Notch signaling receptors, ligands, and their downstream target genes are dysregulated in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), suggesting a role of Notch signaling in pancreatic tumor development and progression. However, dysregulation of Notch signaling by post-translational modification of Notch receptors remains poorly understood. Here, we analyzed the Notch-modifying glycosyltransferase involved in the regulation of the ligand-dependent Notch signaling pathway. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that the expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) domain-specific O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (EOGT) and Lunatic fringe (LFNG) positively correlates with a subset of Notch signaling genes in PDAC. The lack of EOGT or LFNG expression inhibited the proliferation and migration of Panc-1 cells, as observed by the inhibition of Notch activation. EOGT expression is significantly increased in the basal subtype, and low expression of both EOGT and LFNG predicts better overall survival in PDAC patients. These results imply potential roles for EOGT- and LFNG-dependent Notch signaling in PDAC.

Momordica charantia (M. charantia) is commonly referred to as Bitter Gourd, Karela and balsam-pear, is a very familiar vegetable and widely cultivate in Bangladesh. It has long been used as a traditional medicine for some ailments. Nutritional compositions and phytochemical constituents of two selected hybrid varieties of M. charantia (TIA and GOJNEE) from Bangladesh were analysed using standard analytical methods. The proximate composition like moisture, ash, crude lipid, crude fibre and crude protein contents were showed as percentage. The study results showed that the two varieties of this M. charantia are good source of minerals such as Calcium (Ca), Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg), Iron (Fe) and Chromium (Cr). Calcium and iron concentrations were higher in both varieties. And their concentrations were 2.35 and 1.04 ppm in GOJNEE, and 2.24 and 0.87 ppm in TIA, respectively. Phytochemicals constituents like alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids and saponins were found in both varieties of M. charantia. Quantity of alkaloids, flavonoids and saponin were 0.05, 2.001 and 5.02 % in seeds of GOJNEE and 0.012, 1.72 and 3.27 % in seed of TIA. Total phenolic content was also determined and found that the highest contents were in ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts in both varieties. Our study result indicates the presence of nutritional and phytochemical constituents which are beneficial for our health along with the medicinal values.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has led to significant global health implications. Although the respiratory manifestations of COVID-19 are widely recognized, emerging evidence suggests that the disease may also significantly affect the gut microbiota, the intricate community of bacteria that lives within the gastrointestinal system. This extensive article intends to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the gut microbiota, examining the underlying mechanisms, clinical implications, and potential therapeutic interventions. Understanding the complex interactions between COVID-19 and the gut microbiota will help us to gain valuable insights into the broader consequences of this viral infection on human health.

Aims: The study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of crude flavonoid fraction from hybrid variety of Momordica charantia (L.) (Bitter gourd) fruit. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in 2011 in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Bangladesh. Methodology: In vitro assay for Antioxidant activity test was determined by means of 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method, using ascorbic acid as standard. The Brine shrimp lethality test was used to assess the cytotoxicity of the extract with Gallic acid as positive control. Data were analysed by statistical software BIOSTAT 2009 and Excel. Results: The fractionated crude flavonoid of Momordica charantia (L.) fruits showed moderate antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ value of 75.21 µg/ml. Compared to Gallic acid (with LC₅₀ of 4.40 µg/ ml), fractionated flavonoid demonstrated a significant cytotoxic activity (having LC₅₀ of 12.38 µg/ml) which indicates that fractionated flavonoid is promisingly cytotoxic. Conclusion: The study indicates the moderate antioxidant and potent cytotoxic activities of flavonoid fractionated from Momordica charantia (L.) fruits which can be used as a source of pharmacological references although specific flavonoids are responsible for such actions are unknown.

Momordica charantia (Family: Cucurbitaceae), commonly referred to as Bitter Gourd, Karela, and balsam pear, is a very familiar vegetable of Bangladesh and has long been used in traditional medicine to cure numerous illnesses. Three different extracts of a selected hybrid variety of M. charantia fruit from Bangladesh were prepared and screened to assess cytotoxic activity using the brine shrimp lethality test (BST). Gallic acid was used as a positive control. The LC50 value of standard gallic acid, ethanol, ethyl acetate, and petroleum ether extract from the fruits of Momordica charantia L. found 4.40 µg/ml, 125.89 µg/ml, 146.49 µg/ml, and 194.2 µg/ml, respectively. The ethanol extract demonstrated a prominent cytotoxic activity in comparison with the moderate cytotoxic activity of ethyl acetate and petroleum ether extract. The study results support the predominant presence of cytotoxic bioactive compounds in the more polar solvent of the fruit extract which can be beneficial for our health because of the numerous pharmacological activities of these compounds.