International Journal of Biochemistry Research & Review

Physiological and Biochemical Mechanisms of Drought Tolerance in Plants: A Review

A. Reshma — 2026-03-16

One major environmental factor limiting plant productivity is water scarcity. Drought stress affects plant water relations at the cellular, tissue, and organ levels, eliciting both specific and nonspecific responses, as well as causing damage and triggering adaptive mechanisms. Tolerant plants initiate multiple defense mechanisms against water deficit in order to cope with drought. i.e. biochemical and physiological processes. The main morpho-physiological mechanisms include smaller, succulent leaves to lessen transpirational loss, improved water uptake with profuse and deep root systems and its efficient use, and reduced water loss through increased diffusive resistance. Osmotic adjustment enhances the gradient for water influx and supports turgor maintenance by lowering the cell’s osmotic potential. Low-molecular-weight osmolytes, including glycine betaine, proline, other amino acids, organic acids, and polyols, play a crucial role in sustaining cellular functions under drought conditions. Other essential mechanisms of drought tolerance include the expression of stress proteins, cell membrane stability, and the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Enzymatic antioxidants—such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione reductase—play a pivotal role in the detoxification of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Non-enzymatic antioxidants such as ascorbic acid, reduced glutathione, cysteine, and carotenoids also contribute to ROS scavenging and protection of cellular structures. Phytohormones and plant growth regulators are also integral in modulating plant physiological responses to drought stress.

Epigenetic Influences of Vitamin D on Immune System Development in Early Life

M. Madhubala — 2026-03-24

Vitamin D plays an important immunomodulatory role during early life, influencing the programming of the developing immune system through molecular and epigenetic mechanisms. Emerging evidence suggests that the active form of vitamin D, calcitriol, regulates gene expression by binding to the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and modifying epigenetic marks such as DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and microRNA expression. These mechanisms influence key immune regulatory genes including FOXP3, IL-4, and IL-10, thereby promoting regulatory T-cell development and maintaining the balance between Th1 and Th2 immune responses during infancy. Maternal and neonatal vitamin D deficiency may disrupt these epigenetic processes, potentially predisposing infants to infections, allergic diseases, and immune dysregulation later in life.

Understanding these mechanisms may provide insights into the long-term effects of early-life vitamin D status on immune health and susceptibility to inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. These findings underscore the potential of vitamin D as a modifiable factor in early-life nutritional interventions and preventive healthcare strategies. This review highlights the molecular and epigenetic pathways through which vitamin D shapes immune development in early life, with a focus on vitamin D receptor–mediated transcriptional regulation and its impact on immune-metabolic interactions. Additionally, the role of vitamin D in influencing key immune pathways such as Th1/Th2 balance and inflammatory responses is discussed. This review summarizes current evidence on the molecular epigenetic pathways through which vitamin D shapes infant immune development and highlights the potential implications for early-life immune programming and disease prevention.

Unravelling the Begomovirus-mediated Tomato Leaf Curl Disease: An In-depth Review of Pathogenesis and Host Interaction

Akanksha Singh — 2026-03-30

Tomato leaf curl disease (ToLCD), caused predominantly by begomoviruses (family Geminiviridae) and transmitted by the whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), represents one of the most devastating viral diseases of tomato worldwide. The disease exhibits symptoms such as upward leaf curling, mosaic patterns, stunted growth, and severe yield losses, posing a major threat to global tomato production. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the molecular pathogenesis of begomovirus-mediated ToLCD, focusing on viral genome organisation, replication strategies, and the roles of viral proteins in host manipulation. We explore the complex host–virus interactions, including the modulation of host defence pathways, symptom development, and the interplay between the virus, vector, and host environment. The review also highlights advances in diagnostic tools, molecular characterization techniques, and insights from transcriptomic and proteomic studies that have enhanced understanding of ToLCD biology. Furthermore, it examines current strategies for disease management, including host resistance, RNA interference, and integrated vector management approaches. A deeper understanding of begomovirus–host interactions will be essential for mitigating the impact of ToLCD on global tomato production. By integrating recent findings from molecular biology, genetics, and plant–virus interaction studies, this review aims to unravel the molecular basis of ToLCD pathogenesis and highlight knowledge gaps that must be addressed to develop durable and sustainable disease management strategies.

