Libyan Journal of Veterinary and Medical Sciences

Application of the Short Tandem Repeat Marker (D21S11) in the Molecular Diagnosis of Down Syndrome in Libya

Mansur E. Shmela — 2026-02-03

Background: Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic anomaly linked to varying degrees of intellectual disability, distinct physical traits and health issues. PCR-based DNA diagnostic method is sensitive, robust and the most efficient for trisomy 21 diagnosis. Aim: This study aimed to demonstrate the sensitivity of DNA diagnosis of DS using the short tandem repeat (STR) marker D21S11. Methods: This study was conducted in Tripoli, Libya. Blood samples were collected from 55 individuals, of which 50 were successfully amplified and included in the analysis. In addition, 102 healthy controls were included to assess the sensitivity of the D21S11 marker for detecting chromosome 21 (Ch21) nondisjunction (NDJ). The GlobalFiler™ IQC PCR Amplification kit and a 3500 Genetic Analyzer were used to detect trisomy 21 by the D21S11 locus on Ch21. Results: Diagnosis of Ch21 trisomy was achieved in all 50 successfully amplified samples (100%), including one mosaic case. Of the 50 cases, 26 (52%) showed a diallelic pattern, 21 cases (42%) showed a triallelic pattern and 3 cases (6%) showed a monoallelic pattern. Conclusion: This study successfully diagnosed, for the first time, Ch21 NDJ in individuals with DS cases, including one mosaic case, using the STR marker (D21S11) and genetic analyzer in the Libyan population. This method may be applied to prenatal and postnatal diagnosis as well as preimplantation genetic diagnosis, as it is rapid, simple, accurate, and requires only a small amount of biological material compared with conventional cytogenetic analyses.

Histopathological Effects of Allura Red (E129) Food Colorant on Liver and Kidney Tissues of Male Albino Mice

Hana E. Inbaya — 2026-03-28

Background: Synthetic food colorants are widely found in food products to improve their visual appeal. However, the potential health risks associated with these colorants have raised serious health concerns. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the pathological effects of Allura Red food colorant on the liver and kidney of male albino mice in terms of changes in relative weights of these organs and its histopathological impact on their tissues. Methods: Thirty male albino mice were randomly divided into three groups of 10 animals each and received daily oral doses of Allura Red at doses of 700 and 1400 mg/kg body weight for 42 days. At the end of the study, liver and kidney samples were collected for relative weight assessment and histopathological examination. Results: The results indicated dose-dependent histopathological alterations in tissues of both organs. The liver exhibited cellular degeneration, necrosis, and inflammatory infiltration, while the kidneys showed vascular congestion and glomerular hemorrhage, with the most pronounced damage observed at the higher exposure level. While average organ weights increased at both doses compared to the control group, those differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: This study highlights the necessity to limit the use of synthetic food colorants and suggest their replacement with natural alternatives, particularly in food products intended for pediatric consumption.

Antibacterial Activity of Retama raetem Plant Extract against Clinically Relevant Bacterial Strains

Bushra E. Aboukhadeer — 2026-04-13

Background: The rapid emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has intensified the search for alternative antimicrobial agents, particularly those derived from medicinal plants. Retama raetam, a perennial shrub traditionally used in North African medicine, has gained attention for its potential antimicrobial properties. Aim: This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of methanolic extract of R. raetam against clinically important bacteria. Methods: Antibacterial activity was assessed using the disc diffusion method, and minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined by broth microdilution following Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Results: The R. raetam extract exhibited concentration-dependent antibacterial activity, with the strongest effects observed against Salmonella typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusion: These findings suggest that R. raetam represents a promising source of bioactive compounds for antimicrobial drug discovery.