Hina Ahsan | Riphah International University (original) (raw)

Papers by Hina Ahsan

Pakistan Journal of Physiology, Dec 31, 2022

Scientific reports, Mar 27, 2024

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) IDH-wildtype is the most prevalent brain malignancy in adults. Howe... more Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) IDH-wildtype is the most prevalent brain malignancy in adults. However, molecular mechanisms, which leads to GBM have not been completely elucidated. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF), Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor receptor GCSFR, and Signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) have been involved in the occurrence and development of various cancers, but their role in GBM is little known. Herein, we have investigated the gene and protein expression of GCSF, GCSFR, and STAT3 in 21 tissue biopsy samples and also in tumor associated normal tissue (TANT) samples derived from glioblastoma patients, which revealed significantly differential expression of these genes. To validate our findings, we performed a comprehensive integrated analysis of transcriptomic and proteomic profiling of respective genes by retrieving GBM RNA-sequence data from Genome Atlas Databases. GO and KEGG analysis revealed enrichment in disease-related pathways, such as JAK/STAT pathway activation, which were associated with GBM progression. We further performed computational docking analysis of potential drug candidate Nisin against GCSF, and the results were validated in vitro through cytotoxic activity assay using a human glioblastoma cell line SF-767 in a dose-dependent manner. Our comprehensive analysis reveals that GCSF augments glioma progression, and its blockade with anticancer bacteriocin peptide Nisin can potentially inhibit the growth and metastasis of GBM.

Nutrition and Cancer, 2000

Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, 2018

In this study, novel ibuprofen-loaded mixed micelles (MMs) formulation and mixed micelles-based C... more In this study, novel ibuprofen-loaded mixed micelles (MMs) formulation and mixed micelles-based Carbopol gel (MMs-Gel) were prepared for topical delivery of ibuprofen. The MMs were optimized using central composite design (CCD) with entrapment efficiency (EE %) and drug loading (DL %) as indicators and characterized for morphology, size, zeta potential and critical micelle concentration (CMC). Subsequently, the optimal MMs were incorporated into Carbopol 940 gel. The novel formulations were evaluated for ex vivo permeation study, skin irritation, pharmacodynamics study and histopathology study. The optimal MMs were found to be round-shapes having nanosized diameter with negative charges, and small CMC. In ex vivo permeation study, MMs, MMs-Gel (5:1, v/v) and marketed product showed significant skin permeation with similar cumulative amounts (Q 24). Skin irritation study demonstrated MMs and MMs-Gel formulations showed significant safety compared to the marketed product. Also, the developed formulations exhibited desirable anti-inflammatory activity. The histopathology study elucidated that the optimal MMs and MMs-Gel formulations could disturb the tightly conjugated keratinocyte layer. All the results suggested that the MMs and MMs-Gel would guarantee the safety and efficacy for topical delivery of ibuprofen.

PloS one, May 24, 2024

Ethnopharmacological relevance of Saussurea species for anti-cancer compounds instigated us to de... more Ethnopharmacological relevance of Saussurea species for anti-cancer compounds instigated us to develop chemotherapeutic herbal tablets. This study was an ongoing part of our previous research based on the scientific evaluation of Saussurea heteromalla (S. heteromalla) for anti-cancer lead compounds. In the current study, S. heteromalla herbal tablets (500 /800 mg) were designed and evaluated for anti-cancer activity. Arctigenin was found as a bioactive lead molecule with anti-cancer potential for cervical cancer. The in vitro results on the HeLa cell line supported the ethnopharmacological relevance and traditional utilization of S. heteromalla and provided the scientific basis for the management of cervical cancer as proclaimed by traditional practitioners in China. LD50 of the crude extract was established trough oral acute toxicity profiling in mice, wherein the minimum lethal dose was noticed as higher than 1000 mg/kg body weight orally. Chromatographic fingerprint analysis ensured the identity and consistency of S. heteromalla in herbal tablets in terms of standardization of the herbal drug. About 99.15% of the drug (S. heteromalla crude extract) was recovered in herbal tablets (RSD: 0.45%). In vitro drug release profile was found to be more than 87% within 1 h, which was also correlated with different mathematical kinetic models of drug release (r 2 = 0.992), indicating that drug release from matrix tablets into the blood is constant throughout the delivery. The dosage form was found stable after an accelerated stability parameters study which may be used for anti-cervical cancer therapy in the future, if it qualifies successful preclinical investigation parameters.

Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) harbors significant genetic heterogeneity, high infiltrative capac... more Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) harbors significant genetic heterogeneity, high infiltrative capacity, and patterns of relapse following many therapies. The expression of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB p65 (RelA)) and signaling pathways is constitutively activated in GBM through inflammatory stimulation such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), cell invasion, motility, abnormal physiological stimuli, and inducible chemoresistance. However, the underlying anti-tumor and anti-proliferative mechanisms of NF-κB p65 (RelA) and TNFα are still poorly defined. This study aimed to investigate the expression profiling of NF-κB p65 (RelA) and TNFα as well as the effectiveness of celecoxib along with temozolomide (TMZ) in reducing the growth of the human GBM cell line SF-767. Methods: genome-wide expression profiling, enrichment analysis, immune infiltration, quantitative expression, and the Microculture Tetrazolium Test (MTT) proliferation assay were performed to appraise the effects of celeco...

Molecules

The low water solubility of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (aripiprazole) is one of the most... more The low water solubility of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (aripiprazole) is one of the most critical challenges in pharmaceutical research and development. This antipsychotic drug has an inadequate therapeutic impact because of its minimal and idiosyncratic oral bioavailability to treat schizophrenia. The main objective of this study was to improve the solubility and stability of the antipsychotic drug aripiprazole (ARP) via forming binary as well as ternary inclusion complexes with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) and L-Arginine (LA) as solubility enhancers. Physical mixing and lyophilization were used in different molar ratios. The developed formulations were analyzed by saturation solubility analysis, and dissolution studies were performed using the pedal method. The formulations were characterized by FTIR, XRD, DSC, SEM, and TGA. The results showcased that the addition of HPβCD and LA inclusion complexes enhanced the stability, in contrast to the binary formulations an...

Pharmaceutical Communications

In nanotechnology field, iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (IONPs) have gained much interest. The... more In nanotechnology field, iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (IONPs) have gained much interest. The magnetic nanoparticles have been widely explored for applications due to ease of manufacturing and functionalization with polymers and other materials which makes them highly sensitive for many biological and biomedical applications. They transform electromagnetic energy into heat when exposed to magnetic field, and, hence, prove themselves as potent anti-cancer agent. The most advanced application of nanoscale materials towards human health is application as contrast agents in imaging modalities. MNPs proved safer as imaging contrast agents than conventional methods. MNPs have also been used in overcoming bacterial resistance and as anti-viral agent. They provide further evidences as emerging means in treatment and diagnosis of CVD and chronic inflammatory diseases like Rheumatoid arthritis. They also have employed in gene therapy to treat chronic diseases now a day.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most prevalent brain malignancy in adults. However, molecula... more Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most prevalent brain malignancy in adults. However, molecular mechanisms, which leads to GBM have not been completely elucidated. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF), Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor receptor GCSFR, and Signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) have been involved in the occurrence and development of various cancers, but their role in GBM is little known. Herein, we have investigated the gene and protein expression of GCSF, GCSFR, and STAT3 in 21 tissue biopsy samples and also in tumor associated normal tissue (TANT) samples derived from glioblastoma patients, which revealed significantly differential expression of these genes. To validate our findings, we performed a comprehensive integrated analysis of transcriptomic and proteomic profiling of respective genes by retrieving Glioblastoma multiforme RNA-sequence data from Genome Atlas Databases. GO and KEGG analysis revealed enrichment in disease-r...

Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International

GeneXpert MTB/RIF is a molecular technique for the diagnosis of tuberculosis. This method not onl... more GeneXpert MTB/RIF is a molecular technique for the diagnosis of tuberculosis. This method not only detects M. tuberculosis but also identifies the absence or presence of different drug resistant mutations in DNA fragments like rifampicin resistance. In this study, about 200 septum samples were collected from tuberculosis suspected people of Isfandyar Bukhari District Head Quarter Hospital Attock for screening and determination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis. The samples were screened for the presence of M. tuberculosis using Fluorescence Microscopy staining followed by GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay. The results were further confirmed by Line Probe Assay and Mycobacterium Growth Indicator Tube 960 techniques. In a total of 200 samples, 45(22.5%) were found positive, 155 (77.5%) were classified negative on culture while 38(19%) were positive and 162(81%) were negative on FM, 33(16.5%) were positive and 167(83.5%) were negative on ZN staining microscopy a...

PLOS ONE, 2022

The uropathogens is the main cause of urinary tract infection (UTI). The aim of the study was to ... more The uropathogens is the main cause of urinary tract infection (UTI). The aim of the study was to isolate bacteria from urine samples of UTI patients and find out the susceptibility of isolated bacteria. Bacteria were identified using both conventional and molecular methods. Sanger sequence procedure used for 16S ribosomal RNA and phylogenetic analysis was performed using Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis (MEGA-7) software. In this study, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus were reported as 58, 28 and 14.0% respectively. Phylogenetic tree revealed that 99% of sample No. Ai (05) is closely related to E. coli to (NR 114042.1 E. coli strain NBRC 102203). Aii (23) is 99% similar to K. pneumoniae to (NR 117686.1 K. pneumonia strain DSM 30104) and 90% Bi (48) is closely linked to S. aureus to (NR 113956.1 S. aureus strain NBRC 100910). The antibiotic susceptibility of E. coli recorded highest resistance towards ampicillin (90%) and least resistant to ofloxacin (14...

