Pharmacology, Toxicology and Environmental Health Commons^™

Fungal-Associated Deterioration Of Polythene Bags Collected From The Dumping Sites Of District Sialkot: A Preliminary Screening Study, Zarish Fatima, Brian Gagosh Nayyar, Ayesha Sarwar, Mah-E- Noor Abbas, Saira Fiaz, Wajiha Seerat

Journal of Bioresource Management

Polythene bags are highly inert plastic materials made from monomers of ethylene. Due to their durability, lightweight, and low-weight characteristics, polythene bags are in high demand among consumers and retailers worldwide. This widespread use of polythene bags has led to the generation of polythene waste in the environment. This study focused on the degradation of polythene bags through fungal strains in the desired region.  In this research, three identified fungal strains, namely Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Fusarium oxysporum, were screened using two synthetic media for degradation, such as the culture plate method (CPM) and Liquid media degradation (LMD). A …

Isolation, Quantification, And Characterization Of Microplastics In Atmospheric Fallout Across Different Areas Of Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, Muhammad Rizwan, Aqib Javed, Muhammad Javed Islam, Kashif Riaz, Asif Bilal, Muhammad Nasir, Ayesha Ali

Journal of Bioresource Management

Microplastics have become widely dispersed in our environment, and even in the air we breathe. The present research aims at identifying and determining the amounts of microplastics present in atmospheric fallout over Lahore city, which is characterized by a large population and several manufacturing industries. In order to find out the existence of microplastics, samples of atmospheric fallout were collected from various sites across hustling municipalities of Lahore that included urbanized settlements. The analysis disclosed that there are various forms of microplastic fibers, fragments and granules indicating different sources of pollution. The identified ones varied from 114.485 µm to 2034.731 …

Evaluation Of Heavy Metal And Health Risks Of Well Water In Abobo, Osara And Osaragada Communities In Kogi State, North-Central, Nigeria, Muhammed Haruna Isah, Blessing Ahmed, Dauda Tanko, Adang Kombe Lucas

Journal of Bioresource Management

Human health may be at risk if drinking water contains excessive amounts of heavy metals (HMs). To determine risks related to heavy metals, fifteen water samples were taken every month between July and September, 2024 from the communities of Abobo (Site A), Osara (Site B) and Osaragada (Site C) close to Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara. These samples were tested for ten HMs (Cu, Fe, Ni, Zn, Co, Cd, As, Cr, Hg, Pb) with the aid of Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. The average concentration ranges as follows: Fe (0.378-0.511 mg/l), Cu (1.643-1.720 mg/l), Ni (0.31-0.556 mg/l), Zn (0.17-0.271 mg/l), …

The Count Of White Blood Cells And Body Mass Index In The Smoker Population Of Tehsil, Dhirkot, District Bagh, Badra Younis, Muhammad Shahbaz, Ayesha Chattha, Anum Sadiq, Zakia Arif, Syeda Sabahat Fiaz

Journal of Bioresource Management

During this study, a total of 145 blood samples was collected from individuals aged between 16-65 years from tehsil Dhir Kot. Among them, 110 were smokers and 35 were non-smokers. Samples were taken in an evacuated container having Ethylene Diamine Tetra acetic Acid. Leucocyte count was done by using a hemocytometer and body mass index (BMI) was measured by using the formula BMI= kg/m². Among the smokers, 53 (48 %) individuals have normal BMI and out of the normal BMI, 47 (89 %) individuals have normal BMI and normal WBCs, but 3 (6 %) smokers had normal BMI …

Biofunctional Characterization Of A Polyherbal Formulation, Muhammad Ameer Qarib Naqvi, Iqra Saleem, Fatma Hussain

Journal of Bioresource Management

Polyherbal formulations (PHFs) have greater medicinal importance due to their enhanced bioactivities. To check whether a combination of several plants enhances bioactivities, the current study was designed. Methanol, aqueous and n-hexane solvents were used to prepare PHF of Syzgium cumini, Origanum vulgare, Aloe vera barbadensis Miller and Gymnema sylvestre. DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging) assay was used to analyze antioxidant activity. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) estimations were done by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and AlCl₃ colourimetric techniques, respectively. Bactericidal activity was measured by agar well diffusion method, anti-diabetic profile was assessed by …

