Iraqi journal of biotechnology

Molecular Basis of Dormancy in Wheat: A Path to Enhancing Crop Resilience and Productivity: a review article

2025-04-07T16:17:38+02:00

Wheat (Triticum aestivum.) is one of the most important cereal crops in the world and a staple food for billions of people. Despite this, wheat production is hindered by several factors such as climate change, pest incidence and the decrease of arable land. Molecular dormancy, a poorly understood but critical feature of wheat, is key to seed vigour and yield. This review further delves into molecular dormancy in wheat which could be a significant target for modulating crop resilience and productivity. This review covers the genetic and epigenetic basis of dormancy in wheat, including an insight into the regulatory networks behind it. Focus on environmental signals and signalling pathways that activate or release dormancy of seeds or plants in wheat/respectively Knowledge of the molecular basis of dormancy presents exciting avenues for crop improvement, including the modification of germination timing and the development of stress-resilient crops in a sustainable manner. Such approaches can transform wheat production to meet the demands of climate variability, new pests and diseases, and shifting global food requirements.

Study the rs2069154005 and rs6928 MAPK1 Gene Polymorphism in a Sample of Iraqi Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

2025-04-07T16:25:56+02:00

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), is characterized by a startling excess of immature and mature granulocytes. In 90–95% of cases of CML, the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome is present results from reciprocal translocation of chromosomes 9 and 22. The aim of study was the association between the polymorphisms of the MAPK1 gene rs2069154005 and rs6928 in susceptibility to develop CML. This study consists of three groups, first group includes fifty newly diagnosed CML patients (females 22, males 28), second group consisted of fifty CML patients treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) (female 25, male 25). Third group included another fifty apparently healthy volunteers (female 20, male 30). The patients were admitted from the National Center of Hematology/ Mustansiriyah University. All patients diagnosed according to complete blood count (CBC), a bone marrow examination, and a BCR-ABL gene test. The result suggests that heterozygous genotype GA of rs2069154005 shows significant differences P≤ 0.05 it was (18%) in chronic CML patient while (4%) in control with OR= (5.1), Homozygous mutant AA genotype of rs2069154005 was 45% in CML patients (Newly diagnosed) and 4% in Control and OR= 345. Homozygous mutant AA genotype frequency of rs6928 was 38% in CML patients (chronic phase) and 0% in Control and shows significant differences with P ≤ 0.05 and OR= 12. AA genotypes are associated with increase the risk of having the disease polymorphisms were related with a risk for CML.

The Effect of Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) Gene Polymorphism at rs1126797 SNP on the Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone and Anti-TPO Antibody Levels in a Sample of Iraqi Patients with Hypothyroidisms Disorder

2025-04-07T16:31:19+02:00

Thyroid^E peroxidase^E (TPO) gene mutation^e leads to a change in enzyme-built structure resulting in the anti-TPO^e autoantibodies^e production that may cause thyroid destruction. The aim of study to evaluate the association of single^e nucleotide^e polymorphisms^e (SNP) of the TPO gene^e (rs1126797) and anti-TPO levels and TSH level in Iraqi patients with autoimmune^e hypothyroidism^e and correlate them with the disease severity. Methods: DNA has been obtained from the blood specimens of 50 hypothyroid patients and 50 apparently healthy people with the disorder, and the SNP rs123797 was identified employing the RT-PCR-HRM method. Chemical analyses were carried out for the amounts of serum TSH and anti-TPO ab using the Cobase E411. Results: As regards TPO rs112797 C/A polymorphism^e, the AA genotypee of rs112797 C/A and the A allele^e were^e non-significantly^e increased^e in patients^e with hypothyroidisme, the p-value of (CC+CA) AA genotype is 0.4 and the odd ratio (95% CI) is 0.6 Conclusion: There is no correlation between TSH and anti-TPO levels with different genotype of rs 112797 C/A polymorphism, and no association with the disease severity.

Biomedical Applications of Bacteriocin Purified from Lacticaseibacillus paracasei as Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Compound against Pathogenic Bacteria and Yeast

2025-04-07T16:37:17+02:00

Gastrointestinal systemic infections caused by bacteria and fungus as well recognized to be the main reason for causing acute gastroenteritis; Bacteriocins have a wide spectrum of antibacterial and antifungal efficiency. Hence the present experiment was designed to examine the antibacterial, antifungal and antibiofilm eligibility of Bacteriocin over locally isolated pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. Bacteriocin was purified from local strain of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei that identified by the 16S rRNA gene, the identification of Candida albicans isolate was confirmed by ITS gene. The antimicrobial activity was examined by well diffusion assay and MIC method by the concentration 0.54 mg/ml for Bacteriocin. Meanwhile, antibiofilm dispersal consideration have been completed by Microtiter plate method. The outcomes revealed to highest inhibition observed over S. aureus isolates ranged from 23.5 mm to 39 mm, the minimum inhibitory concentrations were 0.05 mg/ml for all pathogenic indicators, while biofilm suppression show high reduction in biofilm against C. albicans with OD (0.13). In conclusion, Bacteriocin has obvious antibacterial, antifungal effect and biofilm dispersal ability and could be used towards Gram- positive, Gram- negative and yeast.