A Case of Pseudo-bisalbuminemia and Nephrotic Syndrome in an Adult

Ahmed Briber — 2026-03-19

Bisalbuminemia, whether hereditary or acquired, remains a rare electrophoretic abnormality of albumin; "pseudo-bisalbuminemia” is even rarer. It presents in several forms and is not a pathological condition in itself. In this paper, we report a rare case of "pseudo-bisalbuminemia” in an adult with nephrotic syndrome. In patients with nephrotic syndrome, significant quantitative and qualitative changes in serum proteins occur due to increased glomerular permeability and selective urinary protein loss. Hypoalbuminemia, increased hepatic synthesis of certain proteins, and alterations in albumin structure or binding properties may modify the electrophoretic profile. Rarely, nephrotic syndrome may be associated with pseudo-bisalbuminemia, potentially related to altered albumin metabolism, drug interactions, or post-transplantation modifications under conditions of heavy proteinuria and systemic inflammation. The detection of bisalbuminemia on the electrophoresis, even without inherent pathological significance, should nevertheless alert the clinician, especially when clearly associated with nephrotic syndrome in an adult. Outside of this context, the presence of interfering molecules should also prompt the prescriber to adopt an appropriate approach to this abnormality. The hyperlipidemia results from hypoalbuminemia, which reactively and nonspecifically stimulates hepatic synthesis of all proteins, including lipoproteins. It is also linked to increased LDL and VLDL production, associated with reduced catabolism. This case also presents the peculiarity of an impure nephrotic syndrome; nearly 90% of nephrotic syndromes are pure, generally responsive to corticosteroids, and have a good prognosis.

In silico Evaluation of Anti-inflammatory Compounds from Euphorbia hirta against Inflammatory Drug Target Proteins Associated with Asthma

Akpan, Saviour Emmanuel — 2026-03-07

Background: Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects the airways in the lungs. The airways become inflamed and narrow, making it difficult to breathe. Asthma symptoms can vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe.

Aims: This study identified and evaluated potential anti-inflammatory compounds in Euphorbia hirta and assessed their ability to inhibit inflammatory drug targets associated with asthma using molecular docking analyses.

Methodology: A comprehensive ligand library was constructed based on GC-MS analysis data of Euphorbia hirta, providing molecular details of various phytochemical compounds. Molecular docking simulations using AutoDock Vina, AutoDock tools, and Discovery Studio Visualizer were performed against target proteins associated with asthma (Interleukin 4, Interleukin 5, Leukotriene receptor, and Tumour Necrosis Factor-Alpha) to assess binding affinity and specificity of the compounds.

Results: In the current study, Ergost-5-En-3-Ol, which is a sterol, was observed to be a promising lead compound for the development of anti-inflammatory drugs, as seen in the binding affinity. Ergost-5-En-3-Ol, a sterol compound, emerged as a promising lead candidate for potential anti-inflammatory drug development. It demonstrated significant binding affinity to the selected drug target proteins, particularly TNF-α, IL-4, IL-5, and Leukotrienes. The binding interactions involved in the active sites of these proteins indicated potential interference with inflammatory signalling, crucial for asthma pathology. Moreover, Ergost-5-En-3-Ol adheres to Lipinski's rule of five, suggesting potential oral bioavailability.

Conclusion: This study confirms the anti-inflammatory properties of Euphorbia hirta and suggests its use for the development of a new therapeutic agent for managing asthma. Ergost-5-En-3-Ol warrants further investigation as a potential anti-inflammatory drug candidate. Furthermore, Ergost-5-En-3-Ol meets Lipinski's rule of five criteria, suggesting its potential for oral bioavailability, a crucial factor for drug development.

Physicochemical Properties of Flours from Four Traditional Cassava (Manihot esculenta CRANTZ) Varieties Grown in Côte d’Ivoire

Kacou Amaco Marise — 2026-03-10

Background: Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is widely cultivated in developing countries and serves as an important raw material for food and industrial uses. Due to its high perishability and cyanogenic compounds, it is commonly processed into flour or starch; therefore, understanding the physicochemical properties of cassava flour from different varieties is essential.

Aims: This study evaluated the physicochemical properties of flours should be produced from four traditional cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) varieties grown in Côte d’Ivoire.

Study Design: the objective was to compare their characteristics to assess their suitability for processing and agro-industrial applications.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Bioprocesses, University Nangui Abrogoua (Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire) between 2017 and 2020.

Methodology: This study was conducted with four traditional varieties of cassava (Yacé, Cahobahi 1, Bonoua 37, and Bonoua 34). Cassava roots were harvested at maturity, then washed, peeled, grated, dried and milled into flour. Physicochemical analyzes included proximate composition (moisture, ash, organic matter, reducing sugar, starch content, titratable acidity, pH and hydrocyanic acid) using standard AOAC methods (AOAC, 2005).

