Afaf Altrawy

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) is a biodegradable polyester considered a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics. This study aimed to isolate a PHB-producing bacterium from agricultural soil and to evaluate the natural honey produced by Apis mellifera as an alternative carbon source for PHB production. A PHB-producing isolate was obtained and identified as Bacillus subtilis strain MUST-MWS1 based on morphological, biochemical, and 16 S rRNA gene analyses. Cultures were grown at pH 8.2 using LB medium, glucose, or honey as the main carbon source, and PHB was extracted by a chloroform–methanol method. The polymer was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. Honey yielded the highest PHB titer (0.2669 ± 0.0078 g/L), compared with glucose (0.2168 ± 0.0068 g/L) and LB medium (0.1933 ± 0.0067 g/L). The structural and thermal properties of the biosynthesized PHB were consistent with those reported for commercial PHB. These findings indicate that B. subtilis MUST-MWS1 is a promising PHB producer and that honey can serve as an effective alternative carbon source for bioplastic production.

Background: Green and biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely researched as anticancer treatments; nevertheless, in vivo data on cyanobacteria-derived formulations and their apoptotic mechanisms are limited. Objectives: To assess the antitumor activity, hematological safety, and apoptosis-related pathways of Desertifilum tharense -derived AgNPs, provided either independently or in conjunction with Desertifilum exopolysaccharides (EPS), in a mouse Ehrlich cell carcinoma (ECC) model. Methods: Male Swiss albino mice were assigned to five groups: healthy control, AgNP toxicity control, tumor control, AgNP-treated tumor, and AgNPs + EPS-treated tumor. Endpoints encompassed body weight, thigh tumor volume, hematological profiling, histology, immunohistochemistry identification of cleaved caspase 3 , and real-time PCR quantification of BAX , BCL-2 , and caspase 3 mRNA, utilizing the BAX/BCL-2 ratio as an indicator of apoptotic equilibrium. Results: Tumor control subjects exhibited significant increases in body weight and tumor volume, along with anemia, leukocytosis, and altered leukocyte differentials. The AgNP-treated groups had markedly decreased tumor sizes and partial restoration of hematological parameters, whereas healthy mice treated solely with AgNP maintained values within physiological limits. Tumor sections from treated mice exhibited significant necrosis and a treatment-dependent increase in cleaved caspase 3 staining, most apparent and widespread in the AgNPs + EPS group. Gene expression analysis demonstrated a considerable upregulation of BAX and caspase 3 , alongside a downregulation of BCL-2 in treated tumors, with the combination formulation exhibiting the highest BAX/BCL-2 ratio, indicative of pronounced activation of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. Conclusions: Desertifilum -derived AgNPs demonstrate in vivo antitumor efficacy against ECC with satisfactory hematological safety and induce caspase 3 dependent, mitochondria-mediated apoptosis via regulation of the BAX/BCL-2 axis. The co-administration with EPS enhances the pro-apoptotic gene and protein profile, endorsing cyanobacteria-based AgNP/EPS systems as viable candidates for future nano-based cancer therapies.

Breast cancer (BC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related death among women. There is an urgent need for new therapies with fewer side effects. This study evaluated the anticancer potential of curcumin micro- and nanocapsules on MCF-7 breast cancer cells and explored the underlying molecular mechanisms using bioinformatics analysis. Curcumin micro- and nanocapsules were produced through mechanical encapsulation and tested on MCF-7 cells. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay, apoptosis and cell cycle changes were analyzed by flow cytometry, and gene expression of C-myc, Ki-67, EGFR, VEGFR2, and Caspase-3 was evaluated by real-time PCR. Public datasets (TCGA and CPTAC) were analyzed to identify curcumin-related genes, pathways, and drug-target networks. Both formulations reduced cell viability by 45-60% and significantly increased apoptosis, with nanocapsules being more potent. Nanocapsules caused G2/M phase arrest and a 3.8-fold rise in Caspase-3 expression, while microcapsules mainly induced G0/G1 arrest. Treatments suppressed the proliferation markers C-myc and Ki-67, along with EGFR and VEGFR2. Bioinformatics analysis confirmed that these genes are key regulators in MAPK, PI3K/Akt, WNT, and HER2 pathways affected by curcumin. Nano-formulated curcumin demonstrates strong, multi-target anticancer activity by blocking cell growth and angiogenesis while promoting apoptosis. These findings support its potential as a safe and effective therapeutic option for breast cancer.