Five Novel SNPs in the Factor XIII A Subunit Gene Causing Hereditary Factor XIII Deficiency in Three Related Families

2025-04-07T16:42:24+02:00

Factor XIII deficiency (FXIIID) is an extremely rare autosomal recessive disorder, which cause coagulation distribution and it's mostly the mutations in FXIII A subunit. The aim of this study is to identify some mutations in the factor XIII (FXIII) gene among three related families originating from Baghdad-Iraq. The studied group consisted of nine people from three family’s relatives’ patients with FXIII deficiency, and the control groups of nine healthy people. Including the sex (female: 5 and male: 4) and mean age34.9±, the controls sex (female: 4 and male; 5) and age mean 35.5±. The patients’ demographic profiles, in the first family, the daughter suffered from muscle and joint bleeding, and poor wound healing, without symptoms appearing in the parents. In the second family, the father suffered from skin bleeding, the son from post-traumatic bleeding, and the daughter from childbirth bleeding, joints, nosebleeds, skin, and muscles. In the third family, the father and daughter did not show any symptoms. Genetic variants were determined using the sanger sequencing method, Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used, the distribution of SNPs location on exon 9 was, rs5977, rs5978, and exon 10 was, rs2274391, rs41302861, and rs924669371. Polymorphisms in patients with deficiency of coagulation factor XIII A Subunit. All SNPs of family appear heterozygous and homo recessive genotype

The Role of IL-33 Polymorphism during Asthma Disease Iraqi Patients

2025-04-07T16:47:28+02:00

Genetic diversity has play a role in evolution of asthma, but effect of genetic influence may modify between various populations. Current study was designed to look for the association of SNP rs1929992T> C in IL-33 serum level in Iraqi population. The study is a case control study included 50 asthmatic patients and 30 healthy as a control. Blood sample was collected from each individual participate the study and DNA was extracted and genotyping was determined using High Resolution Malting Technique ( HRM-PCR) for description of genetic variants,While serum sample was used to assess the level of IL-33 in two study groups using ELISA technique .Results of the current study revealed that there was no significant in allele frequencies in the rs1929992 IL-33 gene between asthma patients and control with particular P value of 0.22 for the rs1929992,however protective effect of T allele was recorded, as well as the asthmatic patient showed a higher level of the IL-33 in serum .As a conclusion the result indicate that the gene polymorphism have not shown any significant differences while the level of IL-33 was highly increased in asthmatic patients compare to control group.

The rs233569 Polymorphism of the ACE2 Gene in Iraqi Hospitalization Patients with SARS-COV2

2025-04-07T16:53:13+02:00

During the year 2020, the emergence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV2), inflicted considerable damage and devastation upon the global populace, resulting in the unfortunate demise of approximately 6.5 million individuals .This study was conducted from January 2022 till August 2022 on 70 hospitalized patients infected with COVID-19 in Dar Al Salam Field Hospital and Dar Al Shifa Hospital affiliated to the Medical City with age range of 19-60 years and 70 healthy subjects with the same age . Blood samples were collected from all participated for DNA extraction and detection the rs233569 polymorphism of the ACE2 gene using Tetra Arms Technique. Primers were designed for the tetra amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction technique (tetra ARMS PCR) based on their corresponding sequence in the National Center for Biotechnology Information NCBI https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.govpmc. The results of rs233569 genotype revealed three genotypes (CC, CT, TT) frequency distribution in both SARS- COV2 patients and controls the homozygous genotype (TT) appeared with a significant increase (0≤ 0.05) in SARS- COV2 patients compared with control. The homozygous genotype (CT) had also appeared with highly significant increase (0≤ 0.01) in SARS- COV2patients compared with control. Resulting that heterozygote CT was a higher risk of SARS- COV2 patients comparing with genotype TT that estimated a significant increase. Allele C allele is more frequent in both in SARS- COV2 patients and control.

Investigation of Some Carbapenemase Resistance Genes of Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates and their Role in the Antibiotics Resistance

2025-04-07T16:57:31+02:00

Klebsiella pneumoniae is ubiquitous gram-negative encapsulated pathogen that has long been associated with variety of infections. The aim of the current study was to determine the presence of carbapenemase genes in K. pneumoniae isolates obtained from different sources and their role in the antibiotics resistance. A total of 210 clinical samples were collected from patients of both sexes ranging between 10 to 80 years old from different sources; (urine, sputum, wound swabs, blood, and liver abscess) who admitted from different hospitals in Baghdad from (March, 2022 to July, 2022). Results appeared that only 90 isolates were identified as K. pneumoniae based on differential and selective media, biochemical tests followed by Vitek 2 systems and molecular detection using 16S rRNA. Antibiotic susceptibility test of K. pneumoniae isolates against 13 antibiotics were established using disc-diffusion technique. Result appeared that all isolates were 100% resistant to Vancomycin. While, Colistin had the lowest resistance rate 25.55% manifested that was the most effective antibiotic. Carbapenemase genes; New Delhi metallolactamase NDM-1, Verona integron-encoded metallo β-lactamase VIM and imipenem-resistant carbapenemases IMP were detected using polymerase chain reaction PCR technique. It was concluded that antibiotics resistance rate was high in K. pneumonia isolates. Moreover, Colistin recommended for the treatments of carbapenemase-producing K. pneumonia. The PCR results revealed that IMP gene was not detected, while the percentage of NDM-1 and VIM genes were 23% and 3% respectively.

The Prevalence and Sequencing of the Pathogenic Genotoxic Gene (clbA) in Bacteria E.coli from Patients with Bladder Cancer and UTI in Baghdad Province

2025-04-07T17:03:09+02:00

Bladder cancer is among the most prevalent cancers worldwide, with 549,393 new cases reported in 2018. Approximately 3% of all new cancer was diagnoses and 2.1% of all cancer deaths are due to urinary bladder cancer. Carcinoma of the urinary bladder is one of the most prevalent cancers in Iraq. This study aims to collect 50 blood and urine samples from patients suffering from urinary tract infections and bladder cancer, and 50 urine and blood samples from healthy people considered to be control, with age ranged from 30-85 years old, from different hospitals (ALyarmouk hospital, Medicine city and Royal hospital) in Baghdad/Iraq between the period from October 2022 until August 2023. Our study is intended for most likely the first time in an Iraqi series, study the relationship between E.coli bacteria and its gene colibactin with bladder cancer. The isolation and identification of bacteria E.coli from patients by traditional and molecular methods was done, and an estimate of the virulence gene (clbA), the result found that (4 samples) 8% of the 50 patients case were having the colibactin gene. And finally nucleotide sequencing of the PCR products of the clbA gene has been performed for 4 positive clbA gene samples.

