http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/19723 2026-07-16T17:48:57Z 2026-07-16T17:48:57Z Asma Tariq, Isra Saeed, Dr.Aamnah Sajid, Dr.Humaira Hashmat, Ayesha Kashif, Mudassar Mehmood, Sidra Jabeen, Muhammad Umar http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/21193 2026-06-03T09:14:43Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

ROLE OF MICROBIAL INFECTIONS AND BIOCHEMICAL DYSREGULATION IN LEUKEMOGENESIS, DISEASE PROGRESSION, AND DIAGNOSTIC BIOMARKERS: A REVIEW Asma Tariq, Isra Saeed, Dr.Aamnah Sajid, Dr.Humaira Hashmat, Ayesha Kashif, Mudassar Mehmood, Sidra Jabeen, Muhammad Umar Uncontrolled hematopoietic cell growth and poor differentiation are hallmarks of leukemia, a diverse group of hematological cancers. A growing body of research indicates that leukemogenesis, illness progression, and clinical outcomes are significantly influenced by microbial infections and metabolic instability. Through processes like immunological dysregulation, genomic instability, chronic inflammation, and direct oncogenic transformation, a number of viruses, bacteria, and parasites have been linked to the development and spread of leukemia. Certain leukemia subtypes are closely linked to viral agents such as hepatitis viruses, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and human T-cell leukemia virus type-1 (HTLV-1), while bacterial and parasitic infections may indirectly contribute by causing oxidative stress and prolonged inflammatory reactions. Leukemic cell survival and proliferation are largely dependent on biochemical changes, including aberrant expression of enzymes and cellular metabolites, oxidative stress imbalance, altered cytokine signaling, and metabolic reprogramming. These metabolic alterations offer useful indicators for prognosis and diagnosis in addition to influencing the course of the disease and treatment resistance. Changes in immunological mediators, metabolic intermediates, inflammatory markers, and serum enzymes have demonstrated potential value in risk assessment, early diagnosis, and treatment response monitoring. The current understanding of the involvement of metabolic abnormalities and microbial infections in the development and course of leukemia is compiled in this study. 1Asma Tariq, 2Isra Saeed, 3Dr.Aamnah Sajid, 4Dr.Humaira Hashmat, 5Ayesha Kashif, 6Mudassar Mehmood, 7*Sidra Jabeen, 8Muhammad Umar 228 1. Introduction The unchecked growth and accumulation of aberrant hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow, peripheral blood, and occasionally extramedullary tissues is the hallmark of leukemia, a diverse collection of malignant illnesses. The main subtypes are acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. It is typically categorized based on the affected cell lineage (myeloid or lymphoid) and disease progression rate (acute or chronic) (Short et al., 2021). Leukemia causes severe morbidity and mortality in all age categories, making it a major global health burden.Leukemia accounts for a significant fraction of cancer incidence and fatalities globally, with notable geographic and demographic variations caused by environmental, genetic, and socioeconomic factors, according to latest global cancer estimates (Sung et al., 2021). Leukemia's biological heterogeneity, recurrent relapse, and drug resistance make it difficult to treat despite advancements in molecular diagnostics and targeted medicines. This emphasizes the significance of understanding the disease's etiological and pathogenic pathways. Improving prevention, early detection, and treatment outcomes requires an understanding of the pathogenic and etiological elements underlying leukemia. It is currently understood that leukemogenesis is a multistep process that disrupts normal hematopoiesis through immunological dysregulation, genetic abnormalities, epigenetic changes, and environmental exposures (Greaves, 2022). Even though somatic genetic changes are essential to malignant transformation, they frequently need cooperating internal or external stimuli to start or spread illness. A growing body of research indicates that host biochemical disorders and pathogenic pathogens may function as such cofactors, causing altered immune surveillance, persistent inflammation, and genomic instability. Particularly in people with underlying genetic predisposition, these mechanisms can foster the emergence and growth of malignant clones. Both epidemiological and mechanistic evidence support the focus on microbial infections as probable causes of leukemia. Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1, which is causally linked to adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma, is one example of an oncogenic virus that has been directly linked to certain hematological malignancies (Cook et al., 2021). Other viral infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and hepatitis viruses, may affect leukemia risk, disease progression, or treatment response through indirect mechanisms like immune modulation and chronic inflammatory signaling, according to recent research, which goes beyond established associations (de Martel et al., 2020). In the bone marrow microenvironment, persistent infections may promote leukemic transformation or clonal development by causing prolonged cytokine release, elevated oxidative stress, and compromised immune control. Additionally, it emphasizes the use of new laboratory biomarkers derived from biochemical and viral pathways for diagnosis, prognosis, and individualized illness therapy. The development of more effective leukemia prevention techniques, focused treatments, and sophisticated diagnostic instruments may be aided by an understanding of these interconnected pathways. Assistant Professor Dr Aamnah Sajid, Biochemistry BUCM

