Archives of Biological Sciences

AP collagen peptides improve hair growth and quality by promoting human hair cell proliferation and keratin synthesis

2024-03-20T11:44:21+01:00

Paper description:

Inhibiting apoptosis and inducing proliferation of human hair follicle cells is important for hair production and hair loss prevention.
Considering that collagen peptides are structural proteins found in skin substrates and tissues surrounding follicles, hair growth and improvement of the function of AP collagen peptides (APCP) were evaluated in vitro.
APCP exerts proliferative effects, inhibits apoptosis, and increases the expression of antioxidant enzymes and keratin in hair cells.
The effect of APCP on human hair cells was revealed for the first time, suggesting that APCP could be an effective bioactive supplement with the potential to improve hair growth and quality.

Abstract: Hair is an essential protective and health-maintaining covering for the body, especially the scalp. It is also important esthetically in modern society, where hair loss, whether caused by the severe scalp condition androgenic alopecia or other internal or external factors, has societal and psychological impacts. Preventing the apoptosis of human hair follicle cells, including hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) and human hair follicle keratinocytes (HHFKs), is crucial for hair production, alongside hair strengthening, which is essential in combatting hair loss. Given the structural importance of collagen peptides in the skin matrix and tissues surrounding hair follicles, we studied the function of AP collagen peptides (APCP) as a hair growth and quality improvement agent. APCP was found to stimulate the proliferation of hair follicle cells and counteract H₂O₂-induced apoptosis. It also significantly suppressed the expression of dickkopf-1 (DKK1) and bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP6), which induce hair cell apoptosis in the presence or absence of UVA/B irradiation. Moreover, APCP induced expression of the antioxidant enzymes, catalase and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), while enhancing hair keratin expression in HHFKs. Mechanistically, APCP facilitated hair growth by elevating GAS6 expression and activating PKA and AKT/ERK signaling pathways. Notably, APCP increased levels of phosphor-β-catenin (Ser552/Ser675) as well as total β-catenin, as demonstrated by Western blotting and immunocytochemistry. Lastly, we showed that APCP increased expression of the hair cuticle type I keratins, keratin-32 and 42, in HHFKs. Overall, these findings propose APCP as a promising candidate for safeguarding hair follicle cells and mitigating hair loss by improving hair growth and quality.

Exploring diel vertical migration and spatiotemporal variation of zooplankton backscattering strength using an acoustic Doppler current profiler instrument in the Halmahera Sea, Indonesia

2024-02-06T12:11:48+01:00

Paper description:

To examine the characteristics of zooplankton distribution in the Halmahera Sea, Indonesia, an acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) that can detect the presence and behavior of zooplankton spatially and temporally from deep to near-surface sea was used.
Obtained ADCP data were converted to decibels using sonar equations.
Acoustic data showed zooplankton’s diel vertical migration (DVM) pattern, with downward migration starting before sunrise and upward before sunset. High acoustic backscatter values were not attributed to a single zooplankton species.
ADCP is an effective tool for detecting the presence and behavior of zooplankton by providing broad coverage with high-resolution data.

Abstract: Given its critical role in marine ecosystems, this study comprehensively examined zooplankton distribution and behavior in the Halmahera Sea. The temporal and spatial dynamics of zooplankton acoustic backscatter values were analyzed using a 153.6 kHz vessel-mounted acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP). Analysis was supplemented by biological sampling with a bongo plankton net. Further evaluation included the analysis of oceanographic and bathymetric data. The acoustic, oceanographic, and biological sampling data were obtained from the Jala Citra I “Aurora” survey expedition in 2021, while the bathymetry data were obtained from the General Bathymetric Charts of the Ocean (GEBCO). The raw ADCP data, represented as digital counts, were transformed into mean volume backscattering strength (MVBS) expressed in decibels (dB) using sonar equations to yield a measure proportional to zooplankton biomass. Temporal observations revealed a diel vertical migration (DVM) pattern in zooplankton aggregation, characterized by movements responding to the daily solar cycle. Spatial observations indicated a higher zooplankton density in semi-enclosed waters than in open water. The high values of acoustic backscatter are not attributed to a single species of zooplankton. Biological sampling identified that Oncaea spp. and Oithona spp., a species from the Cyclopoida order, exhibit the highest abundance. The study concludes that the ADCP, based on acoustic backscatter measurements and data sampling, is an effective tool for detecting the presence and behavior of zooplankton.

