Al-Kitab Journal for Pure Sciences

Detection of the Components of the Root of Saussurea Costus and Study of the Effect of the Aqueous Extract of Its Roots on the Kidneys of Male Rats Treated with Chlorpromazine

2024-12-21T07:03:20+00:00

Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch plant belongs to the Asteraceae family. Its root has traditionally been used to treat a variety of ailments, including strep throat, dysentery, ulcers, and asthma. Studies have shown that S. costus root has a wide range of therapeutic effects, including antioxidant, antitumor, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. The preliminary phytochemical screening of S. costus root revealed the presence of resins, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and several other components. Twenty-five Swiss albino rats divided into five groups to study the effects of the extract. The first group represented the negative control group, while the second group was administered Chlorpromazine alone at a concentration of 2 mg/kg once daily. In the third, fourth, and fifth groups, alcoholic extracts of Indian costus root were administered at concentrations of 1.25 mg/kg, 2.4 mg/kg, and 4 mg/kg, respectively. The study showed that costus extract acted as a protective agent against the side effects of Chlorpromazine, particularly in safeguarding the kidneys from symptoms such as infiltration and tissue damage that were caused by the drug used in the treatment.

Using Bioinformatics Tools to Analyze the Effect of Steviol Glycosides on the C-Glucan Binding Protein of Bacteria Streptococcus mutans Compared to Eugenol

2026-01-17T22:33:36+00:00

Dental caries is a common and chronic condition caused by bacterial activity that erodes the tooth structure. Streptococcus mutans is the main causative bacteria, which adheres to tooth surfaces and breaks down carbohydrates to produce acids. These acids demineralize tooth enamel, leading to caries. In the current research, the focus was on eugenol and steviol glycosides, which have medicinal properties. Eugenol is a natural compound with analgesic, antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant properties, making it a promising option in caries prevention. Steviol glycosides are substances extracted from the stevia plant, and have a wide range of health benefits, including their ability to prevent caries, but their mechanism of action is still under investigation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of steviol glycosides compared to eugenol in their interaction with GbpC protein in Streptococcus mutans, and to provide evidence for the potential use of steviol glycosides as a natural option for the prevention of dental caries. In this research, we used an in-silico approach to investigate complexes of 5UQZ (Glucan Binding Protein C) in chain A with eugenol as a control and Steviol glycosides. A virtual screening experiment was performed using PyRx software to improve the accuracy of the association between the compounds and the target protein. The results showed that eugenol achieved a binding degree of -5.9 kcal/mol, while steviol glycosides recorded a higher binding degree of -9.8 kcal/mol. These results indicate that steviol glycosides have a higher efficacy in interacting with the target protein than eugenol. This research highlights the promising potential of steviol glycosides as a natural option for combating dental caries, and lays the foundation for future studies aimed at developing effective and sustainable oral health products.

Investigating The Impact of Catalase Gene Polymorphism Rs7943316 on Beta-Thalassemia Major Susceptibility in An Iraqi Patient

2024-12-23T06:51:40+00:00

Beta-thalassemia major (β-TM) is a severe genetic blood disorder prevalent in regions including the Mediterranean, Middle East, and parts of Asia, marked by impaired synthesis of the beta-globin chain of hemoglobin. This leads to significant health complications such as chronic anemia, iron overload, and increased oxidative stress in patients. This study investigated the potential role of the rs7943316 polymorphism in the catalase gene in the pathophysiology of β-thalassemia major in Iraq. Between October 2023-January 2024, 105 blood samples were collected from 60 β-thalassemia patients on iron therapy for at least two years and 45 healthy controls. This study compared the demographic characteristics of the control and β-TM patients. The study found significant differences in hemoglobin and ferritin levels between the groups and significant variation in human catalase. Patients with β-TM exhibited elevated levels (225 ± 121 KU/L) compared to the control group (85.2 ± 18.6 KU/L), with a p-value of less than 0.0001. The study found no significant correlation between the rs7943316 polymorphism and an increased risk or severity of β-thalassemia in the studied population. Catalase serum levels were significantly higher in β-thalassemia patients than in controls, suggesting that this polymorphism does not significantly contribute to clinical variability or risk.

Neisseria meningitides and Study of Epidemiology, Molecular Characteristics and Prevention of Meningococcal Infection

2025-05-07T12:04:01+00:00

Neisseria meningitidis is an encapsulated, aerobic, Gram-negative diplococcal bacterium that is oxidase-positive. It grows on chocolate agar, soybean agar, and Mueller-Hinton agar. This organism causes meningitis, a serious bacterial disease characterized by fever, headache, nausea, neck and muscle pain. It is transmitted via airborne droplets originating from respiratory and throat secretions. Neisseria meningitidis colonizes the upper layers of the mucosal tissues in infected individuals, invades the bloodstream, and can lead to severe septicemia and meningitis. The bacterium is responsible for high mortality rates in children as well as adults worldwide. Despite the use of antibiotics, the current mortality rate remains around 10%. The phenotypic classification of Neisseria meningitidis includes twelve serogroups based on variations in surface structures such as the polysaccharide capsule, lipooligosaccharide, and outer membrane proteins. Among these twelve serogroups, five (A, B, C, W, Y) are the primary causes of disease and have contributed significantly to the global spread of meningococcal infections. The bacterial capsule plays a crucial role in inducing bactericidal antibodies, particularly those targeting the polysaccharide capsule, which is essential for vaccine development. An exception is the B-polysaccharide, which has low immunogenicity. The capsule has several functions: it protects against the host immune system by preventing phagocytosis, facilitates colonization of the nasopharynx, and protects the bacteria during bloodstream dissemination, enabling it to reach the meninges and cause meningitis. Furthermore, the capsule contributes to antibiotic resistance and is a key component in vaccines, particularly those containing polysaccharide or protein-conjugated polysaccharide formulations. Vaccination is considered one of the most effective preventive measures against meningococcal disease. Neisseria meningitidis also possesses two types of (cilia), which aid in adhesion to epithelial cells. Recent studies have identified genetic mutations that introduce new mechanisms for developing antibiotic resistance, such as mutations in the rpsJ and TetM genes. To enhance prevention strategies against meningococcal disease, a novel antigen named 4CMenB has been identified through serogroup analysis. A protein-polysaccharide conjugation approach was applied, leading to improved T-cell immunity and memory cell immune responses. Third-generation cephalosporins are commonly used for the treatment of drug-resistant strains. Objective: To summarize the molecular characteristics of Neisseria meningitidis, the causes of infection, preventive strategies, and its epidemiology.