Results: The results were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Significant differences were observed among the flours for most of the parameters studied. The flours exhibited low moisture content (between 10.55±0.15 and 12.97±0.55%), indicating good storage stability, and high starch contents (between 29.8±1.1 and 37.7±1.1%), reflecting high energy potential.

Conclusion: the four traditional cassava varieties studied exhibited distinct physicochemical properties suggesting different technological uses. These findings highlight the potential of local cassava varieties for food product development in Côte d’Ivoire.

Computational Exploration of 4-Hydroxy-3-Methoxycinnamic Acid Derivatives Derived from Natural Product Scaffolds for Anticancer Activity

Nitin Deshmukh — 2026-03-10

Objective: This study seeks to investigate 4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid (Ferulic acid) derivatives using computational approaches—specifically Lipinski’s Rule of Five, ADMET profiling, Mol-Inspiration analysis, and molecular docking—in order to evaluate their drug-likeness, pharmacokinetic properties, and therapeutic potential, with a particular focus on lung cancer treatment.

Methodology: The study examined the physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic properties of 4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid derivatives substituted with aromatic amines through in-silico approaches. Computational analyses were performed using web-based tools and specialized programs, including Pre-ADMET, Mol-Inspiration, and Molegro Virtual Docker 6.0.

Result and Discussion: Computational evaluation of 15 aromatic amine–substituted 4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid (Ferulic acid) derivatives demonstrated favourable drug-likeness, as confirmed by Mol-Inspiration analysis and compliance with Lipinski’s Rule of Five. ADMET predictions indicated promising pharmacokinetic behaviour with minimal toxicity risks. Molecular docking against tyrosine kinase targets (PDB IDs: 4ZSE, 8A27, 5T4B, 6CU6) revealed strong binding affinities, with 6CU6 showing the most significant interactions suggestive of inhibitory potential. Key binding modes included hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking with active site residues, underscoring the suitability of these derivatives as potential lead candidates for lung cancer therapy.The test compound FA-6 exhibited the highest binding affinity with a MolDock score of −172.892, forming multiple hydrogen-bond interactions with Ala 146, Lys 147, Asp 119, Thr 35, Ser 17, Asp 33, Tyr 32, Arg 12, Gly 60, and Lys 16 indicating strong and stable binding within the active site. In comparison, the standard drug gefitinib showed a lower MolDock score (−157.872) with fewer hydrogen-bond interactions (Thr35, Ser17, and Glu31). Overall, FA-11 demonstrated superior docking performance compared to gefitinib and other tested ligands, highlighting its potential as a promising lead compound.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the selected 4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid(Ferulic acid)derivatives possess favourable ADMET profiles, strong drug-likeness, and notable tyrosine kinase inhibitory activity. These findings highlight their promise as potential lead candidates for the development of lung cancer therapeutics.

Stability Evaluation of Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea L. Verdc.) Powder Using Adsorption Isotherm Analysis and GAB Modeling

Kouadio Gabin Kouakou — 2026-03-16

The transformation of foods into powder form, for improved preservation, ensures their availability throughout the year despite their seasonal nature. Moisture adsorption isotherms therefore constitute an essential source of information for assessing food stability and defining optimal drying and storage conditions. The storage of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) powder requires prior hygroscopic characterization to ensure better preservation. The adsorption isotherm of Bambara groundnut powder was experimentally determined using the gravimetric method with different saturated salt solutions. The water activity range studied extended from 0.07 to 0.95 at an ambient temperature of 28 ± 2 °C. Desiccators were used to contain the prepared salt solutions at various relative humidities, above which the samples were placed. Hygroscopic equilibrium was reached after 27 to 31 days. The results revealed that the adsorption isotherm obtained was classified as type II, characterized by a sigmoid shape typical of carbohydrate-rich food products. Experimental data were fitted using the Guggenheim–Anderson–de Boer (GAB) mathematical model. The modeling showed excellent agreement with the experimental data (R² = 0.982), indicating that this model effectively predicts the hygroscopic behavior of the product. Furthermore, the moisture content of Bambara groundnut powder should be maintained below the monolayer moisture content (X₀), estimated at 0.0517 (5.17%), to ensure extended shelf life during storage.

