Life Sciences Student Journal

Exploring the Benefits: Lactobacilli versus pln Gene Isolated from Persian Marinated Olives

laleh firozi — 2024-03-17

Microbe-assisted therapy using probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) is a promising field of research. This study investigated the probiotic properties of Lactobacillus plantarum strains isolated from various Persian Marinated olives. LAB strains were isolated from three Iranian olive cultivars on MRS agar plates. After biochemical and molecular identification, probiotic properties of L. plantarum isolates were evaluated, including bile and antibiotic resistance and antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli PTCC1399, Shigella dysenteriae PTCC1188, and Salmonella typhimurium PTCC1639. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using well diffusion, disc diffusion, and spot-on-lawn assays. The mean diameter of inhibition zones was compared using one-way ANOVA. The presence of the pln gene was investigated by PCR. Out of 45 olive cultivars studied, 36 LAB species were isolated. Of these, 20 (55.5%) were L. plantarum, 9 (25%) L. casei, 5 (14%) L. brevis, and 2 (5.5%) L. acidophilus. Except for L. acidophilus, which grew at pH 3, other Lactobacillus species did not grow at pH 2 and 3. Among the isolates, 81% were resistant or highly resistant to bile salts. In PCR, eight isolates produced a specific band with L. plantarum-specific primers. The results showed the antimicrobial activity of L. plantarum isolated from Iranian olives against E. coli, S. dysenteriae, and S. typhimurium. The pln gene band was observed at 1520 bp in L. plantarum isolates. The study showed that 8 L. plantarum isolates possessed the pln gene. Bacteria with the pln gene can hydrolyze bile salts, which benefits both the bacteria and the host, such as bile detoxification against bacteria, bacterial colony formation in the intestine, and reducing serum cholesterol in the host. Considering the probiotic properties of L. plantarum strains isolated from Iranian olives, their use as a preventive and therapeutic measure against infectious bacteria.

Evaluating the possibility that drug-induced arrhythmia may interfere with cardiovascular complications caused by the Covid 19 virus.

Mohammad hossein Eydnegad — 2024-02-20

Objective: Cardiac arrhythmias are one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in the world, but the underlying mechanisms are still not well defined. In the last decade, it has been shown that inflammation causes a wide variety of arrhythmias. It becomes specific for atrial arrhythmia (fibrillation, long QT syndrome, tachycardia and atrial blocks. In addition, it seems that inflammatory cytokines play a role in cardiac ascites and the development of arrhythmia. The aim of this study is evaluation of patients with covid-19 disease who also had arrhythmia and the assay of inflammatory and laboratory factors in them and also arrhythmogenic drugs interaction.

Methods: 140 patients with covid-19 were selected. Cardiac arrhythmia was diagnosed in 70 patients by using ECG images. The variables of blood and inflammatory factors, and the use of drugs were determined in two groups of covid-19 patients with arrhythmia and those without. Also, the values of QT interval and heart rate were extracted from their EKG and compared by T-TEST analysis. Lab parameters were prepared by the laboratory documentation center and evaluated in groups with and without arrhythmia, as well as in deceased patients.

Results: The results showed that patients with covid-19 who have arrhythmia have longer QT values than covid-19 patients without arrhythmia. But the heart rate (HR) in these two groups was not different, in other words, HR is relatively high in both groups. Also, all the blood factors and especially the predictive factor of lymphocyte to neutrophil ratio are significantly high in these patients. Also, the inflammatory factors as ESR, CRP, in these patients are significantly P<0.001 more than those of covid-19 patients without arrhythmia. A higher percentage of patients who died and had arrhythmia used azithromycin and hydroxychloroquine alone and together.

Keywords: Covid-19, Arrhythmia, Inflammation, Hydroxychloroquine, Azithromycin

The Power of Daphnetin: Enhancing Nrf2 Signaling Pathway

Amir Modarresi Chahardehi — 2024-04-28

Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are involved in a range of diseases. The Nrf2 pathway is crucial in controlling cellular defenses against stresses. Daphnetin (DAP), a compound derived from plants such as Daphne odora, has shown promise to activate Nrf2, a protein with potential therapeutic uses. This review examines how DAP influences the Nrf2 pathway, increasing genes that promote antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. We present preclinical evidence showcasing the effectiveness of DAP in several illness models linked to inflammation and oxidative stress. In addition, we investigate recent progress in altering the structure of DAP to increase its effectiveness and improve its pharmacological characteristics. Lastly, we address prospective areas of future study, highlighting the importance of clinical translation studies in fully realizing DAP's therapeutic benefits. In summary, this study highlights the potential of DAP as a natural Nrf2 activator, which has important implications for preventing and managing diseases.

Molecular analysis of the chicken anemia viruses isolated from broiler farms of East Azerbaijan province using PCR-RFLP

Masoud Ezami — 2024-03-17

Anemia was first detected in Japan. Since then, the CAV virus has been reported in broiler and oviparous chicken breeds in many countries, both in viral isolation and serologically. One of the major immunosuppressive viruses is infection anemia virus. Infections with the CAV virus appear to be clinically prominent, including symptoms of bone marrow cells, subcutaneous hemorrhage, atrophy of lymph nodes, and increased mortality. The virus has a circular DNA genome of 2,300 bp, including three protein sequences (VP1, VP2, and VP3). The 50 kDa (VP1) viral protein is the only isolated protein from viral objects. The study examined the prevalence, traceability, isolation and identification of an infective anemia virus in broiler flocks within East Azarbaijan province. For this purpose, 100 samples of slaughtered broiler flocks were collected at slaughterhouses in the East Azerbaijan province. To confirm the presence of CAV virus in the samples, PCR was performed and the results were studied with RFLP technique. This study showed that poultry infectious anemia virus in broiler farms in East Azarbaijan province is widespread. There are very few differences in virus between isolates and isolates from various parts of the world.

Axonal Sprouting in Neural Repair and Plasticity: Mechanisms and Implications

Mohammad Reza Jajarmi — 2023-12-20

Axonal sprouting, a fundamental process in neural repair, regeneration, and plasticity, is explored in this review. Tracing its historical roots from Malacarne to contemporary researchers like He and Sofroniew, the review delves into the mechanisms involving growth factors, signaling pathways, and cell-to-cell interactions. Distinct characteristics of axonal sprouting in the central and peripheral nervous systems are discussed, emphasizing the clinical implications and potential therapeutic strategies, including genetic engineering, cell therapy, physical stimulation, and pharmacological intervention. The review underscores the intricate relationship between axonal sprouting and neural plasticity, highlighting experimental models and ethical considerations. Despite progress, challenges persist, necessitating further research to unlock the full potential of axonal sprouting in neuroscience and clinical applications.