Turkish journal of biology = Turk biyoloji dergisi最新文献

{"title":"Antiinflammatory effects of cucurbitacins and sorafenib in Hepg2 cells by modulating the IκB/NF-κB/COX-2 pathway through Akt signaling.","authors":"Muhammed Mehdi Üremiş, Yusuf Türköz, Nuray Üremiş","doi":"10.55730/1300-0152.2747","DOIUrl":"10.55730/1300-0152.2747","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>Cucurbitacins possess antitumor, antiproliferative, and antiinflammatory properties. This study aims to examine the antiinflammatory effects of CuD, CuI, and CuE on NF-κB, iNOS, COX-2, and Akt and compare their cytotoxic and antiinflammatory effects on HepG2 cells with sorafenib, the primary chemotherapeutic agent used in HCC treatment.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Cytotoxic effects of cucurbitacins and sorafenib on HepG2 cells were evaluated using MTT and LDH assays, along with Annexin V, MMP, and comet assays. Levels of proteins related to the Akt/NF-κB pathway and COX-2, iNOS, and NO were also measured.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our study showed that CuD, CuI, CuE, and sorafenib have antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects on HepG2 cells. Cucurbitacins induced apoptosis at lower concentrations than sorafenib and, like sorafenib, reduced p-Akt, p-IκBα protein levels, and nuclear translocation of NF-κB in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, all compounds significantly decreased COX-2, iNOS, and NO levels, especially at 5 μM concentration.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These results indicate that cucurbitacins exert antiinflammatory effects on HepG2 cells by modulating the PI3K/Akt/NFκB signaling pathway, thereby reducing COX-2, iNOS, and NO levels. These effects are similar to those of sorafenib.</p>","PeriodicalId":94363,"journal":{"name":"Turkish journal of biology = Turk biyoloji dergisi","volume":"49 3","pages":"309-323"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12266348/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144661545","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antilipase activities of cultivated peppermint and rosemary essential oils: in vitro and in silico studies.","authors":"Khadidja Bengana, Talia Serseg, Khedidja Benarous, Arif Mermer, Yakup Şirin, Alaeddine Kaouka","doi":"10.55730/1300-0152.2725","DOIUrl":"10.55730/1300-0152.2725","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/aim: </strong>The growing interest in essential oils clearly indicates the power of nature and aligns with our increasing need to find therapeutic solutions in the natural world. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of the essential oils of <i>Mentha × piperita</i> and <i>Salvia rosmarinus</i>, harvested from the Laghouat region of Algeria, against <i>Candida rugosa</i> lipase (CRL) and pancreatic lipase through both in vitro and in silico studies.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Essential oils were extracted via hydrodistillation and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and spectrophotometry. Their antilipase activities were assessed using an inhibition assay, and molecular docking was performed with AutoDock Vina to explore interactions between essential oil compounds and lipase enzymes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Spectrophotometric analysis demonstrated significant inhibitory activity for each essential oil against CRL lipase, with IC₅₀ values of 0.56 ± 0.005 and 0.69 ± 0.008 mg/mL for peppermint and rosemary oils, respectively. These results were satisfactory in comparison to those achieved with orlistat. Molecular docking studies revealed the mechanisms of major compounds in each essential oil, demonstrating that these compounds inhibited CRL (PDB ID: 1CRL) and pancreatic lipase (PDB ID: 1LPB) with repeated hydrophobic interactions. The interactions were observed to be consistent with His449, Gly123, Gly124, Phe344, and Ser152 for many molecules.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study highlights opportunities for essential oils and their bioactive components to be utilized as adjuvants in the management of obesity and other lipase-related disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":94363,"journal":{"name":"Turkish journal of biology = Turk biyoloji dergisi","volume":"49 1","pages":"70-84"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11913368/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143660210","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating the multifaceted bioactivity of <i>Syzygium aromaticum</i> essential oil: the central role of eugenol.","authors":"Noureddine Rahim, Chamseddine Derabli, Amina Bramki, Sara Mahdjoub, Sandrine Rup-Jacques, Ghozlane Barboucha, Stephanie Hesse, Houssem Boulebd","doi":"10.55730/1300-0152.2728","DOIUrl":"10.55730/1300-0152.2728","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/aim: </strong><i>Syzygium aromaticum</i> L. is a versatile plant traditionally used to treat digestive and respiratory issues, improve oral health, and relieve pain, particularly in regions such as Southeast Asia, South Asia, and parts of the Middle East. Its essential oil (EO), predominantly composed of eugenol, is rich in bioactive compounds. This study aims to clarify the specific contribution of eugenol to the antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and insecticidal activities of <i>S. aromaticum</i> EO by comparing their individual effects. Additionally, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were employed to examine the antioxidant mechanism of eugenol and its role in enhancing the overall activity of the EO.