Journal of Biological Insights

Hepatoprotective Potential of Malus domestica Seed Oil Against Thioacetamide-Induced Toxicity in Rats: Biochemical, Histopathological, and In silico Study

Rayan Alghamdi — 2026-01-14

Thioacetamide (TAA) is a firmly established hepatotoxic substance commonly employed to induce experimental liver injury. This study investigated the possibility defensive consequences of Malus domestica (apple) seed oil against TAA-induced hepatotoxicity in male Wistar rats, supported by biochemical, histopathological, and molecular docking analyses. Forty rats were arbitrarily assigned into four groups: control, TAA, TAA + Malus domestica oil, and Malus domestica oil only. TAA was administered intraperitoneally (300 mg/kg, twice weekly) for 7 weeks, whereas Malus domestica seed oil was given orally (800 mg/kg/day). TAA exposure caused significant elevations in alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin, along with marked reductions in total protein and albumin, accompanied by profound histopathological alterations. Supplementation Malus domestica seed oil significantly improved these modifications, reinstating liver function and preserving hepatic architecture. Molecular docking further revealed strong binding affinities of key phytochemicals such as phlorizin, procyanidin, corosolic acid, and aglycone with inflammatory and fibrotic proteins (TNF-α and TGFβR-1), supporting their hepatoprotective potential. Collectively, these findings propose that Malus domestica seed oil may represent a promising natural therapeutic candidate for mitigating chemically induced liver injury and warrant further preclinical and clinical investigations.

Comparative Analysis of Traditional and Molecular Methods for Detecting Human Papillomavirus in Histology and Cytology Samples

ABDULLAH ALMUTIRI — 2026-01-14

Abstract
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a critical factor in the pathology of various carcinomas, including cervical cancer, and warrants improved testing platforms for effective management and therapeutic outcomes. This study aims to comparatively evaluate the various traditional methods and molecular diagnostic platforms that are deployed in the screening for HPV in histological and cytological samples. In this study, we systematically x-rayed the strengths and limitations of various diagnostic tools utilized in cervical cancer screening, including the Pap smear, histopathological examination, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), In Situ Hybridization (ISH), Immunohistochemistry (IHC), and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), with view to provide a comprehensive exposition of their utility. The strengths of various molecular methods deployed in detecting high-risk HPV genotypes and their localized viral presence, as well as the augmented efficiency obtainable by integrating various diagnostics techniques. Ultimately, this study seeks to establish a robust framework for the selection and application of HPV detection methods to enhance clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes in HPV-related disease management.

Keywords: Human Papillomavirus, Polymerase Chain Reaction, In Situ Hybridization, Immunohistochemistry, Next-Generation Sequencing.

الملخص
يُعدّ فيروس الورم الحليمي البشري (HPV) عاملاً محورياً في مسببات العديد من الأورام الخبيثة، بما في ذلك سرطان عنق الرحم، مما يبرز الحاجة إلى تطوير اختبارات فحص أكثر دقة لتحسين التشخيص والعلاج والنتائج السريرية. تهدف هذه الدراسة إلى إجراء تقييم مقارن بين الطرق التقليدية والتحاليل الجزيئية المستخدمة في الكشف عن فيروس الورم الحليمي البشري في العينات النسيجية والخلوية. وقد قمنا في هذا الاستعراض بتحليل منهجي لنقاط القوة والضعف في أبرز الأدوات التشخيصية المستخدمة في برامج الكشف عن سرطان عنق الرحم، بما في ذلك اختبار بابانيكولاو (Pap smear)، والفحص النسيجي المرضي، وتفاعل البوليميراز المتسلسل (PCR)، والتهجين الموضعي (ISH)، والكيمياء المناعية النسيجية (IHC)، وتسلسل الجيل التالي (NGS)، مع التركيز على مدى كفاءتها وفائدتها التشخيصية. كما يستعرض هذا العمل المزايا التي توفرها الطرق الجزيئية المختلفة في الكشف عن الأنماط الجينية عالية الخطورة من الفيروس وتحديد توضعه في الأنسجة، إضافةً إلى الكفاءة التشخيصية المعززة الناتجة عن دمج أكثر من تقنية واحدة. وفي النهاية، تسعى هذه الدراسة إلى وضع إطار علمي متين لاختيار وتطبيق طرق الكشف عن فيروس الورم الحليمي البشري بما يدعم اتخاذ القرار السريري ويحسّن نتائج المرضى في إدارة الأمراض المرتبطة بهذا الفيروس.

الكلمات المفتاحية: فيروس الورم الحليمي البشري، تفاعل البوليميراز المتسلسل، التهجين الموضعي، الكيمياء المناعية النسيجية، تسلسل الجيل التالي.

