Archives of Biological Sciences

Mechanisms of gastroprotective effects of Anabasis articulata (Forssk.) Moq. decoction against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats

Yasmina Makhlouf — 2025-06-26

Paper description:

This study is the first to investigate the gastroprotective effects of the decocted extract of Anabasis articulata (DEAA) across three key mechanisms: potassium ATP channels, cyclooxygenase pathways, and nitric oxide synthesis.
DEAA exhibits significant gastroprotective effects in ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats, particularly at a dose of 200 mg/kg.
The gastroprotective effects of DEAA are independent of KATP channels, prostaglandin synthesis, and nitric oxide production, as demonstrated by pharmacological inhibition using glibenclamide, indomethacin, and L-NAME, respectively.
DEAA protects the gastric mucosa by reducing gastric acidity, increasing mucus secretion, and enhancing antioxidant enzyme (catalase and superoxide dismutase) activities.

Abstract: Anabasis articulata, commonly known as ‘ajrem’ or ‘eshnan’, is widely used in traditional medicine across the Arab world to alleviate ailments such as eczema, fever, and inflammatory diseases. Despite its extensive use, no prior studies have investigated the gastroprotective properties of the decocted extract of A. articulata (DEAA) or explored its mechanisms of action. This study is the first to evaluate the gastroprotective effects of DEAA in ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats and to elucidate its mechanism of action through three major protective pathways. Rats received DEAA per os (p.o.) at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg. Mechanistic investigations included pretreatments with glibenclamide (a potassium ATP-channel blocker), indomethacin (a cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor), and N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor). DEAA at 200 mg/kg demonstrated significant gastroprotective activity in the acute ulcer model. The gastroprotective effects of DEAA were not affected by these pharmacological inhibitors, confirming that its action is independent of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel (KATP channel), prostaglandin synthesis, and nitric oxide (NO) production. Further analysis revealed that DEAA protects the gastric mucosa by reducing basal gastric juice secretion, enhancing mucus secretion, and increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Additionally, DEAA mitigated inflammation by reducing neutrophil infiltration, as evidenced by decreased myeloperoxidase activity. These findings provide the first scientific validation of the gastroprotective effects of DEAA, independent of the three classical protective pathways. This study highlights the potential of A. articulata as a multi-targeted therapeutic agent for preventing and managing gastric ulcers.

Diversity of fungi isolated from the carapace of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis, L. 1758) in South Banat, Serbia

Miloš Stupar — 2025-06-26

Paper description:

Fungal diseases of Emys orbicularis or other biotic interactions between fungi and European pond turtles have not been published.
A combination of microscopy, culture-based methods, and molecular barcoding were used to study the mycobiota associated with the pond turtle shell.
Fungal diversity, comprised of members of Aureobasidium, Cladosporium, Curvularia, Didymella, Microsphaeropsis, Pseudopithomyces, Naganishia, Rhodotorula, and Mucor genera, is documented on the pond turtle shell.
This work contributes to the knowledge of the mycobiota found on the chelonian carapace. Ecological investigations showed the presence of possible animal diseases previously documented in freshwater environments.

Abstract: This study aimed to isolate and identify a fungal community on the carapace of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) and to discuss their potential role as constituents of the turtle mycobiome. The study was conducted during the summer of 2020 within the special nature reserve Deliblato Sands (Deliblatska Peščara), situated in northern Serbia. We used a direct microscopy technique along with culture-based methods and molecular barcoding of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. A plethora of fungal spores were documented as constituents of the biofilm present on the carapace surfaces. A total of 12 fungal isolates from the E. orbicularis carapace were identified, belonging to Alternaria, Aureobasidium, Cladosporium, Curvularia, Didymella, Microsphaeropsis, Pseudopithomyces, Naganishia, Rhodotorula, and Mucor genera. Ecological analyses showed that the majority of documented fungal species originated from terrestrial and aquatic environments, and many could be regarded as potential chelonian pathogens. The study presents pioneering research on fungal dwellers of E. orbicularis in Serbia.

Characterization of cerebellar electrocortical dynamics under ether anesthesia in rats: a preliminary study using linear spectral and non-linear fractal analyses

Jelena Podgorac Kojadinović — 2025-06-26

Paper description:

Ether, as a general anesthetic, influences the activity of cortical and subcortical regions.
Cerebellar electrocortical activity of rats after ether anesthesia was recorded telemetrically with a 16-channel microelectrode system and evaluated by linear and non-linear signal analysis.
A transitional period between different depths of anesthesia was evident between the 17th and 19th minute post-induction, suggesting progressive neural reorganization associated with the emergence from the anesthetized state.
Monitoring anesthetic depth using linear and non-linear signal analysis could assess patterns of electrocortical activity in the cerebellum and other brain regions.

