Abida Raza

@nilop.edu.pk

Professor
NILOP



                 

https://researchid.co/abida_rao

Abida Raza, a nano-biochemist is among pioneer researchers in the field of Nanomedicine and founder of Nanotheranostic research in Pakistan. She heads NILOP Nanomedicine Research Laboratories (NNRL), National Institute of Lasers & Optronics. Abida does research in Cancer, Virology and Polymer Chemistry. Her current projects are 'Nanomedicine, Nanotheranostic and Virology.

EDUCATION

Post-Doctorate

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Nanomedicines, Nanotheranostics, Drug delivery, Polymers, Virology

83

Scopus Publications

2634

Scholar Citations

26

Scholar h-index

48

Scholar i10-index

Scopus Publications

  • Enhanced Antidepressant Activity of Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Containing Levosulpiride in Behavioral Despair Tests in Mice
    Sadia Tabassam Arif, Muhammad Ayub Khan, Shahiq uz Zaman, Hafiz Shoaib Sarwar, Abida Raza, Muhammad Sarfraz, Yousef A. Bin Jardan, Muhammad Umair Amin, and Muhammad Farhan Sohail

    MDPI AG
    The potential of levosulpiride-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (LSP-NLCs) for enhanced antidepressant and anxiolytic effects was evaluated in the current study. A forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) were carried out to determine the antidepressant effect whereas anxiolytic activity was investigated using light–dark box and open field tests. Behavioral changes were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide-induced depressed animals. The access of LSP to the brain to produce therapeutic effects was estimated qualitatively by using fluorescently labeled LSP-NLCs. The distribution of LSP-NLCs was analyzed using ex vivo imaging of major organs after oral and intraperitoneal administration. Acute toxicity studies were carried out to assess the safety of LSP-NLCs in vivo. An improved antidepressant effect of LSP-NLCs on LPS-induced depression showed an increase in swimming time (237 ± 51 s) and struggling time (226 ± 15 s) with a reduction in floating (123 ± 51 s) and immobility time (134 ± 15 s) in FST and TST. The anxiolytic activity in the light–dark box and open field tests exhibited superiority over LSP dispersion. Near-infrared images of fluorescently labeled LSP-NLCs demonstrated the presence of coumarin dye in the brain after 1 h of administration. An acute toxicity study revealed no significant changes in organ-to-body weight ratio, serum biochemistry or tissue histology of major organs. It can be concluded that nanostructured lipid carriers can efficiently deliver LSP to the brain for improved therapeutic efficacy.

  • Glycol chitosan amphiphile nanotheranostic system for ultrasound-mediated localized release and biodistribution of doxorubicin
    Sidra Saeed, Usama Sarwar, Masoom Yasinzai, and Abida Raza

    Springer Science and Business Media LLC

  • Ultrasound-mediated in vivo biodistribution of coumarin-labeled sorafenib-loaded liposome-based nanotheranostic system
    Usama Sarwar, Muhammad Naeem, Farwa Nurjis, Shafqat Karim, and Abida Raza

    Future Medicine Ltd
    Aim: This study aimed to synthesize folate-conjugated sorafenib-loaded (FCSL) liposomes for theranostic application using ultrasound (US). Materials & methods: US parameter optimization, in vitro release, anticancer effect, in vivo biodistribution, optical imaging and biocompatibility of liposomes were studied. Results: With 84% in vitro release after 4 min of US exposure at 3 MHz (1.2 mechanical index), FCSL liposomes showed lower IC50 (8.70 μM) versus sorafenib (9.34 μM) against HepG2 cells. In vivo biodistribution of FCSL liposomes versus sorafenib after 9 mg/kg injection in the liver (8.63 vs 0.55) > intestine (8.45 vs 1.07) > stomach (5.62 vs 0.57) > kidney (5.46 vs 0.91) showed longer circulation time in plasma and can be tracked in mice. Conclusion: A threefold higher drug concentration in the liver in US-exposed mice makes this a successful nanotheranostic approach.

  • Glycol-Chitosan-Based Technetium-99m-Loaded Multifunctional Nanomicelles: Synthesis, Evaluation, and In Vivo Biodistribution
    Nashmia Zia, Zafar Iqbal, Abida Raza, Aadarash Zia, Rabia Shafique, Saiqa Andleeb, and Gilbert C. Walker

    MDPI AG
    We hereby propose the use of stable, biocompatible, and uniformly sized polymeric micelles as high-radiotracer-payload carriers at region-of-interest with negligible background activity due to no or low offsite radiolysis. We modified glycol chitosan (GC) polymer with varying levels of palmitoylation (P) and quaternization (Q). Quaternary ammonium palmitoyl glycol chitosan (GCPQ) with a Q:P ratio of 9:35 (Q9P35GC) offers >99% biocompatibility at 10 mg mL−1. Q9P35GC micelles exhibit >99% 99mTechnetium (99mTc) radiolabeling via the stannous chloride reduction method without heat. The 99mTc-Q9P35GC micelles (65 ± 3 nm) exhibit >98% 6 h serum stability at 37 °C and 7 day of radiochemical stability at 25 °C. HepG2 cells show a higher uptake of FITC-Q9P35GC than Q13P15GC and Q20P15GC. The in vivo 24 h organ cumulated activity (MBq h) order follows: liver (234.4) > kidneys (60.95) > GIT (0.73) > spleen (88.84). The liver to organ ratio remains higher than 2.4, rendering a better contrast in the liver. The radiotracer uptake decreases significantly in fibrotic vs. normal liver, whereas a blocking study with excess Q9P35GC significantly decreases the radiotracer uptake in a healthy vs. fibrotic liver. FITC-Q9P35GC shows in vivo hepato-specific uptake. Radiotracer liver uptake profile follows reversible binding kinetics with data fitting to two-tissue compartmental (2T), and graphical Ichise multilinear analysis (MA2) with lower AIC and higher R2 values, respectively. The study concludes that 99mTc-Q9P35GC can be a robust radiotracer for noninvasive hepatocyte function assessment and diagnosis of liver fibrosis. Furthermore, its multifunctional properties enable it to be a promising platform for nanotheranostic applications.

