Ebtesam Al-Suhaimi - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Ebtesam Al-Suhaimi

World journal of diabetes, Jun 15, 2024

Frontiers in microbiology, Mar 15, 2024

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the largest medical challenges because of the rising frequency... more Antimicrobial resistance is one of the largest medical challenges because of the rising frequency of opportunistic human microbial infections across the globe. This study aimed to extract chitosan from the exoskeletons of dead bees and load it with bee venom (commercially available as Apitoxin [Api]). Then, the ionotropic gelation method would be used to form nanoparticles that could be a novel drug-delivery system that might eradicate eight common human pathogens (i.e., two fungal and six bacteria strains). It might also be used to treat the human colon cancer cell line (Caco2 ATCC ATP-37) and human liver cancer cell line (HepG2ATCC HB-8065) cancer cell lines. The x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) properties, ζ-potentials, and surface appearances of the nanoparticles were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). FTIR and XRD validated that the Api was successfully encapsulated in the chitosan nanoparticles (ChB NPs). According to the TEM, the ChB NPs and the ChB NPs loaded with Apitoxin (Api@ChB NPs) had a spherical shape and uniform size distribution, with non-aggregation, for an average size of approximately 182 and 274 ± 3.8 nm, respectively, and their Zeta potential values were 37.8 ± 1.2 mV and − 10.9 mV, respectively. The Api@ ChB NPs had the greatest inhibitory effect against all tested strains compared with the ChB NPs and Api alone. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the Api, ChB NPs, and Api@ChB NPs were evaluated against the offer mentioned colony forming units (CFU/mL), and their lowest MIC values were 30, 25, and 12.5 μg mL −1 , respectively, against Enterococcus faecalis. Identifiable morphological features of apoptosis were observed by 3 T3 Phototox software after Api@ChB NPs had been used to treat the normal Vero ATCC CCL-81, Caco2 ATCC ATP-37, and HepG2 ATCC HB-8065 cancer cell lines for 24 h.

Frontiers in Endocrinology, Apr 23, 2023

Introduction: Polycystic Ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects the health of many women around the world.... more Introduction: Polycystic Ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects the health of many women around the world. Apart from fundamental metabolic problems connected to PCOS, focus of our study is on the role of quercetin on genes relevant to steroidogenesis and folliculogenesis. Methods: Eighteen mature parkes strain mice (4-5 weeks old) weighing 18-21 g were randomly divided into three groups of six each as follows: Group I serves as the control and was given water and a regular chow diet ad lib for 66 days; group II was given oral gavage administration of letrozole (LETZ) (6 mg/kg bw) for 21 days to induce PCOS and was left untreated for 45 days; For three weeks, Group III received oral gavage dose of LETZ (6 mg/kg), after which it received Quercetin (QUER) (125 mg/kg bw orally daily) for 45 days. Results: In our study we observed that mice with PCOS had irregular estrous cycle with increased LH/FSH ratio, decreased estrogen level and decline in expression of Kitl, Bmp1, Cyp11a1, Cyp19a1, Ar, lhr, Fshr and Esr1 in ovary. Moreover, we observed increase in the expression of CYP17a1, as well as increase in cholesterol, triglycerides, testosterone, vascular endothelial growth factor VEGF and insulin levels. All these changes were reversed after the administration of quercetin in PCOS mice.

International Journal of Obesity

Vaccines, Apr 30, 2022

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

Springer eBooks, 2020

The rapid development of drug-resistant issues in pathogenic viral, bacterial, and fungal organis... more The rapid development of drug-resistant issues in pathogenic viral, bacterial, and fungal organisms and the consequent spread of infectious diseases are currently getting serious attention. Nanomaterials are the most capable therapeutic agents to cope with such issues and challenges. The extraordinary physio-chemical properties and remarkable antimicrobial capabilities of nanoparticles have triggered their application in biomedical fields. Nanomaterials from organic and inorganic nature have shown the proficiencies of disrupting microbial cells through different mechanisms. Besides with the direct effect on the microbial cell membrane, DNA, and proteins, these nanomaterials produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage cell components of bacteria and viruses. Presently, a serious danger related with these antimicrobial nanomaterials is their toxicity to human and animal cells. Widespread studies have reported the amount, time, and cell-dependent toxicology of various nanomaterials. But some of them have shown excellent biocompatible properties. In this chapter, the antimicrobial activities of various nanomaterials have been described, exhibiting broad range of biological properties that are highlydependent upon their size, structure, quantity, and binding with receptor cell of different type.

