Digital Commons Network^™

Evaluation Of Mechanism Of Action And Toxicity Of Novel Psychoactive Substances (Nps) Identified As Cannabinomimetics, Robert Michael Sears

Theses and Dissertations

Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRA), also referred to as synthetic cannabinoids (SCs), pose a significant public health risk, create an undue burden on local emergency departments, and present significant challenges for law enforcement officers and forensic laboratories. SCs are a diverse group of compounds sold with the intent to illicit psychoactive responses like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component in marijuana. Since their initial detection in 2004, illicit use of SCs has grown in popularity. Recognizing the dangers of SC use, the Drug Enforcement Agency has moved to schedule the analytes routinely identified in street drugs. Despite these efforts, the …

Dna-Delivered Monoclonal Antibodies Targeting The P53 R175h Mutant Epitope Inhibit Tumor Development In Mice, Dafei Chai, Xu Wang, Praveen Neeli, Shan Zhou, Xingfang Yu, Kanaga Sabapathy, Yong Li

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The tumor suppressor p53 is the most common mutated gene in cancer, with the R175H as the most frequent p53 missense mutant. However, there are currently no approved targeted therapies or immunotherapies against mutant p53. Here, we characterized and investigated a monoclonal antibody (mAb) that recognizes the mutant p53-R175H for its affinity, specificity, and activity against tumor cells in vitro. We then delivered DNA plasmids expressing the anti-R175H mAb or a bispecific antibody (BsAb) into mice to evaluate their therapeutic effects. Our results showed that the anti-R175H mAb specifically bound to the p53-R175H antigen with a high affinity and …

Limonoids Isolated From Chisocheton Pentandrus (Meliaceae) Stembarks And Its Cytotoxicity Towards Mcf-7 Breast Cancer Cell Line, Dudi Runadi, Intan Hawina Anjari, Purnama Purnama, Nurlelasari Nurlelasari, Desi Harneti, Tri Mayanti, Harizon Harizon, Ace Tatang Hidayat, Supriatno Salam, Mohamad Nurul Azmi, Unang Supratman

Makara Journal of Science

Chisocheton is a large source of limonoids with various pharmacological effects, such as antiviral, antibacterial, antimalarial, antifungal, and cytotoxic activities. This study aimed to isolate, elucidate, and evaluate the cytotoxicity of limonoids from C. pentandrus stembarks. Isolation was carried out using various separation methods including extraction and column chromatography. Spectral data were analyzed by FT-IR, UV, DEPT 135°, ¹H, ¹³C-NMR, and HRTOF-MS and compared with those previously reported to determine the chemical structure.The obtained limonoids were lasiocarpine (1), lasiocarpine B (2), pentandricine (3), and 16β-hydroxydysobinin (4); all of which were …

Integration Of Ζ-Deficient Cars Into The Cd3Ζ Gene Conveys Potent Cytotoxicity In T And Nk Cells, Jonas Kath, Clemens Franke, Vanessa Drosdek, Weijie Du, Viktor Glaser, Carla Fuster-Garcia, Maik Stein, Tatiana Zittel, Sarah Schulenberg, Caroline E Porter, Lena Andersch, Annette Künkele, Joshua Alcaniz, Jens Hoffmann, Hinrich Abken, Mohamed Abou-El-Enein, Axel Pruß, Masataka Suzuki, Toni Cathomen, Renata Stripecke, Hans-Dieter Volk, Petra Reinke, Michael Schmueck-Henneresse, Dimitrios L Wagner

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-redirected immune cells hold significant therapeutic potential for oncology, autoimmune diseases, transplant medicine, and infections. All approved CAR-T therapies rely on personalized manufacturing using undirected viral gene transfer, which results in nonphysiological regulation of CAR-signaling and limits their accessibility due to logistical challenges, high costs and biosafety requirements. Random gene transfer modalities pose a risk of malignant transformation by insertional mutagenesis. Here, we propose a novel approach utilizing CRISPR-Cas gene editing to redirect T cells and natural killer (NK) cells with CARs. By transferring shorter, truncated CAR-transgenes lacking a main activation domain into the human CD3ζ (CD247) …

