Khalid Mohammed Alqaisi

ASUApplied Science Private University - Home PageFaculty of Allied Medical SciencesKhalid Mohammed AlqaisiResearch

Research

Research Title :Chrysin's Dose-Dependent Effects on Steroidogenesis in Female BALB/c Mice: In Vivo Study of Adrenal, Ovarian, and Uterine Hormone Regulation

Authors : Alqaisi, K.M., Abbas, M., Alshawawreh, R

Abstract :Background: Chrysin is known for its pharmacological effects and structural resemblance to estrogen. The study explores the impact of chrysin on steroidogenesis focusing on adrenal and ovarian steroidogenic enzymes. Materials and methods: Thirty female BALB/c mice were divided into three groups: a control group and two chrysin-treated groups (50 mg and 100 mg). Gene expression of key steroidogenic enzymes was assessed in adrenal glands and ovaries using RT-qPCR. Uterine expression of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) was also examined. Histological analysis of adrenal glands and ovaries was performed. Results: High-dose chrysin downregulated CYP17A1 expression in adrenal glands compared to control and low-dose groups. In contrast, 3β-HSD was significantly downregulated in the high-dose group. In ovaries, high dose chrysin reduced aromatase expression. Conclusion: Our findings revealed that chrysin’s impact on steroidogenesis is dose-dependent. By downregulating CYP17A1 in adrenal glands, potentially affecting androgen and estrogen synthesis, and enhancing aromatase expression in ovaries at lower doses.

Keywords :Adrenal gland, Chrysin, Endocrine disrupting compounds, Ovary, Steroidogenesis, Toxicity

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Research Title :Nevus Variations in the Jordanian Population: Effects of Age, Medical Conditions, Environment, Congenital, Inherited, and Genetic Factors

Authors :Al-Adwan, S., Alqaisi, K.M., & Al Katheri, G.

Abstract :Background: Nevi is a common benign proliferation of melanin-producing cells. Many triggers can influence their transformation into either benign or malignant, thus it is important to understand these triggers and their incidence across different populations to take adequate prevention. Here, we aim to examine the different etiologies of nevi changes across the Jordanian population. Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional observational study focusing on patients seeking dermatological consultation for normal nevi or nevi with minimal changes. Demographic and clinical variables were collected from the patient’s case history. Nevi’s characteristics were also recorded. A skilled dermatologist assessed nevi morphology and changes using the ABCDE criteria for potential signs of melanoma. Nevi biopsy samples were fixed in formalin and sent for histopathological analysis and were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Results: A total of 231 patients were enrolled, with a majority of females (85%) and a median age of 37. Past medical history was positive in 17% of the samples, with hypertension, endocrine diseases, and diabetes mellitus being the most common. The majority of patients (61%) had fewer than three nevi. Changes in nevus size, configuration, and color were reported in 10% of patients, with multiple changes observed in 36% of patients. Microscopic analysis revealed polypoidal intradermal melanocytic blue nevi as the most common histopathological finding (84%). Positive medical history and the number of nevi were significantly associated with nevi changes. Conclusion: Our results report that the number of nevi, as well as medical history, is linked to changes in their appearance. Additionally, we provide a detailed account of the various types of observed changes and their occurrence rates.

Keywords : Nevi changes, melanoma, medical history, genetic factors

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Research Title :The Reproductive Cycle of the Female Cushion Sea Star Patiriella regularis.

Authors :Alqaisi, K.M., Lamare, M.D., Grattan, D.R., Altaif, K.I., Lokman, P.M.

Abstract :Patiriella regularis or the New Zealand Sea Star spawns small eggs (150 µm) and has indirect development through the bipinnaria and brachiolaria larvae, typical for asteroids. While P. regularis has been used in studies related to reproduction and embryo development, the gametogenic cycle in this species has not been studied in terms of histological analysis or division into stages. The current study aims to describe the ovarian cycle and oogenesis of P. regularis in terms of organ indices and histological and ultrastructural analysis of the ovary using light and electron microscopy. The reproductive cycle in the female P. regularis showed high similarity to that in many other studied asterinid species and was divided into five growth/gametogenic stages: I) The recovery stage, II) The growing stage, III) The maturing stage, IV) The partly- spawned stage, and V) The spent stage. While oocytes at different growing phases were found in the ovary throughout the reproductive cycle, the majority of the oocytes developed synchronously and indicated that P. regularis spawns during summer. The outcome of this study provides new insight into the gametogenesis of the P. regularis ovary throughout the reproductive cycle, and presents new details pertaining to oogenesis in a major invertebrate phylum that is rarely studied

Keywords : Reproductive cycle, Oogenesis, Asteroids, Sea star.

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Research Title :Preliminary Investigation of Bioaccumulation of Microcystins in Hypereutrophic Irrigation Ponds Case Study – the Jordan Valley

Authors : Al Kuisi, M., Hyarat, T., Al Qaisi, K., Alhejoj, Ikhlas, Al-Rshaidat, M.