  • Nanoparticles as a Novel Tool to Inhibit Inflammatory Cytokines in Human Lymphocytes and Macrophages of Coronary Artery Disease
    Rabia Shabbir, Abida Raza, Afrose Liaquat, Saeed Ullah Shah, Sidra Saeed, Usama Sarwar, Muhammad Hamza, Fayyaz Chudhary, Zajif Hussain, and N.M. Butt

    Elsevier BV

  • Design and Characterization of Paclitaxel-Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles Decorated With Trastuzumab for the Effective Treatment of Breast Cancer
    Mirina Sakhi, Abad Khan, Zafar Iqbal, Ismail Khan, Abida Raza, Asmat Ullah, Fazli Nasir, and Saeed Ahmad Khan

    Frontiers Media SA
    The aim of the study was to design and formulate an antibody-mediated targeted, biodegradable polymeric drug delivery system releasing drug in a controlled manner to achieve a therapeutic goal for the effective treatment of breast cancer. Antibody-mediated paclitaxel-loaded PLGA polymeric nanoformulations were prepared by the solvent evaporation method using different experimental parameters and compatibility studies. The optimized formulations were selected for in vitro and in vivo evaluation and cytotoxicity studies. The in vitro drug release studies show a biphasic release pattern for the paclitaxel-loaded PLGA nanoparticles showing a burst release for 24 h followed by an extended release for 14 days; however, a more controlled and sustained release was observed for antibody-conjugated polymeric nanoparticles. The cytotoxicity of reference drug and paclitaxel-loaded PLGA nanoparticles with and without antibody was determined by performing MTT assay against MCF-7 cells. Rabbits were used as experimental animals for the assessment of various in vivo pharmacokinetic parameters of selected formulations. The pharmacokinetic parameters such as Cmax (1.18–1.33 folds), AUC0-t (39.38–46.55 folds), MRT (10.04–12.79 folds), t1/2 (3.06–4.6 folds), and Vd (6.96–8.38 folds) have been increased significantly while clearance (4.34–4.61 folds) has been decreased significantly for the selected nanoformulations as compared to commercially available paclitaxel formulation (Paclixil®). The surface conjugation of nanoparticles with trastuzumab resulted in an increase in in vitro cytotoxicity as compared to plain nanoformulations and commercially available conventional brand (Paclixil®). The developed PLGA-paclitaxel nanoformulations conjugated with trastuzumab have the desired physiochemical characteristics, surface morphology, sustained release kinetics, and enhanced targeting.

  • In-vitro co-delivery of decarbazine and photosense using poly lactic-co-glycolic acid nanocarrier for combinational therapy
    Maryam Arshad, Ishrat Mahjabeen, Abida Raza, Sumbal Javaid, Maria Fazal ul Haq, Masroor Alam, and Ahmat Khurshid

    Elsevier BV

  • Cytotoxicity, Anti-diabetic, and Hepato-protective Potential of Ajuga bracteosa-conjugated Silver Nanoparticles in Balb/c Mice
    Sadia Nazer, Saiqa Andleeb, Shaukat Ali, Nazia Gulzar, Abida Raza, Habib Khan, Kalsoom Akhtar, and Muhammad Naeem Ahmed

    Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
    Background: Ajuga bracteosa is a traditional herb used against various diseases. Objective: Current research aimed to investigate the anti-diabetic and hepato-protective effect of green synthesized silver nanoparticles (ABAgNPs) using Ajuga bracteosa aqueous extract (ABaqu). Methods: In vitro anti-diabetic and cytotoxic effects were carried out via α- glucosidase inhibition, brine shrimp lethality, and protein kinase inhibition assays. For in vivo screening of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of both ABAgNPs and ABaqu in alloxan-induced and CCl4-induced Swiss albino mice were used. Liver and kidney functional markers, hematology, and histopathological studies were carried out after 14 days of administration. Results: In vivo antidiabetic and anti-cancerous effects showed valuable anti-hyperglycemic and hepato-protective potential when mice were treated with ABaqu and ABAgNPs. A significant reduction in the blood glucose level was recorded when ABaqu and ABAgNPs were administrated orally compared to Glibenclamide treated group. Significant reduction in ALT, AST, ALP, urea, uric acid, and creatinine was recorded in ABaqu and ABAgNPs treated diabetic mice. The hepato-protective findings indicated that ALT, ALP, AST were elevated in CCl4-induced mice while declined in both ABAgNPs and ABaqu treated CCl4-induced mice. Histopathological examination revealed that ABAgNPs have hepato-protective activity. Conclusion: It was concluded that ABAgNPs and ABaqu possessed strong anti-diabetic and hepato-protective phytoconstituents, which could be used in the prevention of diseases.