Evidence That Ultraviolet B Radiation Generates Systemic Responses Via Microvesicle Particle, Niharika Annapureddy

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Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, ranging from 280–315 nm, has been identified as carcinogenic since 1928 and is known to cause skin cancer. Additionally, UVB exposure triggers inflammatory responses, systemic effects, and organ damage. Recent research has discovered that these adverse outcomes are facilitated by the release of microvesicle particles (MVP) via the inflammatory lipid mediator, Platelet-activating Factor (PAF). We have previously demonstrated that sunburn causes skin keratinocytes to release high levels of MVP by activating the PAF receptor (PAFR). These studies were designed to test if these microvesicles enter the bloodstream and travel to various organs, especially the gut, increasing …

Synthetic Nucleoside Labels For Studying Cell-Free Dna, Dibya Guragai

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Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) can arise from dying cells or be actively secreted by living cells, and is found either unbound, within extracellular vesicles, or in other macromolecular complexes. cfDNA plays roles in intercellular communication and immune responses and is clinically used for diagnostics through PCR and DNA sequencing. Interestingly, our lab has detected lesions in cfDNA after treatment with DNA-damaging agents including UVB and cisplatin. These findings prompted further investigation into which DNA lesions and labels can be found in the cell-free space. Importantly, we sought a mechanism of labeling DNA with a synthetic nucleoside to enable robust tracing using …

Systemic Effects Of Varying Degrees Of Thermal Burn Injuries In Young Mice: Role Of Microvesicle Particles And Platelet-Activating Factor, Prince Wilfred

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Thermal burn injuries (TBI) result in local and systemic effects, particularly when a large body surface area is exposed to TBI. This study investigates the systemic effects of varying degrees of TBI in the murine model, focusing on the role of microvesicle particles (MVP) and Platelet-activating Factor (PAF) in mediating bacterial translocation and systemic inflammation. Utilizing the murine model, we analyzed MVP levels in the skin and blood, bacterial translocation in the gut, and the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators in the major organs at the 2-hour post-burn time point. Our studies revealed that after the two hours’ time point TBI …

Effects Of Canagliflozin And Pioglitazone On Cardiac Ras And Sirt1 In Db/Db Diabetic Mice, Purab Sanjay Sood

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Type 2 diabetes significantly increases the risk of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) and nephropathy, largely due to hyperglycemia-induced activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and elevated levels of angiotensin II (Ang II). Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and neprilysin (NEP) mitigate the deleterious effects of Ang II by generating Ang-(1-7), a cardioprotective vasodilator. ACE2 is essential for cardiac function, while its deficiency exacerbates dysfunction. Furthermore, the silent information regulator 1 (SIRTl) promotes ACE2 expression and contributes to cardiovascular protection. Despite the availability of several classes of antidiabetic medications, some cardiovascular complications of diabetes persist, and intensive glycemic control does not always …

The Circadian Modulating Drug Sr8278 Slows Cell Proliferation Independent Of Rev-Erbs, Ushaswini Atluri

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The small molecule compound SR8278 was initially identified as an antagonist of the REV-ERB proteins, which play an important role in regulating circadian rhythms. Furthermore, the use of SR8278 in preclinical models has been demonstrated to ameliorate a variety of different pathologies. Using RNA-seq analysis of HaCaT keratinocytes treated with SR8278, our laboratory found that SR8278 induces a down regulation of genes involved in the G1/S phase transition of the cell cycle and an up regulation of genes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis. RT-qPCR and western blot analyses confirmed that SR8278 treatment led to lower expression of several factors involved in …

The Role Of Rad51 And Its Paralogs In Dna Damage Response In Quiescent Cells Exposed To Solar Simulating Uv Radiation, Angitha Radhakrishnan Nair

