Search

The polyphenol quercetin is associated with numerous beneficial health effects in various pathologies such as oxidative stress, neurodegenerative disorders, inflammation, neoplastic processes, age-related diseases, and so on. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of quercetin and its implication in the pharmaceutical practice require additional clarification. In this study we analyzed the biochemical mechanisms of quercetin effect on membrane lipids of fibroblasts cultured as three-dimensional (3D) cultures, which resemble living tissues more adequately compared to cellular monolayers. Quercetin treatment of 3D fibroblasts induced alterations of the plasma membrane phospholipid and fatty acid composition as well as in the phospholipid metabolizing enzymes sphingomyelinase and phospholipase A2. The level of sphingomyelin (SM), which acts as endogenous membrane antioxidant, was elevated due to quercetin action. Incubation of 3D fibroblasts with quercetin induced augmentation in the saturated fatty acids and reduction of all polyunsaturated fatty acids in the membrane phospholipid molecules of the plasma membranes, indicating an additional increase of the resistance to oxidative damage. Quercetin treatment reduced cholesterol susceptibility to oxidation, a phenomenon which is probably related to the observed increase in the level of SM. In addition, Western blot analysis showed augmented phosphorylation of Akt and expression of Bcl-2 in quercetin-treated cell, indicating that apoptosis was suppressed by quercetin. In conclusion, the reported results contribute to a better understanding of the beneficial effects of quercetin on the structure and functions of plasma membranes of 3D cell cultures, which are a more adequate model of living tissues.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is also associated with significant concomitant diseases which affect the disease progression course, and contribute to the exacerbation of health status and overall mortality rate. The aim of this study was to identify the most frequent Cardio-vascular disease (CVD) comorbidities among patients with COPD in Bulgaria and their effect on the hospitalization rate, hospital stay duration and health status. A retrospective national observational study was conducted among a statistically representative cohort of 426 patients in Bulgaria. Demographic data, smoking, clinical data for COPD severity and co-morbidity were collected. Health status was assessed through the specific COPD assessment test (CAT). CVD co-morbidity was evaluated by type, considering the GOLD guidelines and number. More than 80% of the patients reported two and more CVD co-morbidities and all of them reported more than two exacerbations and more than two hospitalizations over the last year. The most frequently reported CVD co-morbidity was hypertension, which was present in 88% of the men and in 89% of the women. The data showed a positive correlation between the cardiovascular risk and the progression of the disease. Hypertension, ischemic heart disease and heart failure prevailed in the observed population. With the advancement of COPD, the number of CVDs diseases per patient and CAT score, average hospitalization rate and hospital stay increased.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and 2-mercaptoethanol (ME) added to buffalo semen samples after thawing for 1 h and 2 h incubation. Ejaculates (n = 20) from eight Bulgarian Murrah buffaloes were frozen in pellets and straws at a final sperm concentration of 80 × 106 mL. We investigated the effect of supplementations on the motility, morphology of spermatozoa at 1 h and 2 h after thawing, sperm plasma membrane status and mitochondrial trans-membrane potential. The comparative CASA analysis of the motility and velocity parameters of spermatozoa showed significant differences in the progressive motility and in the VCL values in favour of control vs. samples with additives (p

Lung cancer is a serious health problem, since it is one of the leading causes for death worldwide. Molecular–cytogenetic studies could provide reliable data about genetic alterations which could be related to disease pathogenesis and be used for better prognosis and treatment strategies. We performed whole genome oligonucleotide microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization in 10 samples of non-small cell lung cancer. Trisomies were discovered for chromosomes 1, 13, 18 and 20. Chromosome arms 5p, 7p, 11q, 20q and Хq were affected by genetic gains, and 1p, 5q, 10q and 15q, by genetic losses. Microstructural (

The standard barley cultivar “Freya” and structural mutant forms ab, s, q, T21 and T627 were used to investigate the transcriptional activity of homologous rDNA loci (NORs) based on the positive re...

The aim of this study was to achieve bioprocess intensification by bioreactor flow field improvement. Two component properties of the flow field, namely, flow and shear are represented by two macro...

Langmuir monolayer model is applied to study molecular interactions between phospholipids and surface active compounds and to determine the lateral elasticity and compressibility of the surface films at air-liquid interface. The interaction of the synthetic Methionine-enkephalin (Met-enk) and its amidated derivative (Met-enk-NH2) with monolayers of the zwitterionic dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine and the negatively charged dimyristoylphosphatidylglycerol were evaluated by measurements of surface tension (γ, mN/m) - time dependencies after injection of enkephalins under the Langmuir monolayer. The decrease of γ values during time showed that there was a strong penetration effect of both types of Met-enk molecules into the monolayers, being significantly stronger for the amidated derivate, Met-enk-NH2.The behavior of tear film lipid layer (TFLL) is studied in dynamic conditions by compression/expansion cycling of Langmuir films. It allows determining reciprocal compressibility, CS−1, and reversibilit...

