrose diet, HFHS + Stachys – high fat and sucrose diet with Stachys supplementation. After 30 days of the experiment, the animals were subjected to the “Open Field” test to study the changes in behavioural responses. Biochemical studies of changes in the concentration of lipid peroxidation products in brain homogenates of growing rats were also carried out. Growing males on the HFHS diet exhibit altered nervous system functioning. Animals show apathy, their motor activity and indicators of exploratory behaviour are reduced and the level of emotional reactivity increases. On the part of biochemical changes – the level of all indicators of lipid peroxidation increases significantly. The introduction of Stachys root powder reduces the negative effect of the diet on the organism of animals – they significantly increase the indicators of exploratory behaviour, increase locomotor activity and reduce emotional reactivity, as well as there is a decrease in the concentration of all products of free-radical oxidation in the brain homogenate. Our study showed that diets high in fat and sucrose had negative effects on growing male rats. The introduction of Stachys sieboldii root powder into the diet improved both behavioural response scores and antioxidant processes in the brain.

Keywords: Stachys sieboldii, Open field, Lipid peroxidation, Conjugated dienes, Ketodienes