Disturbances in autophagy are known to be implicated in autoimmune disorders. Many studies have connected polymorphisms in autophagy-related gene 5 (ATG-5) to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Our aim was the determination of the expression level of ATG-5, Beclin-1 and microtubule-associated protein-light chain 3 (LC- 3) in Egyptian SLE patients to investigate the impact of disturbances in autophagy genes on the incidence and progression of the disease. Also, we investigated the incidence of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs573775 in ATG-5 gene among Egyptian SLE patients. Our results showed that the mean levels of Beclin-1, LC-3 and interleukin (IL)-10 transcripts were significantly higher in SLE patients compared to healthy controls. The previous transcripts were positively correlated with SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). Beclin-1 and LC-3 transcripts were negatively correlated to complement component 3 (C3) levels. Only LC-3 transcripts were negatively correlated to complement component 4 (C4). The rs573775 SNP of ATG-5 with the variant allele was significantly associated with disease susceptibility, conferring a higher risk of SLE development. This variant allele was more prevalent in patients below 30 years, patients with anemia and in patients with anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), confirming the essential role of ATG-5 polymorphism in the susceptibility of Egyptian patients to SLE.

Disturbances in autophagy are known to be implicated in autoimmune disorders. Many studies have connected polymorphisms in autophagy-related gene 5 (ATG-5) to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Our aim was the determination of the expression level of ATG-5, Beclin-1 and microtubule-associated protein-light chain 3 (LC- 3) in Egyptian SLE patients to investigate the impact of disturbances in autophagy genes on the incidence and progression of the disease. Also, we investigated the incidence of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs573775 in ATG-5 gene among Egyptian SLE patients. Our results showed that the mean levels of Beclin-1, LC-3 and interleukin (IL)-10 transcripts were significantly higher in SLE patients compared to healthy controls. The previous transcripts were positively correlated with SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). Beclin-1 and LC-3 transcripts were negatively correlated to complement component 3 (C3) levels. Only LC-3 transcripts were negatively correlated to complement component 4 (C4). The rs573775 SNP of ATG-5 with the variant allele was significantly associated with disease susceptibility, conferring a higher risk of SLE development. This variant allele was more prevalent in patients below 30 years, patients with anemia and in patients with anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), confirming the essential role of ATG-5 polymorphism in the susceptibility of Egyptian patients to SLE.

Disturbances in autophagy are known to be implicated in autoimmune disorders. Many studies have connected polymorphisms in autophagy-related gene 5 (ATG-5) to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Our aim was the determination of the expression level of ATG-5, Beclin-1 and microtubule-associated protein-light chain 3 (LC- 3) in Egyptian SLE patients to investigate the impact of disturbances in autophagy genes on the incidence and progression of the disease. Also, we investigated the incidence of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs573775 in ATG-5 gene among Egyptian SLE patients. Our results showed that the mean levels of Beclin-1, LC-3 and interleukin (IL)-10 transcripts were significantly higher in SLE patients compared to healthy controls. The previous transcripts were positively correlated with SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). Beclin-1 and LC-3 transcripts were negatively correlated to complement component 3 (C3) levels. Only LC-3 transcripts were negatively correlated to complement component 4 (C4). The rs573775 SNP of ATG-5 with the variant allele was significantly associated with disease susceptibility, conferring a higher risk of SLE development. This variant allele was more prevalent in patients below 30 years, patients with anemia and in patients with anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), confirming the essential role of ATG-5 polymorphism in the susceptibility of Egyptian patients to SLE.

Disturbances in autophagy are known to be implicated in autoimmune disorders. Many studies have connected polymorphisms in autophagy-related gene 5 (ATG-5) to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Our aim was the determination of the expression level of ATG-5, Beclin-1 and microtubule-associated protein-light chain 3 (LC- 3) in Egyptian SLE patients to investigate the impact of disturbances in autophagy genes on the incidence and progression of the disease. Also, we investigated the incidence of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs573775 in ATG-5 gene among Egyptian SLE patients. Our results showed that the mean levels of Beclin-1, LC-3 and interleukin (IL)-10 transcripts were significantly higher in SLE patients compared to healthy controls. The previous transcripts were positively correlated with SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). Beclin-1 and LC-3 transcripts were negatively correlated to complement component 3 (C3) levels. Only LC-3 transcripts were negatively correlated to complement component 4 (C4). The rs573775 SNP of ATG-5 with the variant allele was significantly associated with disease susceptibility, conferring a higher risk of SLE development. This variant allele was more prevalent in patients below 30 years, patients with anemia and in patients with anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), confirming the essential role of ATG-5 polymorphism in the susceptibility of Egyptian patients to SLE.