  • Molecular docking and DFT analyses of magnetic cobalt doped MoS<inf>2</inf> and BN nanocomposites for catalytic and antimicrobial explorations
    A. Raza, J.Z. Hassan, M. Ikram, S. Naz, A. Haider, A. Ul-Hamid, I. Shahzadi, J. Haider, S. Goumri-Said, M.B. Kanoun,et al.

    Elsevier BV

  • A multifunctional polymeric micelle for targeted delivery of paclitaxel by the inhibition of the p-glycoprotein transporters
    Sobia Razzaq, Aisha Rauf, Abida Raza, Sohail Akhtar, Tanveer A. Tabish, Mansur Abdullah Sandhu, Muhammad Zaman, Ibrahim M. Ibrahim, Gul Shahnaz, Abbas Rahdar,et al.

    MDPI AG
    P-glycoprotein (P-gP) efflux-mediated multidrug resistance is a fundamental aspect of chemotherapeutic failure in oncology. The current study aims to deliver paclitaxel (PTX) specifically at the target site with improved in vivo efficacy of poorly permeable PTX against solid tumors. Multifunctional polymeric micelles as targeted delivery have been devised for loading and release of PTX. Mucoadhesion, permeation enhancement, oral pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and toxicological studies were carried out to fully elucidate the therapeutic outcomes of the polymeric micelles. Ex vivo permeation studies indicated a 7.89-fold enhancement in the permeation of PTX with mucopermeating papain functionalized thiolated redox micelles (PT-R-Ms) compared to the pure PTX. Moreover, PT-R-Ms exhibited a higher percentage of apoptotic cells (42.9 ± 0.07%) compared to pure PTX. Biodistribution studies revealed that fluorotagged PT-RMs accumulated in excised tumors and organs. The higher fluorescence intensity indicated the mucopermeation of micelles across the intestine. The orally administered PT-R-Ms efficiently overcome intestinal barriers and inhibit the P-gP efflux pump, resulting in increased bioavailability of PTX (up to 8-fold) in comparison to pure PTX. The enhanced anti-tumor efficacy and reduced toxic effects are key aspects of efficient cancer therapy. This study demonstrates that the use of mucopermeating PT-R-Ms is an encouraging approach to overwhelm the permeation barrier in cancer treatment.

  • Methotrexate-loaded PEGylated gold nanoparticles as hemocompatible and pH-responsive anticancer drug nanoconjugate
    Mehreen Rahman, Jamshaid Ali Khan, Ummarah Kanwal, Uzma Azeem Awan, and Abida Raza

    Springer Science and Business Media LLC
    Methotrexate (MTX) is a well-known chemotherapeutic agent for solid tumor. However, its clinical usage is limited due to low permeability, cellular drug efflux, and non-specific drug delivery. These constraints require dose dumping and result in dose-dependent toxic effects. In the current study, MTX-loaded PEGylated gold nanoparticles (PEG-MTX-AuNPs) exposed to acidic pH (tumor cell) trigger a significant drug release profile. MTX was conjugated to citrate functionalized AuNP and stabilized by thiolated methyl polyethylene glycol (mPEG-SH). PEG-MTX-AuNP was cationic with 39.5 ± 1.2 mV zeta potential and a particle size of 39 nm, as revealed by DLS and TEM. AuNP size ranging from 40 to 50 nm was favorable for maximum endosomal uptake and fast drug release. MTX-AuNP showed 39.4% (22.28 µg/ml) drug loading efficiency. Spectroscopic examinations confirmed MTX chemisorption onto AuNPs via carboxyl (–COOH) and gold dative bond. In vitro release study indicated a 6.5-fold increased MTX release in the acidic environment (pH 4.5) compared to physiological pH. The terminal mPEG provided stability in a biological medium, refrained from protein deactivation, and exhibited significant hemocompatibility (less than 5% hemolysis up to 10 μM concentration). In vitro cytotoxicity against human rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells indicated significant (p < 0.0001) anticancer activity of PEG-MTX-AuNPs with low median growth inhibition concentration (GI50 = 3.61 ± 0.94 μM) compared to MTX (13.12 ± 0.98 μM) and AuNPs (5.24 ± 0.98 μM) alone. In conclusion, PEG-MTX-AuNPs offer higher stability in ionic and biological media, hemocompatibility, and acidic pH-dependent MTX release, and mediate enhanced in vitro anticancer activity that makes them a potential candidate for skeletal muscle sarcomas. Methotrexate (MTX) is a weak dicarboxylic acid which become ionized at pH 7.4 (PBS) and unionized at endosomal pH 4.5. In ionized state MTX exchanges the negatively charged citrate ions and chemisorbed on AuNPs surface to stabilize and cap AuNPs. While in acidic media MTX become unionized and released in media. The enhanced intracellular release improves therapeutic outcome of MTX. The chemisorption of MTX was further confirmed with FTIR, supported by XRD and UV results.Scheme 1 Methotrexate binding mechanism to AuNP surface Methotrexate binding mechanism to AuNP surface

