International Journal of Advancement in Life Sciences Research

Cytotoxicity Assessment of Coffea arabica Bean Extract Using Allium cepa Root Tip Assay

Naruporn Pedklang — 2026-07-26

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages worldwide; however, excessive caffeine intake has been associated with adverse health effects, including headaches, insomnia, anxiety, and increased heart rate. Therefore, investigation is needed into the potential long-term impacts of the caffeine consumed in coffee. This study evaluated the concentration-dependent and time-dependent cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of Coffea arabica (C. arabica) bean extract on Allium cepa (A. cepa) root meristem cells. Five concentrations of C. arabica bean extract were tested: 0% (zero), 25% (low), 50% (moderate), 75% (high), and 100% (extremely high), each with exposures of 24 and 48 hours. Cytotoxicity was evaluated based on the mitotic index (MI) and chromosomal aberrations. Based on the results, all the tested concentrations significantly reduced the MI compared to the control, indicating inhibition of cell division. In particular, the 48-hour treatments with 50%, 75%, and 100% (v/v), resulted in a reduction in the MI compared to the positive control. In addition, all treatments induced various chromosomal abnormalities at both exposure times, including anaphase bridges, telophase bridges, chromosome fragmentation, c-mitosis, chromosome stickiness, and binucleated cells. Among these, the binucleated cells were the most frequently observed abnormality, comparable to those observed in the positive control group. In conclusion, C. arabica bean extract demonstrated cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in A. cepa root meristem cells in a concentration-dependent and time-dependent manner. This study highlighted the utility of the A. cepa as a reliable bioassay for evaluating the potential toxicity of natural compounds.

Integrative pharmacological profiling of leaf-derived steroids from Belosynapsis vivipara for Ulcer protection: In silico and in vivo approaches

Kuntal Das — 2026-07-26

This investigation focused on evaluating the anti-ulcer properties of a steroidal compound extracted from the ethanol-based leaf extract of Belosynapsis vivipara. A combination of polar and nonpolar solvents facilitated the isolation process, and the resulting fractions were characterized using thin-layer chromatography, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and high-performance liquid chromatography. The extract was administered orally to Wistar albino rats at doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg, with ethanol-induced gastric lesions serving as the experimental model. Ranitidine was used as the reference drug for comparison. To support the biological findings, molecular docking and ADMET profiling were conducted against human carbonic anhydrase isoforms I and II. β-sitosterol was identified as a major constituent through column chromatography. The higher dose of the extract significantly improved ulcer-related parameters, including ulcer index, gastric pH, and acidity levels, suggesting a dose-dependent therapeutic effect. Docking analysis revealed notable interactions between β-sitosterol and the target protein (PDB ID: 6g3v), including hydrogen bonding with ALA132 and hydrophobic contacts with ALA135 and LEU131. The compound also met Lipinski’s criteria for drug-likeness. These findings indicate that the ethanol extract of B. vivipara leaves, particularly due to β-sitosterol, holds promise as a natural agent for gastric ulcer management through mucosal protection and acid regulation.

Enhancement of Topical Delivery of Aceclofenac Using Limonene: A Quality by Design Approach

Sangeetha Govindarajan — 2026-07-28

Aceclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to treat pain and inflammation caused by musculoskeletal disorders. Oral administration of Aceclofenac is associated with various gastrointestinal side effects like dyspepsia, abdominal pain, or discomfort. To reduce systemic side effects and to improve patient compliance, a topical gel was formulated using the Quality by Design approach. The Aceclofenac gel was prepared by using Carbopol 974P as a polymer and optimized by custom design. The design suggested 8 runs for 3 factors (Carbopol 974P, limonene and PEG 400) and 2 responses (viscosity, in vitro drug release). The 8 different formulations were prepared and evaluated. The optimized topical gel was characterized for homogeneity, pH, spreadability, viscosity, drug content, in vitro drug release, ex vivo permeation, and stability studies. The optimized Aceclofenac gel formulation predicted global desirability was 0.9980; in-vitro and ex vivo studies were found to be 84.64% and 77.42%. The drug release kinetics were analyzed using zero-order drug kinetics, the highest correlation of 0.999. A stability study was performed, and the shelf life was predicted to be 23.8 months using JMP statistical software. The optimized Aceclofenac gel avoids the first pass metabolism, and it showed a significantly enhanced permeability through the porcine skin and good stability.

