Alya Mashaal

Scopus Publications

Immunomodulatory potential of Sarcophaga argyostoma larval hemolymph as a natural alternative to berenil in treating Trypanosoma evansi in vivo
Al-Shaimaa M. Sadek, Doaa S. Farghaly, Hala Kadada, and Alya Mashaal
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
AbstractThis study compared effects of diminazene aceturate (berenil), commonly used to treat domestic animals infected with Trypanosoma evansi, with the hemolymph of Sarcophaga argyostoma larva. The hemolymph may be acting as a possible natural alternative to berenil, based on immunomodulation mediated inflammatory response. Inflammatory mediators and histopathological changes in liver, kidney, and spleen of albino mice experimentally infected with T. evansi were studied. Mice were divided into five groups: G1, uninfected, untreated (negative control); G2, T. evansi infected (positive control); G3, infected and treated with berenil; G4, infected and treated with hemolymph; G5, infected and treated with hemolymph 3 days before infection (prophylactic group). Animals in (G4) and (G5) exhibited a significant overall reduction in serum levels of IFN-γ. However, the reduction in TNF-α and IL-6 levels was more limited compared to (G2) and (G3). Notably, an elevation in IL-10 levels was observed compared to animals in other groups. Furthermore, the groups treated with hemolymph demonstrated an alleviation of T. evansi infection in contrast to the other groups. This study highlights that the administration of Sarcophaga argyostoma larval hemolymph at a dosage of 0.5 ml/kg significantly inhibited T. evansi organisms in vivo, showcasing a pronounced trypanocidal effect.

Evaluation of illicium verum (star anise) against Biomphalaria alexandrina Snails and their Infection with Schistosoma mansoni
El-Emam et al.
Egyptian Knowledge Bank

Leukemic B cells expression of CD200 and Leukocyte-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor-1 (LAIR-1, CD305) in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia patients in relation to Treg frequency
Reham Hammad, Eman Z. Kandeel, Claude Lambert, Ulrich Sack, Sandy Kujumdshiev, Arwa Kamhawy, Omaima I. Abo-Elkheir, Fatma EL-Zahraa Abd El Hakam, Alya Mashaal, Mohammed Ramadan,et al.
Elsevier BV

Systemic/Immune-Modulation of Olea europaea Leaf Extract in Fetuses of Alloxan-Induced T1 Diabetic Rats
Alya Mashaal, Heba Y. El-Yamany, and Hend Abd El-Halim Mansour
Mary Ann Liebert Inc

Immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties of Sarcophaga argyrostoma larval hemolymph: utilizing the Biomphalaria alexandrina snail as a model
Alya Mashaal, Asmaa A. Abo Elqasem, Lina A. Abou El-Khashab, Hend M. El-Menyawy, Basma M. Abou El-Nour, Eman M. Abdullah, Asmaa M. Abdalkareem, Rawda A. Al-gebaly, Asmaa M. El-sayed, Ghada R. Mabrok,et al.
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
AbstractIn recent years, there has been a growing interest in exploring novel natural sources for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents, driven by the need for alternative therapeutic strategies with fewer side effects. This study investigates the potential of the Biomphalaria alexandrina snail as a valuable model organism to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Sarcophaga argyrostoma larval hemolymph. The choice of B. alexandrina snails as a model is based on its ecological relevance and physiological similarities to other organisms, supporting well-established use in ecological and physiological research, as well as it provides a valuable platform for such investigations. Ultimately, this study may open avenues for the development of innovative and sustainable therapeutic interventions rooted in the rich biodiversity of the natural world. The experimental design involves the extraction of hemolymph from S. argyrostoma larvae, followed by a comprehensive analysis of its antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory effects using adult snails. Various biochemical assays, including total antioxidant capacity, immunomodulatory markers and histological investigation, will be employed to assess the bioactive potential of the hemolymph. The outcomes of this research can be attributed to the identification of the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of hemolymph. This effect was observed through the reduction of oxidative stress and proinflammatory mediators, impacting the biological activities of the snails. The study is the first to shed light on the potential benefits of S. argyrostoma larval hemolymph using an animal model, showcasing its ability to mitigate oxidative and inflammatory responses within the biological context of the snails.