Springer eBooks, 2020

The endocrine system is very essential to maintain body homeostasis. Disturbance of endocrine fun... more The endocrine system is very essential to maintain body homeostasis. Disturbance of endocrine function leads to well-established diseases; such as diabetes mellitus, thyroid and parathyroid disorders, infertility, and obesity. There is no absolute cure for these diseases; however, current treatment aims to monitor them and prevent their further progression. Scientists are working hardly to find better treatment strategies for endocrine disorders. Nanotechnology holds a great promise in finding solutions to these diseases, and this field is advancing very rapidly because of the targeted type of drug delivery, and hence, it reduced the side effects of the current medications. This chapter highlights the current state of researches concerning the use of nanotechnology in managing three examples of endocrine diseases: thyroid dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, and obesity. For example, nanotechnology has been implemented in finding non-invasive routes of insulin delivery such as oral, nasal, or transdermal routes. Glucose nanosensors have been invented in order to improve the accuracy of detection of serum glucose. It is important to emphasize that this field of research is still in the preclinical stage and more work is needed to provide evidence of its safety. Immune response and toxicity are the main issues that concern researchers when using nanotechnology.

Journal of Science and Technology, 2014

The present study was undertaken to explore the effects of exogenous administration of c-peptide ... more The present study was undertaken to explore the effects of exogenous administration of c-peptide and/or insulin on certain renal function parameters of experimentally induced diabetic rats.Intraperitonealy injected (streptozotocin60 mg/kg body weight) rats were used. Diabetic rat groups were subjected to exogenous injection of insulin either alone or in combination with cpeptide for 6 weeks. Fasting blood samples were collected from all rat groups at 15 days intervals for monitoring the blood level of glucose, urea, creatinine, uric acid and c-peptide. Also, post 24 h urine was collected by using metabolic cages and used for determination of urinary creatinine clearance, micro-albumin, nitric oxide, sodium and potassium. Results obtained revealed that treatment of diabetic rats with c-peptide combined with insulin was associated with a noticeable improvement in kidney function parameters of diabetic rats as compared with their injection alone. The administration of a combination of c-peptide and insulin could be considered as aprophylactic tool to prevent or relieve the incidence of renal dysfunction usually associated with complicated diabetic patients, as c-peptide positively affects physiological renal functions,additional studies at cellular and molecular levels are also needed.

Anales De La Real Academia Nacional De Farmacia, Jan 22, 2015

Apoptosis, is the important function for balanced cellular growth. We assessed the apoptotic mech... more Apoptosis, is the important function for balanced cellular growth. We assessed the apoptotic mechanism of curcumin on 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Cells were treated with 40 μM was selected as the optimal dose among different curcumin concentration. Cell cycle was analysed and western blot was carried out to detect expression and phosphorylation of adiponectin and certain molecular signals. Curcumin arrested 3T3L1 adipocytes cycle and exerted apoptotic action in a concentration- and time -dependent manner; increased adiponection expression; activated phosphorylated AMPK (p-AMPK); inhibited PKA activation and prevented ROS generation. Curcumin may serve as a apoptotic tool against obesity by modulating the molecular signalling.