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Shakeel Ahmad, Saddam Hussain, Sayed Ali, Waqar Ali Shah, Asad Riaz, Sherziyan Aftab Qazi, Khayyam Haider, Amna Hussain, Muhammad Ahmed, Muhammad Ali Hassan, Basharat Ullah, Avijeet Debnath, Furqan Ul Haq http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/20411 2026-01-05T08:55:08Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Infectious Causes of Acute Meningoencephalitis Syndrome in Children: Insights from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Pakistan Shakeel Ahmad, Saddam Hussain, Sayed Ali, Waqar Ali Shah, Asad Riaz, Sherziyan Aftab Qazi, Khayyam Haider, Amna Hussain, Muhammad Ahmed, Muhammad Ali Hassan, Basharat Ullah, Avijeet Debnath, Furqan Ul Haq Background: Acute Meningoencephalitis Syndrome (AMES) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide, with diverse infectious etiologies varying by geography and resource availability. While vaccines have successfully reduced bacterial meningitis due to Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) in developed regions, serotype replacement and antimicrobial resistance pose ongoing challenges. Objective: This study aimed to determine the frequency of infectious causes of AMES among children presenting to a tertiary care hospital in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, providing essential epidemiological insights to guide diagnostic and preventive strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the tertiary care hospital, Peshawar, from August 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024. 130 children aged 1–10 years with acute meningoencephalitis syndrome of ≤72 hours’ duration were enrolled. Lumbar puncture was performed for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, and pathogens including Streptococcus pneumoniae, enterovirus, herpesvirus VI, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Escherichia coli, and Group B Streptococcus were identified. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 23, with stratification by age, gender, and duration of symptoms. Results and conclusion: The most commonly identified pathogen was enterovirus (23.1%), followed by Group B Streptococcus (19.2%), Escherichia coli (17.7%), and Streptococcus pneumoniae (16.9%). Herpesvirus VI was detected in 12.3% of cases, while Mycobacterium tuberculosis was the least frequent (3.8%). Male patients accounted for 73.1% of cases. Age stratification indicated higher infection rates among younger children (1–5 years), although no statistically significant differences were observed across age groups, gender, or symptom duration. Viral etiologies, particularly enteroviruses, remain the predominant cause of pediatric AMES, aligning with global trends. However, the considerable burden of bacterial infections underscores the continued need for improved vaccination coverage and antimicrobial stewardship. The low detection rate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis likely reflects diagnostic limitations rather than its true prevalence. These findings highlight the importance of early diagnosis, targeted treatment strategies, and enhanced surveillance to improve outcomes in pediatric acute meningoencephalitis syndrome cases. Lecturer Dr Basharat Ullah, Biochemistry BUCM

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Shahzad Waqas Munazzam , Vikramaditya Rai , Shaista Nousheen , Basharat Ullah, Sajjal Sharif , Cara Mohammed http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/20409 2026-01-05T09:19:26Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