Investigation Of Self-Assembly Of Hen Egg White Lysozyme Fibrils, Nabila Bushra

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Amyloid proteins are a large group of proteins that tend to aggregate and form insoluble fibrils with a characteristic cross-β sheet structure. Intriguingly, this process of “amyloid formation” has been simultaneously linked to devastating human diseases called amyloidoses, ranging from Alzheimer’s Disease, cardiac amyloidoses to type II diabetes, as well as functional biological responses such as hormone storage and sperm quality control. Amyloid fibrils have also attracted significant attention for their unique mechanical, chemical, and optical characteristics, establishing them as promising tough biomaterials. The urgent need to find treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, and the demand for safe and renewable biomaterials …

Antiviral And Cytotoxic Activities And Chemical Profiles Of Two Species Of Abies Nordmanniana From Türkiye, Nazli Sarikahya, Gaye Sümer Okkali, Furkan Ozan Çöven, Sevda Zeinali̇, Gülce Gucur, Ayşe Di̇la Çağlar, Ece Uyar, Ahmet Ceyhan Gören, Ayşe Nalbantsoy

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

Abies is an important genus of the family Pinaceae, with about 50 species found in the highlands of Asia, Europe, North Africa, and North and Central America. The principal aim of the present work was to investigate the chemical content and biological potential of the resin and cone from Abies nordmanniana subsp. bornmulleriana and Abies nordmanniana subsp. equi-trojani, respectively. The flavonoid and phenolic contents of the resin and cones were evaluated using liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). Additionally, the essential oil and fatty acid compositions were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID).. Cytotoxicity …

Enhancing Curcumin’S Therapeutic Potential In Cancer Treatment Through Ultrasound Mediated Liposomal Delivery, Remya Radha, Vinod Paul, Shabana Anjum, Ayache Bouakaz, William G. Pitt, Ghaleb A. Husseini

Faculty Publications

Improving the efficacy of chemotherapy remains a key challenge in cancer treatment, considering the low bioavailability, high cytotoxicity, and undesirable side effects of some clinical drugs. Targeted delivery and sustained release of therapeutic drugs to cancer cells can reduce the whole-body cytotoxicity of the agent and deliver a safe localized treatment to the patient. There is growing interest in herbal drugs, such as curcumin, which is highly noted as a promising anti-tumor drug, considering its wide range of bioactivities and therapeutic properties against various tumors. Conversely, the clinical efficacy of curcumin is limited because of poor oral bioavailability, low water …

Proteomic Identification Of Hemp (Cannabis Sativa) Seeds By Tandem Mass Spectrometry And Evaluation Of Cytotoxic Activity, Taran Harris

Pharmaceutical Sciences (MS) Theses

Hemp (Cannabis sativa) has a long history of use globally as a source of traditional medicine, spiritual enlightenment, and recreational enjoyment. While it was commonly consumed for both medical and recreational purposes in the United States, it was classified as a Schedule 1 drug in 1937, severely restricting its use and research opportunities. Although hemp itself lacks psychoactive properties, Cannabis sativa flowers contain THC, the compound responsible for its psychotropic effects. This restriction hindered quality research into cannabis and its constituents. The study employed techniques, including top-down proteomics, size exclusion chromatography, affinity chromatography, high-resolution ESI QTOF LC/MS/MS, and …

Exploration Of Cytotoxicity Of _Rabidosa Rabida_ Venom On Invertebrate And Vertebrate Cell Cultures, Martina Gooden

Honors Theses

Venom has been observed in thousands of species across different taxa. It can be adapted for different purposes, including prey capture or predator defense. Venom is found almost universally in spiders, but there has been little exploration of spiders that are not medically significant. Rabidosa rabida, the rabid wolf spider, is a common species whose venom has not been adequately investigated. Previous studies indicate that they do not require venom to apprehend easy prey in a laboratory setting, raising a question as to what their venom is adapted to do. To evaluate its effect on mammalian cells, L929 murine fibroblasts …