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Rad51, and its five paralog proteins Rad51B, Rad51C, Rad51D, XRCC2, and XRCC3, are crucial in homologous recombination (HR) repair of DNA double-strand breaks. Prior studies have extensively shown the roles of Rad51 in the S/G2 phase, but its role in the G0/G1 phase is still unclear. Our lab focuses on studying the role of Rad51 and its paralogs in quiescent cells. RT-qPCR and western blots helped us understand the expression of Rad51 paralogs in proliferating and quiescent keratinocyte cells. Using a pharmacological inhibitor of Rad51, we found that Rad51 promotes quiescent cell survival after exposure to UV radiation. Like Rad51, …

Comparative Impact Of Canagliflozin Versus Pioglitazone On Biomarkers Of Diabetic Kidney Disease In Db/Db Mice, Siri Chandana Minikuri

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Diabetes mellitus is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD), primarily through dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), characterized by elevated Ang II which promotes vasoconstriction, oxidative stress, and renal fibrosis, along with increased urinary shedding of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which can exacerbate the imbalance of RAS and tubular injury. Previous studies demonstrated that rosiglitazone, a PPAR-γ agonist, attenuated hyperglycemia, glycosuria, albuminuria, and decreased urinary ACE2 shedding in db/db mice, suggesting a RAS-mediated renoprotective mechanism. Building on this evidence, the current study compared the renal effects of pioglitazone (a PPAR-γ agonist) and canagliflozin (an SGLT2 inhibitor) in …

The Role Of Base Excision Repair In Dna Damage Responses In Human Keratinocytes Exposed To Solar Simulating Uv Radiation, Mobolaji Eniola Alabi

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Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the most prominent source of exogenous UV damage to DNA. UV directly causes damage by forming UV photoproducts, including pyrimidine-pyrimidone (6-4) photoproducts ((6-4) PPs), which significantly distort the helical structure of DNA and interfere with transcription and replication processes. The only known repair process of these photoproducts in human cells is nucleotide excision repair (NER). However, a recent study reported an APE1-dependent base excision repair (BER) of a subset of UV photoproducts. The study showed that deletion or inhibition of APE1, PARP1, NTH1, XRCC1, and FEN1 led to a 2-fold increase in sensitivity …

Characterization Of Atr Kinase Function In Quiescent Keratinocytes Exposed To Solar Simulating Uv Radiation, Mohamed Sameer Cholakkathody

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This study examines the role of Ataxia Telangiectasia and Rad3-related kinase in quiescent human keratinocytes exposed to solar-simulated UV radiation (SSL). The ATR inhibitor VE-822 did not significantly affect cell viability in the absence of UV exposure, showing that ATR kinase activity is not essential for quiescent cell survival in the absence of additional genotoxic stress. After SSL exposure, ATR inhibition did not impact acute cell viability but reduced the cells’ long-term ability to proliferate. Western blot analysis demonstrated that VE-822 potently suppressed phosphorylation of ATR target proteins KAP1 and CHK2 in a dose-dependent manner after SSL exposure, confirming strong …

Screening Of Suppressor Mutants That Confer The Suc22 S239f Mutant Cells Resistance To Hydroxyurea, An Inhibitor Of Ribonucleotide Reductase, Sairam Pasam

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Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) is a key enzyme for the biosynthesis of dNTPs for DNA replication and repair. It is composed of a large subunit, Cdc22, and a small subunit, Suc22, in the fission yeast S. pombe. We have recently reported a suc22-S239F mutation in the small subunit of RNR, causing replication stress and hypersensitivity to hydroxyurea (HU), an inhibitor of RNR. Interestingly, this mutation does not sensitize the cell to acute treatment with HU, which mainly generates replication stress, suggesting that the mechanism of HU sensitivity in the suc22-S239F mutant remains to be fully understood. To better understand the cell-killing …

Characterization Of An Unknown Mutant C3 With A High Level Of Endogenous Replication Stress In Fission Yeast, Neha Singh

