Asian Journal of Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Assessment of the Frequency and Clinical-pathogenetic Significance of the PDZK1 (PDZ Domain Containing 1) Gene and Its Polymorphism (rs3753581) in Patients with Gout: Sex-specific Analysis with Emphasis on Women

Tashpulatova Maktuba Muxamedali Qizi — 2026-07-06

Gout is a chronic multifactorial metabolic and inflammatory disease characterised by persistent hyperuricaemia, deposition of monosodium urate crystals in tissues and joints, recurrent inflammatory arthritis, and progressive renal and cardiovascular complications. Increasing attention has been directed towards the role of genetic factors in uric acid metabolism, particularly genes that regulate renal urate transport systems. Among these genes, PDZK1 has an important role because it regulates transporter proteins such as URAT1, GLUT9, ABCG2, and OAT4, which are involved in uric acid reabsorption and excretion. Functional disturbances and polymorphic variants of PDZK1 may impair urate homeostasis and contribute to hyperuricaemia and gout, especially in women, in whom hormonal changes also influence urate metabolism. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of the PDZK1 (rs3753581) gene polymorphism in women with gout and determine its clinical and pathogenetic significance through comparison with male patients. The study included 102 women and 100 men diagnosed with gout according to established clinical criteria, 101 women with asymptomatic hyperuricaemia, and 20 apparently healthy women as the control group. All participants were examined in the clinics of Tashkent Medical Academy between 2021 and 2025. Molecular genetic analysis was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based genotyping. DNA samples isolated from peripheral blood leucocytes were analysed to identify PDZK1 rs3753581 polymorphic variants and evaluate their associations with clinical manifestations and laboratory indicators. The results showed that the G/G genotype was significantly more common in women with gout and was associated with a more severe clinical phenotype, including higher serum uric acid levels, more frequent acute gout attacks, stronger pain syndrome, a greater number of tophi, and signs of nephropathy and impaired renal function. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations between the G/G genotype and the severity of hyperuricaemia, suggesting that this polymorphic variant may contribute to impaired uric acid excretion and enhanced inflammatory activity. In contrast, the A/A genotype was detected predominantly in healthy women and in patients with asymptomatic hyperuricaemia, suggesting a potential protective effect against progression to clinically manifest gout and severe metabolic complications. PDZK1 gene expression also showed statistically significant correlations with serum uric acid concentration, creatinine levels, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and atherogenic index.

Bioactive Phyto-constituents and their Ameliorative Property in Diabetes Mellitus: A Detailed Report on Bitter Gourd, Ivy Gourd, and Mulberry

J. N. Sharada Devi — 2026-07-07

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global disease that affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and geographical locations. It is an endocrine condition that affects multiple organs and is associated with insufficient insulin. Most antidiabetic medications act by reducing blood glucose and improving glycaemic control, either by increasing insulin production or by decreasing insulin resistance. Indigenous plant-based remedies have been used to treat diabetes since early Ayurvedic traditions. Herbal remedies reduce insulin resistance, increase insulin release from islet beta-cells, and/or inhibit insulin-degrading enzymes. The current study used the DPPH assay, α-amylase inhibition, α-glucosidase inhibition assay, and phytochemical tests to examine the anti-diabetic activity of three plants and their selected parts: fruits of Momordica charantia (bitter gourd), fruits of Coccinia grandis (ivy gourd), and leaves of Morus alba (mulberry). The findings suggest that bitter gourd melon showed stronger antidiabetic properties, as evidenced by the four assays: ABTS (IC50 = 73.90 µg/mL), DPPH (IC50 = 68.71 µg/mL), α-glucosidase inhibition assay (IC50 = 65.11 µg/mL), and α-amylase assay (IC50 = 102.3 µg/mL). A range of phytoactive compounds with potential antidiabetic properties were also identified in the study. By scavenging reactive oxidants, inhibiting α-glucosidase and α-amylase, and functioning as an antioxidant, M. charantia acts as a bioactive agent with antidiabetic properties. The preliminary results establish M. charantia as an important plant source with potential for future exploration in diabetes research.

Effects of Cocos nucifera (L.) Fruit Extract on Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Levels in Testosterone Propionate-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Male Wistar Rats

C. Awarajih, Uwaezuoke — 2026-07-07

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common non-malignant enlargement of the prostate gland associated with ageing and androgenic stimulation. This study investigated the ameliorative effect of Cocos nucifera (L.) fruit extract on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in testosterone propionate-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in male Wistar rats. A total of seventy-six (76) male Wistar rats were used, with twenty (20) animals utilised for preliminary studies and determination of LD50, while fifty-six (56) animals were used for the main experiment. The animals were divided into seven (7) groups, with eight (8) Wistar rats in each group. Benign prostatic hyperplasia was induced using testosterone propionate (TP). Group 2 received TP only without treatment. Groups 3, 4, and 5 received 100 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg, and 250 mg/kg of Cocos nucifera extract, respectively, while Group 6 received 50 mg/kg tamsulosin. Serum PSA levels were evaluated after 28 and 56 days of treatment. Group 2 showed a significant elevation (p < 0.05) in PSA levels compared with the normal control group, confirming successful BPH induction. Treatment with Cocos nucifera (L.) extract significantly reduced PSA levels in the treated groups compared with the positive control group. The high-dose and prolonged-treatment groups showed greater reductions in PSA concentration, suggesting dose-dependent ameliorative activity of the extract. These findings indicate that Cocos nucifera (L.) fruit extract may exert protective effects against testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia and may have potential relevance in the management of prostate disorders.