Category Archives: Uncategorized
Isolation, characterization, and identification of cellulolytic bacteria from household compost for cellulase production
T. Q. Truong1*, K. D. Nguyen2
1Faculty of Technology and Engineering, Dong Thap University, Dong Thap, Vietnam;
2Faculty of Biotechnology, Ho Chi Minh City Open University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam;
*e-mail: tqtat@dthu.edu.vn
Received: 22 September 2024; Revised: 21 November 2024;
Accepted: 21 February 2025; Available on-line: 03 March 2025
Using microorganisms for waste treatment is a growing trend that offers numerous economic and environmental benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of cellulolytic bacterial strains isolated from compost samples from household waste. Biochemical and molecular tests were conducted to identify highly cellulolytic bacteria. Thirty aerobic strains were isolated, of these three isolates (WS1.7, WS3.1, and WS3.29) demonstrated high extracellular cellulase activity and decomposed 51.34–63.43% of the filter paper mass after 7 days of incubation in a liquid medium. Based on their colony morphology and biochemical properties, these three isolates were predicted to belong to the genus Bacillus. The maximum endoglucanase activity of the crude enzyme produced by Bacillus velezensis WS1.7 was demonstrated. These findings indicate the potential of the B. velezensis WS1.7 isolate for further research and cellulase production.
The impact of soybean mosaic virus infection on biochemical composition of soybean seed
O. О. Molodchenkova1*, A. V. Dashchenko2, I. A. Mishchenko2,
A. A. Dunich3, I. I. Motsniy1, P. S. Tykhonov1, L. T. Mishchenko3
1Plant Breeding and Genetics Institute – National Center of Seed and Cultivar Investigation,
Laboratory of Plant Biochemistry, Odesa, Ukraine;
*e-mail: olgamolod@ukr.net;
2National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine;
3Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv,
ESC “Institute of Biology and Medicine”, Ukraine;
e-mail: lmishchenko@ukr.net
Received: 02 September 2024; Revised: 01 October 2024;
Accepted: 21 February 2025; Available on-line: 03 March 2025
It is known that infection caused by soybean mosaic virus (SMV) has a negative effect on soybean yield, productivity and seed quality. The main indicators of the nutritional value of soybean seed are the content of main storage proteins glycinin and β-conglycinin, as well as flavonoids, carbohydrates and fat. The goal of the research was to study the impact of SMV infection on the biochemical composition of the seeds of the soybean varieties created by classical breeding methods (‘Kano’, ‘Kuban’, ‘Kordoba’) and varieties of transgenic soybean (‘Grimo’ and ‘Monro’). DAS-ELISA and two step RT-PCR were used to identify SMV. Protein electrophoresis was carried out in 15% polyacrylamide gel containing 0.1% SDS at pH 8.3 according to the Laemmli method. We detected an increase in the activity of trypsin inhibitor and lectins and a decrease flavonoids content in the infected seeds of studied varieties in comparison with the healthy seeds. Seeds of all infected varieties showed a decrease in glycinin content and glycinin/β-conglycinin ratio, with the exception of ‘Monroe’ infected seeds in which both glycinin and β-conglycinin contents were increased or at the level of healthy seeds. We can distinguish the variety ‘Kano’ with a high content of flavonoids, varieties ‘Kuban’ and ‘Grimo’ with increased or maintained levels of healthy seed content of carbohydrates, fat and proteins under infection conditions. The differences in the relative content of the components of β-conglycinin and glycinin subunits in infected seeds depending on the soybean variety were revealed. The obtained results can be used for the selection of soybean varieties resistant to viral infection and with high seed quality.
Paralogism in the interpretation of thrombogram obtained with the thrombin generation assay of human blood plasma
Ye. M. Makogonenko1*, V. O. Chernyshenko1, V. Yu. Bardyk2,
А. V. Udovenko1, S. V. Komisarenko1
1Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv,
2Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine;
*e-mail: ymakogonenko@gmail.com
Received: 12 November 2024; Revised: 22 January 2025;
Accepted: 21 February 2025; Available on-line: 03 March 2025
Recording thrombin generation in blood under the action of coagulation initiators provides important early information about the state of the hemostasis system. Thrombin generation analysis (TGA) developed to determine the endogenous clotting potential and anticoagulant activity of blood plasma is extremely important diagnostic and prognostic method. However, the main problem of the TGA method is that in the descending part of the thrombogram, an error appears in the conversion of thrombin activity to its concentration. By studying the temporal relationship between thrombin and plasmin activity, and clot structure during its formation and dissolution in human blood plasma we propose another option for calculating the parameters of the thrombogram obtained by the TGA method.