Biodegradation Potential of LDPE-Degrading Bacteria Isolated from Long-Term Plastic Landfills in Madurai

Janet Jeeva Anandhi German Dass — 2026-07-28

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is widely used but poses serious environmental and health risks when improperly discarded, highlighting the need for effective waste management. Conventional disposal methods are inadequate, making microbial bioremediation a promising and sustainable alternative for plastic degradation. This study aimed to investigate the potential of novel bacterial isolates obtained from long-term plastic waste landfills to degrade LDPE by utilizing polyethylene as their sole carbon source. Partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene identified Acinetobacter bereziniae (PD6), Staphylococcus epidermidis (PD9), and Bacillus cereus (PD13) as potential LDPE-degrading bacteria among 14 isolates. The biodegradation of LDPE films was evaluated through weight loss analysis, which revealed no significant variation among the isolates: Acinetobacter bereziniae (0.426%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (0.280%), and Bacillus cereus (0.390%) after 90 days of incubation. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis exhibited –CH₂ asymmetric and symmetric stretching bands, accompanied by the emergence of new peaks, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed morphological changes in LDPE induced by bacterial biofilm formation. Degradation products identified using GC-MS included n-hexadecanoic acid, 2H-2,4a-methanonaphthalen-8(5H)-one, diethyl phthalate, nonanal, 6-octadecenoic acid (Z), palmitic acid, 9-hexadecenyl ester (Z), oleic acid, bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, decanedioic acid, and bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester. This study highlights the isolation of LDPE-degrading bacterial strains from long-term plastic-contaminated landfill soils, suggesting their adaptive evolution and enhanced capability to utilize polyethylene as their sole carbon source.

Molecular Identification and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiling of Bacterial Isolates from Foot Rot Lesions in Bargur Cattle from Anthiyur, Tamil Nadu, India

Yaswanthkumar Sivakumar — 2026-07-28

Foot rot represents a contagious, debilitating polymicrobial infection that compromises bovine health and productivity. This investigation delineates the molecular etiology of foot rot in Bargur cattle, an indigenous breed from Anthiyur, Tamil Nadu, India, alongside antibiotic susceptibility profiling. Swab samples from interdigital lesions of foot rot affected cattle underwent culture-dependent isolation, with five representative colonies identified via 16s rRNA gene amplification and Sanger sequencing. Predominant pathogens comprised Escherichia coli (BCFR1), Shigella sonnei (BCFR7) and Staphylococcus chromogenes (BCFR8), wherein E. coli and S.sonnei exhibited principal pathogenic roles in lesion progression. The Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion against gentamicin, ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin revealed predominantly susceptible to all three antibiotics. These findings substantiate molecular diagnostics for precise pathogen identification and susceptibility-guided antimicrobial interventions. This study establishes foundational etiological and antibiotic sensitivity data supporting evidence-based health management of Bargur cattle.

Investigation of Excretory–Secretory (ES) Antigens from Zoonotic Helminths, Fasciola spp. and Paramphistomum spp., on Colorectal Cancer Cell Line Proliferation

Mehru Nisha — 2026-07-29

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most diagnosed cancers worldwide and remains a major cause of cancer‑related mortality. Recent studies suggest that helminth-derived molecules may influence tumor progression. This study evaluated the antiproliferative effects of excretory–secretory (ES) antigens derived from Fasciola spp. and Paramphistomum spp. on the human colorectal cancer cell line HCT116. Methods: ES antigens were collected from adult parasites obtained from infected bovines. The antiproliferative activity was assessed using an MTT assay at concentrations of 10 µg/mL and 20 µg/mL after 24 and 48 hours. Results: MTT results demonstrated reduced cell viability, particularly at the concentration of 20 µg/mL. Conclusion: These findings suggest that helminth-derived ES antigens possess potential antiproliferative properties.