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To maintain genome stability, which is essential for cell proliferation and survival, cells rely on cell cycle checkpoint pathways to deal with perturbed DNA replication or replication stress. The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe serves as a powerful model organism for studying checkpoint mechanisms because its fundamental cellular processes are highly conserved in higher eukaryotes. During a genetic screening for mutants affecting genome integrity, we identified a novel mutant called C3 that exhibits a unique phenotype. Unlike wild-type cells, where phosphorylation of the checkpoint mediator Mrc1 is typically observed only in response to exogenously induced replication stress, such as the treatment …

Characterizing The Microvesicle Particles From Keratinocytes Stimulated With Multiple Stressors, Muslima Begum

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Many types of environmental and physical stressors act upon the skin and can initiate inflammation, systemic effects, and even damage to internal organs. Recent studies have identified that these harmful events are driven by the release of subcellular microvesicle particles (MVPs), an inflammatory process promoted by the glycerophosphocholines-derived lipid mediator, Platelet-activating Factor (PAF). These harmful effects are driven by the release of MVPs, a process promoted by the inflammatory lipid mediator, PAF. We have previously demonstrated that exposure of human HaCaT keratinocyte and mouse skin to stressors such as thermal burn injury, ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, and topical photodynamic therapy …

Phytochemical Screening And Medicinal Properties Of Caralluma Fimbriata And Moringa Oleifera, Ammara Tariq, Anum Ashfaq, Kalsoom Sughra, Ayesha Hameed

Journal of Bioresource Management

The research was intended to evaluate the medicinal properties of Caralluma fimbriata and Moringa oleifera, as these plants are well known for their therapeutic activities. Qualitative analysis of the phytochemical components of these plants was used to identify the existence of potentially useful therapeutic compounds. Antibacterial and antifungal activities of extracts were assessed and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties were evaluated using the DPPH assay and the protein denaturation inhibition assay, respectively. The α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition tests were utilized to determine the plant extract's effectiveness as an antidiabetic agent. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of medicinally beneficial compounds …

Histopathology Of Heart And Spleen As A Result Of Chromium Exposure In Mice, Syeda Nadia Ahmad, Sana Akram, Iram Inayat, Muhammad Ali Kanwal, Sadia Suleman, Khawaja Raees Ahmad

Journal of Bioresource Management

Potassium dichromate (K₂CR₂O₇) contains hexavalent chromium that was tested for cardiac and splenic histopathology and micro anatomical and morphometric analysis at sub-toxic chronic exposure in drinking water in mice at 50 ppm, 100 ppm and 200 ppm concentration. Its duration of exposure was 30 days. The forty animals were divided into 4 groups as Group I was designated as Control (Ctl) received free normal drinking water, other groups (Group II-IV) were Cr (VI)50 ppm, Cr(VI)100 ppm, Cr(VI)200 ppm received 50, 100 and 200 ppm chromium in drinking water respectively. The animals were sacrificed after …

Water Quality And Macroinvertebrates Assessment Of Eniong Creek, Akwa Ibom State, Niger Delta, Nigeria, Udeme Effiong Jonah, Imeh Kokoete Esenowo, Udeme Isong Enin

Journal of Bioresource Management

The water quality and macroinvertebrates from the downstream section of Eniong Creek were studied for six months, between August 2022 and January 2023 in three sampling stations/ points; to evaluate the ecological integrity and its suitability for habitation of aquatic organisms. Water samples were collected using sterilized plastic bottles and 250 mL reagent bottles for biochemical oxygen demand, and analyzed in accordance with the standard examination methods. Water temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), transparency (TP), total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), and pH were measured in situ while water samples were collected for determination of phosphate (PO₄^-), …

A Study On Bioaccumulation Of Two Heavy Metals In Pastures Irrigated With Wastewater And Translocation In Grazing Ruminants Through Forages: Public Health Implications, Zafar Iqbal Khan, Kafeel Ahmad, Tasneem Ahmad, Kausar Parveen, Asma Ashfaq, Naila Riaz, Faiza Zubair, Hafsa Memona, Shahzadi Mahpara, Ijaz Rasool Noorka, Tooqeer Abbas, Humayun Bashir, Abid Ejaz, Shahzad Akhtar, Aima Iram Batool, Naunain Mehmood, Farzana Siddique, Muhammad Nadeem, Muhammad Umer Farooq Awan, Allah Bakhsh Gulshan, Tayyba Liaqat, Tayyaba Aziz, Natasha Ameer

