Dr. Mai Abdel Haleem Abusalah
@zu.edu.jo
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences/Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences
Zarqa Universty
Microbiology, virology, biomarkers, cancer, molecular, immunology,.
EDUCATION
PhD in Medical Microbiology
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Medical Microbiology- Virology- Molecular- Immunology- Cancer - genetic biomarkers
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
Naveed Ahmed, Mai Abdel Haleem A. Abusalah, Muhammad Absar, Muhammad Hassan Nasir, Anam Farzand, Ijaz Ahmad, Zaineb Sohail, Kirnpal Kaur Banga Singh, Atif Amin Baig, and Chan Yean Yean
World Scientific Pub Co Pte Ltd
Chemotherapy and other traditional anticancer treatments are losing their efficacy in the battle against cancer. As a result, cancer treatment strategies must be continually adjusted to meet the rising demand for alternative medicines. Several viral and non-viral vectors have been used previously. However, it has been shown that microorganisms are a strong contender for successfully combating cancer. They are a remarkable source of toxins, polysaccharides, tumor-specific anticancer genes, nanodrugs and gene-delivery vectors. One of the emerging key players in cancer therapy is bacteria. It has been demonstrated that traditional methods of altering the microbiome, such as antibiotics, probiotics and microbiota transplants, can sometimes increase the effectiveness of cancer therapies. However, problems with these methods, such as consistency and collateral damage to the commensal microbiota, spur the development of new technologies specifically aimed at the microbiome-cancer interface. In light of nanotechnology’s success in transforming cancer diagnostics and treatment, nanotechnologies with the capacity to control interactions that occur across microscopic and molecular length scales in the microbiome and the tumor microenvironment have the potential to provide innovative methods for cancer treatment. The relationship between nanotechnology, the microbiome and cancer offers tremendous potential. This paper highlights the contributions of significant bacterial groups to several anticancer research fields.
Naveed Ahmed, Mai Abdel Haleem A. Abusalah, Muhammad Absar, Muhammad Sajid Noor, Bakhtawar Bukhari, Saira Ali Anjum, Kirnpal Kaur Banga Singh, and Chan Yean Yean
World Scientific Pub Co Pte Ltd
Carbon-based nanomaterials (NMs) are a specific class of materials used in biomedical applications, such as the delivery of therapeutics, biomedical imaging, biosensors, tissue engineering, and genetic engineering. Carbon-based NMs are interesting tools with specific qualities, including strong mechanical structure, good conductivity, appealing visual qualities and great chemical versatility. Among these carbon-based NMs, graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are of great biological importance. In this paper, we discuss about graphene, CNTs, fullerene and carbon quantum dots (CQDs), the structure, properties, toxicity, mechanism of action and applications in cancer treatment and diagnosis. Graphene, fullerene, CNTs and CQDs are allotropic forms of carbon. The circle of biomedical engineering is increasing daily, and in recent years, carbon-based NMs have played a vital role as biomaterials. Carbon-based NMs attracted the attention of a wide range of researchers due to their multifunctional properties. In this paper, we discuss the function of carbon-based NMs in the detection and treatment of cancer and explore their role in controlling tumor-causing cells and damaging cancer-causing cells. If we use their derivatives as a source for cancer treatment and diagnosis, we can cease tumor growth to a tremendous level.
Mohammad Mahmoud Aladwan, Basem Fou'ad Dababneh, Husni Shukri Farah, and Mai Abdel Haleem Abusalah
Wydawnictwo Naukowe Gabriel Borowski (WNGB)
Bioremediation aspects of crude oil-polluted fields can be achieved by isolating and identifying bacterial species from oil-contaminated soil. This allows for the selection of the most active isolates and the enhancement of the effectiveness of other bacteria. This project will be a base to use green technology for clean the oil contaminated soil in Jordan. This study involved the isolation and identification of oil-degrading microbes from soil samples contaminated with oil in the northeastern region of Jordan. The morphological and biochemical tests were used to characterize twenty-five bacterial isolates. Molecular identification of a universal primer 16S rDNA gene was used to identify bacterial isolates. Total petroleum hydrocarbons were analyzed using gas chromatography for soil samples. All soil samples were analyzed for heavy metal contamination (Cu, Cd, Mn, Zn, and Pb). The bacterial growth count (CFU/g) was between 1.06×10 5 and 2.80×10 17 . The identified bacterial genera included: Staphylo - coccus, Citrobacter, Lactobacillus, Alcaligin’s, Pseudomonas, Micrococcus, Serratia, Enterobacter, Bacillus, Salmonella, Mycobacterium, Corynebacterium, and, Microbacterium. The most species showed high growth rates on different types of hydrocarbons such as toluene, naphthalene, and hexane were Lactobacillus casei, Staphylococ - cus intermedius, Micrococcus luteus, Pseudomonas putida, Mycobacterium phlei, Corynebacterium xerosis. Soil sample M1A contains the highest levels of Fe, Cd , and Pb and Cu,. While M1C contains the highest levels of Fe and Mn. On the other hand, M2A, and M2C have the least levels of Mn and Fe. While M3C has the least level of Zn and Pb. our study conclude the bacterial isolates could be used for in situ and ex situ cleanup of oil-contaminat-ed desert soil in northeastern part of Jordan.
