NEW CELLULAR & MOLECULAR BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
Year:2015 | Volume:5 | Issue:20|Papers Count:15

In the past two decades, given the importance of biotech drugs and its effective role in the treatment of many diseases, the commercialization and selling of these products is dramatically grown worldwide and many large companies have obtained macro-economic benefits for their own and their mother country by investing in this area. The United States is the largest investor in the research, production and sales of pharmaceutical products derived from biotechnology; therefore, studying the biotechnological drugs market can provide an overall vision about the commercialization process and the market for these types of drugs in the world. For the young researchers in biotechnology and pharmaceutical field to be familiar with commercial status and sales of biotechnological drugs, the business development and selling of these products in the United States in a period of 10 years (2002-2012) was studied as a reference model. Data presented in this article is based on the reports from 2007 to 2014, which are published in each year in the Nature Biotechnology Journal.

Aim and Background: White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infection has resulted in severe production and economic losses in shrimp culture globally.The first time the white spot disease (WSD) was reported in Iran was in 2004 and 2008, respectively in Bushehr Province. In Sistan and Balochestan province only the WSD was reported in 2008. White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is the most pathogenic among the penaeid shrimp viruses.Materials and Methods: WSSV DNA samples for PCR test were prepared from diseased shrimp. Specific PCR primers were used for the amplification of VP28 gene in WSSV. VP28 gene of DNA isolate of WSSV was amplified by PCR and the PCR product was sequenced Results: The results were submitted to GenBank (KF723558). The nucleotide sequence (KF723558) was compared with the VP28 gene sequences in the GenBank database (NCBI).Conclusion: 36 sequences showed significant alignments with 99% homology which include the sequences from Korea, Japan, US, Indonesia, China, Vietnam, Taiwan, the Netherlands and Thailand. However, the homology was not observed 100% in the sequences.

Aim and Background: Today, the use of magnetic nanoparticles of iron oxide is highly regarded in various fields of medicine such as imaging and drug delivery. In this study magnetic nanoparticles with cisplatin as chemotherapy drug have been studied as an efficient drug delivery system with lower doses of the chemotherapeutic agent, the control of drug distribution in the body and destruction of breast cancer cells.Materials and Methods: In the present study, iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles containing cisplatin were synthesized. The size and morphology of nanoparticles were characterized. Finally, invivo and in-vitro cytotoxic effects on MCF-7 cell lines and animal models Balb/c mice were evaluated.In vitro effects of cisplatin and magnetic nanoparticles-loaded with cisplatin on MCF-7 cell line were evaluated. In vivo study of different doses of nanoparticles loaded with cisplatin and cisplatin on Balb/c mice with breast cancer were studied. Changes in tumor size were evaluated by calculation of tumor volume.Results: The results showed that nanoparticles loaded with cisplatin in human breast tumor tissue affect effectively. Magnetic nanoparticles loaded with cisplatin compared to free cisplatin showed higher toxicity effects with lower doses of cisplatin on MCF-7cell line.Conclusion: The results showed that the magnetic nanoparticles loaded with cisplatin can be proposed as an appropriate candidate for the treatment of breast cancer with minimal side effects.

Aim and Background: Functional nanoparticles have offered many hopes in drug delivery. These structures not only increase the efficiency of nanoparticle-associated drugs, but also attenuate the side effects of these therapeutic agents. In this study various nanoparticulate formulations of Hydroxyurea (HU) were constructed.Materials and Methods: reverse phase evaporation technique was used to obtain the Hydroxyurealoaded liposome. Aspartic acid containing-Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) were manufactured using reduction of chloroauric acid salt. DNA extracted from human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 was then conjugated to GNPs (nanoconjugate). Nanoconjugate was subsequently mixed with Hydroxyurealoaded liposome to give nanoconjugate complex. Obtained nanoparticulate formulations were characterized with dynamic light scattering (DLS) and UV-Vis spectrophotometery methods.Spectrophotometery was also used to determine the drug loading efficiency. MTT assay and MCF-7 cell line was contributed to provide the information about cytotoxicity effects of various formulations.Results: Drug loading efficiency was found to be 70%. While nanoconjugate complex gave the largest size with 502 nm, size of produced GNPs was minimum with 29 nm. Although compared to free drug, efficiency was significantly enhanced when HU was coupled to nanoparticulate formulations, this effect was more evident at lower concentrations of drug (20>mM). In this regard cytotoxicity effect of nanocomplex was prominent. Cytotoxicity effects of HU-loaded liposome and nanoconjugate complex at lowest concentration (5 mM) were estimated to be 70 and 81 percent respectively. More cytotoxicity observed with nanoconjugate complex could be attributed to an increase in the HU transfer to cell because of GNPs. Free HU showed cytotoxicity effects equal to 32 and 88 percent at 5 and 2500 mM, respectively.Conclusion: Results of the study showing that liposome nanoparticle could be considered as a suitable carrier for HU. It has demonstrated that GNPs exert essential role in which at the present of this nanoparticle as nanocomplex structure, cytotoxicity effects were significantly increased. According to these observations, use of GNPs as liposomal nanocomplex for various drug formulations could be considered. Because of significance increase in the cytotoxicity effects of nanoconjugate complex produced in this study, it is recommended to initiate the in vivo studies.