  • Papain decorated multi-functional polymeric micelles for the targeted intracellular delivery of paclitaxel
    Sobia Razzaq, Aisha Rauf, Abida Raza, Tanveer A. Tabish, Muhammad Rauf‐ul‐Hassan, and Gul Shahnaz

    Wiley

  • Silver decorated 2D nanosheets of GO and MoS<inf>2</inf>serve as nanocatalyst for water treatment and antimicrobial applications as ascertained with molecular docking evaluation
    U Qumar, J Hassan, S Naz, A Haider, A Raza, A Ul-Hamid, J Haider, I Shahzadi, I Ahmad, and M Ikram

    IOP Publishing
    Abstract In this work, synthesis of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was realized through a modified Hummers route. Different concentrations (5 and 10 wt%) of Ag were doped in MoS2 and rGO using a hydrothermal technique. Synthesized Ag-MoS2 and Ag-rGO were evaluated through XRD that confirmed the hexagonal structure of MoS2 along with the transformation of GO to Ag-rGO as indicated by a shift in XRD peaks while Mo–O bonding and S=O functional groups were confirmed with FTIR. Morphological information of GO and formation of MoS2 nanopetals as well as interlayer spacing were verified through FESEM and HRTEM respectively. Raman analysis was employed to probe any evidence regarding defect densities of GO. Optical properties of GO, MoS2, Ag-rGO, and Ag-MoS2 were visualized through UV–vis and PL spectroscopy. Prepared products were employed as nanocatalysts to purify industrial wastewater. Experimental results revealed that Ag-rGO and Ag-MoS2 showed 99% and 80% response in photocatalytic activity. Besides, the nanocatalyst (Ag-MoS2 and Ag-rGO) exhibited 6.05 mm inhibition zones against S. aureus gram positive (G+) and 3.05 mm for E. coli gram negative (G-) in antibacterial activity. To rationalize biocidal mechanism of Ag-doped MoS2 NPs and Ag-rGO, in silico molecular docking study was employed for two enzymes i.e. β-lactamase and D-alanine-D-alanine ligase B (ddlB) from cell wall biosynthetic pathway and enoyl-[acylcarrier-protein] reductase (FabI) from fatty acid biosynthetic pathway belonging to S. aureus. The present study provides evidence for the development of cost-effective, environment friendly and viable candidate for photocatalytic and antimicrobial applications.

  • Laser Responsive Cisplatin-Gold Nano-Assembly Synergizes the Effect of Cisplatin With Compliance
    Mehreen Rehman, Abida Raza, Jamshaid Ali Khan, and M. Aslam Zia

    Elsevier BV

  • Nanomedicine-based doxorubicin delivery for skin cancer with theranostic potential
    Ummarah Kanwal, Abida Raza, Muzaffar Abbas, Nasir Abbas, Khalid Hussain, and Nadeem Irfan Bukhari

    Elsevier

  • Eplerenone nanocrystals engineered by controlled crystallization for enhanced oral bioavailability
    Muhammad Ayub Khan, Muhammad Mohsin Ansari, Sadia Tabassam Arif, Abida Raza, Ho-Ik Choi, Chang-Wan Lim, Ha-Yeon Noh, Jin-Su Noh, Salman Akram, Hafiz Awais Nawaz,et al.

    Informa UK Limited
    Abstract Poor aqueous solubility of eplerenone (EPL) is a major obstacle to achieve sufficient bioavailability after oral administration. In this study, we aimed to develop and evaluate eplerenone nanocrystals (EPL-NCs) for solubility and dissolution enhancement. D-optimal combined mixture process using Design-Expert software was employed to generate different combinations for optimization. EPL-NCs were prepared by a bottom-up, controlled crystallization technique during freeze-drying. The optimized EPL-NCs were evaluated for their size, morphology, thermal behavior, crystalline structure, saturation solubility, dissolution profile, in vivo pharmacokinetics, and acute toxicity. The optimized EPL-NCs showed mean particle size of 46.8 nm. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the formation of elongated parallelepiped shaped NCs. DSC and PXRD analysis confirmed the crystalline structure and the absence of any polymorphic transition in EPL-NCs. Furthermore, EPL-NCs demonstrated a 17-fold prompt increase in the saturation solubility of EPL (8.96 vs. 155.85 µg/mL). The dissolution rate was also significantly higher as indicated by ∼95% dissolution from EPL-NCs in 10 min compared to only 29% from EPL powder. EPL-NCs improved the oral bioavailability as indicated by higher AUC, C max, and lower T max than EPL powder. Acute oral toxicity study showed that EPL-NCs do not pose any toxicity concern to the blood and vital organs. Consequently, NCs prepared by controlled crystallization technique present a promising strategy to improve solubility profile, dissolution velocity and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs.