An Internal Transcribed Spacer1 (ITS1) Region to Assess Genetic Variety and Molecular Evolution for the Iraqi Date Palm

2025-04-07T17:07:32+02:00

In order to set up genetic relations between date palm cultivars and to illustrate their molecular evolution, the sequences of the internal transcribed spaser1 (ITS1) region were analysed in fifteen Iraqi date palm cultivars. Seven of them were propagated by tissue culture technique. The variability of GC content in that region was determined at an average of (52.7). Out of the 15 cultivars, the aligned Sequences permitted us to pinpoint 14 haplotypes. The resultant transition/transversion bias (R) is (0.8), demonstrating that transitions occur in this location less frequently than transversions. The aligned sequences had 637 characters, according to data from (ITS1), and the divergence values were found to vary from (0.0000%) to (0.0063%) with an average of (0.0023%). The results refer to recent demographic expansion for a population of Iraqi date palms that would return to equilibrium after 0.6N generations. The study also demonstrated that the Mir alhajj TC cultivar was found to be the most sensitive cultivar for tissue culture technique propagation. After doing a multi-variety PCA analysis among cultivars, it was discovered that (PC1 and PC2) have a variability of (0.9770 and 0.4218) and an Eigen value of (7.3222 and 6.3453), respectively.

Evaluation Antibacterial Activity of Quercetin Against XDR - Pseudomonas aeruginosa

2025-04-07T17:13:34+02:00

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic bacteria that is commonly linked to nosocomial infections and demonstrates resistance to many antibiotics. Thus, many groups of secondary metabolites from plants have been used in a number of investigations conducted in the past few years. According to reports, quercetin possesses pharmacological properties that include antibacterial and antioxidant, actions. The aim of the research was to study antoxidant and antibacterial activity of quercetin against XDR-resist pseudomonas aeruginosa. isolates of pseudomonas aeruginosa from different clinical sources was collected , laboratory diagnosis include morphological and biochemical testing, confirmed with molecular identification by 16rRNA detection. Susceptibility test was applied to detect bacterial resistance to druge. The total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of quercetin was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, and DPPH assay. The antibacterial activity against pseudomonas. aeruginosa was measured by determining MIC value using microtiter plate method. The results of this study shows that from 53 isolates. Ten (19%) of the bacterial isolates are resistant to more than five antibiotic classes, which are referred to as XDR. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of quercetin demonstrating that quercetin was superior than the synthetic antioxidant, and was rich in phenolic compound ,the antibacterial activity against pseudomonas. aeruginosa It was conducted that No impact of quercetin on growth of XDR-pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Studying the Role of Soil Factors on DNA Profiles of Human Remains

2025-04-07T17:19:01+02:00

The generation of DNA profiles from skeletal remains is an important part of the identification process in both mass disaster and unidentified person cases. Since bones are the best biological materials remaining after exposure to soil factors and other environmental conditions and in cases where many years have passed since the of the individual,s death, the ability to purify large quantities of informative DNA from these hard tissues would be beneficial. Methods: Seventy femur male bone samples were collected from two different environmental mass graves (Al-Mahawiel mass grave) in Babil governorate and (Wadi Al-Salam mass grave) in Al-Najaf governorate in Iraq. The DNA from bone sample extracts was assessed by capillary electrophoresis and a standardized set of short tandem repeat (STR) loci were analyzed using Mutiplex 21 STR loci System to allow human identification by matching the profile of the dead individuals with their relatives. From these two different sites; soil samples were collected to analyze and study the different environmental factors and find a relation between the degree of preservation or degradation with factors like temperature, humidity, salinity, PH and texture of soil and find how these factors can affect on pattern of degradation of DNA profiles. Results: average of the percentage of the detected alleles in each locus in the two sites; was 87% for the Al-Mahawiel site and 71% for the Al-Najaf site. PH was 8.2 for the Al-Mahawiel site soil where as pH was 8.1 for Al-Najaf site soil. The Humidity in the clay soil of the Al-Mahawiel site was7.5% while it was 3.5% for the sandy soils in Al- Al-Najaf site. The total soluble salts were 1.9% in clay soil of the Al-Mahawiel site, while it was 24.1% in Al -Najaf sandy soil. Conclusion: clay soil, low salt concentration, PH slightly alkaline and low humidity all participated in increasing DNA preservation in the Al-Mahawiel site while the sand soil and high salt concentration participated in increasing DNA degradation in the Al -Najaf site.

Antimicrobial Activity of Biosynthesized Selenium Nanoparticles from Staphylococcus warneri and its Impact on the PhzM Gene Expression in Clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates

2025-04-07T17:27:05+02:00

Antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections have been identified as a worldwide public health problem. In order to battle bacteria resistant to antibiotics, new strategies are required. As a subset of antimicrobial peptides, bacteriocin-selenium nanoparticles (NPs) can be used in place of or in addition to recognized antibiotics. Se NPs were characterized by different techniques following their biosynthesis by Staphylococcus warneri bacteriocin like inhibitory substances. The inhibitory effect of synergetic consortia was examined using a broad panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Ultimately, Conventional PCR was employed to identify the pyocyanin PhzM gene and RT-PCR to determine the impact of Se NPs on its gene expression. The results showed considerable antibacterial activity against most isolates of staphylococcus spp. as well as Candida albicans, Candida guilliermondii, and Candida ciferrii, along with low toxicity and strong antioxidant action. The results of the real-time PCR approach showed that the expression of PhzM was either considerably up- or down-regulated in the isolates treated with SeNPs compared to the untreated isolates. It was concluded that Se NPs have antimicrobial properties that make them a promising alternative to antibiotics.

