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The paper is devoted to the outstanding Russian scientist Vladimir I. Vernadsky, who is one of the founders of ecology. As a student of V.V. Dokuchaev, he developed his teacher’s ideas of a systematic dynamic approach to the study of nature and introduced a deep scientific ecological content into the concepts of the biosphere and the noösphere. V.I. Vernadsky is the founder of a complex of modern Earth sciences (geochemistry, biogeochemistry, radiology, and hydrogeology) and the creator of many scientific schools. In his scientific work, he covered many research areas, from geology to the study of the role of living matter in geochemical cycles, from soil science to the biosphere, the increasing influence of scientific thought, human activity in the biosphere and its transformation into the noösphere. The importance of agriculture in the biosphere and the noösphere is considered. The biosphere is an area of active life on Earth (troposphere, hydrosphere and part of the lithosphere), the composition, structure and energy of which are mainly due to the activity of living organisms. The noösphere is its thinking shell. Agriculture, whose most important part are grassland ecosystems, is an important component of the biosphere, being a reproducible, autotrophic sustainable resource (energetical, environmental, food and feed). In light of the pressing environmental problems facing the world, environmental education and environmental thinking are a priority for the development of the biosphere, the noösphere and agriculture.

The perfection of ecological culture in agriculture is an urgent and high-priority state task. A dangerous misbalance is often noted in modern agricultural production in favor of economic interests and to the detriment of ecological ones. To solve this problem, a project is being implemented to found a professionally oriented scientific and educational center. Every year, students of the Faculty of Soil Science of Lomonosov Moscow State University, the Faculty of Soil Science, Agrochemistry and Ecology and the Faculty of Agronomy and Biotechnology of the K.A. Timiryazev Russian State Agricultural Academy and others are trained practically at the Federal Williams Research Center of Forage Production & Agroecology. Practical work and conferences for schoolchildren held on the basis of the Williams Research Center are also important forms of work. Schoolchildren, under the guidance of researchers from the Williams Research Center and accompanied by teachers of biology, geography, chemistry, learn to work independently with plants at the molecular genetic level, to isolate genes from plants, to study the processes of plant breeding and cultivation, to take care of experimental samples, and to observe changes in the growth of different varieties and hybrids plants...

Methylparaben, ethylparaben, and propylparaben are widely used as preservatives in food products, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Parabens have been shown to be weak estrogens and this laboratory has described that extracts of some over the counter (OTC) medications with paraben preservatives can induce estrogen activity in tissue culture-based bioassays. At the same time, this laboratory determined that extracts from OTC medications containing the laxative bisacodyl induce estrogen activity regardless of parabens present and that bisacodyl is estrogenic. The current report describes the use of paraben standards and LC-MS analysis to determine paraben concentrations in extracts from OTC medications (Calcium Carbonate, Bisacodyl, Ibuprofen, Diphenhydramine, and Benzoyl Peroxide) used in previous studies. Also described is the application of the Qiagen RT2 Profiler PCR Array for Human Estrogen Receptor Signalling to determine gene induction profiles in MCF-7 cells treated with methyl, ethyl or proplyparaben, or each of the five pairs of OTC medication extracts (with or without parabens) relative to estradiol treatment. LC-MS analysis of extracts confirmed that five of six OTC medications labeled as paraben-free contain no detectable parabens, while one “paraben free” extract included measurable levels of parabens. At the same time, all of the extracts of OTC medications with paraben ingredients, some of which induce estrogen activity, were found to contain a wide range of paraben concentrations. A threshold range of paraben concentration in OTC medications is required to induce estrogen activity in bioassays. Analysis of paraben concentrations of extracts from different product lots of the same OTC medication identified discrepancies in the amount of paraben between batches. PCR Array profiles of the three paraben standards and the OTC medication extracts share some gene induction characteristics induced by estradiol. At the same time, methyl, ethyl and propylparabens induced unique gene array profiles that are shared by the OTC medication extracts containing parabens. The extracts of OTC medications containing bisacodyl stimulated a distinct gene induction profile that has some features of the profiles of estradiol and paraben treatment. This study highlights both the capacity for paraben preservatives in OTC medications to induce novel estrogen activity (gene induction) and the importance of determining the paraben concentration in OTC medications to determine estrogen potential. While the capacity for OTC medications containing parabens or other estrogenic substances to induce estrogen activity in individuals using the medications is unclear, consumers may want to know the potential for estrogen activity in these products.

The hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) family of transcription factors plays central roles in the development, physiology, pathology, and environmental adaptation of animals. Because many aquatic habitats are characterized by episodes of low dissolved oxygen, fish represent ideal models to study the roles of HIF in the response to aquatic hypoxia. The estuarine fish Fundulus heteroclitus is found in habitats prone to hypoxia. It responds to low oxygen via behavioral, physiological, and molecular changes, and one member of the HIF family, HIF2α, has been previously described. Herein, cDNA sequencing, phylogenetic analyses, and genomic approaches were used to determine other members of the HIFα family from F. heteroclitus and their relationships to HIFα subunits from other vertebrates. In vitro and cellular approaches demonstrated that full-length forms of HIF1α, HIF2α, and HIF3α independently formed complexes with the β-subunit, aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator, to bind to hypoxia response elements and activate reporter gene expression. Quantitative PCR showed that HIFα mRNA abundance varied among organs of normoxic fish in an isoform-specific fashion. Analysis of the F. heteroclitus genome revealed a locus encoding a second HIF2α—HIF2αb—a predicted protein lacking oxygen sensing and transactivation domains. Finally, sequence analyses demonstrated polymorphism in the coding sequence of each F. heteroclitus HIFα subunit, suggesting that genetic variation in these transcription factors may play a role in the variation in hypoxia responses among individuals or populations.

Development of orally bioavailable nonsteroidal selective estrogen receptor downregulators (SERDs) provides clinical opportunities for the long-term treatment and adjuvant therapy of breast cancer at all stages. We describe the design, synthesis, and identification of a boron-modified GW7604 derivative (GLL398, 9), a SERD candidate, in which a boronic acid functional group replaces the phenolic hydroxyl group of GW7604. Compound 9 strongly binds to ERα in a fluorescence resonance energy transfer binding assay (IC50 = 1.14 nM) and potently degrades ERα in MCF-7 breast cancer cells (IC50 = 0.21 μM). Most importantly, the introduction of the boronic acid group confers superior oral bioavailability of 9 (AUC = 36.9 μg·h/mL) in rats as compared to GW7604 (AUC = 3.35 μg·h/mL). The strikingly favorable pharmacokinetic property of 9 makes it a promising oral SERD suitable for clinical evaluation.

The contribution of personal care product (PCP) use to hormone regulated cancer and cancer disparities is unknown. Considering that environmental estrogens and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have the potential to contribute to cancer promotion and progression, evaluating chronic use PCPs and hair products for estrogen activity may be of use for risk assessment. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the ethanol extracts of 11 PCPs (including hair products) would induce estrogen agonist or antagonist activity in breast cancer cells in culture. We have previously shown that three of these PCP extracts induce estrogen agonist activity in the MCF-7 E3 estrogen proliferation assay while six extracts induce estrogen antagonist effects in the T47dkbluc estrogen reporter gene assay. In the current study, the LanthaScreen TR-FRET ER Alpha Competitive Binding Assay was employed to confirm that all nine estrogenic PCP extracts bind to the ER with up to 85% of the activity of E2. Then, to compare endogenous gene regulation induced by the estrogenic PCP extracts with treatment with E2, the Qiagen RT2 Profiler PCR Array for Human Estrogen Receptor Signalling was utilized. MCF-7 cells were treated with solvent control, 1 nM E2 or one of the nine PCP extracts shown to have estrogen activity in bioassays. The three extracts with agonist activity in bioassays produced a gene activation pattern similar to E2 with fewer total genes induced. At the same time, these extracts had no effect on some genes E2 inhibited (compared to control). While the extracts with estrogen antagonist activity in the bioassays inhibited the transcription of most genes induced by E2, these extracts activated the transcription of a number of genes E2 either down regulated or did not regulate. The antagonist PCP extracts repressed transcription of as many as 20 genes such as GPER1, PGR, NR5A2, CAV1 relative to E2. At the same time, in contrast to E2, these extracts induced the transcription of genes such as CYP1A1, CKB, CTGF, WNT4, CTGF, S100A6, FST, NCOA1 CTGF, S100A6, FST, NCOA1, APBB1, PTCH1, MAFF, WNT5A, and/or NOV. We conclude that chronic exposure to these estrogenic or antiestrogenic PCPs has the potential to impact estrogen mediated signaling in exposed individuals that exposure may have an influence on the proliferation and survival of estrogen dependent cancer.

Patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer often experience disease recurrence after standard therapies, a critical factor in determining their five-year survival rate. Recent reports indicated that long-term or short-term survival is associated with varied gene expression of cancer cells. Thus, identification of novel prognostic biomarkers should be considered. Since the mouse genome is similar to the human genome, we explored potential prognostic biomarkers using two groups of mouse ovarian cancer cell lines (group 1: IG-10, IG-10pw, and IG-10pw/agar; group 2: IG-10 clones 2, 3, and 11) which display highly and moderately aggressive phenotypes in vivo. Mice injected with these cell lines have different survival time and rates, capacities of tumor, and ascites formations, reflecting different prognostic potentials. Using an Affymetrix Mouse Genome 430 2.0 Array, a total of 181 genes were differentially expressed (P

Glyceollins are phytoalexins produced in soybeans under stressful growth conditions. On the basis of prior evaluations, they show potential to treat multiple diseases, including certain cancers, Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. The aim of the present study was to expand on recent studies designed to initially characterize the intestinal disposition of glyceollins. Specifically, studies were undertaken in Caco-2 cells to evaluate glyceollins' effects on apical efflux transporters, namely, MRP2 and BCRP, which are the locus of several intestinal drug-drug and drug-food interactions. 5- (and 6)-carboxy-2',7'-dichloroflourescein (CDF) was used to provide a readout on MRP2 activity, whereas BODIPY-prazosin provided an indication of BCRP alteration. Glyceollins were shown to reverse MRP2-mediated CDF transport asymmetry in a concentration-dependent manner, with activity similar to the MRP2 inhibitor, MK-571. Likewise, they demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition of BCRP-mediated efflux of BODIPY-prazosin with a potency similar to that of Ko143. Glyceollin did not appreciably alter MRP2 or BCRP expression following 24 h of continuous exposure. The possibility that glyceollin mediated inhibition of genistein metabolite efflux by either transporter was evaluated. However, results demonstrated an interaction at the level of glyceollin inhibition of genistein metabolism rather than inhibition of metabolite transport.

The article is devoted to the study of physiological effects of staying in the park areas in people of different ages. The study involved 20 students aged 18-20 years; 20 schoolchildren aged 14-15 years; 11 elderly people aged 69-76 years. We recorded tidal volume and respiratory rate, took blood pressure and counted heart rate, calculated hemodynamic parameters. We analyzed the parameters of attention, determined the capacity of short-term auditory and visual memory. All studied parameters were recorded before and after a walk in the park. While people spend time in the open air in recreation areas, the positive dynamics in cardiorespiratory system is observed: a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate, but maximal pulmonary ventilation increases. Also, we noticed that the level of state anxiety has reduced. We have discovered that the influence of recreation area environment on the functional state of test subjects depends on their age The magnitude of the changes depends on the deviation of the initial parameters from the normal values. The most positive values are observed in people with maximum deviation from the norm. The practical significance of the study is to expand the range of drug-free methods to enhance functions of cardiovascular, respiratory systems and the brain in elderly people with the help of sensory environment of recreation areas.

