Abstract: Background and Objective: The adaptive immune system depends on the identification and elimination of foreign molecules. The objective of this article is to analyze the antimicrobial peptide of Styela plicata on the molecular level to know what the triggered mechanisms are after stimulation both in vivo and in vitro; perform a comparative analysis between the response of this sea squirt to a living stimulus, bacteria and to an inert stimulus, pathogen-associated molecular patterns. Materials and Methods: Styela plicata was collected from the Arabian Gulf and the Mediterranean in 2019. Parts of the pharyngeal sac, mantle, blood samples, ovary and testis were analyzed using Polymerase Chain Reaction-Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) and Southern blot. The results: Analysis of sea squirts revealed a degree of variability, which does not seem to be related to the geographical origin. Genetically related squirts share the same antimicrobial peptide bands. The in vitro experiments showed similar antimicrobial peptide bands before and after the exposure of the blood cells to the stimuli. Conclusion: This is the first time to detect that 5-methyl-hexahydropyrimidine-2,4-dione showed variability in estuarine areas in the Arabian Gulf. PubDate: 23 May, 2021
Abstract: Background and Objective: Sessile Macro-benthic invertebrates have developed a series of defence strategies against predation and epibiosis based on the synthesis and release of cytotoxic and antimitotic materials. The objectives of this study are to study the secondary metabolites of Modiolus auriculatus and to investigate how this mussel defends itself from predators. Materials and Methods: Modiolus auriculatus was collected from the Arabian Gulf during 2019. Anti-tumour tests of the extract were performed against ATCC mouse cell lines. Nucleic acids of Bacteria, archaebacteria and 18S from the Eukarya Domain were extracted from the mussel using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE). To determine the chemical structure of the isolated extract, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectra were obtained using Bruker AC 200. Results: All mussel extracts analyzed had high antitumor activity against tumour cell lines but were inactive against brain cancer. The composition of the symbionts associated with the soft bodies has more than 95% similarity. Septamycin, erythromycin, a streptomycin derivative, monensin A, curcutetraol and curcutriolamide were isolated from the extract. Conclusion: Symbolization and suppression of microorganisms are a key role in the survival of Modiolus auriculatus. About 85% of the total copies analyzed corresponded to Alphaproteobacteria and a few to Gammaproteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and 16S rDNA sequence of Rhodophyta. PubDate: 20 October, 2021
Abstract: Background and Objective: The fishery resources play a leading role in the economy of coastal countries. Abundant pelagic and valuable demersal resources represent the country's main source of employment. This work selected the horned octopus Eledone cirrhosa from the Mediterranean Sea off Alexandria, Egypt to study sexual maturity indices, the histological study of the gonads of both sexes and measurement of six heavy metals in the seawater and the gonads. Materials and Methods: Sex ratio, GSI (Gonado-Somatic Index), RGS (Record Gonado-Somatic), VNI (Vas deferens Needham's sac Index), OGI (Oviduct Gland Index) and HI (Hayashi index) are measured monthly and their fluctuations are commented through UNIANOVA (ANCOVA) analysis; (METHOD=SSTYPE(3) and COVARIANCE P. Results: Males mature earlier than females. Seminiferous tubules show a centripetal sequence of spermatogonia, spermatocytes I, spermatocytes II, spermatids and spermatozoa. The histological picture of ovarian lobules, oocytes and accessory glands are commented. Both morphometric parameters and histological overviews highlight two periods of spawning: spring to summer spawning and fall spawning which is less intense. Males reached maturity in June to January, while spermiogenesis was intense until the moment of copulation. Vitellogenesis begins in November and extends to the next laying period. Gonadal development in females is non-synchronous and later than in males, about eight months for females and four months for males. Six metal elements were measured by spectrometry of Atomic Emission: Manganese, Cadmium, Iron, copper, zinc and lead and Measurements. Conclusion: Metal bioaccumulation in gonads affect the process of gametogenesis in Abu Qir bay where samples are less viable and fertile than those of Ras el Tin beach. PubDate: 20 October, 2021
Abstract: Background and Objective: Sultanate of Oman abodes immense biodiversity, including some unique, threatened, endemic and regionally endemic medicinal flora confined to specialized ecological niches carved under the complex geographical terrain of this arid desert biome. In the current study, we systematically documented the diversity and therapeutic uses of medicinal plants. Materials and Methods: An intensive ethnobotanical survey carried out in different physiographic regions of the Sultanate of Oman for a time of 4 years 2014-2018. Results: A total of 437 medicinal plants are found across the geographical extent of Oman, of these 160 common medicinal plants were verified and documented for their distribution and therapeutic uses in the traditional indigenous tribes of Oman. Among these 160 medicinal species belong to 53 families and 131 genera. Fabaceae and Asteraceae were the dominant families contributing remarkably to the local ethnomedicinal tradition. Other pharmacologically active species were found among Apocynaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Lamiaceae, Amaranthaceae and Solanaceae. In general, leaves are the preferred part used to alleviate an ailment, followed by usage of the whole plant to mitigate the malady. Conclusion: This baseline survey of ethnomedicine can lead to contribution in the field of drug discovery since Omani medicinal plants are not yet fully exploited commercially for their medicinal uses, besides, at present without any in situ protected area to conserve medicinal plant diversity in Oman. This study also emphasizes the importance of setting up strategies and conservation priorities and the utilization of ethnomedicinal plants. PubDate: 06 May, 2021
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