Journal of Biological Research - Bollettino della Società Italiana di Biologia Sperimentale

The hemolysis index as a tool for monitoring mild hemolysis in biochemical assays at the emergency laboratory

Sofiane Bouazza, Amine Bouarfa, Ali Khalfa, Slimane Brikhou, Abbassia Demmouche — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Hemolysis is a common pre-analytical error that can affect the accuracy of biochemical assay results. The aim of the study is to investigate the impact of hemolysis on the measurement of nine emergency biochemical parameters: glucose, creatinine, calcium, potassium, sodium, Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT),total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin. The study included blood samples collected from various units of the maternity hospital, including high-risk pregnancies follow-up, postpartum care, gynecology, neonatology, and intensive care. The study employs a Hemolysis Index (HI) to monitor and assess sample quality, determining their suitability for the analysis of the nine aforementioned biochemical parameters. The results reveal that hemolysis can significantly affect the accuracy of tests results for the studied parameters, particularly for potassium (increased 4-12 times) and AST (increased 1.47-48.55 times). Three of the studied substances showed a significant, negative, and moderate correlation with HI after the osmotic shock was induced, including AST (r = -0.501, p = 0.006), ALT (r = -0.516, p = 0.004), and sodium (r = -0.598, p = 0.001). Conversely, no significant association was found for the other parameters, which are: glucose (r = 0.079, p = 0.639); creatinine (r = 0.140, p = 0.402); direct bilirubin (r = 0.292, p = 0.075); total bilirubin (r = 0.272, p = 0.114); calcium (r = 0.215, p = 0.196); and potassium (r = -0.188, p = 0.258). Our findings indicate that HI may not be helpful for calculating a predicted value for samples with HI ranging between 87.30 and 295.9. Therefore, it is crucial to establish a threshold for the degree of hemolysis beyond which releasing the result would be considered potentially harmful to the patient especially new-borns and premature infants. In conclusion, the appropriate use of HI in clinical laboratories can enhance patient care quality by minimizing the risk of misdiagnosis leading to inappropriate treatment, particularly when requesting a second sample is not feasible.

Genetic variation in GSTP1 and TBXA2R genes: influence of Badoush cement factory pollutant

Dema Mohammed Sabah, Mohammad Ibrahim Khalil — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Industrial advancements, while driving economic growth, have simultaneously intensified environmental pollution levels, posing significant health risks to populations residing near industrial hubs. The release of a complex mixture of pollutants, including heavy metals, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds, has been linked to a range of adverse health outcomes, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular complications, and cancer. The Badoush Cement Factor in Mosul city, Nineveh, Iraq, a major industrial facility, exemplifies this challenge, emitting substantial quantities of air pollutants capable of long-range transport. This study, therefore, investigated the potential gene-environment interactions focusing on TBXA2R and GSTP1 genes and contributing to respiratory health disparities among 64 employees of the Badoush Cement Factory compared to 10 control subjects. Specifically, the study employed the tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain (ARMS-PCR) reaction technique to analyze the role of the TBXA2R gene, known for its involvement in bronchoconstriction and susceptibility to asthma, and the GSTP1 gene, encoding a crucial antioxidant enzyme protecting lung tissue from oxidative stress. By examining these genetic markers within the context of occupational exposure at the Badoush Cement Factory, this research aimed to elucidate the intricate interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental factors in determining respiratory health outcomes. The results indicated that there was no direct correlation between exposure to pollutants and genetic variation in the TBXA2R gene. However, prolonged exposure to pollutants may increase the risk of developing respiratory diseases. No significant association was found between pollutants emitted from the cement plant and genetic variation in the GSTP1 gene.

