Category Archives: Uncategorized
Ivan Dmytrovych Holovatsky on the 100th anniversary of his birth
Ye. Makukh1, S. Grabovskyi1, R. Stoika2
1Department of Biochemistry, Stepan Gzhytskyi National University
of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnologies, Lviv, Ukraine;
2Department of Regulation of Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis,
Institute of Cell Biology, National Acadermy of Sciences of Ukraine, Lviv
Ivan Dmytrovych Holovatskyi (1926–2015) was a distinguished Ukrainian biochemist and enzymologist, professor, and the founder of a school of biochemistry in Lviv. His research focused on carbohydrate metabolism, with particular emphasis on the pentose phosphate pathway and the regulation of glycolysis in normal and tumor cells. He authored more than 650 scientific publications, including monographs and a textbook, supervised numerous PhD and Doctoral dissertations, and served for many years as head of the Lviv branch of the Ukrainian Biochemical Society. His career was shaped by political repression and institutional obstacles; nevertheless, he remained committed to scientific research, mentorship, and public engagement, maintaining intellectual integrity and a principled approach to science and civic life.
Screening of soybean plants for Rsv1 resistance gene and antioxidant enzyme isoforms under conditions of soybean mosaic virus infection
L. T. Mishchenko1*, O. О. Molodchenkova2*, A. A. Dunich1,
I. A. Mishchenko3, A. V. Dashchenko3, P. S. Tykhonov2,
I. I. Motsniy2, Ya. S. Fanin2
1Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, ESC “Institute of Biology and Medicine”, Ukraine;
*e-mail: lmishchenko@ukr.net;
2Plant Breeding and Genetics Institute – National Center of Seed and Cultivar Investigation,
Laboratory of Plant Biochemistry, Odesa, Ukraine;
*e-mail: olgamolod@ukr.net;
3National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv
Received: 11 May 2025; Revised: 20 August 2025;
Accepted: 30 January 2026; Available on-line: February 2026
Soybean mosaic virus (SMV) infection is recognized as the most serious, long-standing problem in soybean producing areas in the world. The Rsv1 locus is a part of resistance genes family involved in plant defense mechanisms against pathogens. Rsv1 and antioxidant enzymes peroxidase and superoxide dismutase are known for their role in providing resistance to the soybean mosaic virus. This work aimed at screening soybean plants both SMV infected and healthy on the presence of Rsv1 locus and peroxidase and superoxide dismutase isozyme patterns. The presence of 3gG2 gene at the Rsv1 locus was detected with PCR in uninfected plants of 17 studied soybean varieties. The presence of 3gG2 gene was also revealed in SMV-infected plants of four varieties indicating that the gene was not expressed in these plants. electrophoresis in PAAG demonstrated that the spectrum of peroxidase and superoxide dismutase isoforms in soybean leaf tissues depends on genotype specificity and the presence/absence of the 3gG2 gene at the Rsv1 locus. The outcome of work will be useful for identification genotypes resistant to SMV and their implementation in soybean breeding programs in Ukraine.
Reparative osteogenesis markers during bone defects substitution with germanium-doped ceramics under experimental osteoporosis
T. Todosiuk1*, V. Chemerovskiy1, А. Rublenko2,
N. Ulianchych3, V. Kolomiiets3, S. Firstov3
1Bila Tserkva National Agrarian University, Bila Tserkva, Ukraine;
2Vinnytsia Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi State Pedagogical University, Vinnytsia, Ukraine;
3Frantsevich Institute for Problems of Materials Science,
National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv;
*e-mail: tatyana.todosyuk@gmail.com
Received: 04 June 2025; Revised: 05 August 2025;
Accepted: 30 January 2026; Available on-line: February 2026
Osteoporosis, as a systemic skeletal disease, is characterized by the loss of bone mass, decreased mineral density, and microarchitecture changes. In cases of traumatic fractures and critical-size bone defects osteoporosis can lead to spontaneous fractures, impair regeneration and complication when using bone substituting materials. Ceramic implants, doped with germanium to impart osteoinductive properties, are among promising bone substituting materials. In this study we aimed to assess biochemical markers of reparative osteogenesis at bone defects substitution with germanium-doped ceramics in rabbits under osteoporosis. The study was conducted on California White rabbits with osteoporosis, induced by administration of 0.4% dexamethasone solution. The model defects were created in trabecular and cortical bones, following the exposure of the periosteum with drills of 3 and 4.2 mm diameters, respectively, in compliance with the anesthetic regimen and antiseptic rules. Calcium phosphate ceramic granules with a size of 700 μm, synthesized from hydroxyapatite and β-tricalcium phosphate and doped with 0.8 mass.% germanium (CPC-Ge) were used for healing. In the control group of animals (n = 9) bone defects were healed under a blood clot. In the experimental group (n = 9), the defects were replaced with CPC-Ge granules. Blood samples for biochemical studies were collected before modeling the bone defect and on the 7th, 14th, 30th, and 60th days of reparative osteogenesis. The activity of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and its bone isoenzyme, as well as circulating immune complexes, protein C and NO serum levels were determined. It was shown that substitution of both trabecular and cortical bones defects with CPC-Ge, as compared to healing under a blood clot, leads to reduced inflammatory and immune responses, prevented the depletion of protein C and promotes a more dynamic course of reparative osteogenesis in animals with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.