Effect of Genetic Polymorphism (rs2619363) on SNCA Gene among Iraqi Patients with Parkinson’s and some Gastrointestinal Disorders

2025-04-07T17:32:40+02:00

Parkinson’s disease (PD) consider as a progressive ageing neurodegenerative disease, Parkinson’s consider as a heterogenous disease, with mainly initiate through correlation between genetic and epigenetic by inducing of different factors on some related genes, these factors like (environmental, toxicants, nutrition, heavy metals, pesticides, some drugs) and also(trauma on head ,strokes) in addition to unknown reasons which cause an idiopathic PD .Current study aims to focusing on specific related PD gene called SNCA by single nucleotides polymorphism (rs2619363) as a risk factor for PD initiation disease in PD patients in addition to study the effect of polymorphisms on random Iraqi patients with different gastrointestinal tract disorders to proof the previous hypophysis that suggested about PD initiation which may started from gastrointestinal tract disorders . The chosen samples belong to participants suffering with PD in addition to others suffering with different gastrointestinal tract disorders (GITD) in addition to healthy people. In current study; number of participants were 133 collected in period (March-2022 to November- 2022) from participants whom attended to Al-yarmouk teaching hospital and Baghdad hospital in medical city), and mainly divided to (48 patient with PD, 49 patient with GITD and 36 healthy participants), the blood samples were kept in EDTA tubes for molecular tests, DNA was extracted from the blood samples and then used real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique with complementary primer, then used singer sequencing to analysis the data. The results revealed the genotypes of all participants, a wild type in PD was (CC) more OR with (1.40) than (CA) with (0.76) and (AA) as mutant with (0.73), respectively, while in GITD (CC) also more genotype appeared with OR (1.00), but (CA) more than (AA) with OR (1.10 and 0.72, respectively). In PD and GITD (C allele) frequency more in all patients, while A allele more frequency in healthy. In conclusion polymorphism of study target SNP on SNCA gene not revealed significance on both PD and GITD because of, the nature of Iraqi population samples in addition to small samples not give the real reflect or influence of this alternation on SNCA gene as a risk factor on Iraqi population than other communities and populations.

Isolation and Identification of Candida spp. Isolated from Renal Failure Patients

2025-04-07T17:49:34+02:00

Background: Candida species are perilous fungal pathogens that can cause various human infections. Accurate and timely identification of these fungi is crucial for appropriate treatment selection and effective disease management, Traditional methods for Candida species identification and characterization, such as phenotypic assays and culture-based techniques, have limitations in accuracy, time-consuming processes molecular methods have emerged as powerful tools for rapid and accurate identification and characterization of Candida species. The aim of this study was to isolate and identification and isolate Candida spp. associated with patients with End-Stage Renal Disease. Methods: 120 blood sample were collected from patient at end-stage renal disease Al-Imamin Al-Kadhimin Hospital in Baghdad city, The blood was taken from double-lumen or arteriovenous fistulas in patients who came to the hospital for dialysis in the morning as part of the regular monthly examination Eight ml of blood were taken from each participant (male and female) and divided into two separate tubes , Blood samples were cultivated on Sabroud Dextrose Agar (SDA), Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and Chromogen agar .The plates were incubated at 28 ^oC for 24 hours, Then Microscopic and Macroscopic examination and to ensure diagnosis of Candida spp. using VITEK2 system and the genomic DNA was extracted from Candida spp. isolated using a commercial Wizard Genomic DNA Purification Kit (Promega ,USA) with some modifications. Results: The number of isolates of Candida spp. found in patients who did not receive dialysis was 13 isolates with a percentage of 21.66%. However, 23 isolates with a percentage of 38.33% were found in patients receiving dialysis. The following species were also indicated by Candida molecular diagnostics: Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis and Candida tropicalis. All Candida species were registered with the National Centre for Technology Information. In addition, this study also identified three strains that were discovered for the first time at the molecular level in Iraq due to mutations. The critical NCBI accession numbers are: Accession numbers OR815974 and OR820558 were used to register C. albicans and C. glabrata, respectively. The identification numbers OR820540 and OR821996 were assigned to the species C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis, respectively. Conclusion: The current study concluded that the most common pathogenic fungi in renal failure patient was C. albicans , Then C. tropicalis , C. glabrata and C. parapsilosis. These are reasons that increase the risk of infection with pathogenic fungi. The study has shown that molecular diagnosis is an ideal method for diagnosis at the species level cultured in Iraq, as some mutations in some Candida.

Estimation of TPM Values for MAPK Genes, Some Amino Acids and Chlorophyll Content under Salt Stress of some Iraqi Wheat Cultivars

2025-04-07T18:14:32+02:00

Most plants encounter stress conditions such as salinity that adversely affect growth, development and crop productivity. The expression of the stress related-genes extends throughout various protective mechanisms in plants allows them to adapt to unfavorable environmental conditions. As a result of salinity, these effects are considered crucial signs of plant damage. In this study, some Iraqi wheat cultivars were examined against two salinity levels, the chlorophyll concentration and amino acids were estimated during booting stage. Also, the expression of Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) genes was measured at the same stage. RNAseq and bioinformatics analyses were used to analyze salinity stress-related genes. The Studied cultivars showed high values of transcripts per million (TPM) with a related five related genes in Dijlah cultivar and three genes in Ibaa 99 cultivar. (MAPK) studied genes were very obvious in their significant expression in the Dijlah cultivar than the Ibaa 99 cultivar, and showed variable numbers of TPMs between both wheat cultivars. Most amino acids increased under salt stress for both cultivars, but the rate was higher in the tolerant cultivar,Dijlah, especially for serine, threonine and cysteine.