Effect of Solvent Polarity on the Nutritional and Phytochemical Composition of Cocos nucifera Bee Pollen

Nandhini Velappan Manickam — 2026-07-29

Background: Monofloral bee pollen is increasingly recognized as a nutritionally valuable natural product with promising applications in functional foods and herbal medicine. The present study evaluated the physicochemical, phytochemical, and nutritional characteristics of Cocos nucifera bee pollen extracted using solvents of varying polarity, namely acetone, ethanol, methanol, aqueous, and hydroethanolic solvents. Methods: Cocos nucifera bee pollen (CNBP) pellets were extracted by cold maceration, and the obtained extracts were subjected to physicochemical analysis, qualitative phytochemical screening, and quantitative nutritional evaluation using standard biochemical methods. Results: Extraction yield varied significantly with solvent polarity, with methanol extract exhibiting the highest yield (38%), indicating efficient recovery of polar bioactive constituents. Physicochemical parameters confirmed the stability and quality of the extracts. Qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, steroids, glycosides, and proteins in different solvent extracts. Quantitative analysis demonstrated that CNBPis a rich source of carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, dietary fibre, vitamins, lipids, cardiac glycosides, and essential minerals. Aqueous extracts exhibited higher protein (159.65 ± 0.41 mg BSA/g) and flavonoid contents (366.6 ± 0.57 mg QE/g), whereas methanolic extracts showed elevated phenols and alkaloids. Hydroethanolic extracts demonstrated higher amino acid concentrations, suggesting improved extraction efficiency for mixed-polarity biomolecules. Conclusion: The findings indicate that solvent polarity strongly influences the extraction efficiency and phytochemical composition of CNBP. Overall, the study highlights the nutraceutical potential and supports its prospective application in functional food and herbal formulations. Further pharmacological and clinical investigations are warranted to validate its therapeutic potential.

M-spike Frequency and Serum Fraction Changes in Multiple Myeloma Assessed by Capillary Serum Protein Electrophoresis in and around Chennai, Southern India

Chitra Venkatachalam — 2026-07-29

Introduction: Multiple myeloma is a clonal malignancy of plasma cells characterized by the proliferation of abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow and the excessive production of monoclonal immunoglobulin. Incidence increases with age and is slightly more common in males. Serum protein electrophoresis is a crucial diagnostic method for detecting monoclonal proteins and evaluating protein fraction abnormalities in multiple myeloma. Objectives: The present study works to evaluate serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) patterns from patients investigated for multiple myeloma in a clinical laboratory reference setting. Methods: Serum protein electrophoresis supports detection of monoclonal proteins and other protein abnormalities relevant to multiple myeloma. The method applies an electric field to separate serum proteins according to electrophoretic mobility. Multiple myeloma represents a B-cell lineage neoplasm and accounts for ~10% of haematological malignancies. Serum proteins separate into albumin and globulin fractions; albumin forms the predominant fraction, while globulin fractions migrate closer to the negative electrode. Results: M-spikes were detected in the beta region in 3.80% of electrophoresis reports and in the gamma region in 20.95% of electrophoresis reports. M-spikes were absent in 75.23% of reports. Beta gamma bridging was observed in 7.61% of electrophoresis patterns. Conclusion: Accurate SPE interpretation supported identification of clinically relevant abnormal patterns. Higher occurrence was observed among men aged 50 to 70 years. Higher alpha-1 and lower beta-1 fractions were observed in women, while men showed stronger alpha-1 and lower beta-1 fractions.

Sexual Shape Dimorphism in the Two Native Fish Species (Glossogobius giuris) and (Hypseleotris agilis) in Lake Mainit, Philippines

Cresencio C. Cabuga Jr. — 2026-07-29

Previous studies have primarily relied on fluctuating asymmetry analyses, which, although valuable, may not fully capture the subtle shape variations associated with sexual dimorphism. This study aimed to quantify and compare sexual shape dimorphism in Glossogobius giuris (Pidjanga) and Hypseleotris agilis (Bugwan) using geometric morphometric techniques and describe the water quality condition of the lake. A total of 120 sexually mature individuals were analyzed, comprising 60 G. giuris and 60 H. agilis, with equal representation of males and females. Digital images of specimens were sorted by sex and converted to TPS format using tpsUtil, followed by landmark digitization in tpsDig2. Sixteen homologous anatomical landmarks were placed on each specimen to capture body shape variation. Results of the water quality assessment indicate that the parameters are within the acceptable limits set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Multivariate Analysis of Variance revealed significant differences in morphometric parameters for both species (G. giuris: Wilks’ λ = 0.8249, F = 15.03, p = 2.19 × 10⁻¹³; H. agilis: Wilks’ λ = 0.9097, F = 7.03, p = 2.81 × 10⁻⁶), indicating pronounced shape variation associated with sex. These highly significant results demonstrate that the measured morphometric traits collectively contribute to distinguishing shape variation within and between sexes of the two species. Furthermore, principal component analysis and canonical variate analysis elucidated patterns of sexual dimorphism in both fish types. It arises because differences in the reproductive roles of males and females shape selective pressures, ultimately resulting in distinct morphological traits between the sexes.

