Design and synthesis of novel uracil-linked Schiff bases as dual histone deacetylase type II/topoisomerase type I inhibitors with apoptotic potential.

The previously reported dual histone deacetylase type II (HDAC II) / topoisomerase type I (Topo I) inhibitors suffer pharmacokinetic limitations because of their huge molecular weights. We report the design and synthesis of a smarter novel set of uracil-linked Schiff bases () as dual HDAC II/Topo I inhibitors keeping the essential pharmacophoric features. Cytotoxicity of all compounds was assessed against three cancer cell lines.

The emergence of an imported variant of dengue virus serotype 2 in the Jazan region, southwestern Saudi Arabia.

Background: Dengue virus (DENV) infection is a global economic and public health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical countries where it is endemic. Saudi Arabia has seen an increase in DENV infections, especially in the western and southwestern regions. This study aims to investigate the genetic variants of DENV-2 that were circulating during a serious outbreak in Jazan region in 2019.

Genetic Variation in DEAD-Box Helicase 20 as a Putative Marker of Recurrence in Propensity-Matched Colon Cancer Patients.

Variants of the DEAD-Box Helicase 20 (DDX20), one of the microRNAs (miRNAs) machinery genes, can modulate miRNA/target gene expressions and, hence, influence cancer susceptibility and prognosis. Here, we aimed to unravel the association of DDX20 rs197412 T/C variant with colon cancer risk and/or prognosis in paired samples of 122 colon cancer and non-cancer tissue specimens by TaqMan allelic discrimination analysis. Structural/functional bioinformatic analyses were carried out, followed by a meta-analysis.

DNA Barcoding of Potential Mosquito Disease Vectors (Diptera, Culicidae) in Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia.

The conventional morphological characterization of mosquito species remains heavily used for species identification in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. It requires substantial expertise and time, as well as having difficulty in confirming identity of morphologically similar species. Therefore, to establish a reliable and accurate identification system that can be applied to understanding spatial distribution of local mosquito species from the Jazan region, DNA barcoding was explored as an integrated tool for mosquito species identification.

Cytotoxicity of Mahanimbine from Curry Leaves in Human Breast Cancer Cells (MCF-7) via Mitochondrial Apoptosis and Anti-Angiogenesis.

Mahanimbine (MN) is a carbazole alkaloid present in the leaves of which is an integral part of medicinal and culinary practices in Asia. In the present study, the anticancer, apoptotic and anti-invasive potential of MN has been delineated in vitro. Apoptosis cells determination was carried out utilizing the acridine orange/propidium iodide double fluorescence test.

Gastroprotective effect of low dose Eugenol in experimental rats against ethanol induced toxicity: Involvement of antiinflammatory and antioxidant mechanism.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Syzygium aromaticum L. volatile oil (clove oil) has been traditionally used for various stomach disorders including inflammatory conditions. Eugenol is the major constituent present in the volatile oil, and it has been established as a gastroprotective agent through many published studies, but the exact and complete mechanism of ulcer protection is not delineated yet.

Association of B-cell lymphoma 2/microRNA-497 gene expression ratio score with metastasis in patients with colorectal cancer: A propensity-matched cohort analysis.

Background: Deregulated microRNAs (miRs) significantly impact cancer development and progression. Our in silico analysis revealed that miR-497 and its target gene B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL2) could be related to poor cancer outcomes.

Purpose: To investigate the BCL2/miRNA-497 expression ratio in colorectal cancer (CRC) and explore its association with the clinicopathological characteristics and CRC prognosis.

Focally amplified long non-coding RNA in epithelial cancer as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target.

Deregulation of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) has been implicated in tumorigenesis. is a lncRNA upregulated in multiple cancer types. functions as an oncogene through various mechanisms, such as competitively binding miRNAs and regulation of PI3K/AKT, Tp53 and phosphatase and tensin homolog signaling pathways.

Applications of Adductomics in Chemically Induced Adverse Outcomes and Major Emphasis on DNA Adductomics: A Pathbreaking Tool in Biomedical Research.

Adductomics novel and emerging discipline in the toxicological research emphasizes on adducts formed by reactive chemical agents with biological molecules in living organisms. Development in analytical methods propelled the application and utility of adductomics in interdisciplinary sciences. This review endeavors to add a new dimension where comprehensive insights into diverse applications of adductomics in addressing some of society's pressing challenges are provided.

Prevalence of β-S Globin Haplotypes in Jazan Region of Saudi Arabia.

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a common hematological genetic disorder in Saudi Arabia, Africa, the Mediterranean region, and India. The present study aimed to characterize βS haplotypes found in the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: One hundred sickle cell trait (SCT) individuals, diagnosed during their visit to the premarital screening clinic at King Fahad Central Hospital, were included in the study.

Association of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2B antisense RNA 1 gene expression and rs2383207 variant with breast cancer risk and survival.

Background: The expression signature of deregulated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and related genetic variants is implicated in every stage of tumorigenesis, progression, and recurrence. This study aimed to explore the association of lncRNA cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2B antisense RNA 1 (CDKN2B-AS1) gene expression and the rs2383207A>G intronic variant with breast cancer (BC) risk and prognosis and to verify the molecular role and networks of this lncRNA in BC by bioinformatics gene analysis.

Methods: Serum CDKN2B-AS1 relative expression and rs2383207 genotypes were determined in 214 unrelated women (104 primary BC and 110 controls) using real-time PCR.

Kelch 13-propeller polymorphisms in Plasmodium falciparum from Jazan region, southwest Saudi Arabia.