The cytotoxic activities of sulfo-arginine analogues sArg, NsArg, and their hydrazide derivatives, sArg-CONHNH2, sArg-CONHNC6H5, sArg-CONHN(CH2CH2Cl)2, NsArg-CONHNH2, NsArg-CONHNC6H5, NsArg-CONHN(CH2CH2Cl)2, on 3T3 and HepG2 cells were examined. The substitution in the carboxylic group of sArg increases the cell growth inhibitory effects of the compounds, especially in the case of the bis-(2-chloroethyl)hydrazide substitute. Similar correlation was observed in the case of NsArg and its analogues, but here the most pronounced effect was observed with the analogue NsArg-CONHNH2.

Rhizogenic callus of Salvia scabiosifolia Lam. formed after transformation with Agrobacterium rhizogenes ATCC 15834 was isolated and investigated for triterpenes production. The rhizogenic callus w...

Callus cultures of Salvia tomentosa Mill. were induced and analyzed for their capacity to produce oleanolic and ursolic acids. The obtained callus lines showed high variability in their biosyntheti...

Puncture vine (Tribulus terrestris L., Zygophyllaceae) is an annual prostrate medicinal plant that is widely used in traditional or modern medicine. Steroidal saponins and rutin are among the basic compounds responsible for the biological activities of T. terrestris extracts. The efficiency of exogenous application of thidiazuron (TDZ) (Dropp R), a phenylcarbamide type synthetic cytokinine, on the growth and dry matter, on the activity of the photosynthetic apparatus and the saponin content of the above ground biomass of Bulgarian and Turkish varieties of puncture vine were studied. The plants were cultivated at identical conditions in the Experimental field of the Institute of Botany nearby Sofia and were treated with different concentrations of thidiazuron (50, 100 and 150 mg/L) during the stage of plant bud formation. The samples were collected after the stage of seed ripening. Treatment with 50 mg/L TDZ was more efficient in relation to dry matter and saponin content accumulation in the above ...

A research was conducted, prospecting the vegetation and flora in Debelata Koria Preserve, located along the Valley of Stryama River, which is part of Kraishtensko—Tundzhanska interim zone in the r...

A research was conducted, prospecting the vegetation in Chirpanskata Gora Preserve. A list of the determined species of supreme plants was prepared based on this. The taxonomic structure of the flora and the ecological and biological characteristics were defined. The relicts, endemics and medicinal plants on the researched territory were mapped as result of the research. The availability of taxa of conservative importance, according to the Bulgarian legislation, was analyzed. The observed anthropogenic influence was analyzed and based on this conclusions were drawn and recommendations were made, which guarantee the resilient presence of Chirpanskata Gora Preserve in perspective.

Effect of mineral nutrition (soil or foliar supply of nutrients) on the growth, dry matter and saponin content of the shoot biomass of Bulgarian variety puncture vine (Tribulus terrestris L.) grown on soil as pot experiment in green house were studied. Soil fertilization rate of 100mgN/kg or 90P/kg of dry soil, oppositely to the results obtained from the foliar fed plants (0.3 % solution of liquid fertilizer AgroleafR (Scotts Co, USA) with formulation N12P52K5, increased shoot total N and P without significant change of dry matter. Changes of total reducing sugars, amino acids, phenolics and flavonoids and activity of leaf photosynthetic apparatus (chlorophyll (Chl) a, b and carotenoids content and parameters of chlorophyll a prompt fluorescence) were found to relate to the variation of individual saponin content analysed by HPLC technique. Soil fertilized plants in contrast to the foliar fed plants showed more protodioscin, prototribestan and dioscin than control but contained less of flavonoid g...

Harpagophytum procumbens is an herbaceous plant with high medicinal value that grows in the Kalahari Desert region of Africa. Devil's claw plant tubers have been used since time immemorial by the n...

Plants are an immense source of valuable secondary metabolites used as pharmaceuticals, food additives, fragrances, dues and agrochemicals. Production of plant derived metabolites using classical technologies is connected with several difficulties, resulting from seasonal, geographical and soil features. The isolation of such metabolites (usually in very low amounts) from huge plant mass is labour-, time-consuming and makes the process more expensive. Biotechnology offers an opportunity to exploit the plant cells, tissues, organs or entire organisms by growing them in vitro to get desired compounds.Cell suspension culture of Lavandula vera, an attractive producer of rosmarinic acid (naturally occurring compound with a wide spectrum of biological activities), was cultivated in 3 L stirred tank reactor under the previously optimized culture conditions. The utilization of carbon source (sucrose, glucose and fructose), nitrogen and phosphorus sources were followed during the batch cultivation. The phy...