Priyanka, Mai Abdel Haleem Abusalah, Hitesh Chopra, Abhilasha Sharma, Suhad Asad Mustafa, Om Prakash Choudhary, Manish Sharma, Manish Dhawan, Rajiv Khosla, Aanchal Loshali,et al.
Elsevier BV
Ishrat Perveen, Bakhtawar Bukhari, Mahwish Najeeb, Sumbal Nazir, Tallat Anwar Faridi, Muhammad Farooq, Qurat-ul-Ain Ahmad, Manal Abdel Haleem A. Abusalah, Thana’ Y. ALjaraedah, Wesal Yousef Alraei,et al.
MDPI AG
Molecular hydrogen is renowned as an odorless and colorless gas. The recommendations developed by China suggest that the inhalation of hydrogen molecules is currently advised in COVID-19 pneumonia treatment. The therapeutic effects of molecular hydrogens have been confirmed after numerous clinical trials and animal-model-based experiments, which have expounded that the low molecular weight of hydrogen enables it to easily diffuse and permeate through the cell membranes to produce a variety of biological impacts. A wide range of both chronic and acute inflammatory diseases, which may include sepsis, pancreatitis, respiratory disorders, autoimmune diseases, ischemia-reperfusion damages, etc. may be treated and prevented by using it. H2 can primarily be inoculated through inhalation, by drinking water (which already contains H2), or by administrating the injection of saline H2 in the body. It may play a pivotal role as an antioxidant, in regulating the immune system, in anti-inflammatory activities (mitochondrial energy metabolism), and cell death (apoptosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy) by reducing the formation of excessive reactive O2 species and modifying the transcription factors in the nuclei of the cells. However, the fundamental process of molecular hydrogen is still not entirely understood. Molecular hydrogen H2 has a promising future in therapeutics based on its safety and possible usefulness. The current review emphasizes the antioxidative, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects of hydrogen molecules along with the underlying principle and fundamental mechanism involved, with a prime focus on the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19). This review will also provide strategies and recommendations for the therapeutic and medicinal applications of the hydrogen molecule.
Mohammad A.I. Al-Hatamleh, Mai A. Abusalah, Ma'mon M. Hatmal, Walhan Alshaer, Suhana Ahmad, Manali H. Mohd-Zahid, Engku Nur Syafirah E.A. Rahman, Chan Y. Yean, Iskandar Z. Alias, Vuk Uskoković,et al.
Elsevier BV
Norhafiza Mat Lazim, Anam Yousaf, Mai Abdel Haleem Abusalah, Sarina Sulong, Zul Izhar Mohd Ismail, Rohimah Mohamud, Hashem A. Abu-Harirah, Tareq Nayef AlRamadneh, Rosline Hassan, and Baharudin Abdullah
MDPI AG
Salivary gland carcinomas (SGCs) are a diverse collection of malignant tumors with marked differences in biological activity, clinical presentation and microscopic appearance. Although the etiology is varied, secondary radiation, oncogenic viruses as well as chromosomal rearrangements have all been linked to the formation of SGCs. Epigenetic modifications may also contribute to the genesis and progression of SGCs. Epigenetic modifications are any heritable changes in gene expression that are not caused by changes in DNA sequence. It is now widely accepted that epigenetics plays an important role in SGCs development. A basic epigenetic process that has been linked to a variety of pathological as well as physiological conditions including cancer formation, is DNA methylation. Transcriptional repression is caused by CpG islands hypermethylation at gene promoters, whereas hypomethylation causes overexpression of a gene. Epigenetic changes in SGCs have been identified, and they have been linked to the genesis, progression as well as prognosis of these neoplasms. Thus, we conduct a thorough evaluation of the currently known evidence on the involvement of epigenetic processes in SGCs.
