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Objective: The present study aims to investigate the role of breast cancer-susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1) protein in the β-Glucan (βG) molecule mediated regulation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced liver genotoxicity. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, totally, 32 male Swiss Albino mice were randomly divided into 4 equal groups: control (C), LPS-administered (LPS), βG-administered (βG) and βG-pre-administered/LPS-administered (βG+LPS). The βG was injected at the dose of 150 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 3 days. A single dose of 4 mg/ kg (i.p.) LPS was administered 24 hours after the last βG injection. BRCA1 expression was determined by western blot analysis and confirmed by quantitative immunofluorescence. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor (Nrf2) and 8-OHdG protein levels were also determined by the immunofluorescence analysis. The alkaline comet assay was performed. superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and membrane lipid peroxidation were biochemically measured, and light microscopic histology was evaluated. Results: The BRCA1 expression level was significantly decreased in the LPS group. However, in the βG+LPS group, expression of BRCA1 protein was over 2 folds higher than the control. After the LPS induction, the DNA strand breaks, oxidative DNA lesions and abnormal proliferation of the liver cells were almost entirely suppressed in βG preadministrated animals, indicating the BRCA1 mediated ubiquitination of PCNA and activation of the DNA damage repair pathways. Activation of Nrf2 in the βG+LPS group resulted in an increase in the levels of Nrf2 pathway dependent antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT, prevented the peroxidation of membrane lipids and maintained the histological architecture of the liver. Conclusion: The results manifested that the βG is a strong inducer of the BRCA1 protein expression in the LPSinduced hepatic stress and the protein constitutes the key component of a βG mediated liver protection against an LPS-induced genotoxic and pathological damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new dihydroisocoumarins (scorzolongin I (1), and scorzolongin II (2)) and nine known compounds (3′,5′-dimethoxy hydrangenol (scorzolongin III, 3), cladantholide (4), dammar-24-ene-3β-ol (5), taraxasterol (6), β-sitosterol (7), mangifgerursanone (8), and a mixture of α-amyrenone (9a), β-amyrenone (9b), and dammar-24-ene-3-one (9c) in about 1:1:2 ratio) were identified from the dichloromethane fraction of Scorzonera longiana. The structure of all compounds (1–9a–c) were elucidated by extensive 1D and 2D NMR (1H, 13C/APT, COSY, HMBC, HSQC, and NOESY) spectroscopy, UV, FT-IR, and LC-QTOF-MS data and by comparison of their NMR data with the literature. These compounds have been isolated from S. longiana for the first time. An antimicrobial assay against eight microorganisms was applied to isolated compounds 1–3. Scorzolongin I, and scorzolongin II, and scorzolongin III showed notable activity against gram (-) (Escherichia coli and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis) and fungi (Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae) with 20 mm inhibition zone each. Scorzolongin II (2) exhibited strong activity against E. coli, Y. pseudotuberculosis, Mycobacterium smegmatis C. albicans, S. cerevisiae with MIC value of 33.8 μg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of the work is to determine the bioactive pharmaceutical metabolites produced by the Fusarium oxysporum YP9B isolate. Ten new natural compounds were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of the F. oxysporum YP9B strain. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods using 1D and 2D NMR, UV, FT-IR, and mass spectra (LC-QTOF MS and GC-FID/MS). Identified compounds were named as; (1-benzyl-2-methoxy-2-oxoethyl)-2-hydroxy-3-methylbutanoate (1), 2-oxo-8-azatricyclo[9.3.1.13,7]-hexadeca-1(15),3(16),4,6,11,13-hexaen-10-one (2), 2,3-dihydroxypropanoic, hexadecanoic anhydride (3a), 2,3-dihydroxypropanoic (9Z)-octadecenoic anhydride (3b), 2,3-dihydroxy-propanoic (9Z,12Z)-octadecadienoic anhydride (3c), 2,3-dihydroxypropanoic (11Z)-octadecenoic anhydride (4a), 2,3-dihydroxypropanoic, (9E,12E)-octadecadienoic anhydride (4b), 3-hydroxy-1,2,6,10-tetramethylundecyl hexzadecanoate (5a), 3-hydroxy-1,2,6,10-tetramethylundecyl (9E)-octadecaenoate (5b), and 3-hydroxy-1,2,6,10-tetramethylundecyl octadecanoate (5c). Antimicrobial activities of the isolates obtained from the YP9B strain were determined. Cytotoxic and antiviral activities were tested for the isolates against VERO, MCF-7, PC-3, and A549. Compounds 5a-c, 1, and 3a-c showed bacteriostatic activity at low concentrations, and 4a-b and 2 were found to be bactericides. MIC and MBC values against Mycobacterium smegmatis for the compounds 5a-c and 1 were determined to be <0.5 µg/mL and 0.46 µg/mL, respectively. The experimental result showed that compounds 2, 5a-c and 1 have strong cytotoxic (7.51±1.38 and 19.13± 0.68 (µM) IC50) activity. The antiviral activity against HSV type-1 was determined to be 1.25 µM for compounds 4a-c and 0.312 µM for compound 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lamiaceae, a family of flowering plants, have been historically used as culinary herbs, shrubs and medicinal plants. With this study, the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of the five species of the Lamiaceae family (Thymus cilicicus, Clinopodium nepeta L., Nepeta italica L., Thymbra spicata L. and Ziziphora clinopodioides) that grow in Turkey were identified by the SPME/GC‐FID/MS method. The five species were screened in order to reveal their antibacterial and antioxidant activities. Phenolic compound analyses of five species were performed by using RP‐HPLC with diode array detection. Among the total number of 73 compounds that were identified, α‐pinene (2.2%‐13.8%), β‐pinene (0.3%‐25.9%), p‐cymene (0.7%‐17.9%), γ‐terpinene (0.4%‐22.0%), carvacrol (0.1%‐40.2%), sabinene (1.2%‐34.2%), terpinen‐4‐ol (0.2%‐27.5%), (E)‐β‐caryophyllene (0.1%‐13.8%) and (E)‐β‐farnesene (0.4%‐19.7%) were found to be the most plentiful ones. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the methanol extracts of the five species of the Lamiaceae family were investigated, and the results were in the range of 23‐959 µg/mL; the most pronounced antibacterial activities were determined to be against Mycobacterium smegmatis (23‐291 µg/mL). All of the methanol extracts possessed effective antioxidant capacity (IC50: 1.82‐28.18 μmol/L Trolox/g sample) as estimated from the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical‐scavenging assays. Additionally, the effect of phenolics, especially benzoic acid (86.27, 27.85, ‐, 13.11, 9.59 mg/g extract, respectively), on the biological properties of the methanol extracts of the five species of the Lamiaceae family, was investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Risperidone (RIS), a commonly used drug during a lifetime for the treatment of schizophrenia, causes some adverse effects in the male reproductive system; however, there is no comprehensive reproductive toxicity study of RIS. For this purpose, male rats were administered orally for 1.25, 2.5 and 3 mg/kg RIS for 28 days and the sperm count, motility, morphology, DNA damage and the histological changes in testicular tissue were evaluated. Follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH) and serum levels of testosterone, which are the main hormonal regulators of reproduction, and testicular glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as the indicators of oxidative stress were determined. Normal sperm morphology was decreased in RIS groups and histopathological degeneration occurred in testis tissue dose‐dependently. Serum LH levels were not altered; however, FSH and testosterone levels decreased in the high‐dose group. Histopathologic examination showed RIS toxicity targeted Leydig cells, which might be associated with impairment of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis. GSH levels were decreased and MDA levels were increased in the high‐dose group which was evaluated as indicators of oxidative stress. In conclusion, RIS caused reproductive toxicity in male rats by inducing oxidative stress and disrupting hormonal regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present work was aimed to carry out volatile component analyzes in Vaccinium arctostaphlyos L., V. uliginosum L., V. vitis-idaea L. and V. myrtillus L leaf growing at different altitudes of the East Blacksea Region of Turkey. Methods: The leaf of Vaccinium species were harvested from twenty-one different altitudes (748-3035 m) from six cities (Artvin-Ardahan-Rize-Trabzon-Gümüşhane-Giresun) of Turkey. The diversity of volatiles in the leaf was investigated by SPME GC-FID/MS. Results: The major constituents of the Vaccinium leaf showed variation with changes in altitudes. The identified volatile components of V. arctostaphlyos and V. uliginosum were represented mainly by aldehydes in all altitudes, whereas monoterpenes were found the major constituent of V. vitis-idaea at Posof-Ardahan (2376 m) and Artvin (2553 m) samples. In all altitudes, capronaldehyde (7.23-28.96%) and 2(E)-hexenal (8.90-53.59%) in the leaf of V. arctostaphlyos; capronaldehyde (17.04-37.09%) and limonene (16.50-47.51%) in the leaf of V. vitis-idaea and capronaldehyde (4.55-39.90%), 2(E)-hexenal (25.08-80.99%) and hexadecane (2.97-11.32%) in the leaf of V. uliginosum; and capronaldehyde (14.66-37.26%) and 2(E)-hexenal (18.18-37.59%) at the altitudes of 1912m, 2533 m and 2565 m in the leaf of V. myrtillus were the major constituents with the different percentages, respectively. 2-Bornanone (32.86%) at the altitude of 2613 m and 3-penten-2-one (93.60%) at the altitude of 2811m in the leaf of V. myrtillus were found to be the major compounds. Conclusion: Comparisons of the volatile components of V. arctostaphlyos, V. uliginosum, V. vitis-idaea and V. myrtillus in different sites showed significant differences among populations at different altitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study describes the development and use of a new bioconjugate combining targeted quantum dot labeling with an immunoperoxidase method and explores whether these bioconjugates could specifically and effectively label Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1). The new bioconjugate is designed for the examination of samples both under fluorescent and bright-field microscopy at the same time. For this purpose chlorobis(2-2′-bipyridyl) methacryloyl tyrosine-ruthenium(II) and bis (2-2′-bipyridyl) methacryloyltyrosine-methacryloyltryptophan-ruthenium (II) photosensitive monomers and photosensitive poly(Bis (2-2′-bipyridyl)) methacryloyltyrosine-methacryloyltryptophan-ruthenium(II) were synthesized and characterized. The anti-SOD1 antibody and horseradish peroxidase (HRD) conjugated quantum dots were prepared by using this polymer. The anti-SOD1 antibody and HRD conjugated quantum dots were used in labeling and imaging of SOD1 in rat liver sections. Quantum dot particles were observed as a bright fluorescence in their specific binding locations inside the hepatocytes. The HRD-diaminobenzidine reaction product was observed as brown-colored particles at the same locations under bright-field microscopy. Structural details of the tissue sections could be examined at the same time. The conjugation protocol is simple; the bioconjugate is applicable for efficient cell labeling and can be adapted for imaging of other targets in different tissues. Also, the prepared nanobioconjugates have mechanic stability and can be used for a long period. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The present study aims to investigate the effect of Tl on the survival and morphology of Tubifex tubifex (sludge worm). For this purpose, Tl was applicated to the animals for 96 h of daily renewal tests at the following test concentrations: 0.005, 0.01, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.5 mg/L-1. Acute toxicity was analysed by the measurement of 96-h LC50 value, and daily survival rates were analysed. Autotomy was evaluated as a criterion for sublethal toxicity. Morphological observations were conducted by binocular microscopic and scanning electron microscopic analyses. 96- h LC50 and EC50 values were determined to be 0.018 mgL-1 and 0.0077 mg L-1, respectively. The worms exhibit mortality starting from the lowest concentration (0.005 mg/L-1). When exposure time was extended, autotomized worms were observed to be deceased. Tl exposure resulted in the appearance of morphological alterations and adaptation responses in exposed worms. Constriction and/or loss of segments were observed in caudal region of most animals. There was a beaded appearance in the degenerating part of body. Mucus production was found to be increased. The results revealed that Tl is toxic to T. tubifex worms, even at lowest concentration (0.005 mg L-1).. This study represents the first assessment of Tl impact on T. tubifex at laboratory conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study