Malaysian Journal of Biochemistry
& Molecular Biology
(E-ISSN: 2600-9005)
The Official Publication of the Malaysian Society for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (MSBMB)
Indexed by SCOPUS and Malaysian Citation Index (MYCITE)
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About the MJBMB
Malaysian Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (MJBMB) was founded by the Malaysian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (MSBMB) in the year 1997. It was published two times a year prior to 2010. From 2016 onwards, the journal will be published ONLINE 3 times per year, in April, August and December. The journal publishes research papers in all areas of biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology, which include DNA and RNA biology, gene expression, glycobiology, enzymology, protein structure and function, lipid chemistry, membranes, immunology, plant biochemistry and physiology, microbiology, immunology, natural product chemistry, biomedical science, research methods and bioinformatics.
Indexing
SCOPUS & MyCITE (Malaysian Citation Index)
Current Issue
April 2025
Malay. J. Biochem. Mol. Biol. (2025) 28 (1)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page 1- 7
Noor Jannah Yob, Anas Nazreen Nasir, Izzati Fatini Zainal Abidin and Rosnani Hasham
EFFICIENCY OF SOLVENTS ON TOTAL YIELDS, PHENOLS FLAVONOIDS AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF Acalypha indica LINN.
Abstract
New innovative bioactive chemicals are needed to solve the serious side effects and the increasing problem of antimicrobial resistance. For this reason, scientists are seeking new sources for which to develop antimicrobial agents, such as plant extract. Acalypha indica is has been studied for its potential as a source of antimicrobial agents, as it contains phytochemicals such as phenols and flavonoids. Extraction was carried out of a range of solvents of increasing polarity (n-hexane, chloroform, acetone, methanol and water) using sequential extraction. The results showed that the methanolic extract had the highest extraction yield (4.35% w/w), followed by water (4.13% w/w). The n-hexane extract had the highest phenolic and flavonoids content 19.51 mg GAE /g and 812.55 mg QE /g of extract, respectively. The antimicrobial activity of the A. indica extracts was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans by diffusion method. Only the n-hexane, chloroform, acetone and methanol extracts showed active inhibition of both P. aeruginosa between (31% to 35%) and S. aureus between (35% to 42%), while E. coli was not inhibited. Acetone extracts showed the highest inhibition zone against P. aeruginosa (9.50 mm) and S. aureus (9.00 mm), followed by methanol, n-hexane and chloroform. In addition, n-hexane and water extracts showed strong antifungal activity against C. albicans, with 48% (20 mm) and 43% (18 mm), respectively. In conclusion, these results underline the potential of A. indica as a valuable source of bioactive compounds with promising antimicrobial properties.
Page 8 - 20
Tran Thi Phuong Nhung and Le Pham Tan Quoc
ACUTE TOXICITY EVALUATION OF ETHANOL LEAF EXTRACT OF BEAD TREE (MELIA AZEDARACH LINNE) ON WHITE-SPOTTED FRESHWATER CATFISH (CLARIAS FUSCUS)
Abstract
The acute toxicity assessment is a commonly employed procedure in evaluating the biological safety of herbal extracts in sustainable aquaculture. A biological test was conducted to investigate the effects of acute toxicity (96 h, LD50) of the ethanol leaf extract of Melia azedarach L. on the behavior, hematological and biochemical parameters, tissue histology of the liver and gill in the white-spotted freshwater catfish (Clarias fuscus). Fresh leaves of M. azedarach were harvested, dried, soaked, and extracted with ethanol solvent (EEMA), containing chemical compounds such as tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and steroids, to be used as a test material for acute toxicity assessment on the catfish. One hundred and eighty (180) C. fuscus weighing between 50 - 52g were randomly divided into eight (8) treatment groups/concentrations for acute toxicity testing. Agitation, increased respiration rate, erratic swimming, loss of balance, rough skin, and excessive mucous secretion were observed as behavioral changes in the groups exposed to higher concentrations of 280 and 320 mg/L. The average LD50 over 96 h was 319.81 mg/L, with the safety threshold value (safe value) of EEMA being 240 mg/L. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts (7.33 ± 0.14 × 106 cells/mm3 and 8.25 ± 0.16 × 103 cells/mm3, respectively) were noted in the treatment groups compared to the control group (7.83 ± 0.25 × 106 cells/mm3, 7.35 ± 0.14 × 106 cells/mm3) after exposure to EEMA for 96 h. Urea and creatinine levels (38.52 ± 0.11 mg/dL, 1.49 ± 0.09 U/L) also showed a significant increase in the group treated with 320 mg/L EEMA compared to the control (38.29 ± 0.09 mg/dL, 1.22 ± 0.08 U/L) (p < 0.05). Histological effects on the liver and gill revealed hepatocyte hypertrophy, abnormally shaped nuclei, fatty degeneration, and congestion, with the epithelial lining of the gill raised and partly fused in the secondary epithelial layer. These changes indicate that EEMA is toxic to the test fish at high concentrations (280 and 320 mg/L). However, there were no significant changes in water quality among the test groups compared to the control group (p > 0.05), except for conductivity in the test groups at concentrations of 280 and 320 mg/L (p < 0.05). This study establishes safe limits for the ethanol leaf extract of M. azedarach (40-200 mg/L) before its therapeutic values can be considered for practical use.