Identification and Network Analyses of Salicylic Acid-Induced Overexpression of P-Glycoprotein Inhibitors in Sesamum indicum and Coriandrum sativum

Swagata Mukhopadhyay — 2026-07-29

Background: Plants are major sources of bioactive metabolites, contributing to over one-third of modern pharmaceuticals. These metabolites arise from primary and secondary metabolic pathways essential for plant growth and defense. Salicylic acid, a phytohormone, acts as an elicitor that enhances secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Such metabolites may help overcome multidrug resistance, particularly through inhibition of the efflux transporter P-glycoprotein. Objectives: Building on previous identification of P-glycoprotein inhibitors via molecular docking, this study investigated their biosynthetic pathways and evaluated the impact of salicylic acid elicitation on the phytochemical profiles of selected medicinal plants. Methods: Biosynthetic pathways of identified inhibitor compounds were retrieved from the Plant Metabolic Network database and analyzed to identify common enzymes. Protein–protein interaction analysis was conducted using the STRING database. For elicitation studies, Sesamum indicum and Coriandrum sativum were treated with salicylic acid on alternate days. Harvested seeds were subjected to GC-MS profiling to assess phytochemical changes. Results and Conclusion: Twelve of 33 inhibitors were mapped to phytosterol, tocopherol, sesamin, and cis-abienol biosynthesis pathways, involving 14 common enzymes. Among these, 3β-hydroxysteroid-4α-carboxylate 3-dehydrogenase (decarboxylating) showed the highest connectivity, highlighting its role in sterol biosynthesis. GC-MS analysis revealed that elicited Sesamum indicum showed an increase in phytochemicals from 22 to 50, with potential P-glycoprotein inhibitor candidates increasing from 4 to 19. In Coriandrum sativum, compounds increased from 42 to 44. Salicylic acid elicitation enhanced phytochemical diversity and increased the occurrence of compounds previously reported as potential P-glycoprotein inhibitors, particularly in Sesamum indicum, highlighting its utility as an elicitor for modulating secondary metabolite production.

Distribution and Prevalence of Fluoride in Drinking Water Sources of Salem South Region: A Public Health Analysis

Senthil Kumar Babu — 2026-07-29

Fluoride pollution in groundwater represents a major environmental issue and poses serious risks to public health, particularly in semi-arid regions with fluoride-bearing geological formations. This study comprehensively assessed fluoride levels in potable water across the southern region of Salem, Tamil Nadu, India, aiming to evaluate fluoride levels in drinking water and analyze the associated health impacts. A total of 200 water samples were gathered during both the pre- and post-monsoon periods from 39 villages across the south region of Salem district. Fluoride levels were measured using a high-fluoride checking device. Additionally, health surveys were conducted to assess the occurrence of dental fluorosis in affected groups. Results revealed that 42% of the sampled water sources exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended fluoride guideline of 1.5 mg/L, with concentrations varying between 0.8 and 15.2 mg/L. Notable hotspots of contamination were identified in Salem South, like Seeragadi, Veerapandi, Kondalampatti, and Aatayampatti regions, which are influenced by the existence of fluoride-rich minerals and high rates of evaporation during dry seasons. Health surveys showed that 68% of people in areas with high fluoride levels had dental fluorosis. This condition Children have been diagnosed with this condition, and 24% of adults report experiencing skeletal joint pain symptoms. in children, and 24% of adults have said they have symptoms of skeletal joint pain. The study points out the importance of sustainable interventions. At the same time, the public consuming Mettur water (issued by Salem Corporation) does not face this fluorosis issue; the fluoride level is low (0.3 PPM). Public awareness campaigns to mitigate Thirumanimuthar River pollution that affects the groundwater with fluoride exposure. Future research should focus on exploring advanced defluoridation technologies, pollution-free water, assessing the neurotoxic effects of fluoride and developing long-term solutions for safe drinking water.

Phytochemical Profile and Evaluation of Biological Properties of Plectranthus vettiveroides Root Extract – (Vilamichai Root) An Extensive in vitro Study

Srinivasan Parthasarathy — 2026-07-31

Background: Plectranthus vettiveroides is an aromatic medicinal herb traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Siddha medicine. Although previous studies have reported its antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties, its phytochemical profile and broad biological activities remain incompletely characterised. In parts of South Asia, the roots (Vilamichai root) are traditionally soaked in drinking water for health benefits, but scientific evidence supporting this practice is limited. Objectives: This study aimed to characterise the phytochemical constituents of Plectranthus vettiveroides roots and evaluate their biological activities using multiple in vitro assays. Methods: Ethanolic root extracts were subjected to qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses. Their antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antilipidemic, antioxidant, antiurolithiatic, immunomodulatory, cytotoxic, and antibacterial activities were assessed using established in vitro methods. Results: Qualitative analysis demonstrated tannins, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids, and anthraquinones. The extract contained high total phenolic (223.57 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (173.19 mg QE/g) contents. It inhibited α-amylase (87.66%) and α-glucosidase (85.75%) activities, suppressed protein denaturation (88.22%), and exhibited strong antioxidant activity across multiple assays. The extract also inhibited calcium oxalate crystallisation, enhanced phagocytic activity, showed cytotoxicity against HeLa cells (IC₅₀ 267.44 µg/mL), and demonstrated antibacterial activity against Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio harveyi. Conclusion: Plectranthus vettiveroides root extract possesses diverse bioactive phytochemicals with promising antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiurolithiatic, immunomodulatory, cytotoxic, and antibacterial properties. These findings support its traditional use as a health-promoting herbal preparation and warrant further in vivo and clinical studies to validate its therapeutic potential.

A Deep Learning Approach for Real-Time Detection and Classification of Crop Leaf Diseases to Support Sustainable Farming Practices

S. Phani Praveen — 2026-07-31

Early and correct diagnosis of the crop leaf diseases is essential to guarantee agricultural output, reduce yield damages and to sustain agriculture. Traditional diagnostic techniques or disease diagnostics requiring manual examination are manual, subjective and cannot be applied in large-scale or real-time agricultural monitoring. Despite the recent progress in the field of deep learning, which has shown that high classification rates can be achieved with the help of deep learning in the field of plant disease identification, most of the present methods are only able to perform image-level classification, are not able to localize the disease, and cannot be deployed in real-time in the field. This study introduces a deep learning system of real-time detection and classification of crop leaf diseases that combines effective object detection and disease classification in a single system. The strategy proposed uses a one-stage detection model and an optimized convolutional backbone, data augmentation, and transfer learning to balance the accuracy, robustness, and computational efficiency with the proposed strategy. With standard performance metrics and real-time inference analysis the framework is tested on a curated dataset of about 6,500 samples of crop leaf images of five representative classes including healthy and diseased ones. Experimental data indicate good and consistent performance in terms of disease-wise and a false positive rate of 95.6 and F1-score of 95.4 respectively. The normalized confusion which is depicted in the normalized confusion matrix is highly dominant on the diagonal meaning that there is no inter-class confusion and the sensitivity is certain in all the categories of the disease. The presence of the correct localization of the symptomatic area of the leaves in various visual conditions with the help of qualitative detection is proved. The unified detection classification design proves to be effective as verified by comparative and ablation studies, and real-time assessment demonstrates an inference rate of 26.3 FPS, which is appropriate to be used in edge-based and in-field implementation. All in all the proposed framework will help in closing the gap between laboratory models of high accuracy and deployable real-time agricultural solutions. The method allows localizing the disease and diagnosing it within a short time, which contributes to the development of sustainable and precision farming systems, facilitates early intervention, specific treatment, minimizes the use of chemicals, and enhances crop management.

Assessment of Immunological Parameters among Women with Pregnancy Loss in Babylon City, Iraq: A Seroprevalence Study