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>The EO was obtained from <i>S. aromaticum</i> and analyzed using GC-MS to determine its composition. Antioxidant activity was assessed through the DPPH scavenging assay. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were evaluated using the disk diffusion method against various strains, while insecticidal and repellent effects were tested on <i>Bruchus lentis</i> at different concentrations and exposure times. Antioxidant mechanisms were investigated using DFT calculations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings underscore the strong antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and insecticidal properties of <i>S. aromaticum</i> EO, with eugenol identified as the primary active component driving the antioxidant and insecticidal effects. Additionally, eugenol has been found to exhibit moderate scavenging activity in lipid media. However, its activity is higher in polar media, with a <i>k</i> _overall = 1.70 ⊠ 10⁶ M^-1s^-1 comparable to that of ascorbic acid. The single-electron transfer mechanism from the deprotonated state was found to play a decisive role under these conditions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong><i>S. aromaticum</i> EO exhibits remarkable antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and insecticidal activities. A significant portion of these properties can be attributed to the presence of eugenol. This suggests that eugenol plays a critical role in the EO's overall efficacy, making <i>S. aromaticum</i> a promising candidate for applications in natural health products, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural pest management.</p>","PeriodicalId":94363,"journal":{"name":"Turkish journal of biology = Turk biyoloji dergisi","volume":"49 1","pages":"102-117"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11913364/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143660218","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antidiabetic potential of polysaccharides from Algerian Saharan <i>Zygophyllum geslini</i> in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.","authors":"Houria Medjdoub, Waffa Bouali, Arezki Azzi, Nacéra Belkacem, Nabila Benariba, Nawel Meliani","doi":"10.55730/1300-0152.2724","DOIUrl":"10.55730/1300-0152.2724","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/aim: </strong><i>Zygophyllum geslini</i>, an endemic Algerian species, has numerous properties, especially as an antidiabetic drug. In Algeria, this herb serves as condiment in Saharan dishes and as animal feed (Sheep, Goat and Camel). However, few scientific studies have reported on the medicinal properties of this Saharan species. The aims of the present work were to study 1) the chemical aspects of polysaccharides extracted from this plant, 2) their inhibitory effect on pancreatic α-amylase in vitro, and 3) their antihyperglycemic effect in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats in vivo.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>First, polysaccharides were extracted from <i>Z. geslini</i> aerial part (ZGAP) in hot water and precipitated with ethanol to obtain ethanolic polysaccharides and with acetone to obtain acetonic polysaccharides. The extracts were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. In vitro antidiabetic evaluation was performed using pancreatic α-amylase, an enzyme related to diabetes. In addition, ethanolic polysaccharides were tested in vivo in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats for 4 weeks. The rats received 100 mg/kg ZGAP ethanolic polysaccharides.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>FTIR spectra showed that ZGAP polysaccharides were heterogeneous in composition, with extraction yield of 14.07 ± 2.61 and 4.48 ± 1.01 g/100 g of dry ZGAP and had a neutral pH (7.03 and 7.2) for ethanolic and acetonic polysaccharides, respectively. Furthermore, ZGAP polysaccharides showed potential as an α-amylase inhibitor, with IC₅₀ = 3.53 ± 0.09 μg/mL for ethanolic and 7.31 ± 0.42 μg/mL for acetonic polysaccharides. Ethanolic polysaccharides were able to correct hyperglycemia caused by streptozotocin damage. A significant decrease in blood glucose levels and improvement in oral glucose tolerance were observed with ethanolic polysaccharides. Ethanolic polysaccharides extract enhanced the body weight evolution in diabetic rats.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Based on these findings, we conclude that ZGAP polysaccharides have interesting in vivo and in vitro antidiabetic activities.