Abul Farah - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Abul Farah

Research paper thumbnail of The cp genome characterization of Adenium obesum: Gene content, repeat organization and phylogeny

Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Yucca schidigera Usage for Healthy Aquatic Animals: Potential Roles for Sustainability

Animals, 2021

In modern aquaculture systems, farmers are increasing the stocking capacity of aquatic organisms ... more In modern aquaculture systems, farmers are increasing the stocking capacity of aquatic organisms to develop the yield and maximize water resources utilization. However, the accumulation of ammonia in fishponds regularly occurs in intensive aquaculture systems, resulting in reduced growth rates and poor health conditions. The inclusion of yucca extract is recognized as a practical solution for adsorbing the waterborne ammonia. Yucca has abundant amounts of polyphenolics, steroidal saponins, and resveratrol and can be used as a solution or as a powder. In this context, this review aimed to investigate the possible regulatory roles of yucca extract on aquatic animals’ performances. Concurrently, the feed utilization, growth performance, and physiological status of aquatic species can be improved. Additionally, the yucca application resulted in enhancing the antioxidative, immunological, and anti-inflammatory responses in several aquatic animals. Exclusively, the present review proposed...

Research paper thumbnail of Cytotoxicity and molecular docking analysis of racemolactone I, a new sesquiterpene lactone isolated from Inula racemosa

Pharmaceutical Biology, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Identification of potential SARS-CoV-2 entry inhibitors by targeting the interface region between the spike RBD and human ACE2

Journal of Infection and Public Health, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of An Updated Review of Computer-Aided Drug Design and Its Application to COVID-19

BioMed Research International, 2021

The recent outbreak of the deadly coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic poses serious health... more The recent outbreak of the deadly coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic poses serious health concerns around the world. The lack of approved drugs or vaccines continues to be a challenge and further necessitates the discovery of new therapeutic molecules. Computer-aided drug design has helped to expedite the drug discovery and development process by minimizing the cost and time. In this review article, we highlight two important categories of computer-aided drug design (CADD), viz., the ligand-based as well as structured-based drug discovery. Various molecular modeling techniques involved in structure-based drug design are molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation, whereas ligand-based drug design includes pharmacophore modeling, quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSARs), and artificial intelligence (AI). We have briefly discussed the significance of computer-aided drug design in the context of COVID-19 and how the researchers continue to rely on these compu...

Research paper thumbnail of In silico screening of FDA approved drugs reveals ergotamine and dihydroergotamine as potential coronavirus main protease enzyme inhibitors

Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Unravelling lead antiviral phytochemicals for the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro enzyme through in silico approach

Research paper thumbnail of Complete chloroplast genome of vulnerable medicinal plant Saraca asoca (Fabaceae)

Mitochondrial DNA Part B, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Antiproliferative activities of procainamide and its binding with calf thymus DNA through multi-spectroscopic and computational approaches

Journal of Molecular Liquids, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of Comprehensive exploration of the anticancer activities of procaine and its binding with calf thymus DNA: a multi spectroscopic and molecular modelling study

RSC Advances, 2018

DNA demethylating agent procaine binds at the minor groove of ct-DNA and increases the anticancer... more DNA demethylating agent procaine binds at the minor groove of ct-DNA and increases the anticancer activity of doxorubicin.

Research paper thumbnail of Hierarchically structured CuFe2O4 ND@RGO composite for the detection of oxidative stress biomarker in biological fluids

Inorganic Chemistry Frontiers, 2018

In this work, stable and catalytically active copper ferrite nanodots (CuFe2O4) entrapped by poro... more In this work, stable and catalytically active copper ferrite nanodots (CuFe2O4) entrapped by porous RGO nanosheets were prepared via a facile condensation process using a green reducing agent.