Cytological analysis of interspecific hybrids of cotton

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The article analyzes data on the production of new intergenomic hybrids involving the species Gossypium thurberi Tod., Gossypium raimondii Ulbr., Gossypium arboreum L., Gossypium hirsutum L., Gossypium barbadense L., belonging to genome groups D1, D5 A2 cotton and presents the results of some cytological studies of the resulting hybrids. As a result of experiments using the method of interspecific hybridization, an amphidiploid {[(G. thurberi Tod. × G. raimondii Ulbr.) × G. arboreum L.] × G. hirsutum L.} with a complex genetic basis was obtained. Based on the hybridization of the resulting amphidiploid with cultivars of the species G. barbadense L. and G. hirsutum L., interspecific complex hybrids were synthesized, including 4 species with hybridization of 46.7-55.1% and including 5 species with hybridization of 24.6-31.3%.By interspecific hybridization and backcrosses, valuable source material for the cotton breeding has been created. Valuable introgressed lines having high productivity and high quality, which are at various stages of testing have been realized. Cytological analysis of the hybrids revealed that they were true interspecific crosses. Observations of meiotic metaphase chromosomes indicated the degree of relatedness between species.

Abnormal proteolytic activity profile in plasma of blood donors according to anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG titer

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This work aims to study whether there is a relationship between titer values of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and changes in proteolytic processes. To confirm this hypothesis, we analyzed the content and activity of Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) as well as the concentration and composition of circulating peptide pools in the plasma of blood donors divided into groups on the basis of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers. The results of gelatin zymography showed the presence of active MMP-2 in donors’ plasma who recovered from COVID-19. In contrast, collagenases and their complexes were detected in the plasma of donors with no anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG, while their activity was undetectable in some groups of COVID-19 convalescent individuals. The content of MMPs also differed among the donors with different titers of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG. Plasma peptide content was identical among the donors' groups, but there were more peptide fractions in plasma peptide pools of COVID-19 convalescent individuals; furthermore, they all were characterized by the presence of peptides with molecular weights less than 920 Da and greater than 1530 Da. We hypothesized a link between proteolytic alterations and peptide fraction composition. Our data need further validation to confirm the relationship between the titer values of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and the severity of the proteolytic imbalance.

Optimization attributes of fig (Ficus carica L.) salad dressing enrichment by Mentha pulegium L. extract and carboxymethyl cellulose

Marjan Nouri, Farida Tromideh — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Common salad dressings led to further calories for consumers owing to high fat in their formulations. The aim of this research is to produce low-calorie salad dressing with high nutritional value and reduced fat. Box-Behnken designs were applied including figs (Ficus carica L.) (40 to 80%), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) (0.25 to 1.25%) and Mentha pulegium L. (MPL) extract (0.01 to 0.05%) as independent variables. The total soluble solids (TSS), pH, viscosity, stability, peroxide index and sensory evaluations were performed; afterwards, calorie, and fatty acids (FA) were evaluated, and also scanning electron microscopy was carried out. The optimal conditions were obtained for salad dressing formulations with the highest TSS (40.3479%), viscosity (15898.75 cP), stability (94.2994%) and sensory (4.6282) and also the lowest pH (4.6032) and peroxide (0.9778 mEq/kg oil) related to fig (65.4545%), CMC (1.995%) and MPL (0.01%) concentrations, respectively. The optimal sample reduced 6-fold the calories compared to control and also demonstrated the maximum monounsaturated FAs with uniform distribution for particles. Fig salad dressing produced as a low-calorie product has the potential to be used by consumers.

Estimation of lipid profile and some inflammatory biomarkers in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 linked to hypertension

Raed Madhi, Nidhal A. Hashim, Zainab A.J.R. Al-Ali , Noor Thair Tahir — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and hypertension are two common diseases that impact a significant section of the population . Pro-inflammatory mediators such as Interferon Gamma (IFN-γ) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels are proposed to be linked to these diseases. The present study was aimed to explore the link between IFN- γ, CRP and lipid profile levels In type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) connected to hypertension. The current study included 78 patients who had T2DM and 40 samples were collected from healthy people, both aged from 35 to 60 years. The total number of T2DM patients group were divided into two groups: 41 patients with Hypertension (HP) and 37 patients without HP, and according to their Body Mass Index (BMI). In addition, the relationship between gender and these diseases was also investigated. The results showed that the levels of Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglycerides (TG), Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL), and Very Low-Density Lipoproteins (VLDL) were significantly increased in T2DM patients in both women and men. The results also showed a significant increase in the levels of TC, TG, LDL and VLDL in overweighted T2DM patients with HP. However, the levels of High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) were significantly decreased in all T2DM patients. Moreover, the levels of CRP were significantly increased in T2DM female and male patients. However, the levels of IFN-γ significantly decreased in T2DM female and male patients. Furthermore, body fat percentage and waist/hip ratio significantly increased and were associated with Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), TC, and CRP in T2DM patients. The findings confirm that lipid profile and pro-inflammatory parameters, such as CRP and IFN-γ, could have a significant impact on T2DM burden that is connected to the presence of HP. Therefore, regulating of lipid profile and pro-inflammatory parameters (CRP and IFN-γ) could protect against development and progression of T2DM accompanied by HP.