Indicators of musculus soleus contractility disorder in obese rats
D. M. Nozdrenko, O. V. Rizun, O. O. Kalmukova,
M. Yu. Kuznietsova, N. G. Raksha, T. I. Halenova*,
O. V. Lynchak, Yu. I. Prylutskyy
Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine;
*e-mail: galenovatanya@knu.ua
Received: 23 October 2025; Revised: 12 November 2025;
Accepted: 30 January 2026; Available on-line: February 2026
Obesity has become a widespread issue across the globe, reaching epidemic proportions. Being overweight is a known risk factor for developing impairments in muscle performance. The aim of the study was to estimate mechanokinetic parameters of musculus soleus contraction in obese animals to better understand the possible impact of obesity on muscle contractile activity, tissue structure and appearance of damage markers in the blood. Experiments were carried out on 40 male white non-linear rats, divided equally into two groups. Control group were fed a standard diet for 10 weeks. Rats in the obesity group were maintained on a high-fat diet for the same time period. At the end of the experiment animals were anesthetized, musculus soleus was dissected, the ventral roots were severed from the spinal cord. Stimulation was performed by electrical impulses generated by a pulse generator. Tissue samples histological analysis was done with the use of Van Gieson’s trichrome and Sudan Black staining. Creatinine concentration, creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in the blood was determined. Reduction in musculus soleus maximum contraction force and muscle force impulse, prolonged relaxation time and delayed muscle return to initial state in obese animals as compared to control group were detected indicating on skeletal muscle fatigue. The appearance of intramyocellular lipid droplets and increased amount of intramuscular collagen fibers in the muscle tissue, as well as the elevated creatinine level and increased LDH and CPK activity in the blood, confirmed the impairment of muscle state in obese rat.
ROS production and phagocytic activity in human blood phagocytes treated with bacteriophage preparation Pyofag
I. Semchuk1, A. Kharina1, N. Korniienko2, M. Rudyk1, R. Dovhyi1,
K. Ostrovska1, K. Liashenko1, Yu. Kortous1, L. Skivka1
1NSC “Institute of Biology and Medicine”,
Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine;
2NPBC-UKRAINE LLC;
*e-mail: 03semiramida02@knu.ua
Received: 19 November 2025; Revised: 22 January 2026;
Accepted: 30 January 2026; Available on-line: February 2026
The growing use of bacteriophages in the treatment of antibiotic-resistant infections highlights the need to clarify their direct effects on innate immune cells. This study investigated the effect of polyvalent phage preparation Pyofag on oxidative metabolism and phagocytic function of nonsensitized peripheral blood monocytes and granulocytes under physiological whole-blood conditions. Blood samples from healthy donors were collected using lithium heparin, incubated with Pyofag at phage-to-cell ratios of 1:2, 1:5, and 1:10, centrifuged and the cell pellet was used. ROS production was assessed with the use of DCFDA, phagocytic activity was estimated by fluorescent polystyrene latex beads-uptake intensity. The percentage of phagocytic cells and their mean fluorescence index (MFI) were measured by flow cytometry. It was shown that Pyofag induced statistically significant moderate ROS generation in both phagocyte populations only at the highest dose, remaining markedly lower than that induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. Upon Pyofag treatment, only minor reduction in the proportion of phagocytosing monocytes and minor increased in the percentage of phagocytosing granulocytes was observed with no effect on MFI. The mild oxidative activation and stable phagocytic performance observed in Pyofag-treated blood phagocytes point to a noninflammatory, balanced immunomodulatory profile, supporting the safety of this phage preparation for potential systemic administration.
OCT4 immunostaining is associated with breast cancer grade and tumor size
D. A. Alghezi
Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Thi-Qar, Thi-Qar, Iraq;
e-mail: Dr.daf79@utq.edu.iq; Dhafer.a.f.alghezi@bath.edu
Received: 25 August 2025; Revised: 09 December 2025;
Accepted: 30 January 2026; Available on-line: February 2026
Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent tumors among females worldwide, and current prognostic methods are limited in their ability to accurately predict tumor aggressiveness. Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4), a key regulator of pluripotency and cancer stem cell characteristics, has emerged as a promising biomarker in various cancers. This study aimed to evaluate the results of Oct4 immunostaining in benign and malignant breast tissues and its link with cancer grade and tumor size. The archival formalin-fixed breast tissue specimens, comprising 110 breast carcinoma and 20 benign tumors were examined. Oct4 expression was assessed immunohistochemically using a rabbit monoclonal anti-Oct4 antibody. The study demonstrated a significant increase in nuclear Oct4 staining in malignant breast cancer tissues compared to benign tumors. Elevated Oct4 immunostaining was positively associated with high grade and larger tumor size. However, no significant correlation was observed between Oct4 level and lymph node status. Thus, elevated Oct4 expression is associated with higher tumor grade and larger tumor size, suggesting its potential relevance in breast cancer progression.