Heba Mohammed Arafat, Julia Omar, Noorazliyana Shafii, Ihab Ali Naser, Nahed Ali Al Laham, Rosediani Muhamad, Tengku Ahmad Damitri Al-Astani, Ashraf Jaber Shaqaliah, Ohood Mohammed Shamallakh, Kholoud Mohammed Shamallakh,et al.
Informa UK Limited
Abstract Background Among the world, the most frequently discovered and fatal cancer in women is breast cancer (BC). From the perspective of public health, estimating the BC risk linked to dairy intake may aid in comprehensive management. In epidemiological research data on the association between eating dairy foods and the risk of BC are conflicting. Therefore, we sought to assess the link between dairy food consumption and the development of BC. Main text To summarize and quantify the most recent findings on consuming milk or other dairy foods and the development of BC, we performed a systematic literature review. We checked through several databases for relevant publications published in English up to January 2022. Of the 82 articles identified, only 18 met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Nine Prospective, seven Retrospective and two Cross-Sectional studies were finally identified. Conclusions Overall, dairy consumption was inversely associated with the risk of developing breast cancer. Future studies will help elucidate the role of dairy products in human health, and their use within a balanced diet should be considered. KEY MESSAGES The effect of different types of dairy products, and possible dose-response relationships on BC risk remains unknown. Estimating BC risk associated with dairy consumption may help to take the decision-making of physicians and public health policy in developing preventive strategies to reduce its occurrence. This systematic review was conducted to assess dairy consumption and BC risk. Overall, inverse associations were found when looking at dairy consumption and BC risk.
Mu'taman Jarrar, Mohammad Al-Bsheish, MaiAbdel Haleem Abusalah, Waleed Albaker, Adi Alsyouf, Khalid Al-Mugheed, MarwanRasmi Issa, and Arwa Alumran
Medknow
Background: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has increased worldwide, including in Saudi Arabia. Objective: To systematically review the available literature and assess the pooled prevalence of T2DM in Saudi Arabia between 2000 and 2020. Methods: Observational studies that reported quantitative estimates of the prevalence of T2DM as their main outcome, included the general population of Saudi Arabia, and were published between 2000–2020 and in English were retrieved using three electronic databases (namely, CINAHL, Medline via PubMed, and Web of Science). Retrieved studies were screened, and relevant data were extracted. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal guideline was used to assess the methodological quality of included studies. A random-effects model was used to estimate the prevalence of T2DM. Results: Twenty-three studies were included in the systematic review, of which 19 were included in the meta-analysis (total pooled population: 258,283). The overall pooled prevalence of T2DM in Saudi Arabia was 16.4% (95% CI: 11.6–17.5). However, there was heterogeneity in the results of the studies [I2 = 99.31%, P < 0.0001] and the summary values varied from 3.18% (95% CI: 1.46–5.95) to 94.34% (95% CI: 89.53–97.38). Although the prevalence of T2DM by age varied across studies, in most studies, it was higher among the older age groups. In addition, the prevalence of diabetes widely varied across the different geographical regions of Saudi Arabia. Conclusions: This is the first meta-analysis that determined the pooled prevalence of T2DM in Saudi Arabia, and it revealed a high prevalence over the past two decades. However, owing to data collection inconsistencies in the identified studies, neither the modifiable (such as obesity, educational status, emotional support, etc.) nor the non-modifiable (such as gender and age) risk factors of T2DM could be determined, thereby indicating the need for a nationally collective effort in determining these factors.
Naveed Ahmed, Mai Abdel Haleem A. Abusalah, Anam Farzand, Muhammad Absar, Nik Yusnoraini Yusof, Ali A. Rabaan, Hajir AlSaihati, Amer Alshengeti, Sara Alwarthan, Haifa S. Alsuwailem,et al.