Contribution to knowledge of the true bugs species (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) in the habitats of the Berati area in Albania

Eltjon Halimi, Xhuliana Qirinxhi, Anila Paparisto, Gerta Subashaj — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The present study provides taxonomic information pertaining to the distribution patterns of “true bugs” insects (Hemiptera: Heteroptera), throughout the ecological systems of the Berat region in Albania. Specimens were collected from May to September spanning the years 2018 to 2020. The data were collected from stations that exhibited ideal habitats for this specific order, encompassing regions with ample flora, cultivated fields with crops, elevated hills, and hilly terrains. In the Berat region, our inquiry has successfully identified a total of 38 species belonging to the Heteroptera suborder (Hemiptera order). Furthermore, we have furnished citations for every Heteroptera species that have been identified inside the Berat region. Before our investigation, there was a total of 47 recorded species of “true bugs” in Berat. Significantly, our research uncovers a total of 24 species that have not been previously recognized in the Berat region. As a result, our research significantly expands the documented count of Heteroptera species in Berat to 71.

On probiotic integration in the management of inflammation and the maintenance of the intestinal epithelial barrier’s integrity

Giovanna Traina — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Inflammatory bowel disease epidemiology has grown dramatically in recent years, particularly in developed and developing Western countries. Many factors, including stress, diet, and medications, cause and exacerbate inflammatory conditions. Inflammation is closely related to the concept of intestinal barrier integrity. When integrity is compromised, toxins and pathogens can enter the bloodstream. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in using probiotic bacteria to prevent or treat a variety of pathologies, including inflammatory bowel disease. Some studies have looked at the effectiveness of multi-strain probiotic supplements in preventing intestinal barrier dysfunction in in vitro models of lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation. To mimic the intestinal barrier, human colon adenocarcinoma cell lines were established in Transwell co-culture models. The epithelium permeability was assessed by measuring the transepithelial electrical resistance. The expression of individual proteins involved in barrier function was assessed. The immunomodulatory effects of probiotic formulations were studied in both human macrophage cell lines and ex vivo human peripheral blood mononuclear cell-derived macrophages. The intestinal epithelial layer was also interfaced with a human mast cell line. Selected probiotics have demonstrated high potential for use in maintaining intestinal barrier integrity and possessing anti-inflammatory properties.

Comparison and evaluation of the methods for measuring hemolytic activity of Stomolophus meleagris jellyfish tentacle extract

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Hemolytic activity assessment is a widely used method to evaluate the toxicity of marine organisms, including jellyfish. However, there are some challenges associated with testing hemolytic activity. In this study, four methods were employed to compare the hemolytic activity of jellyfish tentacle extract (TE). Firstly, a microplate reader was used to compare the mouse hemoglobin solution at three different wavelengths (415 nm, 541 nm, and 576 nm), and the most sensitive wavelength was selected for further experiments. Secondly, photomicrograph counting was used to determine the number of complete red blood cells in the field of view. Thirdly, a microplate reader was used to test hemolytic activity in a 96-well plate at 415 nm. Fourthly, a Bicinchoninic Acid (BCA) kit was used to test the concentration of hemoglobin in the solution. Finally, a UV-Vis Spectrophotometer was used to test hemolytic activity at 415 nm. Among the three wavelengths tested, the absorption value was most sensitive at 415 nm. The photomicrograph counting method was able to reflect changes in the shape of Red Blood Cells (RBCs). The microplate reader method may exhibit deviations when the solution concentration is high, while external factors could influence the BCA kit when the toxin concentration in the experimental group is low. The spectrophotometer method was found to be relatively accurate and sensitive to changes. When optimizing the method, it is important to consider the applicability of the Beer-Lambert law and the concentration of solutions.