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Honor the past while celebrating the present: Tu Youyou and the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
T. V. Danylova1*, S. V. Komisarenko2
1Institute for Social and Political Psychology, National Academy
of Educational Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv;
*e-mail: danilova_tv@ukr.net;
2Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, National Academy
of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv
Received: 03 March 2025; Revised: 01 April 2025;
Accepted: 25 April 2025; Available on-line: 12 May 2025
This article aims to highlight the major milestones in the life of a medical scientist, pharmaceutical chemist, and educator Tu Youyou who, without a doctoral degree, a top position at a research institution and background of studying or researching abroad, made a breakthrough in world medicine. Turning to the treasury of Chinese wisdom – traditional Chinese medicine, she, together with her group, created an antimalarial drug that saved the lives of millions of people.
Physiological and biochemical parameters of winter wheat Triticum aestivum L. plants after seed treatment with fullerene C(60)
S. Prylutska1*, T. Tkachenko1, M. Petrovsky2
1National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv;
2Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine.
*e-mail: psvit_1977@ukr.net
Received: 21 February 2025; Revised: 25 March 2025;
Accepted: 25 April 2025; Available on-line: 12 May 2025
Extreme climatic conditions, pests, diseases and environmental pollution significantly impact the cultivation of agricultural products and the quality of plant raw materials. It is assumed that nanostructured carbon materials, particularly fullerene C60, due to antioxidant, antiviral, and antibacterial properties can be used to prevent these effects. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of pre-sowing treatment of wheat seeds with fullerene C60 on the state of plants 14 days after germination. The seeds of the winter wheat Triticum aestivum L. of the Patras and Akter varieties were treated with a colloidal solution of fullerene C60 (0.1-1.0 µg/ml) for 3 h. Biomorphometric parameters, photosynthetic pigments, phenolic compounds, MDA content and catalase activity were assessed using standard techniques. It was shown that seeds treatment with fullerene C60 was followed by the greater increase of both the fresh weight of Akter plants and shoot length of Patras plants as compared to untreated controls. A dose-dependent effect of fullerene C60 on the physiological and biochemical parameters of the plants was revealed. Photosynthetic activity in plants of both wheat varieties was enhanced after seed treatment with C60 in low (0.1-0.2 µg/ml) concentrations as evidenced by the increased content of chlorophylls a, while at high (0.5-1.0 µg/ml) C60 concentrations it decreased against the background of increased carotenoids content. The enhancement of antioxidant defense induced by C60 treatment at concentrations of 0.5-1.0 µg/ml was observed, as indicated by an increase in the content of phenolic compounds and activation of catalase. The positive effect of wheat seeds treatment with fullerene C60 indicates the potential use of carbon nanoparticles in agrobiotechnologies to improve plant growth and stress resistance.
Chromium picolinate prevents the development of oxidative-nitrosative stress and restores endogenous H(2)S production in the rat brain under rotenone-induced toxicity
A. O. Mykytenko1*, I. S. Hrytsenko2, A. Y. Semenchuk2, M. V. Voroniuk2,
V. V. Kovpak2, O. Y. Akimov3, K. S. Neporada1
1Department of Bioorganic and Biological Chemistry,
Poltava State Medical University, Poltava, Ukraine;
2Medical Faculty №1, Poltava State Medical University, Poltava, Ukraine;
3Department of Pathophysiology, Poltava state medical university, Poltava, Ukraine;
*e-mail: mykytenkoandrej18@gmail.com
Received: 19 December 2024; Revised: 03 March 2025;
Accepted: 25 April 2025; Available on-line: 12 May 2025
Energy deficit, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress induced by rotenone may play a decisive role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. Chromium picolinate has shown neuroprotective activity and efficacy in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease The effect of chromium picolinate on the brain under the conditions of rotenone influence has not been studied, and such data could shed light on the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of chromium picolinate on the indices of oxidative-nitrosative stress and the content of sulfide anion and sulfites in the brain homogenate under rotenone administration to rats. Experiments were performed on 24 white, sexually mature male Wistar rats. The animals were divided into 4 groups: control group; chromium picolinate group; rotenone group; group of combined exposure to chromium picolinate and rotenone. Chromium picolinate was administered orally at a dose of 80 μg/kg per day for 21 days. Rotenon was injected subcutaneously at a dose of 1.5 mg/kg every other day. The introduction of rotenone into the body of rats was accompanied by the development of oxidative-nitrosative stress mainly due to the increased activity of NO-synthase inducible isoform, and by the decrease in the content of H2S and SO32- in brain tissue. Oral administration of chromium picolinate against the background of rotenone administration prevents the development of oxidative-nitrosative stress in brain tissue by reducing the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen forms, promotes the restoration of arginase activity and increases the content of H2S and SO32-.