Genetic variants in the retinoid X receptor gene contribute to osteoarthritis susceptibility

2024-03-14T07:17:27+01:00

Paper description:

Osteoarthritis, a progressive joint disease characterized by persistent inflammation, has both hereditary and environmental causes.
This study is the first to examine the association between osteoarthritis and polymorphisms in the RXRα gene, which regulates inflammatory pathways and acts as a transcriptional partner of vitamin D3 and retinoic acid receptors.
The RXRα polymorphism rs7864987 is associated with an increased risk of osteoarthritis (P=0.012), while rs3118523 reduces its risk (P=0.030).
RXRα is an inflammation-related gene involved in the complex network underlying the immunopathology of osteoarthritis, and its polymorphisms could potentially drive individualized retinoid therapy for osteoarthritis.

Abstract: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive disease of the joints that causes a gradual loss of function, resulting in limited mobility. Chronic inflammation is the main molecular process that triggers and propagates this disease. The retinoid X receptor (RXR), a member of the nuclear receptor family, is involved in modulating inflammatory pathways by influencing key pro-catabolic inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and enzymes responsible for instigating and sustaining chronic joint inflammation. We evaluated the association between OA risk and genetic variants in the RXRα isoform. Compared to control individuals, a statistically significant difference in genotype distribution was detected for the rs7864987 polymorphism (P=0.008), while a positive inclination toward association was noted for rs3118523 (P=0.077). According to our findings based on the additive model, it appears that RXRα rs7864987 is linked to a higher risk of OA (adjusted odds ratio (OR)=1.846, P=0.012), whereas rs3118523 is associated with decreased risk of OA (adjusted OR=0.569, P=0.030). These results suggest that RXRα could be a significant inflammation-related gene involved in the complex network underlying the immunopathology of osteoarthritis. RXRα polymorphisms could potentially drive individualized retinoid therapy for OA based on genetic profile.

Assessment of antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities and acute toxicity of the aqueous extract from a mixture of leaves and flowers of Anabasis articulata (Forssk.) Moq.

2024-02-29T10:29:01+01:00

Paper description:

Anabasis articulata (Forssk) Moq. was used in traditional medicine to treat fever, headaches, diabetes, and skin disorders including eczema and lice.
Quantification of secondary metabolites, examination of antioxidant activity, and acute toxicity of the aqueous extract from mixtures of articulata flowers and leaves, and the in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous extract was examined.
The extract exhibited in vitro antioxidant activity and showed in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities in different models.
This plant has potential beneficial effects for treating diseases associated with inflammation.

Abstract: Colometric assays were used to quantify the secondary metabolites obtained by a decoction of the extract of Anabasis articulata (DEAA) flowers and leaves. Antioxidant activity was examined using several methods: total antioxidant capacity, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazy (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, and the β-carotene bleaching assay. Single oral doses of 2000 and 5000 mg/kg body weight were administered to albino mice to assess acute toxicity. In vitro antiinflammatory activity was determined using the egg albumin denaturation test, and the in vivo inflammatory effect was assessed utilizing carrageenan, croton oil, and xylene-induced edema tests. Results showed that DEAA contained high amounts of polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins and exhibited antioxidant activity in all tested assays. DEAA inhibited protein denaturation and did not cause any mortality or adverse effects. Oral administration of 200 mg/kg DEAA significantly reduced the edema induced by carrageenan, croton oil, and xylene. This study highlights the use of Anabasis articulata (Forssk.) Moq. in traditional herbal medicine. It possesses antioxidant activity and can be considered safe for oral consumption; it also has potential beneficial effects in treating diseases associated with inflammation and pain.