Aim and background: This study was performed to evaluate the effect of lactobacillus acidophilus Bacteria (LAB) on chicken T cell subsets at ileum, bursa and cecal tonsil tissues.Material and Methods: Thirty chickens were divided into three groups and fed with sterilized cow milk (M), or a mixture of M and LAB, kept as controls. Chickens from each group were sacrificed after 2 or 3 weeks and lymphoid tissues including ileum, bursa and cecal tonsil were removed and cryo preserved. The ratio of T cell subsets including CD4+, CD8+and gamma delta T cells were studied by immune-histo chemistry method.Results: The ratio of CD4+T cells was significantly higher in ileum of chicken after 2 weeks of probiotic intake. Moreover, this ratio was even higher than the ratio of these cells in the third week. In the cecal tonsil sections the percentage of gamma delta T cells was higher in milk fed chickens, after 3 weeks.Conclusion: The findings indicate that feeding of chickens with probiotics may alter the distribution of T cells in the lymphoid tissues. However, coincidental increase of CD4+and gamma delta T cells after 2 and 3 weeks of treatment indicates that these effects are transient and could not have a permanent effect on avian mucosal immunity.

Aim and Background Ornithobacteriosis is an infectious disease of avian species reported in almost all countries around the world. The first recorded isolation of ORT was made from turkeys in Germany in 1981. ORT has been isolated from chickens, ducks, geese, guinea fowls, gulls, ostriches, partridges, pheasants, pigeons, quails, rooks and turkeys so far. In Iran, ORT infection was reported by Banani et al for the first time. The aim of the study was to identify the Ornithobacterium isolated .in Markazi province using molecular analyses Materials and Methods: Sampling and biochemical isolation has been performed in Razi vaccine and serum research institute. Random sample of 20 units and 231 birds has been collected from the Arak poultry farms during August 2011 to March 2013. All of the fifteen isolated samples were cultured in blood agar media with 5mg/ml Gentamicin and incubated at 48 hours in 37oC. Then all samples were subjected to PCR and sequencing for 16S rRNA.Results: PCR results and observations 784 bp band on the agarose gel confirmed the existence of genera Ornithobacterium. Also compared sequences obtained from isolated sequences available in Gene Bank showed that 98-100% were similar to Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale strain indicating the existence of these bacterial species in the farms of Markazi province.Conclusion: Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale can be a dominant species from Ornithobacterium in the farms of Markazi province.

Aim& Background: Basil (Ocimum basilicum) belongs to the family Lamiaceae. It is annual plant known as an important medicinal plant. To study the effects of nano-silver particles on salinity tolerance behaviors (Ocimum basilicum L.), the present research was conducted.Materials and Methods: experiments were carried out factorially based on CRD with four replicates during autumn 2013. Samples were treated with 6 levels of nano-silver particles, including 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 mg.kg-1 and 6 levels of salinity 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180 mmol.l-1. Salinity treatments were prepared using NaCl and CaCl2 at the rate of 1: 1 in Hogland solution of 50%. The germination percentages, germination speed, vigor index, were also determined.Results: Results showed that the application of nano-silver particles at the concentration of 40 mg.kg-1 led to the increases in germination percentage and improved the resistance to salinity conditions.Conclusion: the application of nano silver at suitable levels during germination process may enhance germination traits, plant growth and resistance to salinity conditions in basil seedlings.

