Ain Shams University, Faculty of ScienceEgyptian Journal of Pure and Applied Science2090-231X59120210811Evaluation of Sex hormones in male and female Egyptian population naturally exposed to Dibutyl phthalate: a cross-sectional study1819374910.21608/ejaps.2021.85289.1003ENRadwa M.DoniaNational Nutrition Institute, Cairo, EGYPT0000-0002-7611-4800E. A.SultanNational Nutrition Institute, Cairo, EGYPTAbdel-Rahman B.Abdel-GhaffarBiochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, EGYPT0000-0002-0774-7540E. A.HassaninNational Nutrition Institute, Cairo, EGYPTIbrahim H.BoraiBiochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, EGYPTJournal Article20210711Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC) an exogenous chemical or mixture of chemicals, which can interfere with hormonal action. The phthalates and their metabolism like Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) are considered EDCs disturb the action of reproductive hormones. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 84 selected adult volunteers from both genders to assess the association between serum DBP concentration and sex hormone levels in adult Egyptians. Serum DBP was measured by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometer. Serum sex hormones, sex hormone- binding globulin (SHBG), and Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In males, there was a significant decrease in total testosterone (T), Free testosterone (FT), Bioavailable testosterone (BT), Free Androgen Index (FAI) between low and high exposure to DBP, while Estradiol (E2) was significantly increased. In the female, there were significant increases in total E2, Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and significant reduction in progesterone in high exposure group compared to low exposure to DBP. This study showed that there was a significant strong correlation between DBP with T, T/ E2 in males while female subjects showed a significant strong positive correlation with LH and FSH. There is increasing evidence that DBP has an impact on human sex hormones which can cause many physiological disturbances and many diseases in Egyptian adults. It is recommended that reduce human exposure to DBP in the food supply.https://ejpasa.journals.ekb.eg/article_193749_b04a85b910b3d5e1fe7f515002e321da.pdfAin Shams University, Faculty of ScienceEgyptian Journal of Pure and Applied Science2090-231X59120211011Serum soluble cluster of differentiation 163 (sCD163), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and cytokeratin 18 (CK18) levels as biomarkers for liver fibrosis in Egyptian chronic hepatitis C patients91919914210.21608/ejaps.2021.81019.1002ENShaimaaMahmoudBiochemistry Department, National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute, EgyptRaniaMohmedBiochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, EgyptAminAbd El BakiBiochemistry Department, National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute, EgyptEmanAbdel AzeemBiochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, EgyptEmanSalehBiochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, EgyptJournal Article20210621Abstract<br /> Liver fibrosis is a pathological disease in which extracellular matrix proteins, such as collagen, build up in the liver, causing tissue remodeling and the creation of persistent scar tissue. It has been associated to HCV infection, As a result, the objective of this study is to evaluate the levels of sCD163, MMP9, and CK18 as noninvasive biomarkers . <br /> A total of 100 subjects were divided into 4 groups for investigation. Group 1 consisted of healthy control subjects (Control group). Patients with HCV infection were divided into 3 groups based on their fibrosis grade: Group 2 (F0), Group 3 (F1-F2), and Group 4 (F3-F4). The ELISA technique was used to assess the levels of direct serum indicators sCD163, MMP9, CK18, and AFP. A complete blood count, serum ALT, AST, albumin, total bilirubin, and INR were measured. In addition, as indirect biomarkers, the FIB-4 score and the AST/ALT Ratio (AAR) were reported. Results indicated that the levels of sCD163, CK18, and AFP were increased significantly in all HCV infected groups, compared to controls, with the highest levels in the advanced groups. MMP9 was decreased in low grade fibrotic HCV groups, but significantly increased in advanced liver fibrosis group. FIB-4 and AAR showed a significant increase in all HCV patients, compared to control group. From the obtained data, the performance of MMP9 was the most accurate direct blood biomarker for evaluating the advanced fibrosis (Group 4). In addition, CK18 and sCD136 showed promising results.https://ejpasa.journals.ekb.eg/article_199142_d1a3cee21c9f9c1c2b895bcd6d57c24c.pdfAin Shams University, Faculty of ScienceEgyptian Journal of Pure and Applied Science2090-231X59120211013Role of rs 1800625 and 63bp deletion RAGE Gene Polymorphisms in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression202819950010.21608/ejaps.2021.81656.1001ENMariamMohamedBiochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, EgyptAmalAhmedMedical Research Division, National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute, Cairo, EgyptMagdyMohammedBiochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, EgyptMarwaHegazyBiochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, EgyptJournal Article20210620Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common liver malignancy, whose heterogeneous occurrence indicates genetic dissimilarities between people in the main risk factors. Advanced glycation end product receptor (RAGE) is a multiligand receptor implicated in several pathogenic conditions, including cancer. In this study, the impact of RAGE gene polymorphisms on the susceptibility to hepatocarcinogenesis was explored.<br /> Aim of study: to estimate the effect of gene variations of RAGE on the progress of HCC caused by any viral infection and to examine the relationship between a RAGE and the risk and progression of HCC.