Freshwater algae Cladophora glomerata and Vaucheria sp. from Serbia as sources of bioactive compounds: chemical analysis and biological activities

2024-03-27T20:58:14+01:00

Paper description:

There is growing interest in novel sources of biologically active compounds, including freshwater macroalgae whose bioactivities are largely unexplored.
Ethanol and acetone extracts of Cladophora glomerata and Vaucheria were prepared.
Total phenolic and pigment contents were determined. In vitro bioactivities, including antioxidant potential, antimicrobial, antibiofilm activities, and cytotoxicity were examined.
glomerata and Vaucheria sp. extracts are a valuable source of bioactive compounds.

Abstract: We examined potential biological activities of two taxa of freshwater algae, Cladophora glomerata and Vaucheria sp., from Serbia. The total phenolic and pigment contents, antioxidant potential, antimicrobial, antibiofilm activities, and cytotoxicity of the ethanol and acetone extracts were evaluated. The extracts were also subjected to Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The levels of total phenolic compounds, chlorophylls a and b, and carotenoids varied based on both the algal taxa and the type of extracts. FTIR analysis showed the presence of lipids, unsaturated fatty acids, protein, carbohydrates, and phenols in the algal extracts. The extracts had moderate DPPH radical scavenging activity and lower reducing power compared with ascorbic acid. The antimicrobial activity expressed as minimum inhibitory concentrations ranged from 0.31 mg/mL to 10 mg/mL. The strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus isolated from food samples, as well as S. aureus ATCC 25923, were the most sensitive. For the first time, the antibiofilm activity test revealed 98.7% inhibition of S. aureus biofilm formation. The extracts exhibited cytotoxic effects on choriocarcinoma JAR cells but without selectivity on normal fetal lung fibroblast MRC-5 cells. This is the first report on the biological activities of freshwater macroalgae from Serbia.

Use of bacterial-based single-cell protein MRD-Pro® in diets for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fry

2024-04-12T18:21:46+02:00

Paper description:

Novel bacterial-based single-cell protein (SCP) has attractive nutritive value for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) during the juvenile and growout phases, but its use for tilapia fry needs to be studied.
Dietary fishmeal (FM) was replaced by the bacterial-based SCP MRD-Pro® in isoproteic diets for tilapia fry in a completely randomized design.
50% FM can be replaced by MRD-Pro®, but greater dietary levels resulted in depressed growth. MRD-Pro® significantly decreased the muscle crude fat content.
The bacterial-based SCP MRD-Pro® is a nutritious feedstuff that can be effectively incorporated, within limits, into diets for tilapia fry.

Abstract: The research assessed the inclusion of MRD-Pro®, a bacterial-derived single-cell protein (SCP), in the diets of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fry with an initial weight of 0.12 grams. Using a diet composed of 45% crude protein and 14% crude fat, with an initial fishmeal content of 8.0% (designated as Diet 0.00% SCP, the control), SCP replaced 50% and 100% of the fishmeal on a protein basis, incorporated at levels of 4.25% and 8.50%, respectively. In addition, two more diets were prepared with higher levels of SCP, 14.50% and 21.00%. All diets were isoproteic and isolipidic. Weight gains of fish fed with the control diet (27.26 g) and the 4.25% SCP diet (21.61 g) were statistically comparable among themselves but were significantly greater than those of fish fed the 8.50% SCP (10.45 g), 14.50% SCP (11.54 g), or 21.00% SCP (7.28 g) diets, a trend observed across all growth and feed utilization indices. Increasing dietary SCP significantly reduced the crude fat and dry matter content in fish muscle tissue, while minimal changes in the amino acid profile of fish muscle tissue were observed. The bacterial-based SCP MRD-Pro® is a nutritious feed additive that can be effectively incorporated, within limits, into the diet of tilapia fry.