</p>","PeriodicalId":94363,"journal":{"name":"Turkish journal of biology = Turk biyoloji dergisi","volume":"49 1","pages":"60-69"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11913357/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143660281","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Knockdown of Plexin C1 induces epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and confers resistance to multikinase inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma cells.","authors":"Gamze Güngör Topcu, Arzu Aysan, Şevval Dik, Maide Şeker, Melike Binnur Bahçekapili, Sude Topkaraoğlu, Dilek Yavuzer, Tamer Yağci","doi":"10.55730/1300-0152.2739","DOIUrl":"10.55730/1300-0152.2739","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/aim: </strong>HCC is a common and lethal malignancy and multi-kinase inhibitors (MKIs) are among the therapeutic options for unresectable cases. However, response rates to MKIs remained variable, necessitating the identification of predictive biomarkers. Plexin C1 (PLXNC1), a receptor involved in cell signaling, has emerged as a potential candidate to regulate tumor responses. This study aims to evaluate the impact of PLXNC1 expression on the sensitivity of HCC cells to MKI therapy.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>shRNA-mediated PLXNC1 knock-down and control clones of HCC cell lines PLC/PRF/5 and Hep3B were generated, and downregulation of PLXNC1 was confirmed using Western blotting. The effects of MKIs sorafenib and lenvatinib on apoptotic cell death and proliferation of HCC cell clones were explored in relation to PLXNC1 expression. Furthermore, tumor responses to MKIs were evaluated in mouse xenograft models engrafted with shPLXNC1 and control clones of PLC/PRF/5 cells.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results of our in vitro studies indicate that PLXNC1 expression is linked to heightened sensitivity of HCC cells to MKIs. Furthermore, the knockdown of PLXNC1 in these cells resulted in a reduction in proliferation and an increase in apoptosis resistance. The findings were validated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumor models in immunodeficient mice, which revealed that cells expressing PLXNC1 were responsive to drug treatment. In PLXNC1-silenced cells, tumor volumes remained stationary, which was attributable to the antiproliferative effect of PLXNC1 knockdown.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>PLXNC1 expression may serve as a predictive biomarker for MKI efficacy in HCC and provides a potential avenue for personalized therapeutic strategies. Further clinical validation is required to incorporate PLXNC1 into routine diagnostic and treatment protocols for HCC.</p>","PeriodicalId":94363,"journal":{"name":"Turkish journal of biology = Turk biyoloji dergisi","volume":"49 2","pages":"219-232"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12068671/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144004488","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Inhibitory effects of carvacrol on glucansucrase from <i>Streptococcus mutans</i> and salivary α-amylase: in silico and in vitro studies.","authors":"Samet Kocabay, M Abdullah Alagöz, Birnur Akkaya","doi":"10.55730/1300-0152.2727","DOIUrl":"10.55730/1300-0152.2727","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/aim: </strong><i>Streptococcus mutans</i> produces glucansucrase, an enzyme that converts sucrose into lactic acid, which lowers the pH in the oral environment and leads to tooth enamel demineralization, a key factor in dental caries. Additionally, glucansucrase facilitates the formation of extracellular polysaccharides, which promote bacterial adhesion to tooth surfaces. This study investigates the inhibitory effects of carvacrol, a natural compound, on glucansucrase activity both in vitro and in silico.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Glucansucrase enzyme was purified from <i>S. mutans</i>. The inhibitory effects of carvacrol against glucansucrase enzyme were investigated both in vitro and in silico.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In the presence of 50 mM carvacrol, glucansucrase and salivary amylase activities were reduced by 51.25% and 14.85%, respectively. Carvacrol did not significantly inhibit (4.73%) the salivary amylase enzyme at 10 mM. Glucansucrase activity decreased by 51.63% in the presence of 10 mM acarbose, which was used as a positive control in glucansucrase enzyme studies. Acarbose inhibited salivary amylase with 82.54% loss of enzyme activity in the presence of 1 mM acarbose. The docking score obtained for carvacrol was -5.262 kcal/mol, while that obtained for acarbose was -6.084 kcal/mol. We carried out molecular dynamics simulation studies for 100 ns to determine the stability of carvacrol in the active site of the protein. Carvacrol demonstrated stable binding to glucansucrase with hydrogen bonds and interactions at key residues (ASP477, GLN960, and ASP909), confirmed by molecular dynamics simulations. Carvacrol remained stable between 16 and 100 ns.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Carvacrol selectively inhibits glucansucrase without significantly affecting salivary amylase, making it a more targeted inhibitor compared to acarbose, which inhibits both enzymes. Docking studies indicated that while carvacrol has a lower binding affinity than acarbose, its stable interaction with the enzyme suggests sustained inhibitory action. These findings highlight carvacrol as a promising natural compound for preventing dental caries, offering a more selective alternative to traditional inhibitors. Further in vivo studies are necessary to assess its therapeutic efficacy and safety in clinical applications for oral health.