Arabic gum ameliorates systemic modulation in Alloxan monohydrate-induced diabetic rats
Rasha Mohammed Ibrahim, Hemmat Mansour Abdelhafez, Sawsan Abd EL-Maksoud EL-Shamy, Fatma Ahmed Eid, and Alya Mashaal
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
AbstractMedicinal plants are considered an alternative therapy for diabetes mellitus as they regulate glucose levels. Moreover, a variety of plants offer a rich source of bioactive compounds that have potent pharmacological effects without any negative side effects. The present study aimed to clarify the effects of Arabic gum/Gum Acacia (GA) on the biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical changes observed in diabetic rats. Further, the anti-inflammatory activity of GA in response to diabetes, through inflammatory mediators analysis. Male rats were divided into four groups: untreated control, diabetic, Arabic gum-treated, and Arabic gum-treated diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced using alloxan. Animals were sacrificed after 7 and 21 days of treatment with Arabic gum. Body weight, blood and pancreas tissue samples were collected for analysis. Alloxan injection significantly decreased body weight, increased glucose levels, decreased insulin levels, and caused depletion of islets of Langerhans and β-cell damage in the pancreas. Arabic gum treatment of diabetic rats significantly increased body weight, decreased serum glucose levels, increased insulin levels, exerts anti-inflammatory effect, and improved the pancreas tissue structure. Arabic gum has beneficial pharmacological effects in diabetic rats; therefore, it might be employed as diabetic therapy to reduce the hyperglycemic damage and may be applicable for many autoimmune and inflammatory diseases treatment. Further, the new bioactive substances, such as medications made from plants, have larger safety margins, and can be used for a longer period of time.

MicroRNA-146a-5p and microRNA-210-3p Correlate with T Regulatory Cells Frequency and Predict Asthma Severity in Egyptian Pediatric Population
Mona A Eldosoky, Reham Hammad, Areej Rushdi, Hanan F Ibrahim, Amany M Tawfeik, Ahmed Mora, Sarah F Fahmy, Hossam El-Ashmawy, Elham Ali, Dina H Hamed,et al.
Informa UK Limited
Background Severe bronchial asthma (BA) affects 5–10% of children, which imposes socioeconomic burden. Therefore, it is crucial to identify biomarkers for risk stratification in children with BA. T regulatory cells (Tregs) play a balancing role in allergic response regulation. We aimed to investigate the relationship between Treg, miR-210-3p, and miR-146a-5p in relation to asthma phenotypes in search of novel biomarkers of disease severity. Methods This study included 50 children with BA classified into Group 1 (n = 25) children with mild to moderate asthma and Group 2 (n = 25) children with severe asthma. In addition to 26 control subjects. Flow cytometry was used to detect Tregs. Plasma miR-210-3p and miR-146a levels were determined using quantitative real-time PCR. Patients’ FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second) was measured. Results miR-210-3p level correlated negatively with Treg frequency (r = −0.828, P < 0.001) and FEV1 (r = −0.621, P < 0.001). The level of miR-146a-5p positively correlated positively with Treg% (r = 0.303, P = 0.032). ROC curve analysis revealed that miR-210-3p was the most sensitive biomarker of severity, with the area under curve (AUC) = 0.923, 96% sensitivity, and 60% specificity. According to multivariate analysis, miR-210-3p is an independent risk factor for BA severity [OR =3.119, P = 0.030], while miR-146a-5p is a protective factor [OR =0.811, P = 0.049]. Conclusion Treg frequency is linked to FEV1, miR-146a-5p and miR-210-3p in childhood BA. Upregulation of miR-210-3p is a sensitive biomarker and an independent risk factor for BA severity in Egyptian children.

Utility of Monocyte Expression of HLA-DR versus T Lymphocyte Frequency in the Assessment of COVID-19 Outcome
Reham Hammad, Hend G Kotb, Gehan Abdel-Rahman Eldesoky, Alshaimaa Mohamed Mosaad, Asmaa M El-Nasser, Fatma EL-Zahraa Abd El Hakam, Noha Abdel-Rahman Eldesoky, Alya Mashaal, and Hesham Farhoud
Informa UK Limited
Background Dysregulated immunity is a hallmark of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Immune suppression is indicated by low monocyte expression of human leukocyte antigen D-related (mHLA-DR). T cells are important antiviral cells. We aimed to assess the role of mHLA-DR and T lymphocyte frequency in predicting COVID-19 severity. Patients and Methods This cross-sectional study enrolled 97 SARS-CoV-2 positive patients, including mild to moderate (n = 49) and severe cases admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) (n = 48). These ICU cases were further subdivided into survivors (n = 35) and non-survivors (n = 13). Results Severe cases had a significant decrease in the mHLA-DR mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) and T lymphocyte percentage compared to mild to moderate cases (P<0.001). Non-survivors had a lower T lymphocyte percentage (P=0.004) than survivors. The mHLA-DR MFI and T lymphocyte percentage correlated with oxygen saturation (r=0.632, P<0.001) and (r=0.669, P<0.001), respectively. According to the ROC curves, mHLA-DR MFI, at a cutoff of 143 and an AUC of 0.9, is a reliable biomarker for distinguishing severe COVID-19 cases, with 89.6% sensitivity and 81.6% specificity, while T lymphocyte frequency had 81.3% sensitivity and 81.6% specificity at a cutoff of 54.4% and an AUC of 0.9. The T lymphocyte percentage as a predictor of ICU survival at a cutoff of 38.995% exhibited 100% sensitivity and 57.1% specificity. According to multivariate regression analysis, reduced mHLA-DR MFI and T lymphocyte percentage are independent predictors of COVID-19 severity (OR = 0.976, 95% CI: 0.955–0.997, P = 0.025) and (OR = 0.849, 95% CI: 0.741–0.972, P = 0.018), respectively. Conclusion Reduced mHLA-DR expression and T-lymphocyte percentage are independent predictors of COVID-19 severity. Oxygen saturation percentage is correlated with mHLA-DR MFI and T lymphocyte frequency. The T lymphocyte frequency is a proposed predictor of COVID-19 survival in ICU admitted patients.

