Category Archives: b_original_articles

Original Articles

The roles of FGFR, EGFR and AMP-activated protein kinase pathway in colorectal cancer stem cells derived spheroids: Implications in colorectal cancer treatment

Mahmood Rasool1*, Khalid I. Alhassan2, Sajjad Karim1, Absarul Haque3, Mohammed H.Z. Mutwakil2, Mohammed Alharthi4, Adeel G. Chaudhary1, Peter Natesan Pushparaj1

1Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

2Department of Biological Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

3King Fahd Medical Research Center, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

4Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The aim of our research was to identify molecular targets that can be targeted by drugs and patient-specific models for personalized medicine for colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, we obtained high-throughput RNA sequencing data from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) with accession number GSE205787 and analyzed it using next-generation knowledge discovery tools such as BioJupies and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by comparing the raw counts from 47 CRC patient-derived spheroids (CRC-CSCs) with those from normal spheroids from the epithelium of the colon and rectum of healthy individuals, using BioJupies tools. IPA was used to identify differentially regulated canonical pathways, upstream regulators of CRC, non-directional networks, diseases, and biofunctions, as well as to conduct subsequent perturbation analysis using the Molecular Prediction Analysis (MAP) tool. Our study demonstrates that several KEGG pathways, including the AMPK, Phospholipase D, MAPK, and PI3-AKT signaling pathways, were significantly downregulated in the CRC-CSC group. Additionally, Wnt signaling and FGFR pathways were significantly upregulated. Moreover, according to Wikipathways, the EGF/EGFR signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, G-protein signaling pathway, and Focal Adhesion-PI3-AKT pathway were downregulated in the CRC-CSC group. Furthermore, based on the Reactome, the Metabolism, Vesicle-mediated transport, RAF signaling, and G-alpha (12/13) signaling pathways were also downregulated in the CRC-CSC group. Utilizing innovative drug combination approaches and innovative drug delivery techniques, CRC treatments can be enhanced by modulating the FGFR, EGFR, and AMPK signaling pathways, which may ultimately lead to improved patient outcomes.

Keywords: Colorectal cancer, Cancer stem cell spheroids, AMP‐activated protein kinase signaling, Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor, BioJupies, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis

Development of an IoT-based kit to monitor environmental parameters for use in indoor agriculture

Uğur Yegül*

Department of Agricultural Machinery and Technologies Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Ankara University, 06135 Ankara, Türkiye

Abstract

The present study aimed to develop a kit to collect data on important parameters for cultivation in a hydroponic farming environment and send and store these data online. This Study was carried out between February and August 2022. The area where the experiment was conducted is fully controlled (coordinates 39.962013 and 32.867491) and established within Ankara University, Ankara, Türkiye. The kit developed for indoor use in agriculture consisted of a microcontroller, different sensors, and hardware components. For all the hardware to be combined and work properly, a closed box was designed using SolidWorks solid modeling software and fabricated with a 3D printer. The code developed for the kit to fulfill the desired function was written in C++ and transferred to the microcontroller via Arduino software using a personal computer. This kit can measure T (temperature), H (humidity: %), carbon dioxide (CO2), total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), LUX (luminous intensity: lux), Ultra-violet (UV) W m-2, P (air pressure: pascal), and AQ (air quality: ppm). The developed kit can transmit and store the data simultaneously on the Internet. IoT technologies need further agricultural studies, and more data to be obtained can contribute to resolving more problems. The kit obtained in the study can be used in domestic agriculture and various agricultural activities.

Keywords: Internet of things, Indoor farming, Arduino, Sensor, Environmental parameters

Zinc-coated urea and zinc-solubilizing microbes: synergistic strategies for improving zinc bioavailability in dry region soils

Hammad Anwar1, Moazzam Jamil1, Azhar Hussain1*, Abubakar Dar1, Maqshoof Ahmad1, Saleh H. Salmen2, Mohammad Javed Ansari3, Rashid Iqbal4,5*

1Department of Soil Science, the Islamia University, Bahawalpur-63100, Pakistan

2Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

3Department of Botany, Hindu College Moradabad, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University, Bareilly, India

4Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan

5Department of Life Sciences, Western Caspian University, Baku, Azerbaijan

Abstract

Zinc (Zn) is the most limiting micronutrient responsible for malnutrition. World Health Organization (WHO) reported deficiency of Zn is the 5th most significant cause of death and disease in underdeveloped world. However, 70% Pakistani soils are Zn deficient and responsible for Zn deficiency in crops. The present study aimed to mitigate Zn deficiency and improve them a nd Zn use efficiencies through synergizing dry region Zn solubilizing plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) by coating on Zn coated urea. Pre-isolated dry region Zn solubilizing isolates were evaluated for zinc solubilization, urease activity, siderophores production, organic acid production and ACC-deaminase activity. Four effective strains Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (IUB-34), Klebsiella variicola (IUB-96), Klebsiella variicola (IUB-80) and Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae (IUB-93) and their consortium coated on Zn coated urea. This improved product was tested for N and Zn release pattern, growth promotion and Zn biofortification in pot trial on wheat. Results showed that SPAD chlorophyll value, root, shoot length and their dry weight was significantly improved (p≤ 0.05) by 19.4, 20.3, 45.9, 27.3 and 39.5%, respectively, over control. Similarly, N, P, K, Zn, Fe in grains and 100-grain weight was significantly increased (p≤ 0.05) by 97.5, 23.5, 61.1, 63, 32 and 50.5%, respectively, over control. The results confirmed that dry region Zn solubilizing bacterial consortium coated on Zn coated urea is an efficient method for the biofortification of Zn in wheat grains and can effectively overcome Zn deficiency in humans.

Keywords: Zinc, Dry region, Wheat, Consortium, Zn coated urea, Biofortification

Protective role of poncirin against polyethylene microplastics instigated cardiac toxicity via regulating Nrf2/keap1 pathway

Yasmeen Rasheed1, Nazia Ehsan1, Muhammad Faisal Hayat1, Asma Ashraf2, Hammad Ahmad Khan1, Aisha Khatoon3, Muhammad Umar Ijaz1*, Yasir S. Raouf4, Abdelouahid Samadi4*, Samir Chtita5

1Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan

2Department of Zoology, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan

3Department of Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan

4Department of Chemistry, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Ai-Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates

5Laboratory of Analytical and Molecular Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences Ben M’Sik, Hassan II University of Casablanca, P.O. Box No. 7955, Casablanca, Morocco

Abstract

Polyethylene microplastics (PEMPs) are one of the most toxic pollutants in our surroundings that induce damage to various organs including heart. Poncirin (PON) is a natural flavonoid that shows diverse pharmacological activities. This study was aimed to assess the alleviative potential of PON against PEMPs provoked cardiac damage in rats. Twenty-four rats were segregated into 4 groups including control, PEMPs (1.5 mg/kg) treated group, PEMPs (1.5 mg/kg) + PON (5mg/kg) exposed group and PON (5mg/kg) alone treated group. It was revealed that PEMPs exposure notably decreased the expression of Nrf2 and its associated antioxidant genes while upregulating the expression of Keap-1. Besides, PEMPs intoxication reduced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1), peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GSR), and glutathione (GSH) content while increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Additionally, exposure to PEMPs resulted in upregulation of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), troponin I and phosphokinase (CPK).  Besides, PEMPs administration escalated the levels of TNF- α IL-6, NF-κB, TNF- α, IL-1β, and COX-2 activity. Moreover, the administration of PEMPs escalated the levels of Caspase-3 and Bax, while downregulating the levels of Bcl-2. Additionally, PEMPs exposure disrupted the architecture of cardiac tissues. Nonetheless, PON supplementation remarkably protected the cardiac tissues by regulating the aforementioned damages.

Keywords: Polyethylene microplastics, Poncirin, Cardiac damage, Oxidative stress, Inflammation

Assessing genetic potential and development of crosses for breeding cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) against drought

Muhmmad Kashif Shahzad Sarwar1,2, Abdul Ghaffar3, Saghir Ahmad4, Shoaib Ur Rehman1, Ummara Waheed1*

1Institute of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, MNS University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan

2Cotton Research Station, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan

3Departemnt of Agronomy, MNS University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan

4Cotton Research Institute, Multan, Pakistan

Abstract

Cotton diversity has long been studied using physiological and biochemical traits. This diversity has led to the development of various superior cotton cultivars over the year. At present and in face of climate change, development of high yielding and drought tolerant cotton varieties are necessary to fulfill the demand of ever-growing population of the world. In this study, Gossypium hirsutum L. germplasm (200) was evaluated under two irrigation regimes i.e., well-watered (W1) and limited water (W2) conditions. Various morphological and physiological traits were recorded under both irrigation regimes. A considerable reduction was recorded in W2 conditions in all the recorded traits except for glycine betaine, soluble sugars, and proline contents, highlighting the impact of drought on cotton germplasm. Cotton genotypes that maintained higher yield had positive correlation with biochemical traits. Out of 63 best performing genotype (superior parents based on the recorded data), FH-414, FH-415, FH-416, FH-326, FH-492, FH-Anmol, Gomal-105, Marvi, NIAB-878 and VH-327 were selected for hybridization to make crosses following Line x Tester fashion. F1 hybrids (25 crosses) and 10 parents were again planted under W1 and W2 conditions. Out of 25 crosses, FH-326 × Marvi (CS5) and NIAB-878 × FH-414 (CS16) performed better under water deficit conditions. Quantitative real-time PCR was also performed using GhHH3 and GhIDD. CS5 and CS16 had higher expression of drought tolerance causing GhHH3 and GhIDD genes. The newly developed cotton crosses will pave the way for the development of high yielding drought tolerant cotton varieties in face of climate change.

Keywords: Biochemical attributes, Yield and yield components, GhHH3, GhIDD, Drought

Apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, and tumor genes expression analysis of tamoxifen and ivermectin loaded chitosan nanoparticles against MCF-7 Cell line

Usama bin Naeem1, Muhammad Adil Rasheed1*, Muhammad Ashraf1, Muhammad Yasir Zahoor2

1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Biosciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Lahore, Pakistan

2Insititue of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biosciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

One of the most dominant diseases in the world, particularly among women, is breast cancer. Breast cancer has tumor suppressor genes called CHEK2 and TP53. When there is a mutation in CHEK2 and TP53 genes there are more chances of breast cancer. This study aimed to investigate the already prepared and characterized nanoparticles loaded with Chitosan for Cell death, Mitochondrial Membrane and cell cycle arrest estimated through Flow Cytometry and gene expression analysis of CHEK2 and TP53 genes by real-time PCR. The Livak method was used to evaluate the results. The mean (± S.D) comparison between the control and target genes were used to calculate gene expression. Results showed that Ivermectin and Tamoxifen NPs (B+C) represented 34.8% cell death that is better than other combinations with propidium iodide stain while with Acridine orange stain Tamoxifen+Ivermectin (A+B) combination showed the remarkable and maximum of the all cell cycle arrest with value of 69.7% cell arrest at G0/G1 phase, 7.11% of cell arrest at S Phase and 7.05% of G2/M Phase arrest. It was demonstrated that the expression levels of CHEK2 and TP53 genes were significantly increased (P<0.001) in Ivermectin+Tamoxifen NPs (B+C) compared with control groups. It is concluded that Tamoxifen nanoparticles with Ivermectin showed strong anti-proliferative activity against breast cancer cells. The expression levels of nanoparticles containing Tamoxifen were significantly increased compared to the other treatments and control groups (P<0.001). Gene expression change with change in dose concentrations.

Keywords: Breast cancer, Apoptosis, Cell cycle arrest, Pharmacogenomic, Gene expression

Comparative homology and complete B2L gene-based sequence analysis of ORF virus from sheep and goats in Pakistan

Muhammad Khalid Mansoor*1, Kashif Iqbal1, Ali Hassan2, Muhammad Saqib2, Ali Zohaib1, Sabiqaa Masood3

1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary & Animal Science, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan

2Department of Clinical Medicine & Surgery, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

3Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary & Animal Science, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan

 

*Corresponding author’s email: khalid.mansoor@iub.edu.pk

Received: 13 September 2023 / Accepted: 5 April 2024 / Published Online: 13 December 2024

 

Abstract

Contagious Ecthyma (CE), also known as scabby mouth disease, is caused by an epitheliotropic parapoxvirus that primarily affects the goat and sheep populations worldwide. This study focused on investigating 12 outbreaks of CE in sheep and goat herds across various regions of Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 35 samples were collected between March 2021 and May 2022, with 34 out of 35 samples testing positive for parapoxvirus through PCR. Subsequently, 24 complete sequences of the major envelope protein B2L gene were successfully obtained. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the ORF virus B2L gene were analyzed. The 1206bp amplicons, after Sanger sequencing revealed an open reading frame of 1137bp encoding 378 amino acids. The minimum and maximum nucleotide differences of 0 and 34, respectively, were observed, while the percentage similarity at the nucleotide level and amino acid level ranged from 97.98% to 100% and 97.62% to 100%, respectively, among the ORF strains in this research study. The results of the phylogenetic analysis revealed that all 24 ORF virus isolates from Pakistan belonged to Group-I ORF viruses. The comparative homology of Pakistani ORF virus strains with Indian, Chinese, and Turkish isolates was 99.03%, 98.59%, and 98.15%, respectively. This study contributes to understanding the circulation of Group I ORF viruses in Pakistan and their relationship with strains from neighbouring countries. Furthermore, these findings may offer insights into the genotype of the causative agent responsible for the contagious pustular dermatitis (CPD) outbreak in Punjab, Pakistan.

