Archives of Biological Sciences

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester as a potent adjuvant: augmenting cisplatin’s antitumor activity while mitigating nephrotoxicity in triple-negative breast cancer

2025-06-10T16:12:02+02:00

Paper description:

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) enhances the anti-cancer effect of low-dose cisplatin on Triple-negative breast cancer. CAPE attenuates the nephrotoxicity induced by cisplatin.
Potentiation of apoptosis was analyzed by annexin V/PI flow cytometry and the expression of cleaved caspase-3 protein. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was examined by DCFH-DA flow cytometry, and DNA damage by multi modal assays (comet/immunofluorescence/immunocytochemistry/western blotting). Network pharmacology, transcriptomics, and western blotting validated therapeutic synergy.
CAPE combined with cisplatin increased ROS overproduction, cell apoptosis and DNA damage via the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway.
CAPE may be a promising adjuvant in cancer therapy.

Abstract: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains a significant clinical challenge due to its aggressive nature and limited treatment options. Cisplatin is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent for TNBC, but its clinical application is hindered by dose-limiting nephrotoxicity. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a bioactive component of propolis with known antitumor and organ-protective effects, has potential as an adjuvant to chemotherapy. This study evaluates the synergistic antitumor efficacy of CAPE combined with cisplatin and its ability to mitigate nephrotoxicity. In vitro, the CAPE-cisplatin combination synergistically inhibited TNBC cell proliferation, an effect reversed by the apoptosis inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK and the ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine. Enhanced apoptosis was confirmed by Annexin V/PI staining and elevated cleaved caspase-3 levels, while increased ROS generation was verified by DCFH-DA flow cytometry. DNA damage was further supported by comet assays, immunofluorescence, immunocytochemistry, and Western blotting. Mechanistic studies using network pharmacology, transcriptomics, and Western blotting implicated the MAPK signaling pathway in mediating the therapeutic synergy. In vivo, combination therapy significantly enhanced the antitumor efficacy of a subtherapeutic dose of cisplatin and reduced nephrotoxicity compared to monotherapies. These findings suggest that CAPE potentiates the anticancer effects of cisplatin in TNBC while providing renal protection, offering a promising strategy to improve chemotherapy outcomes with reduced toxicity.

Therapeutic effects of Mongolian medical warm acupuncture on neuropathic pain via gut microbiota and inflammatory pathway regulation in a chronic constriction injury rat model

2025-06-19T09:56:46+02:00

Paper description:

Mongolian medical warm acupuncture exhibits beneficial therapeutic effects on neuropathic pain. This study may assist in elucidating its underlying mechanisms.
16S rRNA gene sequencing, ELISA, and real-time PCR were used to identify the effects of Mongolian medical warm acupuncture (MMWA) on gut microbiota and inflammation in the chronic constriction injury (CCI) rat model.
MMWA alleviated neuropathic pain by regulating gut microbiota and inflammation.
Our results contribute to understanding the regulatory mechanisms underlying Mongolian medical warm acupuncture in neuropathic pain.

Abstract: The study was designed to determine whether Mongolian medical warm acupuncture (MMWA) can alleviate neuropathic pain through regulating gut microbiota and inflammation-related pathways in the chronic constriction injury (CCI) rat model. Rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham, model, and treatment. A bilateral chronic constriction injury (CCI) was induced to establish a rat model of neuropathic pain. Rats in the treatment group received MMWA at the Heyi and Shen acupoints once daily for seven consecutive days. Pain-related behaviors were evaluated using mechanical pain threshold and thermal withdrawal latency measurements. The mRNA levels of c-fos in spinal dorsal horns were determined using real-time PCR. Gut microbiota was analyzed by 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis. MMWA could relieve behavioral symptoms (P<0.01). MMWA intervention significantly suppressed the expression of c-fos in CCI rats (P<0.05). The relative abundance of gut bacteria was disturbed in CCI rats, with the microbiota disorder ameliorated by MMWA. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that changes in gut microbiota were associated with the pentose and glucuronate interconversion pathway and secondary bile acid biosynthesis. The concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in CCI rats were increased (P<0.05), an effect that was reversed by MMWA intervention (P<0.05). The current study indicated that the MMWA could effectively alleviate neuropathic pain by modulating gut microbiota and inhibiting inflammation in the CCI rat model, suggesting that gut microbiota could be a promising potential biological target for treating neuropathic pain.

Effect of barley β-glucan on weight gain prevention and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) activity in Wistar rats

2025-06-24T20:32:04+02:00

Paper description:

This study evaluated the preventive effects of barley β-glucan supplementation on body morphometry, weight gain, and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) activity in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity model.
Four groups of rats were fed either a standard diet or an HFD, with or without 5% β-glucan supplementation.
β-glucan reduced weight gain and central adiposity in both dietary contexts and modulated ACE2 in renal, cardiac, and pulmonary tissues.
These results highlight β-glucan’s potential as a functional ingredient to counteract obesity-related cardiovascular risks through renin-angiotensin system regulation.