The Open Endocrinology Journal, 2012

The prevalence of childhood type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is high among Saudi Arabian populatio... more The prevalence of childhood type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is high among Saudi Arabian population. A viable solution is imperative for combating dreadful endocrine based diseases using adipocytokines functional characters. A relation between, adipocytokines, metabolism and immunological indices of healthy and T1DM insulin treated Saudi children is evaluated. The target group was Saudi children healthy and insulin treated T1DM aged between 3 to 14 years. A total of 28 Saudi pediatric volunteers consist of 13 diabetic and 15 healthy have participated from King Fahad Teaching Hospital in Alkhobar city. Inclusion criteria of insulin treated T1DM participants should be free from hypertension, obesity, history of cardiac, kidney or liver disease and endocrine dysfunction except diabetes. Healthy children free from all these problems were included. Serum adipocytokines (leptin, adiponectin, apelin, visfatin, resistin), metabolic parameters (insulin, fasting glucose, HbA1c,) immunological indices (IgG, IgA, IgM, and IgE) and complement factors (C3, C4) were assayed. Serum levels of leptin, apelin and visfatin were significantly elevated in T1DM treated with insulin group compared to healthy group. There is a positive correlation between adipocytokines and metabolic parameters but there is not with immunological indices. There was a significant positive correlation exists between HbA1c, glucose, leptin, apelin and insulin. Some elevated adipocytokines (leptin, visfatin and apelin) in serum may be attributed to the higher levels of HbA1c, glucose and insulin. Exogenous insulin treatment on T1DM children failed to control serum levels of adipocytokines (leptin, visfatin, apelin) and metabolic parameters (HbA1c, fasting glucose). The results revealed that leptin, visfatin and apelin may have a promising role as biomarkers in T1DM.

Reviews in endocrine and metabolic disorders, Apr 25, 2019

Thyroid gland has been implicated in the regulation of many functions using endocrine, paracrine ... more Thyroid gland has been implicated in the regulation of many functions using endocrine, paracrine and autocrine signals. Functional thyroid follicular cells derived from stem cells attracted a great interest from researchers as a strategy for thyroid's regenerative therapy. Thyroid has a very low rate of turnover; however, studies showed that the regenerative ability is enhanced following diseases or thyroidectomy, which promotes the role of stem cell. The objective of this review is to summarize the morphological characterization and the expression of stem cell genes/markers in the thyroid. Also, to highlight the mechanisms of tumor formation in thyroid via its stem cells. The most important thyroid stem cell's markers are: stem cell antigen 1 (SCA-1), octamer-binding transcription 4 (OCT-4), p63, CD34+ CD45-, paired box gene 8 (PAX-8), thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1), thyroid transcription factor 2 (TTF-2), hematopoietically expressed homeobox protein HHEX, the transcription factor GATA-4, hepatocyte nuclear factor 4-α (HNF-4-α) and homeobox transcription factor Nanog (hNanog). This review highlights the functional characterization describing the mechanisms of stem cell's differentiation into functional thyroid follicle and proposing mechanisms involving in cancer formation through one of these cell types: fetal cell, thyroblasts, prothyrocytes, certain genetic mutation in the mature thyroid cells or presence of a special type of cells (cancer stem cell) which are responsible for different types of cancer formation. Understanding the mechanisms of thyroid's stem cell in cancer formation and the expression of the biomarkers in normal and abnormal thyroid status are promising physiological tools in promoting thyroid regeneration and in provision management for thyroid cancer.

International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research, Aug 1, 2012

Purpose: The toxic effects of excess vitamin A (VA) intake deserve increased attention. Nigella s... more Purpose: The toxic effects of excess vitamin A (VA) intake deserve increased attention. Nigella sativa (NS) seed possesses physiological and pharmacological actions and protects against toxic agents. This work investigated the availability of NS seed oil as a protective agent against the effects of hypervitaminosis A (HVA) on liver function and immunity. Methods: Fifty adult albino rats were used and divided into five groups: (G1) control; (G2) experimental HVA rats administered extreme doses (10,000 IU/kg body weight) of VA oil orally, daily for 6 weeks; (G3) rats treated with NS seed oil (800 mg/kg) orally, daily for 6 weeks; (G4) HVA rats simultaneously treated with NS seed oil at the same doses and periods; and (G5) HVA recovery group. Liver function, immunoglobulin (IgG and IgM) levels, and lysosome activity were measured in serum. Results: HVA rats revealed marked elevations in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities. This is the first study to demonstrate that NS seed oil possesses significant hepatoprotective activity against HVA. NS seed oil was a potent inducer of IgG and IgM in rat serum either alone or with high doses of VA. Conclusions: These findings may be considered the initial steps of the physiological and humoral immune responses for NS seed oil against HVA, but further studies examining longer periods are needed prior to recommending the use of NS seed oil as an alternative medicine for hepatic and immune diseases.