Abstract: The temporal evolution of cerebellar electrocortical activity during emergence from ether anesthesia was investigated using both linear and non-linear analytical methods. Adult male rats underwent operative craniotomy and implantation of a 16-channel microelectrode array targeting the paravermal cerebellar cortex. Following a 7-day recovery period, animals were exposed to ether via inhalation, and cerebellar electrocortical signals were recorded using a wireless acquisition system. Data were quantified through relative spectral power (RSP) across defined frequency bands, Higuchi’s fractal dimension (HFD), and the Hurst exponent (H). A transitional phase between anesthetic depths was identified between the 17^th and 19^th min post-exposure. This period was characterized by a significant increase in RSP within low-frequency bands and a corresponding decrease in high-frequency bands beginning at the 17^th min. Additionally, a marked decrease in HFD and an increase in H were observed at the 19^th min, followed by a moderate rebound in HFD and a reduction in H. These findings suggest that non-linear dynamic measures, particularly HFD and H, may offer greater temporal precision in identifying the onset of awakening compared to conventional spectral analysis, highlighting their potential utility in monitoring anesthetic depth.

The role of ADAM10 in the prediction of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy response in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer

Anđelka M. Isaković — 2025-06-26

Paper description:

Protein ADAM10 is implicated in colorectal cancer development. This study evaluates ADAM10 expression and serum levels in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT).
Pre-nCRT samples from 23 LARC patients were analyzed for ADAM10 expression using RT-qPCR and serum concentrations by ELISA, with correlation to nCRT response.
Tumor tissue had significantly higher ADAM10 expression (83% of patients) than healthy tissue. Serum levels varied widely and did not correlate with tissue expression or nCRT response.
ADAM10’s involvement in rectal cancer biology is confirmed, warranting further research on its substrates and signaling pathways.

Abstract: Protease ADAM10, a member of the A disintegrin and metalloproteinase protein family, plays a role in cytokine/growth factor release, the shedding of receptor molecules from the membrane, and intracellular signaling. ADAM10 is implicated in colorectal cancer development and progression and has been identified as a potential predictive biomarker in this disease. This study evaluates ADAM10 expression in tumor and non-tumor tissue and ADAM10 serum concentrations in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). The study included samples taken before nCRT from 23 histopathologically confirmed LARC patients. Expression of ADAM10 was assessed using RT-qPCR, while ELISA measured ADAM10 concentrations in the serum, and the correlation of the results with nCRT response was evaluated. We found statistically significantly higher expression of ADAM10 in tumor tissue compared to healthy tissue in 83% of LARC patients. Serum concentrations of ADAM10 varied widely (66.6-1119.1 pg/mL) and did not correlate with tissue expression levels. Neither the tissue expression level nor ADAM10 serum concentrations predicted the response to nCRT. Our results confirm the involvement of ADAM10 in rectal cancer initiation and warrant further research on ADAM10 substrates, signaling pathways involved in its activity, and its potential as a therapeutic target.

Development of an updated loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for the rapid detection of Ralstonia syzygii subsp. celebesensis (Rsc), the causative agent of banana blood disease

Thipsukon Kaennuea — 2025-06-26

Paper description:

Banana blood disease (BBD) caused by Ralstonia syzygii celebesensis (Rsc) threatens banana production in Southeast Asia.
A Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) assay was developed using a unique DNA sequence from repetitive sequence-based (rep)-PCR and tested on bacterial cultures, Rsc-spiked banana suckers and field samples.
The LAMP assay matched PCR in specificity but demonstrated higher sensitivity for detecting Rsc.
This rapid, field-deployable tool supports early BBD detection for improved management and reduced economic losses.

Abstract: Efficient and accurate detection of Ralstonia syzygii subsp. celebesensis (Rsc), the pathogen responsible for banana blood disease, is vital for controlling its detrimental effects on banana cultivation. This study developed and assessed a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), which detected as few as 10 cells per reaction, significantly surpassing conventional PCR, which required a minimum of 10³ cells per reaction. The LAMP assay utilizes real-time fluorescence-based Ct values and Tm analysis, ensuring reliable detection by confirming target specificity. The assay effectively identified Rsc in Rsc-spiked banana sucker samples and naturally infected field specimens using a simple, purification-free boiling DNA extraction method, making it highly adaptable for field diagnostics. By integrating real-time fluorescence detection with Tm validation, this study presents an advanced, field-deployable molecular diagnostic tool with superior sensitivity and specificity, addressing critical limitations of existing Rsc detection methods and enhancing early disease surveillance in banana cultivation.

Preventive and curative effects of Calendula officinalis infusion in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model in BALB/c mice

Youcef Bouferkas — 2025-06-26

Paper description:

Calendula officinalis (Co) is known for its anti-inflammatory properties; its effects in the experimental model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis have not been thoroughly investigated.
Experimental colitis was induced in BALB/c mice with 4% DSS administration for 7 days. Mice were divided into control, DSS-treated controls, and two groups receiving Co infusion (preventive and curative). Clinical signs, colon length, and inflammatory markers were assessed.
Both preventive and curative Co treatments reduced weight loss, colonic damage, and pro-inflammatory cytokines.
This study demonstrates Co’s dual potential as a preventive and curative treatment for colitis.