Insights into the response of Miscanthus x giganteus to rhizobacteria: enhancement of metal tolerance and root development under heavy metal stress

2024-03-07T18:24:53+01:00

This article has been corrected. Link to the correction 10.2298/ABS240718021E

Paper description:

Rhizobacteria enhance the phytoremediation potential of Miscanthus x giganteus by stimulating growth and root development, resulting in increased biomass production, improved nutrient status, metal uptake, and accumulation.
Transcriptomic analysis: rhizobacteria and x giganteus interaction modulates gene expression in roots, 9892 differential gene expression units DEGs change expression after treatment.
Gene ontology analysis: upregulated DEGs enriched in 32 terms; downregulated genes enriched in 63 terms.
Expression of MATE 40 and COBRA-like 1 (involved in plant response to biotic and abiotic stress, cell wall organization and cellular elongation processes, respectively) increased in bacteria-treated plants.

Abstract: The use of bioenergy crops such as Miscanthus x giganteus in phytoremediation could have both environmental and economic benefits, such as biomass production and soil conservation for crops. In our previous work, we showed that rhizobacteria from the rhizosphere of M. x giganteus stimulated metal extraction and uptake and enhanced the phytoremediation ability of treated M. x giganteus. In the present study, we conducted transcriptome analysis and qPCR to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions in response to bacterial treatment by identifying the candidate genes involved in growth and development processes and metal uptake. Using high-throughput RNA sequencing of root samples, we found that 5134 and 4758 genes were up- and downregulated in plants treated with the rhizobacteria consortium. Gene ontology analysis showed that the upregulated DEGs were significantly enriched in 32 terms, while the downregulated genes were significantly enriched in 63 terms. Our results confirmed the increased expression of two genes: the multidrug and toxic compound extrusion, also known as multi-antimicrobial extrusion (MATE) 40, known for its role in plant response to biotic and abiotic stress, and COBRA-like protein 1 belonging to the COBRA-like (COBL) gene family, which encodes a putative glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein involved in cell wall thickening, cell elongation, and biomass increase when compared to untreated plants. We present the first insight into a mechanism whereby the interaction between the rhizobacterial consortium and M. x giganteus fosters plant growth and enhances its capacity for phytoremediation.

Photosynthetic insights into winter-green leaves in Quercus pubescens Willd. seedlings

2024-05-22T13:47:37+02:00

Paper description:

The paper describes the winter-green leaves phenomenon in Quercus pubescens seedlings from a photosynthetic perspective which is rarely reported in the literature.
Photochemical activity of photosystem II was compared between winter-green leaves from 2020 and spring and summer leaves developed during the 2021 growing season.
Winter-green leaves attained up to 60% of the maximal photosynthetic activity obtained in spring and summer leaves. Winter-green leaves exhibited frost resistance while surviving 33 days at sub-zero temperatures during the winter.
The results contribute to a better understanding of the acclimation of pubescens seedlings to frost in the light of changing environmental conditions.

Abstract: Quercus pubescens Willd. is a deciduous species that can retain leaves in the winter either as dead, standing leaves (marcescence), or as living, winter-green leaves. The retention of green leaves through winter is rare in continental areas. Winter-green leaves were observed on one-year-old seedlings of Q. pubescens in the winter of 2020 in the nursery of the Faculty of Forestry that lasted until the end of April 2021. The photosynthetic activity of photosystem II was measured using the rapid light curve method based on modulated pulse chlorophyll fluorescence. We assessed the potential photosynthetic activity of the leaves across the range of physiological stages: winter-green leaves retained from the previous growing season and on the leaves from the first, second, and third growth flush during the growing season. Photosystem II of winter-green leaves attained ~50-60% of the maximal photosynthetic activity obtained in spring and summer leaves, respectively. Climate data indicated that winter-green leaves exhibited frost resistance in the winter of 2020/2021, as their photosynthetic activity was preserved despite 33 days with sub-zero temperatures. The rapid light curve method also revealed the gradual acclimation of seedlings on a flush level, with leaves from the third flush best able to use available light under high temperatures and insolation efficiently. The results of rapid light use as an indicator of seedling acclimation are discussed. Some remarks on the possible practical significance of the winter-green leaves phenomenon (as in genetic selection) are highlighted.

