ABSTRACT
Objective: To evaluate the antiviral activity and phytochemicals of selected plant extracts and their effect on the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway modulated by hepatitis C virus (HCV) nonstructural protein 5A (NS5A). Methods: A total of ten plant extracts were initially screened for their toxicities against HepG2 cells. The non-toxic plants were tested for their inhibitory effect on the expression of HCV NS5A at both mRNA and protein levels using real-time PCR and Western blotting assays, respectively. The differential expression of the genes associated with MAPK pathway in the presence of NS5A gene and plant extract was measured through real-time PCR. Subsequently, the identification of secondary metabolites was carried out by phytochemical and HPLC analysis. Results: The phytochemical profiling of Berberis lyceum revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenols, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, carbohydrates, terpenoids, steroids, and glycosides. Similarly, quercetin, myricetin, gallic acid, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid were identified through HPLC analysis. The methanolic extract of Berberis lyceum strongly inhibited HCV RNA replication with an IC50 of 11.44 μg/mL. RT-PCR and Western blotting assays showed that the extract reduced the expression of HCV NS5A in a dose-dependent manner. Berberis lyceum extract also attenuated NS5A-induced dysregulation of the MAPK signaling pathway. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that Berberis lyceum extract strongly inhibits HCV propagation by reducing HCV NS5A-induced perturbation of MAPK signaling.
ABSTRACT
Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the 2nd commonest bacterial infections, after respiratory tract infections (RTIs), and may go on to progress into chronic kidney disease among paediatric population. The objective of this study was to determine frequency of sensitivity of ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone in children with urinary tract infections (UTIs).Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was done at the department of pediatric medicine, Nishtar Hospital, Multan, from 10th August 2019 to 9th January 2020. A total of 165 patients presenting with UTI and aged 2 to 12 years of either gender were included. Urine sample was taken in sterilized container and sent immediately for urine culture and sensitivity tests.Results: In a total of 165 cases, mean age was 5.15±2.50 years while most cases, 113 (68.48%) were between 2 to 6 years of age. Out of the 165 patients, 112 (67.87%) were female representing female to male ratio of 2.1:1. Sensitivity of ciprofloxacin in 53 (32.12%) and ceftriaxone in 107 (64.85%) patients was found.Conclusions: This study showed the sensitivity of ciprofloxacin in 32.12% and ceftriaxone in 64.9% children with UTIs.
ABSTRACT
Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common clinical issue among pediatric population and might progress into renal scaring, hypertension as well as end stage kidney disease. This study was aimed at finding clino-pathological features of UTI and antibiotic sensitivity against most common causative agents involved at a tertiary care hospital of South Punjab, Pakistan.Methods: This descriptive case series study was conducted at department of Paediatric Medicine, Nishtar University Hospital Multan from July to December 2019. A total of 100 children fulfilling the inclusion criteria, presenting in outpatient department or emergency section of paediatric medicine department, having positive urine culture and sensitivity were selected. Their detailed history, clinical examination and relevant investigations were done.Results: Out of the 100 children, 73 (73.0%) were female and 27 (27.0%) were male. There were 57 (57.0%) children from 1 year to 4 years age group and 43 (43.0%) were of more than 4 years. Most common clinical presentations were fever 83 (83.0%), urinary symptoms, vomiting 52 (52.0%) and pain abdomen 48 (48.0%). Most common aetiological agents were Escherichia coli 74 (74.0%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae 9 (9.0%).Conclusions: UTI is more common in female children. Most common presentation observed was fever and/or urinary symptoms while most common aetiological agent was E. coli.