<br /> Material and methods: single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP; rs1800625) (-429T>C), and the 63 bp deletion (-407 to -345) in the 5’ flanking region of the RAGE gene were investigated among 90 HCV patients divided into 3 groups and 20 healthy controls. The HCV cases were diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) while the HCC was diagnosed by Alfa-fetoprotein (AFP) test in addition to computed tomography. Liver cirrhosis was diagnosed with abdominal sonography. <br /> Results and conclusion: The study detected a significant association of rs1800625 with the increased risk of HCC also majority of HCC patient (86.7%) showed 63 bp deletion polymorphism (- 407 – 345 ) , our data suggest a correlation of RAGE gene polymorphism rs1800625 with the early stage of liver tumorigenesis and implicate its protective role in the progression of HCC.https://ejpasa.journals.ekb.eg/article_199500_247aa66f0808a0de2c8bb84996d69526.pdfAin Shams University, Faculty of ScienceEgyptian Journal of Pure and Applied Science2090-231X59120211019Antimicrobial potentiality of green synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles by Penicillium roqueforti294320142010.21608/ejaps.2021.100903.1009ENAlyaaAliSpecial Food and Nutrition Department, Food Technology Research Institute, Agriculture Research Centre, Giza, Egypt0000-0001-8005-0486NeimatElewaDairy Science and Technology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Fayoum University, Fayoum, EgyptNahlaElbostanySpecial Food and Nutrition Department, Food Technology Research Institute, Agriculture Research Centre, Giza, EgyptYousseriaShetaiaMicrobiology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams university, Cairo, EgyptMahmoudSwilmBotany Department, Faculty of Science, Banha University, Al Qalyubiyah, EgyptJournal Article20211013The invasion of foodborne pathogens remains a serious problem for researchers and regulators in the food industry. The introduction of a new type of potent antibacterial agent is of great importance for controlling bacteria and fungi. This study aimed to investigate a novel antimicrobial agent, such as iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs), which are biosynthesized by a simple, fast, eco-friendly, and efficient method using Penicillium roqueforti MK805460.1. The obtained iron oxide nanoparticles were covered by SiO2 layer using stöber method. The biosynthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Antibacterial activity of the nanoparticles with different concentrations of 50, 100, 150, and 200 μg/ml was examined against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633) and Gram-negative bacteria (Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028 and Escherichia coli ATCC 8739) by agar well diffusion and kinetic bacterial growth methods. While, the antifungal activity of nanoparticles was tested against Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Aspergillus flavus using the dry weight mycelial method. According to UV-Vis spectroscopic study, the wavelength band observed in the region 204–266 nm, indicating the formation of iron oxide nanoparticles. In addition, spheres of 5–16 nm-sized iron oxide nanoparticles were confirmed via TEM. Also, the results showed that the modified silica nanoparticles had more significant antimicrobial activity than the iron oxide nanoparticles.https://ejpasa.journals.ekb.eg/article_201420_9eec453dce3897cd2d73c69408c7b406.pdfAin Shams University, Faculty of ScienceEgyptian Journal of Pure and Applied Science2090-231X59120211026Preparation of 134Cs sealed source based on WO3 adsorbent for radiometric calibration purposes444820198910.21608/ejaps.2021.94364.1006ENAhmed F.El-GharbawyRadioactive Isotopes and Generators Dept., Hot Labs Center, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, EgyptM.MostafaRadioactive Isotopes and Generators Dept., Hot Labs Center, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, EgyptM. A.El-AbsyRadioactive Isotopes and Generators Dept., Hot Labs Center, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, EgyptEbtsam A.SaadChemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shames University, Cairo, EgyptJournal Article20210905Cesium-134 artylon sealed source based on inorganic adsorbent (as a core) was easily prepared. The sealed source was in the form of a disk constituted of two halves; base and top. Cesium-134 was adsorbed by equilibration of 134CsCl solution with WO3 inorganic adsorbent at pH 4 for 24 h at 25±1°C. Then, the liquid phase was decanted and checked for the remaining activity. Thereafter, the 134Cs-loaded WO3 was dried at 100 °C for 24 h. A definite weight the 134Cs-loaded WO3 adsorbent was placed in the central cavity of the base half-disk. Then the two half-disks were assembled using a commercial epoxy adhesive. The activity values of the sealed source were 7.81×10-2 and 7.70×10-2 Ci, calculated by using the absolute efficiency curve and DETEFF software were found to be closest at a 5 cm source-detector distance; respectively. After radiometric standardization and encapsulation, the sealed source was checked radiometrically before release to the local market for calibration purposes of radiation measurement and identification instruments.https://ejpasa.journals.ekb.eg/article_201989_4285a377928a96cf8aa88d0c604b8649.pdfAin Shams University, Faculty of ScienceEgyptian Journal of Pure and Applied Science2090-231X59120211026Phytochemical Screening and Assessment of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Potentialities of Two Egyptian Medicinal Plants495720221810.21608/ejaps.2021.97655.1008ENAbeerYounisBotany Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, EgyptHendSalehBotany Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt0000-0003-3124-9872Journal Article20210923Methanolic extracts of Aerva javanica and Ochradenus baccatus shoots were assessed for their phytoconstituents, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Both tested plants displayed potent antioxidant activities evaluated by the DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and reducing power (EC50) which strongly correlate with their phenolic and flavonoid contents. The antimicrobial study revealed that the methanolic extract of the tested plants exhibited different extents of activities against selected bacterial and fungal strains; moreover, A. javanica was most effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. GC-MS analysis of methanolic extracts showed the presence of many compounds in the areal parts of A. javanica like L-Rhamnose; 4TMS derivative, Glycolic acid; TMS derivative, 3-Decen-1-ol, (E)- and 2-Hydroxyisocaproic acid used as antimicrobial agents. On the other hand, for O. baccatus compounds like phosphorodifluoridous hydrazide, trimethyl, palmitic acid and 2-Hydroxyisocaproic acid; TMS derivative which have biological properties as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agents were detected. Hence, methanolic extract of A. javanica and O. baccatus shoots have comparatively rich phytochemicals and antioxidants suggesting their desirable use to cure some diseases and disorders. Nevertheless, further isolation and biological screening will elucidate the mechanism of therapeutic potential of these compounds.https://ejpasa.journals.ekb.eg/article_202218_d97b022b130c64f93db14a2a62422c14.pdf