The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 2011

The natural product ginger (Zingiber officinale) has active constituents gingerol, Shogaol and Ze... more The natural product ginger (Zingiber officinale) has active constituents gingerol, Shogaol and Zerumbone, while turmeric (Curcuma longa) contains three active major curcuminoids, namely, curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. They have the same scientific classification and are reported to have anti-inflammatory and many therapeutic effects. This article reviews the physiological and therapeutic effects of ginger and turmeric on some endocrine gland functions, and signal pathways involved to mediate their actions. With some systems and adipose tissue, ginger and turmeric exert their actions through some/all of the following signals or molecular mechanisms: (1) through reduction of high levels of some hormones (as: T4, leptin) or interaction with hormone receptors; (2) by inhibition of cytokines/adipokine expression; (3) acting as a potent inhibitor of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-generating enzymes, which play an essential role between inflammation and progression of diseases; (4) mediation of their effects through the inhibition of signaling transcription factors; and/or (5) decrease the proliferative potent by down-regulation of antiapoptotic genes, which may suppress tumor promotion by blocking signal transduction pathways in the target cells. These multiple mechanisms of protection against inflammation and oxidative damage make ginger and curcumin particularly promising natural agents in fighting the ravages of aging and degenerative diseases, and need to be paid more attention by studies.

Scientific Reports, Mar 28, 2023

RT-LAMP assays on clinical samples. The performance of the E-ID1 primer set was colorimetrically ... more RT-LAMP assays on clinical samples. The performance of the E-ID1 primer set was colorimetrically and fluorometrically tested on clinical specimens, as depicted in Fig. 5a. These results were then validated using agarose gel electrophoresis (Fig. 5c). In the colorimetric RT-LAMP reaction, the tubes were incubated in a thermal block set at 65 °C. The positive clinical specimens started to show a color change after 20 min, while the color difference between positives and negatives was the clearest after 30 min. Eventually, there was 94.5% agreement between the colorimetric RT-LAMP and RT-PCR results. Similarly, clinical samples were fluorometrically tested using the optimized RT-LAMP protocol (Fig. 5b). The reaction was placed at 70 °C in a thermal cycler for 75 min. This fluorometric assay had 96.7% agreement with RT-PCR results.

Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, Nov 1, 2022

World journal of diabetes, Jun 15, 2024

Frontiers in microbiology, Mar 15, 2024

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the largest medical challenges because of the rising frequency... more Antimicrobial resistance is one of the largest medical challenges because of the rising frequency of opportunistic human microbial infections across the globe. This study aimed to extract chitosan from the exoskeletons of dead bees and load it with bee venom (commercially available as Apitoxin [Api]). Then, the ionotropic gelation method would be used to form nanoparticles that could be a novel drug-delivery system that might eradicate eight common human pathogens (i.e., two fungal and six bacteria strains). It might also be used to treat the human colon cancer cell line (Caco2 ATCC ATP-37) and human liver cancer cell line (HepG2ATCC HB-8065) cancer cell lines. The x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) properties, ζ-potentials, and surface appearances of the nanoparticles were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). FTIR and XRD validated that the Api was successfully encapsulated in the chitosan nanoparticles (ChB NPs). According to the TEM, the ChB NPs and the ChB NPs loaded with Apitoxin (Api@ChB NPs) had a spherical shape and uniform size distribution, with non-aggregation, for an average size of approximately 182 and 274 ± 3.8 nm, respectively, and their Zeta potential values were 37.8 ± 1.2 mV and − 10.9 mV, respectively. The Api@ ChB NPs had the greatest inhibitory effect against all tested strains compared with the ChB NPs and Api alone. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the Api, ChB NPs, and Api@ChB NPs were evaluated against the offer mentioned colony forming units (CFU/mL), and their lowest MIC values were 30, 25, and 12.5 μg mL −1 , respectively, against Enterococcus faecalis. Identifiable morphological features of apoptosis were observed by 3 T3 Phototox software after Api@ChB NPs had been used to treat the normal Vero ATCC CCL-81, Caco2 ATCC ATP-37, and HepG2 ATCC HB-8065 cancer cell lines for 24 h.