Journal of Bioresource Management

Copper and zinc play a very important role in plant development, but exposure at higher concentrations causes severe toxic effects. Copper (Cu) is an essential element for plants as it is involved in the synthesis of ATP and CO₂ assimilation, while zinc (Zn) stimulates several enzymes and is necessary for the biosynthesis of chlorophyll. The present research appraised the Cu and Zn concentrations in water, soil, forages (Trifolium repens, Cynodon dactylon, Lolium perenne, and Festuca arundinacea), milk, and hair samples of buffaloes. The samples were collected from the selected sites of Tehsil Bhalwal Punjab, Pakistan, and analyzed through an …

Impact Of Imidacloprid On Forebrain Mitochondrial Enzymatic Activities Ec50, Ic50 And Impacts Of Mellissa Extracts, Sarra Zouaoui, Rachid Rouabhi, Chahinez Taib, Zina Bouteraa, Salim Gasmi, Brahim Benaicha, Nadjiba Toualbia

Journal of Bioresource Management

Neonicotinoids are new generation of neuroactive pesticides, used against a wide specter of insect species, and many non-target beings are affected with these pesticides’ impacts. Our work was focused on the impact of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 mg/kg of Imidacloprid the nicotinergic neuronal pathway inhibitor (N-ACh receptors) on the activities of mitochondrial detoxification enzymes (Catalase, SOD, GST and GPx) and acetylcholine esterase (AchE) in forebrain region of Wistar rats. Direct impact on enzymes activities was measured and the IC50, EC50 with or without Mellissa extracts were investigated. Our results showed that the IC₅₀ of imidacloprid on …

Amelioration By Morus Nigra Fruit Extract On Testes, Seminiferous Tubules And Spermatic Cells By Chromium Induced Histopathologies In Mice, Syeda Nadia Ahmad, Khawaja Raees Ahmad, Khalida Jabeen, Muhammad Ali Kanwal, Iram Inayat, Sadia Suleman, Asma Younas, Arifa Haider

Journal of Bioresource Management

Male toxicology in terms of histopathology of testes, histometery of seminiferous tubules and various spermatic cells against short-term hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) exposure & their ameliorations upon post treatment of Morus nigra fruit pulp extract (MnFPE) were studied. There were 3 groups of animals named as 1. Control (C) group: received free normal drinking water for 15 days; 2. Chromium (Cr VI) group: received hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) in drinking water for 10 days; 3. Chromium+Morus nigra (Cr VI+Mn) group: received Cr(VI) in drinking water for 10 days; additionally received 0.2mL MnFPE twice a day for next 5 days. The …

Toxicity Of Three Species Of The Solanaceae Family Growing In Algeria Against Culiseta Longiareolata Mosquitos 4th Stage Larvae, Saliha Benhissen, Abdelmaddjid Yagoub Asloum, Nora Belkhiri, Zakaria Hedjouli, Siham Bounadji, Wafa Habbachi, Khellaf Rebbas

Journal of Bioresource Management

Mosquitoes have always been considered a source of harm to humans and animals mainly because they can be vectors of disease. This work represents a study on the effect of aqueous extract of three plants (Hyoscyamus albus, Solanum elaeagnifolium, Solanum nigrum) of the Solanaceae family on the mortality of 4th stage larvae of Culiseta longiareolata larvae. Extract of the high impact is of S. nigrum followed by H. albus and S. elaeagnifolium, respectivley of C. longiareolata larvae.

