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European Journal of Biology
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This is an Open Access Journal

Open Access journal
ISSN (Print) 2602-2575 - ISSN (Online) 2618-6144
Published by İstanbul Üniversitesi

[18 journals]

Antibiofilm and Anti-Quorum Sensing Activities of Vaginal Origin
Probiotics
- Authors: Esin KIRAY
  Abstract: Objective: Multidrug-resistant bacteria generally use cell-to-cell communication that leads to biofilm formation as a resistance development mechanism. Some pathogenic bacteria can form biofilms through a mechanism called Quorum sensing (QS). QS inhibition is one of the effective approaches to prevent biofilm formation. Materials and Methods: 20 Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) previously associated with identification by 16S rRNA sequence analysis were used. Antibiofilm activities of metabolites of strains related to microplate based Antibiofilm method on Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853. Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 12472 was used as an indicator in the anti-QS activities of LAB. The study was also performed by ELISA test on the immunomodulatory effect of LAB human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Results: All of the metabolites tested showed statistically significant antibiofilm activity on biofilms of pathogenic microorganisms. Although there was a difference between metabolites, Lactobacullus paracasei L2 and L20 strains had a high inhibitory effect on S. aureus (95.1%) and P. aeruginosa by 92.7%, respectively. L. plantarum L8 strain had 95.7% antibiofilm activity on E. coli. It was also determined that LAB has anti-QS activities in different concentrations. The immunomodulatory effect of LAB was found to produce higher IFN‐ γ than the controls, whereas IL-10 concentrations were lower. Conclusion: Bacteria use QS to regulate various sequences of functions, including virulence and biofilm formation. Therefore, using bacteria with strong probiotic properties as QS inhibitory agents seems to be a promising approach to reduce or suppress biofilm formation of pathogenic bacteria.
  PubDate: Fri, 17 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +030
Oxidative Stress Status in Testis of Type-2 Diabetic Rats Treated with
Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol
- Authors: Ebrar TUTAR; Beti PESEN, Zeynep Mine COŞKUN, Sema BOLKENT
  Abstract: Objective: Type-2 diabetes (T2D) is a multifactorial disease that occurs as a result of impaired insulin secretion and increased glucose. Researchers emphasize that oxidative stress prevention and improvement strategies are important in the general treatment of T2D. It is reported that delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a component of the cannabis plant, has positive effects against oxidative stress and inflammation. Therefore, this study explored the inhibitory effects of THC on oxidative damage of testis in type-2 diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Adult Spraque-Dawley rats were separated into 4 groups. In the control group, physiological saline was given intraperitoneally. In the T2D model group (T2DM), streptozotocin (STZ) + nicotinamide (NAD) was administered intraperitoneally. Three mg/kg/day THC was given to the THC and T2DM+THC groups for 7 days, intraperitoneally. Glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein carbonyl levels (PCO), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured spectrophotometrically in testicular tissue. Total oxidant and antioxidant status were determined by ELISA. Results: Testicular GSH level and SOD activity were significantly decreased in T2D, while MDA and PCO levels increased. In contrast to this effect, the THC treatment increased GSH levels and SOD activity in diabetics, but decreased MDA and PCO levels. Conclusion: According to the study results, THC may have an oxidative stress inhibitory effect on diabetic rat testis.
  PubDate: Fri, 17 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +030
Therapeutic Effects of Momordica charantia L. Ethanolic Extract on Acetic
Acid-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Rats
- Authors: Dilek ÖZBEYLİ; Ali ŞEN, Aslı AYKAÇ, Kerem TERALI, Özlem Tuğçe ÇİLİNGİR-KAYA, İsmail ŞENKARDEŞ, Göksel ŞENER
  Abstract: Objective: This study aims to investigate the effect of Momordica charantia L. (MoC) ethanolic extract on ulcerative colitis (UC) and was explored in vitro and in vivo. Materials and Methods: The rats were divided into control (C), saline-treated colitis (AA), MoC extract-treated colitis (AA+MoC), and sulfasalazine (SS)-treated colitis (AA+SS) groups. Colitis was induced by acetic acid. MoC extract, SS or saline were given to the related groups for 3 days. Interleukine-1β, malondialdehyde, glutathione levels, myeloperoxidase activity, bax/bcl-2 ratio, caspase-9 and caspase-3 levels were measured in colon and macroscopic and histopathologic examinations were done. Total phenolic/flavonoid content and biological activity of MoC were evaluated by in vitro analysis. Results: Compared to the control group, with acetic acid application interleukin-1β levels, myeloperoxidase activity, malondialdehyde levels, bax/bcl-2 ratio, caspase-9 and caspase-3 levels were significantly upregulated, while glutathione levels were significantly decreased in the AA group. In contrast, MoC and SS treatments reduced interleukin-1β, malondialdehyde levels, myeloperoxidase activity, bax/bcl-2 ratio, and caspase-9 and caspase-3 levels. Glutathione levels increased upon MoC or SS treatment. Increased macroscopic and microscopic scoring with AA improved with MoC or SS treatment, but the MoC or SS treated groups had higher score values than the control. Also, in vitro results showed that MoC exhibited 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radical scavenging activity as well as significant antilipoxygenase activity. In addition, MoC extract showed a potent anti-inflammatory activity compared to standard indomethacin. Conclusion: Our biochemical, in vitro and histopathologic analysis indicate that MoC is likely to prove beneficial in UC therapy.
