Insight into the molecular mechanism, cytotoxic, and anticancer activities of phyto-reduced silver nanoparticles in MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines

This contribution insight on the cytotoxic and anticancer activities and molecular mechanism of phyto-reduced silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. A simple, entirely green synthesis process was optimized for the phyto-reduction of AgNP (~12.7 nm) using aqueous leaf extracts of Indigofera heterantha. The structural and vibrational properties of biosynthesized AgNPs were extensively characterized using UV-Vis spectrophotometer, x-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), while their shape and morphology was studied through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) cell viability assay indicates concentration dependent inhibition with IC50 , 27.93 ± 2.10 μg/mL against MCF-7 cells and 294.38 ± 3.87 μg/mL against L929 cells. The manifested anticancer mechanism in MCF-7 cells was extensively studied using Acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB), 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) and Annexin-V/propedium iodide fluorescence microscopic assays. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured using DCFH-DA fluorescent spectroscopy. Overall, the results show that AgNPs exhibit cytotoxic and apoptotic effect on breast cancer MCF-7 cells by damaging membrane integrity and nuclear fragmentation due to oxidative stress generated by elevated level of ROS. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Biomimetic synthesis of nano dimension size silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Characterization of AgNPs through UV-Vis, DLS, XRD, FTIR, and SEM. Cytotoxic and anticancer effects of the biosynthesized AgNPs in L929 fibroblast cells and MCF7 breast cancer respectively. Determination of morphological, and nuclear changes triggered by AgNPs in MCF 7 breast cancer cells using fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry. Apoptosis induction by AgNPs in cancer cells through oxidative stress generated by reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Bats-associated beta-coronavirus detection and characterization: First report from Pakistan

Bats remains as reservoirs for highly contagious and pathogenic viral families including the Coronaviridae, Filoviridae, Paramyxoviruses, and Rhabdoviridae. Spill over of viral species (SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV & SARS-CoV2) from bats (as a possible potential reservoirs) have recently caused worst outbreaks. Early detection of viral species of pandemic potential in bats is of great importance. We detected beta coronaviruses in the studied bats population (positive samples from Rousettus leschenaultia) and performed the evolutionary analysis, amino acid sequence alignment, and analysed the 3-Dimentional protein structure. We detected the coronaviruses for the first time in bats from Pakistan. Our analysis based on RdRp partial gene sequencing suggest that the studied viral strains are closely related to MERS-CoV-like viruses as they exhibit close structure similarities (with few substitutions) and also observed a substitution in highly conserved SDD in the palm subdomain of motif C to ADD, when compared with earlier reported viral strains. It could be concluded from our study that coronaviruses are circulating among the bat's population in Pakistan. Based on the current findings, we suggest large scale screening procedures of bat virome across the country to detect potential pathogenic viral species.

Endophytic bacteria of Fagonia indica Burm. f revealed to harbour rich secondary antibacterial metabolites

Endophytic bacteria are the source of novel bioactive compounds, used as therapeutic agent. Molecular docking is a computational technique use frequently, to find novel drugs targets and drugs-receptors interactions. The current study was designed to isolate and identify endophytic bacteria for the extraction of bioactive compounds. Further, to characterized extracts and to explore compounds interactions with bacterial cell wall and outer membrane synthesizing proteins. Endophytes were identified using 16s rRNA amplification technique. For bioactive compounds, solvent extraction method was followed and characterized further through GC-MS analysis. To find targets and drugs-receptors interactions, molecular docking studies and biological assays were performed. The isolated endophytes belong to five different genera namely Enterobacter, Bacillus, Erwinia, Stenotrophomonas and Pantoea. In case of antibacterial assay Stenotrophomonas maltophilia extract showed significant inhibitory zones (15.11±0.11mm and 11.3±0.16) against Staphylococcus caseolyticus and Acinetobacter baumanni, with MIC 33.3 and 50μg/mL respectively. Among the characterized fifty compounds, from endophytic bacteria "antibacterial compound" N-(5-benzyl-10b-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,6-dioxooctahydro-8H-oxazolo[3,2-α] pyrrolo[2,1c] pyrazin-2-yl)-7-methyl2,3,3a,3a1,6,6a,7,8,9,10,10a,10b-dodecahydro-1H-4λ2-indolo[4,3-fg]quinoline-9-carboxamide of bacteria Stenotrophomonas maltophilia were an excellent binder with MurF ligase active site, with binding energy of -10.2 kcal/mol. Extracts of endophytic bacteria composed of various pharmacologically active ingredients such as antibacterial compounds. Molecular docking studies provide important information regarding drug-receptor interaction, thus can be used in novel drug discovery.

Fostering openness in open science: An ethical discussion of risks and benefits

Transformation of science by embracing the concepts of open science presents a very attractive strategy to enhance the reliability of science. Open science policies embody the concepts of open data and open access that encompass sharing of resources, dissemination of ideas, and synergizing the collaborative forums of research. Despite the opportunities in openness, however, there are grave ethical concerns too, and they present a dual-use dilemma. Access to sensitive information is seen as a security risk, and it also possesses other concerns such as confidentiality, privacy, and affordability. There are arguments that open science can be harmful to marginalized groups. Through this study, we aim to discuss the opportunities of open science, as well as the ethical and security aspects, which require further deliberation before full-fledged acceptance in the science community.

