Baghdad Journal of Biochemistry and Applied Biological Sciences

Short tandem repeat (STR) analysis is a crucial technique in forensic science, providing high-resolution DNA profiling for criminal investigations, paternity tests, and identification of missing persons. This document outlines the key stages of STR analysis, including sample collection and preservation, DNA extraction and quantification, PCR amplification of STR loci, capillary electrophoresis, and data interpretation. Proper handling and storage of forensic samples are essential to prevent DNA degradation and contamination. PCR amplification, using Taq polymerase, enables the replication of STR loci for analysis. Capillary electrophoresis then separates these fragments, generating an electropherogram that is interpreted using specialized software. STR profiling is widely used due to its sensitivity, accuracy, and ability to analyze degraded DNA samples. Despite its advantages, challenges such as DNA mixture interpretation and environmental degradation persist. The continuous advancement of forensic DNA technology, including next-generation sequencing (NGS), aims to enhance STR analysis efficiency and accuracy. This document also discusses various STR kits used in forensic science, their applications, and standard protocols ensuring reliable results. STR analysis remains a cornerstone of forensic DNA testing, playing a significant role in legal and investigative processes worldwide.

Background and Objective: Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is a leading cause of acute liver failure worldwide. Lantana camara possesses antioxidant and membrane-stabilizing properties, suggesting potential hepatoprotective activity. This study investigates the hepatoprotective effects of L. camara flower extracts against APAP overdose-induced liver damage in rats. The study was conducted at the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, from August 1st, 2022, to November 15th, 2022. Dried L. camara flowers were extracted in methanol. Hepatotoxicity was induced in Wistar rats weighing 125±25g with 750 mg/kg APAP on day 6 and pretreated for 5 days with 100, 300, or 500 mg/kg of methanolic L. camara flower extracts (n=5 per group). The rats were then sacrificed and evaluated for prophylactic effect against alterations in liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP), albumin, bilirubin, and total protein. Histopathological examination of the liver was also carried out. The groups treated with L. camara flower extracts exhibited dose-dependent prophylactic activity. The 500 mg/kg extract dose showed maximal efficacy with significant (p<0.05) reduction of AST by 63%, ALT by 105%, and ALP by 80%, and near-normalization of bilirubin and protein levels, compared to APAP control. Histology revealed normal hepatic architecture with only mild hepatomegaly at the 500 mg/kg dose. L. camara flower extract exhibited remarkable protective effects against APAP-induced liver damage, as evidenced by biochemical and histological parameters. The 500 mg/kg dose conferred optimal hepatoprotection, validating its potential as an alternative therapy for APAP toxicity.

protecting and balancing the intestinal flora is important for protection body against many diseases. It is important to develop probiotics, which are an important part of the flora balance, and prebiotic agents that encourage the development of probiotics. The study aimed to determine the potential use of the ethanol extract obtained from Chokeberry fruits with probiotic candidate Limosilactobacillus fermentum MA-7 as natural additive agents in the pharmaceutical and food industries.The biological activity of the extract was determined against probiotic candidate lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains isolated from human breast milk. First, the inhibitory activity of the extract was determined using the disc diffusion method against five different LABs.  Then, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of the extract on the LABs were determined using the micro-dilution method. Finally, the biological activity of the extract on L. fermentum MA-7 at concentrations of 50 and 100 mg/ml was determined using the macro-dilution method.The extract showed antibacterial activity only against Streptococcus thermophilus MAS-1, with an inhibition zone diameter of 6.43 mm. MIC and MBC values of the extract were found as 12.5 mg/ml - >50 mg/ml and 25 mg/ml - >50 mg/ml, respectively. The stimulatory activity of the extract on L. fermentum MA-7 was obtained using macro-dilution method. The number of viable cells was determined after 0, 24 and 48 hours. A concentration of 50 mg/ml extract promoted the growth of L. fermentum MA-7 at 24 and 48 hours. 100 mg/ml extract concentration inhibited the growth of L. fermentum MA-7 after 24 hours but increased its growth after 48 hour compared to 24th hour. It has been shown that Chokeberry fruit ethanol extract at appropriate concentrations can be an alternative as a natural stimulant for L. fermentum MA-7 to support its development in the pharmaceutical industry and as a natural additive in the food industries.

According to the world health organization (WHO), the tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, killing more than 8 million people a year around the world. Since the emergence of various smoking methods, many claims and controversies have risen regarding the safety of each type of these smoking methods or which of them causes more adverse health effects. As such, we aimed in this study to investigate the effect of three types of smoking, namely, cigarette smoking, shisha smoking, and vape smoking, on the serum levels of high-sensitivity CRP (Hs-CRP) and D-dimer. This study involved the collection of blood samples from 100 cigarette smokers, 100 shisha smokers, 100 electronic cigarette (also known as vape) smokers and 200 apparently healthy subjects serving as the control group. Blood levels of Hs-CRP and D-dimer were measured in all of the study subjects. The results showed significantly increased levels of Hs-CRP and D-dimer in cigarette smokers compared to shisha and vape smokers and also to the control group. Levels of Hs-CRP and D-dimer were also significantly higher in shisha smokers compared to the vape smokers and the control group. It is concluded that cigarette smokers are at higher risk for future cardiovascular and thrombotic events, followed by shisha smokers and, at last, vape smokers. Levels of Hs-CRP and D-dimer in vape smokers were within the normal range, suggesting that electronic cigarette smoking is much safer compared to cigarettes and shisha smoking. However, due to the higher levels of Hs-CRP and D-dimer in vape smokers compared to the control group, it is suggested that even vaping might have an impact or adverse health effect compared to non-smokers.

This study aimed to investigate the potential associations between acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, neurotransmitters, trace minerals, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A comparative analysis was conducted between 96 ASD patients and 96 healthy controls. Results revealed significantly lower AChE activity and specific activity in ASD patients compared to controls, corroborating previous findings linking AChE with neurological disorders. Furthermore, GABA and GRIA1 levels were elevated in ASD patients, while oxytocin and HDAC-2 were decreased. Notably, calcium and vitamin D levels were significantly lower in the ASD group, while magnesium and zinc levels were increased. Copper levels showed a decrease in ASD patients. Correlation analysis indicated significant negative correlations between AChE activity and oxytocin, and positive correlations between AChE activity and vitamin D, GABA, and zinc. These findings suggest potential dysregulations in the cholinergic, GABAergic, glutamatergic, and oxytocinergic systems, as well as imbalances in trace minerals, which may contribute to the pathophysiology of ASD. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and explore potential therapeutic interventions targeting these biochemical markers