Protective Effects of Ascorbic Acid on Gentamicin-induced Nephrotoxicity and Associated Cardiovascular Dysfunctions in Type 1 Diabetic Rats

Temitayo Olabisi Ajibade — 2026-03-19

Diabetes mellitus is a major risk factor for chronic kidney disease, and the clinical use of effective antibiotics like gentamicin is often limited by its severe nephrotoxicity. This study evaluated the protective effects of ascorbic acid against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity and associated cardiovascular dysfunctions in a type 1 diabetic rat model. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were equally divided into four groups (n=6) as follows: Group 1 (control); group 2 (diabetic); group 3 (diabetic plus gentamicin); and Group 4 (diabetic plus gentamicin treated with ascorbic acid). Markers of renal function (urea and creatinine), primary hemodynamic parameters (blood pressure and heart rate), serum nitric oxide (NO), markers of oxidative stress [Malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂),] and endogenous antioxidants (GSH, SOD, GPx, GST) were assessed. The heart and kidney tissues were fixed in 10% neutral-buffered formalin for histology and immunohistochemical expressions of cystatin C and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) in renal tissues, and cardiac troponin I (cTnI), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in cardiac tissues. The diabetic plus gentamicin group had significant (p<0.05) elevation in urea, creatinine, MDA, H₂O₂, blood pressure, and heart rate, but GSH, SOD, GPx, GST and NO decreased significantly(p<0.05), when compared with ascorbic acid treated rats. Histopathological lesions of moderate congestion of the kidney and severe inflammation in the cardiac tissues observed in diabetic plus gentamicin group were absent in ascorbic acid group. The expressions of ACE and cystatin C in renal tissues, and cTnI and MMP-2 in cardiac tissues were lower in ascorbic acid group. In conclusion, ascorbic acid protected against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity and cardiovascular dysfunction in diabetic rats; its inclusion in therapeutic regimen for the management of drug-induced organ damage in diabetic patients is therefore recommended.

Functional Group Analysis of Medicinal Plants in Northern Samar, Philippines

Judy Ann T. Ng — 2026-03-26

Northern Samar, a province in the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines, harbors a rich yet underexplored diversity of plant species. While earlier studies have documented the flora of its island municipalities, many mainland species remain chemically uncharacterized and underutilized. This study employed Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to analyze twelve locally available but underused plant species representing the families Amaryllidaceae, Acanthaceae, Apocynaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Melastomataceae, Moraceae, Primulaceae, Selaginellaceae, and Urticaceae. The objective was to identify the major functional groups present in these plants and establish baseline chemical profiles that may support their potential pharmacological, nutraceutical, and industrial applications. The FTIR spectra revealed the presence of key bioactive functional groups, including alcohols, phenols, carbonyls, alkenes, and nitro compounds. These functional groups are commonly associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and other therapeutic activities. The results demonstrate the chemical diversity and bioactive potential of Northern Samar’s native flora, suggesting that these species could serve as valuable natural resources for further biochemical and pharmacological investigations. Overall, the study provides essential preliminary data that can guide future research, conservation, and sustainable utilization efforts aimed at maximizing the economic and medicinal potential of the region’s botanical resources.

Potent Inhibition of Enzymatic Browning of Yam Tubers (Dioscorea cayenensis-rotundata) Cultivar ‘zrèzrou’ using Red Onions (Allium cepa)

Judicaël Kouamé — 2026-03-31

Enzymatic browning is a natural phenomenon observed in yam tubers (Dioscorea cayenensis-rotundata) without the addition of exogenous phenolic compounds. The undesirable effects of this physiological process led to the use of sulfites and their derivatives to inhibit enzymatic browning. However, the risks associated with these chemical agents and current regulations concerning their use as food additives have prompted the search for natural substances as food ingredients to replace synthetic compounds. The objective was therefore to prevent this physiological phenomenon in situ using extracts of Allium cepa (red onion, yellow onion) and Allium sativum (garlic). To evaluate the effect of natural inhibitors such as red onion, yellow onion, and garlic on browning, a yam tuber (Dioscorea cayenensis-rotundata) of the 'Zrèzrou' variety, one kilogram (1 kg) of red onion bulb, one kilogram (1 kg) of yellow onion bulb, and one kilogram (1 kg) of garlic cloves were used. This work first involved studying enzymatic browning in different parts (proximal, midline, and distal) of the yam tuber (Dioscorea cayenensis-rotundata) of the 'Zrèzrou' variety. It then aimed to prevent this physiological phenomenon in situ using extracts of Allium cepa and Allium sativum (red onion, yellow onion, and garlic) without the addition of exogenous phenolic compounds. Finally, the optimal concentration of red onion extract was determined to achieve satisfactory inhibition of enzymatic browning. The significant results obtained in this study suggest solutions for inhibiting enzymatic browning of yam tubers (Dioscorea cayenensis-rotundata) of the "Zrèzrou" variety using crude extracts of red onion bulbs, which provide satisfactory inhibition at a concentration of 0.6 g/L.