Aim and Background: Manystudies have found an association between inflammation and mental disorders such as anxiety and depressionin different regions of the brain. Inflammatory factors cause increase in cytokines levels. On the other hand elevated levels of cytokine are associated with several neurological disorders, including anxiety, depression, Alzheimer and Parkinson’s diseases. GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric acid) is a majorinhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system. Many studies have proven the roleof GABA in mental disorders including anxiety, depression. The present study investigates the effects of GABA agonists and antagonistson the levels of inflammatory factors and cytokines levels in off springs.Materials and Methods: In the present study, the pregnant female rats in their late pregnancy were treated for 3 days, from 16th to 18th day of gestation, with the antagonist or agonist GABAa receptor with 10, 50, 100, 500 and 700 mg / kg of Muscimol and 20, 70, 140, 500 and 800 mg / kg of Bicuculline. After the treatment, the cytokines levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex were measured in offsprings. The measurement was carried out by ELIZA technique.Results: Our results showed that the treatment on pregnant female rats in their late pregnancy (16th to 18th day of gestation for 3 days(with antagonist (bicuculline) or agonist (muscimol) of GABAa receptor which were 500 and 700 mg / kg for muscimol 140 and 500 mg / kg for bicuculline, had no effect on the levels of cytokines.Conclusion: In conclusion, these studies showed that the blockage of GABA receptor plays no role in the inflammatory factors and cytokines.

According to widespread antibiotic resistance and limitation of effective drugs, nowadays much attention has been focused on the use of alternative drugs. One of the alternatives is pyocin of Pseudomonas that can have inhibitory effect on relative species and even on other genus. This study was aimed to study the production and investigation of antimicrobial effects of pyocin on some pathogenic bacteria and investigation of its synergism effect with some common antibiotics.Materials and methods: Production of pyocin by isolated strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was investigated without stimulator and in presence of mitomycin C in various temperature and pH values. Inhibitory effect of pyocin was studied on some pathogenic bacteria; also synergism effect of pyocin with some antibiotics was investigated.Results: Pyocin production was done both in the absence of stimulator and to a greater extent in the presence of mitomycin C. Optimum temperature for the production of pyocin was 37oC and optimum pH was 7. Produced pyocin showed a significant inhibitory effect on target bacteria and had synergism effect with some studied antibiotics.Conclusion: Pyocin can have an efficient inhibitory effect on pathogenic bacteria in vitro. Upon further investigations especially in vivo, more detailed information can be obtained about the possibility of its using as an alternative or complement for the treatment of bacterial infections.

Background and Aim: Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a white powder and non-toxic. VC is the most important antioxidant. This vitamin is not stable enough in aqueous solution. The aim of this work is to encapsulate ascorbic acid within nanomicelle in order to increase the stability of vitamin, fat-solu-.ble and higher concentrations drug delivery Materials and Methods: Using surfactant Tween 80 and α-tocopherol in stable temperature conditions, nanomicelle was developed. Encapsulation efficiency was calculated by spectrophotometric method. The morphology of nanomicelle was examined with electron microscope TEM operating and Size measurements of the samples were obtained by Dynamic Light Scattering Instrument (Na-.) no-ZS; Malvern, UK Results: The mean diameter and encapsulation efficiency of nanomicelle ascorbic acid is, respective-.ly, 100 nm and 70% Conclusion: This study showed that ascorbic acid can be encapsulated into nanomicelle and protected against environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, pH and light; also with this method .the fat-solubility of vitamin can be achieved.