  PubDate: Fri, 17 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +030
The Activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway in Response to
Cabazitaxel Treatment in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Cells
- Authors: Işıl Ezgi ERYİLMAZ; Gamze GÜNEY ESKİLER, Ceyda ÇOLAKOĞLU, Ünal EGELİ, Gülşah ÇEÇENER
  Abstract: Objective: Despite advances in treatment approaches, metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) remains a clinical challenge to treat. Cabazitaxel (Cab), a third-line chemotherapy option for mCRPC, exhibits limited efficiency due to the activation of different signaling pathways associated with drug resistance. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR activation has led to mCRPC progression, and long-term acquired Cab resistance. However, we aimed to assess the association of apoptotic efficiency of Cab with the PI3K/AKT/mTOR activation in mCRPC cells in the present study. Materials and Methods: Cell viability, cell death, morphological analysis, PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activation by PI3K/MAPK dual activation assay, mRNA and miRNA expression analysis and immunofluorescence staining were performed in the Cabtreated PC3 cells. Results: Cab caused a significant reduction in PC3 cell viability and triggered apoptotic death at 1 and 5 nM for 72 h. Cab significantly induced PI3K/AKT/mTOR activation, and increased mRNA and activated protein levels of AKT and mTOR in PC3 cells, despite its increased apoptotic effect. Furthermore, the expressions of miR-205 and miR-579, the PI3K/AKT/mTORtargeted miRNAs, were upregulated after Cab treatment. Our findings have shown that the Cab treatment activated PI3K/ AKT/mTOR pathway is associated with its apoptotic effect in mCRPC cells. Conclusion: Although further studies are required to investigate the molecular mechanisms accompanying the Cab response in detail, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR activation, as an alteration related to the apoptotic effect of the drug, may play a role in Cab resistance in mCRPC cells, suggesting that combined therapy with PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors may improve the Cab therapeutic efficiency.
  PubDate: Fri, 17 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +030
Histological and Electron Microscopical Observations on the Testis and
Male Accessory Glands of Poecilimon ataturki Ünal, 1999 (Orthoptera,
Tettigoniidae)
- Authors: Damla AMUTKAN MUTLU; İrmak POLAT, Zekiye SULUDERE
  Abstract: Objective: The literature has many studies in the world about the morphology and histology of insect tissues, especially structures related to reproductive systems. However, there are no studies about the biology of Poecilimon ataturki Ünal, 1999 (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae). For this reason, we aimed that the morphology and the structure of the testes and the accessory glands in P. ataturki are revealed. Materials and Methods: In the present study, the histology and morphology of organs of the reproductive system in male P. ataturki, an endemic species in Turkey was examined by light microscope, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and stereomicroscope. Results: The reproductive system of male P. ataturki is composed of two testes, two vas deferens and short and long accessory glands. Each testis includes numerous follicles where the sperm generation occurs in. There are cysts in the follicles, one of which is in a particular sperm development. 3 different development stages are observed in follicles as growth zone, maturation zone and transformation zone. During these developmental stages, first spermatocytes reproduce by mitosis, and then they turn into spermatids by meiosis. Spermatozoa are also formed by the transformation of spermatids. Thus, the stages of spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis are completed. The accessory glands, whose main task is to produce secretion in order to facilitate the feeding of sperm and their transfer to the female, consist of many tubular structures, long and short. It is seen that it consists of single-layered epithelial tissue in cross sections of the accessory gland tubules. Conclusion: As a consequence of this work, it has been evinced that male reproductive system elements belonging to P. ataturki show high similarity with the male reproductive systems of other species in the Tettigoniidae family.