Correlation between MicroRNA-155 Expression and Some Inflammatory Biomarkers of Covid-19 Infection

2025-04-07T18:18:01+02:00

Coronavirus disease is still an interesting topic of study, although the influence of the pandemic has been limited. MicroRNA-155, or miR-155, is a small RNA molecule that plays an important role during inflammation in many diseases at epigenetic levels. So, we aim, in this study, to investigate the expression of microRNA-155 in coronavirus disease 2019 patients and the healthy control groups and determine the relationship of miR-155 with some disease biomarkers (CRP, D-dimer, and ferritin levels). Two hundred thirty five (235) samples were selected from 120 patients with covid-19 and 115 apparently healthy individuals of different sexes and ages. All the patients are severe cases of covid-19. MicroRNA-155 expression was performed using the real-time PCR technique (RT-PCR). CRP was determined by immunofluorescence assay, D-dimer was calculated using enzyme-linked fluorescent assay, and ferritin levels were estimated depending on the immunoturbidimetric assay. After statistical analysis was done, results showed a highly significant overexpression of miR-155 in patients. It is about twofold and half higher in patients than in healthy control individuals. Also, C-reactive protein, D-dimer, and ferritin show elevated scores in covid-19 patients. All the parameters studied in this research could be considered biomarkers for the critical cases of the disease. miR-155 can be invested in as a promising therapeutic agent because this inflammatory microRNA is correlated with the severity of the disease. Further investigations about the exact role of microRNA-155 during covid-19 should be done.

Efficacy of Curcumin Selenium Nanoparticles to Target GDF9 Gene and Redox Status in Doxorubicin Stressed Rats

2025-04-07T18:21:55+02:00

Background Curcumin extract contain many bioactive polyphenolic compound, such as curcuminoids, dimethoxy-curcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin obtained from curcuma longa which exhibits a positive effect on female reproductive system.Current study was aimed to investigate the protective effect of synthesized curcumin selenium nanoparticles (CurSeNPs) utilizing hydroalcoholic extract derived from Curcuma longa (turmeric) in alleviating the disturbance of redox homeostasis and GDF9 gene expressions related to ovarian functions doxorubicin treated in female rats. CurSeNPs were synthesized by combining sodium selenite with an alcoholic extract of Curcuma longa, resulting in a color shift of the solution from light orange to orange-red after 24 hours. The UV spectroscopy data indicated absorption bands at a wavelength of 214 nm, FTIR analysis demonstrated that CurSeNPs compounds contain abundant OH, C-H, C=O, C=C, C-C, and amine groups. Additionally, X-RD analysis at 2 theta identified the formation type as curcumin and indicated the particle size to be within the range of 18–80 nm and EDX analysis has verified the existence of elemental selenium nanoparticles exhibited excellent stability, as evidenced by their high zeta potential. Besides, the FESEM picture demonstrated the existence of spherical CurSe nanoparticles within the size range of 21–37 nm, as confirmed by AFM. In vivo study, included thirty-two (32) adult female rats were randomly and evenly divided into four experimental groups and treated accordingly for a duration of two weeks as following: Control (C) group: Rats were administered orally distilled water, group G1: Rats were (IP) injection of Dox (4.40mg /kg B.W.), (G2) group: Rats were administered CurSeNPs (10.47 μg /kg B.W.) and (G3) group: Rats were subjected to both Doxorubicin and intubation with CurSeNPs at same doses. Blood samples were collected after 14 days of the experiment from anesthetized rats, then serum were obtained for measuring SOD and MDA. Furthermore, the specimens of ovaries tissues were extracted to analyze the gene expression of GDF9. The results pointed the creation of oxidative stress in the G1 group, characterized by a significant reduction in serum SOD concentration and GDF9 gene expression level associated with an increase in serum MDA levels. In contrast, the present trial showed that the administration of CurSeNPs in G2 and G3 groups has ability to the improvement the oxidative stress-related factors as well as increase the express of GDF9gene. It was concluded the current study demonstrated that CurSeNPs have both preventive and /or therapeutic effects against doxorubicin toxicity in adult female rats may be via as antioxidant and anticancer properties.

Investigation on the Effect of Neem Leaves and Garlic Bulbs Extracts on Fungi Causing Post-Harvest Spoilage of Tomatoes in Vitro and in Vivo

2025-04-07T18:25:24+02:00

In Iraq, tomato is a highly valuable vegetable. Fungal infections result in large postharvest losses in tomato production Therefore, a studies on antifungal effect of garlic (Allium sativum) bulb and neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extracts were determined on causative agents of post-harvest fruit rot of tomato. Three concentrations (0,100, 200mgml^-1) of each, in addition to 2gl^-1 of fungicide (Carbendzim) were used. The treatments were laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Samples of infected and non-infected tomato fruits were obtained from a local market. The infected tomatoes were directly cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA) media for fungal growth, then incubated at room temperature with an observation for 24 hours to 7 days. Based on their morphological characteristics and an examination of their genomic DNA's internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences, funguses from tomato fruits were identified. Results revealed that when tested fungal Pathogenicity, the severity of the infection increased significantly on the fourth day, and on the fifth day the infection appeared on all tomato fruits inoculated with the fungus, as well as on the fruits of the control treatment. During in vitro and in vivo experiments, all the tested concentrations of garlic and neem significantly (p 0.05) suppressed mycelial growth of the fungi Both garlic and neem proved effective in the control of disease severity and these natural extracts can be used as an alternative control method without posing a serious risk to human or animal health, and they provide excellent substitutes for synthetic pesticides.