Research paper thumbnail of Pubertal changes in testicular parameters and secretion of testosterone in Najdi and Naemi ram lambs under desert conditions

Indian Journal of Animal Research, 2017

The present work was conducted to elucidate the relationships between chronological age, testoste... more The present work was conducted to elucidate the relationships between chronological age, testosterone concentration and testis size of Najdi and Naemi ram lambs under desert conditions to determine the reproductive capacity of the above two breeds. The postnatal development of the seminiferous epithelium of the testes was also monitored. A total of 90 (45 Najdi and 45 Naemi lambs) aged between one and nine months, with five lambs at each month of age for each breed were used. The results showed that the testosterone concentration increased dramatically and rapidly between five and six months, followed by a period of gradual growth where testicular size was increased from 3 to 6 months of age. There was a significant (P > 0.05) difference in testosterone concentration (TC) and testis size (TS) in ram lambs between different age groups, similarly there were significant differences between body weights and lamb age between one and nine months. A positive correlation between the incr...

Research paper thumbnail of Ovarian development and histological observations of threatened dwarf snakehead fish, Channa gachua (Hamilton, 1822)

Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Involvement of p53 in gemcitabine mediated cytotoxicity and radiosensitivity in breast cancer cell lines

Research paper thumbnail of Molecular mechanism of bis(maltolato)oxovanadium(IV)-induced insulin signaling in 3T3-L1 and IM9 cells: impact of dexamethasone

Journal of Molecular Endocrinology, 2007

Research paper thumbnail of Silver nanoparticles synthesized from Adenium obesum leaf extract induced DNA damage, apoptosis and autophagy via generation of reactive oxygen species

Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, 2016

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are an important class of nanomaterial used for a wide range of indu... more Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are an important class of nanomaterial used for a wide range of industrial and biomedical applications. Adenium obesum is a plant of the family Apocynaceae that is rich in toxic cardiac glycosides; however, there is scarce information on the anticancer potential of its AgNPs. We herein report the novel biosynthesis of AgNPs using aqueous leaf extract of A. obesum (AOAgNPs). The synthesis of AOAgNPs was monitored by color change and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (425nm). It was further characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The FTIR spectra for the AOAgNPs indicated the presence of terpenoids, long chain fatty acids, secondary amide derivatives and proteins that could be responsible for the reduction and capping of the formed AOAgNPs. X-ray diffraction confirmed the crystallinity of the AgNPs. The TEM images revealed mostly spherical particles in the size range of 10-30nm. The biological properties of novel AOAgNPs were investigated on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Cell viability was determined by the MTT assay. Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA damage, induction of apoptosis and autophagy were assessed. A dose-dependent decrease in the cell viability was observed. The IC50 value was calculated as 217μg/ml. Both qualitative and quantitative evaluation confirmed about a 2.5 fold increase in the generation of ROS at the highest concentration of 150μg/ml. A significant (p<0.05) increase in the DNA damage evaluated by comet assay was evident. Flow cytometry revealed an increase in the apoptotic cells (24%) in the AOAgNPs treated group compared to the control. Acridine orange staining of acidic vesicles in exposed cells confirmed the induction of autophagy. These findings suggest that AOAgNPs increased the level of ROS resulting in heightened the DNA damage, apoptosis and autophagy in MCF-7 cells.

Research paper thumbnail of Development of Spermatic Granuloma in Albino Rats Following Administration of Water Extract of Heliotropium bacciferum Forssk

Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 2015

A spermatic granuloma is a chronic inflammatory reaction produced in response to extravasated spe... more A spermatic granuloma is a chronic inflammatory reaction produced in response to extravasated sperm within the intertubular connective tissue. The present study investigates the possible toxic effects of water extract of Heliotropium bacciferum on the reproductive system of male albino rats and the associated potential for the development of spermatic granulomas. H. bacciferum is a herbal plant used in traditional medicine and reported to have cytotoxic effects due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Histological examinations revealed no changes in the tissues of the testes, although, some changes were detected in the cauda epididymis, the most important of which was the development of small lesions of spermatic granulomas. Clear gaps were observed between the epithelial linings of the epididymal tubules.