Frontiers in Endocrinology, Apr 23, 2023

Introduction: Polycystic Ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects the health of many women around the world.... more Introduction: Polycystic Ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects the health of many women around the world. Apart from fundamental metabolic problems connected to PCOS, focus of our study is on the role of quercetin on genes relevant to steroidogenesis and folliculogenesis. Methods: Eighteen mature parkes strain mice (4-5 weeks old) weighing 18-21 g were randomly divided into three groups of six each as follows: Group I serves as the control and was given water and a regular chow diet ad lib for 66 days; group II was given oral gavage administration of letrozole (LETZ) (6 mg/kg bw) for 21 days to induce PCOS and was left untreated for 45 days; For three weeks, Group III received oral gavage dose of LETZ (6 mg/kg), after which it received Quercetin (QUER) (125 mg/kg bw orally daily) for 45 days. Results: In our study we observed that mice with PCOS had irregular estrous cycle with increased LH/FSH ratio, decreased estrogen level and decline in expression of Kitl, Bmp1, Cyp11a1, Cyp19a1, Ar, lhr, Fshr and Esr1 in ovary. Moreover, we observed increase in the expression of CYP17a1, as well as increase in cholesterol, triglycerides, testosterone, vascular endothelial growth factor VEGF and insulin levels. All these changes were reversed after the administration of quercetin in PCOS mice.

International Journal of Obesity

Vaccines, Apr 30, 2022

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

Springer eBooks, 2020

The rapid development of drug-resistant issues in pathogenic viral, bacterial, and fungal organis... more The rapid development of drug-resistant issues in pathogenic viral, bacterial, and fungal organisms and the consequent spread of infectious diseases are currently getting serious attention. Nanomaterials are the most capable therapeutic agents to cope with such issues and challenges. The extraordinary physio-chemical properties and remarkable antimicrobial capabilities of nanoparticles have triggered their application in biomedical fields. Nanomaterials from organic and inorganic nature have shown the proficiencies of disrupting microbial cells through different mechanisms. Besides with the direct effect on the microbial cell membrane, DNA, and proteins, these nanomaterials produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage cell components of bacteria and viruses. Presently, a serious danger related with these antimicrobial nanomaterials is their toxicity to human and animal cells. Widespread studies have reported the amount, time, and cell-dependent toxicology of various nanomaterials. But some of them have shown excellent biocompatible properties. In this chapter, the antimicrobial activities of various nanomaterials have been described, exhibiting broad range of biological properties that are highlydependent upon their size, structure, quantity, and binding with receptor cell of different type.

Springer eBooks, 2020

The endocrine system is very essential to maintain body homeostasis. Disturbance of endocrine fun... more The endocrine system is very essential to maintain body homeostasis. Disturbance of endocrine function leads to well-established diseases; such as diabetes mellitus, thyroid and parathyroid disorders, infertility, and obesity. There is no absolute cure for these diseases; however, current treatment aims to monitor them and prevent their further progression. Scientists are working hardly to find better treatment strategies for endocrine disorders. Nanotechnology holds a great promise in finding solutions to these diseases, and this field is advancing very rapidly because of the targeted type of drug delivery, and hence, it reduced the side effects of the current medications. This chapter highlights the current state of researches concerning the use of nanotechnology in managing three examples of endocrine diseases: thyroid dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, and obesity. For example, nanotechnology has been implemented in finding non-invasive routes of insulin delivery such as oral, nasal, or transdermal routes. Glucose nanosensors have been invented in order to improve the accuracy of detection of serum glucose. It is important to emphasize that this field of research is still in the preclinical stage and more work is needed to provide evidence of its safety. Immune response and toxicity are the main issues that concern researchers when using nanotechnology.

Journal of Science and Technology, 2014

The present study was undertaken to explore the effects of exogenous administration of c-peptide ... more The present study was undertaken to explore the effects of exogenous administration of c-peptide and/or insulin on certain renal function parameters of experimentally induced diabetic rats.Intraperitonealy injected (streptozotocin60 mg/kg body weight) rats were used. Diabetic rat groups were subjected to exogenous injection of insulin either alone or in combination with cpeptide for 6 weeks. Fasting blood samples were collected from all rat groups at 15 days intervals for monitoring the blood level of glucose, urea, creatinine, uric acid and c-peptide. Also, post 24 h urine was collected by using metabolic cages and used for determination of urinary creatinine clearance, micro-albumin, nitric oxide, sodium and potassium. Results obtained revealed that treatment of diabetic rats with c-peptide combined with insulin was associated with a noticeable improvement in kidney function parameters of diabetic rats as compared with their injection alone. The administration of a combination of c-peptide and insulin could be considered as aprophylactic tool to prevent or relieve the incidence of renal dysfunction usually associated with complicated diabetic patients, as c-peptide positively affects physiological renal functions,additional studies at cellular and molecular levels are also needed.