MDPI AG
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an uncommon type of malignancy/cancer worldwide. However, NPC is an endemic disease in southeast Asia and southern China and the reasons behind the underlying for such changes are unclear. Even though the Epstein–Barr infection (EBV) has been suggested as an important reason for undistinguishable NPC, the EBV itself is not adequate to source this type of cancer. The risk factors, for example, genetic susceptibility, and environmental factors might be associated with EBV to undertake a part in the NPC carcinogenesis. Normal healthy people have a memory B cell pool where the EBV persists, and any disturbance of this connection leads to virus-associated B cell malignancies. Less is known about the relationship between EBV and epithelial cell tumors, especially the EBV-associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (EBVaNPC) and EBV-associated gastric carcinoma (EBVaGC). Currently, it is believed that premalignant genetic changes in epithelial cells contribute to the aberrant establishment of viral latency in these tumors. The early and late phases of NPC patients’ survival rates vary significantly. The presence of EBV in all tumor cells presents prospects for the development of innovative therapeutic and diagnostic techniques, despite the fact that the virus’s exact involvement in the carcinogenic process is presently not very well known. EBV research continues to shed light on the carcinogenic process, which is important for a more comprehensive knowledge of tumor etiology and the development of targeted cancer therapeutics. In order to screen for NPC, EBV-related biomarkers have been widely used in a few high-incidence locations because of their close associations with the risks of NPC. The current review highlights the scientific importance of EBV and its possible association with NPC.
Ali A. Rabaan, Khalid Eljaaly, Saad Alhumaid, Hawra Albayat, Wasl Al-Adsani, Amal A. Sabour, Maha A. Alshiekheid, Jumana M. Al-Jishi, Faryal Khamis, Sara Alwarthan,et al.
MDPI AG
Improper use of antimicrobials has resulted in the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), including multi-drug resistance (MDR) among bacteria. Recently, a sudden increase in Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) has been observed. This presents a substantial challenge in the treatment of CRE-infected individuals. Bacterial plasmids include the genes for carbapenem resistance, which can also spread to other bacteria to make them resistant. The incidence of CRE is rising significantly despite the efforts of health authorities, clinicians, and scientists. Many genotypic and phenotypic techniques are available to identify CRE. However, effective identification requires the integration of two or more methods. Whole genome sequencing (WGS), an advanced molecular approach, helps identify new strains of CRE and screening of the patient population; however, WGS is challenging to apply in clinical settings due to the complexity and high expense involved with this technique. The current review highlights the molecular mechanism of development of Carbapenem resistance, the epidemiology of CRE infections, spread of CRE, treatment options, and the phenotypic/genotypic characterisation of CRE. The potential of microorganisms to acquire resistance against Carbapenems remains high, which can lead to even more susceptible drugs such as colistin and polymyxins. Hence, the current study recommends running the antibiotic stewardship programs at an institutional level to control the use of antibiotics and to reduce the spread of CRE worldwide.
Mai Abdel Haleem Abusalah, Ahmad Adebayo Irekeola, Rafidah Hanim Shueb, Mu’taman Jarrar, and Chan Yean Yean
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Background The EBV-associated epithelial tumours consist 80% of all EBV-associated cancer, where the nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) and EBV-associated gastric carcinoma (EBVaGC) are considered as the most frequent EBV-associated epithelial tumours. It has been shown that the BART-encoded miRNAs are abundantly expressed in EBV-associated epithelial tumours, hence, these miRNAs may serve as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for EBV-associated epithelial tumours. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess these EBV miRNAs as prognostic biomarkers for NPC and GC. Method This systematic review was developed based on PRISMA guidelines and utilizing PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, and Google scholar databases. The retrieved articles were thoroughly screened in accordance with the selection criteria. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for patient survival outcomes were used to evaluate EBV miRNA expression levels. To assess the risk of bias, funnel plot symmetry and Egger’s bias test were employed. Result Eleven studies met the selection criteria for inclusion, and four were included in the meta-analysis. Most of the articles considered in this study were from China, with one study from South Korea. The overall pooled effect size estimation (HR) for upregulated EBV miRNAs was 3.168 (95% CI: 2.020–4.969), demonstrating that upregulated EBV miRNA expression enhanced the mortality risk in NPC and GC patients by three times. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis that investigates the significance of EBV miRNAs as prognostic biomarkers in NPC and GC patients. The pooled effect estimates of HR of the various studies revealed that higher EBV miRNA expression in NPC and GC may result in a worse survival outcome. To assess the clinical significance of EBV miRNAs as prognostic biomarkers, larger-scale prospective studies are needed.
