Novel Nano-Quantum Dot Sandwich Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Diagnosis of Human Fascioliasis Hanan T. Hamza, Alya Mashaal, Ibrahim R. Aly Biotechnology and Bioengineering, 2026 Novel laboratory‐developed immunodiagnostic microarray based on microbeads encoded with quantum dots (QDs) has been developed and validated for quantitative detection of human fascioliasis in serum and stool samples. The present study aimed to prepare and purify F. gigantica excretory/secretory antigen and conjugate it with a novel nano‐quantum dots based immunoassay for diagnosis of human fascioliasis in human serum and stool samples. The study included sera and stool samples collected from patients infected with clinical confirmed fascioliasis ( n = 30), sera and stool samples from patients suspected infected with fascioliasis ( n = 25), sera and stool samples infected with helminthic parasites other than fascioliasis ( n = 25), and healthy negative sera and stool samples ( n = 25). This work compares the novel nano‐quantum dots based immunoassay ELISA (NQD‐ELISA) and traditional sandwich ELISA for detection of circulating fasciola antigen in serum and stool human samples. The overall sensitivity of confirmed and suspected infected fascioliasis using traditional sandwich ELISA was 50.0% and 32.0% in serum samples and 63.3% and 40.0% in stool, respectively, compared to NQD‐ELISA. The overall sensitivity of confirmed and suspected infected fascioliasis was in serum samples 86.7%, 60.0%, and 93.3%, and 68.0% in stool, respectively. The overall specificity of confirmed and suspected infected fascioliasis using traditional sandwich ELISA was 68.6% in serum samples and 76.3% in stool, respectively, compared to NQD‐ELISA. The overall specificity of confirmed and suspected infected fascioliasis was in serum samples 90.0% and 94.0% in stool, respectively. In conclusion, using NQD‐ELISA is a suitable and applicable diagnostic method for diagnosis of human fascioliasis.
MiR-146/TNF-α/IL-6/osteocalcin crosstalk in anti-rheumatic potential of Galleria mellonella hemolymph from computational molecular modeling to in-vivo validation Sara M. Ahmed, Elham Ali, Amina R. Ali, Mona A. Mohamed, Hemmat Mansour Abdelhafez, et al. Journal of Computer Aided Molecular Design, 2025 Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune illness that persistently and recurrently affects joints. In RA, miR-146a functions as a key regulator, modulating inflammation by targeting and downregulating cytokines that promote inflammation, such as TNF-α and IL-6, whereas osteocalcin, a bone metabolism marker, plays a role in bone remodeling and joint health. The interplay between these molecules significantly influences RA progression and severity by balancing inflammation and bone integrity. Conventional antirheumatic drugs often cause varying levels of side effects. As sustainable development initiatives grow, insects are gaining interest as sustainable food sources and potential medicinal agents. Notably, the increasing Galleria mellonella (G. mellonella) population has raised concerns about the spread of honeybee viruses, affects bee products and food security, and drives economic losses in the therapeutic market. Accordingly, hemolymph has crucial defensive and immunological effects in insects and has recently been investigated as an immunomodulatory agent in parasitic in-vitro and in-vivo rat models. This work was designed to elucidate the potential immunomodulatory impact of G. mellonella hemolymph on the crosstalk between miR-146a, IL-6, TNF-α, and osteocalcin in the context of RA, utilizing both computational molecular modeling and in-vivo validation. Computer-aided molecular simulation for immune and RA mediators is applied through specific cell annotation, targeted pathways, and in-silico protein‒protein and gene‒gene interactions with a gene relative-tissue expression heatmap, which is based on gas chromatographic‒mass spectrometric analysis of hemolymph. Our study is the first to adapt a preliminary test to optimize hemolymph dosing and toxicity. The rats were subsequently divided into four groups: healthy control, Freund’s adjuvant-induced arthritis (utilized as a model that mimics human RA), methotrexate-treated arthritis, and hemolymph-treated arthritis groups. Our findings indicate that hemolymph contains valuable active compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential, increasing the impact of recovery on diseased joints in comparison with the arthritic and methotrexate groups. This is the first report investigating the maximum inhibition rate of G. mellonella hemolymph as an immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory agent in an arthritic model. Graphical abstract
Computer-aided molecular and biological-immune modeling of illicium verum bioactive compounds employing the Egyptian Nile snail Biomphalaria alexandrina as a paradigm Alya Mashaal, Basma M. Abou El-Nour, Fatma M. Ismail, Eman A. Elewa, Eman A. Elnoby, et al. Journal of Computer Aided Molecular Design, 2025 In pursuit of sustainable biocontrol strategies, this study explores Illicium verum (star anise) as a dual-action anti-inflammatory/oxidative and molluscicidal agent using Biomphalaria alexandrina, the intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni, as an eco-relevant in vivo model. Two experimental snail groups were employed: a control group and a treatment group exposed to a sublethal concentration of I. verum extract (LC₁₀ = 315 ppm). Through a combined pipeline of phytochemical profiling, computational simulations, and in vivo assays, we identified flavonoids and phenylpropanoids with potent bioactivity. Molecular docking and ADMET screening highlighted kaempferol, quercetin, and rutin as top ligands, which bind effectively to key snail proteins such as cytochrome c oxidase and actin. In vivo analyses confirmed immunomodulatory effects, and these findings were validated through oxidative/inflammatory biomarker assays, which revealed altered cytokine levels (IFN-γ, IL-2 and IL-6), tissue remodeling, and reduced oxidative stress. Histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluations revealed significant tissue alterations in the digestive gland and head-foot regions of treated snails. Gene and protein interaction networks supported these findings by linking compound action to immune and oxidative regulatory pathways. This integrative study demonstrated that Illicium verum contains bioactive compounds capable of modulating oxidative stress, immune responses, and tissue integrity in B. alexandrina as an animal model. Integrating phytochemical analysis with in silico and molecular simulations offers a powerful approach for understanding and optimizing bioactive compounds. While phytochemical profiling identifies key constituents such as flavonoids and phenylpropanoids, computational tools predict their binding to biological targets, pharmacokinetics, and safety. This combination not only streamlines the discovery of effective and low-toxicity compounds but also clarifies their mechanisms of action at the molecular level, enhancing both the precision and efficiency of experimental validation. These results position star anise as a promising, eco-friendly candidate for the development of novel molluscicidal and anti-inflammatory agents supporting sustainable disease control strategies. Graphical Abstract
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, Alya Mashaal Scientific Reports, 2024 This 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.
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, et al. Biologia, 2024 In 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, Alya Mashaal Scientific Reports, 2023 Medicinal 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.