  • Therapeutic potential of novel mastoparan-chitosan nanoconstructs against clinical MDR Acinetobacter baumannii: In silico, in vitro and in vivo Studies
    Afreenish Hassan, Aamer Ikram, Abida Raza, Sidra Saeed, Rehan Zafar Paracha, Zumara Younas, and Muhammad Tahir Khadim

    Informa UK Limited
    Purpose Acinetobacter baumannii antibiotic resistant infections in high-risk patients are a great challenge for researchers and clinicians worldwide. In an effort to achieve potent bactericidal outcomes, a novel chitosan–mastoparan nanoconstruct (Mast-Cs NC) was designed and assessed for its therapeutic potential through in silico, in vitro and in vivo experimentation against clinical multidrug-resistant (MDR) A. baumannii. Methods Optimized 3D structures of mastoparan and chitosan were coupled computationally through an ionic cross-linker to generate a circular ring of chitosan encasing mastoparan. The complex was assessed for interactions and stability through molecular dynamic simulation (MDS). Binding pocket analysis was used to assess the protease–peptide interface. Mast-Cs NC were prepared by the ionic gelation method. Mast-Cs NC were evaluated in vitro and in vivo for their therapeutic efficacy against drug-resistant clinical A. baumannii. Results MDS for 100 ns showed stable bonds between chitosan and mastoparan; the first at chitosan oxygen atom-46 and mastoparan isoleucine carbon atom with a distance of 2.77 Å, and the second between oxygen atom-23 and mastoparan lysine nitrogen atom with a distance of 2.80 Å, and binding energies of −3.6 and −7.4 kcal/mol, respectively. Mast-Cs complexes approximately 156 nm in size, with +54.9 mV zeta potential and 22.63% loading capacity, offered >90% encapsulation efficiency and were found to be geometrically incompatible with binding pockets of various proteases. The MIC90 of Mast-Cs NC was significantly lower than that of chitosan (4 vs 512 μg/mL, respectively, p<0.05), with noticeable bacterial damage upon morphological analysis. In a BALB/c mouse sepsis model, a significant reduction in bacterial colony count in the Mast-Cs treated group was observed compared with chitosan and mastoparan alone (p<0.005). Mast-Cs maintained good biocompatibility and cytocompatibility. Conclusion Novel mastoparan-loaded chitosan nanoconstructs signify a successful strategy for achieving a synergistic bactericidal effect and higher therapeutic efficacy against MDR clinical A. baumannii isolates. The Mast-Cs nano-drug delivery system could work as an alternative promising treatment option against MDR A. baumannii.

  • Doxorubicin-loaded gold nanorods: a multifunctional chemo-photothermal nanoplatform for cancer management
    Uzma Azeem Awan, Abida Raza, Shaukat Ali, Rida Fatima Saeed, and Nosheen Akhtar

    Beilstein Institut
    Two of the limitations associated with cancer treatment are the low efficacy and the high dose-related side effects of anticancer drugs. The purpose of the current study was to fabricate biocompatible multifunctional drug-loaded nanoscale moieties for co-therapy (chemo-photothermal therapy) with maximum efficacy and minimum side effects. Herein, we report in vitro anticancerous effects of doxorubicin (DOX) loaded on gold nanorods coated with the polyelectrolyte poly(sodium-4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS-GNRs) with and without NIR laser (808 nm, power density = 1.5 W/cm2 for 2 min) irradiation. The drug-loading capacity of PSS-GNRs was about 76% with a drug loading content of 3.2 mg DOX/mL. The cumulative DOX release significantly increased after laser exposure compared to non-irradiated samples (p &lt; 0.05). The zeta potential values of GNRs, PSS-GNRs and DOX-PSS-GNRs were measured as 42 ± 0.1 mV, −40 ± 0.3 mV and 39.3 ± 0.6 mV, respectively. PSS-GNRs nanocomplexes were found to be biocompatible and showed higher photothermal stability. The DOX-conjugated nanocomplexes with NIR laser irradiation appear more efficient in cell inhibition (93%) than those without laser exposure (65%) and doxorubicin alone (84%). The IC50 values of PSS-GNRs-DOX and PSS-GNRs-DOX were measured as 7.99 and 3.12 µg/mL, respectively, with laser irradiation. Thus, a combinatorial approach based on chemotherapy and photothermal strategies appears to be a promising platform in cancer management.

  • Lipodendriplexes mediated enhanced gene delivery: a cellular to pre-clinical investigation
    Imran Tariq, Muhammad Yasir Ali, Muhammad Farhan Sohail, Muhammad Umair Amin, Sajid Ali, Nadeem Irfan Bukhari, Abida Raza, Shashank Reddy Pinnapireddy, Jens Schäfer, and Udo Bakowsky

    Springer Science and Business Media LLC
    AbstractClinical success of effective gene therapy is mainly hampered by the insufficiency of safe and efficient internalization of a transgene to the targeted cellular site. Therefore, the development of a safe and efficient nanocarrier system is one of the fundamental challenges to transfer the therapeutic genes to the diseased cells. Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer has been used as an efficient non-viral gene vector (dendriplexes) but the toxicity and unusual biodistribution induced by the terminal amino groups (–NH2) limit its in vivo applications. Hence, a state of the art lipid modification with PAMAM based gene carrier (lipodendriplexes) was planned to investigate theirs in vitro (2D and 3D cell culture) and in vivo behaviour. In vitro pDNA transfection, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, cellular protein contents, live/dead staining and apoptosis were studied in 2D cell culture of HEK-293 cells while GFP transfection, 3D cell viability and live/dead staining of spheroids were performed in its 3D cell culture. Acute toxicity studies including organ to body index ratio, hematological parameters, serum biochemistry, histopathological profiles and in vivo transgene expression were assessed in female BALB/c mice. The results suggested that, in comparison to dendriplexes the lipodendriplexes exhibited significant improvement of pDNA transfection (p &lt; 0.001) with lower LDH release (p &lt; 0.01) and ROS generation (p &lt; 0.05). A substantially higher cellular protein content (p &lt; 0.01) and cell viability were also observed in 2D culture. A strong GFP expression with an improved cell viability profile (p &lt; 0.05) was indicated in lipodendriplexes treated 3D spheroids. In vivo archives showed the superiority of lipid-modified nanocarrier system, depicted a significant increase in green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression in the lungs (p &lt; 0.01), heart (p &lt; 0.001), liver (p &lt; 0.001) and kidneys (p &lt; 0.001) with improved serum biochemistry and hematological profile as compared to unmodified dendriplexes. No tissue necrosis was evident in the animal groups treated with lipid-shielded molecules. Therefore, a non-covalent conjugation of lipids with PAMAM based carrier system could be considered as a promising approach for an efficient and biocompatible gene delivery system.

