Current Trends in Biotechnology and Pharmacy

Valproic Acid Induces Zebrafish Embryonic Developmental Defects by Inducing Oxidative Stress-mediated Apoptosis: Dose and Time-dependent Analysis

2025-02-13T10:36:03+00:00

The study aimed to reveal the developmental deformities of the anticonvulsant drug valproic acid (VPA) in zebrafish embryos. The zebrafish embryos were exposed to VPA (up to 100 μM) after 4 hours post-fertilization (hpf) and examined for in-vivo toxicity by hatching rate, survival rate, heart rate, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. The VPA has dose and time-dependently affected embryos’ hatching, survival, and heart rate. The VPA delayed hatching and noticed unusual hatching at 72 hpf. Complete death of embryos was noticed at doses of 40, 60, 80, and 100 μM VPA at 72 and 96 hpf. Furthermore, VPA has negatively affected the heart rate and was found to be depleted with the dose and time of exposure to VPA. The VPA has induced various developmental defects in embryos, including yolk sac edema, pericardial edema, spinal cord curvature, and tail deformities. DCFH-DA staining revealed that the VPA escalated ROS molecules and induced oxidative stress in embryos. Acridine orange (AO) staining revealed that VPA causes toxicity in embryos by apoptosis. Overall, the study concluded that VPA induces developmental defects in zebrafish embryos by oxidativestress- mediated apoptosis in dose and timedependent ways. Thus, our study suggests that VPA release into aquatic ecosystems needs to be limited.

A Study on Chlorella Biomass as a Vegan Source for Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Dietary Proteins

2025-02-13T10:51:04+00:00

Microalgae are one of the less-explored, nutritional treasures of the marine biosphere. With the emergence of algal technology, research has been shifting slowly towards exploring the nutraceutical values of these microorganisms, and microalgae like Chlorella vulgaris are gaining high market value. In addition, with the increasing demand for vegan source of omega-3 fatty acids, the Chlorella vulgaris biomass may be considered as a potential alternative. In this study optimization of various parameters such as culturing conditions, media composition, pH, RPM, inoculum percentage, carbon source, concentration of glucose, and salt to enhance the yield has been carried out. The best results were obtained at pH 7 with an inoculum percentage of 5 and the addition of 1.5 gm of NaCl and glucose enhanced the yield of biomass, protein, and lipid in Chlorella vulgaris. Optimized conditions gave a maximum yield of biomass, lipids, and protein. Among the lipids, omega-3 fatty acids have high nutraceutical value. In the fatty acid methyl esters, DHA and EPA were found to be 2.9% and 0.55 %. Estimation of omega-3 fatty acids was done using TLC and GC-MS. The Omega-3 fatty acids and dietary proteins extracted from Chlorella vulgaris can serve as an alternate vegan source for nutritional supplements.

Phytochemical, GC-MS Analysis and Acute Toxicity Evaluation of Algerian Ocimum basilicum L in Rats

2025-02-13T11:19:38+00:00

Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is regarded as a significant plant. They include a wide variety of bioactive substances, particularly phenolic substances which contribute to the plant’s alleged health advantages. The objective of this study was to identify and characterize the phytochemical profile of sweet basil using GC-MS analysis. By using standard protocols, Bioactive molecules were extracted and qualitative tests of phytochemicals were also released as well as quantitative analyses of total phenols, total flavonoids, and total hydrolysable tannins. Using GC-MS, volatile compounds can be identified. About 147 volatile compounds in this plant were identified by the GC-MS analysis. The chemical constituents higher than 0.5 % found in aqueous extract were propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, ethyl ester (3.503%), butanoic acid, 4-hydroxy- (1.657%), cyclopentasiloxane, decamethyl- (1.346%), cyclotetrasiloxane, octamethyl- (0.983%), heptadecane, 2,6,10,15-tetramethyl- (0.785%), bis(tert-butyldimethylsilyl) 2,3-bis((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy) fumarate (0.703%), cyclononasiloxane, octadecamethyl- (0.672%), phthalic acid, 8-bromoctyl isobutyl ester (0.655%), 3-isopropoxy-1,1,1,7,7,7-hexamethyl- 3,5,5-tris(trimethylsiloxy)tetrasiloxane (0.535%), and cyclononasiloxane, octadecamethyl- (0.506%). Moreover, the TPC, TFC, and THTC of sweet basil was systematically assessed. The results demonstrate the value of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) which may be used in the food and health industries as promising sources of phenolic and volatile chemicals.