Evaluation of Interleukin-6 Gene Expression and Serum Level Related with Medications and Course of Disease in Sample of Multiple Sclerosis Iraqi Patients

2025-04-07T18:29:22+02:00

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common autoimmune neurological illness. Many investigations have elucidated the aberrant production of particular cytokines over the course of disease may effected via the type of medications. This study aimed to evaluate gene expression and serum level of interleukin-6 (IL-6) related with medications and courses of disease that probably contributing in susceptibility of MS. Blood samples were obtained from 75 MS Iraqi patients, whom received various medications as betaferon, gilenya, rituximab and tysabri. Also the study included control group consist of 75 healthy individuals, the estimation of IL-6 expression was achieved via quantitative real time polymerase chains reaction (qRT-PCR), while evaluation of IL-6 serum level was done by using the Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) The statistical analysis was done by Statistical Analysis System (SAS) to identify the impact of different factors on research parameters. The results revealed that the most common MS course was Relapsing Remitting MS (RRMS) 53(70.7%), as well as, the mainly medication used in treatment of MS Iraqi patients was Betaferon 36(48%), also the results showed that IL-6 gene expression was increased in MS patients (1.87±0.12 folds) as compared to the control group (0.51±0.04 folds), furthermore IL-6 serum level was noteworthy increased in patients group (15.28+0.40 pg/ml) compared to the control group (4.40+0.22 pg/ml), the findings of impact of duration of disease on IL-6 levels revealed that highest IL-6 level was in PPMS followed by SPMS and RRMS, while the result of medications impact on IL-6 levels in MS patients indicated greatest IL-6 averages in patients whom received interferon-ß followed by fingolimod, retuxan, and natalizumab, in general there were diminish in IL-6 serum level in all patients whom used any type of mentioned medications.

Molecular Detection of Esp and Ace Genes in Enterococcus faecalis Isolated from Endodontic Infections

2025-04-07T18:32:47+02:00

Enterococcus faecalis is a natural inhabitant of the human gastrointestinal tract but can become dominant and cause infections when the intestinal homeostasis is disrupted. Enterococcal bacteria are considered one of the main reasons for the failure of endodontic treatment. This study aim to isolation and identification of E.faecalis depended on phenotype and molecular method, the phenotypic patterns using traditional biochemical methods, and then diagnosed it based on the genotypes and using specialized primers for 16srRNA and D-Ala: D-Ala ligase genes using polymerase chain reaction, In order to achieve successful treatment, it is necessary to study the bacterial behavior within the root canal system together with their resistance and defensive systems in an endeavor to accomplish the eradication of microorganisms and better control their engagement with the tooth, sixty samples taken from patients of different ages suffering from dental root canal infections from the beginning of December 2023 to the end of January 2024. Then it is grown in selective and differential media, The result showed 10 (16.6%) isolates belonging to E. faecalis, the gene of 16srRNA, ddl E.faecalis, Ace and Esp detected in all isolates of E.faecalis with percentage recorded 100% for all genes, the presence of Esp and Ace genes and resistance to harsh environmental conditions contributed to the virulence and proliferation of E. faecalis bacteria in the tooth root canal in addition to the failure of endodontic treatment.

Investigate Prevalence of (blaIMP, blaOXA-40, and blaGES) Genes in Carbapenems Resistance Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates

2025-04-07T18:38:13+02:00

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a Gram-negative bacterium, is renowned for its versatility and adaptability, Morphology and Structure of P. aeruginosa is a rod-shaped bacterium, typically 0.5 to 3 microns in length, with a polar flagellum for movement. Is to determine resistance to antibiotics, especially carbapenems, and to determine the presence of the genes blaIMP, blaOXA-40 and blaGES in Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria, Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa poses a global concern, particularly for individuals susceptible to burns, blood bacteremia, and wound infections. This study aimed to gather and analyze 150 clinical samples from various Baghdad hospitals, detecting and confirming Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates, evaluating antibiotic susceptibility, exploring resistance-linked genes, and estimating the presence and prevalence in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates meropenem. Samples underwent examination at the University of Baghdad, Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology. Identification methods included chemical tests, microscopy, cetrimide agar, VITEK-2 system, and 16S-rRNA analysis. Conventional PCR identified target genes (blaIMP, blaOXA-40, blaGES). Among 150 samples, 38 were P. aeruginosa isolates. Molecular analysis revealed blaIMP absence, with blaOXA-40 and blaGES presence in 20 and 18 isolates, respectively. It was concluded that target genes likely contribute to meropenem resistance.

Association of TLR4 Gene Polymorphism (rs4986790) of SARS-CoV-2 Patients with Cognitive Impairment

2025-04-07T18:42:30+02:00

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) which gave rise to coronavirus infectious disease (COVID-19) in late 2019 as a respiratory illness, has significantly impacted global health and society. Recently, there has been a link between SARS-CoV-2 and Toll-like receptor4 (TLR4). Thus, the current study aimed to shed light on how TLR4 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (rs4986790) possibly link to the severity of disease in Iraqi COVID-19 patients and establish their role in recovered individuals with cognitive impairment. A case-control study (60 patients, 30 recovered and 50 controls) investigates the A/G genotype of rs4986790 in all studied groups, using a conventional polymerase chain reaction with an allele-specific primer method. Results showed a significant increase in the median age accompanied by severe cases (p =0.003) and more than 50% of the moderate infections in the youth category. Regarding the recovered individual’s occurrence six cases along with ages median of 49.5 (45.8-57) males and females with a history of mild to moderate infection. In clinical severity, allele and genotype frequencies of A/G rs4986790 TLR4 polymorphism showed no significant difference between COVID-19 patients’ group (OR = 0.58; 95% CI = 0.28–1.20; p = 0.200). In recovered individuals with cognitive impairment, despite 50% cognitive impairment in the AG genotype, there is no significant difference compared to intact recovered individuals (OR = 2.62; 95% CI = 0.39– 17.78; p = 0.370). On the other hand, there were statistically significant variations (p < 0.001) in the concentrations of ferritin, D. dimer, and LDH. These inflammatory markers demonstrate their major role in COVID-19 illness and its harshness and aggravation. They were significantly greater in severe-critical cases but returned to normal in the recovered groups. In conclusion, recovered individuals with cognitive impairment are significantly associated with age older. On the other hand, despite 50% cognitive impairment in the AG rs4986790 genotype, there are no statistically significant differences between cognitive impairment and studied TLR4 SNPs. A/G rs4986790 of TLR4 required more information to explore their role in cognitive impairment and infection severity.