Page 21 - 28
Akrimi Najihah Mohd Khamil, Teck Wei Lim, Deron R. Herr, Jualang Azlan Gansau, Siew-Eng How
and Lucky Poh Wah Goh
PHYTOCHEMICAL CONTENTS AND BIOACTIVITY OF Nephelium lappaceum L. (RAMBUTAN) AND Nephelium ramboutan-ake (PULASAN)
Abstract
Fruits are the natural sources of antioxidants. In this study, we determined the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activities of various parts (peels, seeds, and pulps) of Nephelium lappaceum L. (rambutan merah and rambutan kuning) and Nephelium ramboutan-ake (pulasan). The fruit extracts were obtained by maceration with ethanol (70%) as the solvent. The TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activities were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, aluminum chloride colorimetric method, and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method, respectively. The results were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference (HSD) post hoc test. Overall, the fruits peel yielded the highest TPC (9.63 mg gallic acid equivalents, GAE/g on average) and TFC (740.83 mg quercetin equivalent, QE/g on average). Furthermore, the fruit peels showed the highest antioxidant activity (1.483 antioxidant activity index, AAI on average). Meanwhile, by comparing the edible pulps, Nephelium ramboutan-ake showed the highest TPC (4.33 mg GAE/g), TFC (94.31 mg QE/g), and antioxidant activity (1.17 AAI) among the fruits. In conclusion, the results suggest that the byproducts (peels and seeds) of the fruits could be potentially processed as functional foods and alternative sources of antioxidants.
Page 29 - 35
Roslina Mat Yazid, Che Radziah Che Mohd Zain, Mohd Fareed Mohd Sairi, Ismanizan Ismail, Mohd Fahmi Abu Bakar and Nik Marzuki Sidik
THE EFFECTS OF LEAD STRESS ON PHOTOSYNTHESIS, STOMATAL CONDUCTANCE, TRANSPIRATION, AND CHLOROPHYLL CONTENT OF Cayratia trifolia
Abstract
Lead (Pb), a widespread heavy metal pollutant in our environment, can affect plant physiology and productivity worldwide. Cayratia trifolia is a terrestrial plant found in a former sludge farm treatment area that is highly contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbon and high salinity. This study examines the effect of Pb on photosynthesis rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll content of Cayratia trifolia. The plant specimens were treated with different concentrations, including 10, 300, and 600 mg/kg of Pb, for 48 hours. The photosynthesis, transpiration, and stomatal conductance were observed through an infrared gas analyzer (IRGA) and a LICOR 6400 portable photosynthesis system (Lincoln, Nebraska, USA). Meanwhile, the chlorophyll content was determined by extraction method. The finding shows that the photosynthesis rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll content were reduced at 300 and 600 mg/kg of Pb-treated plants. However, at low concentrations of Pb (10 mg/kg), photosynthesis rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll content increased. Pearson’s correlation shows that photosynthesis rate was positively correlated with stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, and chlorophyll content. In addition, the Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis showed that Pb accumulated more in the plant roots compared to the leaves. Thus, this study concludes that Pb accumulation has a negative effect on plant physiology, including photosynthesis rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll content of Cayratia trifolia.