Comparative Feasibility of Oxidative Stress and Immune-Inflammatory Response Induced in the Secondary Intermediate Host by Different Viability Status of the Hydatid Cysts

CD3/TCRE Expression and Immunoregulatory Milieu Induced in a Secondary Intermediate Host by Different Phases of Hydatid Cyst
Alya Mashaal and Al-Shaimaa Mohsen Sadek
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
BACKGROUND Echinococcosis is a common health problem in the Mediterranean and the Middle East, and manifests without any symptoms, even in the advanced stages. OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to investigate the cell mediated-immunoregulatory milieu in rats' echinococcosis induced by three different viability status of Echinococcus granulosus especially in the semi-calcareous stage, which can be used as novel biomarkers to monitor disease progression and open the door to a deeper understanding of the pathways that could contribute to complementary echinococcosis therapies. MATERIALS AND METHODS Rat infection with echinococcosis was induced by three different viable statuses of Echinococcus granulosus (G6) camel strain. During the different stages of parasitic infection, blood serum was harvested from rats containing low-, high-, and not viable (not completely transformed to the calcareous status) protoscoleces fluid. The host Th1/Th2 cytokines-mediated immune cell activation, as well as CD3/TCRE immunoregulation, and proliferation responses were investigated; especially in the semi-calcareous stage as this is the first report characterizing this stage. RESULTS Both IFN-γ and IL-6 levels significantly increased in the infected groups (P < 0.05), in addition, increased positive immunoreactions in splenic tissue for both CD3/TCRE and Ki-67 monoclonal antibodies. CONCLUSION E. granuloses infection-induced immune tolerance is involved in disease progression, and modulates the activation and regulation of host immune response, even in the early stages of infection, rather than the last stages of viability (semi-calcareous) is not neglected stage. This study is the first to report that the semi-calcareous stage causes a severe immunological response.

Role of Histological Investigation in The Protective Evaluation of Ginger
Mai Abd El Hady Mousa, Hemmat Mansour, Fatma Eid, and Alya Mashaal
Egypts Presidential Specialized Council for Education and Scientific Research
Background: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) usage has been increased in the industry year after year reflecting its crescent use in the food industry. MSG toxicity is specific to the tissue in the body. Herbal drugs provide a managing role for several hepatic disorders so it is critical to find an effective and preventive agent to manage various hepatic insults. Objective: This experimental study aimed to examine the possible protective effect of ginger extract against injury induced by MSG as a therapeutic agent in pharmaceutical therapies. Materials and methods: Four groups of rats were divided and obtained treatment periods, after that they conducted serial histological and histochemical changes in control, MSGand ginger-treated rats, focusing particularly on liver pathology. Results: MSG exhibited histological and histochemical changes in the liver. Such alterations induced hepatopathology, involving a return to a somewhat normal condition-ginger treatment. Conclusions: Ginger as herbal supplementations speed up the healing progression of hepatotoxicity. This study reports the effect of ginger exerts anti-toxicity and anti-fibrotic potentials.

Anti-inflammatory activity of ginger modulates macrophage activation against the inflammatory pathway of monosodium glutamate
Mai Abd El Hady Mousa, Hemmat Mansour, Fatma Eid, and Alya Mashaal
Wiley
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) has been traditionally used as a flavor enhancer and is added to many foods. The chronic consumption of MSG has been suggested as causing toxicity, inflammation, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and pre-malignant changes. The use of medicinal plants and their products, such as ginger, against the effects of MSG has been suggested to have a protective effect. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of ginger against the effects of MSG, we conducted a serial inflammatory analysis of MSG- and ginger-treated rats, focusing particularly on liver pathology. The consumption of ginger as an unconventional therapy against the effects of MSG resulted in significant anti-inflammatory activity. We found that it was possible to diagnose MSG-associated inflammatory pathogenesis using inflammatory mediators. Ginger consumption produced protective effects on health, minimized adverse effects, and may be applicable for food development and the treatment of many inflammatory diseases. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The chronic administration of monosodium glutamate (MSG) as a flavor enhancer has been suggested to produce toxicity, inflammation, and pre-malignant changes in organs. Ginger has protective effects, with potent anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic activity against MSG administration. This study is the first to report that ginger modulated the inflammatory and fibrotic effects of MSG and improved immunological indices reflecting the involvement of inflammatory and fibrotic markers and polysaccharide content in the activation of macrophages. These findings support the further use of ginger as a supplement for food enhancement and as an anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and therapeutic agent in pharmaceutical therapies against autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and ulcerative colitis, as well as MSG-associated inflammatory diseases.