HSPA5 and DNAJB9 genes expression in glioblastoma cells and normal astrocytes under hypoxia and endoplasmic reticulum stress
O. V. Halkin*, Y. M. Viletska, M. Y. Sliusar, S. V. Danilovskyi,
Y. V. Kulish, O. V. Rudnytska, O. H. Minchenko
Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv;
*e-mail: oleggal2014@gmail.com
Received: 07 October 2025; Revised: 10 December 2025;
Accepted: 30 January 2026; Available on-line: February 2026
Hypoxia and ER stress are obligate factors in tumor growth, however, the interaction between these factors has not been sufficiently studied. Heat shock proteins HSPA5 and DNAJB9 as a key components of the endoplasmic reticulum stress response play an important role in the growth of malignant tumors, including glioblastomas. This study aimed to investigate the interaction between hypoxia and ER stress in controlling HSPA5 and DNAJB9 expression in glioblastoma cells and normal astrocytes. Hypoxia was created with dimethyloxalylglycine, ER stress was induced with tunicamycin and thapsigargin, HSPA5 and DNAJB9 expression was studied by qPCR. It has been established that in astrocytes HSPA5 and DNAJB9 expression was resistant to hypoxia. However, in glioblastoma cells, the expression of these genes under hypoxia was increased. Tunicamycin and thapsigargin enhanced HSPA5 and DNAJB9 expression with a much stronger effect in glioblastoma cells. When these ER stress inducers were combined with hypoxia their effect was modified to a greater extent in normal astrocytes. The obtained results indicate different cell-specific sensitivity of HSPA5 and DNAJB9 expression to hypoxia and ER stress inducers.
Interplay of sclerostin and cytokines of interleukin-6 family in the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease
S. S. Rozoqi1, T. A. Allwsh2*
1Department of Medical Laboratory Technology,
Erbil Technical Health and Medical College, Erbil Polytechnic University, Erbil, Iraq;
2Department of Chemistry, Collage of Science, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq
*e-mail: thekraaliallwsh@uomosul.edu.iq
Received: 09 June 2025; Revised: 25 September 2025;
Accepted: 30 January 2026; Available on-line: February 2026
Sclerostin, a Wnt/β-catenin signaling antagonist, plays a predominant role in bone metabolism and is also expressed in cardiovascular tissues. The level of this glycoprotein is associated with aortic stiffness and vascular calcification in coronary artery disease (CAD). Our study explored the relationship between the levels of sclerostin, cytokines of interleukin-6 family and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the blood serum of CAD patients. The study included two groups of patients : 80 patients aged 46-74 with a stable coronary heart disease, and 80 patients aged 46-70 as a control group. The levels of oncostatin M (OSM), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were estimated with ELISA. The result have shown a highly significant decrease of sclerostin in conjunction with the increase of OSM, CT-1, LIF levels and along with the decrease of PGE2 level in the serum of patient with CAD comparing with control group. Pearson correlation analysis showed a significant relationship between sclerostin and OSM, CT-1, LIF, PGE2 concentrations. ROC curve analysis indicated that patients at risk for coronary heart disease could be identified with a specificity of 0.975 when their serum sclerostin level was greater than 88.325 pg/ml. Therefore, sclerostin could play a critical role in CAD and may be useful for monitoring disease progression.
Extramitochondrial ATP modulates Са(2+) signaling in myometrial mitochondria
L. G. Babich*, S. G. Shlykov, A. I. Panchenko, S. O. Kosterin
Department of Muscle Biochemistry, Palladin Institute of Biochemistry,
National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv;
*e-mail: babich@biochem.kiev.ua
Received: 16 September 2025; Revised: 21 October 2025;
Accepted: 30 January 2026; Available on-line: February 2026
It was postulated that mitochondria are sensors and effectors of ATP synthesis. Our results suggest that ATP may play a role as an intracellular signaling molecule. We have shown that the baseline Ca2+ concentration in the mitochondrial matrix increased in the presence of ATP or MgATP in the incubation media of isolated mitochondria. Activation or inhibition of both the respiration and Ca2+ uniporter activity, as well as the removal of Mg2+ from the incubation medium, or addition of A438079, an antagonist of plasma membrane P2X7 receptors, followed by the addition of ATP did not affect the ATP-induced increase of matrix baseline Ca2+ concentration. These results showed that extramitochondrial ATP modulates Ca2+ signaling in mitochondria independently of the Ca2+ uniporter and the respiratory chain activity. In the presence of UTP or MgUTP instead of ATP or MgATP, an increase of the matrix baseline Ca2+ concentration was not observed indicating that the studied effects are selective for ATP.