 

Keywords: B2L gene, Contagious, Contagious pustular dermatitis, ORF

Mechanistic approach to investigate the induction of toxicity by magnesium oxide nanoparticles on testicular, nervous and muscular tissues of albino rats

Gulnaz Afzal1*, Muhammad Irfan Ullah2, Nadeem Ali3, Moeen Afzal1, Riaz Hussain4, Nabil A Alhakamy5, Nisreen Rajeh6, Sarmad Rehan7, Rehana Iqbal8, Muhammad Shahid Iqbal1, Ahrar Khan9*
1Department of Zoology, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan
2Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
3Center of Excellence in Environmental Studies, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
4Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan
5Pharmaceutics Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
6Department of Clinical Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
7Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
8Institute of Pure and Applied Biology, Zoology Division, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
9Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

Abstract
Nanoparticles are used extensively in various industries, such as agriculture, food packaging, medical diagnostics and electronics. However, their increasing usage raises concerns regarding potential health hazards and environmental risks. This study examined the impact of intra-peritoneal injections of magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles on the brain, testis, and muscles of male albino rats. Mature male rats (n=20) after acclimatization were randomly divided into four groups (G0, G1, G2, G3). The rats in the treated groups (G1-G3) were given MgO NPs @ 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg and 75 mg/kg respectively for ten consecutive days. G0 rats served as untreated control group. Results indicated that MgO NPs induced clinical alterations in exposed rats. The exposed organs including brain, and testis gained more weight and their stress parameters [reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)] increased significantly in a dose dependent manner. Antioxidant enzymes including catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) reduced significantly in studied organs as compared to control ones. The treated rats have shown atrophy of neurons, microgliosis, cytoplasmic vacuolization, and congestion. Changes in the testis include inflammation, sloughing of cells, damaged spermatogonia, necrosis of spermatids, spermatogonia and arrest of spermatogenesis process. Conclusively, it is suggested that persistent application of nanomaterials at environmentally relevant concentrations may induce adverse toxicological effects in targeted and non-targeted exposed animals.

Keywords: Albino rats, MgO NPs, Oxidative stress, Antioxidant enzymes, Histopathology

Multi-biomarker approach to assess oxidative stress and antioxidants profile in male albino rats exposed to ZnO nanoparticle

Yasir Mahmood1, Nabeel Ijaz2, Aliza Maheen1, Ghulam Mustafa1, Duaa Abdullah Bafail3, Muhammad Rafi Qamar4, Muhammad Aitazaz Ahsan5, Nasir Masood6, Nisreen Rajeh7, Mudassar Mohiuddin8*
1Department of Zoology, The Islamia University, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
2Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
3Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
4Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, The Islamia University, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
5Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, The Islamia University, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
6Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad Campus, Pakistan
7Department of Clinical Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
8Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, The Islamia University, Bahawalpur, Pakistan

Abstract
ZnO Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have wide applications in many fields of life ranging from health, food, agriculture, veterinary medicine, biotechnology, public health, textile and cosmetics. However, exposure to these NPs poses risks to public health, non-target living organisms and the environment. Hence, this study assessed toxicological impacts of ZnO NPs on hematopoietic tissues (bone marrow) and different visceral organs like lungs, intestine and muscles of male Wistar albino rats. Twenty male (20) Wistar albino rats were placed in four groups such as T0 (control group), T1 (50 mg/kg/day ZnO NPs), T2 (75 mg/kg/day ZnO NPs), and T3 (100 mg/kg ZnO NPs). Treated rats exhibited different signs of toxicity like depression and anxiety at higher doses of ZnO NPs. The bone marrow and other visceral organs/tissues were removed and analyzed to know the status of oxidative stress and antioxidant biomarkers. Results revealed notable increase (P≤0.05) in contents of oxidative stress biomarkers (ROS and TBARS) and significant decrease (P≤0.05) in antioxidant enzymes (POD, SOD, CAT, and GSH) in bone marrow as well as lungs, intestine, and muscles (gums) tissues. Histopathological examination indicated degeneration of muscle fibers, atrophied cells and presence of inflammatory materials in muscles (gums) of treated rats. Histologically, lungs were edematous, hemorrhagic and showed severe interstitial pneumonia while necrosis of epithelium of villi along with degeneration of villi in intestine of rats were observed at higher doses of nanoparticles. In conclusion, it can be suggested that ZnO-NPs may induce oxidative stress in multiple visceral organs of albino rats at higher concentrations highlighting disruption of physiological mechanisms.