Core amino acid substitutions in HCV-3a isolates from Pakistan and opportunities for multi-epitopic vaccines

Hepatitis C virus (HCV), which infected 71 million worldwide and about 5%-6% are from Pakistan, is an ssRNA virus, responsible for end-stage liver disease. To date, no effective therapy is available to cure this disease. Hence, it is important to study the most prevalent genotypes infecting human population and design novel vaccine or small molecule inhibitors to control the infections associated with HCV. Therefore, in this study clinical samples (n = 35; HCV-3a) from HCV patients were subjected to Sanger sequencing method. The sequencing of the core gene, which is generally considered as conserved, involved in the detection, quantitation and genotyping of HCV was performed. Multiple mutations, that is, R46C, R70Q, L91C, G60E, N/S105A, P108A, N110I, S116V, G90S, A77G and G145R that could be linked with response to antiviral therapies were detected. Phylogenetic analysis suggests emerging viral isolates are circulating in Pakistan. Using ab initio modelling technique, we predicted the 3D structure of core protein and subjected to molecular dynamics simulation to extract the most stable conformation of the structure for further analysis. Immunoinformatic approaches were used to propose a multi-epitopes vaccine against HCV by using core protein. The vaccine constructs consist of nine CTL and three HTL epitopes joined by different linkers were docked against the two reported Toll-like receptors (TLR-3 and TLR-8). Docking of vaccine construct with TLR-3 and TLR-8 shows proper binding and in silico expression of the vaccine resulted in a CAI value of 0.93. These analyses suggest that specific immune responses may be produced by the proposed vaccine.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Silver nanoparticles biosynthesized from secondary metabolite producing marine actinobacteria and evaluation of their biomedical potential

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from marine actinobacteria offers a promising avenue for exploring bacterial extracts as reducing and stabilizing agents. We report extracellular extracts of Rhodococcus rhodochrous (MOSEL-ME29) and Streptomyces sp. (MOSEL-ME28), identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing for synthesis of AgNPs. Ultrafine silver nanoparticles were biosynthesized using the extracts of R. rhodochrous and Streptomyces sp. and their possible therapeutic applications were studied. The physicochemical properties of nanoparticles were established by HR-SEM/TEM, SAED, UV-Vis, EDS, XRD, and FTIR. UV-Vis spectra displayed characteristic absorption at 430 nm and 412 nm for AgNPs from Streptomyces sp. (S-AgNPs) and Rhodococcus sp. (R-AgNPs), respectively. HR-SEM/TEM, XRD, EDS analysis confirmed the spherical shape, crystalline nature, and elemental formation of silver. Crystallite or grain size was deduced as 5.52 nm for R-AgNPs and 35 nm for S-AgNPs. Zeta-potential indicated electrostatic negative charge for AgNPs, while FTIR revealed the presence of diverse functional groups. Disc diffusion assay indicated the broad-spectrum antibacterial potential of S-AgNPs with the maximum inhibition of B. subtilis while R-AgNPs revealed potency against P. aeruginosa at 10 µg/mL concentration. Biogenic AgNPs revealed antileishmanial activity and the IC₅₀ was calculated as 164 µg/mL and 184 µg/mL for R-AgNPs and S-AgNPs respectively. Similarly, the R-AgNPs and S-AgNPs revealed anti-cancer potential against HepG2 and the IC₅₀ was calculated as 49 µg/mL and 69 µg/mL for R-AgNPs and S-AgNPs, respectively. Moreover, the antioxidant activity showed significant results. MTT assay on RD cells, L20B cells, and Hep-2C indicated intensification in viability by reducing the concentration of R-AgNPs and S-AgNPs. The R-AgNPs and S-AgNPs inhibited sabin-like poliovirus (1TCID₅₀ infection in RD cells). Furthermore, hemocompatibility at low concentrations has been confirmed. Hence, it is concluded that biogenic-AgNPs has the potential to be used in diverse biological applications and that the marine actinobacteria are an excellent resource for fabrication of AgNPs.

Precursor effects on the physical, biological, and catalytic properties of Fagonia indica Burm.f. mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles

We report a facile, green and precursor-based comparative study on the biosynthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) using anticancerous Fagonia indica as effective chelating agent. Biosynthesis was carried out using zinc sulfate and zinc acetate as precursor salts to make ZnO_S and ZnO_A NPs under similar experimental conditions which were characterized extensively for physical and biological properties. Scherrer equation deduced a mean crystallite size of ~23.4 nm for ZnO_A NPs and ~41 nm for ZnO_S NPs. The nature of the NPs was compared using UV, diffuse reflectance spectra, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis-DTA, selected area electron diffraction, EDS, zeta potential, high resolution (HR)-SEM, and HR-TEM. Detailed in vitro pharmacognostic activities revealed a significant therapeutic potential for ZnO_A and ZnO_S . Potential antimicrobial activities for the NPs and their nanocosmeceutical formulations are reported. ZnO_A NPs were more cytotoxic to Leishmania tropica as compared to ZnO_S . Significant antioxidant and protein kinase inhibition was obtained. The hemolytic assay indicated a hemocompatible nature of both ZnO_A and ZnO_S NPs. Catalytic degradation of crystal violet dye (CVD) by NPs was examined under different parameters (light, dark, UV). Furthermore, sonophotocatalytic degradation of CVD was also studied. Our results suggested that precursor can have a significant effect on the physical, biological, and catalytic properties of the NPs. In future, we recommend different other in vitro, in vivo biological activities, and mechanistic studies of these as-synthesized NPs.