Modulation of several targets in cancer cells enhances the effect of anti-cancer drugs. This can be achieved by using combinations of anti-cancer drugs or by designing new drugs with novel pharmacophore structures that target different molecules within cancer cells. We developed a panel of such compounds by accommodating two chemical entities (5-Aminoslicylic acid and thiazolin-4-one) known to have anti-cancer activities into a single framework structure. Using a panel of 7 cancer cell lines, two compounds (HH3 and HH13) showed efficient cytotoxic effects on some types of cancer comparable to the standard anti-cancer drug doxorubicin with tumor specificity and minimal effects on normal fibroblasts. Investigating the molecular mechanisms of the two compounds revealed (i) induction of DNA damage, (ii) cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase and (iii) induction of apoptosis as indicated by annexin-V staining and activation of caspases. These effects were more prominent in HH compounds-sensitive cells (with IC50 0.5μM) than -resistant or normal cells (with IC50 > 1μM). Moreover, both compounds modulate the expression and activity of several factors in the DNA damage response pathway (γ–H2AX, ATM, ATR, CHK1, CHK2), cyclins/cyclin dependent kinases and CDC25 phosphatase. Altogether, our results show that both HH3 and HH13 compounds are good candidates as anti-cancer drug leads for certain types of cancer and worth further detailed investigations of their safety and effectiveness on animal/xenograft models.

Carbon paste electrode (CPE) modified with porous copper based metal organic framework (Cu-MOF) nanocomposite is described for analysis of cyanide (CN−) for the first time. The electrochemical performance of the proposed electrode was investigated by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The Cu-MOF nanocomposite was characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM), N2-adsorption-desorption isotherms, powder X-ray powder diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Under optimal conditions of measurements, the anodic peak (Ipa) decreases linearly in the range of 1.87–25 μM with LOD of 0.60 μM (at S/N = 3). The Cu-MOF/CPE showed good selectivity towards CN− measurement with no significant interference in pH 7.0 using 0.25 M KCl to increase the medium conductivity and to stabilize the analyte and prevents its volatility. Moreover, the method was successfully applied for determination of CN− in different environmental water samples.

Carbon paste electrode (CPE) modified with porous copper based metal organic framework (Cu-MOF) nanocomposite is described for analysis of cyanide (CN−) for the first time. The electrochemical performance of the proposed electrode was investigated by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The Cu-MOF nanocomposite was characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM), N2-adsorption-desorption isotherms, powder X-ray powder diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Under optimal conditions of measurements, the anodic peak (Ipa) decreases linearly in the range of 1.87–25 μM with LOD of 0.60 μM (at S/N = 3). The Cu-MOF/CPE showed good selectivity towards CN− measurement with no significant interference in pH 7.0 using 0.25 M KCl to increase the medium conductivity and to stabilize the analyte and prevents its volatility. Moreover, the method was successfully applied for determination of CN− in different environmental water samples.

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Regarding cancer, innovative therapeutic approaches are needed for achieving a complete cure, since the conventional approaches are not satisfactory. The use of nucleic acids for modifying gene and protein levels in specific cells is one of the most promising approaches for cancer therapy, since it corrects the underlying cause of the disease. However, delivering various nucleic acids to their intracellular target sites is a difficult task, since they need to traverse the plasma membrane in order to be effective. Unlike conventional low molecular weight drugs, nucleic acids are large, hydrophilic and susceptible to degradation. Therefore, a sophisticated gene delivery system is required to protect and efficiently deliver these molecules to their target sites. We have been developing a series of innovative gene delivery systems based on our original design of a multifunctional envelope-type nano device (MEND). A MEND could be optimized at various levels to efficiently and safely deliver different nucleic acids to their target sites in specific cells in the body. We focused mainly on improving biodistribution after systemic administration as well as improving intracellular trafficking so as to achieve the maximum effect. Here, we summarize our efforts to develop various versions of MENDs for efficient gene delivery in vitro and in vivo. The focus is on the use of MENDs for the treatment of cancer through applying the concept of active targeting as well as passive targeting. We also summarize the applicability of a MEND system for use in cancer immunotherapy. The MEND system described here is expected to extend the therapeutic applications of nucleic acids for the treatment of various currently incurable diseases, including cancer.