Anales De La Real Academia Nacional De Farmacia, Jan 22, 2015

Apoptosis, is the important function for balanced cellular growth. We assessed the apoptotic mech... more Apoptosis, is the important function for balanced cellular growth. We assessed the apoptotic mechanism of curcumin on 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Cells were treated with 40 μM was selected as the optimal dose among different curcumin concentration. Cell cycle was analysed and western blot was carried out to detect expression and phosphorylation of adiponectin and certain molecular signals. Curcumin arrested 3T3L1 adipocytes cycle and exerted apoptotic action in a concentration- and time -dependent manner; increased adiponection expression; activated phosphorylated AMPK (p-AMPK); inhibited PKA activation and prevented ROS generation. Curcumin may serve as a apoptotic tool against obesity by modulating the molecular signalling.

The Open Endocrinology Journal, 2012

The prevalence of childhood type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is high among Saudi Arabian populatio... more The prevalence of childhood type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is high among Saudi Arabian population. A viable solution is imperative for combating dreadful endocrine based diseases using adipocytokines functional characters. A relation between, adipocytokines, metabolism and immunological indices of healthy and T1DM insulin treated Saudi children is evaluated. The target group was Saudi children healthy and insulin treated T1DM aged between 3 to 14 years. A total of 28 Saudi pediatric volunteers consist of 13 diabetic and 15 healthy have participated from King Fahad Teaching Hospital in Alkhobar city. Inclusion criteria of insulin treated T1DM participants should be free from hypertension, obesity, history of cardiac, kidney or liver disease and endocrine dysfunction except diabetes. Healthy children free from all these problems were included. Serum adipocytokines (leptin, adiponectin, apelin, visfatin, resistin), metabolic parameters (insulin, fasting glucose, HbA1c,) immunological indices (IgG, IgA, IgM, and IgE) and complement factors (C3, C4) were assayed. Serum levels of leptin, apelin and visfatin were significantly elevated in T1DM treated with insulin group compared to healthy group. There is a positive correlation between adipocytokines and metabolic parameters but there is not with immunological indices. There was a significant positive correlation exists between HbA1c, glucose, leptin, apelin and insulin. Some elevated adipocytokines (leptin, visfatin and apelin) in serum may be attributed to the higher levels of HbA1c, glucose and insulin. Exogenous insulin treatment on T1DM children failed to control serum levels of adipocytokines (leptin, visfatin, apelin) and metabolic parameters (HbA1c, fasting glucose). The results revealed that leptin, visfatin and apelin may have a promising role as biomarkers in T1DM.

Reviews in endocrine and metabolic disorders, Apr 25, 2019

Thyroid gland has been implicated in the regulation of many functions using endocrine, paracrine ... more Thyroid gland has been implicated in the regulation of many functions using endocrine, paracrine and autocrine signals. Functional thyroid follicular cells derived from stem cells attracted a great interest from researchers as a strategy for thyroid's regenerative therapy. Thyroid has a very low rate of turnover; however, studies showed that the regenerative ability is enhanced following diseases or thyroidectomy, which promotes the role of stem cell. The objective of this review is to summarize the morphological characterization and the expression of stem cell genes/markers in the thyroid. Also, to highlight the mechanisms of tumor formation in thyroid via its stem cells. The most important thyroid stem cell's markers are: stem cell antigen 1 (SCA-1), octamer-binding transcription 4 (OCT-4), p63, CD34+ CD45-, paired box gene 8 (PAX-8), thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1), thyroid transcription factor 2 (TTF-2), hematopoietically expressed homeobox protein HHEX, the transcription factor GATA-4, hepatocyte nuclear factor 4-α (HNF-4-α) and homeobox transcription factor Nanog (hNanog). This review highlights the functional characterization describing the mechanisms of stem cell's differentiation into functional thyroid follicle and proposing mechanisms involving in cancer formation through one of these cell types: fetal cell, thyroblasts, prothyrocytes, certain genetic mutation in the mature thyroid cells or presence of a special type of cells (cancer stem cell) which are responsible for different types of cancer formation. Understanding the mechanisms of thyroid's stem cell in cancer formation and the expression of the biomarkers in normal and abnormal thyroid status are promising physiological tools in promoting thyroid regeneration and in provision management for thyroid cancer.