  PubDate: Fri, 17 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +030
Antitumoral Properties of a Pincer-Type Isonicotinohydrazone-Hg(II)
Complex
- Authors: Burcu SAYGIDEĞER DEMİR; Aycan SEZAN, Ezgi DERİNÖZ, Eylem NAS, Mehmet ÖZERTEN, Ghodrat MAHMOUDI, Yasemin SAYGIDEĞER
  Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antitumoral properties of the novel Hg(SCN)2 complex of a pincer-type isonicotinohyrazone ligand (PTIH). Materials and Methods: Hydrazine ligands were prepared through a Schiff base condensation between the 2-Acetylpyridine and isonicotinoyl acid hydrazide. PTIH was synthetized by a branch tube method using Hg(SCN)2. In vitro cell killing activity, the induction of apoptosis, the influence on motility, and the effects on mRNA expression to a motility-related gene (E-cadherin) of PTIH were evaluated in A549, HepG2, HUH7 cancer cell lines, and BEAS2B non-cancer cell line. Results: PTIH was found to be cytotoxic to cancer cells, compared to non-cancers, and induced apoptosis. Additionally, it suppressed cell migration in A549 cells, leading to an increase in the levels of E-cadherin mRNA expression, and decreased colony formation in HepG2 and HUH7 cells. Through UV titration studies, it was determined that PTIH showed albumin binding and interacted with DNA by electrostatically and/or groove binding. Conclusion: PTIH exerted more cytotoxic effects in some cancer cells than in normal cells. This feature and other anticancer properties make it a promising agent.
  PubDate: Fri, 17 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +030
Zebrafish Embryo as an Emerging Model Organism in Neurodevelopmental
Toxicity Research
- Authors: Sukriye CALİSKAN; Ebru EMEKLİ ALTURFAN
  Abstract: Zebrafish is a model organism that has become increasingly popular in recent years due to some of the advantages it has when compared to traditional model organisms. Its genetic similarity with humans has contributed significantly to the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying diseases. Moreover, external fertilization and rapid embryonic development of zebrafish embryos have made it attractive in many research areas. The genome of humans and zebrafish are found to be highly conserved having 76-82 % of the disease genes in humans that are also present in zebrafish. Zebrafish have been used in different studies in several concepts of neurogenesis. Unlike mammals, the external development of a zebrafish embryo makes it accessible for experimental manipulation in central nervous system research. It was observed that neurotoxic agents induced similar responses to other vertebral models in zebrafish embryos, whose brain development and blood-brain barrier were similar to those of other vertebrates. This review provides brief information about the availability of zebrafish embryos in neurodevelopmental toxicity research while giving brief information on embryogenesis and neurogenesis in zebrafish. Evaluation of neurotoxicity and the specific effects of various neurotoxins on motor and dopaminergic neurons, neuronal proliferation, mobility, and neurodevelopment are also explained.
  PubDate: Fri, 17 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +030
Proteomic Analysis Revealed Underlying Biological Pathways Associated with
Hormetic Response of Hormone- Positive Breast Cancer Cell Line Exposed to
Low-Dose Flavonoid Mixture
- Authors: Mete Bora TÜZÜNER; Ayşe Begüm CEVİZ
  Abstract: Objective: A considerable level of evidence has accumulated about the breast cancer risk-reducing effect of consuming specific flavonoids, through the increasing amount of research and epidemiologic studies. Different flavonoids may have different cellular bioavailability and favor, i.e., the occurrence of a hormetic effect, thus it is important to evaluate breast cancer cells’ response to different doses of flavonoids. This study aims to investigate the alterations of the biological pathways in a hormone-positive (HR+) breast cancer cell line as a resemblance for the most common breast cancer subtype, related to the low-dose exposure of the flavonoids. Materials and Methods: Different levels of doses were applied to MCF-7 breast cancer cells. In order to determine cellular proliferation, WST-1 analysis was conducted. The highest proliferation was observed with cell lines exposed to a low-dose flavonoid mixture and these were selected for further analysis. Intracellular protein expression were investigated by peptide analysis on a nano LC-MS/MS platform. A protein-protein interaction network and pathway analysis were conducted for the proteins expressed differently between the groups. Results: A total of 214 proteins were identified and 36 proteins with significant alterations (≥1.2-fold change, p≤0.05) were detected. Significant changes were observed in the pathways related to carbon metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis, splicing mechanism, mitochondrial protein import and translation elongation pathways. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that flavonoids can have a hormetic effect which can initially alter metabolic pathways vital for cell proliferation and survival. These pathways may include potential targets for enhancing the anticancer activity of the flavonoids.