A Narrative review of advancements in knee Arthroplasty: Analyzing diverse prosthetic materials and their implications Shahzad Waqas Munazzam , Vikramaditya Rai , Shaista Nousheen , Basharat Ullah, Sajjal Sharif , Cara Mohammed Knee arthroplasty (KA) represents a transformative milestone in the management of degenerative knee conditions, significantly improving patient mobility and quality of life. Over the decades, material innovations have driven advancements in implant design, addressing challenges such as wear, biocompatibility, and longevity. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of traditional and cutting-edge materials used in KA, analyzing their properties, clinical outcomes, and economic implications while identifying future research directions. Traditional materials, including cobalt-chromium and titanium alloys, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), and ceramics, have been the cornerstone of knee implant technology. These materials offer durability, wear resistance, and compatibility with biological tissues, but long-term complications, such as polyethylene wear and aseptic loosening, have necessitated further advancements. Recent developments, such as highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) and vitamin E-infused polyethylene, have improved wear resistance and oxidative stability, thereby reducing revision rates. Similarly, ceramic materials, including zirconiatoughened alumina and silicon nitride, have emerged as promising alternatives due to their exceptional wear resistance and biocompatibility, although brittleness and higher manufacturing costs remain barriers to widespread use. Advancements in metallic alloys, such as oxidized zirconium and porous tantalum, have further refined KA implants. These materials exhibit superior osseointegration, reduced stress shielding, and improved implant fixation, enhancing patient outcomes. Additionally, the adoption of bioactive coatings like hydroxyapatite and the utilization of 3D-printed personalized implants have revolutionized the fabrication process, offering patientspecific solutions and improved bone integration. Innovations in smart technologies, including self-healing materials, antibacterial surfaces, and sensor-integrated implants, present exciting opportunities for real-time monitoring, infection prevention, and adaptive design. The biomechanical properties of these materials significantly influence joint kinematics, wear patterns, and implant survival rates. Materials with lower elastic moduli, mimicking the properties of natural bone, minimize stress shielding and improve load distribution. Advanced ceramics and polyethylene composites reduce debris generation and osteolysis, contributing to extended implant longevity. Biological responses, including reduced hypersensitivity and enhanced osteoblast differentiation, further underline the importance of material selection in KA. Clinical studies consistently demonstrate the efficacy of advanced materials in reducing revision rates and improving patient-reported outcomes. For instance, oxidized zirconium implants and ceramic-on-HXLPE bearings show superior long-term performance compared to traditional cobalt-chromium and metal-on-polyethylene counterparts. Furthermore, personalized implants have been associated with enhanced functional outcomes, natural joint feel, and improved quality of life. Despite higher upfront costs, advanced materials exhibit favorable cost-effectiveness due to reduced complications and extended implant lifespan. However, challenges persist, including the limited availability of long-term clinical data, manufacturing complexities, and accessibility disparities. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies evaluating the durability of novel materials, further development of bioactive and smart technologies, and the integration of computational modeling to optimize implant design. Additionally, addressing socioeconomic barriers is critical to ensuring equitable access to these innovations. Lecturer Dr Basharat Ullah, Biochemistry BUCM

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Muhammad Saad Masood, Rao Vusqa Zia, Sadia Riaz, Zia Un Nisa, Sidra Jabeen, Zain Ali, Ayesha Kashif and Zahra Tajammal http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/20420 2026-01-06T03:54:09Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Role of Alpha Feto Protein (AFP) in the Tumor Microenvironment (TME) of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Muhammad Saad Masood, Rao Vusqa Zia, Sadia Riaz, Zia Un Nisa, Sidra Jabeen, Zain Ali, Ayesha Kashif and Zahra Tajammal The present study is aimed at exploring the anti-tumor effects of PDI on HCC and the underlying molecular mechanism as well functions associated signalling pathway for specific cancer diagnosis. Tumor microenvironment (TME) is actually a key factor underlining the development and progression of HCC. As for the conventional serum biomarker, Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) which has been long used for HCC diagnosis and prognosis, its function has gradually been found not only as a passive biomarker, but also as an active player in regulation of the TME. This review aims at identifying the various functions of AFP in the context of the TME of HCC, particularly on tumor growth, angiogenesis, immune regulation and differentiation and metastasis. The review also analyses some of the clinical aspects of AFP in HCC such as the therapeutic potential of AFP and its ability to predict the effectiveness of treatments. Newer studies on other novel biomarkers associated with AFP and genetic aspects of the function of AFP in TME are presented and future strategies in AFP-directed therapies further elaborated. Elucidating the multifaceted nature of the relationship between AFP and TME will be crucial for designing the new therapeutic approaches that can enhance the HCC diagnostics and treatment. Lab Technician Ayesha Kashif Biochemistry BUCM

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