  • Association of XPD Lys751Gln gene polymorphism with susceptibility and clinical outcome of colorectal cancer in Pakistani population: a case–control pharmacogenetic study
    Sumera Gul, Abad Khan, Abida Raza, Ismail Khan, and Shumaila Ehtisham

    Springer Science and Business Media LLC
    BACKGROUND XPD Lys751Gln polymorphism may modulate inter-individual variation in repair capacity of DNA, which may enhance a person's susceptibility to develop colorectal cancer (CRC). The analysis of XPD Lys751Gln polymorphism may provide important information for identifying high-risk individuals and for selecting the most appropriate treatment for poor prognostic CRC patients. OBJECTIVE The overall objective was to find out the association of XPD Lys751Gln gene polymorphism with the risk of having a colorectal cancer and the ultimate clinical outcomes. In this study a total of 300 subjects (CRC and Controls), were genotyped for XPD Lys751Gln. METHODS Using PCR-RFLP methods, the association of XPD Lys751Gln gene polymorphism with the risk of having a colorectal cancer was studied. In addition to overall risk assessment, genotyping results were also investigated with respect to the lifestyle risk factors, patients treated with oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy and clinicopathological characteristics. RESULTS The overall correlation between the XPD Lys751Gln genetic variation and the CRC risk was observed to be significant with both the homozygous variant genotype Gln/Gln as well as heterozygous genotype Lys/Gln being associated with the increased risk of CRC. Additional stratified analyses revealed that XPD Lys751Gln variants remarkably increased risk of CRC in males and younger individuals (≤ 50 years), Naswar users (8.09-fold) and high intake of red meat. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the relationship between the XPD Lys751Gln variants and lifestyle factors modulates the risk for CRC in Pakistani population.

  • A comparative study of dirac 2D materials, TMDCs and 2D insulators with regard to their structures and photocatalytic/sonophotocatalytic behavior
    A. Raza, U. Qumar, J. Hassan, M. Ikram, A. Ul-Hamid, J. Haider, M. Imran, and S. Ali

    Springer Science and Business Media LLC


  • 2D chemically exfoliated hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) nanosheets doped with Ni: synthesis, properties and catalytic application for the treatment of industrial wastewater
    M. Ikram, J. Hassan, M. Imran, J. Haider, A. Ul-Hamid, I. Shahzadi, M. Ikram, A. Raza, U. Qumar, and S. Ali

    Springer Science and Business Media LLC

  • Photocatalytic and bactericidal properties and molecular docking analysis of TiO<inf>2</inf>nanoparticles conjugated with Zr for environmental remediation
    M. Ikram, J. Hassan, A. Raza, A. Haider, S. Naz, A. Ul-Hamid, J. Haider, I. Shahzadi, U. Qamar, and S. Ali

    Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
    Despite implementing several methodologies including a combination of physical, chemical and biological techniques, aquatic and microbial pollution remains a challenge to this day.

  • Synthesis and characterization of pre-activated thiolated chitosan nanoparticles for oral delivery of octreotide
    Sundus Maria, Hafiz Shoaib Sarwar, Muhammad Farhan Sohail, Muhammad Imran, Omer Salman Qureshi, Abida Raza, Nasir Mahmood Ahmad, Ali Iqbal, and Gul Shahnaz

    Elsevier BV

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Fungus Mediated Synthesis of Se-BiO-CuO Multimetallic Nanoparticles as a Potential Alternative Antimicrobial Against ESBL Producing Escherichia coli of Veterinary Origin
    BM Uzair, R Rasheed, A Raza, M Saeed, N Alshammari
    Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology 14, 1301351 2024

  • Chitosan encapsulation of fluconazole-loaded MgO/CuO nanocomposite for biofilm inhibition of contact lens
    MBKN Sehrish Abbas, Bushra Uzair, Abida Raza, Shamaila Sajjad
    Materials Chemistry and Physics 317 (1) 2024

  • Acute Toxicity, Anti-diabetic, and Anti-cancerous Potential of Trillium Govanianum-conjugated Silver Nanoparticles in Balb/c Mice
    N Gulzar, S Andleeb, A Raza, S Ali, I Liaqat, SA Raja, NM Ali, R Khan, ...
    Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology 2024

  • Synthesis, Characterization, Acute Dermal Toxicity, Anti-inflammatory, and Wound Healing Potential of Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles in Balb C Mice
    S Andleeb, Z Iqbal, N Gulzar, A Raza, A Ahmad
    Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology 2024