Research paper thumbnail of In vitro cytotoxicity screening of wild plant extracts from Saudi Arabia on human breast adenocarcinoma cells

Genetics and Molecular Research, 2014

This study investigated the in vitro anticancer activities of a total of 14 wild angiosperms coll... more This study investigated the in vitro anticancer activities of a total of 14 wild angiosperms collected in Saudi Arabia. The cytotoxic activity of each extract was assessed against human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cell lines by using the MTT assay. Among the plants screened, the potential cytotoxic activity exhibited by the extract of Lavandula dentata (Lamiaceae) was identified, and we analyzed its anticancer potential by testing antiproliferative and apoptotic activity. Our results clearly show that ethanolic extract of L. dentata exhibits promising cytotoxic activity with an IC50 value of 39 μg/mL. Analysis of cell morphological changes, DNA fragmentation and apoptosis (using an Annexin V assay) also confirmed the apoptotic effect of L. dentata extract, and thus, our data call for further investigations to determine the active chemical constituent(s) and their mechanisms of inducing apoptosis.

Research paper thumbnail of Developmental changes in testicular interstitium in the Najdi Ram Lambs

Saudi journal of biological sciences, 2014

This experiment was designed to study the relationship between growth rate and sexual development... more This experiment was designed to study the relationship between growth rate and sexual development in Najdi ram lambs. Forty-five Najdi ram lambs were used in nine age groups (1-9th month age), keeping 5 lambs in each group. Results show that mean testis size and scrotal circumference increased at a constant rate, reaching a maximum value of 392.00 ± 2.00 g and 25.00 ± 0.32 cm respectively, at the age of 9 months. A similar trend of growth was observed for the mean body weight, reaching a maximum value of 40.2 ± 0.20 kg at the age of 9 months. There was a positive correlation between the increasing rates of body weight and size of the testis. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in testis size, scrotal circumference and body weight of lambs between all ages (1-9 months). The histological section of testis showed that a small number of mature sperms appeared in the eighth month of age and their numbers increased in the ninth month. In conclusion, the current findings indic...

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of biological activity and UPLC-MS based chromatographic profiling of ethanolic extract of Ochradenus arabicus

Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of The cp genome characterization of Adenium obesum: Gene content, repeat organization and phylogeny

Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Yucca schidigera Usage for Healthy Aquatic Animals: Potential Roles for Sustainability

Animals, 2021

In modern aquaculture systems, farmers are increasing the stocking capacity of aquatic organisms ... more In modern aquaculture systems, farmers are increasing the stocking capacity of aquatic organisms to develop the yield and maximize water resources utilization. However, the accumulation of ammonia in fishponds regularly occurs in intensive aquaculture systems, resulting in reduced growth rates and poor health conditions. The inclusion of yucca extract is recognized as a practical solution for adsorbing the waterborne ammonia. Yucca has abundant amounts of polyphenolics, steroidal saponins, and resveratrol and can be used as a solution or as a powder. In this context, this review aimed to investigate the possible regulatory roles of yucca extract on aquatic animals’ performances. Concurrently, the feed utilization, growth performance, and physiological status of aquatic species can be improved. Additionally, the yucca application resulted in enhancing the antioxidative, immunological, and anti-inflammatory responses in several aquatic animals. Exclusively, the present review proposed...

Research paper thumbnail of Cytotoxicity and molecular docking analysis of racemolactone I, a new sesquiterpene lactone isolated from Inula racemosa

Pharmaceutical Biology, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Identification of potential SARS-CoV-2 entry inhibitors by targeting the interface region between the spike RBD and human ACE2

Journal of Infection and Public Health, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of An Updated Review of Computer-Aided Drug Design and Its Application to COVID-19

BioMed Research International, 2021

The recent outbreak of the deadly coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic poses serious health... more The recent outbreak of the deadly coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic poses serious health concerns around the world. The lack of approved drugs or vaccines continues to be a challenge and further necessitates the discovery of new therapeutic molecules. Computer-aided drug design has helped to expedite the drug discovery and development process by minimizing the cost and time. In this review article, we highlight two important categories of computer-aided drug design (CADD), viz., the ligand-based as well as structured-based drug discovery. Various molecular modeling techniques involved in structure-based drug design are molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation, whereas ligand-based drug design includes pharmacophore modeling, quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSARs), and artificial intelligence (AI). We have briefly discussed the significance of computer-aided drug design in the context of COVID-19 and how the researchers continue to rely on these compu...