T-natural killers and interferon gamma/ interleukin 4 in augmentation of infection in foot ulcer in type 2 diabetes
Reham Hammad, Asmaa A Elmadbouly, Inass Hassan Hassan Ahmad, Shaymaa A Mohammed, Nehal Farouk, Zahraa Futooh, Mohamed Omar Alfy, Sarah Abozaid, Eman F Mohamed, Fatma M Kotb,et al.
Informa UK Limited
Background The link between immune system and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) pathogenesis attracted attention to demonstrate the role of immune cells and their secreted cytokines in T2DM development and its subsequent foot complications. Objective To investigate the relation between T Natural killer cell (TNK) %, Interleukin 4 (IL4) and Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and diabetic foot infection (DFI) development in patients with diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). Patients and Methods Ninety patients with diabetes were included in this work, divided as T2DM group (n=30), DFU group (n=30), and DFI group (n=30). TNK% was detected using flow cytometry. Serum IL4 and IFN-γ were measured by ELISA. Diabetes biochemical parameters were also analyzed. Results Significant decrease was detected in TNK% and IFN-γ in DFI group compared to other 2 groups (P<0.001). Significant decrease was detected in serum levels of IL4 in DFI group compared to T2DM group (P=0.006). IFN-γ/IL4 was significantly decreased in DFI compared to DFU group (P=0.020). There was a significant correlation of TNK% with both IL4 and IFN-γ (r=0.385, P<0.001; r=0.534, P<0.001, respectively). Significant negative correlation of TNK% with HbA1c and LDL was revealed (r=−0.631, P<0.001; and r=−0.261, P=0.013, respectively), while a positive correlation was seen with HDL (r=0.287, P=0.006). A significant negative correlation of IL4 with HbA1c was found (r=−0.514, P<0.001;. As for IFN-γ, a significant negative correlation with HbA1c and LDL was detected (r=−0.369, P< 0.001; r=−0.229, P=0.030). TNK % and IFN-γ level showed negative correlations with disease duration/year (r=−0.546, P< 0.001; r=−0.338, P=0.001,respectively). Conclusion Decline in TNK frequency has essential role in T2DM pathogenesis and subsequent foot complications. Downregulation of TNK% and IFN-γ level have potential roles in predicting infection of diabetic ulcer and are correlated with disease duration.

Immunoregulatory complement receptor-1 and leukocyte-associated Ig-like receptor-1 expression on leukocytes in Psoriasis vulgaris
Reham Hammad, Mervat Hamdino, Asmaa M El-Nasser, Ali Sobhy, Noha Abdel-Rahman Eldesoky, Alya Mohammad Mashaal, and Hany F Ali
SAGE Publications
Psoriasis vulgaris (PsV) is an immune-mediated inflammatory disorder with devastating psychosocial consequences. Expression of immunoregulator molecules on leukocytes in PsV remains unclear. Leukocyte-associated Ig-like receptor-1 (LAIR-1) and complement receptor-1 (CR-1) are immunoregulator receptors reported to bind complement component 1q involved in phagocytosis. We aimed to explore if altered leukocyte expression of LAIR-1 and CR-1 is associated with PsV. This case–control study included 36 PsV patients and 36 healthy controls. Neutrophils, monocytes and B and T cells were examined by flow cytometry for LAIR-1 and CR-1 mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) and positive cell percentage. Comparison between both groups revealed a significant decrease in LAIR-1 MFI on neutrophils and T cells ( P < 0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively). CR-1 MFI on neutrophils, monocytes and T cells also showed a significant decrease in patients ( P = 0.033, P = 0.001 and P = 0.040, respectively). There was a significant positive correlation of LAIR-1 MFI on neutrophils with CR-1 MFI on neutrophils ( r = 0.503; P = 0.002) and LAIR-1 MFI on monocytes with CR-1 MFI on monocytes ( r = 0.371; P = 0.026). Receiver operating characteristic curves revealed that CR-1 MFI on monocytes had the highest discrimination power to differentiate patients from controls, with 86.1% specificity and 75% sensitivity ( P = 0.001). In conclusion, altered leukocytes expression of LAIR-1 and CR-1 is associated with PsV. Down-regulated CR-1 MFI on monocytes is a promising diagnostic biomarker for PsV.