Indus Journal of Agriculture and Biology

Biochemical Markers for Early Detection of Liver Diseases in Dogs: A Clinical Diagnostic Approach

Muhammad Umer Farooq — 2025-05-27

Early detection of liver diseases in dogs remains a significant clinical challenge due to the nonspecific nature of early clinical signs and the limitations of traditional diagnostic methods. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic utility of conventional and emerging biochemical markers to improve early detection and stratification of hepatic dysfunction in canine patients. A cohort of 60 dogs with varying degrees of liver impairment underwent clinical evaluation, biochemical profiling, imaging, and molecular analyses. Results demonstrated that while traditional liver enzymes—alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin—remain essential indicators of hepatocellular injury and cholestasis, their diagnostic sensitivity in early disease stages is limited. Novel biomarkers, including hyaluronic acid, procollagen III N-terminal peptide (PIIINP), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1), showed a significant correlation with fibrotic progression and offered improved sensitivity in early-stage detection. The advanced stages of disease exhibited sharp elevations in inflammatory markers including C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) which indicates systemic inflammation's contribution to hepatic pathology. The disease severity correlated with elevated mitochondrial damage markers malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreased glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity level assessments. Machine learning algorithms combined with metabolomic profiling produced new potential predictive models which identify liver dysfunction through multiple biomarkers. These research outcomes suggest an urgent necessity for diagnostic strategies that integrate multiple markers along with modern molecular investigation technologies with traditional laboratory indicators. The combined diagnostic strategy shows promise to enable improved diagnostics and disease tracking and therapeutic management for dogs with liver disease which leads to better clinical results.

Developing CRISPR-Based Therapies for Genetic Diseases: Clinical Trials and Regulatory Challenges

Rabia Nasir — 2025-05-27

CRISPR-based therapies have emerged as transformative tools for treating genetic diseases, yet their clinical implementation presents a complex interplay of scientific promise and regulatory scrutiny. This study analyzed 58 registered clinical trials employing CRISPR-Cas systems for therapeutic purposes, focusing on trial characteristics, delivery methods, gene targets, geographical distribution, and regulatory challenges. The majority of trials targeted oncological (37.9%) and hematological (20.7%) disorders, with over 65% in early-phase development (Phase I or I/II).Ex vivo methods based on lentiviral vectors and electroporation differed from in vivo approaches mainly on a basis of adeno-associated viruses (AAV) or lipid nanoparticles. Gene modifications with emphasis on PD-1, important for cancer immunotherapy, and BCL11A prioritized in hemoglobinopathy repair. Based on stakeholder interviews off-target risk was the greatest regulatory barrier (87%), followed by long-term monitoring (76%) and delivery safety (72%). Central ethical issues consisted of concerns regarding the processes of informed consent, participants’ unequal access, and the moral aspects of germline editing. Medians of existing studies showed a 67% editing efficiency, 18% adverse events, and a meager completion rate of 62% for trials. Despite these impediments, more than half, approximately 60%, of the respondents from regulatory, clinical, industry, and ethics communities supported increased trials – provided rigorous preventative measures are upheld. Based on this research, it’s clear that it takes harmonized regulations, continued safety surveillance, and designs rooted in ethical value to safely and equitably introduce CRISpen-based technologies. This paper provides working suggestions on how CRISpen could be used, safely and efficiently in clinical environments and reveals how CRISpen is moving from experimental research to effective therapies.

Bio-stimulant Potential of Organic Compost Teas on Spinach Performance and Soil Properties

Fahad Ali — 2025-05-27

This research was conducted to investigate the influence of compost tea made from various organic sources on the growth, yield, and soil quality in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.). The experiment followed a randomized complete block design, incorporating four treatment groups: an untreated control, poultry manure compost tea (PMCT), farmyard manure compost tea (FYMCT), and vegetable compost tea (VCT). The compost teas were applied as foliar sprays at regular intervals throughout the crop’s growth cycle. Significant improvements in growth-related traits were observed in all compost tea-treated plots compared to the control. Among the treatments, PMCT led to the highest increases in plant height, leaf area, fresh and dry biomass, and number of leaves. FYMCT and VCT also showed notable enhancements, though to a lesser extent. In addition to plant performance, PMCT significantly raised soil organic matter levels, highlighting its role in improving soil condition. These improvements were largely attributed to the rich nutrient composition and beneficial microbial populations present in the compost teas. Their application likely stimulated nutrient availability and uptake, contributing to better vegetative growth and soil fertility. The findings support the potential of compost teas, especially those derived from poultry manure, in promoting sustainable spinach production

The Role of Hormonal Imbalance in Reproductive Failure in Dairy Cows: Clinical Investigations and Treatment Strategies

Nimra samad — 2025-05-27

Hormonal imbalances play a significant role in reproductive failure in dairy cows, which is a major concern for dairy farmers globally due to the resulting economic losses. This study aimed to investigate the impact of hormonal imbalances on reproductive failure and explore the clinical manifestations, treatment strategies, and interventions that can mitigate these challenges. The research involved field studies across 20 dairy farms, where hormonal assays and clinical observations were conducted. Significant hormonal imbalances were found in cows with reproductive failure, particularly low estradiol and progesterone levels, which were associated with disorders such as anoestrus, silent heat, and embryonic loss. The study also examined various treatment strategies, including hormonal supplementation, nutritional interventions, and advanced reproductive technologies such as timed artificial insemination, ovum pick-up, and in-vitro fertilization. The findings indicate that timely interventions, particularly hormonal treatments and nutritional strategies, can improve reproductive outcomes. This study highlights the need for integrated management approaches that combine clinical, nutritional, and technological strategies to enhance reproductive performance in dairy herds.

Studying the Role of Autophagy in Cancer Cells: Exploring Novel Therapeutic Targets for Cancer Treatment

Muhammad Tanzeel Akhtar — 2025-05-27

Autophagy plays a dual role in cancer, acting as both a tumor suppressor and promoter depending on context. In this study, we quantified basal autophagy marker expression (LC3-II, p62) across five human cancer cell lines (A549, MCF-7, HeLa, PC3, HCT116) and evaluated the antitumor efficacy of a novel ULK1 inhibitor alone and in combination with chloroquine (CQ) and doxorubicin. HeLa cells exhibited the highest LC3-II (1.5 AU) and lowest ULK1 inhibitor IC₅₀ (1.8 µM), whereas HCT116 showed the lowest LC3-II (0.8 AU) and highest IC₅₀ (3.5 µM), indicating that elevated autophagic flux correlates with increased sensitivity to ULK1 blockade (r = –0.85). In MCF-7 cells, CQ monotherapy reduced viability from 100% to 10% at 40 µM, and combined CQ/doxorubicin treatment shifted cell death toward apoptosis (75%) versus necrosis (25%). Higher p62 levels correlated positively with IC₅₀ (r = 0.72), suggesting p62 as a predictive biomarker for inhibitor responsiveness. In vivo, ULK1 inhibitor administration (10 mg/kg, every other day for 21 days) in xenograft-bearing mice achieved tumor volume reductions of 20–40%, with HeLa-derived tumors most responsive. Statistical analyses confirmed significant differences among treatments (one-way ANOVA, p < 0.05). These data establish that cancer cells with high autophagic activity are particularly vulnerable to ULK1 inhibition and that autophagy blockade can potentiate chemotherapeutic cytotoxicity. Our findings support the use of LC3-II and p62 as stratification biomarkers and advocate for further clinical development of combination regimens targeting autophagy in precision oncology.