Aim and Background: Herceptin as a humanized monoclonal antibody against HER2 is used for the treatment of the early stage of HER2 over-expresed breast cancers. This antibody has the potential to be used as radioimmuno-scintigraphy agent in diagnosing HER2 breast cancer. In this study, the radiolabeling of Herceptin with 99mTc was evaluated for the first step in producing a new radiopharmaceutical agent.Materials and Methods: Herceptin antibody was labeled with Technetium-99m using Diethylene Triamine Pentaacetic Acid (DTPA) as chelator. All the quality control tests were performed. Labeling efficiency, stability in buffer and serum, immunoreactivity, toxicity and cell binding of the complex were tested on different breast cancer cell lines.Results: The labeling efficiency of the complex was 97 ± 2%. The stabilities in phosphate buffer and in human blood serum within 24 h post preparation were 96 ± 1% and 90 ± 2%, respectively. The immunoreactivity of the complex was 83 ± 3%. The binding of labeled antibody to the surface of SKBR3, MCF7 and A431 cells were increased by increasing Her2 concentration on the cells surface. No cytotoxicity effect of complex was seen on the cell lines.Conclusion: The findings showed that 99mTc-DTPA-Herceptin can be a promising candidate as HER2 antigen scanning for human breast cancer that needs more investigations in future.

Aim and background Sperm motility is a critical factor for fertilization. Glucose and citric acid can be metabolized by these cells. We study the role of these two on Bovine sperm motility in BO medium.Materials and methods Testicles were removed from tunica albuginea. Epididymes were incised and 4-6 *106 sperm cells/ml were transferred into BO medium containing different concentrations of glucose (G1 & G2) with or without citric acid, and incubated in a %5 Co2 incubator in humid air at 38 C for up to 8 hours.Sperm cells were observed under CASA system (computer assisted sperm analyzer) and data for the Class A, Class A+B, Live ratio, Straight Line Velocity (VSL), Curvilinear Velocity (VCL), Average Path Velocity (VAP), Beat Cross Frequency (BCF) were recorded.Results The results showed that Class A was significantly higher at G1 & citric acid at 6 hours post incubation (p<0.05). Class A+B was significantly higher at G1 & citric acid at 4 & 6 hours post incubation (p<0.05). Live ratio was significantly higher at G1 & citric acid too. Such effects didn’t observe at G2 & citric acid medium.Conclusion The results showed that citric acid has an increasing effect on these parameters. This effect can be affected by concentrations of glucose. Our results didn’t show any significant difference in comparing motility patterns atG1 and G2 concentrations of glucose with or without citric acid. This part of the results suggests that citric acid has no any effect on these parameters.

Aim and Background: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are widely dispersed in the environment and are commonly isolated from environmental sources. Several species of environmental mycobacteria have been known to be important as human pathogens. The aim of this study was the isolation and molecular identification of NTM recovered from Tehran drinking water samples.Material and Methods: From 22 different municipality regions of Tehran, 44 water samples were collected and passed through 0.45 mm filters. Filters were rinsed, treated with NaOH and SDS and transferred onto Lowenstein-Jensen medium. The isolates were subjected for molecular identification by sequencingrpoB gene.Results: All of the collected waster samples were positive for NTM. Three samples had two types of NTM while the rest had one NTM isolate in pure culture. Contamination rate was 1%. Total of 47 isolates were isolated. Using rpoB gene sequencing M. simiea, M. fortuitum and M. gordonae were most frequent encountered species.Conclusion: Our findings showed NTM are the most common inhabitant bacteria in drinking water systems. This study provided impotent evidence about distribution of NTM in environmental sources.

Aim and Background: XRCC1 encods the protein involved in base excision repair (BER) system.Because of important role ofXRCC1 gene, polymorphism in this gene could increase the risk of many neoplasms in human. We conducted a research project to find out the association between endometriosis with XRCC1polymorphism.Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional study 102 cases were enrolled. DNA was isolated from peripheral blood, and then genotyping of codon 399 ofXRCC1 was carried using specific primers and RFLP method.Results: Data from102 cases in an endometriosis group (n=52) and a control group (n=50) were analyzed and led to the following results: the Arg399Gln polymorphism ofXRCC1 gene was 76.9% in the endometriosis group compared with 28% in the control group (P=0.0001) with OR=2.47 and 95% CI: 1.72–4.39 (for GG vs. GA+AA) using Fisher’s exact test. Allelic Frequency on the Endometriosis group was 57.69% for G and 42.31% for A allele; these rates for the control group were 86% and 14% for G and A alleles respectively (P=0.0001).Conclusion: we came to the conclusion that arginine to glutamine polymorphism of XRCC1 gene codon 399 is associated with an increase in the risk of endometriosis and obtained odd’s ratio indicates that people with this polymorphism have 2.47 times the risk of developing endometriosis compared to people without polymorphism.