Albus Scientia

CYP17A1 Network Analysis in Ovarian Serous Cystadenocarcinoma for Retrieval of Polycystic ovaries Targets

Zafar Abbas Shah — 2024-05-22

Background/Aims: CYP17A1 is great metabolic switch for androgen overproduction which is hallmark of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)initiation and progression. There is an urgent need to determine CYP17A1 mediated set of metabolic therapeutic targets for PCOS to control androgen synthesis with wide range of molecular options.

Methodology: We apply rational in silico approach for determination of PCOS comprehensive set of drug targets. First, we retrieve CYP17A1 network dataset from STRING database (https://string-db.org/) by querying CYP17A1 name that gives us updated 30 nodes containing network with unique options of enrichment analysis and module extraction. The enrichment analysis determines CYP17A1 network involvement in steroidogenesis process with carcinogenesis and drug metabolism. We select ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma dataset from cBioPortal server (https://www.cbioportal.org/) for CYP17A1 network differential analysis.

Results: In this study, several steroid synthesis pathway members showed overexpression including SRD5A1, AKR1C3, CYP11B1, CYP11B2, CYP7A1, AKR1C1, AKR1D1, CYP7B1, CYP21A2, POR and HSD17B8 and are ideal biomarkers that provide cell cycle energy requirements for ovarian carcinoma. Few anti-androgenic members such as HSD17B2, STS, SULT2B1 and CYB5A showed down regulation that predicts the impact of hyper androgenemia on carcinogenesis. Drug metabolism components also showed up regulation which can be potential biomarkers for drug resistance in chemotherapies.

Conclusion: Our work suggests androgen and its synthesis pathway paramount in tumorigenesis and is an excellent therapeutic target in ovarian carcinoma. In future, validation of CYP17A1 network as a signature in both ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma and PCOS dataset may lead to novel shared therapeutic combinations and tremendous syndrome-syndrome molecular linkage for personalized medicine.

Analysis of Particulate Matter Fraction in Residential Area of Lahore, Pakistan

Syed Shaid Imran Bukhari — 2024-04-20

Background: Air pollution have reached to an alarming level from the past few decades in Pakistan. An increasing trend in particulate matter (PM) pollution in the urban areas have been observed contributing to different health concerns to human like cardiovascular arrest, blood pressure, asthma, pulmonary dysfunction, many eye problems such as cataracts.

Materials and Methods: To analyze the levels of air quality index in the urban areas at a residential site, in Pakistan, PM fractions PM₁₀, PM_2.5and PM_1.0 were analyzed from 1^st October 2022 to 31^st March 2023 in provincial capital city Lahore by using a PurpleAir sensor located at Gulberg Town Lahore.

Results: The average PM₁₀concentration of PM sustained at 200.96 µg/m³±138.37 µg/m³ for 6 months with maximum level in December 2022 (851.64 µg/m³± 160.58 µg/m³) with an average value of 287.96 µg/m³, and minimum level in March 2023 (10.12 µg/m³± 10.10 µg/m³) with an average 30.56 µg/m³. The average PM_2.5 concentrations was recorded to 164.59 µg/m³± 110.16 µg/m^3. for 6 months with maximum level in December 2022 (622.28 µg/m³± 119.06 µg/m³) with an average value of 229.93 µg/m³and minimum level in March 2023 (9.16 µg/m³± 7.94 µg/m³) with an average of 25.24 µg/m³. The average PM_1.0 concentration was recorded to 86.19 µg/m³± 51.50 µg/m³for 6 months with maximum level in November 2022 (252.42 µg/m³ ± 47.54 µg/m³) with an average of 147.94 µg/m³± 47.54 µg/m³ and minimum level in March 2023 (5.89 µg/m³± 5.15 µg/m³) with an average value 15.89 µg/m³.

Conclusion: Taken into consideration these findings it can be concluded that the high PM levels during November and December were due to the environmental factors including smog, burning of residual crops, brick kilns and excessive vehicle emission.

CAR T Therapies: Game Changer or Culprit in Cancer Treatment?‎

Ali Afzal — 2024-03-05

The FDA alerts to potential T cell malignancy risks linked to CAR T therapies targeting CD19/BCMA, recognizing their advantages but advocating vigilant monitoring. Influential factors in secondary T cell malignancy encompass viral vectors, CAR design, and patient genetics. Analytical findings highlight instances of T cell cancer, stressing the necessity for prolonged safety studies and refined CAR T strategies. Global collaboration is crucial for consistent reporting and adherence to treatments. Recommendations include extended safety assessments, refined CAR T strategies, enhanced data reporting, and global cooperation. This viewpoint addresses safety concerns regarding CAR T therapies and proposes measures to enhance their safety and effectiveness. The discussion emphasizes the importance of optimizing CAR T strategies to minimize risks and elevate treatment outcomes