Genus Viburnum: Therapeutic Potentialities and Agro-Food-Pharma Applications

The genus Viburnum (Adoxaceae, Dipsacales) is of scientific interest due to the chemical components and diverse biological activities found across species of the genus, which includes more than 230 species of evergreen, semievergreen, or deciduous shrubs and small trees. Although frequently used as an ornament, the Viburnum species show biological properties with health-promoting effects. Fruits, flowers, and barks of certain species are used for pharmaceutical purposes or as cooking ingredients, hence containing biochemical compounds with health-promoting activity such are carotenoids, polyphenols, and flavonoids. However, its taxonomical determination is difficult, due to its wide distribution and frequent hybridizations; therefore, an objective classification would allow us to understand its biological activity based on its phytochemical components. More than sixty phytochemical compounds have been reported, where vibsanin-type diterpenes and their derivatives are the most prevalent. Leaves and twigs of V. dilatatum contain the largest number of phytochemicals among the genus. Through preclinical evidence, this study provides insight regarding antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and anticancer activities of genus Viburnum.

Sofosbuvir Resistance-associated Substitutions in the Palm Domain of HCV-NS5B RNA Dependent RNA Polymerase; Study of two Sofosbuvir non-responders

OBJECTIVE

In current study we performed sequencing of palm domain of HCV-NS5B gene, its ancestral analysis along with amino acids substitution analysis. These analysis were done to find the molecular basis of the viral resistance against Sofosbuvir drug.

METHODS

Blood samples from individuals with chronic Hepatitis C infection that were resistant to Sofosbuvir were collected. The samples were processed for their molecular characterization that included RNA extraction, Complementary DNA (cDNA) synthesize, nested PCR, gel elution, Sequencing, ancestral and 3D structure analysis.

RESULTS

Evolutionary analysis revealed that current study sequences (QAU-01, QAU-02) clustered with a previously studied sequence, KY971494.1. Moreover, we reports multiple novel amino acid substitutions in the palm domain of NS5B gene such as Ile116Val, Asn117Gly, Glu246Ala, Val252Ala, Glu258Gln, Cys262Leu, Ser269Arg, Ala272Thr, Ile293Leu, Lys304Arg, Asn307Gly, Ala338Val and Arg345Gly in our query sequence (QAU-01). At 246 and 269 position in (QAU-02), no substitution was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

We have noticed that the current sequences are relatively emerging and could have been originated from aforementioned sequence recently. Based on the current results, we suggests that these substitutions could be associated with structural or functional impairment of protein and could also be may be considered as resistance associated substitutions (RAS) to Sofosbuvir drug.

The anti-diabetic activities of natural sweetener plant Stevia: an updated review

Diabetes mellitus is one of the key metabolic diseases cause due to defects in the secretion of insulin, insulin resistance in peripheral tissues, or both. Plants remained an important source of nutrition as well as medicine. Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is one of the important high qualities non-caloric sugar substitute sweetener plants against diabetes disease. The compounds like steviol, rebaudioside A, stevioside, etc. can lower the sugar level many fold. In addition, it decreases oxidative stress, hence reduces the risk of diabetes. Its leaves have been used for the control and treatment of diabetes and many other metabolic diseases. In animal model experiments it reduces blood sugar level and promotes liver and kidney functions. In this review, we highlighted the most recent literature on the safe use of Stevia for the treatment of diabetes, its use as a functional food, and its mode of therapeutic action in different animal model experiments. However, keeping Stevia as a model plant; detailed investigations are needed for the identification of new metabolites and its use against diabetes and related diseases.

Genome sequence analysis and bioactivity profiling of marine-derived actinobacteria, Brevibacterium luteolum, and Cellulosimicrobium funkei

Genome analysis gives important insights into the biosynthetic potential of marine actinobacteria. The genomes of two marine actinomycetes Brevibacterium luteolum MOSEL-ME10a and Cellulosimicrobium funkei MOSEL-ME6 were sequenced to identify the biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). Additionally, anti-proliferative, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory activities were studied in vitro. We report a total genome size of 2.77 Mb with GC content of 67.8% and 6.81 Mb with GC content of 69% for Brevibacterium sp. MOSEL-ME10a and Cellulosimicrobium sp. MOSEL-ME6, respectively. Biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) encoding different classes of natural products were predicted including terpenes, peptides, siderophores, ectoines, and bacteriocins. The bioactivity potential of crude extracts derived from these strains was evaluated. Notable anti-proliferative activity was observed against HepG2 cell line (hepatocellular carcinoma) with an IC₅₀ value of 182 µg/mL for Brevibacterium sp. MOSEL-ME10a. Furthermore, antioxidant activity was assessed with IC₅₀ values of 48.91 µg/mL and 102.5 µg/mL for Brevibacterium sp. MOSEL-ME10a and Cellulosimicrobium sp. MOSEL-ME6, respectively. Protein kinase inhibition potential was observed only for Brevibacterium sp. MOSEL-ME10a. Our study also reports lower amylase enzyme inhibition potential for both strains. Moreover, both crude extracts showed only slight-to-no toxic effect on erythrocytes at 400 µg/mL and below, indicating erythrocyte membrane stability. Our data present the genomic features revealing biosynthetic potential of marine actinobacteria as well as biological activities found in vitro.

