Soonham Yaghmoor

Utilization of nanoemulsions to enhance bioactivity of pharmaceuticals, supplements, and nutraceuticals: Nanoemulsion delivery systems and nanoemulsion excipient systems

ABSTRACT Introduction: The efficacy of many hydrophobic bioactives (pharmaceuticals, supplements, and nutraceuticals) is limited due to their relatively low or highly variable bioavailability. Nanoemulsions consisting of small lipid droplets (r < 100 nm) dispersed in water can be designed to improve bioavailability. Areas covered: The major factors limiting the oral bioavailability of hydrophobic bioactive agents are highlighted: bioaccessibility, absorption and transformation. Two nanoemulsion-based approaches to control these processes and improve bioavailability are discussed: nanoemulsion delivery systems (NDS) and nanoemulsion excipient systems (NES). In NDS, hydrophobic bioactives are dissolved within the lipid phase of oil-in-water nanoemulsions. In NES, the bioactives are present within a conventional drug, supplement, or food, which is consumed with an oil-in-water nanoemulsion. Examples of NDS and NES utilization to improve bioactive bioavailability are given. Expert opinion: Considerable progress has been made in nanoemulsion design, fabrication, and testing. This knowledge facilitates the design of new formulations to improve the bioavailability of pharmaceuticals, supplements, and nutraceuticals. NDS and NES must be carefully designed based on the major factors limiting the bioavailability of specific bioactives. Research is still required to ensure these systems are commercially viable, and to demonstrate their safety and efficacy using animal and human feeding studies.

Impact of sporadic reporting of poultry Salmonella serovars from selected developing countries

This review documents the sporadic reporting of poultry Salmonella serovars in South Africa, Egypt, Indonesia, India, and Romania, five countries selected based on the importance of their distribution in different regions of the world and their cumulative significant population size of 1.6 billion. South Africa reported contamination of its poultry carcasses by S. Hadar, S. Blockley, S. Irumu, and S. Anatum. Results from Egypt showed that S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium were predominant in poultry along with other non-typhoid strains, namely S. Infantis, S. Kentucky, S. Tsevie, S. Chiredzi, and S. Heidelberg. In Indonesia, the isolation of Salmonella Typhi was the main focus, while other serovars included S. Kentucky, S. Typhimurium, and S. Paratyhi C. In India, S. Bareilly was predominant compared to S. Enteritidis, S. Typhimurium, S. Paratyphi B, S. Cerro, S. Mbandaka, S. Molade, S. Kottbus, and S. Gallinarum. Romania reported two Salmonella serovars in poultry that affect humans, namely S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium, and other non-typhoid strains including S. Infantis, S. Derby, S. Colindale, S. Rissen, S. Ruzizi, S. Virchow, S. Brandenburg, S. Bredeney, S. Muenchen, S. Kortrijk, and S. Calabar. The results showed the spread of different serovars of Salmonella in those five developing countries, which is alarming and emphasizes the urgent need for the World Health Organization Global Foodborne Infections Network (WHO-GFN) to expand its activities to include more strategic participation and partnership with most developing countries in order to protect poultry and humans from the serious health impact of salmonellosis.

Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in meat in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

INTRODUCTION Food-borne pathogens are the leading cause of illness and death in developing countries, killing approximately 1.8 million people annually. In developed countries, food-borne pathogens are responsible for millions of cases of infectious gastrointestinal diseases each year, costing billions of dollars. The objective of this study was to screen for two major food-borne pathogens, Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp., from meat samples obtained from different strata of the consumer market in Jeddah. METHODOLOGY A total of 60 meat samples, 20 each from large hypermarkets, groceries and small butcher shops were used in the study. Samples were transported to the laboratory in a cooler. They were macerated in peptone water and then seeded on selective media appropriate for each organism. Colonies were identified using conventional microbiological methods and suspected colonies were confirmed as E. coli and Salmonella spp. by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers. RESULTS The results indicated a high degree of contamination in samples from butcher shops as compared to those from groceries or hypermarkets (high scale supermarkets). Both pathogens E. coli and Salmonella spp. were found in higher rates in the samples from butcher shops. In small butcher shops, E. coli was found at an incidence of 65%, and Salmonella at 45%. CONCLUSION The results indicate an urgent need for applying proper food hygienic practices in food outlets, especially in small ones, to reduce the incidence of food-borne diseases. Vigilance by the right agencies must be implemented in order to prevent future food-borne outbreaks.