Prevelance of Stn and FimH Genes in Salmonella enterica Isolated from Patients in Thi-Qar Governorate

2025-04-07T18:46:42+02:00

Salmonella spp. are a significant cause of diarrheal illnesses worldwide and are among the most hazardous bacteria transmitted through food. The aime of study detect the existence of crucial virulence genes in Salmonella enterica (S. enterica) bacteria obtained from stool samples gathered from Thi-Qar hospitals in Iraq. A total of 100 stool samples were obtained from patients with diarrhea symptom at several hospitals in Thi-Qar. The isolates were initially identified through morphological characteristic on XLD media and later confirmed using the Vitek-2 method. The DNA was extracted from (20) isolates using a genomic DNA kit. The PCR technique was utilized for detection of Salmonella enterica by using invA .Other virulence genes suvh as FimH, and Stn at the molecular level. Out of the 100 swab samples , 20% (20 samples) were positively identified as S. enterica. The occurrence of invA, Stn and FimH virulence genes was percentage (100%) and in (75%) of the samples (15 out of 20) and (20%) of the samples (4 out of 20 ), respectively . The available findings confirm the presence of Salmonella enterica. with a wide array of virulence genes in stool samples, thus establishing these bacteria as a substantial public health risk.

Investigate some Biochemical Parameters and Impact of NOS3 Gene Polymorphism among Iraqi Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

2025-04-07T18:55:55+02:00

Chronic kidney disease CKD as a kidney damage with persistence about three months or longer, as well as it represents an especially large load in low- and middle-income countries, which are less equipped to deal with its consequences. Chronic kidney disease has revealed as one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. The aim of the current study was to investigate the association between genetic polymorphism of NOS3 genes and the severity of CKD in Iraqi population. Fifty Iraqi CKD patients (males 17 and females 33) and fifty apparently healthy as control group (male27 and females23) aged 20 –65years old were involved in the study. They were diagnosed by specialist physicians and estimation GFR<15 were chosen as CKD patients. The result of the current study according to the demographical distribution gave different outcomes, in relation to age were significant the highest percentage (34%)of the disease appeared and it was diagnosed at age 50-59 years old. The sex result show no significant differences between the two studied groups. According to the clinical aspect of diagnosis of patient were depended on several criterial basically it is measuring the level of serum creatinine and urea blood the result was significant (P≤0.05) in CKD patients 12.43±6.20and 136.26±38.80 respectively, Versus the control group 0.64±0.11, 20.58±4.55. The results showed a significant decrease in both hemoglobin and iron levels in CKD patients 9.00±1.84, 10.17±7.24 respectively, Versus the control group 13.12±1.75, 18.80±3.97. More over according to ferritin shows a significant increase in the serum level for CKD patients 506.54±86.16 Versus the control group 126.18±72.56 and according to hypertension, whereas 92% of the CKD patients are hypertension,with respect to NOS3 gene polymorphisms, allele and genotype frequencies showed significant differences between CKD patients and apparently healthy individuals. The Nos3 gene located in intron on chromosome 7, it involves a polymorphism (C to T, rs 2070744). The study found that carriers with the TT and CT genotype showed statistically significant differences at a significant level of p≤0.05 and OR more than 1. As a conclusion of the current study the effect of the variant allele for SNPs (rs 2070744C>T) of NOS3 gene appears to be related with chronic kidney disease, that suggests to have a modifier effect on the disease incidence.

Identification and Molecular Characterization of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Isolated from Some Iraqi Patients in Baghdad City

2025-04-07T19:00:18+02:00

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is known to cause illness in animals and people. Their main criterion is to produce a potent toxin that causes damage to the intestine leading to bloody diarrhea. Outbreaks are caused by contaminated food, this strain is the prevalent one, and in severe cases, it may cause death. Forty fecal samples were collected around Baghdad from patients residing in Yarmouk and Al-Kindy Teaching Hospitals with typical symptoms of infection with E. coli. All 40 fecal samples (15 male, 15 female, and 10 children) were the source of the bacterium and were immediately transported to the laboratory and cultured for further processing. Among 40 samples collected from humans, only 20 were identified as E. coli O156:H7. Further confirmation was made by culturing on MacConkey agar, Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar, to assess the development of a metallic sheen. Final bacteriological confirmation came after cultivation on HiCrome™ EC O157:H7 Selective Agar Base, modified with supplement (FD187) that gave dark purple to magenta coloration for these strains of bacteria. Molecular identification of isolated strains came from investigating two specific genes through PCR amplification, stx1, and rpoB. Both genes were amplified, sequenced, and registered in NCB with accession no. OR939814 and PP059841, respectively. Bacterial isolates studied in this research were classified to the species level and found to be STEC Escherichia coli O157:H7 Sakai strain. This study aimed to identify the epidemic strain of E. coli through a highly accurate approach by sequencing the rpoB gene, and identifying the type of Shiga toxin produced by this bacterium.