Exploration of microbiome of medicinally important plants as biocontrol agents against Phytophthora parasitica

In a preliminary plant-based microbiome study, diverse bacterial taxa were identified from different medicinal plants using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Based on initial antimicrobial screening, eight (8) bacterial endophytes in six (6) different genera, Streptomyces, Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, Bacillus, Arthrobacter, and Delftia, from four important medicinal plants Dodonaea viscosa, Fagonia indica, Caralluma tuberculata, and Calendula arvensis were selected for further analyses. Antimicrobial assays revealed that Pseudomonas taiwanensis MOSEL-RD23 has strong anti-Phytophthora activity. Volatiles produced by P. taiwanensis MOSEL-RD23and Bacillus flexus MOSEL-MIC5 inhibited the growth of Phytophthora parasitica by more than 80%. Ethyl acetate extracts of Streptomyces alboniger MOSEL-RD3, P. taiwanensis MOSEL-RD23, Enterobacter hormaechei MOSEL-FLS1, and Bacillus tequilensis MOSEL-FLS3, and Delftia lacustris MB322 displayed high potency against P. parasitica. All these bacterial extracts showed strong inhibition of more than 80% inhibition in vitro against P. parasitica at different concentrations (4-400 µg/mL). Bacterial extracts showing strong antimicrobial activity were selected for bioactivity-driven fractionation and showed anti-Phytophthoral activity in multiple fractions and different peaks observed in UV-Vis spectroscopy. In the detached-leaf assay against P. parasitica on tobacco, 1% ethyl acetate bacterial extract of S. alboniger MOSEL-RD3, P. taiwanensis MOSEL-RD23, E. hormaechei MOSEL-FLS1, B. tequilensis MOSEL-FLS3, and D. lacustris MB322 reduced lesion sizes and lesion frequencies caused by P. parasitica by 68 to 81%. Overall, P. taiwanensis MOSEL-RD23 showed positive activities for all the assays. Analyzing the potential of bacterial endophytes as biological control agents can potentially lead to the formulation of broad-spectrum biopesticides for the sustainable production of crops.

Prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in Rural Pakistan

The article's abstract is not available.  

Ethics, pandemic and environment; looking at the future of low middle income countries

COVID-19 which started in Wuhan, China and swiftly expanded geographically worldwide, including to Low to Middle Income Countries (LMICs). This in turn raised numerous ethical concerns in preparedness, knowledge sharing, intellectual property rights, environmental health together with the serious constraints regarding readiness of health care systems in LMICs to respond to this enormous public health crisis. From the restrictions on public freedom and burgeoning socio-economic impacts to the rationing of scarce medical resources, the spread of COVID-19 is an extraordinary ethical dilemma for resource constrained nations with less developed health and research systems. In the current crisis, scientific knowledge and technology has an important role to play in effective response. Emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility of all countries with a moral obligation to support each other. This review discusses the ethical concerns regarding the national capacities and response strategies in LMICs to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the deep link between the environment and the increasing risk of pandemics.

Phyto-fabricated Cr2O3 nanoparticle for multifunctional biomedical applications

Aim: The biosynthesis of chromium oxide nanoparticles (Cr₂O₃ NPs), using Hyphaene thebaica as a bioreductant, for assessment of their potential nanomedicinal applications. Materials & methods: Biosynthesized Cr₂O₃ NPs were characterized by x-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, UV-Vis spectroscopy and ζ-potential measurement. In vitro assays were used to assess the biological properties of Cr₂O₃ NPs. Results: Nanoparticles with size approximately 25-38 nm were obtained with a characteristic Cr-O vibration at 417 cm^-1. A broad spectrum antimicrobial potential and antioxidant nature is reported. Slight inhibition of polio virus and biocompatibility at low doses was observed. Conclusion: We conclude a multifunctional nature of biogenic Cr₂O₃ NPs.