Molecular Modelling, Hirshfeld Surface Analysis, Molecular Docking and Therapeutic Potential of Phenothiazine Derived Quinizarin

2025-02-13T11:25:43+00:00

Phenothiazine derivative synthesized from hydroxy anthraquinone, characterized by X-ray crystallography, spectroscopic, Hirshfeld surface, DFT studies and molecular docking investigation intent to ascertain its anti-cancer activity. The title compound 7-hydroxy-8-Hnaptho[ 2,3-α]phenothiazine-8,13(14H)-dione crystallizes in orthorhombic lattice. UV-VIS, IR, NMR and mass spectrometric data were employed for characterization. Computational chemistry studies are conducted to further detail its geometrical and spectroscopic characteristics performed with unrestricted DFT method at of B3LYP/ 6-311+G (d, p) level and a comparison between the experimental and simulation results was performed. Non-covalent interactions primarily H-bonding and π-π stacking close contacts were observed at intermolecular levels. Small HOMO-LUMO energy gap of 2.2902 eV, shows the stability of molecule and effectiveness towards charge transfer interactions. Furthermore, MEP is used for predicting reactive sites. Based on Hirshfeld surface analysis, there is evidence for a wide range of interactions and a significant contribution from several non-covalent interactions to crystal packing. The bio-viability study was done using pre ADMET tool. The study elaborates the antitumor activity employing in silico molecular docking studies using the protein over-expressed in lymphoma cell lines namely p53 and BCL2 and when compared with standard drug doxorubicin revealed promising results. The study’s results may inspire to develop more potent derivatives and similar scaffolds for cancer treatment and to explore phenothiazine’s role in fields of material science, photochemistry, and catalysis, that can be analyzed from its structural and electronic properties. Hirshfeld surface analysis sheds light on the role of non-covalent interactions in crystal packing, influencing the compound’s solid- state properties.

Formulation and Characterization of Transdermal Patch Containing Eucalyptus, Curcumin and Ginger Oils with its In-vitro Permeability Study Using Goat Skin and GC-MS Analysis

2025-02-13T11:34:09+00:00

The present research has been carried out to formulate the transdermal patch containing medicinal oils like eucalyptus, curcumin, and ginger with its characterization and in-vitro permeability checking by GC-MS analysis. Three formulations (F1, F2, and F3) of transdermal patches containing different concentrations of oils were prepared. The patches were evaluated for thickness, weight uniformity, percentage moisture content, and percentage moisture uptake. The average thickness was found to be 0.434, 0.433, and 0.438 mm for F1, F2, and F3 respectively. 0.1876, 0.1861, and 0.1866 gm weight uniformity were observed for F1, F2, and F3 respectively. The moisture content for F1 was 3.96 %, for F2 was 2.48 % and for F3 was 3.67 %. The moisture uptake for F1 was 5.68 %, for F2 was 4.32 % and for F3 was 4.82 %. The F2 formulation produced optimum results, so it is better than F1 and F3. The invitro permeation of oils from the transdermal patch was checked by Franz diffusion cell using goat skin as a semi-permeable membrane. The transferred sample was collected and investigated by chemical identification tests at time intervals of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 hours for the presence of active chemical constituents. The GC-MS analysis showed the presence of active chemical moieties which transferred through the goatskin including D-limonene, (+)-4-carene, Fenchone, linalool, endo-borne, citronellal, 2,6-octadienal,3,7-dimethyl-,(Z)-,longifolene, caryophyllene, carotol, diethyl phthalate, etc. The above research proves our approach to formulation and delivery of polyherbal oils in a single transdermal patch which may open the door for delivery of formulation containing herbal oils through the skin.