The mitotic indices were measured on serial transverse section in ectoderm and mesoderm of different dorsoventral zones of the T. vulgaris embryos from the late blastula stage till the end of neuru...

Our experiments focus on adsorption and spread monolayer films of the acid phospholipid phosphatidyleserine in presence of Ca2+ and gentamicin. All chemical species are of great value to medical care and pharmacology industry. Experimental evidence is provided for a first-order phase transition in adsorption monolayers of phosphatidyleserine and compared to the classical approach of π/A isotherms. The phase transitions are characterized with thermodynamic and kinetics data and are visualized with Brewster angle microscopy while have discussed in terms of isothermal compressibility. Observed results are also discussed in terms of gentamicin toxicity and Ca2+ toxicity prevention mechanisms.

The current paper reviews the available literary data as well as original unpublished data on the distribution and the species' richness of the vertebrate fauna (Pisces, Amphibia, Reptilia and Mamm...

We study the capability of hydrophilic polymers (HPs) to reverse the inhibitory effect of albumin and to restore the surface activity of lipid-protein lung surfactants preparations (LSPs): Curosurf and Survanta. HPs implied are dextran and Polyethylene glycol 10000 (PEG10000). LSPs surface activity is evaluated in Thin Films (monolayer and foam) at the air/water interface. Albumin displaces LSP from the interface and inhibits their ability to sustain low surface tension in monolayers and to form stable thin foam films (FFs). When HPs are added to monolayers they restore the surface activity of LSPs and recover their capability to maintain low dynamic surface tensions. Similarly the inclusion of HPs in foam films results in neutralization of the effect of albumin and in formation of stable, thin (with thickness

This is the first annual study of a Eurasian magpie communal roost in Bulgaria. The roost is situated in the Dendrological Park of the University of Forestry—Sofia. The study was carried out in 2007–2008. We ascertained that magpies used to visit the communal roost all year round. The maximum number of birds recorded on one visit was 1405 birds (December 2007) and the minimum number was 139 birds (July 2007). The number of birds sleeping in the communal roost declined in the beginning of the breeding season because the birds started sleeping in their nests or near to them. The average number of birds sleeping in the communal roost during the summer was 32,33% from these in winter. We suggest these were non-breeding and birds whose breeding territory overlapped with the area of the communal roost. Despite significant fluctuation in the number of roosting birds during different seasons, the arrival dynamics of magpies were markedly uniform across all seasons with the exception of spring. The number ...

The aim of this review is to summarize our current understanding of the meiotic behaviour of chromosomes in haploids and polyhaploids and to try to elucidate some aspects of chromosome pairing in haplo- and polyhaploids during meiotic division.

The expression of rRNA genes located in the nucleolar organizing region (NOR) present on the short arm of chromosome 1R from rye was examined in hexaploid mutant forms K1 and K2 with translocation of 1B/1R chromosomes. By silver staining and in situ hybridization (FISH) it was able to detect the presence and activity of the 1R NORs. On the basis of the determination the number of Ag-NORs and the average number of nucleoli per root tip cell, FISH signals (spots) in interphase nuclei and metaphase chromosomes, an active expression of rRNA genes of 1R chromosome in the presence of wheat genomes was also established.

The expression of rRNA genes located in the nucleolar organizing region (NOR) present in the short arm of chromosome 1R from rye (Secale cereale L.) was examined in several hexaploid genotypes of T. aestivum cv. Chinese Spring (AABBDD), Triticale 171 (AABBRR), sphaerococcum mutant form MT47–2D(2R) and Secale cereale (RR). By silver staining and in situ (FISH) hybridization with the DNA probe pTa71, was established a corresponance between the expression and organization patterns of rDNA domains in metaphase and interphase cells. We show here that the substitution of the rye chromosome 2R by a chromosome from hexaploide wheat 2D (triticale–2D(2R) in MT47sph, prevents suppression of the rye-origin rDNA and leads to activity of all six major rDNA loci. In spite of that in triticale 171, containing 28 chromosomes of wheat origin and 14 from rye, rDNA of rye origin is not normally expressed, while the 1B- and 6B- origin rDNA from wheat shows strong expression.

Lung cancer is the most common cause for cancer death in developed countries. The prognosis is dismal, with less than 15% of patients surviving 5 years after diagnosis, which is because of the lack of efficient diagnostic methods and successful treatment for metastatic disease. This led to a shift of the therapeutic paradigm towards asymptomatic preinvasive and early invasive cancer. Improvements in understanding the genetic and epigenetic alterations in the process of lung carcinogenesis are thus demanded in order to find new diagnostic approaches and targeted therapies. Due to the advances in molecular pathology the genetic charachteristics of the early preinvasive lesions in lung carcinogenesis are already known. This offers contemporary approaches for the early detection and diagnosis of this disease. The present review discusses recent advances in biomarker discovery and evaluation of their potential application in the clinical practice.