Anticancer Plants: A Review of the Active Phytochemicals, Applications in Animal Models, and Regulatory Aspects

The rising burden of cancer worldwide calls for an alternative treatment solution. Herbal medicine provides a very feasible alternative to western medicine against cancer. This article reviews the selected plant species with active phytochemicals, the animal models used for these studies, and their regulatory aspects. This study is based on a meticulous literature review conducted through the search of relevant keywords in databases, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Twenty plants were selected based on defined selection criteria for their potent anticancer compounds. The detailed analysis of the research studies revealed that plants play an indispensable role in fighting different cancers such as breast, stomach, oral, colon, lung, hepatic, cervical, and blood cancer cell lines. The in vitro studies showed cancer cell inhibition through DNA damage and activation of apoptosis-inducing enzymes by the secondary metabolites in the plant extracts. Studies that reported in vivo activities of these plants showed remarkable results in the inhibition of cancer in animal models. Further studies should be performed on exploring more plants, their active compounds, and the mechanism of anticancer actions for use as standard herbal medicine.

Phytosynthesis of BiVO4 nanorods using Hyphaene thebaica for diverse biomedical applications

Biosynthesis of bismuth vanadate (BiVO₄) nanorods was performed using dried fruit extracts of Hyphaene thebaica as a cost effective reducing and stabilizing agent. XRD, DRS, FTIR, zeta potential, Raman, HR-SEM, HR-TEM, EDS and SAED were used to study the main physical properties while the biological properties were established by performing diverse assays. The zeta potential is reported as − 5.21 mV. FTIR indicated Bi–O and V–O vibrations at 640 cm⁻¹ and 700 cm⁻¹/1120 cm⁻¹. Characteristic Raman modes were observed at 166 cm⁻¹, 325 cm⁻¹ and 787 cm⁻¹. High resolution scanning and transmission electron micrographs revealed a rod like morphology of the BiVO₄. Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumonia, Fusarium solani indicated highest susceptibility to the different doses of BiVO₄ nanorods. Significant protein kinase inhibition is reported for BiVO₄ nanorods which suggests their potential anticancer properties. The nanorods revealed good DPPH free radical scavenging potential (48%) at 400 µg/mL while total antioxidant capacity of 59.8 µg AAE/mg was revealed at 400 µg/mL. No antiviral activity is reported on sabin like polio virus. Overall excellent biological properties are reported. We have shown that green synthesis can replace well established processes for synthesizing BiVO₄ nanorods.

Solvent polarity mediates phytochemical yield and antioxidant capacity of Isatis tinctoria

Secondary metabolites have been extensively used in the treatment of various health problems. The role of solvent polarity on the phytochemical isolation and antioxidant capacity of Isatis tinctoria (woad) is elusive. In the present study, 14 solvents with different polarity were used in the extraction and total phenolic and flavonoid content (TPC and TFC) investigation. Ferricyanide, phosphomolybdenum, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) methods were used to calculate and compare the antioxidant/free radical scavenging capacity. Our results showed that solvent polarity greatly affects TPC and TFC yield, which is mainly increasing with increasing solvent polarity index and suddenly decreasing at very high polarity. The comparative results showed that TPC is directly correlated with reducing power, antioxidant, and free radical scavenging capacity. Taken together, we conclude that different woad plant parts contain different level of secondary metabolites with a specific polarity that requires a particular solvent with an appropriate polarity index for the extraction. The identification of these biologically active crude extracts and fractions are very important for the basic biological sciences, pharmaceutical applications, and future research for HPLC based active compounds isolation.

Phytochemical Analysis, Ephedra Procera C. A. Mey. Mediated Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles, Their Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Potentials

Background and Objectives: The current study focuses on an eco-friendly and cost-effective method of Ephedra procera C. A. Mey. mediated green synthesis of silver nanoparticles as potential cytotoxic, antimicrobial and anti-oxidant agents. Materials and Methods: Plant aqueous extracts were screened for Total Phenolic (TPC), Total Flavonoid contents (TFC), Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging potentials. Total reducing power estimated by potassium ferricyanide colorimetric assay. The biosynthesized E. procera nanoparticles (EpNPs) were characterized by UV-spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction and Scanning electron microscopy. EpNPs were evaluated for their antimicrobial, bio-compatibility and cytotoxic potentials. Results: Initial phytocheimcal analysis of plant aqueous extract revealed TFC of 20.7 ± 0.21 µg/mg extract and TPC of 117.01 ± 0.78 µg/mg extract. TAC, DPPH free radical scavenging and reducing power were 73.8 ± 0.32 µg/mg extract, 71.8 ± 0.73% and 105.4 ± 0.65 µg/mg extract respectively. The synthesized EpNPs were observed to possess high cytotoxicity against HepG2 cancer cell lines with IC₅₀ (61.3 µg/mL) as compared aqueous extract with IC₅₀ of (247 µg/mL). EpNPs were found to be biocompatible and have less effect on human erythrocytes. EpNPs exhibited significant antioxidant potentials and exhibited considerable activity against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MICs) of 11.12 μg/mL and 11.33 μg/mL respectively. Fungal species Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus were found susceptible to EpNPs. Conclusions: Results of the current study revealed that EpNPs exhibited considerable antibacterial, antifungal and cytotoxic potentials. Aqueous extract possesses significant anti-radical properties and thus can be useful in free radicals induced degenerative disorders.