In Vitro Comparison Of Cellular Cytoxicity Of Conventional Vs. Cad/Cam Denture Base Materials, Zainab Hill Albasry

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Aim: Adverse reactions and local irritation of the oral mucosa to prostheses constructed from PMMA include allergic response, erythema, and a burning sensation of the tongue and mucosal tissues. Evidence on the cytotoxic effects of digitally manufactured denture base materials remains scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the cytotoxic effects of CAD/CAM fabricated denture bases versus conventionally heat-cured acrylic resin materials. Materials and Methods: In total, 75 disks of five different denture resin materials – 15 disks per group were prepared: Ivocap (group 1; control), Ivotion denture base (group 2), Lucitone 3D denture base (group …

Β-Actin G342d As A Cause Of Nk Cell Deficiency Impairing Lytic Synapse Termination, Abigail E Reed, Jackeline Peraza, Frederique Van Den Haak, Evelyn R Hernandez, Richard A Gibbs, Ivan K Chinn, James R Lupski, Enrica Marchi, Ran Reshef, Bachir Alobeid, Emily M Mace, Jordan S Orange

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Natural killer (NK) cell deficiency (NKD) occurs when an individual’s major clinical immunodeficiency derives from abnormal NK cells and is associated with several genetic etiologies. Three categories of β actin-related diseases with over 60 ACTB (β actin) variants have previously been identified, none with a distinct NK cell phenotype. An individual with mild developmental delay, macrothrombocytopenia, susceptibility to infections, molluscum, and EBV-associated lymphoma had functional NK cell deficiency for over a decade. A de novo ACTB variant encoding G342D β actin was identified and was consistent with the individual’s developmental and platelet phenotype. This novel variant also was found to …

Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant Activity, And Cytotoxic Effects Of Physalis Angulata And Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extracts On Cancer And Normal Cells In Vitro, Didik Priyandoko, Wahyu Widowati, Ika Adhani Sholihah, Nurul Zahra Zahira, Adityana Arta Bangun, Kusdianti Kusdianti, Hernawati Hernawati, Wahyu Surakusumah, Rahadian Deden Juansah

Makara Journal of Science

Physalis angulata and Moringa oleifera have long been the key ingredients of traditional medicine. This study aimed to obtain the metabolite profiles of the ethanolic leaf extracts of P. angulata (ELP) and M. oleifera (ELM), evaluate their antioxidant activity, and assess their toxicity against normal and cancer cells. The leaves were sourced from Balittro, West Java. The extraction used 70% ethanol and continued for 3 days. The metabolites were identified using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), antioxidant activity was ascertained via the DPPH assay, and cytotoxicity was evaluated employing the PrestoBlue assay. GC-MS identified 23 compounds in ELP and 15 in …

Structure-Activity Relationship Of Anticancer Drug Candidate Quinones, Nadire Özenver, Neslihan Sönmez, Merve Yüzbaşıoğlu Baran, Ayşe Uz, Lütfiye Ömür Demi̇rezer

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancer types worldwide. Chemotherapy is a substantial approach in the management of breast cancer despite the occurrence of chemotherapy-associated side effects and the development of multidrug resistance in cancer cells. At this point, a variety of quinone derivatives may represent potential as possible anticancer drug candidates due to possessing structural similarity towards clinically used anticancer drugs like doxorubicin. Therefore, we investigated the cytotoxic effects of various quinone derivatives with structural diversity towards a variety of breast cancer cells. We further determined their toxicity in healthy cells to evaluate their drug capability potential. …