  • Glycol chitosan amphiphile nanotheranostic system for ultrasound-mediated localized release and biodistribution of doxorubicin
    S Saeed, U Sarwar, M Yasinzai, A Raza
    Journal of Nanoparticle Research 25 (9), 194 2023

  • Enhanced Antidepressant Activity of Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Containing Levosulpiride in Behavioral Despair Tests in Mice
    ST Arif, MA Khan, S Zaman, HS Sarwar, A Raza, M Sarfraz, YA Bin Jardan, ...
    Pharmaceuticals 16 (9), 1220 2023

  • In vitro Anti-Cancer Effect of Polymeric Nanoparticles Encapsulating Caralluma tuberculata in Cancer Cells
    M Fayyaz, U Sarwar, F Nurjis, JS Ali, S Tabassum, A Raza
    International Journal of Advanced Nano Computing and Analytics 2 (1), 22-38 2023

  • Recent Advances in Sorafenib based Nanoformulation for Enhanced Cancer Therapy
    U Sarwar, A Raza
    International Journal of Advanced Nano Computing and Analytics 2 (1), 60-61 2023

  • Ultrasound-mediated in vivo biodistribution of coumarin-labeled sorafenib-loaded liposome-based nanotheranostic system
    U Sarwar, M Naeem, F Nurjis, S Karim, A Raza
    Nanomedicine 17 (25), 1909-1927 2022

  • Wound healing and anti-inflammatory potential of Ajuga bracteosa-conjugated silver nanoparticles in Balb/c mice
    S Andleeb, S Nazer, SY Alomar, N Ahmad, I Khan, A Raza, UA Awan, ...
    bioRxiv, 2022.09. 21.508872 2022

  • Glycol-chitosan-based Technetium-99m-loaded multifunctional nanomicelles: synthesis, evaluation, and in vivo biodistribution
    N Zia, Z Iqbal, A Raza, A Zia, R Shafique, S Andleeb, GC Walker
    Nanomaterials 12 (13), 2198 2022

  • Nanoparticles as a novel tool to inhibit inflammatory cytokines in human lymphocytes and macrophages of coronary artery disease
    R Shabbir, A Raza, A Liaquat, SU Shah, S Saeed, U Sarwar, M Hamza, ...
    Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 111 (5), 1509-1521 2022

  • Design and characterization of paclitaxel-loaded polymeric nanoparticles decorated with trastuzumab for the effective treatment of breast cancer
    M Sakhi, A Khan, A Raza, SA Khan
    Frontiers in Pharmacology 13, 855294 2022

  • In-vitro co-delivery of decarbazine and photosense using poly lactic-co-glycolic acid nanocarrier for combinational therapy
    M Arshad, I Mahjabeen, A Raza, S Javaid, MF Ul Haq, M Alam, ...
    Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy 37, 102737 2022

  • Cytotoxicity, anti-diabetic, and hepato-protective potential of Ajuga bracteosa-conjugated silver nanoparticles in balb/c mice
    S Nazer, S Andleeb, S Ali, N Gulzar, A Raza, H Khan, K Akhtar, ...
    Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology 23 (3), 318-336 2022

  • A multifunctional polymeric micelle for targeted delivery of paclitaxel by the inhibition of the P-glycoprotein transporters
    S Razzaq, A Rauf, A Raza, S Akhtar, TA Tabish, MA Sandhu, M Zaman, ...
    Nanomaterials 11 (11), 2858 2021

  • Methotrexate-loaded PEGylated gold nanoparticles as hemocompatible and pH-responsive anticancer drug nanoconjugate
    M Rahman, JA Khan, U Kanwal, UA Awan, A Raza
    Journal of Nanoparticle Research 23 (8), 195 2021

  • Papain decorated multi‐functional polymeric micelles for the targeted intracellular delivery of paclitaxel
    S Razzaq, A Rauf, A Raza, TA Tabish, M Rauf‐ul‐Hassan, G Shahnaz
    Polymers for Advanced Technologies 32 (8), 3180-3193 2021

  • Therapeutic Potential of Novel Mastoparan-Chitosan Nanoconstructs Against Clinical MDR Acinetobacter baumannii: In silico, in vitro and in vivo Studies
    A Hassan, A Ikram, A Raza, S Saeed, R Zafar Paracha, Z Younas, ...
    International Journal of Nanomedicine, 3755-3773 2021

  • Laser responsive cisplatin-gold nano-assembly synergizes the effect of cisplatin with compliance
    M Rehman, A Raza, JA Khan, MA Zia
    Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 110 (4), 1749-1760 2021

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles via plant extracts: beginning a new era in cancer theranostics
    M Ovais, AT Khalil, A Raza, MA Khan, I Ahmad, NU Islam, M Saravanan, ...
    Nanomedicine 12 (23), 3157-3177 2016
    Citations: 337

  • Wound healing applications of biogenic colloidal silver and gold nanoparticles: recent trends and future prospects
    M Ovais, I Ahmad, AT Khalil, S Mukherjee, R Javed, M Ayaz, A Raza, ...
    Applied microbiology and biotechnology 102, 4305-4318 2018
    Citations: 163