Background: Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is recommended at the initial phase for treatment of Plasmodium falciparum, to reduce morbidity and mortality in all countries where malaria is endemic. Polymorphism in portions of P. falciparum gene encoding kelch (K13)-propeller domains is associated with delayed parasite clearance after ACT.

Prognostic value of the miRNA-27a and PPAR/RXRα signaling axis in patients with thyroid carcinoma.

The authors aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of miRNA-27a (miR-27a), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha/gamma () and retinoid X receptor alpha ) tissue expression in patients with thyroid carcinoma. The expression levels were quantified in 174 archived thyroid specimens using real-time quantitative PCR. Downregulation of miR-27a was associated with lymph node stage and multifocality.

Ameliorative effect of Boesenbergin A, a chalcone isolated from Boesenbergia rotunda (Fingerroot) on oxidative stress and inflammation in ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in vivo.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf. Kulturpfl.

Girinimbine from curry leaves promotes gastro protection against ethanol induced peptic ulcers and improves healing via regulation of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms.

Curry leaves (Murraya koenigii) are a leafy spice used in Indian cookery for its fragrant aroma. Many bioactive functional compounds have been identified, and among them carbazole alkaloids have attracted wide attention due to their multi-dimensional medicinal value. Even though it has been established that the carbazole alkaloid is responsible for the anti-ulcer effect showed by this culinary herb, there is no further evidence to say which phytochemical is responsible for this.

Knockdown resistance mutations contributing to pyrethroid resistance in Aedes aegypti population, Saudi Arabia.

Background: Dengue is endemic in Saudi Arabia especially in Jeddah, Makkah, Asir, and Jazan areas where pyrethroids are widely used to control the vector, Aedes aegypti. Resistance of Ae. aegypti to pyrethroid insecticides has been reported from most of these areas.

Influence of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Promoter Gene Polymorphisms (-174G>C, -572G>C, and -597G>A) on IL-6 Plasma Levels and Their Impact in the Development of Acute Ischemic Stroke in Young Indians.

This study aimed to determine whether there is an influence of interleukin 6 () gene promoter polymorphisms on IL-6 plasma levels and its role in the development of ischemic stroke in young Indians. One hundred young patients with ischemic stroke (age ≥ 45 years) and equal number of age- and sex-matched controls were genotyped for 174G>C, -572G>C, and -597G>A promoter polymorphisms by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Plasma IL-6 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Niacin deficiency modulates genes involved in cancer: Are smokers at higher risk?

The role of niacin's metabolite, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), in DNA repair via base-excision repair pathway is well documented. We evaluated if niacin deficiency results in genetic instability in normal human fetal lung fibroblasts (MRC-5), and further, does it leads to enhanced accumulation of cigarette smoke-induced genetic damage? MRC-5 cells were grown discretely in niacin-proficient/deficient media, and exposed to nicotine-derived nitrosamine ketone (NNK, a cigarette smoke carcinogen). Niacin deficiency abated the NAD polymerization, augmented the spontaneous induction of micronuclei (MN) and chromosomal aberrations (CA) and raised the expression of 10 genes and suppressed 12 genes involved in different biological functions.

Prevalence of a carbapenem-resistance gene (KPC), vancomycin-resistance genes (van A/B) and a methicillin-resistance gene (mecA) in hospital and municipal sewage in a southwestern province of Saudi Arabia.

Objective: According to the World Health Organization, the increasing antibiotic resistance of pathogens is one of the most important threats to human health. Prevalence of a carbapenem-resistance gene (KPC), vancomycin-resistance genes (van A/B) and a methicillin-resistance gene (mecA) in hospital and municipal sewages will be potential threat to public health.

Results: Vancomycin-resistance genes were detected in the sewage of community tank-II, sewage tank of the tertiary and general hospital.

A comparative molecular docking study of curcumin and methotrexate to dihydrofolate reductase.

Interaction of curcumin (CUR) with the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) was studied by molecular docking using AutoDock 4.2 as the docking software application. AutoDock 4.

The Role of Oxidative Stress in Koenimbine-Induced DNA Damage and Heat Shock Protein Modulation in HepG2 Cells.

Background: Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng, is a significant herb of traditional Ayurvedic system of medicine. Koenimbine, a carbazole alkaloid isolated from this plant holds antiproliferative and apoptotic effects.

Catha edulis Extract Induces H9c2 Cell Apoptosis by Increasing Reactive Oxygen Species Generation and Activation of Mitochondrial Proteins.

Background: Catha edulis (Khat) is an evergreen shrub or small tree, traditionally used by various peoples of the Arabian Peninsula and Africa as an integral component of the socioeconomic traditions. It is believed that the psychostimulant nature and toxic nature of khat is primarily due to the presence of cathinone and cathine respectively. Studies have shown that khat chewing is closely associated with cardiac complications, especially myocardial infarction.

Correlation between Resistin, Tuberculosis and Khat Addiction: A Study from South Western Province of Saudi Arabia.

Tuberculosis(TB) is a disease of global significance, which accounts for a death in every 15 seconds. Recent studies shows TB is rising in certain parts of the world, and Saudi Arabia is one of them. Several factor contribute in predisposing the subjects for infection including but not limited to addiction to various compounds which have immune modulation properties, such as amphetamines and Heroin etc.

Curcumin binds in silico to anti-cancer drug target enzyme MMP-3 (human stromelysin-1) with affinity comparable to two known inhibitors of the enzyme.

In silico interaction of curcumin with the enzyme MMP-3 (human stromelysin-1) was studied by molecular docking using AutoDock 4.2 as the docking software application. AutoDock 4.