Aromatase inhibitors, such as letrozole, have become the first-line treatment for postmenopausal women with estrogen-dependent breast cancer. However, acquired resistance remains a major clinical obstacle. Previous studies demonstrated constitutive activation of the MAPK signaling, overexpression of HER2, and down-regulation of aromatase and ERα in letrozole-resistant breast cancer cells. Given the complex signaling network involved in letrozole-refractory breast cancer and the lack of effective treatment for hormone resistance, further investigation of aromatase inhibitor resistance by a novel systems biology approach may reveal previously unconsidered molecular changes that could be utilized as therapeutic targets. This study was undertaken to characterize for the first time global proteomic alterations occurring in a letrozole-resistant cell line. A quantitative proteomic analysis of the whole cell lysates of LTLT-Ca (resistant) versus AC-1 cells (sensitive) was performed to identify significant protein expression changes. A total of 1743 proteins were identified and quantified, of which 411 were significantly up-regulated and 452 significantly down-regulated (p < 0.05, fold change > 1.20). Bioinformatics analysis revealed that acquired letrozole resistance is associated with a hormone-independent, more aggressive phenotype. LTLT-Ca cells exhibited 84% and 138% increase in migration and invasion compared with the control cells. The ROCK inhibitor partially abrogated the enhanced migration and invasion of the letrozole-resistant cells. Flow cytometric analyses also demonstrated an increase in vimentin and twist expression in letrozole-resistance cells, suggesting an onset of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Moreover, targeted gene expression arrays confirmed a 28-fold and sixfold up-regulation of EGFR and HER2, respectively, whereas ERα and pS2 were dramatically reduced by 28-fold and 1100-fold, respectively. Taken together, our study revealed global proteomic signatures of a letrozole-resistant cell line associated with hormone independence, enhanced cell motility, EMT and the potential values of several altered proteins as novel prognostic markers or therapeutic targets for letrozole resistant breast cancer.

Selective inhibition of P450 enzymes is the key to block the conversion of environmental procarcinogens to their carcinogenic metabolites in both animals and humans. To discover highly potent and selective inhibitors of P450s 1A1, 1A2, and 1B1, as well as to investigate active site cavities of these enzymes, 14 novel flavone derivatives were prepared as chemical probes. Fluorimetric enzyme inhibition assays were used to determine the inhibitory activities of these probes towards P450s 1A1, 1A2, 1B1, 2A6, and 2B1. A highly selective P450 1B1 inhibitor, 5-hydroxy-4′-propargyloxyflavone (5H4′FPE) was discovered. Some tested compounds also showed selectivity between P450s 1A1 and 1A2. Alpha-naphthoflavone-like and 5-hydroxyflavone derivatives preferentially inhibited P450 1A2, while beta-naphthoflavone-like flavone derivatives showed selective inhibition of P450 1A1. On the basis of structural analysis, the active site cavity models of P450 enzymes 1A1 and 1A2 were generated, demonstrating a planar long strip cavity and a planar triangular cavity, respectively.