Page 36 - 43
Siti Norazura Jamala, Dhilia Udie Lamasudin, Belal J. Muhialdin, Noor Baity Saidi, Kok Song Lai and Mohd Termizi Yusof
PEPTIDE PROFILING AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY CORRELATION IN Bactronophorus thoracites FERMENTED PROTEIN USING LC-MS/MS ANALYSIS
Abstract
The study examines the antimicrobial properties of proteins found in Bactronophorus thoracites, a wood-boring shipworm, which could help combat leaf blight disease in rice in Malaysia. Using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), 18 cationic peptides were identified in the shipworm's fermented protein. These peptides vary in size (1015.13 to 4071.501 Da) and are rich in Arginine (Arg) and Serine (Ser), amino acids known for their antimicrobial abilities. Most of these peptides are hydrophilic and water-soluble, with a GRAVY index indicating their solubility in water. The study found that peptides with a neutral GRAVY index were more effective due to their balanced water-loving and water-repelling properties. The peptides' structures are mainly α-helix and random coil, with the former penetrating microbial cell membranes and the latter adapting to different microbial surfaces. This structural diversity enhances their antimicrobial effectiveness. This research is significant for its identification of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in the shipworm protein. These AMPs are short, positively charged, and have a mix of coiled and α-helical structures. The findings lay a foundation for further exploration of these peptides in treating infectious diseases.
Page 44 - 52
Suk Jiun Ling, Ewen Se Thoe, Yi Yuen Chia, Wai Keat Yam and Yoke Yin Chia
A GENETIC FUNCTION APPROXIMATION 2 DIMENSIONAL-QUANTITATIVE STRUCTURE-ACTIVITY RELATIONSHIP PREDICTIVE MODEL FOR PEROXISOME PROLIFERATOR-ACTIVATED RECEPTOR-γ AGONISTIC ACTIVITY
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) - γ agonists modulate metabolic events including lipid and glucose haemostasis, displaying potential for treatment against metabolic diseases. Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) is a natural ligand that has anti-diabetic effects and could likely be a PPAR-γ agonist. In this study, a 2 dimensional-quantitative structure-activity relationship (2D-QSAR) predictive model was developed using known PPAR-γ agonists and subsequently used to evaluate PPAR-γ binding properties of GA and its derivatives. Molecular docking was then employed as a validation step. A set of 152 known agonists for PPAR-γ was used to create the 2D-QSAR model using the genetic function approximation (GFA) approach. The 2D-QSAR model developed showed R2 value of 0.766 in the training set and an R2 value of 0.720 in the test set. The 2D-QSAR model created was used to predict the biological activities of 114 GA derivatives and 4 of them were identified to be potential PPAR-γ agonists. In conclusion, the 2D-QSAR model of PPAR-γ agonists showed good predictive power within applicability domain and predicted 4 potential GA derivatives to be PPAR-γ agonist.
Page 53 - 62
Mohammad Amil Zulhilmi Benjamin, Ayesha Ahmed and Mohammad Iqbal
ASSESSMENT OF TOTAL PHENOLIC CONTENT, ANTIOXIDATIVE PROPERTY, AND HEPATOPROTECTIVE POTENTIAL OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF Momordica charantia L.
Abstract
Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae) has a longstanding history in traditional medicine for its potential protective effects against various ailments including oxidative stress. This study explores the hepatoprotective activity of the aqueous extract of M. charantia (AEMC) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury in rats. Total phenolic content (TPC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity were measured as part of the evaluation. The four groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned as follows: normal group, control or CCl4-treated group (1.0 mg/kg b.wt.), and AEMC-pretreated groups (doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg b.wt.). After a 14-day duration, all rats were humanely euthanised, and the hepatoprotective potential of AEMC was assessed through biochemical analyses and histopathological examinations of liver tissue. The results revealed that the low TPC (46.64 ± 1.59 mg GAE/g db) and the weak DPPH activity (IC50 = 975.00 µg/mL) of AEMC played a significant role in its robust antioxidant activities. Moreover, AEMC demonstrated significant reductions in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, leading to changes in enzyme levels (3–15% recovery), indicating an increase in reduced glutathione levels (17–36% recovery), a decrease in malondialdehyde levels (30–49% recovery), and an enhancement in the levels of catalase (19–31% recovery), glutathione peroxidase (15–26% recovery), glutathione reductase (11–18% recovery), glutathione S-transferase (24–34% recovery), and quinone reductase (3–16% recovery). Histopathological examinations of liver tissue also revealed that AEMC led to reduced lipid alterations, hepatocyte derangement, and inflammatory cell infiltration in rats treated with CCl4. AEMC demonstrates potent antioxidant properties and provides substantial protection against the hepatic damage caused by CCl4 in rats.