Abstract :Microcystis blooms and the related toxin known as microcystin-LR (MC-LR) put the safety of human water consumption and global irrigation practices in jeopardy. MC-LR is widely distributed in various environments, including water, sediments, plants, and other aquatic organisms. The use of water-containing microcystins for agricultural purposes may have to be restricted despite the limited availability of clean water resources. Accordingly, the present work aimed to determine the MC-LR concentrations and recognize the environmental parameters that initiate the growth of toxic cyanobacteria and MC-LR occurrence in 20 irrigation ponds in the Jordan Valley area. The irrigation ponds studied were found in a hypereutrophic condition, with high levels of N:P ratio and low transparency. These cause inseparable effects such as cyanobacterial bloom and MC-LR occurrence. The investigated ponds were classified as hypereutrophic according to General Quality Index (GQI), with two different types of algae covering the surface. The first was the Lemna sp. or duckweeds (Family Araceae) which are free-floating masses, and the second was the cyanobacteria algal bloom. Unpaired t-tests were performed and showed that the concentrations of MC-LR in pond water abundant with cyanobacteria algal bloom in September 2021 were significantly higher (P 0.7906) than in June for the same year (0.3022 ± 0.0444 and 0.1048 ± 0.0171 ppb, respectively). Two methods for extracting MC-LR were used and showed a significant difference in MC-LR concentration in ponds with an abundance of cyanobacteria algal blooms (0.2273 ± 0.0356 ppb) compared to the ponds with an abundance of Lemna sp. or duckweeds collected in June 2021 (0.1048 ± 0.0171 ppb). Despite all of the efforts made by Jordan Valley farmers to prevent or limit the mass growth of cyanobacteria and its consequences for the eutrophication process in their irrigation ponds through the use of fish breading and chemicals such as copper sulfate, this environmental problem is still harming their crops and irrigation methods and requires immediate government assistance.

Keywords :Jordan Valley, eutrophication, cyanobacteria, microcystin-LR, irrigation ponds, wastewater

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Research Title :Relationship of Inflammatory Mediators and Sex-related Parameters in Jordanian Adult Men Patients With Covid-19.

Authors : Al-Bashiti, A.I., Ahmed, K.A. and Alqaisi, K.M

Abstract :Background: Recent epidemiological data suggest that Co - ro navirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has a gender predisposition, with men being more seriously affected than women. Furthermore, older men accounting for most deaths. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the serum testosterone, inhibin B, intrleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) levels in different age groups of Jordanian males with SARS-CoV2 infection and to evaluate the correlation of these markers in male patients with COVID-19. Methods: This study was performed on 157 selected individuals divided into two groups; COVID-19 patients and healthy controls. The participants of each group were further divided into two subgroups based on the age (20-50 years and 51-80 years age groups). The biochemical tests that were performed in this research are testosterone, inhibin-B, TNF-a, and IL-6. Results: The levels of IL-6 were significantly higher in COVID-19 patients than healthy individuals (7.63 ± 6.30 vs. 5.54 ± 2.10, P=0.006). Similarly, the difference between the levels of TNF-a in the study groups were statistically significant (P=0.001). The mean testosterone levels in COVID-19 patients and healthy controls were 1.53 ± 1.24 and 3.87 ± 1.44, respectively (P<0.001), whereas the mean inhibin B levels in COVID-19 patients (54.29 ± 7.33) were lower than in healthy controls (64.14 ± 37.66) with P = 0.011. TNF-a was significantly and positively correlated with age (r = 0.263, P=0.018) and IL-6 (r = 0.245, P=0.027). Inhibin B had a significant, but negative correlation with TNF-a (r = -0.326, P = 0.003). Conclusions: It can be concluded that most men seeking medical attention with symptomatic COVID-19 had low testosterone and inhibin B levels with increased both IL-6 and TNF-a, which are independent of age conforming the deleterious effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on testicular function and immune response induction.

Keywords :Covid-19; Sars-CoV-2; inflammatory mediators; inhibin B; testosterone.

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Research Title :Molecular Modeling, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of N-Phenyl-4-Hydroxy-6-Methyl-2-Quinolone-3-CarboxAmides as Anticancer Agents.

Authors :Hasan, S.E., Abu Khalaf, R., Bardaweel, S.K., Hajjo, R., Alqaisi, K.M., Sweidan, K.A., Al-Zuheiri, A.M.

Abstract :The emergence of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3Kα) in cancer development has accentuated its significance as a potential target for anticancer drug design. Twenty one derivatives of N-phenyl-4-hydroxy-6-methyl-2-quinolone-3-carboxamide were synthesized and characterized using NMR (1H and 13C) and HRMS. The derivatives displayed inhibitory activity against human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) and human colon cancer (HCT-116) cell lines: compounds 8 (IC50 Caco-2 = 98 µM, IC50 HCT-116 = 337 µM) and 16 (IC50 Caco-2 = 13 µM, IC50 HCT-116 = 240.2 µM). Results showed that compound 16 significantly affected the gene encoding AKT, BAD, and PI3K. The induced-fit docking (IFD) studies against PI3Kα demonstrated that the scaffold accommodates the kinase domains and forms H-bonds with significant binding residues.

Keywords : Anticancer; colon cancer; PI3Kα; AKT; docking; quinolone-3-carboxamide

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