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Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are increasingly recognized for their potential in biology due to their excellent drug delivery capabilities and ease of synthesis. To create AuNPs using marine sponge Amphimedon compressa , we used several techniques, including ultraviolet–visible (UV–visible) spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and x-ray diffraction (XRD). The UV–visible spectroscopy results demonstrated the formation of stable AuNPs at a pH of 7, with a peak absorption at 564 nm. FTIR spectroscopy indicated that secondary metabolites featuring –OH functional groups acted as reducing agents in the production of AuNPs. Morphological analysis showed that the AuNPs were spherical, consistently shaped particles averaging 10–40 nm in diameter, with proven stability over time. The inhibition zones for the bacteria tested with the synthesized AuNPs varied from 26 to 31 mm. Both the AuNPs and the A. compressa extract displayed significant antioxidant activity, achieving DPPH radical scavenging percentages of 70.73% and 85.62%, respectively. In terms of anti-inflammatory activity, the AuNPs showed dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity, with hemolytic inhibition percentages of 4.8%, 10.2%, 12.8%, 14.9%, 19.5%, and 22.4% at increasing concentrations. Furthermore, both the crude extract and the synthesized AuNPs exhibited adulticidal activity against the house fly ( Musca domestica ) and the mosquito ( Culex pipiens ). The LC 50 and LC 90 values for the crude extract were 34.988 and 62.836 ppm for M. domestica , and 9.258 and 17.399 ppm for C. pipiens . For the AuNPs, the corresponding values were 8.545 and 15.157 ppm for M. domestica , and 7.573 and 14.074 ppm for C. pipiens . Adult mortality caused by the AuNPs extract reached 100.00% for both Musca domestica and Culex pipiens at a concentration of 6 ppm. Overall, M. domestica and C. pipiens were more sensitive to AuNPs than to the crude extract. Both the synthesized AuNPs and the crude extract caused a significant, dose-dependent reduction in fecundity and hatchability in M. domestica and C. pipiens . In conclusion, the marine sponge A. compressa serves as an effective biological source for the synthesis of AuNPs, which demonstrate significant antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-biofilm, and insecticidal activities, highlighting their potential in biomedical and environmental fields.

Pathological angiogenesis and apoptosis evasion are common hallmarks of cancer. The present work was an endeavor to evaluate the influence of bee venom (BV) or its major constituent melittin (MEL) as antiapoptotic and angiogenic regulator modifier on the tumor growth and the cell sensitivity to ionizing radiation targeting the improvement of cancer therapeutic protocols. BV (0.56 mg/kg/day) and MEL (500 µg/kg body weight/day) were injected intraperitoneally to mice bearing 1 cm3 solid tumor of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) for 21 consecutive days. Mice were whole-body exposed to 1 Gray (Gy) of γ-radiation (2 fractionated doses). Treatment with BV or MEL markedly suppresses the proliferation of tumor in EAC mice. The concentrations of m-RNA for angiogenic factors (TNF-α, VEGF) as well as MMPs 2 and 9 activities and NO concentration were significantly decreased, combined with improvements in apoptotic regulators (caspase-3 activity) and normal cells redox tone (catalase and free radicals content) compared with EAC mice. Moreover, the histopathological investigation confirms the improvement exerted by BV or MEL in the EAC mice group or EAC + R group. Exposure to γ-radiation sustained the modulatory effect of BV on tumor when compared with EAC + BV mice. Convincingly, the role of BV or MEL as a natural antiangiogenic in the biological sequelae after radiation exposure is verified. Hence, BV and its major constituent MEL might represent a potential therapeutic strategy for increasing the radiation response of solid tumors.

The rising interest in innovative methods of cancer immunotherapy has prompted research into the immunomodulatory mechanisms of natural and synthetic substances. The goal of this study was to assess chrysin immune-stimulating and pro-apoptotic effects on tumor growth and cell susceptibility to ionizing radiation in order to improve cancer therapy. Chrysin (20 mg/kg/day) was intraperitoneally injected to mice bearing 1 cm3 solid tumor of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) for 21 consecutive days. Mice were whole body exposed to 1 Gy of gamma radiation (2 fractionated dose 0.5 Gy each). Treatment with chrysin dramatically reduces tumor proliferation in EAC mice; furthermore, IFN-γ activity is significantly reduced when compared to EAC mice. When compared to EAC mice, the expression of TNF-α, free radicals, and nitric oxide (NO) levels were considerably reduced, along with improvements in apoptotic regulators (caspase-3 activity). Moreover, the histopathological investigation confirms the improvement exerted by chrysin even in the EAC mice group or the EAC + R group. What is more, exposure to gamma radiation sustained the modulatory effect of chrysin on tumor when compared with EAC + Ch mice. Hence, chrysin might represent a potential therapeutic strategy for increasing the radiation response of solid tumor.

Due to the medical importance of flies as mechanical vectors of numerous pathogens, accurate information on their distribution, abundance, and associated bacterial communities is essential. This study investigated the diversity, preliminary seasonal observations, and bacterial associations of medically important flies in Sharkia Governorate through field surveys conducted from 2022 to 2023. A total of twelve fly species belonging to five families Calliphoridae, Muscidae, Sarcophagidae, Piophilidae, and Phoridae were identified. Chrysomya megacephala exhibited marked seasonal variation, whereas Sarcophaga carnaria showed relatively stable activity. Chrysomya albiceps , Lucilia sericata , and Piophila casei were absent during winter despite their presence in summer. Musca domestica was the most abundant species across all seasons, with Muscidae representing the dominant family (p < 0.001), followed by Calliphoridae (p < 0.05), while other families were significantly less abundant. Biodiversity indices, including Shannon and Simpson metrics, indicated high species diversity throughout the year with a slight decline during winter. Evenness values reflected balanced species distribution, and the highest Fisher’s alpha and Margalef richness indices were recorded during summer, highlighting the influence of temperature on community structure. Bacterial analysis of M. domestica body surfaces revealed that 80% of isolates were pathogenic species, while 20% were classified as non-pathogenic. These findings emphasize the ecological and public health significance of flies and highlight their potential role in pathogen transmission within the study area.