Il-12 Reprograms Car-Expressing Natural Killer T Cells To Long-Lived Th1-Polarized Cells With Potent Antitumor Activity, Elisa Landoni, Mark G Woodcock, Gabriel Barragan, Gabriele Casirati, Vincenzo Cinella, Simone Stucchi, Leah M Flick, Tracy A Withers, Hanna Hudson, Giulia Casorati, Paolo Dellabona, Pietro Genovese, Barbara Savoldo, Leonid S Metelitsa, Gianpietro Dotti

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Human natural killer T cells (NKTs) are innate-like T lymphocytes increasingly used for cancer immunotherapy. Here we show that human NKTs expressing the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-12 (IL-12) undergo extensive and sustained molecular and functional reprogramming. Specifically, IL-12 instructs and maintains a Th1-polarization program in NKTs in vivo without causing their functional exhaustion. Furthermore, using CD62L as a marker of memory cells in human NKTs, we observe that IL-12 maintains long-term CD62L-expressing memory NKTs in vivo. Notably, IL-12 initiates a de novo programming of memory NKTs in CD62L-negative NKTs indicating that human NKTs circulating in the peripheral blood possess an intrinsic …

Comparative Genomics Across Ganoderma Species To Identify Anti-Cancer Secondary Metabolite Clusters, Omobolanle A. Ayangade, Abril Chao, Rajendra Pangeni, Braham Dhillon, Navi Gill

Bioinformatics

Ganoderma lucidum is a mushroom-forming fungus that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. G. lucidum, also known as lingzhi or reishi, is consumed in several Asian cultures to promote health and longevity. Bioactive molecules isolated from mushroom fruiting bodies have been demonstrated to have cytotoxicity against different cancer cell lines. Triterpenes and polysaccharides are the two major groups of compounds that exhibit antitumor and anti-inflammatory properties both in in vitro and animal studies. These anticarcinogenic compounds have already demonstrated apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest. Genes involved in the production of triterpenoids are organized into …

Nanotube Spectral Fingerprinting And Machine Learning For Optimized Bioimaging/Sensing Applications, Aceer Nadeem

Open Access Dissertations

This thesis presents a multifaceted exploration of the optimization and application of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in biomedical contexts, with a specific focus on enhancing their stability, functionality, and use as optical biosensors. The research spans several key areas, including the development of innovative techniques that couple machine learning with spectral fingerprinting for advanced diagnostics, the investigation of SWCNT chirality and its implications for cellular interactions, and the optimization of lyophilization processes to improve long-term stability and reproducibility.

The first section of the thesis delves into the fundamental properties of SWCNTs, emphasizing their unique electronic and optical characteristics. These properties, …

Synergistic Cytotoxicity Effect Of Ultrasound And Plasma Microbubble In Glioblastoma 3d Tumor Sphere Model, Janith Wanigasekara, Patrick J. Cullen, Brijesh Tiwari, James F. Curtin

Articles

The combined application of ultrasound (US) and plasma microbubble (PMB) is a promising technology against glioblastoma (GBM). Here, we determined the effects of US and PMB (alone and combined) on U-251 MG GBM and A431 epidermoid carcinoma spheroids under different conditions. The synergistic treatment of US- and PMB-induced tumor sphere cell death in a time-, dose-, treatment frequency-, and reactive oxygen species dependent manner, while multiple treatments augmented this effect. Synergistic treatments significantly reduced three-dimensional GBM spheroid regrowth and cell proliferation while inducing cytotoxicity, spheroid shrinkage, and damage to the tumor microenvironment. PMB-induced cytotoxicity throughout the tumor sphere, likely via …

Heating Capacity And Biocompatibility Of Hybrid Nanoparticles For Magnetic Hyperthermia Treatment, Aline Alexandrina Gomes, Thalita Marcolan Valverde, Vagner De Oliveira Machado, Emanueli Do Nascimento Da Silva, Daniele Alves Fagundes, Fernanda De Paula Oliveira, Erico Freitas, José Domingos Ardisson, José Maria Da Fonte Ferreira, Junnia Alvarenga De Carvalho Oliveira, Eliza Rocha Gomes, Caio Fabrini Rodrigues, Alfredo Miranda De Goes, Rosana Zacarias Domingues, Ângela Leão Andrade