Glyceollins, a group of novel phytoalexins isolated from activated soy, have recently been demonstrated to be novel antiestrogens that bind to the estrogen receptor (ER) and inhibit estrogen-induced tumor progression. Our previous publications have focused specifically on inhibition of tumor formation and growth by the glyceollin mixture, which contains three glyceollin isomers (I, II, and III). Here, we show the glyceollin mixture is also effective as a potential antiestrogenic, therapeutic agent that prevents estrogen-stimulated tumorigenesis and displays a differential pattern of gene expression from tamoxifen. By isolating the individual glyceollin isomers (I, II, and III), we have identified the active antiestrogenic component by using competition binding assays with human ERalpha and in an estrogen-responsive element-based luciferase reporter assay. We identified glyceollin I as the active component of the combined glyceollin mixture. Ligand-receptor modeling (docking) of glyceollin I, II, and III within the ERalpha ligand binding cavity demonstrates a unique type II antiestrogenic confirmation adopted by glyceollin I but not isomers II and III. We further compared the effects of glyceollin I to the antiestrogens, 4-hydroxytamoxifen and ICI 182,780 (fulvestrant), in MCF-7 breast cancer cells and BG-1 ovarian cancer cells on 17beta-estradiol-stimulated expression of progesterone receptor and stromal derived factor-1alpha. Our results establish a novel inhibition of ER-mediated gene expression and cell proliferation/survival. Glyceollin I may represent an important component of a phytoalexin-enriched food (activated) diet in terms of chemoprevention as well as a novel therapeutic agent for hormone-dependent tumors.

In humans, cytochrome P450 1A2 is the major enzyme metabolizing environmental arylamines or heterocyclic amines into carcinogens. Since evidence shows that planar triangle-shaped molecules are capable of selectively inhibiting P450 1A2, 16 triangular flavone, and coumarin derivatives were designed and synthesized for these studies. Among these compounds, 7,8-furanoflavone time-dependently inhibits P450 1A2 with a K(I) value of 0.44 μM. With a 5 min preincubation in the presence of NADPH, 0.01 μM 7,8-furanoflavone completely inactivates P450 1A2 but does not influence the activities of P450s 1A1 and 1B1. Another target compound, 7,8-pyrano-4-trifluoromethylcoumarin, is found to be a competitive inhibitor, showing high selectivity for the inhibition of P450 1A2 with a K(i) of 0.39 μM, 155- and 52-fold lower than its K(i) values against P450s 1A1 and 1B1, respectively. In yeast AhR activation assays, 7,8-pyrano-4-trifluoromethylcoumarin does not activate aryl hydrocarbon receptor when the concentration is lower than 1 μM, suggesting that this compound would not up-regulate AhR-caused P450 enzyme expression. In-cell P450 1A2 inhibition assays show that 7,8-pyrano-4-trifluoromethylcoumarin decreases the MROD activity in HepG2 cells at concentrations higher than 1 μM. Thus, using 7,8-pyrano-4-trifluoromethylcoumarin, a selective and specific P450 1A2 action suppression could be achieved, indicating the potential for the development of P450 1A2-targeting cancer preventive agents.

Glyceollins are phytoalexins produced in soybeans from their isoflavone precursor daidzein. Their impressive anticancer and glucose normalization effects in rodents have generated interest in their therapeutic potential. The aim of the present studies was to begin to understand glyceollin intestinal transport and metabolism, and their potential effects on P-glycoprotein (Pgp) in Caco-2 cells. At 10 and 25 μM, glyceollin permeability was 2.4±0.16×10(-4) cm/sec and 2.1±0.15×10(-4) cm/sec, respectively, in the absorptive direction. Basolateral to apical permeability at 25 μM was 1.6±0.10×10(-4) cm/sec. Results suggest high absorption potential of glyceollin by a passive-diffusion-dominated mechanism. A sulfate conjugate at the phenolic hydroxyl position was observed following exposure to Caco-2 cells. In contrast to verapamil inhibition of the net secretory permeability of rhodamine 123 (R123) and its enhancement of calcein AM uptake into Caco-2 cells, neither glyceollin nor genistein inhibited Pgp (MDR1; ABCB1) up to 300 μM. There was no significant change in MDR1 mRNA expression, Pgp protein expression, or R123 transport in cells exposed to glyceollin or genistein for 24 h up to 100 μM. Collectively, these results suggest that glyceollin has the potential to be well absorbed, but that, similar to the isoflavone genistein, its absorption may be reduced substantially by intestinal metabolism; further, they indicate that glyceollin does not appear to alter Pgp function in Caco-2 cells.