investigated biomarker responses of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris in order to evaluate the soil pollution along Porsuk River Basin. Samples consisted of animals from six sites that are agricultural regions and a forested control. Histopathological and biochemical alterations were examined. Significant histopathological alterations were observed in animals from three of the sampling sites. There was an enlargement of epithelial cell lining, mucus cell hyperplasia and increase in mucus secretion. Circular and longitudinal muscles lost their structural integrity. Chloragogenous tissue was dilated and vocuolized. Necrosis was observed in the cells and tissues of some affected worms. A load of heavy metals in tissues of animals was determined. Heavy metals were found to be accumulated particularly in longitudinal muscles of animals. CAT activity was found to be increased in animals from three of the experimental sites. GST activity was also increased in five sites while it was stable in one site. The results have shown that animals from locations particularly that are close to urbanized and industrialized regions were seriously affected from the soil pollution around the basin. These results are reflecting the biological effects of soil pollution around Porsuk River Basin on the indicator organism L. terrestris and constitute an early warning of ecological change in relation to human health. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Metallothionein (MT) is a low-molecular weight sulfur-rich protein that plays role in metal homeostasis/detoxification and radical scavenging. The following study investigated the ability of exogenous MT to protect against oxidative damage induced by thallium (TI) in rat liver. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups; a control and three experimental groups. The control group received physiological saline. Group 1 animals were injected with thallium acetate intraperitoneally (i.p.) at a single dose of LD50 (32mg/kg). In group 2 and group 3, metallothionein I was administrated once at two different doses (1 or 2.5mg/kg i.p., respectively) 1h before TI intoxication. Levels of endogenous antioxidants, oxidative stress markers were measured and histopathological examinations were performed 4days after TI administration. TI accumulation in liver decreased related to the dose of MT. Mostly all of the alterations in the levels antioxidants restored to normal levels in MT administrated animals. H2O2 levels and lipid peroxidation decreased, integrity of hepatocytes and membranous structures inside the cells were preserved. The toxic effects of TI were modulated in MT administrated animals particularly at the dose of 2.5mg/kg. These findings suggest an active role of exogenous MT against TI-induced oxidative stress in rat liver. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, methoxy benzoin compounds (1-10) were synthesized from the corresponding aromatic aldehydes based on a screening of biological activity. Oxidation and reduction of benzoins (1-10) yielded the corresponding benzils (11-20) and stilbenoids (21-29), respectively. The enzyme inhibition, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities of 1-29 were evaluated. 1, 14, 19, and 28 against a-amylase, 15 and 19 against a-glucosidase, 2, 4, 14, 18, 25 and 26 against tyrosinase, 2, 7, and 23 against AChE, and 7, and 13 against BChE showed similar activity to the standard used. Among the methoxy benzoin derivatives, 4 proved to be the most active compound against E.coli, Y.pseudotuberculosis, M. smegmatis, and C.albicans in the range of 41-82 µg/mL MIC values. All benzil derivatives displayed bioactivity against M.smegmatis and C. albicans. Compounds 18 and 11 were found to be most effective against M.smegmatis, and compounds 11 and 17 were found to be the most effective against C.albicans. All stilbenoid type compounds showed selective activity against B.cereus. Compounds 21 and 22 were the most effective stilbenoid compounds against M. smegmatis. Benzoins (1-10) were the most effective antioxidants among all three groups compared to the tested methods, which can be attributed to the free hydroxyl at the benzylic position. As a result, the change of carbon skeleton and substitution at different positions of synthesized organic compounds also caused the variation of biological activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]