First complete chloroplast genomics and comparative phylogenetic analysis of Commiphora gileadensis and C. foliacea: Myrrh producing trees

Commiphora gileadensis and C. foliacea (family Burseraceae) are pantropical in nature and known for producing fragrant resin (myrrh). Both the tree species are economically and medicinally important however, least genomic understanding is available for this genus. Herein, we report the complete chloroplast genome sequences of C. gileadensis and C. foliacea and comparative analysis with related species (C. wightii and Boswellia sacra). A modified chloroplast DNA extraction method was adopted, followed with next generation sequencing, detailed bioinformatics and PCR analyses. The results revealed that the cp genome sizes of C. gileadensis and C. foliacea, are 160,268 and 160,249 bp, respectively, with classic quadripartite structures that comprises of inverted repeat's pair. Overall, the organization of these cp genomes, GC contents, gene order, and codon usage were comparable to other cp genomes in angiosperm. Approximately, 198 and 175 perfect simple sequence repeats were detected in C. gileadensis and C. foliacea genomes, respectively. Similarly, 30 and 25 palindromic, 15 and 25 forward, and 20 and 25 tandem repeats were determined in both the cp genomes, respectively. Comparison of these complete cp genomes with C. wightii and B. sacra revealed significant sequence resemblance and comparatively highest deviation in intergenic spacers. The phylo-genomic comparison showed that C. gileadensis and C. foliacea form a single clade with previously reported C. wightii and B. sacra from family Burseraceae. Current study reports for the first time the cp genomics of species from Commiphora, which could be helpful in understanding genetic diversity and phylogeny of this myrrh producing species.

Bio-guided profiling and HPLC-DAD finger printing of Atriplex lasiantha Boiss

BACKGROUND

Plants represent an intricate and innovative source for the discovery of novel therapeutic remedies for the management of various ailments. The current study has been aimed to validate the therapeutic potential of ethnomedicinally significant plant Atriplex lasiantha Boiss.

METHODS

The polarity based extraction process was carried out using fourteen solvents to figure out best extraction solvent and bioactive fractions. Total phenolic-flavonoids contents were quantified colorimetrically and polyphenolics were measured using HPLC-DAD analysis. Moreover, the test samples were tested against several diseases targets following various assays including free radicals scavenging, antibacterial, antifungal, cytotoxic and antileishmanial assay.

RESULTS

Among the solvent fractions, maximum yield was obtained with methanol-water extract i.e., 11 ± 0.49%. Maximum quantity of gallic acid equivalent phenolic content and quercetin equivalent flavonoid content were quantified in methanol-ethyl acetate extract of A. lasiantha. Significant quantity of rutin i.e., 0.3 μg/mg was quantified by HPLC analysis. The methanol-ethyl acetate extract of A. lasiantha exhibited maximum total antioxidant and total reducing power with 64.8 ± 1.16 AAE/mg extract respectively, while showing 59.8 ± 1.07% free radical scavenging potential. A significant antibacterial potential was exhibited by acetone-distilled water extract of A. lasiantha with 11 ± 0.65 mm zone of inhibition against B. subtilis. Considerable antifungal activity was exhibited by ethyl acetate-n-hexane extract of aerial part of A. lasiantha with 14 ± 1.94 mm zone of inhibition against A. fumigatus. Highest percentage of α-amylase inhibition (41.8 ± 1.09%) was observed in ethyl acetate-n-hexane extract. Methanol-acetone extract of A. lasiantha demonstrated significant inhibition of hyphae formation with 11 ± 0.49 mm bald zone of inhibition. Significant in-vitro cytotoxicity against Hep G2 cell line has been exhibited by methanol-chloroforms extract of A. lasiantha.

CONCLUSION

The current study reveals the prospective potential of Atriplex lasiantha Boiss. for the discovery of biologically active compounds through bioassay guided isolation against various diseases.

Endogenous phytohormones of frankincense producing Boswellia sacra tree populations

Boswellia sacra, an endemic tree to Oman, is exposed to man-made incisions for commercial level frankincense production, whereas unsustainable harvesting may lead to population decline. In this case, assessment of endogenous phytohormones (gibberellic acid (GA), indole-acetic acid (IAA), salicylic acid (SA) and kinetin) can help to understand population health and growth dynamics. Hence, it was aimed to devise a robust method using Near-Infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) coupled with multivariate methods for phytohormone analysis of thirteen different populations of B. sacra. NIRS data was recorded in absorption mode (10000-4000 cm-1) to build partial least squares regression model (calibration set 70%). Model was externally cross validated (30%) as a test set to check their prediction ability before the application to quantify the unknown amount of phytohormones in thirteen different populations of B. sacra. The results showed that phytohormonal contents varied significantly, showing a trend of SA>GA/IAA>kinetin across different populations. SA and GA contents were significantly higher in Pop13 (Hasik), followed by Pop2 (Dowkah)-an extreme end of B. sacra tree cover in Dhofar region. A similar trend in the concentration of phytohormones was found when the samples from 13 populations were subjected to advance liquid chromatography mass spectrophotometer and gas chromatograph with selected ion monitor analysis. The current analysis provides alternative tool to assess plant health, which could be important to in situ propagation of tree population as well as monitoring tree population growth dynamics.