Phylogenomic Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 Variants in Saudi Arabia: Insights into Viral Evolution and Transmission Dynamics

Saleh Ali Arishi — 2026-01-14

Objective: The study aimed to characterize the genomic landscape of SARS-CoV-2 variants circulating in Saudi Arabia, given the country’s critical role as a global pilgrimage destination and central hub in the Middle East, to inform public health strategies and understand regional viral evolution. Methods: Ninety-four SARS-CoV-2 samples were collected from Jeddah between January and December 2022. Whole-genome sequencing was performed using the Illumina CovidSeq platform, supported by phylogenetic reconstruction (maximum likelihood), sequence alignment (Mauve), lineage assignment (Pangolin, Nextclade), and mutation profiling with emphasis on the spike gene. Results: Phylogenetic analysis revealed multiple clusters of closely related isolates, indicating limited genetic diversity and widespread local transmission. The Omicron BA.2 variant dominated (59.57%), followed by BA.1 (26.60%), while minor BA.2 sublineages indicated ongoing viral diversification. Significant mutational hotspots were observed in the spike gene (42.19%) and the ORF1ab region (35.94%), with single nucleotide variants comprising 92.31% of mutations. Key spike protein substitutions, such as D614G (98.94%) and P681H/N679K (100%), were nearly fixed and accompanied by several receptor-binding domain changes implicated in viral entry and immune evasion. Conclusion: Omicron BA.2 and its derivatives were predominant in Saudi Arabia during 2022, with mutation profiles signifying adaptive evolution under immune selection. Concentrated mutations in critical genome regions reflected ongoing adaptation to boost viral transmissibility and immune escape. These findings furnish essential baseline data for genomic surveillance and evidence-based public health policymaking in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.

A Cytokine Dynamics in Multiple Sclerosis: Modulating Adaptive Immunity in Neuroinflammation

Yara Mualla — 2026-01-14

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by immune system dysfunction, inflammation, and demyelination. This review examines the intricate roles of cytokines in regulating neuroinflammation and influencing adaptive immune responses. Proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, IL-17, and IFNγ, drive pathological processes by promoting immune cell activation and tissue damage, while anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-10 and IL-22, contribute to immune regulation and neuroprotection.

Furthermore, the review explores the emerging role of novel cytokines in MS pathophysiology, shedding light on newly identified immune mediators and their implications for disease progression. By analyzing cytokine profiles and their interplay with adaptive immunity, we gain valuable insights into the immunopathogenic mechanisms underlying MS. This comprehensive examination aims to deepen our understanding of the cytokine-mediated dynamics in MS, offering potential biomarkers for disease activity and guiding future research directions.

A literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, NCBI, and MDPI, to identify studies relevant to the role of cytokines in MS and the involvement of adaptive immunity in the disease process. Articles were selected using predefined keywords such as cytokines, multiple sclerosis, and adaptive immunity.

Candida auris: A Comprehensive Review of an Evolving Pathogen and Strategies for Management

Saud Bukhari — 2026-01-14

The prevalence of human fungal infections is increasing rapidly, with Candida spp. being the most common cause of invasive infections. Candida auris, a new pathogenic yeast, has become a major nosocomial infection worldwide. It exhibits a distinct skin tropism and a lengthy half-life on human skin, leading to significant epidemics in healthcare settings. C. auris has acquired antifungal resistance, with some isolates exhibiting resistance to all three classes of antifungal medications. Recent findings of clinical isolates that are pan-resistant to azoles, echinocandins, and amphotericin B (AmB) highlight the serious and unresolved difficulties in treating infections linked to C. auris. Control has been hampered by the inability to identify using standard phenotypic and molecular methods, the unknown population prevalence, ambiguous environmental niches, and unexplained pathways of transmission. The growing use of preventive antifungal medications like fluconazole is believed to be a major contributing factor to the rising incidence of colonization and infection with non-albicans Candida species. C. auris has the potential to become a dominant opportunistic pathogen in critically ill patients due to its resistance.

MERS-CoV Spike Protein Variants: A Computational Perspective

raneem alamri — 2026-01-14

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), first identified in 2012, remains a significant public health concern with a case fatality rate exceeding 35%. The spike (S) protein, responsible for viral entry into host cells, represents the primary target for vaccine and therapeutic development. Understanding spike protein genetic variability is crucial for predicting viral evolution, immune escape mechanisms, and designing pan-coronavirus interventions.

Computational approaches have emerged as indispensable tools for analyzing MERS-CoV spike variants, offering rapid, cost-effective methods for global surveillance and predictive modeling. This review synthesizes current computational research on MERS-CoV spike protein variants, examining sequence-based phylogenetic analyses, structural modeling studies, epitope prediction algorithms, and machine learning approaches. We highlight how computational methods have revealed conserved regions suitable for vaccine targeting, tracked viral evolution patterns, and predicted the functional impact of mutations.

While computational studies have provided valuable insights into MERS-CoV spike protein diversity and evolution, significant gaps remain in global sampling, experimental validation of predictions, and integration of recombination events. Future directions include enhanced AI-driven surveillance systems, pan-coronavirus vaccine design platforms, and improved computational-experimental integration for accelerated antiviral development.

Editorial

Irfan A. Rather — 2026-01-28

The establishment of a new scholarly journal requires a clear articulation of goals and editorial standards. The Journal of Biological Insights (JBI) was established to offer a targeted and rigorous platform for the publication of excellent research in the biological sciences, with a focus on studies that promote conceptual clarity and mechanistic understanding.
Biological research continues to expand; however, despite this expansion, maintaining methodological rigor, reproducibility, and depth of interpretation continues to present difficulties. Therefore, JBI prioritizes well-designed studies that provide significant biological insight over merely descriptive findings in an effort to address these issues.