Afrah Fahad Alkhuriji

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, necessitating the development of alternative therapeutic approaches. Nanotechnology-based treatments have gained significant attention for enhancing drug bioavailability and minimizing systemic toxicity. This study assesses the anticancer activity of biosynthesized Faidherbia albida nanoparticles (NPs) against the triple-negative breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB-231. Methods: Faidherbia albida roots were collected, authenticated and used for extract preparation. Biosynthesized nanoparticles were characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with varying concentrations of F. albida crude extract and its NPs and cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay. Apoptotic markers Bcl-2 and Bax were measured using ELISA and lipid peroxidation levels were determined through the TBARS assay. Result: The synthesized F. albida NPs had an average size of 114.4 nm, as determined by DLS. TEM analysis confirmed a clustered morphology and FTIR and XRD analyses validated the presence of functional groups and crystalline structures. MDA-MB-231 cells exhibited significant morphological alterations upon NP treatment, including cellular shrinkage and increased debris accumulation. The MTT assay revealed a concentration-dependent decrease in the viability of cells, with NP-treated cells exhibiting 14-26% greater cytotoxicity than crude extract-treated cells. ELISA assays demonstrated a significant increase in the regulation of the pro-apoptotic marker Bax and downregulation of the anti-apoptotic marker Bcl-2. Furthermore, NP treatment resulted in a notable reduction in lipid peroxidation levels compared to crude extract treatment.

Background: The Asian honey bee, Apis cerana, is a crucial species for honey production and pollination across Asia. Bee venom, produced by specialized glands and delivered via stingers, has demonstrated therapeutic potential due to its bioactive components. This study evaluates the cytotoxic effects of bee venom-conjugated silver nanoparticles (BVNPs) on the MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line. Methods: BVNPs were synthesized through a green bio-reduction method, where Apis cerana venom was mixed with a silver nitrate (AgNO3) solution. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) analysis revealed a Z-average mean diameter of 171.3 nm with a polydispersity index (PdI) of 0.493, while Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) images confirmed that the nanoparticles were well-dispersed and predominantly spherical. To assess the cytotoxicity of BVNPs, MCF-7 cells were treated with varying concentrations (2, 4, 6 and 8 µg/mL) of BVNPs for 48 hours. Apoptosis and necrosis were quantified using annexin V-FITC/PI staining and flow cytometry. Result: Our findings indicated a concentration-dependent increase in apoptotic cell death, highlighting BVNPs’ efficacy in inducing apoptosis without significantly affecting healthy cells. This study suggests that bee venom-conjugated silver nanoparticles offer a promising, biocompatible therapeutic strategy for breast cancer treatment. The findings underscore the need for further in vivo studies to validate the safety and efficacy of BVNPs and to explore their potential integration into current oncological treatment regimens.

Recurrent spontaneous miscarriage (RSM) is defined as the loss of three or more clinically recognized pregnancies before 20 weeks of gestation. Angiogenesis, a crucial process in early pregnancy, is regulated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that plays a pivotal role in successful pregnancy. Disruptions in vascular development, such as those due to variations in VEGF gene expression, may contribute to infertility and pregnancy complications. Therefore, there is a need for more studies that show the effect of VEGF on RSM. This study investigated the impact of VEGF gene polymorphisms on RSM in Saudi women. Blood samples were collected from 200 Saudi women (100 cases with RSM and 100 controls). DNA was extracted from the buffy coat and analyzed for VEGF polymorphisms (rs10434, rs3025053, rs699947, rs2010963, rs833061, and rs25648) using TaqMan Real-Time PCR. Plasma VEGF levels were measured using the Human VEGF ELISA Kit. There was no significant association between rs10434, rs833061, and rs25648 and RSM. However, rs2010963, rs3025053, and rs699947 were significantly associated with an increased risk of miscarriage (p < 0.05). Furthermore, VEGF concentrations were significantly lower in the RSM case group (both pregnant and non-pregnant) compared to the control group (p < 0.05). VEGF polymorphisms, along with reduced VEGF serum levels, are associated with an increased risk of RSM in Saudi women. Further studies are needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.

Background: Embryonic biotechnology is an application used in animal production to expand the number of livestock animal species, provide animal products for global demand and preserve endangered species to improve reproduction, maintain biodiversity and genetic diversity and reduce the interval between generations. This animal production will supply goods and services for the human population’s well-being leading to economic growth. This biotechnology encompasses the use of assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) like in vitro fertilization and nuclear transfer using somatic cells. This study compared the relative expression of some genes between the embryos that were fertilized in vitro (IVF) and cloned embryos by nuclear transfer of bovine (SCNT-B) and Arabian Oryx (SCNT-O). Methods: The oocytes were matured, then fertilized and cultured for the IVF technique, while for the SCNT technique, the matured oocytes were enucleated to recipe the donor cells for bovine and Arabian Oryx then cultured, the embryos for both techniques were used for the gene expression of the studied genes. Result: The expression of each studied gene (OCT4, DNMT1, BAX, GLUT1 and HSP70) was assessed in the early and late cleavage stages of the embryos produced by IVF in bovine, SCNT in bovine and SCNT in Arabian Oryx; this gene expression was compared between the three types of embryos. There was a non-significant difference in the relative expression between the embryos produced by the techniques mentioned above.