Michigan Tech Publications

Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases worldwide and has been responsible for millions of deaths. However, developing a satisfactory smart multifunctional material combining different strategies to kill cancer cells poses a challenge. This work aims at filling this gap by developing a composite material for cancer treatment through hyperthermia and drug release. With this purpose, magnetic nanoparticles were coated with a polymer matrix consisting of poly (L-co-D,L lactic acid-co-trimethylene carbonate) and a poly(ethylene oxide)–poly(propylene oxide)–poly(ethylene oxide) triblock copolymer. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction confirmed magnetite to be the only iron oxide in the sample. Cytotoxicity …

Evaluation Of The Cytotoxic Effect Of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles In Human Embryonic Lung Cells, Olkan Afşar, Çağatay Oltulu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Titanium dioxide nanoparticles are widely used in a variety of products, including sunscreens, paints, and ceramics. However, their increasing use has raised concerns about their potential health risks. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles have been shown to have the ability to enter the bloodstream and accumulate in various tissues, reaching the fetus via the placenta. The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on a human embryonic lung cell line (HEL 299/An1) and the formation of oxidative DNA damage. Materials and methods: The cytotoxic effects of brookite-based titanium dioxide nanoparticles (<100 nm) were assessed using the 3-(4,5-dimethyldiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay for 24 and 48 h. Cell titanium levels were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Oxidative DNA damage was assessed by measuring the levels of 8-hydroxy-2- deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) as a biomarker. Results: Titanium dioxide nanoparticles caused dose-dependent cytotoxicity in HEL 299/An1 cells. The IC50 values were 25.93 μM and 0.054 μM after 24 h and 48 h of exposure, respectively. Cell titanium levels were found to be 25,967 ppb after 24 h and 210,353 ppb after 48 h (p < 0.01). 8-OHdG was detected at 32.96 ng/mL after 24 h of exposure and 17.89 ng/mL after 48 h of exposure. Conclusion: In our study, it was shown that titanium nanoparticles caused dose-dependent cytotoxicity and oxidative DNA damage in human embryonic lung cells. The nanoparticles also accumulated in cells and were taken up in higher amounts after 48 h of exposure. These findings suggest that titanium dioxide nanoparticles may pose a health risk, especially for pregnant women who may not be aware of their pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to take preventive measures to reduce exposure to these nanoparticles.

Characterization Of The Probiotic Properties Of Yeast Strains Isolated From Different Food Sources And Unraveling The Potential Nutritional Benefits Of Fermented Date Palm Pomace With Selected Probiotic Candidates: Untargeted Metabolomics And Carbohydrate Metabolites Of In Vitro Digested Fraction, Nadia Al Kalbani

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Utilizing fermentation with probiotics offers a promising opportunity to leverage agricultural by-products, such as date palm pomace (DPP), in order to drive forward sustainable food production endeavors. This dissertation aimed to (1) isolate yeast from fermented food products as well as to characterize their probiotic properties; (2) investigate the physiochemical properties of fermented DPP by selected yeast isolates; (3) evaluate the health benefits of non-fermented and fermented DPP samples both pre and post-digestion (bioaccessible portions); and (4) analyze the untargeted metabolites and carbohydrates metabolites in the bioaccessible portions. The yeast isolates showed remarkable survivability in acidic environment while bile salt …

Characterization Of The Probiotic Properties Of Yeast Strains Isolated From Different Food Sources And Unraveling The Potential Nutritional Benefits Of Fermented Date Palm Pomace With Selected Probiotic Candidates: Untargeted Metabolomics And Carbohydrate Metabolites Of In Vitro Digested Fraction, Nadia Al Kalbani