</p>","PeriodicalId":94363,"journal":{"name":"Turkish journal of biology = Turk biyoloji dergisi","volume":"49 1","pages":"92-101"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11913353/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143660240","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A tetracycline-inducible Split TurboID system for specific biotinylation and identification of nuclear proteins from HEK293T cells.","authors":"Mehmet Sarihan, Fatma Zehra Özen, Murat Kasap, Gürler Akpinar","doi":"10.55730/1300-0152.2734","DOIUrl":"10.55730/1300-0152.2734","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/aim: </strong>To overcome the limitations of conventional organelle isolation methods including low purity, low yield, sample degradation, scalability and the need for multiple centrifugation steps, an improved nuclear protein enrichment approach was developed using the modified Split TurboID biotin ligase enzyme.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A construct was created in which the N-terminal domain of TurboID, fused to the FK506-binding protein (FKBP) was targeted to the nucleus. This construct was incorporated into a tetracycline-inducible gene expression vector. Similarly, the C-terminal domain of TurboID was fused to the rapamycin-binding domain of mTOR (FRB) and directed to the nucleus. This construct was introduced into a constitutive expression vector. A HEK-293T-TetR+ cell line, stably expressing both fusion proteins, was created. Activation of the N-terminal domain was achieved by tetracycline induction while an active Split-TurboID was formed within the nucleus only after the introduction of rapamycin into the culture medium which facilitated the formation of the FKBP-Rapamycin-FRB complex.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The cells expressed N- and C-termini of Split-TurboID and produced an active biotin ligase enzyme in the nucleus, as demonstrated by Western blot and immunofluorescence microscopy analyses. The active enzyme biotinylated both residential nuclear proteins and the proteins that transiently interact with the nucleus. Enrichment and identification of the biotinylated proteins showed that 1518 proteins were identified, of which 78.4% were localized to or colocalized with the nucleus. Comparison with unenriched samples confirmed higher confidence in identification of resident nuclear proteins. Cross-referencing with the Human Protein Atlas highlighted the limitations of current databases, 820 proteins match known nuclear proteins and 698 have not been previously annotated.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Split-TurboID-based approach effectively minimized background noise arising from nonspecific labeling or imperfect localization and provided an appreciable level of specificity resulting identification of both residential and transiently interacting nuclear proteins.</p>","PeriodicalId":94363,"journal":{"name":"Turkish journal of biology = Turk biyoloji dergisi","volume":"49 2","pages":"162-174"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12068675/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144004228","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Discovery and characterization of selective lipase-inhibiting polyheterocyclic derivatives: a combined in silico and in vitro study.","authors":"Madjda Benguechoua, Mebarka Imene Benguechoua, Khedidja Benarous, Houssem Boulebd, Ibtissem Kadi, Arif Mermer, Yakup Şirin, Alaeddine Kaouka, Mohamed Yousfi","doi":"10.55730/1300-0152.2748","DOIUrl":"10.55730/1300-0152.2748","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/aim: </strong>Obesity has become a global health crisis with an increasing prevalence, necessitating the search for effective therapies. Schiff base derivatives, known for their broad pharmacological activities, have gained attention as potential antiobesity agents. This study aimed to investigate the lipase inhibitory potential of novel Schiff base derivatives and assess their drug-like properties through in vitro assays and in silico methods.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>The lipase inhibitory activity of synthesized Schiff base derivatives was evaluated using in vitro assays, with IC₅₀ values determined for each compound. Additionally, in silico ADMET predictions (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity), molecular docking studies, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations were conducted to assess the pharmacokinetic properties and binding potential of the compounds to the lipase active site.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The synthesized Schiff base derivatives demonstrated significant lipase inhibitory activity, with IC₅₀ values of 995.74 ± 0.010 μM (<b>6</b>) and 1985.51 ± 0.041 μM (<b>2</b>), comparable to the reference compound quercetin (843.06 ± 0.0007 μM). In silico ADMET analyses revealed that compounds <b>2</b> and <b>6</b> possess favorable pharmacokinetic properties and exhibit drug-like characteristics. Molecular docking studies showed robust binding interactions between these compounds and the lipase active site, which were further corroborated by DFT calculations that identified reactive regions and stable conformations. Among the compounds, compound <b>6</b> exhibited the most effective inhibition and interaction profile, indicating its potential as a lipase inhibitor. These findings underscore the potential of Schiff base derivatives as promising antiobesity agents.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The results of our study highlight the potential of Schiff base derivatives as promising candidates for antiobesity therapy, given their significant lipase inhibitory activity and favorable in silico predictions. Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms of action and assess the efficacy of these compounds in vivo.</p>","PeriodicalId":94363,"journal":{"name":"Turkish journal of biology = Turk biyoloji dergisi","volume":"49 3","pages":"324-335"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12266345/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144661547","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prooxidant effect of uric acid on human leukocytic DNA: An in vitro and ex vivo study.","authors":"Yim Tong Savio Szeto, Vincy Sze Wing Li, Yuen Lam Pon","doi":"10.55730/1300-0152.2735","DOIUrl":"10.55730/1300-0152.2735","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/aim: </strong>Uric acid is a major contributor to the total antioxidant capacity of human plasma. However, this endogenous substance's antioxidant and prooxidant properties have not yet been reported.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In this study, the comet assay was employed in vitro to determine the effect of uric acid on DNA damage in human lymphocytes and leukocytic DNA damage in hyperuricemia patients with and without renal failure.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>DNA damage in lymphocytes occurred at uric acid concentrations of ≥600 μM. Adding catalase to the uric acid solution diminished the damaging effect, indicating that hydrogen peroxide mediated the prooxidant activity. Moreover, adding Fe²⁺ did not enhance the DNA damage, suggesting that the urate's prooxidant activity is independent of the Fenton reaction. The unstable nature of uric acid at nearly neutral and acidic pH levels resulted in autooxidation and the generation of hydrogen peroxide. Maintaining the stability of uric acid in vivo may lead to the consumption of antioxidants in the body and affect the antioxidant status. Hyperuricemia patients with and without renal failure had higher levels of leukocytic DNA damage compared to healthy individuals. However, there was no significant difference in leukocytic DNA damage between hyperuricemia patients with and without renal failure, which showed that the damaging effect was not due to renal failure. A correlation study suggested that serum uric acid level had a stronger correlation with DNA damage than the severity of renal failure as indicated by serum creatinine or urea.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Uric acid demonstrated prooxidant activity in both in vitro and in vivo studies, which was mediated by the production of hydrogen peroxide and independent of both the Fenton reaction and renal failure.</p>","PeriodicalId":94363,"journal":{"name":"Turkish journal of biology = Turk biyoloji dergisi","volume":"49 2","pages":"175-184"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12068677/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144061685","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Intrinsic apoptotic effect of Anatolian honeybee (<i>Apis mellifera anatoliaca</i>) venom promoted with mesoporous silica nanocarriers.","authors":"Batuhan Orman, Aylin Koç, Didem Şen Karaman, Ayşe Nalbantsoy","doi":"10.55730/1300-0152.2736","DOIUrl":"10.55730/1300-0152.2736","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/aim: </strong>The use of bee products or treatment with bees, as a complement to conventional medicine is attracting considerable attention in cancer research. Although discoveries related to the potential anticancer effects of bee venom are increasing, the unstable nature of venom biomolecules remains a limiting factor for their usage. In this study, we employed mesoporous silica nanocarriers (MSNs) to provide precise dosing and prevent carriers from biomolecule degradation thanks to the outstanding loading capacity provided by the pores, excellent chemical and biological robustness, and ability to improve bioavailability.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>MSNs were synthesized and physicochemical characterizations were carried out. The cytotoxicity of <i>Apis mellifera anatoliaca</i> bee venom and venom-complexed MSNs (MSNs@Venom) were determined for the MDA-MB 231, PC3, and HeLa cancer cell lines and the cytotoxicity of pristine MSNs was investigated for the HEK-293 and CCD34-Lu cell lines. The cellular uptake of MSNs@Venom by PC3 and MDA-MB 231 cells was investigated by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. The apoptotic effect on cancer cells was examined by flow cytometry.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The MSNs exhibited significant cellular uptake of MSN by the PC3 and MDA-MB 231 cell lines, resulting in a 1.5-fold enhancement in the apoptotic effect of venom on the PC3 cell line when combined with MSNs, compared to cells exposed alone to venom.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>MSNs could effectively be taken up by MDA-MB 231 and PC3 cancer cells, enhancing the action of bee venom by the particle-mediated delivery. MSNs@Venom have the potential to offer cost-effective complementary and innovative cancer treatment options.</p>","PeriodicalId":94363,"journal":{"name":"Turkish journal of biology = Turk biyoloji dergisi","volume":"49 2","pages":"185-197"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12068665/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144059506","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}