Research paper thumbnail of In silico screening of FDA approved drugs reveals ergotamine and dihydroergotamine as potential coronavirus main protease enzyme inhibitors

Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Unravelling lead antiviral phytochemicals for the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro enzyme through in silico approach

Research paper thumbnail of Complete chloroplast genome of vulnerable medicinal plant Saraca asoca (Fabaceae)

Mitochondrial DNA Part B, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Antiproliferative activities of procainamide and its binding with calf thymus DNA through multi-spectroscopic and computational approaches

Journal of Molecular Liquids, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of Comprehensive exploration of the anticancer activities of procaine and its binding with calf thymus DNA: a multi spectroscopic and molecular modelling study

RSC Advances, 2018

DNA demethylating agent procaine binds at the minor groove of ct-DNA and increases the anticancer... more DNA demethylating agent procaine binds at the minor groove of ct-DNA and increases the anticancer activity of doxorubicin.

Research paper thumbnail of Hierarchically structured CuFe2O4 ND@RGO composite for the detection of oxidative stress biomarker in biological fluids

Inorganic Chemistry Frontiers, 2018

In this work, stable and catalytically active copper ferrite nanodots (CuFe2O4) entrapped by poro... more In this work, stable and catalytically active copper ferrite nanodots (CuFe2O4) entrapped by porous RGO nanosheets were prepared via a facile condensation process using a green reducing agent.

Research paper thumbnail of Pubertal changes in testicular parameters and secretion of testosterone in Najdi and Naemi ram lambs under desert conditions

Indian Journal of Animal Research, 2017

The present work was conducted to elucidate the relationships between chronological age, testoste... more The present work was conducted to elucidate the relationships between chronological age, testosterone concentration and testis size of Najdi and Naemi ram lambs under desert conditions to determine the reproductive capacity of the above two breeds. The postnatal development of the seminiferous epithelium of the testes was also monitored. A total of 90 (45 Najdi and 45 Naemi lambs) aged between one and nine months, with five lambs at each month of age for each breed were used. The results showed that the testosterone concentration increased dramatically and rapidly between five and six months, followed by a period of gradual growth where testicular size was increased from 3 to 6 months of age. There was a significant (P > 0.05) difference in testosterone concentration (TC) and testis size (TS) in ram lambs between different age groups, similarly there were significant differences between body weights and lamb age between one and nine months. A positive correlation between the incr...

Research paper thumbnail of Ovarian development and histological observations of threatened dwarf snakehead fish, Channa gachua (Hamilton, 1822)

Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Involvement of p53 in gemcitabine mediated cytotoxicity and radiosensitivity in breast cancer cell lines

Research paper thumbnail of Molecular mechanism of bis(maltolato)oxovanadium(IV)-induced insulin signaling in 3T3-L1 and IM9 cells: impact of dexamethasone

Journal of Molecular Endocrinology, 2007

Research paper thumbnail of Silver nanoparticles synthesized from Adenium obesum leaf extract induced DNA damage, apoptosis and autophagy via generation of reactive oxygen species

Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, 2016

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are an important class of nanomaterial used for a wide range of indu... more Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are an important class of nanomaterial used for a wide range of industrial and biomedical applications. Adenium obesum is a plant of the family Apocynaceae that is rich in toxic cardiac glycosides; however, there is scarce information on the anticancer potential of its AgNPs. We herein report the novel biosynthesis of AgNPs using aqueous leaf extract of A. obesum (AOAgNPs). The synthesis of AOAgNPs was monitored by color change and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (425nm). It was further characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The FTIR spectra for the AOAgNPs indicated the presence of terpenoids, long chain fatty acids, secondary amide derivatives and proteins that could be responsible for the reduction and capping of the formed AOAgNPs. X-ray diffraction confirmed the crystallinity of the AgNPs. The TEM images revealed mostly spherical particles in the size range of 10-30nm. The biological properties of novel AOAgNPs were investigated on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Cell viability was determined by the MTT assay. Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA damage, induction of apoptosis and autophagy were assessed. A dose-dependent decrease in the cell viability was observed. The IC50 value was calculated as 217μg/ml. Both qualitative and quantitative evaluation confirmed about a 2.5 fold increase in the generation of ROS at the highest concentration of 150μg/ml. A significant (p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.05) increase in the DNA damage evaluated by comet assay was evident. Flow cytometry revealed an increase in the apoptotic cells (24%) in the AOAgNPs treated group compared to the control. Acridine orange staining of acidic vesicles in exposed cells confirmed the induction of autophagy. These findings suggest that AOAgNPs increased the level of ROS resulting in heightened the DNA damage, apoptosis and autophagy in MCF-7 cells.

Research paper thumbnail of Development of Spermatic Granuloma in Albino Rats Following Administration of Water Extract of Heliotropium bacciferum Forssk

Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 2015

A spermatic granuloma is a chronic inflammatory reaction produced in response to extravasated spe... more A spermatic granuloma is a chronic inflammatory reaction produced in response to extravasated sperm within the intertubular connective tissue. The present study investigates the possible toxic effects of water extract of Heliotropium bacciferum on the reproductive system of male albino rats and the associated potential for the development of spermatic granulomas. H. bacciferum is a herbal plant used in traditional medicine and reported to have cytotoxic effects due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Histological examinations revealed no changes in the tissues of the testes, although, some changes were detected in the cauda epididymis, the most important of which was the development of small lesions of spermatic granulomas. Clear gaps were observed between the epithelial linings of the epididymal tubules.

Research paper thumbnail of In vitro cytotoxicity screening of wild plant extracts from Saudi Arabia on human breast adenocarcinoma cells

Genetics and Molecular Research, 2014

This study investigated the in vitro anticancer activities of a total of 14 wild angiosperms coll... more This study investigated the in vitro anticancer activities of a total of 14 wild angiosperms collected in Saudi Arabia. The cytotoxic activity of each extract was assessed against human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cell lines by using the MTT assay. Among the plants screened, the potential cytotoxic activity exhibited by the extract of Lavandula dentata (Lamiaceae) was identified, and we analyzed its anticancer potential by testing antiproliferative and apoptotic activity. Our results clearly show that ethanolic extract of L. dentata exhibits promising cytotoxic activity with an IC50 value of 39 μg/mL. Analysis of cell morphological changes, DNA fragmentation and apoptosis (using an Annexin V assay) also confirmed the apoptotic effect of L. dentata extract, and thus, our data call for further investigations to determine the active chemical constituent(s) and their mechanisms of inducing apoptosis.

Research paper thumbnail of Developmental changes in testicular interstitium in the Najdi Ram Lambs

Saudi journal of biological sciences, 2014

This experiment was designed to study the relationship between growth rate and sexual development... more This experiment was designed to study the relationship between growth rate and sexual development in Najdi ram lambs. Forty-five Najdi ram lambs were used in nine age groups (1-9th month age), keeping 5 lambs in each group. Results show that mean testis size and scrotal circumference increased at a constant rate, reaching a maximum value of 392.00 ± 2.00 g and 25.00 ± 0.32 cm respectively, at the age of 9 months. A similar trend of growth was observed for the mean body weight, reaching a maximum value of 40.2 ± 0.20 kg at the age of 9 months. There was a positive correlation between the increasing rates of body weight and size of the testis. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in testis size, scrotal circumference and body weight of lambs between all ages (1-9 months). The histological section of testis showed that a small number of mature sperms appeared in the eighth month of age and their numbers increased in the ninth month. In conclusion, the current findings indic...

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of biological activity and UPLC-MS based chromatographic profiling of ethanolic extract of Ochradenus arabicus

Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 2015