Phyto-Therapeutic and Nanomedicinal Approaches to Cure Alzheimer's Disease: Present Status and Future Opportunities

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by cognitive inability manifested due to the accumulation of β-amyloid, formation of hyper phosphorylated neurofibrillary tangles, and a malfunctioned cholinergic system. The degeneration integrity of the neuronal network can appear long after the onset of the disease. Nanotechnology-based interventions have opened an exciting area via theranostics of AD in terms of tailored nanomedicine, which are able to target and deliver drugs across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The exciting interface existing between medicinal plants and nanotechnology is an emerging marvel in medicine, which has delivered promising results in the treatment of AD. In order to assess the potential applications of the medicinal plants, their derived components, and various nanomedicinal approaches, a review of literature was deemed as necessary. In the present review, numerous phytochemicals and various feats in nanomedicine for the treatment of AD have been discussed mechanistically for the first time. Furthermore, recent trends in nanotechnology such as green synthesis of metal nanoparticles with reference to the treatment of AD have been elaborated. Foreseeing the recent progress, we hope that the interface of medicinal plants and nanotechnology will lead to highly effective theranostic strategies for the treatment of AD in the near future.

Plant-based metallic nanoparticles as potential theranostics agents: bioinspired tool for imaging and treatment

Theranostic approach provides us a platform where diagnosis and treatment can be carried out simultaneously. Biosynthesis of theranostic-capable nanoparticles (NPs) can be carried out by phytoconstituents present inside the plants that can act as capping as well as stabilising agents by offering several advantages over chemical and physical methods. This article highlights the theranostic role of NPs with emphasis on potential of plants to produce these NPs through ecofriendly approach that is called 'Green synthesis'. Biosynthesis, advantages, and disadvantages of plant-based theronostics have been discussed for better understanding. Moreover, this article has highlighted the approaches required to optimise the plant-mediated synthesis of NPs and to avoid the toxicity of these agents. Anticipating all of the challenges, the authors expect biogenic NPs can appear as potential diagnostic and therapeutic agents in near future.

Pigments from Soil Bacteria and Their Therapeutic Properties: A Mini Review

Advancement in research on dyes obtained from natural sources e.g., plants, animals, insects and micro-organisms is widening the application of natural dyes in various fields. The natural dyes substituted their synthetic analogs at the beginning of twentieth century due to their improved quality, value, ease of production, ease of dyeing and some other factors. This era of dominance ended soon when toxic effects of synthetic dyes were reported. In the last few decades, pigments from micro-organisms especially soil derived bacteria is replacing dyes from other natural sources because of the increasing demand for safe, non-toxic, and biodegradable natural product. Apart from application in agriculture practices, cosmetics, textile, food and paper industries, bacterial pigments have additional biological activities e.g., anti-tumor, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, immunosuppressive anti-viral, and many more which make them a potential candidate for pharmaceutical industry. Optimization of culture conditions and fermentation medium is the key strategies for large scale production of these natural dyes. An effort has been done to give an overview of pigments obtained from bacteria of soil origin, their dominance over dyes from other sources (natural and synthetic) and applications in the medical world in the underlying study.

In vitro biological screening of a critically endangered medicinal plant, Atropa acuminata Royle Ex Lindl of north western Himalaya

Atropa acuminata Royle Ex Lindl (Atropa acuminata) under tremendous threat of extinction in its natural habitat. However, the antimicrobial, antileishmanial and anticancer effects of the plant’s extracts have not been reported yet. In the current study, an attempt has been made to evaluate the pharmacological potential of this plant’s extracts against microbes, Leishmania and cancer. The roots, stems and leaves of Atropa acuminata were ground; then, seven different solvents were used alone and in different ratios to prepare crude extracts, which were screened for pharmacological effects. The aqueous, methanolic and ethanolic extracts of all parts carried a broad spectrum of anti-bacterial activities, while no significant activity was observed with combined solvents. Three types of cytotoxicity assays were performed, i.e., haemolytic, brine shrimp and protein kinase assays. The aqueous extract of all the parts showed significant haemolytic activity while n-hexane extracts of roots showed significant activity against brine shrimp. The acetone extracts strongly inhibited protein kinase while the methanolic extracts exhibited significant cytotoxic activity of roots and stem. The anti-leishmanial assays revealed that the methanolic extract of leaves and roots showed significant activity. These findings suggest that this plant could be a potential source of natural product based drugs.

Genome of Serratia nematodiphila MB307 offers unique insights into its diverse traits

A pigment-producing species of Serratia was isolated from the rhizosphere of a heavy metal resistant Cannabis sativa plant growing in effluent-affected soil of Hattar Industrial Estate, Haripur, Pakistan. Here, we report the genome sequence of this bacterium, which has been identified as Serratia nematodiphila on the basis of whole genome comparison using the OrthoANI classification scheme. The bacterium exhibited diverse traits, including plant growth promotion, antimicrobial, bioremediation, and pollutant tolerance capabilities including metal tolerance, azo dye degradation, ibuprofen degradation, etc. Plant growth-promoting exoenzyme production as well as phosphate solubilisation properties were observed. Genes for phosphate solubilisation, siderophore production, and chitin destruction were identified in addition to other industrially important enzymes like nitrilase and lipase. Secondary metabolite producing apparatus for high value chemicals in the whole genome was also analysed. The number of antibiotic resistance genes was then profiled in silico, through a match with Antibiotic Resistant Gene and CAR database. This is the first report of a S. nematodiphila genome from a polluted environment. This could significantly contribute to the understanding of pollution tolerance, antibiotic resistance, association with nematodes, production of bio-pesticide, and their role in plant growth promotion.