Gingerenone A Attenuates Monocyte-Endothelial Adhesion via Suppression of I Kappa B Kinase Phosphorylation: GINGERENONE A ATTENUATES MONOCYTE -ENDOTHELIAL ADHESION

During the early stages of atherosclerosis, monocytes bind and migrate into the endothelial layer, promoting inflammation within the aorta. In order to prevent the development of atherosclerosis, it is critical to inhibit such inflammation. The therapeutic effects of ginger have been investigated in several models of cardiovascular disease. However, although a number of previous studies have focused on specific compounds, the mechanisms of action responsible remain unclear. Here, we investigated five major compounds present in ginger, and observed that gingerenone A exhibited the strongest inhibitory effects against tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced monocyte‐endothelial adhesion. Furthermore, gingerenone A significantly suppressed the expression of TNF‐α and LPS‐induced vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) and chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), key mediators of the interaction between monocytes, and endothelial cells. Transactivation of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), which is a key transcription factor of VCAM‐1 and CCL2, was induced by TNF‐α and LPS, and inhibited by treatment of gingerenone A. Gingerenone A also inhibited the phosphorylation of NF‐κB inhibitor (IκB) α and IκB Kinase. Taken together, these results demonstrate that gingerenone A attenuates TNF‐α and LPS‐induced monocyte adhesion and the expression of adhesion factors in endothelial cells via the suppression of NF‐κB signaling. J. Cell. Biochem. 119: 260–268, 2018.

Relationship between soil cobalt and vitamin B12 levels in the liver of livestock in Saudi Arabia: role of competing elements in soils

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to analyze the agricultural soils from different regions in Saudi Arabia for cobalt and related metals as Cu(2+), Ni(2+), Cr(3+), Zn(2+) and Pb(2+). MATERIALS AND METHODS Liver and muscle tissues of livestock grazing on the selected areas were analyzed for the content of Co and vitamin B12. RESULTS Our results indicated that the levels of Co in surface soil (0-15 cm) were higher than in sub-surface soil (>15 cm-45 cm). In contrast, Pb and Zn were higher in sub-surface soil than in surface soil. A significant positive correlation existed between the levels of Co and vitamin B12 in the liver of livestock. However, Co was not detected in muscle tissues while vitamin B12 was present at very low levels in comparison with the levels found in the liver. The results indicated that Zn(2+), Pb(2+) compete with Co in soil, which eventually affected the levels of vitamin B12 in liver. CONCLUSION It was recommended that survey of heavy metals in grazing fields of cattle should consider inclusion of multiple elements that compete with the bioavailability of essential elements in plants and animals for the prevention of deficiency of essential elements such as Co.

Evaluation of a Salmonella Enteritidis vaccine and related ELISA for respective induction and assessment of acquired immunity to the vaccine and/or Echinacea purpurea in Awassi Ewes.

The aim of this study was to evaluate an experimental Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) bacterin and an indirect ELISA system to assess quantitatively the acquired immunity in Awassi ewes to the vaccine and/or Echinacea purpurea (EP) dried roots. Four treatments of the ewes were included in the experimental design, with 6 ewes/treatment. The first treatment (T1) had the controls that were non-vaccinated and non-treated with EP. The T2 ewes were only treated with EP. The T3 and T4 ewes were vaccinated at D1 (initiation of trial) and D10, while the T4 ewes were additionally administered the EP dried roots. Blood was collected from the jugular vein of all ewes at D1, D10, D21 and D45. The construction of the vaccine and the ELISA are detailed within the manuscript. The ELISA was able to detect quantitatively the significant acquired primary and secondary immunity to the vaccine in T3 and T4 ewes, compared to their low level of background immunities at initiation of the experiment (p<0.05). In addition, the ELISA detected the absence of seroconversion at all blood sampling times (p>0.05) in T1 control ewes, and in the T2 ewes that were given only the (EP) (p>0.05). Moreover, the ELISA was able to uncover the significant seroconversion of secondary immune response in T4 ewes at D21 compared to that at D10 (p<0.05), and the absence of significant seroconversion of secondary response in T3 ewes. This is the first work in literature that reports the need to supplement the vaccination by the experimental SE bacterin with daily oral intake of 250mg of EP-dried roots, effective the first vaccination day and up to 21 days, for obtaining a statistically significant seroconversion.