Objectives: The current study underscores the potential role of miRNAs, specifically miR-3173 and miR-155, as promising biomarkers for breast and ovarian cancers (BC and OC). The primary objective was to evaluate the expression levels of these miRNAs in cancer patients compared to healthy individuals, assess their diagnostic accuracy, and explore their associations with cancer progression and prognosis. Methods: This study involved 60 participants, comprising 30 patients diagnosed with primary BC and 30 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Tumor tissue samples were obtained from all patients for molecular analysis. For control comparisons, adjacent non-tumorous tissues from both groups were utilized. miR-3173 and miR-155 expression levels were measured using real-time PCR (qPCR). The diagnostic accuracy of both miRNAs was evaluated through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, calculating sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing cancer cases from healthy controls. Additionally, the association of miR-155 with metastasis was explored, and miR-3173’s correlation with poor progression-free survival in BC patients was assessed using Kaplan–Meier survival curve analysis. Results: Both miRNAs were found to be significantly upregulated in cancer patients compared to healthy individuals, with miR-155 exhibiting high sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing BC and OC cases. Notably, miR-155 is associated with metastasis, which aligns with previous research, suggesting its role as an oncogene in epithelial OC. Meanwhile, the elevated expression of miR-3173 correlates with poor progression-free survival in BC patients, marking it as a potential prognostic marker. However, these results highlight the complexity of miRNA expression in cancer progression, as miR-3173 showed varied associations with different types of cancer. Despite these challenges, the ROC curve analysis for both miRNAs is promising with high sensitivity and specificity for both BC and OC. Conclusion: The study findings are particularly significant in the context of early diagnosis and monitoring cancer progression, yet further investigations involving larger cohorts and diverse populations are needed to validate these results. Future studies should focus on expanding sample sizes, refining the understanding of miRNA roles in tumor progression, and exploring their potential as therapeutic targets. These advancements could significantly enhance personalized treatment strategies for breast and ovarian cancer, improving patient outcomes.

Background and objective: Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have been observed to exhibit a pleiotropic action, whereby they induce apoptosis in tumor cells while simultaneously protecting healthy tissue cells against stress-induced cell death. The cells underwent a 24-hour treatment with SeNPs. This work objective was to the cytotoxic impacts of a specific selenium nanoparticle examination as a possible nanomedicine anticancer agent in inducing apoptosis in human leukemia cell lines.Methodology: The MTT test was utilized to conduct the assessment of cytotoxicity and cell viability. To gain insight into the molecular processes of apoptotic genes, namely Bcl-2, Bax, and Caspase3, their levels of expression were assessed using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).Results: The IC50 values of selenium nanoparticles on HL-60, K-562, and HS-5 cell lines were determined to be 3.01 ± 0.29, 2.59 ± 0.33, and 439.4 ± 15.8 μg/mL, respectively. The assessment of gene expression levels demonstrated a significant reduction in the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 gene, accompanied by an elevation in the pro-apoptotic Bax and caspase3 mRNA gene expressions. Conclusion: This study presented preliminary findings about the notable antitumor efficacy of Selenium Nanoparticles against human leukemia cell lines.

The intersection of COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has emerged as a significant area of research, particularly in understanding the impact of antiplatelet therapies like ticagrelor and clopidogrel. COVID-19 has been associated with acute cardiovascular complications, including myocardial infarction, thrombosis, and heart failure, exacerbated by the virus’s ability to trigger widespread inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in regulating these processes by modulating the gene expressions involved in platelet function, inflammation, and vascular homeostasis. This study explores the potential of miRNAs such as miR-223 and miR-126 as biomarkers for predicting resistance or responsiveness to antiplatelet therapies in COVID-19 patients with cardiovascular disease. Identifying miRNA signatures linked to drug efficacy could optimize treatment strategies for patients at high risk of thrombotic events during COVID-19 infection. Moreover, understanding miRNA-mediated pathways offers new insights into how SARS-CoV-2 exacerbates CVD, particularly through mechanisms like cytokine storms and endothelial damage. The findings of this research could lead to personalized therapeutic approaches, improving patient outcomes and reducing mortality in COVID-19-associated cardiovascular events. With global implications, this study addresses the urgent need for effective management of CVD in the context of COVID-19, focusing on the integration of molecular biomarkers to enhance the precision of antiplatelet therapy.

Breast cancer (BC), a major cause of death among women worldwide, has traditionally been linked to genetic and environmental factors. However, emerging research highlights the gut microbiome’s significant role in shaping BC development, progression, and treatment outcomes. This review explores the intricate relationship between the gut microbiota and the breast tumor microenvironment, emphasizing how these microbes influence immune responses, inflammation, and metabolic pathways. Certain bacterial species in the gut either contribute to or hinder BC progression by producing metabolites that affect hormone metabolism, immune system pathways, and cellular signaling. An imbalance in gut bacteria, known as dysbiosis, has been associated with a heightened risk of BC, with metabolites like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and enzymes such as β-glucuronidase playing key roles in this process. Additionally, the gut microbiota can impact the effectiveness of chemotherapy, as certain bacteria can degrade drugs like gemcitabine and irinotecan, leading to reduced treatment efficacy. Understanding the complex interactions between gut bacteria and BC may pave the way for innovative treatment approaches, including personalized microbiome-targeted therapies, such as probiotics and fecal microbiota transplants, offering new hope for more effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of BC.