Efficacy of green nanoparticles against cancerous and normal cell lines: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of papers discussing the efficacy of microbial synthesised metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) against cancerous and normal cell lines by exploiting Bayesian generalised linear (BGL) model. Data was systematically collected from published papers via Cochrane library, Web of Science, PubMed, Science Direct, ProQuest, Scopus, and Embase. Impressively, most of the studies were carried out on HeLa and A549 cancer cell lines. Specifically, a hefty 65.67% of studies employed bacteria to biofabricate MNPs. Significantly, BGL meta-analysis represented highly valuable information. Hence, based on adjusted analysis, the MNPs with the size of 25-50 nm were found to be far less cytotoxic than the MNPs with the size of ≤25 nm (OR = 0.233, P ˂ 0.05) against either cancerous or normal cell lines. Interestingly, it was found that the odds of cytotoxicity in cancerous cell lines were practically nine times more than normal cell lines, representing the substantially more cytotoxicity of MNPs in cancerous cell lines (OR = 9.004, P ˂ 0.001). Green MNPs mentioned here may be developed as novel anti-cancer agents, which could lead to a revolution in the treatment of cancer.

Therapeutic applications of bacterial pigments: a review of current status and future opportunities

Non-toxicity, biodegradability and non-carcinogenicity of the natural pigments, dyes and colorants make them an attractive source for human use. Bacterial pigments are colored metabolites secreted by bacteria under stress. The industrial uses of bacterial pigments have increased many folds because of several advantages over the synthetic pigments. Among natural resources, bacterial pigments are mostly preferred because of simple culturing and pigment extraction techniques, scaling up and being time economical. Generally, the bacterial pigments are safe for human use and therefore have a wide range of applications in pharmaceutical, textile, cosmetics and food industries. Therapeutic nature of the bacterial pigments is revealed because of their antimicrobial, anticancer, cytotoxic and remarkable antioxidant properties. Owing to the importance of bacterial pigments it was considered important to produce a comprehensive review of literature on the therapeutic and industrial potential of bacterial pigments. Extensive literature has been reviewed on the biomedical application of bacterial pigments while further opportunities and future challenges have been discussed.

Plant growth promoting bacteria as an alternative strategy for salt tolerance in plants: A review

Approximately 5.2 billion hectare agriculture land are affected by erosion, salinity and soil degradation. Salinity stress has significantly affecting the fertile lands, and therefore possesses a huge impact on the agriculture and economy of a country. Salt stress has severe effects on the growth and development of plants as well as reducing its yield. Plants are inherently equipped with stress tolerance ability to responds the specific type of stress. Plants retained specific mechanisms for salt stress mitigation, such as hormonal stimulation, ion exchange, antioxidant enzymes and activation of signaling cascades on their metabolic and genetic frontiers that sooth the stressed condition. Additional to the plant inherent mechanisms, certain plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) also have specialized mechanism that play key role for salt stress tolerance and plant growth promotion. These bacteria triggers plants to produce different plant growth hormones like auxin, cytokinine and gibberellin as well as volatile organic compounds. These bacteria also produces growth regulators like siderophore, which fix nitrogen, solubilize organic and inorganic phosphate. Considering the importance of PGPB in compensation of salt tolerance in plants, the present study has reviewed the different aspect and mechanism of bacteria that play key role in promoting plants growth and yield. It can be concluded that PGPB can be used as a cost effective and economical tool for salinity tolerance and growth promotion in plants.

A case of a patient infected with a hepatitis C virus genotype 3a multidrug resistant variant in Pakistan

BACKGROUND

Approximately 10 million people in Pakistan are infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Most patients develop chronic hepatitis, with rare cases of spontaneous clearance. However, little is known about multidrug resistant viral variants in Pakistan.

FINDINGS

This case study describes a 47-year-old male diagnosed with chronic HCV genotype 3a infection in 2003. After an initial diagnosis of viral infection, the patient remained treatment naïve for 5 years. He received two therapy cycles of interferon (IFN) plus ribavirin (RBV) in 2007 and 2010, however, he was non-responsive to the therapy. The patient then received an additional two treatment cycles of pegylated IFN α-2b plus RBV (in 2011 and 2013); he was still non-responsive. In 2016, the patient underwent sofosbuvir plus RBV combination therapy, however, the sustained virological response was still not achieved. The host genetic factor was found to be heterozygous guanine and thymine (GT) and cytosine and thymine (CT) genotypes of rs8099917 and rs12979860 polymorphism of IL28B, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that the resistant variant belong to an out-group and may require triple therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first case that reports on a HCV-infected individual who was a non-responder to multiple IFN therapies in Pakistan. Further studies are needed to understand multidrug-resistant HCV variants in the Pakistani population.