International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research, Aug 1, 2012

Purpose: The toxic effects of excess vitamin A (VA) intake deserve increased attention. Nigella s... more Purpose: The toxic effects of excess vitamin A (VA) intake deserve increased attention. Nigella sativa (NS) seed possesses physiological and pharmacological actions and protects against toxic agents. This work investigated the availability of NS seed oil as a protective agent against the effects of hypervitaminosis A (HVA) on liver function and immunity. Methods: Fifty adult albino rats were used and divided into five groups: (G1) control; (G2) experimental HVA rats administered extreme doses (10,000 IU/kg body weight) of VA oil orally, daily for 6 weeks; (G3) rats treated with NS seed oil (800 mg/kg) orally, daily for 6 weeks; (G4) HVA rats simultaneously treated with NS seed oil at the same doses and periods; and (G5) HVA recovery group. Liver function, immunoglobulin (IgG and IgM) levels, and lysosome activity were measured in serum. Results: HVA rats revealed marked elevations in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities. This is the first study to demonstrate that NS seed oil possesses significant hepatoprotective activity against HVA. NS seed oil was a potent inducer of IgG and IgM in rat serum either alone or with high doses of VA. Conclusions: These findings may be considered the initial steps of the physiological and humoral immune responses for NS seed oil against HVA, but further studies examining longer periods are needed prior to recommending the use of NS seed oil as an alternative medicine for hepatic and immune diseases.

The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 2011

The natural product ginger (Zingiber officinale) has active constituents gingerol, Shogaol and Ze... more The natural product ginger (Zingiber officinale) has active constituents gingerol, Shogaol and Zerumbone, while turmeric (Curcuma longa) contains three active major curcuminoids, namely, curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. They have the same scientific classification and are reported to have anti-inflammatory and many therapeutic effects. This article reviews the physiological and therapeutic effects of ginger and turmeric on some endocrine gland functions, and signal pathways involved to mediate their actions. With some systems and adipose tissue, ginger and turmeric exert their actions through some/all of the following signals or molecular mechanisms: (1) through reduction of high levels of some hormones (as: T4, leptin) or interaction with hormone receptors; (2) by inhibition of cytokines/adipokine expression; (3) acting as a potent inhibitor of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-generating enzymes, which play an essential role between inflammation and progression of diseases; (4) mediation of their effects through the inhibition of signaling transcription factors; and/or (5) decrease the proliferative potent by down-regulation of antiapoptotic genes, which may suppress tumor promotion by blocking signal transduction pathways in the target cells. These multiple mechanisms of protection against inflammation and oxidative damage make ginger and curcumin particularly promising natural agents in fighting the ravages of aging and degenerative diseases, and need to be paid more attention by studies.

Scientific Reports, Mar 28, 2023

RT-LAMP assays on clinical samples. The performance of the E-ID1 primer set was colorimetrically ... more RT-LAMP assays on clinical samples. The performance of the E-ID1 primer set was colorimetrically and fluorometrically tested on clinical specimens, as depicted in Fig. 5a. These results were then validated using agarose gel electrophoresis (Fig. 5c). In the colorimetric RT-LAMP reaction, the tubes were incubated in a thermal block set at 65 °C. The positive clinical specimens started to show a color change after 20 min, while the color difference between positives and negatives was the clearest after 30 min. Eventually, there was 94.5% agreement between the colorimetric RT-LAMP and RT-PCR results. Similarly, clinical samples were fluorometrically tested using the optimized RT-LAMP protocol (Fig. 5b). The reaction was placed at 70 °C in a thermal cycler for 75 min. This fluorometric assay had 96.7% agreement with RT-PCR results.

Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, Nov 1, 2022