Glyceollins are pterocarpan phytoalexins elicited in high concentrations when soybeans are stressed. We have previously reported that the three glyceollin isomers (GLY I-III) exhibit antiestrogenic properties, which may have significant biological effects upon human exposure. Of the three isomers, we have recently shown that glyceollin I is the most potent antiestrogen. Natural (-)-glyceollin I recently was synthesized along with its racemate and unnatural (+) enantiomer. In this study, we compared the glyceollin I enantiomers' ER binding affinity, ability to inhibit estrogen responsive element transcriptional (ERE) activity and endogenous gene expression in MCF-7 cells. The results demonstrated similar binding affinities for both ERα and ERβ. Reporter gene assays in MCF-7 cells revealed that while (+)-glyceollin I slightly stimulated ERE transcriptional activity, (-)-glyceollin I decreased activity induced by estrogen. Co-transfection reporter assays performed in HEK 293 cells demonstrated that (+)-glyceollin I increased ERE transcriptional activity of ERα and ERβ with and without estrogen with no antiestrogenic activity observed. Conversely, (-)-glyceollin I decreased the activity of both ER subtypes stimulated by estradiol demonstrating potent antiestrogenic properties. Additionally, each Gly I enantiomer induced unique gene expression profiles in a PCR array panel of genes commonly altered in breast cancer. Fil: Payton Stewart, Florastina. University of Tulane; Estados Unidos Fil: Khupse, Rahul S.. University of Toledo Center for Drug Design & Development; Estados Unidos Fil: Boue, Stephen M.. Southern Regional Research Center; Estados Unidos Fil: Elliot, Steven. University of Tulane; Estados Unidos Fil: Zimmermann, Maria Carla. University of Tulane; Estados Unidos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste. Facultad de Medicina; Argentina Fil: Skripnikova, Elena V.. Xavier University of Louisiana; Estados Unidos Fil: Ashe, Hasina. Xavier University of Louisiana; Estados Unidos Fil: Tilghman, Syreeta L.. University of Tulane; Estados Unidos Fil: Beckman, Barbara S.. University of Tulane; Estados Unidos Fil: Cleveland, Thomas E.. Southern Regional Research Center; Estados Unidos Fil: McLachlan, John A.. University of Tulane; Estados Unidos. Xavier University of Louisiana; Estados Unidos Fil: Bhatnagar, Deepak. Southern Regional Research Center; Estados Unidos Fil: Wiese, Thomas E.. University of Tulane; Estados Unidos. Xavier University of Louisiana; Estados Unidos Fil: Erhardt, Paul. University of Toledo. Center for Drug Design & Development; Estados Unidos Fil: Burow, Matthew E.. University of Tulane; Estados Unidos

Population analysis of gene expression is typically achieved by quantifying levels of mRNA; however, gene expression is also a function of protein translation and turnover. Therefore, a complete understanding of population variation in gene expression requires quantitative knowledge of protein expression within and among natural populations. We used twodimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) to quantitatively compare expression of heart ventricle proteins among 18 individuals in three populations of the teleost fish Fundulus. Among populations, expressions between orthologous proteins and mRNAs were generally positively correlated. Additionally, similar to the pattern of cardiac mRNA expression for the same populations, we found considerable variation in protein expression both within and among populations: Of 408 protein features in 2D gels, 34% are significantly different (P , 0.01) among individuals within a population, 9% differ between populations, and 12% have a pattern of expression that suggests they have evolved by natural selection. Although similar to mRNA expression, the frequency of significant differences among populations is larger for proteins. Similar to mRNA expressions, expressions of most proteins are correlated to the expressions of many other proteins. However, the correlations among proteins are more extensive than the correlation for similar RNAs. These correlations suggest a greater coordinate regulation of protein than mRNA expression. The larger frequency of significant differences among populations and the greater frequency of correlated expression among proteins versus among RNAs suggest that the molecular mechanisms affecting protein expression enhance the differences among populations, and these regulatory steps could be a source of variation for adaptation.