Mai Abdel Haleem Abusalah, Moad Khalifa, Mohammad A. I. Al-Hatamleh, Mu’taman Jarrar, Rohimah Mohamud, and Yean Yean Chan
MDPI AG
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has shaken the world and triggered drastic changes in our lifestyle to control it. Despite the non-typical efforts, COVID-19 still thrives and plagues humanity worldwide. The unparalleled degree of infection has been met with an exceptional degree of research to counteract it. Many drugs and therapeutic technologies have been repurposed and discovered, but no groundbreaking antiviral agent has been introduced yet to eradicate COVID-19 and restore normalcy. As lethality is directly correlated with the severity of disease, hospitalized severe cases are of the greatest importance to reduce, especially the cytokine storm phenomenon. This severe inflammatory phenomenon characterized by elevated levels of inflammatory mediators can be targeted to relieve symptoms and save the infected patients. One of the promising therapeutic strategies to combat COVID-19 is nucleic acid-based therapeutic approaches, including microRNAs (miRNAs). This work is an up-to-date review aimed to comprehensively discuss the current nucleic acid-based therapeutics against COVID-19 and their mechanisms of action, taking into consideration the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, as well as providing potential future directions. miRNAs can be used to run interference with the expression of viral proteins, while endogenous miRNAs can be targeted as well, offering a versatile platform to control SARS-CoV-2 infection. By targeting these miRNAs, the COVID-19-induced cytokine storm can be suppressed. Therefore, nucleic acid-based therapeutics (miRNAs included) have a latent ability to break the COVID-19 infection in general and quell the cytokine storm in particular.
Mai Abdel Haleem Abusalah, Siti Asma Binti Hassan, Norhafiza Mat Lazim, Baharudin Abdullah, Wan Fatihah Binti Wan Sohaimi, Azlan Husin, Kueh Yee Cheng, and Chan Yean Yean
MDPI AG
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an epithelial tumor with high prevalence in southern China and Southeast Asia. NPC is well associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) 30 bp deletion by having its vital role in increased tumorigenicity and decreased immune recognition of EBV-related tumors. This study developed an InnoPrimers-duplex qPCR for detection of NPC blood circulating LMP1 30 bp deletion genetic biomarker for early diagnosis and treatment response prediction of NPC patients. The analytical and diagnostic evaluation and treatment response prediction were conducted using NPC patients’ whole blood (WB) and tissue samples and non-NPC cancer patients and healthy individuals’ WB samples. The assay was able to detect as low as 20 ag DNA per reaction (equivalent to 173 copies) with high specificity against broad reference microorganisms and archive NPC biopsy tissue and FNA samples. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 83.3% and 100%, respectively. The 30 bp deletion genetic biomarker was found to be a good prognostic biomarker associated with overall clinical outcome of NPC WHO type III patients. This sensitive and specific assay can help clinicians in early diagnosis and treatment response prediction of NPC patients, which will enhance treatment outcome and lead to better life-saving.
Mai Abdel Haleem Abusalah, Siew Hua Gan, Mohammad A. I. Al-Hatamleh, Ahmad Adebayo Irekeola, Rafidah Hanim Shueb, and Chan Yean Yean
MDPI AG
Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is the causative agent of many diseases including infectious mononucleosis (IM), and it is associated with different subtypes of lymphoma, sarcoma and carcinoma such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and gastric carcinoma. With the advent of improved laboratory tests for EBV, a timelier and accurate diagnosis could be made to aid better prognosis and effective treatment. For histopathological lesions, the in situ hybridization (ISH) of EBV-encoded RNA (EBER) in biopsy tissues remains the gold standard for detecting EBV. Methods such as the heterophile antibody test, immunofluorescence assays, enzyme immunoassays, Western blot, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are also employed in the detection of EBV in different types of samples. The determination of EBV viral load using PCR, however, is gaining more prominence in the diagnosis of EBV-associated diseases. Given the challenge of false positive/negative results that are sometimes experienced during the detection of EBV, variability in results from different laboratories, and the impact of factors such as sample type and the immunological status of patients from whom samples are collected, the need to critically examine these present methods is invaluable. This review thus presents current advances in the detection of EBV, detailing the advantages and disadvantages of the various techniques. In addition, fundamental virological concepts are highlighted to enhance the greater understanding, the proper application, and the interpretation of EBV tests.