  PubDate: Fri, 17 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +030
Protective Effects of Petroselinum crispum (Parsley) Extract Against
Methotrexate-Induced Hepatotoxicity
- Authors: Büşra ERTAŞ; Feyza Berin TURAN, Dilek ÖZBEYLİ, Refiye YANARDAĞ, Özlem SAÇAN, Göksel ŞENER
  Abstract: Objective: By inhibiting the synthesis of thymidine and purine, and thereby DNA synthesis, Methotrexate (MTX), suppresses the proliferation of cancer cells. It is thought that the side-effect mechanism is related to oxidant molecules derived from MTX metabolism. In this study, we examined whether the Petroselinum crispum extracts (PCr; parsley) of which the antioxidant properties have been previously shown, was protective against MTX induced liver damage. Materials and Methods: Sprague Dawley rats (female/male; 200-250 g) were used. MTX was injected intraperitoneally and PCr extract was given orally. A single dose of 20mg/kg MTX was administered to the groups that were to experience hepatotoxicity. Then, a physiological saline (MTX group) or PCr (2 g/kg, MTX + PCr group) treatment was applied for 5 days. The same treatments were applied to the other groups (control group, PCr group) for 5 days after a single dose saline injection. At the end of the study, the biochemical parameters were examined in the blood and liver tissues taken from animals sacrificed by decapitation. Results: MTX caused a significant increase in malondialdehyde and collagen levels and myeloperoxidase and caspase-3 activities, while glutathione levels were found to have decreased. PCr treatment showed protective efficacy by preventing these increases. Conclusion: It appears that the administration of PCr to MTX treated rats prevented the accumulation of lipid peroxides, inflamatory reactions and depletion of antioxidant glutathione, and thus protected liver tissues against oxidative stress.
  PubDate: Fri, 17 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +030
Scape, Rhizome and Root Anatomy of Polygonatum Species from Turkey
- Authors: Yeter YEŞİL; F. Neriman ÖZHATAY
  Abstract: Objective: Polygonatum (Asparagaceae) is a rhizomatous monocotyledon genus that is distributed in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The genus is represented by 5 species in Turkey (P. glaberrimum, P. latifolium, P. multiflorum, P. verticillatum and P. orientale). Karyological, palynological, phylogenic, chemotaxonomical and some anatomical studies of Polygonatum species have been carried out previously. However, the detailed anatomical features of the scape, rhizome and root of Polygonatum species grown in Turkey have not been examined before and so the aim of this study is to determine their anatomical characteristics. Also, the study compares the species with each other according to obtained anatomical characteristics and comparing them with previous anatomical studies. Materials and Methods: Investigations were carried out on fresh material collected from wild habitats during July 2009- 2012 in Turkey. Cross-sections of scape, rhizome and roots were cut by hand, detailed photographs were taken under a light microscope, and anatomical structures were drawn in detail with an isograph pen. Results: The anatomical structures of Polygonatum species have monocotyledones features. Significant differences between species were observed, such as the number of costas in the scape, number of xylem arms in the root and the types of vascular bundle in the rhizome. Also, the anatomical characteristics of the species were compared with previous anatomical studies. Conclusion: The anatomical features determined by this study will be useful at the species level as well as at the genus and family level. Hence the obtained data will contribute to the literature.
