Serum DNA Research Articles

In Vitro Cytotoxicity and Mechanistic Investigation of Quinazolin-4(1H)-One Linked Coumarin as a Potent Anticancer Agent.

Quinazolinone-coumarin conjugates synthesized through Late-Stage Functionalization approach are evaluated for their invitro biological activity for 60 human cancer cell lines representing nine different cancer types. Among the synthesized compounds, eight displayed significant growth inhibitory activity across a spectrum of cancer types, with compound 23 demonstrating particularly notable cytotoxicity. Further investigation involved a five-dose assay of compound 23 against NCI-60 cancer cell lines, revealing its efficacy at different concentrations. Additionally, binding studies elucidated its interaction with Human Serum Albumin (HSA) and DNA. The results indicated a strong binding affinity of 23 with HSA, evidenced by a high binding constant (2.26 × 105 M-1). Moreover, its interaction with DNA occurred via intercalation, specifically between the base pairs of DNA strands, with a binding constant of 5.51 × 104 M-1. This suggests that compound 23 has the ability to bind to both DNA and transport proteins, making it a promising pharmacophore with potential therapeutic applications.

Liraglutide alleviates ferroptosis in renal ischemia reperfusion injury via inhibiting macrophage extracellular trap formation

Background and purposeRenal transplantation and other conditions with transiently reduced blood flow is major cause of renal ischemia/reperfusion injury (RIRI), a therapeutic challenge clinically. This study investigated the role of liraglutide in ferroptosis-associated RIRI via macrophage extracellular traps (METs). MethodsAnimal model with RIRI was established in C57BL/6J mice. A total of 72 C57BL/6J mice were used with 8 mice per group. Primary tubular epithelium was co-culture with RAW264.7 under hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) condition to mimic in vitro. Liraglutide was administrated into mice and cells. Extracellular DNA, neutrophil elastase and myeloperoxidase in serum and supernatant of cell medium were collected for measuring METs. F4/80 and citH3 were labeled to show METs. ResultsLiraglutide relieved RIRI and ferroptosis in vivo, and inhibited renal I/R-induced METs both in vivo and in vitro. F4/80 and citrullinated histone H3 (citH3) were highly co-localized after RIRI. Liraglutide attenuated the co-localization of citH3 and F4/80. Expressions of M2 markers were enhanced whereas these of M1 markers suppressed during liraglutide treatment in RIRI. Phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)1, 3 and 6 were increased in RIRI mice and H/R-induced RAW264.7. However, liraglutide decreased phosphorylation of STAT1 and increased phosphorylation of STAT3 and STAT6. STAT3/6 inhibition reversed liraglutide-inhibited M1 polarization, extracellular traps and ferroptosis. ConclusionLiraglutide inhibited ferroptosis-induced renal dysfunction since it skewed macrophage polarization into M2 phenotype that interfered the formation of extracellular traps based on STAT3/6 pathway during RIRI. Liraglutide was proposed to be used for RIRI clinical treatment.

Under Water Superelastic Porous Nanofibrous Sponge for Efficient RNA Separation and Purification.

Developing monolithic materials for chromatography columns with a novel interconnected porous structure is vital for the enhancement of the separation efficiency of RNA purification processes. Herein, a porous nanofibrous sponge (PNFS) is constructed by freeze molding and freeze-drying a nanofiber dispersion with ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer nanofibers as the skeleton, chitosan (CS) and polyethylenimine (PEI) as the binders, and glutaraldehyde (GA) as the crosslinking agent. The results show that when the CS content of the dispersion is 1.5 wt %, PNFS demonstrates a high static adsorption capacity of 406.5 mg/g (30.7 mg/m2) and a dynamic adsorption capacity of 382.6 mg/g (28.9 mg/m2) at a flow rate of 1 mm/min. Moreover, PNFS shows a high specific adsorption performance toward RNA in the presence of bovine serum albumin, lecithin, or DNA by adjusting the solution pH value and the method of gradient elution. Besides, PNFS presents exceptional performance in the rapid separation of RNA from HT22 cells without degradation. This result can be attributed to optimized morphology, pore structure, and comprehensive performance of PNFS, benefiting from the synergistic effect of the highly oriented porous structure and CS-PEI interaction derived from the high-density adsorption ligands on the channel walls of PNFS. This work provided an efficient strategy to handle the permeability/adsorptivity trade-off for ion-exchange chromatographic materials.

Association between khat chewing and high viral load in chronic hepatitis B infection

Background and aims: chronic hepatitis B infection (CHB) is a worldwide health threat that has moderate to high prevalence in Yemen. There is accumulating evidence of the hepatotoxicity of khat, which is commonly and habitually chewed in Yemen and elsewhere, but little is known in CHB. This study aimed to examine the association between khat chewing and hepatitis B virus (HBV) serum DNA level (viral load) in such cases. Methods: Between January and December 2016, a cross-sectional study was carried out on consecutively consenting 210 CHB participants (khat chewers and non-cutters) attending the hepatology clinics of two major hospitals in Sana’a city. After a structured interview, blood samples were collected for the determination of HBV markers and HBV load. Results: the study population, residing different cities in Yemen, had a median age of 36y (range = 20-72) with a 2.9:1 male to female ratio. Viral load was significantly (P<0.001) higher among khat chewers than non chewers: median (Interquartile range) = 1308 (531.5-5916.5) vs 177 (60-627) IU/ml. Khat chewing was observed, via multivariate logistic regression analysis, to be significantly (pThe0.001) and independently associated with a clinically significant high HBV load (>2000 IU/ml) even after adjustment for the studied socio-demographic and laboratory factors. Conclusion: This study suggests khat chewing, especially on a daily basis, as a potential risk factor for high viremia and, therefore, be prudently discouraged in CHB.

Determination of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in serum by nucleic acid screening

The determination of serum hepatitis B Virus (HBV) DNA is of paramount significance in the comprehensive management of HBV infection. It aids in diagnosis, disease staging, and treatment monitoring, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden of HBV-related morbidity and mortality. In this work, serum HBV DNA detection was performed using a novel nucleic acid screening system. The sensitivity, selectivity, repeatability, cross reactivity, and HBV DNA stability were evaluated and compared with published data. The detection limit of 95% was 29.12 IU/mL and the 95% confidence interval was from 23.71 to 34.55 IU/mL. Blood samples that contain free hemoglobin (1 g/L, 2 g/L, 4 g/L) and triglycerides (3 mmol/L, 6 mmol/L and 9 mmol/L) were also analyzed. The results demonstrated that the system can also be used in the presence of free hemoglobin and triglycerides. The mean of the cycle threshold (Ct) in 5-day replicates was 35.71 ± 0.35 with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 0.97%. The results of negative samples in the anti-cross contamination experiment showed no response. The coincidence rate for 3001 samples over 20 days of real-time stability measurements and external quality assessment samples was 100%. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the nucleic acid system for HBV-DNA, providing a theoretical basis for other small and medium-sized blood stations or hospitals to these devices.

2-Propyl-1H-imidazole-4,5-dicarboxylate acid supported cu/ni/fe/co complexes: synthesis, biological and catalytic evaluation

Herein, we report 2-propyl-1H-imidazole-4,5-dicarboxylate complexes of Cu/Co/Fe/Ni metal ions. The complexes have been characterized using powder X-ray diffraction, FTIR, and mass spectrometry. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) established their thermal stability, enduring temperatures of up to 650 °C. The interaction of Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) and DNA with these complexes was examined, revealing a significant binding affinity up to 70%. Fluorescence quenching experiments also showed the binding of complexes with biomolecules. These interactions were substantiated by molecular docking studies against the proteins 3v03 (BSA) and 1d28 (DNA), shedding light on the essential interactions driving their potential medicinal activity. The Cu complex displayed a notably high GSC score and a substantial area as determined through the Patch Dock server. Free radical interaction with 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) shows their antioxidant activity where Cu and Fe complexes expressed greater activity as compared to others. The catalytic properties of the compounds were assessed using p-nitrophenol (PNP) where the complexes exhibited reducing activity, leading to a conversion of over 90% of PNP into p-aminophenol. Analysis revealed a pseudo-second-order model closely aligned with experimental values, indicating second-order reduction kinetics.

Ameliorating and Therapeutic Impact of Curcumin Nanoparticles Against Aluminum Oxide Nanoparticles Induced Kidney Toxicity, DNA Damage, Oxidative Stress, PCNA and TNFα Alteration in Male Rats.

Aluminum oxide nanoparticles (Al2O3 NPs) are among the most extensively utilized nanoparticles in nanotechnology and that have negative impacts on the environment. Therefore, the intention of this work is to investigate the protective and therapeutic effects of curcumin in nanoform (Cur NPs) against Al2O3 NPs induced kidney toxicity, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and changes in necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expressions in male rats. Fifty healthy adult male were divided into five groups [G1, control; G2, received 50 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks of Cur NPs orally; G3, received 6 mg/kg BW orally for 4 weeks of Al2O3 NPs; G4, (Cur NPs + Al2O3 NPs) received Cur NPs and Al2O3 NPs at a dose similar to G2 and G3, respectively for 4 weeks; G5, (Al2O3 NPs + Cur NPs) received Al2O3 NPs at a dose similar to G3 for 4 weeks then received Cur NPs at a dose similar to G2 for another 4 weeks]. Current results revealed that Al2O3 NPs induced a significant elevation in serum urea, creatinine, chloride, calcium, kidney malondialdehyde (MDA), DNA damage, injury, TNFα and PCNA expressions and a significant depletion in serum potassium, kidney superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) as compared to control. On the other hand, treatments of Al2O3 NPs with Cur NPs induced modulation in all altered parameters and improved kidney functions and structure, with best results for the Al2O3 NPs + Cur NPs than Cur NPs + Al2O3 NPs. In conclusion, Cur NPs has the capacity to mitigate the renal toxicity induced by Al2O3 NPs in male albino rats.

Copper(II) and Zinc(II) Complexes with Bacterial Prodigiosin Are Targeting Site III of Bovine Serum Albumin and Acting as DNA Minor Groove Binders.

The negative environmental and social impacts of food waste accumulation can be mitigated by utilizing bio-refineries' approach where food waste is revalorized into high-value products, such as prodigiosin (PG), using microbial bioprocesses. The diverse biological activities of PG position it as a promising compound, but its high production cost and promiscuous bioactivity hinder its wide application. Metal ions can modulate the electronic properties of organic molecules, leading to novel mechanisms of action and increased target potency, while metal complex formation can improve the stability, solubility and bioavailability of the parent compound. The objectives of this study were optimizing PG production through bacterial fermentation using food waste, allowing good quantities of the pure natural product for further synthesizing and evaluating copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes with it. Their antimicrobial and anticancer activities were assessed, and their binding affinity toward biologically important molecules, bovine serum albumin (BSA) and DNA was investigated by fluorescence emission spectroscopy and molecular docking. The yield of 83.1 mg/L of pure PG was obtained when processed meat waste at 18 g/L was utilized as the sole fermentation substrate. The obtained complexes CuPG and ZnPG showed high binding affinity towards target site III of BSA, and molecular docking simulations highlighted the affinity of the compounds for DNA minor grooves.

Gemykibivirus detection in acute encephalitis patients from Nepal.

Viral encephalitis is a devastating disease, but unfortunately, worldwide, the causative virus in many cases is unknown. Therefore, it is important to identify viruses that could be responsible for cases of human encephalitis. Here, using metagenomic sequencing of CSF, we identified a gemykibivirus in a male child from Nepal with acute encephalitis syndrome (AES). We subsequently detected gemykibivirus DNA in CSF or serum of 12 more encephalitis patients by real-time PCR. The virus genomes we identified are highly similar to gemykibiviruses previously detected in CSF of three encephalitis patients from Sri Lanka. These results raise the possibility that gemykibivirus could be an underrecognized human pathogen.

Green synthesis of potent anticancer and antibacterial xanthene and chromene derivatives using agar as a catalyst: Molecular docking and in silico ADMET insights

This study presents an innovative green synthesis method for xanthene, benzoxanthene, and chromene derivatives using agar as a natural catalyst. Our method achieves high yields (up to 95%) with short reaction times (less than 1 hour) under environmentally friendly conditions and simple work-up procedures. The docking analysis conducted provides insights into the complex binding energies, molecular interactions, and hydrogen bond energies and distances. Molecular docking studies reveal strong chemical interactions with human serum albumin (HSA) and DNA gyrase, suggesting strong anticancer and antibacterial potential with binding energies ranging from -8.5 to -9.8 kcal/mol. In silico ADMET analysis and drug-likeness analysis confirm favorable pharmacokinetic properties, including high oral bioavailability and low toxicity. This work offers a sustainable and effective approach to developing new therapeutic agents.

Traditional Korean diet high in one-carbon nutrients increases global DNA methylation: implication for epigenetic diet.

DNA methylation is a major epigenetic phenomenon through which diet affects health and disease. This study aimed to determine the epigenetic influence of the traditional Korean diet (K-diet) on global DNA methylation via one-carbon metabolism. A crossover study was conducted on 52 women. Two diets, a K-diet, high in plant foods and low in calories and animal fat, and a control diet, similar to the diet currently consumed in Korea, were provided to all subjects alternately for 4weeks with a 4-week washout period. Clinical parameters were measured before and after each dietary intervention. Nutrient intake was calculated by using a computer-aided nutritional analysis program. One-carbon metabolites in the serum and global DNA methylation in peripheral mononuclear cells were determined using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The K-diet group consumed more folate (669.9 ± 6.7µg vs. 502.7 ± 3.0, p < 0.001), B6, B12, serine, and choline, and less methionine (992.6 ± 63 vs. 1048.3mg ± 34.1, p < 0.0001) than the control group did. In the K-diet group, the increment of plasma 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (0.08µg/mL ± 0.11 vs 0.02 ± 0.10, p < 0.009) and decrement of L-homocysteine (-70.7 ± 85.0 vs -39.3 ± 69.4, p < 0.0168) were greater than those of the control group. Global DNA methylation was significantly increased in the K-diet group (6.70 ± 3.02% to 9.45 ± 3.69, p < 0.0001) but not in the control group. A K-diet high in one-carbon nutrients can enhance the global DNA methylation status, suggesting an epigenetic mechanism by which the K-diet conveys health effects. Trial registration Korean Clinical Trial Registry (trial number: KCT0005340, 24/08/2020, retrospectively registered).

Palm oil amends serum female hormones, ovarian antioxidants, inflammatory markers, and DNA fragmentation in favism-induced female rats.

Favism is a metabolic disease and this study evaluates the effectiveness of palm oil and its triacylglycerol constituent in favism-induced female rats to restore serum female hormones, ovarian antioxidants, inflammatory markers, and DNA fragmentation. Animals were 36 female albino rats. They classified to two equal (normal and favism) groups. The normal group was divided into three equal subgroups: the control, palm oil, and triacylglycerol subgroups. The normal rats were given 1 mL of saline, 1 mL of palm oil, and 1 mL of triacylglycerol orally, respectively. The Favism group was classified also into three equal subgroups: the favism group, the favism + palm oil, the Favism + triacylglycerol. The favism rats were given 1 mL of saline, 1 mL of palm oil, and 1 mL of triacylglycerol orally. For four weeks, all treatments were administered orally via oral gavage once daily. The hemoglobin, hematocrite, the blood cells, glucose and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and liver function were decreased in favism. Female hormones suchas serum luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, Estrone, Estriol, 17α-Estradiol, 17β-Estradiol, and Estradiol-17-β-stearate were decreased in favism. Ovarian antioxidants were decreased while ovarian inflammatory markers were increased in favism. Favism induced ovarian DNA apoptosis. Furthermore, oral administration with palm oil or its triacylglycerol constituent in favism-induced female rats restored all these parameters to be approached the control levels. Palm oil restored serum female hormones, ovarian antioxidants, inflammatory markers, and DNA fragmentation in favism-induced female rats and this effect related to oil triacylglycerol constituent.

Preliminary evaluation of the interaction with Albumin/DNA and in vitro evaluation of the antioxidant properties promoted by thiosemicarbazones and thiazole compounds

Thiosemicarbazones and thiazoles are known for their diverse biological activities. This study introduced two series of molecules, 4-(3-(4-nitrophenyl)-4-phenylthiazol-2(3H)-ylidene)-hydrazine)-methyl)-phenol and 4-(3-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenylthiazol-2(3H)-ylidene)-hydrazine)-methyl)-phenol, which exhibit biological potential as antioxidant agents. The study also assessed the interaction of these compounds with various HSA/DNA macromolecules. The results of the antioxidant activity showed that thiazoles in the DPPH assay exhibited IC50 values ranging from 439.4 to 691.67 µM. In the ABTS assay, thiosemicarbazones exhibited significant activity, ranging from 39.19 to 50.03 µM. Interaction assays were carried out with human serum albumin (HSA) and DNA. All compounds were able to interact with both DNA (low to moderate interaction) and HSA (moderate to high interaction).