Elicitors are compounds stimulating any type of plant defense. This broader definition of elicitors includes both substances of pathogen origin (exogenous elicitors and compounds released from plants by the action of the pathogen (endogenous elicitors). Also elicitors could be used as enhancers of plant-secondary-metabolite synthesis and could play an important role in biosynthetic pathways to enhanced production of commercially important compounds. The increased production, through elicitation, of the secondary metabolites from plant cell cultures has opened up a new area of research, which could have important economical benefits for bio industry.

Total genomic DNA from rye was labelled with biotin and used as a probe for in situ hybridization to show the sizes and translocation points of the rye chromosome segments in wheat mutant forms K1 and K2, which carry a translocation between wheat chromosome 1B, and the short arm of rye chromosome 1R (1B/1R). The translocation breakpoints were at or very near to, the centromere. Total genomic rye DNA used as a probe was also able to distinguish 12 rye chromosomes in 6x triticale-MT47 by genomic in situ hybridization. The techniques using genomic probes are useful for detecting, characterizing and following alien chromosomes or chromosome segments by genomic hybridization- GISH.

Two structural mutant forms of H. vulgare with reconstructed karyotypes—T505 and T506 have been studied with respect to the position and the activity of rDNA genes. On the basis of the AgNO3 staining and the number and size of silver stained nucleoli in somatic interphase cells and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) we established a partial suppression of the expression of NOR7(5H) rDNA genes. When the NORs originally belonging to chromosomes 6(6H) and 7(5H) are combined in one chromosome, NOR6(6H) is dominant over NOR7(5H). Furthermore the dominance of the NOR6(6H) over NOR7(5H) is stronger when it is transposed. As shown by in situ hybridization the reason for the reduced nucleolus forming activity of NOR7(5H) is not due to eventual loss or deletion of rDNA.

Silene latifolia is a key plant model in the study of sex determination and sex chromosome evolution. Current studies have been based on fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). FISH in situ hybridization in conjucation with Ag-staining was used to map physically the 18S.26S multigene rRNA family in S. latifolia L. The 18S-5.8S-26S rRNA genes have been located on four pairs of Silene chromosomes. The pairs of majors rRNA sites on chromosome 5, 7, 9 and 10 are well known. Silver staining of nuclei and in situ hybridization analysis have previously indicated that additional rDNA sites may be present, but the presence of sites on a five chromosome pairs was unexpected. Using FISH in situ hybridization, we report a new fifth locous in S. latifolia and also confirm the nucleolus organizing region (Nor) by Ag-staining. We propose calling the new sites Nor-11. In situ hybridization is valuable for gene mapping, since it can detect presence of genes with a very wide range of copy number at different sites.

Seven mutant forms type sphaerococcum and two cultivars with 1BL.1RS translocations have been analysed, using electrophoresis for HMW and LMW glutenin subunits. The most polymorphic locus was B1, which showed much more allelic variation than another loci. The presence of a new allele at the Glu-A1 locus was found only in mutant form type sphaerococcum №45. Two new alleles d and h have been detected in mutant forms №48, №49 and H3. Mutant form K2 and Kavkaz showed differences at Glu-D1 (subunit 2) and Glu-D3 (subunit 9). K2 which possessed 1BL. 1RS translocation had higher content of total protein than control form Kavkaz.

Although high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is known to be a major risk factor for the development of cervical cancer from cervical intraepithelial neoplasias (CIN), the amount of viral DNA could represent an important aspect for course and strength of disease. Here we analysed samples of cervical cells from twenty women with known abnormal cytological cervices with aim to measure HPV viral load using SYBR® Green—based real-time PCR. Quantitation over a range of 102 to 106 initial HPV copies was possible to detect in patients infected with HPV types. The assay provides a fast and reliable way for estimating the viral load of high-risk HPV types and might be of prognostic-diagnostic significance.

RAPD, AP-PCR, IFLP, SSR and isozymes markers were used to characterize high and low regenerative beckcross lines and their parents—Helianthus eggertii and Helianthus annuus. Thirty—eight markers sp...

The regeneration capacity of eight BC1 and twelve BC2 lines from the backcross progenies of the interspecific hybrid Helianthus eggertii Small. X Helianthus annuus L. was studied. Large variations of the levels of the regenerative potential were observed. Part of the studied lines differs from H. eggertii and the hybrid H. eggertii Small. X H. annuus and show annual life cycle and/or formation of in vitro flowers. AP-PCR, RAPD and isozymes were used to develop species-specific molecular markers. Totally 52 species-specific markers were selected and used for characterization of the backcross lines. For three of the markers specific for H. eggertii, correlation with the high regeneration potential of the studied lines was found. The possibility for utilization of the identified markers and selected lines for development of sunflower lines with high regeneration capacity is discussed.