Optimizing Regulatory Compliance in Medical Devices: Analysis of Failures, Enforcement Actions, and Industry Dynamics

2025-02-13T11:41:48+00:00

The medical device industry, with technologies like pacemakers, insulin pumps, and imaging systems, is integral to modern healthcare by enabling accurate diagnostics, effective treatments, and patient monitoring. Ensuring their safety and reliability requires adherence to regulatory standards set by authorities like the FDA and EMA, as well as ISO guidelines. However, compliance failures persist, resulting in patient harm, regulatory penalties, and financial losses. This study, Optimizing Regulatory Compliance in Medical Devices: Analysis of Failures, Enforcement Actions, and Industry Dynamics, examines cases involving Medtronic, Philips Respironics, Baxter, Abbott, and others. Examples include Medtronic’s off-label promotion of the Infuse Bone Graft and Philips Respironics’ CPAP device recalls due to material degradation. It highlights recurring issues like design flaws, inadequate quality control, and delayed corrective actions, stressing the need for robust risk management and a strong regulatory culture to prevent future incidents and enhance patient safety.

Evaluation of Fungal Endophytes from Terminalia sp. for Extracellular Enzymes, Antioxidant, and Bioactive Metabolites

2025-02-13T11:47:49+00:00

compounds active against plant pathogens under in vitro conditions, the present study was carried out in which enzymatic, and metabolic properties of fungal endophytes isolated from four Terminalia sp. were evaluated. A qualitative phytochemical analysis was performed to detect alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phenols, steroids, and glycosides. Screening of test fungi for bioactive metabolite, and its methanolic extract against three pathogens exhibited raised metabolic response of test fungi. The bioactive potential of fungi has been presented in terms of growth reduction (%) of pathogenic fungi, calculated based on morphological growth on solid plate culture. The findings reveal information on the biological activities of fungal endophytes isolated from Terminalia spp.. The in vitro analysis of methanolic extracts of endophytic fungi leads us to infer its promising antifungal capabilities against phytopathogens, and it is obvious that the aforementioned fungus produce a variety of bioactive chemicals with potential enzymatic and antioxidant activity. Overall, the study reveals that segregated fungal endophytes have enormous potential for various extracellular enzymatic properties, use in the development of new antifungal drugs, and as a therapeutic model in the agricultural and pharmaceutical industries. However, more study is needed to uncover and understand bioactive components that have a variety of biological functions and might be used for human and environmental benefits.

Formulation and evaluation of Azithromycin Dihydrate Niosomes for the Effective Treatment of Bacterial Infection

2025-02-13T11:54:20+00:00

Azithromycin dihydrate is a semi-synthetic macrolide antibiotic of the azalide class for the treatment of bacterial infection. Niosomes are microscopic lamellar structures of non-ionic surfactant bilayer vesicular structures that allow the medications to be encapsulated within, allowing for regulated delivery of the drugs over an extended period. The niosomes were designed which serve the combined advantages of loading the suitable amount of drug required for treatment, modulating its release at the target site, and controlling the bacterial resistance. It also helps to reduce the dose and frequency of the drugs leads to reduction in side effects. In the present work, niosomes of Azithromycin dihydrate were prepared and evaluated for the treatment of bacterial infection. Different formulations of niosomes were designed and prepared by hand shaking method using different ratios of cholesterol, non-ionic surfactant, sodium deoxycholate, chloroform, and methanol. The prepared niosomes were evaluated for different parameters such as entrapment efficiency, vesicle size and shape, and in vitro release study. The drug-excipient interaction was evaluated with the help of FTIR spectra and all the peaks in physical mixtures as well. The efficiency of entrapment was found to be highest for F6 (92.4%). The particle size of the optimized formulation was shown 226.2 nm. SEM analysis indicated that the niosomes are spherical and the size of the niosomes vesicle was in range. In vitro drug release studies of the optimized formulation F6 showed maximum drug release of 88.4% after 24 h. The release profiles were subjected to different mathematical models and the best-suited model was found to be the Korsemeyer Peppas model with the highest regression value (0.9225) via the fickian diffusion mechanism.