Dissertations

The use of agricultural by-products, including date palm pomace (DPP), presents a promising opportunity for advancing sustainable food production. By fermenting DPP with novel probiotic yeast candidates, the bioactive properties of the by-product can be enhanced, potentially yielding health benefits. This dissertation aimed to (1) isolate yeast from fermented food products as well as to characterize their probiotic properties; (2) investigate the physiochemical properties of fermented DPP by selected yeast isolates; (3) evaluate the health benefits of non-fermented and fermented DPP samples both pre and post-digestion (bioaccessible portions); and (4) analyze the untargeted metabolites and carbohydrates metabolites in the bioaccessible …

Synthesis Of New Imine-/Amine-Bearing Imidazo[1,2-A]Pyrimidine Derivatives And Screening Of Their Cytotoxic Activity, Tuğba Güngör, Hazal Nazlican Atalay, Yakup Berkay Yilmaz, Tuğba Tümer, Mehmet Ay

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

Imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine derivatives bearing imine groups (3a-e) were successfully synthesized in moderate to good yields using microwave-assisted heating. Corresponding amine derivatives (4a-e) were also obtained by the reduction reaction of the imine derivatives (3a-e). All synthesized products were characterized by FT-IR, 1 H NMR, 13C NMR, and LC-MS spectroscopic techniques. In silico ADMET, Lipinski, and drug-likeness studies of the compounds were conducted and all were found to be suitable drug candidates. The cytotoxicity of the potential drug molecules was screened against the breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 and the healthy model HUVEC by the sulforhodamine B method. According to …

Acetone Extracts Of Berberis Vulgaris And Cornus Mas L. Induce Apoptosis In Mcf-7 Breast Cancer Cells, Burcu Uslu, Mustafa Yaman, Tuba Özdemi̇r Sanci, Mustafa Güngörmüş, Çağla Zübeyde Köprü, Fatma Esra Güneş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to determine the proliferation and apoptotic effects of extracts from Cornus mas L. and Berberis vulgaris fruits on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7). Materials and methods: The Cornus mas L. and Berberis vulgaris fruits, which constitute the herbal material of the study, were turned into 80% acetone extract after washing. The total phenolic content in Berberis vulgaris fruit extracts was determined calorimetrically using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. The spectrophotometric method was used to determine the total flavonoid amount of the extracts. In order to measure the antioxidant capacity of Cornus mas L. and Berberis vulgaris fruits and extracts, …

Cytotoxicity And Antioxidative Effects Of Individual Components In A Traditional Thai Polyherbal Remedy Called Prompak, Bhudsaban Sukkarn, Bhanuz Dechayont, Jirun Wongpung, Ramon Aphibanpathomrath

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Prompak is a traditional Thai polyherbal remedy for curing symptoms found in gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the anticancer potentials of individual ingredients of Prompak, i.e., Myristica fragrans, Euphorbia antiquorum, Piper nigrum, Aloe vera, Ferula assa-foetida, Moringa oleifera, and camphor. Sulforhodamine B assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of each ingredient against KATO-III, LS 174T, HepG2 cancer cells, and HaCaT normal cells. The antioxidant activity of each herb was examined using ABTS and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. The ethanolic extract of E. antiquorum showed the highest cytotoxicity with the most considerable selectivity against HepG2, KATO-III, and …

Versatile Applications Of Mannich Base Ligands And Their Metal ‎Complexes: A Review Article, Enass Waheed, Ali Al-Khazraji, Awf Ahmed

Journal of Applied Sciences and Nanotechnology

Mannich base is a versatile compound that can be easily modified to introduce different functional groups, allowing for the creation diverse selection of items with varying features. Additionally, the Mannich reaction is a valuable tool in organic synthesis, due to the fact it provides an effortless and efficient approach for synthesizing C-N bonds. Overall, The Mannich base and even its derivatives are essential in many aspects of chemistry and its complexes are in the pharmaceutical industry. Studies have revealed that it shows good anti-cancer, anti-mycobacterial, remarkable anti-HIV, anti-tubercular, anti-convulsant, anti-fungal, antiviral, antitumor, cytotoxic activities and in industrial applications such as …