Hussain Ali Rzoqy — 2026-07-31

Background: Pregnancy loss is attributed to several factors involved in human reproduction. Genetic and uterine abnormalities, endocrine and immunological dysfunctions, infectious agents, environmental pollutants, psychogenetic factors, and endometriosis are among the most significant causes of spontaneous abortion. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the potential role of anticardiolipin (ACL) and anti-phospholipid (APS) antibodies, alongside Toxoplasma gondii and Rubella virus infections, in the occurrence of pregnancy-related complications and recurrent miscarriages. Methods: A case-control study was conducted involving 300 participants aged 18-45 years in Babylon city from March 15 to May 25, 2023. The case group comprised 250 women with a history of one or more consecutive unexplained spontaneous abortions. The control group consisted of 50 healthy pregnant women with no history of miscarriage. Serum levels of ACL, APS, and antibodies (IgM and IgG) against T. gondii and Rubella virus were evaluated using the automated MiniVIDAS apparatus (Enzyme-Linked Fluorescent Assay - ELFA system) according to manufacturer protocols (bioMérieux, Marcy-l'Étoile, France; ref. 30400, 30410, 30420). Results: A highly significant association was observed between the gestational age (trimesters) and the seroprevalence of the studied etiological agents. The highest seropositivity rates for T. gondii IgM (81.6%), Rubella IgM (69.6%), ACL IgM (66.0%), and APS IgM (62.8%) were recorded among the cases. First-trimester miscarriages exhibited significantly higher seropositivity rates for all IgM markers compared to the second and third trimesters (P < 0.001). Notably, the control group showed 0% positivity for all IgM markers, highlighting a highly specific risk association (P < 0.001). Spearman's correlation analysis revealed strong negative correlations between IgM titers and gestational age: T. gondii (ρ = -0.72, P < 0.001), Rubella (ρ = -0.58, P < 0.01), ACL (ρ = -0.61, P < 0.01), and APS (ρ = -0.65, P < 0.001).Conclusion: This study demonstrates that acute infections and autoimmune markers are significantly associated with spontaneous abortion, particularly during the first trimester. The findings highlight the importance of early serological screening for TORCH infections and anti-phospholipid antibodies to improve maternal-fetal outcomes and reduce recurrent miscarriage rates in Iraq.

Mismatch Repair Protein Expression Patterns in HER 2 Positive Breast Cancer Patients: A Clinical Pathological Correlation

Christeen Hanna — 2026-07-31

Background: Mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency is linked to tumor genomic instability in diverse cancers. Although MMR loss has been comprehensively analyzed for the therapeutic responses in multiple malignancies, the capacity of MMR loss to impact disease severity in breast cancer (BC) and prognostic factors, including human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive subtypes is still to be clarified. Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of MMR proteins (MLH1, PMS2, MSH2, and MSH6) in HER2-positive BC, as well as to check their association with ER/PR, Ki67, and tumor grade. Furthermore, researchers explored if the expression of MMR genes may reflect patient heterogeneity and contribute to developing resistance to therapy in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer subtypes. Methods: In this study, 63 HER2+ BC specimens, collected from 2016 to 2024, were analyzed for MMR protein expression (MLH1, PMS2, MSH2 and MSH6) via immunohistochemistry (IHC). Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to confirm HER2 amplification in cases of HER2 two-pluses in IHC analysis. Results were correlated with clinicopathological data, including estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), Ki67 and tumor grade among others. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: All HER2-positive breast cancer specimens demonstrated positive MMR protein expression with varying intensities. ER-positive cases exhibited a higher frequency of strong MMR expressions compared to ER-negative cases, which showed a higher proportion of weak PMS2 expression (43.2% vs. 21.1%, respectively). Most HER2-positive breast cancer patients (81%) showed Ki67 expression greater than 15%, predominantly observed in high-grade tumors. However, weak MMR expression showed no significant correlation with Ki67 or hormone receptor status. Conclusion: The total intact MMR with intensity alterations, especially for PMS2 in ER+ tumors, may reflect tumor heterogeneity and could contribute to therapy resistance in hormone receptor-positive BC. The young age at presentation, particularly for ER+ cases and the high value of Ki67 with the intact MMR may imply a broader, possibly genetic or molecular basis that should be addressed. MMR profiling has clinical relevance and can help take precision oncology further in BC management. Recommendation: Future studies should include larger cohorts and molecular analyses to clarify the role of MMR alterations in HER2-positive breast cancer. Incorporating MMR testing into routine diagnostics may improve treatment planning, and further research is needed to assess its impact on therapy response and patient outcomes.

Mechanistic Insights into the Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Potential of Longan (Dimocarpus longan L.) Fruit Peel

Tejeswini Raghuraman — 2026-07-31

Valorization of fruit peel offers a sustainable approach to extracting bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. This study assesses the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of longan peel extract (LPE). Antioxidant activity was determined using radical scavenging (superoxide, nitric oxide, and hydroxyl) and reducing assays (FRAP and phosphomolybdenum). The antidiabetic potential was determined by enzymatic assays (alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase) and a non-enzymatic assay (glucose uptake by yeast cells). The bioactive compounds were identified using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). LPE exhibited concentration-dependent free radical scavenging activity, with the highest activity for nitric oxide (IC50 value = 15.03 µg/mL), followed by superoxide (IC50 value = 20.57 µg/mL) and hydroxyl radical scavenging (IC50 value = 97.68 µg/mL). The reducing power also increased in a concentration-dependent manner. Enzymatic inhibition assays showed an IC50 value of 28.59 µg/mL for alpha-amylase and 8.57 µg/mL for alpha-glucosidase. Glucose uptake by yeast cells increased linearly across all tested concentrations (5, 10, and 25 mM). GC-MS analysis detected various compounds, with the predominant compounds being 13-Docosenamide (40.25%), α-D-glucopyranoside (14.13%), hexadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl) ethyl ester (4.73%), benzoic acid, 4-ethoxy-, ethyl ester (4.60%), myristic acid (2.17%), geranylgeraniol (0.90%), and deoxyspergualins (0.65%). These findings highlight the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of LPE; however, further research is needed to isolate bioactive compounds and determine their therapeutic potential.

Antibacterial Potential: Design, Synthesis, Characterization of New Isatin Derivatives with Sulfonamide Moiety

Athraa Nasser Abed — 2026-07-31

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a clinically significant, multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogen in humans and a major contributor to hospital-acquired infections, leading to increased morbidity and mortality due to limited treatment options. Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) software was used for molecular docking studies to identify the most promising compounds based on the highest S-scores prior to synthesis. New Isatin derivatives were synthesized through the reaction of (Z)-ethyl 4-(5-fluoro-2-oxoindolin-3-ylideneamino) benzoate (A1) and (Z)-ethyl 4-(5-methyl-2-oxoindolin-3-ylideneamino) benzoate (A2) with sulfadiazine. Spectroscopic techniques, including FT-IR and ¹H-NMR, were employed to confirm the successful synthesis of these derivatives. The antibacterial activity of the compounds was evaluated in vitro by measuring the inhibition zones and comparing them with those produced by the standard antibiotic disc, amikacin. Among the synthesized derivatives, B2 exhibited the highest docking score (-8.395) against the protein (PDB code: 8QK2, chain A), compared to B1, which S score -7.954. Therefore, compound B2 shows the most promising potential for antimicrobial activity. Aim: This study aimed to design, synthesize, characterize, and evaluate the antibacterial potential of new isatin derivatives incorporating a sulfonamide moiety, using molecular docking and in vitro assays against K. pneumoniae. Methodology: Molecular docking was performed using MOE 2015.10 software to identify the most promising ligand–receptor interactions with the target protein (PDB: 8QK2, chain A). Two Schiff base intermediates (A1–A2) were synthesized from substituted isatin and ethyl-4-aminobenzoate, followed by reaction with sulfadiazine to obtain final derivatives (B1–B2). Structural characterization was conducted using FT-IR spectroscopy, ¹H-NMR, melting point determination, and TLC. Antibacterial activity was assessed using the agar well diffusion method, and inhibition zones were compared with the standard antibiotic amikacin. Results: Molecular docking of the synthesized Isatin derivatives with the protein (PDB: 8QK2, chain A) using MOE 2015.10 showed that derivative B1 had the highest docking score (-8.395), while B2 scored -7.954, with both interacting at key amino acids Phe141, Trp46, Arg80, and Asn79. The derivatives were synthesized via a Schiff base reaction with benzocaine, followed by reaction with sulfadiazine, and characterized by FT-IR, which confirmed C=N imine and C=O amide groups, and ¹H-NMR, which revealed signals for amide NH, Isatin NH, NH-SO₂, aromatic protons, and substituents (-F in B1, -CH₃ in B2). Biological evaluation showed that B2 exhibited stronger antibacterial activity than B1, especially at higher concentration (0.06), reaching inhibition zones up to 35 mm, while B1 had moderate activity. These results indicate that although B1 showed better docking affinity, B2 was more effective experimentally, highlighting the importance of combining in silico and in vitro analyses in evaluating new Isatin derivatives as potential antibacterial agents. Conclusion: The integration of sulfonamide moieties with isatin-based structures significantly enhanced antibacterial activity. Although docking studies highlighted strong binding for both B1 and B2, biological assays confirmed B2 as the most promising antibacterial candidate against K. pneumoniae. These findings support the potential of isatin–sulfonamide hybrids as effective scaffolds for future antimicrobial drug development.