Characterization Of The Hydroxyurea-Induced Cell Elongation Phenotype In Fission Yeast Ssb1-20 Mutant, Yeseswi Archana Guduri

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Eukaryotic SSB, also known as replication protein A (RPA), is a single-stranded DNA binding protein that is highly conserved in eukaryotes. It is essential in multiple cellular functions such as DNA replication, repair, recombination, and cell cycle checkpoint signaling. Studying SSB’s or RPA’s checkpoint functions in cells is challenging due to its crucial role in cell survival. Exploring this possibility, we performed an extensive genetic screening of ssb1, which encodes the largest subunit of RPA, looking for nonlethal mutants that lack the checkpoint function. This screen has identified 25 primary mutants that are sensitive to genotoxins namely HU and MMS. …

Characterization Of Cisplatin-Dna Adduct Release From Cancerous And Non-Cancerous Cell Lines, Aleena Alex

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Cisplatin is an effective chemotherapeutic agent that is used to treat lung, breast, esophageal, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers. Despite being effective in treating a wide variety of cancer types, its cytotoxicity to off-target healthy tissues restricts its therapeutic application. The platinum atom of cisplatin interacts with DNA and results in the formation of inter-and intra-strand crosslinks, which are often referred to as DNA adducts. These adducts are mutagenic and potentially lethal to cells. The sole pathway for cells to excise intra-strand cisplatin-DNA adducts from the genome is through nucleotide excision repair. The fate of unrepaired DNA adducts is not understood …

The Role Of Suc22-S239f Mutation In Sensitizing Fission Yeast To The Replication Stress Induced By Hydroxyurea, Kajal Davi

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Genetic mutations can significantly impact the cell’s susceptibility to environmental stress. The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe is an established eukaryotic model for studying the cellular responses to various environmental stresses. This work investigated a missense mutation (S239F) identified in Suc22, the small subunit of the ribonucleotide reductase (RNR). RNR is an essential enzyme for the biosynthesis of dNTPs required for DNA replication and repair. We found that the suc22-S239F mutation increases the susceptibility to the replication stress induced by hydroxyurea (HU), not the DNA-damaging agents such as UV, methyl methanesulfate, and CPT. HU is a drug commonly used in laboratories …

Role Of Urban Parks In Carbon Sequestration– A Case Study Of Safari Park, Karachi, Pakistan, Amna Bano, Minzah Shehzad, Hasnain Kazmi, Jamshaid Iqbal

Journal of Bioresource Management

Urban parks besides their recreational use can be the potential source of climate mitigation through carbon sequestration. Present study aims to identify the carbon sequestration potential of Safari Park which is by far the largest public park of Karachi established in 1970 covering an area of 0.72 km². A total of 153 individual trees belonging to 25 species and 14 families were included in the study. Five dominant species with highest Important Value Index (IVI) were Cocos nucifera (14.62 %), Azadirachta indica (14.21 %), Guaiacum officinale (9.93 %), Washington robusta (9.31 %) and Delonix regia (7.11 %). The …

Ethnobotanical Study Of Antihemorrhagic Plants In The Skikda Region (North East Of Algeria), Nabila Souilah, Hamdi Bendif, Abdelkrim Benaradj, Abdelouaheb Belaid, Scherazad Mekious

Journal of Bioresource Management

Our survey was carried out at the level of 17 Municipalities of the Province of Skikda. Questionnaire sheets were distributed to 55 herbalists and 350 locale population (informants). The processing of survey data with the local population shows us that women (52 %) have more knowledge of phytotherapy compared to men (48 %) with a fairly high level of education. For the herbalists, we found that most are men (85.45 %) aged between 31-40 years (29.09 %) and 41-50 years (25.45 %), and with level of university study (36.36 %). On the other hand, 52.73 % of herbalists said they …

Human Health Risk Assessment Of Some Heavy Metals In Eme River, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria, Emeka Donald Anyanwu, Onyinyechi Gladys Adetunji, Paschal Emeka Etusim, Solomon Nnanna Umeham

Journal of Bioresource Management

This study evaluated the health risk of some heavy metals in Eme River, Umuahia. The study conducted in 6 stations was between December 2017 and November 2018. The non-carcinogenic method that involves determination of chronic daily intake (CDI), hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) was applied in the assessment of ingestion, dermal and incidental ingestion exposures. Iron, lead and cadmium exceeded their limits and warranted risk assessment. The heavy metals’ CDI values for the three routes were lower than their respective reference doses except for cadmium (ingestion route). Except for cadmium (ingestion), the hazard quotients also recorded values lower …