  PubDate: Fri, 17 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +030
Antioxidant Activities of Eremurus spectabilis M. Bieb. Extracts and
Sulfur Compounds
- Authors: Bertan Boran BAYRAK; Refiye YANARDAĞ
  Abstract: Objective: Eremurus spectabilis M. Bieb. is grown in East and Southeast Mediterranean regions of Turkey, and is commonly used as an edible plant in these regions. The aim of the current study was to determine the antioxidant activities of different E. spectabilis M. Bieb. extracts and some sulfur compounds. Materials and Methods: In this study, the antioxidant activities of aqueous, ethanolic, and ethyl acetate extracts of E. spectabilis M. Bieb. and sulfur compounds (α-lipoic acid, cysteamine, cysteine, diallyl sulfide, glutathione, homocysteine, N-acetyl cysteine, vitamin U and 1,4-dithioerythritol) were assessed in several antioxidant tests. These tests included reducing power, cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity, 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging, N,N-dimethyl-4-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride radical scavenging, superoxide anion radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging, metal chelating activities and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power. The phytochemical profiles and total phenolic and flavonoid contents of all extracts were investigated. Results: It was found out that the antioxidant activities of all the extracts and sulfur compounds generally increased with concentration increases, the highest antioxidant activity was found in ethyl acetate extract, while the aqueous extract was found to have the lowest antioxidant activity. Diallyl sulfide was found to have the highest antioxidant activity, whereas vitamin U had the lowest antioxidant activity. It was observed that all extracts of E. spectabilis M. Bieb. and the sulfur compounds showed antioxidant activity. Conclusion: The E. spectabilis M. Bieb. and sulfur compounds investigated in this study could be considered as a source of antioxidants.
  PubDate: Fri, 17 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +030
Investigation of the Effects of Autophagy Signaling on the Transcription
of Yeast Retrotransposon Ty2-917
- Authors: Sezai TÜRKEL; Ceyda ÇOLAKOĞLU, Tuğçe KARADUMAN
  Abstract: Objective: Ty2-917 is a low copy retrotransposon found in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome. It has structural similarities to metazoan retroviruses in terms of genome organization and propagation mechanisms in the host cells. The objective of this study is to analyze the effects of autophagy signaling on the transcriptional regulation of Ty2 in yeast cells. Materials and Methods: Ty2-LacZ gene fusions on the YEp vectors have been used as reporter genes to analyze the effects of amino acid starvation, nitrogen source, and autophagy signals on the transcription of Ty2. These reporter gene fusions have been transformed into the wild type and also isogenic mutant yeast strains that are defective for one of the regulatory factors involved in nutrient sensing and signaling. To activate autophagy signaling, yeast transformants were treated with caffeine or 3-amino 1-2-3 triazole. Transcription levels of Ty2-LacZ gene fusions in treated and untreated yeast cells were analyzed by β-galactosidase assays. Results: Results of this study show that transcription of Ty2 decreases up to eightfold in response to amino acid starvation. Caffeine treatment of the yeast cells also represses Ty2 transcription, independent of the TOR1 pathway. In addition, our results suggest that Ty2 transcription is also regulated in a nitrogen source-dependent manner through the GATA factors. Conclusions: Our results suggest that activation of autophagy signal results in significant level repression of Ty2 transcription. We have found that the GATA class of transcription factors is involved in the regulation of Ty2 transcription in response to autophagy signaling.
  PubDate: Fri, 17 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +030
Biochemical Fingerprints of Some Endemic Plants Growing in Gypsum Soils:
Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR)
Spectroscopic Study
- Authors: Ayşenur KAYABAŞ; Ertan YİLDİRİM
  Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study is to reveal the biochemical fingerprints of Achillea gypsicola Hub.-Mor., Alyssum nezaketiae Aytaç & H.Duman, Onobrychis germanicopolitana Hub.-Mor. & Simon, Paracaryum paphlagonicum (Bornm.) R.Mill and Thymus leucostomus Hausskn. et Velen. grown in extreme gypsum habitats with the Attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) technique, and to determine the differences and densities of organic and inorganic compounds reflected by extreme environmental conditions. Materials and Methods: Using ATR-FTIR spectra, the chemical content of endemic plants was elucidated. In addition, band intensities were calculated using the ATR-FTIR spectra. By doing soil analysis, the physical and chemical properties of the regions where the plants grow were tried to be understood. Results: As a result of the detailed analysis of the ATR-FTIR spectra, it was understood that the chemical substance content was similar, but the amount was different from plant to plant, regardless of soil. These results showed that the same plant species contain different amounts of chemicals. Conclusion: FTIR spectroscopy is an effective tool that reveals the biochemical fingerprints of plants by contributing to the determination of organic and inorganic compounds in the structures of plants grown on gypsum substrates. Our results provided evidence for the presence of sulfate from organic molecules and the presence of gypsum and calcium oxalate from inorganic compounds. This study, which is the first to determine the biochemical fingerprints of plants growing in gypsum habitats in Turkey, will enrich the generality of future studies and the interpretation of other gypsophytes in the world.
  PubDate: Fri, 17 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +030