The C Allele of a Synonymous SNP (rs1805414, Ala284Ala) in PARP1 is a Risk Factor for Susceptibility to Breast Cancer in Saudi Patients

Alanazi, Mohammed,Pathan, Akbar Ali Khan,Shaik, Jilani P.,Al Amri, Abdullah,Parine, Narasimha Reddy Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.5

Background: Genetic aberrations of DNA repair enzymes are known to be common events associated with different cancer entities. The aim of the present study was to analyze genetic associations of rs1805404 (Asp81Asp) and rs1805414 (Ala284Ala) in the PARP1 gene with the risk of breast cancer in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: These two SNP's were analyzed in a primary study group of breast cancer patients and healthy control subjects. Genotypes were determined by TaqMan SNP testing and analyzed using Chi-square or t test and logistic regression analysis with SPSS16.0 software. Results and Conclusions: Results showed that rs1805414 was associated with a significantly increased susceptibility to breast cancer, significant risk being observed for the TC, CC and TC+CC genotypes. In conclusion PARP1 rs1805414 SNP polymorphisms may be involved in the etiology of breast cancer in the Saudi population. In contrast, PARP1 rs1805404 did not show any significant association in overall in breast cancer samples when compared to healthy controls. Confirmation of our findings in larger populations of different ethnicities may provide evidence for a role of the PARP1 gene in breast carcinoma developnment.

Participation and Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening in Malaysia

Yusoff, Harmy Mohamed,Daud, Norwati,Noor, Norhayati Mohd,Rahim, Amry Abdul Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.8

In Malaysia, colorectal cancer is the most common cancer in males and the third most common in females. Mortality due to colorectal cancer can be effectively reduced with early diagnosis. This study was designed to look into colorectal cancer screening participation and its barriers among average risk individuals in Malaysia. A cross sectional study was conducted from August 2009 till April 2010 involving average risk individuals from 44 primary care clinics in West Malaysia. Each individual was asked whether they have performed any of the colorectal cancer screening methods in the past five years. The barrier questions had three domains: patient factors, test factors and health care provider factors. Descriptive analysis was achieved using Statistical Program for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 12.0. A total of 1,905 average risk individuals responded making a response rate of 93.8%. Only 13 (0.7%) respondents had undergone any of the colorectal cancer screening methods in the past five years. The main patient and test factors for not participating were embarrassment (35.2%) and feeling uncomfortable (30.0%), respectively. There were 11.2% of respondents who never received any advice to do screening. The main reason for them to undergo screening was being advised by health care providers (84.6%). The study showed that participation in colorectal cancer screening in Malaysia is extremely low and multiple factors contribute to this situation. Given the importance of the disease, efforts should be made to increase colorectal cancer screening activities in Malaysia.

Improvement of Diabetes Symptoms and Complications by an Aqueous Extract of Linum usitatissimum (L.) Seeds in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Mice

Samia Bouzghaya,Mohamed Amri,Fabrice Homble 한국식품영양과학회 2020 Journal of medicinal food Vol.23 No.10

Although progress has been made to show the role of raw flaxseed and flaxseed extracts in health promotion, identification of mechanism(s) of action and molecule(s) underpinning beneficial effects largely remain unknown. The present study evaluated the efficacy of an aqueous flaxseed extract (AFE) to correct alloxan-induced diabetes in mice. Mice were divided into five groups: one nondiabetic (negative control) and four diabetic. Diabetic mice were treated with AFE, gallic acid (GA) (major component of AFE), insulin (positive control), or remained untreated (positive control). Oral administration of AFE strongly improved serum glucose, oral glucose tolerance, insulin tolerance, body weight, and polyphagia in diabetic mice. AFE was effective in controlling lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances) and antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) in liver and kidney, which undergo diabetes-related complications due to hyperglycemia. These results demonstrated that GA alone was sufficient to account for the beneficial health effects of AFE against diabetes.

Protective Effect of Ceratonia siliqua L. Against a Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Alterations in Liver and Kidney in Rat

Kais Rtibi,Slimen Selmi,Mohammed-Amine Jabri,Jamel El-Benna,Mohamed Amri,Lamjed Marzouki,Hichem Sebai 한국식품영양과학회 2016 Journal of medicinal food Vol.19 No.9

The aim of the present study is to investigate the potential protective role of Ceratonia siliqua L. against dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced oxidative damage and inflammation in liver and kidney of rats. The hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity were induced in rats by oral administration of synthetic DSS (5%) in the drinking water for over 7 days. However, carob pods aqueous extract (CPAE; 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight) was given by oral administration for 21 days. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, malondialdehyde, H2O2 content, as well as the levels of antioxidant enzymes in organs were measured to observe the possible mechanisms. As a result, the CPAE counteracted DSS-induced increase of MPO activity, lipoperoxidation, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase and catalase (CAT). DSS administration increased also in the organs hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and free iron levels, whereas the CPAE pretreatment reversed all intracellular mediator perturbations. It was concluded that the CPAE exerted a potential protective effect against DSSinduced inflammation and oxidative stress in the rat organs. Consequently, it is essential that adequate care is taken when we use carob pods for patients with hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.

Opposite Effect of Opuntia ficus-indica L. Juice Depending on Fruit Maturity Stage on Gastrointestinal Physiological Parameters in Rat

Kais Rtibi,Slimen Selmi,Dhekra Grami,Mohamed Amri,Hichem Sebai,Lamjed Marzouki 한국식품영양과학회 2018 Journal of medicinal food Vol.21 No.6

The phytochemical composition and the effect of the green and ripe Opuntia ficus-indica juice on some gastrointestinal (GI) physiological parameters such as stomach emptying and small-intestinal motility and permeability were determined in rats administered multiple concentrations of the prickly pear juice (5, 10, and 20 mL kg−1, b.w., p.o.). Other separate groups of rats were received, respectively; sodium chloride (0.9%, b.w., p.o.), clonidine (α-2-adrenergic agonist, 1 mg kg−1, b.w., i.p.), yohimbine (α-2-adrenergic antagonist, 2 mg kg−1, b.w., i.p.), and loperamide (5 mg kg−1, b.w., p.o.). In vivo reverse effect of juice on GI physiological parameters was investigated using a charcoal meal test, phenol-red colorimetric method, loperamide-induced acute constipation, and castor oil-caused small-bowel hypersecretion. However, the opposite in vitro influence of juice on intestinal permeability homeostasis was assessed by the Ussing chamber system. Mature prickly pear juice administration stimulated significantly and dose dependently the GI transit (GIT; 8–26%) and gastric emptying (0.9–11%) in a rat model. Conversely, the immature prickly pear juice reduced gastric emptying (7–23%), GIT (10–28%), and diarrhea (59–88%). Moreover, the standard drugs have produced their antagonistic effects on GI physiological functions. The permeability of the isolated perfused rat small-intestine has a paradoxical response flowing prickly pear juices administration at diverse doses and maturity grade. Most importantly, the quantitative phytochemical analyses of both juices showed a different composition depending on the degree of maturity. In conclusion, the prickly pear juice at two distinct phases of maturity has different phytochemical characteristics and opposite effects on GI physiological actions in rat.

Nutritional alterations and damages to stored chickpea in relation with the pest status of Callosobruchus maculatus (Chrysomelidae)

Soumaya Haouel Hamdi,Sourour Abidi,Dorra Sfayhi,Mohamed Zied Dhraief,Moez Amri,Emna Boushih,Mariam Hedjal-Chebheb,Khouja Mouhamed Larbig,Jouda Mediouni Ben Jemâa 한국응용곤충학회 2017 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.20 No.4

The identification of substitute products for the replacement of wheat flours for paste and bread is a strategy which may help to overcome the wheat yield problems and to meet the huge consumption rates in Tunisia. In this respect, chickpea flour can provide good opportunities. Nevertheless, seed beetles were the major constraints to achieve this goal. This paper presents extensive data on the pest status of Callosobruchus maculatus infesting chickpea in relation to its damage on chickpea seeds and flour. Data on population dynamics, growth and demographic parameters, economic injury level (EIL) and impact on functional and physical properties under two food supply conditions were studied. Results revealed that C. maculatus is a major pest altering nutritional properties of stored chickpea. Our results showed that the food supplies influence the reproductive behavior and demographic traits of C. maculatus leading to significant impacts on seed germination, weight loss and functional and physical properties. Under food optimal conditions, fertility rates were 38.1 and 47.2% respectively for Amdoun 1 and Beja 1. Moreover, the intrinsic rate of increase r and the finite rate of increase λ reached, respectively, 0.057 and 1.06 ♀/♀/days for Amdoun 1 and 0.048 and 1.05 ♀/♀/days for Beja 1. On the other hand, results showed that germination reduction depended on C. maculatus infestation level. Moreover, this work pointed out the variability of EILs with host varieties. Results also revealed that C. maculatus seed infestation led to nutritional changes in the seeds. The proximate seed composition was significantly influenced by variety and seeds category. Increases in percentages of protein (33.05 and 22.53% for 53 Amdoun 1), moisture (10.80 and 10.67% for Amdoun 1) and ash have been observed in infested seeds; decreases were observed in percentages of crude fat, carbohydrates (47.96 and 58.69% for Amdoun 1) and nutritional values (355.90 and 367.51 kcal for Amdoun 1) for the same infested seeds.

Effects of Dates Pulp Extract and Palm Sap (Phoenix dactylifera L.) on Gastrointestinal Transit Activity in Healthy Rats

Abdellaziz Souli,Hichem Sebai,Kais Rtibi,Latifa Chehimi,Mohsen Sakly,Mohamed Amri,Jamel El-Benna 한국식품영양과학회 2014 Journal of medicinal food Vol.17 No.7

The current study was performed to measure the chemical composition and the effects of dates pulp extract and palm sap on gastrointestinal transit (GIT) activity in healthy adult rats. In this respect, male Wistar rats fasted for 24 hourswere used and received per orally (p.o.) sodium chloride (NaCl) (0,9%) (control group) or various doses of dates pulp extract (150 and 300 mg/kg, body weight [b.w.]) and palm sap (0.4 and 4 mL/kg, b.w.). Two other groups of rats (batch tests) received, respectively, clonidine (an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, 1 mg/kg, b.w.) and yohimbine (an alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist, 2mg/kg, b.w.). Chemical analysis showed that the dates pulp extract is more rich in sugars and minerals, especially potassium and sucrose, as compared with palm sap composition. On the other hand, in vivo study showed that the aqueous dates pulp extract significantly, and dose dependently, increased the GIT activity while the palm sap slightly increased it. Moreover, a converse effect has been observed using clonidine (decreased 68%) and yohimbine (increased 33%) on the GIT activity. These findings suggest that dates pulp extract and palm sap have a stimulating effect on GIT activity in rats and confirm their use in traditional Tunisian medicine for the treatment of constipation.

Effects of Garlic Fractions Consumption on Male Reproductive Functions

Imen Hammami,Afef Nahdi,Fatma Atig,Wided Kouidhi,Mohamed Amri,Mehrzia Mokni,Ahmed El May,Miche`le El May 한국식품영양과학회 2013 Journal of medicinal food Vol.16 No.1

Many researchers have focused on the preventive and curative effects of garlic (Allium sativum), particularly on cardiovascular diseases and cancer. However, its impacts on the male reproductive system have not been clearly defined. In this study, the effect of chronic consumption of two garlic fractions was tested: one soluble in water (aqueous solution obtained by grinding and centrifugation) and the other one precipitated by ethanol (alcoholic precipitate obtained by precipitation of the aqueous solution), on different variables of male rats’ reproductive functions. These two fractions were targeted to try to identify the nature of the active garlic compounds responsible for the different modifications observed on testicular parameters. The observation of seminiferous tubules of rats treated with garlic fractions showed an increased number of tubules deprived of spermatozoa. In addition, garlic fractions induced apoptosis of testicular germ cells (TdTmediated dUTP-X nick-end labeling [TUNEL] approach) and a decrease of serum testosterone levels and seminiferous tubule DNA concentrations. In summary, our histological and molecular results suggest that one or several substances, soluble in water and precipitated by alcohol, impaired spermatogenesis.

Inhibitory Effects of Two Varieties of Tunisian Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Extracts on Gastrointestinal Transit in Rat

Abdelaziz Souli,Hichem Sebai,Kais Rtibi,Latifa Chehimi,Mohsen Sakly,Mohamed Amri,Jamel El-Benna,Lamjed Marzouki 한국식품영양과학회 2015 Journal of medicinal food Vol.18 No.9

The present study was undertaken to determine whether total and methanol juice extracts of two Tunisian Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) varieties (Garsi and Gabsi) protect against diarrhea as well as their effects on gastrointestinal transit (GIT) in healthy rats. In this respect, male Wistar rats were used and divided into control- and pomegranatetreated groups. The antidiarrheal activity was evaluated using the castor oil-induced diarrhea method and the GIT was assessed using charcoal meal. Our results showed that total and methanol P. granatum juice extracts produced a significant dose-dependent protection against castor oil-induced diarrhea. Pomegranate extracts and juice also decreased the GIT significantly and dose dependently. Importantly, the Garsi variety appeared to be more effective than the Gabsi variety on these two parameters. These findings suggest that pomegranate extracts have a potent antidiarrheal property in rats confirming their efficiency in the Tunisian traditional medicine.

Hydrogen sulfide adsorption by zinc oxide-impregnated zeolite (synthesized from Malaysian kaolin) for biogas desulfurization

Abdul Hadi Abdullah,Ramli Mat,Sathoshini Somderam,Azharin Shah Abd Aziz,Amri Mohamed 한국공업화학회 2018 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.65 No.-

The adsorption of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from the gas stream in a fixed-bed reactor has been investigated using zinc oxide (10–30 wt% loading) impregnated on Na-A zeolite prepared from local kaolin. The adsorbents obtained were characterized by XRF, XRD, FTIR, nitrogen adsorption and SEM. Reductions of micropore surface area and micropore volume of Na-A zeolite were observed after modification with zinc oxide. H2S adsorption capacity was the highest, 15.75 mg S/g sorbent, when 20 wt% ZnO was loaded on Na-A zeolite. Reduction in adsorption capacity was observed when wt% ZnO increased above 20 wt%.