Serum Cobalt Concentration and DNA Methylation Signatures in Women with Obesity

Obesity, a multifactorial disorder, has been associated with alterations in metal metabolismand epigenetic modifications. This pilot case–control study aimed to investigate serum cobalt concentrations and associated DNA methylation patterns in women with obesity. Serum cobalt levels were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), revealing significantly higher cobalt concentrations in participants with normal weight than in participants with obesity. Additionally, DNA methylation analysis identified differentially methylated positions (DMPs) associated with cobalt exposure, and DMPs between groups highlighted hypomethylation in the top DMPs in individuals with obesity. Functional enrichment analysis of these DMPs unveiled potential pathways implicated in apoptosis, cancer, and metabolic signaling, warranting further investigation into the mechanistic links. This study provides preliminary insights into the interplay between cobalt exposure, DNA methylation, and potential implications for obesity management.

Cadmium aggravates liver injury by activating ferroptosis and neutrophil extracellular traps formation in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Cadmium (Cd) is a pervasive environmental contaminant and a significant risk factor for liver injury. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the involvement of ferroptosis and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in Cd-induced liver injury in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), and to explore its underlying mechanism. Cd-induced liver injury was associated with increased total iron, malondialdehyde (MDA), and Acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4), together with reduced levels of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase-4a (Gpx4a), and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), which are all hallmarks of ferroptosis. Moreover, liver hyperemia, neutrophil infiltration, increased inflammatory factors and myeloperoxidase, as well as elevated serum DNA content in Cd-stimulated Nile tilapia suggested that a considerable number of neutrophils were recruited to the liver. Furtherly, in vitro experiments demonstrated that Cd induced the formation of NETs, and the possible mechanism was related to the generation of reactive oxygen species and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, along with the P38 and extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK) signaling pathways. We concluded that ferroptosis and NETs are the critical mechanisms contributing to Cd-induced liver injury in Nile tilapia. These findings will contribute to Cd toxicological studies in aquatic animals.

Label-free plasmonic spectral profiling of serum DNA

Genetic and epigenetic modifications are linked to the activation of oncogenes and inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. Likewise, the associated molecular alternations can best inform precision medicine for personalized tumor treatment. Therefore, performing characterization of genetic and epigenetic alternations at the molecular level represents a crucial step in early diagnosis and/or therapeutics of cancer. However, the prevailing methods for DNA analysis involve a series of tedious and complicated steps, in which important genetic and epigenetic information could be lost or altered. To provide a potential approach for non-invasive, direct, and efficient DNA analysis, herein, we present a promising strategy for label-free molecular profiling of serum DNA in its pristine form by fusing surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy with machine learning on a superior plasmonic nanostructured platform. Using DNA methylation and single-point mutation as two case studies, the presented strategy allows a well-balanced sensitive and specific detection of epigenetic and genetic changes at the single-nucleotide level in serum. We envision the presented label-free strategy could serve as a versatile tool for direct molecular profiling in pristine forms of a wide range of biological markers and aid biomedical diagnostics as well as therapeutics.

Ultrasensitive detection of nucleic acid with a CRISPR/Cas12a empowered electrochemical sensor based on antimonene

Ultra-sensitive nucleic acid detection is important for rapid prevention of infectious diseases. Recently, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) systems with great target specificity and programmability have demonstrated amazing capabilities in the field of nucleic acid detection. However, most CRISPR/Cas systems-based strategies still rely on pre-amplification of nucleic acid, which limits their clinical application in point of care detection. Here, we designed a novel electrochemical CRISPR/Cas biosensor (called E-Sb CRISPR) that utilizes antimonene nanosheets (Sb NSs) modifications. Due to the strong interaction between Sb NSs and single stranded DNA (ssDNA), E-Sb CRISPR exhibited specific nucleic acid detection capabilities with a detection limit of 100 aM within 35 min. Notably, the sensor showed excellent selectivity to target DNA in serum in the presence of nucleus acid extracted from other viruses. The excellent stability (8 weeks) and reproducibility (50 cycles) of this sensor were observed. By developing microcircuits and software systems, rapid acquisition of detection results on mobile electronic devices is possible. Therefore, the E-Sb CRISPR showed great promise as a scalable nucleic acid detection platform for early diagnosis.

Diagnostic criteria and case definitions for abdominal angiostrongyliasis: a systematic review from the Brazilian experience.