Abstract: Obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension are key risk factors for cardiovascular disease. This study investigated the preventive effects of barley β-glucan (BG) supplementation on morphometric parameters, body weight, and the renin-angiotensin system in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity model. Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups for 12 weeks. The control group (CT) received a standard diet (SD), while the CT+BG group was fed the same diet enriched with 5% BG. The HFD group received an HFD, and the HFD+BG group was given the HFD supplemented with 5% BG. Morphometric analysis showed that the HFD+BG group exhibited significantly reduced thoracic and abdominal circumferences compared to the HFD group, while the nose-to-anus length remained unchanged. Weight gain was significantly lower in the HFD+BG group compared to the HFD group, with a similar trend observed between the CT+BG and CT groups. ACE2 enzymatic activity revealed a notable increase in renal ACE2 in the CT+BG group vs the CT. Conversely, ACE2 activity was significantly higher in the HFD group compared to the HFD+BG group. Cardiac ACE2 activity was elevated in the CT+BG group relative to the HFD+BG group. Regarding pulmonary ACE2, significant differences were observed between the HFD+BG and CT+BG groups, and between the HFD and CT+BG groups. These findings highlight the beneficial role of BG supplementation, supporting its potential as a dietary strategy to prevent metabolic and cardiovascular disorders.

Hibiscus sabdariffa mitigates hyperlipidemia, cardiac oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokines in serum and cardiac tissue of adult female Wistar rats with fructose-induced metabolic syndrome

2025-06-09T15:08:56+02:00

Paper description:

Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) exhibits a therapeutic potential in metabolic syndrome, a cluster of risk factors affecting cardiovascular health.
This study included 35 female Wistar rats divided into five groups as follows: normal control, an untreated metabolic syndrome group, three treatment groups receiving different doses of HS extract.
HS extract reduced tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma, and increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor, showing novel immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects in hyperlipidemia.
These findings offer initial insights into the combined cardiovascular, immune, and neuroprotective benefits of HS extract

Abstract: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities that includes central obesity, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, atherogenic dyslipidemia, and chronic low-grade inflammation, all of which together elevate the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. MetS is more prevalent in women. A study involving 35 female Wistar rats investigated Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) extract’s therapeutic effects across five groups: normal control, untreated metabolic syndrome group, three experimental groups with fructose-induced metabolic syndrome receiving 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg HS extract. HS extract at 400 mg/kg significantly improved serum lipid metabolism by reducing total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. It also improved cardiovascular risk indicators, the Castelli risk indices I and II. HS extract demonstrated potent antioxidant effects in the heart by reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and enhancing the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and the concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH). It also had immunomodulatory effects, reducing inflammatory markers, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interferon (IF)-γ in the serum and increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in both serum and heart. IF-γ was increased significantly in the heart. In conclusion, HS extract, especially at higher doses, shows substantial therapeutic potential for managing metabolic syndrome by improving lipid profiles, enhancing cardiovascular health, boosting antioxidant defenses, and supporting immune function.

Genetic association of dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) rs72393728 and D-amino acid oxidase activator (DAOA) rs3918342 polymorphisms with bipolar disorder in northeastern Algeria

2025-06-14T11:19:14+02:00

Paper description:

Genes involved in dopamine and glutamate systems have been implicated in the pathogenesis of bipolar disorder.
Polymorphisms of dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH; rs72393728) and D-amino acid oxidase activator (DAOA; rs3918342) were analyzed for their putative role in bipolar disorder susceptibility in a northeast Algerian population.
DBH rs72393728 was associated with bipolar illness and the Del allele is a potential risk factor.
This research provides first evidence for the association between DBH and bipolar disorder and contributes to a better understanding of the DBH and DAOA genotypes and allele distributions in northeast Algeria.

Abstract: Genes involved in neurotransmitter alteration are implicated in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD), particularly those belonging to dopaminergic and glutamatergic pathways. This study aimed to investigate the putative association between dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) 19bp insertion/deletion rs72393728 and D-amino acid oxidase activator (DAOA) M23 rs3918342 polymorphisms with bipolar disorder in a population from northeastern Algeria. The case-control research included 95 patients and 148 controls. The salting out method was applied for the extraction of DNA. PCR was performed to genotype DBH rs72393728; genotyping of DAOA rs3918342 was conducted by PCR-RFLP. The findings demonstrated significant variations in genotype (P=0.025) and allele (P=0.0088) frequencies of DBH between cases and controls. However, there was no significant correlation between the two groups for DAOA either in genotype or allele distributions (P=0.54, and P= 0.26, respectively), although a significant association was detected for grandiose delusion and M23 (P=0.0015). The DBH rs72393728 polymorphism is reported here for the first time to be associated with the risk of bipolar disorder, both in the Algerian population and in the scientific literature. Despite there being no direct association for DAOA rs3918342 polymorphism and bipolar disorder, the two polymorphisms showed significant correlations when combined.