Keywords: Nanoparticles, Zinc oxide, Nanoparticle toxicity, Oxidative stress biomarkers

Efficacy of silver oxide nanoparticles against multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in burn wound infections

Hira Ahsan1,2, Maria Ayub1, Mehraj Gul3, Amber Qureshi1, Hani Z. Asfour4, Hafiz Muhammad Bilal5, Muhammad Azeem1, Ammara Wahid1, Nadeem Ali6, Rasheeha Naveed7, Mudasar Shabir8, Nisreen Rajeh9, Ayaz Mammadov10, Abu Baker Siddique1*

1Institute of Microbiology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan

2Academy of Medical Sciences, College of Henan Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China

3Quality Control Laboratory, National Institute of Health, Islamabad, Pakistan

4Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah-21589, Saudi Arabia

5Department of Rehabilitation and Allied Health sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore Campus, Lahore, Pakistan

6Center of Excellence in Environmental Studies, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah-21589, Saudi Arabia

7Institute of Microbiology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

8Institute of Advanced Materials and Flexible Electronics (IAMFE), Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, China

9Department of Clinical Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah-21589, Saudi Arabia

10Department of Life Sciences, Western Caspian University, Baku, Azerbaijan

Abstract

Multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacterial infections rapidly increase morbidity, mortality, and treatment options. Therefore, the search for, development of, or discovery of antimicrobial drugs capable of combating MDR bacteria is urgently needed. The potential of nanotechnology to advance nanomedicine for human health is being studied. The purpose of the present research is to investigate the antimicrobial activity of silver oxide nanoparticles against carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. For this purpose, a total of 240 pus and wound samples were collected from the burn patients and further processed for isolation and identification of P. aeruginosa and MRSA according to standard microbiological techniques. Using a species-specific primer for each bacterial strain, polymerase chain reaction was used for molecular detection. Antimicrobial susceptibility was performed according to the Kirby-Bauer Disk Diffusion method. Molecular detection of carbapenemase-producing P. aeruginosa was performed by PCR by using specific primers. The agar well diffusion assay was used to examine the antibacterial properties of silver oxide nanoparticles, and the broth dilution assay was used to estimate the minimum inhibitory concentration and bactericidal concentration respectively. Out of 240 samples, 42 (17%) were identified as P. aeruginosa and 32 were confirmed as S. aureus isolates. From positive isolates of P. aeruginosa, 25 (59%) were recorded MDR P. aeruginosa and from positive isolates of S. aureus, 18 (56.25%) were detected as MRSA. The highly resistant drug against S. aureus was Penicillin G (100%) followed by Gentamicin (84.37%) and Ciprofloxacin (81.25%). The highly resistant drug against P. aeruginosa was Meropenem (100%), Imipenem (100%) followed by piperacillin (71.42%), gentamicin (64.28%), and ciprofloxacin (64.28%). Out of 42 P. aeruginosa isolates, 8(19%) the prevalence of carbapenemase encoding was noted as blaOXA 3(37.5%), blaNDM 2(25%), blaVIM 1(12.5%) blaKPC 1(12.5%) and blaIMP 1(12.5%).  Silver oxide nanoparticles were considered an effective antibacterial agent with 0.0065mg/mL-0.026mg/mL concentrations that highly inhibited the growth of MRSA and 0.39mg/mL-1.56mg/mL concentrations inhibited the growth of P. aeruginosa. The statistical analysis showed that the MIC and MBC for MDR P. aeruginosa were 0.96±0.43 μg/mL and 1.99±0.90 μg/mL, respectively, while for MRSA they were 0.01±0.008 μg/mL and 0.04±0.012 μg/mL, respectively. The MBC values were higher than MIC values for both pathogens. Silver oxide nanoparticles have such effective antibacterial properties that they can be used as an adequate source of antibacterial agents as alternatives to antibiotics.

Keywords: Silver oxide nanoparticles, Methicillin resistant, Gentamicin, Carbapenemase, Antimicrobial activity