Background: In vitro fertilization (IVF) the technique is useful for understanding early mammalian development and maximizing and speeding up genetic improvement in livestock. Genes that function as genetic markers and are involved in the pre-implantation development of embryos may be used to evaluate the quality of an embryo and the expression of these genes is correlated with the timing of embryonic genomic activation. Methods: Maturing the oocytes of bovine, then fertilizing these matured oocytes and finally culturing the fertilized oocytes to develop into embryos. Determined the gene expression of different certain genes HSP70, OCT4, GLUT1, BAX and DNMT1 in these different cell stages of embryos that were produced. Result: The mRNA expression of these genes was estimated after collecting the embryos listed above that were produced by the in vitro technique. The results showed statistically significant differences in the relative abundance between some of the genes mentioned above in each embryo stage. The timing of the zygotic genome activation process (ZGA) can result in differences in gene expression levels between the early embryonic genes in each developmental stage of in vitro-produced bovine embryos.

The use of natural health products (NHP) is constantly increasing worldwide. Among the most NHP consumed are the resins of Commiphora myrrha (C. myrrha) tree. Consumption of C. myrrha may result in herb-drug interactions that can lead to serious health consequences. This study aims to determine the herb-drug interactions based on the induction of drug-metabolizing enzyme cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 2C9 by a non-toxic boiled aqueous extract of C. myrrha and to unveil the potential involvement of xenobiotic-sensing nuclear receptors such as Pregnane X Receptor (PXR), a well-known CYP 2C9 transcription factor. Tested at low concentrations (0.01-10 g/mL) devoid of anti-proliferative effects, boiled C. myrrha resin aqueous extract upregulated CYP 2C9 gene and protein expressions in a dose-dependent manner, reaching a mean expression level exceeding 3.0-fold change in Hep G2 cells, compared with the basal level expressed in untreated cells. Furthermore, chemical analysis using mass spectrometry and computational molecular docking using in silico studies revealed that few C. myrrha resin-derived metabolites are strongly bound to PXR. In particular, the identified metabolite named diayangambin exhibited a predicted molecular docking score close to that of a native PXR ligand. The use of the nuclear receptor binding assays confirmed the binding between C. myrrha metabolite(s) and PXR, while no binding to the other xenobiotic-sensing nuclear receptor, the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), was observed, suggesting that C. myrrha metabolite(s) are potential PXR agonists. In conclusion, although in vivo studies are needed, this study cautions patients, healthcare providers, and governmental regulators against the consumption of C. myrrha and diayangambin-rich preparations with a high potential for herb-drug interactions through drug-metabolizing CYP 2C9 enzyme induction, which could affect drug efficacy.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common cause of cancer-related mortality globally. It ranks as the most common cancer among men and the third most prevalent among women in Saudi Arabia, especially in the eastern region. The immune system's response to cancer is significantly influenced by natural killer cells through their killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) interaction with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules. Our research aimed to target a homogeneous ethnic group in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia, analyzing the distribution of 16 KIR genes and HLA-C1/C2 allotypes in 50 CRC patients and 63 healthy controls using the sequence-specific PCR amplification method. Findings revealed significantly lower frequencies of the 2DL2 and 3DL1 genes in CRC patients compared to controls (OR = 2.21; P = 0.04) and (OR = 7.46; P = 0.00009), respectively. Additionally, a higher prevalence of HLA-C2 was noted in CRC patients (84 %) versus controls (66.7 %) (OR = 2.26; P = 0.04). Conversely, the HLA-C1C2 combination showed a protective effect against CRC (OR = 0.38; P = 0.04). Our combinatorial analysis further identified specific gene combinations correlating with CRC risk or protection. Notably, the absence of KIR2DL2 combined with the presence of KIR2DS2 emerged as a significant risk factor, while various combinations involving KIR2DL2 and/or KIR2DS1 with HLA-C ligands were associated with either increased susceptibility or protection. The study underscores the protective role of KIR2DL2 against CRC in Saudi Arabia's eastern region and suggests that the absence of KIR2DL2, especially when KIR2DS2 is present, might increase CRC risk. This research contributes to understanding genetic influences on CRC susceptibility, emphasizing the potential of KIR and HLA interactions as biomarkers for CRC risk assessment.

The present study used Litchi chinensis peel extract to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). This technique is eco-friendly and can be performed in a single step; thus, it has attracted great attention for NPs biosynthesis. Herein, we biosynthesized AgNPs with L. chinensis peel extract and examined their anticoccidial activity in rabbit hepatic coccidiosis induced by E. stiedae infection. Thirty-five rabbits were allocated into seven groups: a healthy group (G1), an infected control group (G2), four groups infected before treatment with 10 mg/kg L. chinensis peel extract-biosynthesized AgNPs (G3, G5) or 50 mg/kg amprolium (G4, G6), and rabbits infected after two weeks of pretreatment with 10 mg/kg L. chinensis eel extract-biosynthesized AgNPs (G7). In this study, both pre-and post-treatment with AgNPs produced a substantial reduction in fecal oocyst output, liver enzyme levels, and histopathological hepatic lesions relative to the infected group. In conclusion, L. chinensis peel extract-prepared AgNPs should be considered harmless and efficient in the cure of hepatic coccidiosis in rabbits.