  • Designing stimuli‐responsive upconversion nanoparticles that exploit the tumor microenvironment
    M Ovais, S Mukherjee, A Pramanik, D Das, A Mukherjee, A Raza, C Chen
    Advanced Materials 32 (22), 2000055 2020
    Citations: 154

  • Current state and prospects of the phytosynthesized colloidal gold nanoparticles and their applications in cancer theranostics
    M Ovais, A Raza, S Naz, NU Islam, AT Khalil, S Ali, MA Khan, ZK Shinwari
    Applied microbiology and biotechnology 101, 3551-3565 2017
    Citations: 152

  • Selected hepatoprotective herbal medicines: Evidence from ethnomedicinal applications, animal models, and possible mechanism of actions
    M Ali, T Khan, K Fatima, QUA Ali, M Ovais, AT Khalil, I Ullah, A Raza, ...
    Phytotherapy research 32 (2), 199-215 2018
    Citations: 134

  • Advances in nano-delivery systems for doxorubicin: an updated insight
    U Kanwal, N Irfan Bukhari, M Ovais, N Abass, K Hussain, A Raza
    Journal of drug targeting 26 (4), 296-310 2018
    Citations: 128

  • Phyto-therapeutic and nanomedicinal approaches to cure Alzheimer’s disease: present status and future opportunities
    M Ovais, N Zia, I Ahmad, AT Khalil, A Raza, M Ayaz, A Sadiq, F Ullah, ...
    Frontiers in aging neuroscience 10, 284 2018
    Citations: 123

  • Multifunctional theranostic applications of biocompatible green-synthesized colloidal nanoparticles
    M Ovais, AT Khalil, A Raza, NU Islam, M Ayaz, M Saravanan, M Ali, ...
    Applied microbiology and biotechnology 102, 4393-4408 2018
    Citations: 122

  • HPLC-DAD finger printing, antioxidant, cholinesterase, and α-glucosidase inhibitory potentials of a novel plant Olax nana
    M Ovais, M Ayaz, AT Khalil, SA Shah, MS Jan, A Raza, M Shahid, ...
    BMC complementary and alternative medicine 18, 1-13 2018
    Citations: 80

  • Development of mannose-anchored thiolated amphotericin B nanocarriers for treatment of visceral leishmaniasis
    G Shahnaz, BJ Edagwa, JE McMillan, S Akhtar, A Raza, NA Qureshi, ...
    Nanomedicine 12 (2), 99-115 2017
    Citations: 80

  • PEG capped methotrexate silver nanoparticles for efficient anticancer activity and biocompatibility
    Z Muhammad, A Raza, S Ghafoor, A Naeem, SS Naz, S Riaz, W Ahmed, ...
    European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 91, 251-255 2016
    Citations: 68

  • Docetaxel‐loaded solid lipid nanoparticles: a novel drug delivery system
    Sumera, A Anwar, M Ovais, A Khan, A Raza
    IET Nanobiotechnology 11 (6), 621-629 2017
    Citations: 62

  • Biosynthesized colloidal silver and gold nanoparticles as emerging leishmanicidal agents: an insight
    M Ovais, A Nadhman, AT Khalil, A Raza, F Khuda, MF Sohail, NU Islam, ...
    Nanomedicine 12 (24), 2807-2819 2017
    Citations: 57

  • Utility of PCR in diagnosis of problematic cases of typhoid
    A Haque, N Ahmed, A Peerzada, A Raza, S Bashir, G Abbas
    Japanese journal of infectious diseases 54 (6), 237-239 2001
    Citations: 55

  • Doxorubicin-loaded quaternary ammonium palmitoyl glycol chitosan polymeric nanoformulation: uptake by cells and organs
    AR Ummarah Kanwal, Nadeem Irfan Bukhari, Nosheen Fatima Rana, Mehreen Rehman ...
    International Journal of Nanomedicine, 1-15 2019
    Citations: 49

  • Molecular epidemiology of hepatitis C virus genotypes in different geographical regions of Punjab Province in Pakistan and a phylogenetic analysis
    H Aziz, A Raza, S Murtaza, Y Waheed, A Khalid, J Irfan, Z Samra, ...
    International Journal of Infectious Diseases 17 (4), e247-e253 2013
    Citations: 48

  • Evaluation of prognostic factors for peg interferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin treatment on HCV infected patients in Pakistan
    H Aziz, ML Gil, Y Waheed, U Adeeb, A Raza, I Bilal, MA Athar
    Infection, Genetics and Evolution 11 (3), 640-645 2011
    Citations: 44

  • Polymorphism of the IL28B gene (rs8099917, rs12979860) and virological response of Pakistani hepatitis C virus genotype 3 patients to pegylated interferon therapy
    H Aziz, A Raza, K Ali, JZK Khattak, J Irfan, ML Gill
    International Journal of Infectious Diseases 30, 91-97 2015
    Citations: 43

  • Annihilation of Leishmania by daylight responsive ZnO nanoparticles: a temporal relationship of reactive oxygen species-induced lipid and protein oxidation
    A Nadhman, MI Khan, S Nazir, M Khan, G Shahnaz, A Raza, DF Shams, ...
    International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2451-2461 2016
    Citations: 41

  • Effect of biofilm formation on the excretion of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi in feces
    A Raza, Y Sarwar, A Ali, A Jamil, A Haque, A Haque
    International Journal of Infectious Diseases 15 (11), e747-e752 2011
    Citations: 34