Chlamydia trachomatis infection among female inmates at Briman prison in Saudi Arabia

BackgroundChlamydia trachomatis infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the western countries; its prevalence in the conservative Muslim population of Saudi Arabia is not known, but it is generally believed to be low. This study is the first to investigate the prevalence of and risk factors for C. trachomatis infection in the high-risk group of female inmates at Briman Prison in Jeddah.MethodsThe inmates were interviewed using a pre-designed questionnaire, and their urine samples were tested for C. trachomatis infection by real-time PCR assay.ResultsThe overall prevalence of C. trachomatis infection was 8.7% in the study population. The ≤25 age group was predominantly affected, with an average prevalence of 16.6%. Two out of five (2/5, 40%) Yamani, (4/33 12.1%) Indonesian, (3/33, 9.1%) Somalian and (2/26, 7.7%) Ethiopian inmates were positive for infection. None of the Saudi inmates (0/14) were positive for infection. Among the studied variables, only age was significantly associated with the infection rate. The other variables (marital status, nationality, religion, employment status, education level, nature of the offense committed, knowledge about protection from STIs, and knowledge about condom use and the purpose of condom use) did not show a significant correlation with Chlamydia infection.ConclusionsThe overall prevalence of C. trachomatis infection was within the range published by other reports in similar prison settings in developed countries. The results indicate the need for a countrywide screening and treatment program for all inmates at the time of entry into prison.

Changes in erythrocyte ATPase activity under different pathological conditions

Background Studies have shown that Na+-K+ ATPase activity was altered in disrupted red blood cell membranes and this enzyme is believed to be the site of active transport of Na+ and K+ in intact red blood cells. The enzyme is often referred to as Na+-K+ pump because it pumps Na+ out and K+ into the cell against gradients with the concomitant hydrolysis of intracellular ATP. Objective The aim of this study was to find out the possibility of using Na+-K+-ATPase activity as a biomarker for the diagnosis of individuals with different physiological conditions. Materials and methods The activity of Na+-K+ ATPase was determined in blood samples collected from different pathological and physiological conditions such as pregnancy, smoking, diabetes and renal dysfunction compared with healthy subjects matched for age and sex. Results The Na+-K+ ATPase activity in pregnancy (0.094 ± 0.0051 µM Pi/min. mg protein), smoking (0.064 ± 0.0011 µM), diabetes (0.047 µM 0.002 µM) and kidney disease (0.069 ± 0.0014 µM) was higher compared to the measurements in healthy individuals (0.0081 ± 0.0031 µM). Conclusion Na+-K+ATPase specific activity is a biomarker for the diagnosis of individuals with different physiological diseases.

Analysis of SNPs of MC4R , GNB3 and FTO gene polymorphism in obese Saudi subjects

Background The goal of this study was to analyze the association between the FTO rs17817449 (G>T), G protein beta3 subunit (GNB3) C825T and Melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) A822G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) with obesity in Saudi subjects. Methods The subjects were divided into 2 groups according to BMI: Obese (BMI> 29.9) and non- obese control (BMI<24.9). Genotyping of the target genes were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (RFLP). Results We demonstrated the association of the FTO genotype TT with increased weight, BMI and leptin levels in both males and females. However, there was no association of genotype TT with fasting blood glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol levels. Regarding GNB3 rs5443 polymorphism, the likelihood of obesity was linked to the TT genotype which was also associated with increased leptin levels. On the other hand, the SNP of MC4R A822G did not exhibit any significant association with obesity among studied subjects and showed only the presence of homozygous AA genotype. Conclusion The polymorphism of FTO gene rs17817449 and GNB3 gene rs5443 (C825T) may be a genetic determinant of obesity in Saudi population whereas impact of MC4R Asn274Ser change could not be detected.

Prevalence and Awareness of Sexually Transmitted Infections among Inmates of a Drug Rehabilitation Center in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Drug addicts constitute a high-risk group for the transmission of HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). The aim of the study was to screen inmates at a drug rehabilitation center for the presence of commonly occurring STIs. We also aimed to correlate the prevalence of STIs with injecting and noninjecting drug use and awareness about the prevention of STIs. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of 115 inpatients at Al Amal Hospital for the Treatment of Addiction and Rehabilitation between September 1, 2011 and November 1, 2012. Demographic data, use of intravenous and other addictive drugs, and awareness about condom use for protection against STIs were documented. Blood samples were collected, and serum and DNA were extracted to test for HIV and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and for syphilis using polymerase chain reaction. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Results: Of the total participants, 18 had one or more STIs, including syphilis (n=11), HIV (n=5), HBV (n=5) and combined HBV and syphilis (n=3). The prevalence of STIs was higher among injecting drug users than among noninjecting drug users. Compared to the group that did not have STIs, very few participants who were positive for STIs were aware that condoms provided protection against STIs. Conclusions: The prevalence of HIV, HBV and syphilis among male drug addicts in Saudi Arabia is very high. Healthcare providers should focus on raising awareness and providing treatment and counselling to this high-risk population.