Although rare, Angiostrongylus costaricensis infection may be a more prevalent etiology of inflammatory bowel disease than ulcerative colitis and Chron's disease in endemic areas in Central and South America. The present study reviewed the occurrence of A. costaricensis in Brazil, its clinical presentation and pathology; and proposed diagnostic criteria and case definitions for abdominal angiostrongyliasis (AA). Southern and southeastern Brazilian regions are the main endemic areas, and AA affects both genders and all age groups. A review of all 23 published reports of 51 Brazilian patients highlighted the following features that were subsequently classified as minor diagnostic criteria: abdominal pain, palpable mass in the right lower abdominal quadrant, history of exposure, ileocecal tumor, and intestinal perforation with wall thickening. Proposed major criteria include right lower quadrant abdominal pain, blood eosinophilia, positive serology (antibody detection), intense eosinophilic infiltration that involves all strata of the intestinal wall, eosinophilic granulomatous reaction, and eosinophilic vasculitis. In addition to the definitions of suspected and possible cases according to increasing strength of evidence of this infection, demonstration of worms/eggs/larvae in tissues or Angiostrongylus DNA in tissues or serum are required for a confirmed diagnosis. The application of the proposed criteria and definitions may improve patient management, epidemiologic surveillance, and identification of new endemic areas.

Cyto and Genoprotective Potential of Tannic Acid Against Cadmium and Nickel Co-exposure Induced Hepato-Renal Toxicity in BALB/c Mice.

Tannic acid (TA) is a metal chelating polyphenol that plays a crucial role in metal detoxification, but its modulatory role in co-exposure of these heavy metals' exposure needs to be explored. Cadmium (Cd) and nickel (Ni) are inorganic hazardous chemicals in the environment. Humans are prone to be exposed to the co-exposure of Cd and Ni, but the toxicological interactions of these metals are poorly defined. Present study was undertaken to study the preventive role of TA in Cd-Ni co-exposure-evoked hepato-renal toxicity in BALB/c mice. In the current investigation, increased oxidative stress in metal intoxicated groups was confirmed by elevated peroxidation of the lipids and significant lowering of endogenous antioxidant enzymes. Altered hepato-renal serum markers, DNA fragmentation, and histological alterations were also detected in the metal-treated groups. Present study revealed that Cd is a stronger toxicant than Ni and when co-exposure was administered, additive, sub-additive, and detrimental effects were observed. Prophylactic treatment with TA significantly reinstated the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO), non-enzymatic, and enzymatic antioxidants. Moreover, it also restored the serum biomarker levels, DNA damage, and histoarchitecture of the given tissues. TA due to its metal chelating and anti-oxidative properties exhibited cyto- and genoprotective potential against Cd-Ni co-exposure-induced hepatic and renal injury.

Intrauterine Transmission of Hepatitis B Cannot Be Ruled Out by A Single Negative Hepatitis B e Antigen (HBeAg) Result among Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) - Positive Pregnant Women

BACKGROUND: The risk factors for intrauterine transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive pregnant women are poorly understood. Numerous factors are considered to be involved, including placental barrier, obstetric environment, high viral load, and positivity of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg). This study was conducted to investigate the role of placenta barrier, clinical, and viral factors in intrauterine transmission of HBV.METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 1,353 pregnant women who underwent HBsAg screening. Eighty-four (6.2%) women were detected as HBsAg positive and were examined for HBsAg level, anti-HBs, anti-HBc, HBeAg/hepatitis B e antibody (anti-HBe) status, and HBV DNA presence in cord blood. Quantitative HBV DNA was analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).RESULTS: Eighty-four of 1,353 subjects were HBsAg-positive. HBV DNA was positive in 28/84 (33.7%) maternal sera, 19/79 (24.05%) placental specimens, and 9/83 (10.84%) in cord blood. There were significant associations between HBV DNA in maternal serum (p=0.000) and placental tissue (p=0.000) with HBV DNA in the cord blood. No clinical factors were associated with HBV DNA transmission in cord blood. Sixty percent of viral load &gt;5.3 log10 copies/mL were found in the cord blood, of which 43.8% HBeAg positive and 3.1% HBeAg negative.CONCLUSION: Reduced transmission via compartments established the placenta’s barrier function in mother-to-child transmission. A high maternal viral load and positive HBeAg were risk factors for intrauterine transmission, while negative HBeAg still has the possibility of transmission.KEYWORDS: mother-to-child transmission, hepatitis B virus, intrauterine