C(60) fullerene restores gastrocnemius contractile activity in a rat model of neurogenic muscle atrophy
D. M. Nozdrenko1, M. S. Anhelov1, T. Yu. Matviienko1,
O. V. Lynchak1, O. V. Korzhyk2, Yu. M. Valetskyi3,
K. I. Bogutska1, Yu. I. Prylutskyy1*
1Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine;
*e-mail: prylut@ukr.net;
2Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University, Lutsk, Ukraine;
3Municipal Institution of Higher Education
“Volyn Medical Institute”, Lutsk, Ukraine
Received: 11 March 2025; Revised: 27 March 2025;
Accepted: 25 April 2025; Available on-line: 12 May 2025
Restoration of the motor function of the musculoskeletal system impaired due to innervation damage is an important clinical problem. In the study the potential therapeutic effect of C60 fullerene application was estimated in the Wistar rat model of neurogenic muscle atrophy caused by nervus ischiadicus injury. The animals were divided into the following: control, injury, injury+С60 groups. C60 fullerene aqueous solution was administrated orally for 30 days after ischiadicus injury at a daily dose of 1 mg/kg. Biomechanical parameters of gastrocnemius muscle contraction and biochemical indices (creatinine, lactate, reduced glutathione content as well as creatine phosphokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, catalase and superoxide dismutase activity) in the blood of rats were estimated on day 30 after nerve transection. It has been found that muscle strength response in the injury+С60 group was significantly enhanced, in particular, the muscle force impulse was increased by more than 30 ± 2% compared to the injury group. The studied biochemical indices of the muscle fatigue and oxidative stress in the blood of experimental animals had a pronounced tendency to increase after the initiation of the muscle neurogenic atrophy, while under the influence of C60 fullerene they decreased compared with the injury group. In our opinion, C60 fullerene prevented significant dysfunction of the gastrocnemius muscle after neurogenic atrophy by exerting an antioxidant effect and improving its contractile activity.
The antioxidant system in rabbit under combine action of severe heat stress and nanoparticles of zinc, selenium, and germanium citrate
M. O. Yuzviak1*, Y. V. Lesyk1,2, Y. T. Salyha1
1Institute of Animal Biology, National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, Lviv;
2Drohobych Ivan Franko State Pedagogical University, Drohobych, Ukraine;
*e-mail:maruk7991@gmail.com
Received: 17 December 2024; Revised: 10 March 2025;
Accepted: 25 April 2025; Available on-line: 12 May 2025
It is generally known that rabbits cannot effectively ensure thermoregulation of their body at temperatures above 18-21°C due to the absence of sweat glands and thick fur. Heat stress negatively affects the metabolic processes and reproductive function of rabbits. One of the approaches to mitigating the adverse effects of heat stress is using organic compounds of trace elements created using nanotechnology. Our study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant protection indicators in the blood of animals under conditions of severe heat stress and the introduction of nanoparticles of zinc citrate, selenium, and germanium as a feed additive. Young rabbits of the Termonska Bila breed aged from 35 to 78 days were divided into groups of 6 animals. The control group received the main diet and water without restrictions. Rabbits of experimental groups I, II, and III consumed the same food as the control. Still, within 24 h, they received water: group I – 12 mg Zn/kg, group II – 60 μg Se/kg, group III – 12.5 μg Ge/kg. Within 15 days, the temperature in the room was increased from 28.9 to 30°C for 4 h per day using an electric air heater to provide severe heat stress according to the temperature-humidity index. It was found that the addition of zinc citrate and selenium nanoparticles contributed to positive changes in the functioning of the antioxidant defense system, which was changed due to severe heat stress. In contrast, the protective effect of germanium citrate was less pronounced.
Cytochrome P450 enzymes activity in rat liver under conditions of toxic injury and partial hepatectomy
Н. P. Kopylchuk, I. M. Nykolaichuk, М. S. Ursatyi*
Educational and Scientific Institute of Biology, Chemistry and Natural Resources,
Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University, Chernivtsi, Ukraine;
*e-mail: m.ursatyi@chnu.edu.ua
Received: 26 December 2024; Revised: 23 February 2025;
Accepted: 25 April 2025; Available on-line: 12 May 2025
The unique liver ability for reparative regeneration plays a decisive role in restoring its homeostatic potential. However, in certain clinical situations, in particular, due to the damage caused by toxicants of a medicinal origin, the regenerative response may be impaired. Uncontrolled use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug paracetamol (acetaminophen, APAP) is among the leading causes of acute liver failure. The study focuses on evaluating of p-hydroxylase, N-demethylase, N-oxygenase activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes as well as the CYP content in the microsomal fraction of the liver of rats subjected to partial hepatectomy following acute acetaminophen-induced toxic injury. White non-linear rats were divided into two groups: with partial hepatectomy (resection of 2/3 of liver tissue) and with partial hepatectomy following oral acetaminophen administration for 2 days at a dose of 1250 mg/kg b. w. Experimental data were obtained at 0 (control), 24, 48, 72 and 168 h after hepatectomy. The regeneration process at the early stages after partial hepatectomy in animals that were not exposed to APAP injury was accompanied by the suppression of aniline p-hydroxylase and dimethylaniline N-demethylase activity, along with a simultaneous decrease in cytochrome P450 content against the background of a compensatory increase of N-oxygenase activity. Liver tissue recovery after partial hepatectomy in animals with APAP injury was characterized by an increase in cytochrome P450 content along with concurrent activation of aromatic hydroxylation, N-dealkylation, and N-oxidation reactions throughout the entire regenerative period. The data obtained indicate the initiating of competing pathways of acetaminophen detoxification and/or toxification at different time intervals during the process of liver reparative regeneration.