Page 63 - 69
Abdul Qadir, Ayesha Kashmala Ghauri, Afshan Siddiq, Mehwish Zehravi, Jai Kershan and Mahayrookh Asif
EVALUATING THE EFFECT OF CANNABIDIOL AND BEVACIZUMAB ON ANGIOGENIC TUBE FORMATION AND ITS IMPACT ON ANGIOGENIC GENES: VEGF AND MMP-2 USING IN VITRO DERIVED HUMAN UMBILICAL VEIN ENDOTHELIAL CELLS
Abstract
Angiogenesis is involved in a number of pathological conditions. It is considered to be a hallmark of cancer, and without it, the tumor is unable to grow or metastasize. This study aimed to investigate the effect of cannabidiol and bevacizumab on angiogenic tube formation and its impact on angiogenic genes. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), which are most often used as an in vitro model for showing the angiogenic/antiangiogenic activities of a drug, were isolated, cultured and characterized using flow cytometry. The effects of drugs on HUVEC cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated through the MTT and apoptosis assays. The effect on angiogenesis was observed using a tube formation assay, while RT-qPCR was used to assess the impact on the angiogenic genes (VEGF and MMP-2). HUVEC characterization by flow cytometry showed that HUVEC were positively expressed for CD31 and CD34 antibodies but negative for the CD14 antibody. The MTT and apoptosis assay demonstrated that cannabidiol, bevacizumab, and their combination were not cytotoxic and did not induce apoptosis in HUVEC and were considered safe (p < 0.001). The in vitro tube formation assay showed that the overall tube length was reduced by 28.3% with cannabidiol, 39.1% with bevacizumab, and 76.8% with their combination (p < 0.001), respectively. Moreover, the RT-qPCR analysis showed that cannabidiol decreased the expression of VEGF by 0.83 fold, bevacizumab by 0.65 fold and their combination by 0.42 fold (p < 0.001). Similarly, cannabidiol decreased the expression of MMP-2 by 0.76 fold, bevacizumab by 0.58 fold, and their combination by 0.35 fold (p < 0.001), respectively. Cannabidiol increases the efficacy of bevacizumab and inhibits angiogenesis by modulating the expression of VEGF and MMP-2.
Page 70 - 79
Heba Ali Abd El‐Rahman, Mohamed Atef Abd El-Aziz, Mohamed A. El-Desouky, Demiana H. Hanna
OXIDATIVE STRESS AND DNA DAMAGE IN FETAL ORGANS INDUCED BY PRENATAL ENERGY DRINK EXPOSURE IN WISTAR RATS
Abstract
Background: The increasing popularity of energy drink use in many countries is driven by the growing demand for these beverages in recent years and the health risks linked to their intake.
Objective: To examine the impact of energy drink consumption during the gestational period on the fetal liver and kidney function in Wistar rats.
Method: Male and female Wistar rats were housed for mating as the follow two females were chosen and caged with one male for the night. The following morning, vaginal smears were taken and tested for the presence of sperm that confirmed the pregnancy. The pregnant rats were separated into three groups (n = 6): a control group given distilled water for 15 days; a low dosage group given energy drink (5ml/kg); and a high dose group given energy drink (10ml/kg). The degree of oxidative status, histological analysis, and DNA degradation levels (comet assay) were examined in the fetal kidney and liver tissues.
Result: The results showed a reduction in fetal weight and significantly higher levels of MDA in the fetal kidney tissue of the low-dose group (163.09 ± 1.62) nmol/g.tissue and high-dose group (178.64 ± 2.41) nmol/g.tissue compared to the control group (124.8 ± 2.15) nmol/g.tissue. However, there was an imbalance in the antioxidant enzymes (SOD and GSH) in both treated groups compared to the control group. By comparing the undamaged nucleus in the control group as in fetal kidney (0.78 ± 0.12) with the treated groups, a significant increase in the olive tail moment was observed as in fetal kidney low dose (1.39 ± 0.29) and high dose (2.16 ± 0.35), indicating DNA degradation. Moreover, the treated groups displayed several histopathological alterations, including necrosis in the fetal liver and impaired renal tubules in the embryonic kidney.
Conclusion: The usage of energy drinks during pregnancy harmed the developing fetal organs. Expectant mothers shouldn’t consume energy drinks at a high or even low dosage as it poses a risk to their growing fetus, even if additional research is required to comprehend their impact on pregnancy fully.