Abstract: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease (CD), is characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation. Current therapeutic strategies, including immunosuppressants and biologics, have limitations such as adverse effects and variable efficacy. Calendula officinalis (Co), a medicinal plant with recognized anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, may represent a promising alternative or complementary approach. This study aimed to evaluate the preventive and curative effects of Co infusion in a murine model of ulcerative colitis (UC) induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). Fifty male BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to five groups: control, DSS+water (positive), Co+DSS (preventive), DSS+Co (curative), and DSS (positive). Colitis was induced by the administration of 4% DSS in drinking water for 7 days. Co infusion (2 g/150 mL) was administered orally for 14 days. Clinical parameters, including body weight and the Disease Activity Index (DAI), were recorded. Oxidative stress markers, including myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), and pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and C-reactive protein (CRP), were assessed. DSS administration induced significant weight loss, inflammation, and colonic oxidative stress. Co infusion significantly attenuated these effects and reduced inflammatory and oxidative markers. The findings suggest that Co may have potential as a preventive and curative agent in IBD management.

Diversity of myxobacteria isolated from Weizhou Island, Guangxi, and their potential biological activities

Kangting Meng — 2025-06-26

Paper description:

Antibiotic resistance is an increasing concern. Investigating culturable myxobacteria and assessing their potential could aid in the development of novel antibiotics.
We explored the diversity of culturable myxobacteria on Weizhou Island in the Beibu Gulf, Guangxi, China, evaluating their antibacterial properties and enzyme activities through plate confrontation and enzyme production tests.
The research investigates 28 pure cultures of myxobacteria across 8 genera, identifying two promising candidates for potential biological activity.
This research increases the diversity of culturable myxobacteria, providing resources for developing novel antibiotics and biotechnological applications.

Abstract: This study investigated the diversity of cultivable marine myxobacteria from Weizhou Island in the Beibu Gulf of Guangxi, with a particular focus on strains exhibiting potential antibacterial activity and associated enzyme production. The Escherichia coli entrapment method and filter paper methods were employed for separation, followed by purification using sequential conversion techniques. Myxobacteria were identified through morphology characterization and 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses. The antibacterial activity against porcine pathogens was assessed using the plate confrontation method, and enzyme activity was evaluated through the plate assay method. From 13 island samples, 28 myxobacteria cultures were isolated, representing 13 species across 8 genera, predominantly Myxococcus. The antibacterial test showed remarkable activity in 9 myxobacteria strains. Cystobacter fuscus (GXIMD 01665c) and Myxococcus virescens (GXIMD 01661b) produced inhibition zones of 54.4±0.18 mm and 57.33±0.09 mm against E. coli L2 and E. coli 10, respectively. The enzyme activity experiment revealed that all 9 strains of myxobacteria could produce protease and cellulase, with 7 strains specifically producing chitinase, 6 strains producing amylase, and 4 producing lipase. These findings highlight the diverse antibacterial properties and enzymatic potential of myxobacteria from Weizhou Island. Strains GXIMD 01665c and GXIMD 01661b emerged as valuable microbial resources, holding great promise for further research and development.

Antitumor activity of Coptis chinensis rhizome extract against PANC-1 cells

Ji Hye Jeong — 2025-06-26

Paper description:

Dysregulation of Forkhead box M1 (FoxM1) is associated with poor prognosis and metastasis in pancreatic cancer.
Effects of Coptis chinensis rhizome extract and its principal isoquinoline alkaloid berberine on PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells were investigated by focusing on FoxM1 expression regulation.
The extract exhibited potential anti-pancreatic cancer activity, partially attributable to its principal constituent berberine, and was associated with FoxM1 downregulation.
Coptis chinensis rhizome extract and berberine, have therapeutic potential against human pancreatic cancer.

Abstract: The rhizome of Coptis chinensis is known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. This study aimed to investigate the anti-pancreatic cancer activity of C. chinensis rhizome and elucidate the molecular mechanism involved in such activity. The C. chinensis rhizome extract (CRE) significantly inhibited the cell viability of PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells and arrested the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase. Western-blot analysis revealed that CRE downregulated the protein level of Forkhead box M1 (FoxM1), an oncogenic transcription factor, and its downstream target proteins such as cyclin D1, c-Myc, and survivin. Berberine was identified as the main component in CRE, effectively reducing cell viability and FoxM1 expression. These findings indicate that CRE and berberine can exert anticancer activity by downregulating FoxM1 expression in pancreatic cancer cells and that berberine may partially contribute to the anti-pancreatic cancer properties of CRE. This study highlights that C. chinensis rhizome extract and its main ingredient, berberine, might have therapeutic potential against pancreatic cancer.