Comparative 16s metagenomic analysis of prokaryotic diversity in freshwater and permanent snow-line glacial lakes in Türkiye

2024-04-03T20:58:54+02:00

Paper description:

Freshwater lakes support diverse bacterial communities vital for healthy ecosystems. Pollution and climate change can disrupt these communities.
This study employed metagenomics to compare the bacterial diversity in three Turkish lakes: Beyşehir, Eber, and Uludağ Buzlu.
Distinct bacterial compositions were observed. Beyşehir had the highest diversity with Planktophila and Limnohabitans Eber Lake was characterized by Limnohabitans, Flavobacterium, and Sphingomonas. Uludağ Buzlu Lake had low diversity with Parabacteroides and Akkermansia being the most common.
This study provides foundational data on bacterial communities in Turkish lakes, highlighting pollution and altitude effects. This facilitates freshwater ecosystem monitoring and broader environmental change research.

Abstract: Freshwater lakes are critical to healthy ecosystems, providing vital services like drinking water and recreation for surrounding communities. Microorganisms within these ecosystems play essential roles, driving biogeochemical cycles for elements like carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur. This study utilized a metagenomic approach to examine the prokaryotic communities of three freshwater lakes in Türkiye: the Eber and Beyşehir lakes, located at close altitudes (967 m and 1,115 m, respectively), which serve as primary water sources for nearby communities, and Lake Uludag Buzlu (2,390 m) that lies at the permanent snow border within the Uludag glacial lake system. Metagenomics allowed us to identify species, genetic structures, and the functional roles of microorganisms. Employing high-throughput next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, we analyzed 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences (V3-V4 regions) from the lake samples. EzBioCloud software facilitated the analysis of prokaryotic diversity obtained using Illumina NovaSeq technology. While Eber and Beyşehir lakes had similar diversity, Bacillota dominated in the higher-altitude Lake Uludag Buzlu. Genus-level analysis revealed Parabacteroides as the most prevalent in Lake Uludag Buzlu, contrasting with Limnohabitans dominance in Lake Eber; Lake Beyşehir exhibited co-dominance of Limnohabitans and Planktophila.

The effects of basil (Ocimum basilicum) leaf extract on Ca9-22 oral cancer cells

2024-06-16T21:56:55+02:00

Paper description:

Studies have described basil extract's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic effects against various cancers. Limited research has explored it in oral cancer.
This study assessed the effects of ethanolic basil leaf extract on Ca9-22 oral cancer cell viability, cell cycle progression, and inflammation using the MTT assay, real-time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) extract inhibited cell viability by arresting the cell cycle and suppressing inflammatory genes.
This research provides novel insights into basil extract’s anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory mechanisms in oral cancer.

Abstract: Basil (Ocimum basilicum), as a prominent member of the Lamiaceae family, is known to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer properties. This study investigated the inhibitory effect of basil extract on oral cancer cells. Basil leaves were dried and extracted with ethanol. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to assess the cytotoxic effect of basil extract (12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 μg/mL) on Ca9-22, a human gingival squamous carcinoma cell line, after 24, 48, and 72 h. Gene expression of cell cycle regulators (cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), p21, p53) and inflammatory markers (cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6) was analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Additionally, these markers were measured in culture supernatants via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The MTT assay revealed a concentration-dependent reduction in cell viability, with IC₅₀ values of 350 μg/mL for Ca9-22 cells. RT-PCR analysis revealed that treated cells exhibited downregulation of cyclin D1 and CDK4, along with upregulation of p21 and p53, compared to control Ca9-22 cells, which were only exposed to nutrient medium. These changes were observed at both mRNA and protein levels. Inflammatory genes (COX-2, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) were significantly decreased at both mRNA and protein levels. Basil extract exerts cytotoxic effects on oral cancer cells by inhibiting cell cycle progression and inflammatory mediators. These findings point to the potential use of O. basilicum extract as a therapeutic agent against oral cancer.