Diminazene Aceturate-Induced Cytotoxicity Is Associated With The Deregulation Of Cell Cycle Signaling And Downregulation Of Oncogenes Furin, C-Myc, And Foxm1 In Human Cervical Carcinoma Hela Cells, Rajendra Gharbaran

Publications and Research

Diminazene aceturate (DIZE) is an FDA‐listed small molecule known for thetreatment of African sleeping sickness. In vivo studies showed that DIZE may bebeneficial for a range of human ailments. However, there is very limited informationon the effects of DIZE on human cancer cells. The current study aimed to investigatethe cytotoxic responses of DIZE, using the human carcinoma Hela cell line. WST‐1cell proliferation assay showed that DIZE inhibited the viability of Hela cells in adose‐dependent manner and the observed response was associated with thedownregulation of Ki67 and PCNA cell proliferation markers. DIZE‐treated cellsstained with acridine orange‐ethidium and JC‐10 dye revealed cell …

Prenylated Stilbenoids As Paclitaxel Adjuvants In Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Treatment, Sepideh Mohammadhosseinpour

Student Theses and Dissertations

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), the most fatal breast cancer subtype, lacks three main receptors (the human epidermal growth factor 2 receptor (ERBB2, formerly HER2), estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors) and represents about 15% of all breast tumors. The most common treatment for TNBC is chemotherapy, being paclitaxel one of the most prescribed drugs. One of the main issues of paclitaxel is its high level of toxicity to non-cancerous cells and the development of paclitaxel resistance in the TNBC cells. Adjuvant therapy has been proposed as an alternative approach to increase the efficacy of a drug or circumvent drug resistance. …

The Structural Characterization And Bioactivity Assessment Of Nonspecific Lipid Transfer Protein 1 (Nsltp1) From Caraway (Carum Carvi) Seeds, Taibah Aldakhil, Saud O. Alshammari, Bushra Siraj, Bishoy El-Aarag, Shamshad Zarina, David Salehi, Aftab Ahmed

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Carum carvi (caraway) of the Apiaceae family has been used in many cultures as a cooking spice and part of the folk medicine. Previous reports primarily focus on the medicinal properties of caraway seed essential oil and the whole seeds extract. However, no effort has been made to study caraway proteins and their potential pharmacological properties, including nonspecific lipid transfer protein (nsLTP), necessitating further research. The current study aimed to characterize nonspecific lipid transfer protein 1 (nsLTP1) from caraway seed, determine its three-dimensional structure, and analyze protein–ligand complex interactions through docking studies. We also evaluated nsLTP1 in vitro cytotoxic …

Identification Of New Disinfection Byproducts In Drinking Water And Impacts Of Algae, Md. Tareq Aziz

Theses and Dissertations

The disinfection of water has been hailed as one of the most important triumphs for public health in the 20th century. Drinking water treatment plants produce safe drinking water by inactivating microorganisms through the use of disinfectants, including chlorine, chloramine, chlorine dioxide, UV irradiation, and ozone. However, these disinfectants also produce toxic disinfection by-products (DBPs), through reactions with natural organic matter and anthropogenic pollutants, as well as bromide and iodide present in source waters. The presence of bromide and iodide results in the formation of bromo- and iodo-DBPs which are much more toxic than DBPs containing chlorine. DBPs are always …

Investigating Novel Chemotherapeutics Against The Parasite Toxoplasma Gondii, Braydon Dreher

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Toxoplasma gondii, an intracellular protozoan, is a globally prevalent parasite due to the infectivity of T. gondii with nearly 2.5 billion people affected worldwide. Toxoplasma gondii can cause toxoplasmosis, which is a disease acquired through the consumption of undercooked meat or found in the feces of felines, and often leads to profound neuropathology and potentially death. Currently, acute toxoplasmosis is treated with pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine, which is a combination of an antiprotozoal and a sulfonamide. This combination of drugs directly targets the acute stage of infection but has failed to eliminate or impact the chronic carriage of bradyzoites while …