Aspergillus fungi are known to produce aflatoxins, among which aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the most po... more Aspergillus fungi are known to produce aflatoxins, among which aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the most potent carcinogen that is metabolised by cytochrome P450 (CYP450). In the liver, AFB1 is metabolised i...

Infection and Drug Resistance, Feb 26, 2019

Intensive care units (ICUs) are specialized units where patients with critical conditions are adm... more Intensive care units (ICUs) are specialized units where patients with critical conditions are admitted for getting specialized and individualized medical treatment. High mortality rates have been observed in ICUs, but the exact reason and factors affecting the mortality rates have not yet been studied in the local population in Pakistan. This study was aimed to determine rational use of antibiotic therapy in ICU patients and its impact on clinical outcomes and mortality rate. This was a retrospective, longitudinal (cohort) study including 100 patients in the ICU of the largest tertiary care hospital of the capital city of Pakistan. It was observed that empiric antibiotic therapy was initiated in 68% of patients, while culture sensitivity test was conducted for only 19% of patients. Thirty-percent of patients developed nosocomial infections and empiric antibiotic therapy was not initiated for those patients (P<0.05). Irrational antibiotic prescribing was observed in 86% of patient...

Journal of Bashir Institute of Health Sciences

Background: Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) among pregnant women is very much common a... more Background: Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) among pregnant women is very much common among the Background: Inappropriate management of diarrhea is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population worldwide, more especially in developing countries including Pakistan. Method: The sample size was calculated using World Health Organization (WHO) and Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) info calculator. 240 prescriptions were collected from eight hospitals including four public hospitals (Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Polyclinic Hospital, Holy family Hospital and Benazir Hospital) and four private hospitals (Hearts International Hospital, Maroof Hospital, Railway hospital, Bilal Hospital) of twin cities of Pakistan (Islamabad and Rawalpindi). Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyze current prescribing trends of diarrheal management followed by comparative pharmaceutical evaluation of representative brands Parameters recorded from p...

Scientific Reports

Hepatitis C virus (HCV), a small, single-stranded RNA virus with a 9.6 kb genome, is one of the m... more Hepatitis C virus (HCV), a small, single-stranded RNA virus with a 9.6 kb genome, is one of the most common causes of liver diseases. Sequencing of the 5ʹ untranslated region (UTR) is usually used for HCV genotyping, but it is less important in numerous subtypes due to its scarce sequence variations. This study aimed to identify genotypes using the 5ʹ UTR of HCV from cirrhotic patients of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Serum RNA samples (44) were screened by real time PCR to determine the HCV viral load. Nested PCR was performed to identify cDNA and the 5ʹ UTR. The HCV 5′ UTR was sequenced using the Sanger method. MEGA-7 software was used to analyze evolutionary relatedness. After 5ʹ UTR sequencing, 26 samples (59%) were identified as genotype 3, and 2 samples (6%) were identified as genotypes 1, 2 and 4. The most predominant genotype was 3a, and genotype 4 was rarely reported in the phylogenetic tree. Analysis of the HCV 5ʹ UTR is an efficient alternative method for confirmation of vario...

Archives of Microbiology

Severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) belongs to the single-stranded positive-se... more Severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) belongs to the single-stranded positive-sense RNA family. The virus contains a large genome that encodes four structural proteins, small envelope (E), matrix (M), nucleocapsid phosphoprotein (N), spike (S), and 16 nonstructural proteins (nsp1-16) that together, ensure replication of the virus in the host cell. Among these proteins, the interactions of N and Nsp3 are essential that links the viral genome for processing. The N proteins reside at CoV RNA synthesis sites known as the replication-transcription complexes (RTCs). The N-terminal of N has RNA-binding domain (N-NTD), capturing the RNA genome while the C-terminal domain (N-CTD) anchors the viral Nsp3, a component of RTCs. Although the structural information has been recently released, the residues involved in contacts between N-CTD with Nsp3 are Communicated by Erko Stackebrandt.

Intervirology

Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) epidemic has resulte... more Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) epidemic has resulted in thousands of infections and deaths worldwide. Several therapies are currently undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, the development of new drugs and the repositioning of existing drugs can only be achieved after the identification of potential therapeutic targets within structures, as this strategy provides the most precise solution for developing treatments for sudden epidemic infectious diseases. Summary: In the current investigation, crystal and cryo-electron microscopy structures encoded by the SARS-CoV-2 genome were systematically examined for the identification of potential drug targets. These structures include nonstructural proteins (Nsp-9; Nsp-12; and Nsp-15), nucleocapsid (N) proteins, and the main protease (Mpro). Key Message: The structural information reveals the presence of many potential alternative therapeutic targets, primari...