Computational Analysis of HSP90 Isoforms Identifies Differential Sensitivity Towards Specific InhibitorsThe heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) protein family consists of cytosolic HSP90-alpha, HSP90-beta and mitochondrial TRAP1. As HSP90 facilitates the activa

2025-02-13T12:00:24+00:00

The heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) protein family consists of cytosolic HSP90-alpha, HSP90-beta and mitochondrial TRAP1. As HSP90 facilitates the activation and stabilization of many oncogenic proteins in cancer cells, it emerged as a potential therapeutic target in cancer treatment. Although many HSP90 inhibitors are under various phases of clinical trials, the efficacy of these inhibitors on each isoform is largely unknown. This study aims to determine the sensitivity profiles of HSP90 isoforms towards various natural and synthetic HSP90 inhibitors. Molecular docking analysis was performed for HSP90 inhibitors along with ATP and ADP over three isoforms HSP90-alpha, HSP90-beta and TRAP1. Our results indicate variable isoform-specific sensitivity towards HSP90 inhibitors. The predicted sensitivity profiles are in line with the limited available experimental data indicating the utility of molecular docking approach. In addition, potential interactions between the inhibitors and residues within the HSP90 isoforms were identified. The data generated in the current study may provide valuable insights for the design of isoform-specific HSP90 inhibitors with improved efficacy and specificity towards the HSP90 isoforms. Further, our study revealed critical residues in each of these isoforms for specific targeting by novel inhibitors.

The Effect of Ursodeoxycholic Acid on Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled trials

2025-02-13T12:07:22+00:00

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive degenerative disorder involving dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Along with motor activity impairment, PD patients also have a range of neuropsychiatric, cognitive, and autonomic problems. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has been used to treat a wide range of liver-related ailments, including gallstones, cholestatic diseases, and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). In addition to this, randomised control trials on the effects of Parkinson’s disease have been conducted on UDCA. In the present study, we validate the effect of UDCA on Parkinson disease using meta-analysis. Various electronic databases such as Web of Science, PubMed/ Medline, Cochrane library and Scopus were used for search of articles. The randomized control trials (RCTs) for the effect of interventions of UDCA on Parkinson disease was evaluated using meta-analysis (Review Manager 5.4) software. A total of 304 articles were identified, of which 3 met the inclusion criteria. When compared to patients receiving the control medication, the UDCA-treated patients had higher concentrations of inorganic phosphate (Pi) and ATP. The z scores of UDCA on Pi and ATP concentration were determined to be 0.08 and 0.71 with p-values of 0.00001 and 0.0001, respectively. UDCA might increase brain mitochondrial activity and cellular ATP availability and could possibly have therapeutic disease-modifying effects. Ursodeoxycholic acid administrations in PD significantly increase the concentration of Pi and ATP and maintain ATP homeostasis by increasing ATPase activity and ATP production.

Traditional Herbs as Effective Natural Remedies for Treating Urinary Tract Ailments

2025-02-13T12:12:19+00:00

Urinary tract infections have become quite chronic currently. Approximately 150 million people are affected with urinary tract infections (UTIs) annually. The prevalence of urinary tract infections is high among the women population in comparison with men. It is coexistent with high mortality as well as morbidity. Urinary tract infections may exert their influence on any part of the tract such as urethra, ureters and kidneys. Synthetic drugs are being administered unrestrained to control such diseases leading to many impediments. Frequent administration of antibiotics causes adverse effects and impairs healthy bacteria in the body. Under such circumstances, traditional herbs as an efficacious alternative therapy has surfaced and playing a central role. This review explores the efficacy of some of these traditional herbs and the critical role that they play in managing urinary tract infections among the populace. It is advocated that herbal medicines can be a potential, sustainable alternative therapy for managing urinary tract infections.