Mitochondrial DNA copy number in leukocytes of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease
Y. A. Saienko1,2*, D. S. Krasnenkov1, K. K. Midlovets1, V. V. Korcheva1,
Y. E. Rebrova1,3, D. D. Yepishyna1, B. M. Mankovsky1
1SI “D.F. Chebotarev Institute of Gerontology, National Academy
of Medical Sciences of Ukraine”, Kyiv;
2SI “Center for Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery
of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine”, Kyiv
3P.L. Shupyk National University of Health Care of Ukraine, Kyiv;
*e-mail: ysaenko1981@gmail.com
Received: 04 April 2025; Revised: 23 April 2025;
Accepted: 25 April 2025; Available on-line: 12 May 2025
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) as one of the most common complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Mitochondrial dysfunction, in particular a reduction in mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN), plays an important role in the development of diabetic complications, including nephropathy. The aim of this study was to determine the mtDNA-CN in peripheral blood leukocytes of patients with T2DM depending on the presence of CKD. A total of 109 individuals were examined, including 20 healthy controls and 89 patients with T2DM divided into groups based on the presence or absence of CKD. The mtDNA-CN in leukocytes was determined using quantitative real-time PCR. Biochemical markers of T2DM and CKD were evaluated, non-parametric tests and correlation analysis were performed. No statistically significant differences in mtDNA-CN level were observed between patients with T2DM and CKD, patients with T2DM without CKD, and the control group (P > 0.05). No associations between mtDNA-CN and kidney function parameters were identified. The absence of mtDNA-CN alterations is assumed to contribute to the relatively satisfactory glycemic control in diabetic groups.
Efficacy of human heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor in healing experimental chemical burns
L. M. Dronko1, T. M. Lutsenko1*, O. I. Golembiovska1,
T. Yu. Trokhymchuk2, M. A. Arkhypova2, V. A. Dibrova2, Yu. V. Dibrova2,
S. L. Rybalko2, S. A. Myakushko3, A. A. Siromolot3,4, O. Yu. Galkin1,4
1National Technical University of Ukraine “Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute”, Kyiv;
2SІ “L.V. Gromashevskyi Institute of Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases
of the NAMS of Ukraine”, Kyiv, Ukraine;
3ESC “Institute of Biology and Medicine”, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine;
4Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv;
*e-mail: lutsenko.tetiana@lll.kpi.ua
Received: 25 December 2024; Revised: 07 February 2025;
Accepted: 25 April 2025; Available on-line: 12 May 2025
According to the WHO, burns are the third most common cause of traumatic skin injuries. Chemical burns are characterized by a complex course and a long healing process. The use of the representatives of the epidermal growth factor family seems to be a promising direction in the treatment of chemical burns. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the recombinant human heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (rhHB-EGF) in treating burn wounds in mice. The expression of a recombinant human HB-EGF analog was induced in the prokaryotic system E. coli BL21 Star, the protein was isolated, purified and its preparations in PBS or in a form of gel containing sodium hyaluronate and potassium sorbate were obtained. The burn wound was simulated in white non-inbred mice by subcutaneous injection of 10% paraformaldehyde solution, healing was observed for 17 days. The initial wound area was measured on the 7th day after the burn injury when the treatment was started. The mice with burn injury were divided into groups of 3 each – untreated mice (control), treated with different preparations: gel without rhHB-EGF; rhHB-EGF in a gel form; rhHB-EGF in PBS solution. The preparations (100 μl, 1.5 mg of rhHB-EGF) were applied to burn wounds daily for 5 days. Wound area, healing rate and histological patterns of skin samples were estimated. It was shown that groups with burn injury treated with HB-EGF protein (both in solution and gel form) demonstrated an advantage in reducing the wound area and inflammatory cells infiltration, improving healing rate, increasing the proliferative activity of epithelial cells and neovascularization as compared with the untreated group. Thus, the use of rhHB-EGF is a promising direction in the treatment of skin wounds.
Major depressive disorder and the microbiome-gut-brain axis
F. H. Ouriaghli, I. A. Elhaty*
Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences,
Istanbul Gelisim University, Istanbul, Türkiye;
*e-mail: iaeismail@gelisim.edu.tr
Received: 02 January 2025; Revised: 24 April 2025;
Accepted: 25 April 2025; Available on-line: 12 May 2025
The central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract are connected bidirectionally via the gut-brain axis (GBA). According to the gut microbiota hypothesis, changes in the composition and activity of the gut microbiota can affect the GBA, contributing to the onset of mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. This review aims to analyze how microbiota imbalances can affect the functioning of the gut-brain axis, causing changes in metabolism, immune system and neurotransmitters that are associated with depression. The potential of dietary modifications, probiotics, prebiotics and symbiotics to restore microbiota balance as well as the importance of microbiota profiling integration into personalized clinical practice are discussed.