Resveratrol alleviates hyperlipidemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress in poloxamer 407-induced hyperlipidemic adult Wistar rats

2025-06-24T12:32:48+02:00

Abstract: Poloxamer 407 (Pol-407) is widely used to induce hyperlipidemia, leading to dysregulated lipid metabolism and increased cardiovascular risk. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of resveratrol in mitigating Pol-407-induced hyperlipidemia and associated oxidative and inflammatory stress. Twenty-five Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n=5 per group) as follows: Group 1 (normal control), Group 2 (Pol-407-only), Groups 3, 4, and 5, administered resveratrol at doses of 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg, respectively. The study lasted for 21 days. The experimental animals were anaesthetized and killed. Blood samples and cardiac tissues were collected and used for biochemical assessment. Resveratrol treatment demonstrated a significant (P<0.05) dose-dependent improvement in lipid profiles, reducing total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Resveratrol administration significantly (P<0.05) lowered atherogenic and Castelli’s risk indices, restoring cardiovascular balance. Antioxidant defenses were strengthened, evidenced by reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and improved superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activity. Resveratrol mitigated inflammation by decreasing tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and increasing interleukin-10 (IL-10). Cardiac brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels (BDNF) were significantly (P<0.05) restored in the resveratrol-treated groups, suggesting improved cardiac protection. These findings highlight resveratrol’s potential use against hyperlipidemia-induced oxidative and inflammatory stress, reinforcing its lipid-regulating, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities.

Molecular evidence of polyandry and polygyny in the mating system of the non-biting midge Chironomus riparius (Diptera: Chironomidae)

2025-08-11T23:03:51+02:00

Paper description:

This study examines the mating system of Chironomus riparius from two wild populations based on molecular evidence for the reproductive strategies of both sexes.
Multiple paternity was observed in all sampled egg masses from both populations, with notable differences in the mean number of fathers between two populations.
C. riparius is a polygynandrous species, with both sexes mating with multiple partners.
High frequencies of multiple paternity imply high genetic diversity within populations, contributing to species’ survival in various ecological conditions.

Abstract: Chironomus riparius (Insecta: Diptera) is an ecological and environmental flagship species widely distributed in organically enriched waters throughout the temperate latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere. The present study elucidates the mating system of C. riparius using molecular evidence of the reproductive strategies employed by both sexes. A total of 760 larvae from 19 egg masses collected from two different wild populations (Sarayköy and Pamukkale) in Denizli, Türkiye, were genotyped at the MSC1 and MSC4 microsatellite loci, and the number of fathers per egg mass was inferred using GERUD and COLONY. Multiple paternity was detected in all sampled egg masses from both populations, with notable differences in the mean number of fathers between them. C. riparius exhibited skewed paternity in populations with male-biased breeding sex ratios. The species is polygynandrous, with both sexes mating with multiple partners. The high frequencies of multiple paternity observed in this study likely indicate substantial genetic diversity within these populations, supporting the species’ persistence across diverse ecological conditions.

Therapeutic potential of Stypocaulon scoparium extract in antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer applications

2025-08-16T12:30:49+02:00

Paper description:

Seaweeds are well-documented for their bioactive compounds with significant medicinal potential. The biological properties of Stypocaulon scoparium from Algeria have yet to be thoroughly investigated.
A crude extract of Stypocaulon scoparium was evaluated for its polyphenol and flavonoid contents and biological activities.
The extract demonstrated potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and potential anticancer properties.
This research highlights the therapeutic potential of Stypocaulon scoparium seaweed, paving the way for further studies.

Abstract: Seaweeds are widely recognized as valuable sources of bioactive secondary metabolites with significant medicinal and industrial potential. The biological properties of the brown seaweed Stypocaulon scoparium crude extract were investigated. An algal sample was collected from the coastal region of Tipaza, Algeria, and the extract was evaluated for total polyphenol and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. The extract is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, exhibiting strong antioxidant capacity. It showed notable antimicrobial activity was observed against various pathogens, with pronounced strong antifungal efficacy, and significantly reduced MCF7 breast cancer cell viability, indicating anticancer potential. Anti-inflammatory activity was demonstrated by inhibition of protein denaturation, with the extract exhibiting a distinct concentration-dependent effect. In summary, Stypocaulon scoparium was identified as a promising source of bioactive compounds. However, further investigations are required to elucidate their mechanisms of action and to validate their pharmaceutical applications.