Study of Siderophore Genes Expression of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Wound Infections

2025-04-07T19:05:29+02:00

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is one of the important types of nosocomial infections, especially burns and wounds, as well as resistance to antibiotics. Siderophores are one of the virulence factors which altering iron cellular homeostasis, controlling the production of virulence factors for certain bacteria, and encouraging bacterial dispersal, they can have a direct impact on the host immune system. The aim of the work was to detect siderophore genes in a carbapenems-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates from wound swab samples from patients with severe wound infections. Samples were collected at three hospitals in Baghdad between November 2023 and the end of February 2024. In addition to contrasting the impact of meropenem on siderophore genes (plcN and exoS), (gene expression) in the presence of antibiotic at ranges from (16-8) µg/ml. The results of gene expression revealed that the plcN gene exhibited the lowest value (0.8) and the greatest value (4.43) when treated with antibiotics; similarly, the exoS gene showed values ranging from the lowest value (2.37) to the highest value (4.25). It was concluded that there was a correlation between P. aeruginosa resistance to meropenem and the expression of siderophore genes, plcN and exoS.

Estimation the Expression of Glucose-Dependent Biofilm-Encoding icaA and icaD Genes in Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolates

2025-04-07T19:11:33+02:00

Staphylococcus aureus is known globally for causing different illnesses, ranging from mild to life-threatening infections such as septicaemia. S. aureus can develop a complicated structure of extracellular polymeric biofilm that shelters the cells against hostile conditions, where drugs are becoming increasingly partially or fully inactive against S. aureus as these agents fail to penetrate properly biofilm matrix surrounding the bacterial cells properly. Different clinical specimens were collected from different hospitals in Baghdad, Iraq. Identification of S. aureus was accomplished by using conventional biochemical reactions then confirmed by detection of Sa442 gene specific to S. aureus by PCR technique. Vitek 2 compact system was employed to identify antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of 39 isolates against 14 antibiotics. The ability of S. aureus isolates to form biofilms was assessed using the microtiter plate technique. Furthermore, the presence of icaA and icaD genes was examined in all isolates using PCR. Moreover, the biofilm thickness as well as the expression of icaA and icaD genes was measured at different concentrations of glucose (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2%) for selected MRSA and MSSA isolates. All isolates identified as S. aureus by PCR exhibited the presence of the Sa422 gene. The highest resistant percentage was identified against Benzylpenicillin (100%) followed by oxacillin and Clindamycin (82% and 62 % respectively). All isolates were capable of producing biofilm layers with 15% being strong biofilm producers and all of the isolates harboured both of icaA and icaD genes. The biofilm increased with increasing glucose concentration while the expression of icaA and icaD genes was downregulated. It was concluded that there is a pressing need for enhanced surveillance, improved antibiotic stewardship, and the development of novel anti-biofilm strategies to combat the rising threat of multidrug-resistant S. aureus in healthcare settings.

Molecular Identification and Phylogenetic Analysis of Streptococcus Pyogenes Clinical Isolates from Human Throat Swab

2025-04-07T19:16:56+02:00

Streptococcus pyogenes is gram-positive, versatile human pathogen produced many virulence factors and toxins that target various component of immune response and caused multitude of local and systemic infection. The aim of the study was to use conventional PCR to identify Streptococcus pyogenes based on 16S rRNA, speB, and smeZ genes. During the period from January to May 2022, fifty throat swabs were collected from humans suffering respiratory signs. They detected the infection with standard biochemical tests such as gram stain and sensitivity to bacitracin disc, then confirmed by PCR. The synthesized DNA was further‎ amplified through conventional PCR targeting the 16S rRNA, speB, and smeZ genes. These ‎amplified products were ‎ submitted to Macrogen, South Korea, for sequencing. The result of the sequences analysis revealed multiple points of mutation within 16S rRNA gene G/A, showing transition mutation at 433 and 911 locations, while T/A and G/C had trans version mutation at 554 and 693 respectively. The phylogenetic analysis indicated 99% similarity of the 16sRNAgene of the isolated bacteria with a known strain of Egypt and India strains. Overall, the result concluded that standard molecular technique shows 16S rRNA, speB, and smeZ genes found with long lengths 1250bp, 978bp and 246bp, respectively when detection by conventional PCR as essential virulence genes which have crucial role in the confirmation of S. pyogenes infection with establishes that the circulating strain exhibits high genetic resemblance to Egypt and India strains.

Evaluation the Role of IL-6 as Immunological Markers in Corona Virus-19 Infection in Sample of Iraqi Patients

2025-04-07T19:21:07+02:00

Background: Interleukin 6 (IL-6), promptly and transiently produced in response to infections and tissue injuries, contributes to host defense through the stimulation of acute phase responses, hematopoiesis, and immune reactions. Although its expression is strictly controlled by transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms, dysregulated continual synthesis of IL-6 plays a pathological effect on chronic inflammation and autoimmunity. Objectives Due to the impact of IL-6 as immunological markers in (COVID-19) infection which could be used as a promising diagnostic factors for COVID-19 infections, and evaluation their association with infection progression. Materials and Methods. In this study, 40 patients suffered from coronavirus (Patient group). The blood sample was collected from the patients, who attended Al-Zafaraniyah General Hospital, Fatima-Alzahra Hospital and Al-Yarmook Teaching Hospital in Baghdad City. Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs for each patients were taken at the same time then add immediately into viral transport media (VTM) .The Interleukin-6 antibodies in serum of coronavirus Patients were detected by an enzyme linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) method . Conclusion This repot exhibit remarkable association between patients suffered Covid-19 Infection as Immunological Markers patients.The results showed that Interleukin-6 antibodies in serum of Covid-19 was highly associated with incidence of Covid-19 results of the this study explain that the highest Interleukin-6 antibodies concentrations were higer in 40 Covid-19 patients.