Development of polymer systems capable of counteracting surface-induced fibrillogenesis
A. Hansen1*, A. Sloutski1, R. Wong1, Y. Fang1,
L. Stotchel2, C. Sadasivan3, M. Rafailovich1
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering,
Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA;
2Hebrew Academy of Nassau County, Uniondale, New York, USA;
3Department of Neurosurgery, Stony Brook University,
Stony Brook, New York, USA;
*e-mail: adam.hansen@stonybrook.edu
Received: 06 November 2024; Revised: 27 January 2025;
Accepted: 21 February 2025; Available on-line: 03 March 2025
It is known that the use of medical devices having polymer surfaces exposed to blood flow often leads to thrombogenesis. The mechanism of thrombus formation depends, in part, on the hydrophobic/hydrophilic nature and adhesive properties of the surface, on which spontaneously initiated fibrillogenesis can occur in the absence of thrombin. In this work, the connection between the “Berg limit” and the ability of polymer surfaces to aggregate fibrinogen into fiber structures was investigated using two unique systems. Polystyrene (PS), a well-characterized, stable polymer, was first tested because of its ability to readily impart hydrophilicity using UV-ozone without additional additives. However, in order to explore a biodegradable polymer with greater physiological relevance, the focus was switched to polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). To improve the mechanical properties and increase the hydrophilicity of PVA, a chemical approach was used with the addition of the clay functionalized with resorcinol diphenyl phosphate (RDP). Observations for the two different systems indicated that fibrinogen absorption undergoes a transition through the Berg limits, regardless of a physical or chemical approach, and that there was a significant reduction in surface fibrillogenesis with contact angles below this threshold. Finally, HUVEC cell adhesion to the surface of PVA-RDP with no negative effect on proliferation and endothelialization capability was demonstrated. A guideline is proposed for designing non-thrombogenic materials by rendering the surface hydrophilic. This phenomenon could be applied to engineering polymers more applicable to biomedical purposes.
Biomarkers of apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress in cardiomyocytes of rats under chronic ethanol consumption and germanium-nicotinic acid complex administration
I. V. Nizhenkovska1, O. V. Kuznetsova1,
V. P. Narokha1, D. O. Labudzynskyi2*
1Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Toxicology,
Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine;
2Department of Vitamins and Coenzyme Biochemistry,
Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv;
*e-mail: labudzinskidmytro@gmail.com
Received: 11 November 2024; Revised: 03 February 2025;
Accepted: 21 February 2025; Available on-line: 03 March 2025
Chronic ethanol consumption is associated with a range of harmful effects on different systems of the body, including the heart. Coordination complexes of bioactive compounds based on non-toxic metals are attracting interest in biomedical research due to their potential therapeutic properties. The study aimed to evaluate the influence of the germanium-nicotinic acid complex (MIGU-1) on apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress indicators in the myocardium of rats under chronic alcohol exposure. Female Wistar rats were divided into three groups of 6 animals each: intact animals; rats that received 20% ethanol as the sole source of liquid for 110 days; animals with chronic consumption of 20% ethanol, which from the 90th day until the end of the experiment were intraperitoneally administered MIGU-1 solution (10 mg/kg/day). Biomarkers related to apoptosis, ER stress autophagy were assessed by Western blot analysis. It was shown that chronic ethanol consumption significantly activated apoptotic pathways in rat myocardium tissue, evidenced by increased levels of cleaved caspase-3 and BAX proteins alongside Beclin-1 level elevation, indicating enhanced autophagy. A significant decrease in the content of the protein IRE1 and its phosphorylated form in myocardial with no changes in GRP78 protein level was detected. Treatment with MIGU-1 resulted in both ethanol-induced apoptosis reduction and ER stress attenuation in cardiomyocytes with the level of Beclin-1 and GRP78 proteins remaining unchanged. Our findings demonstrate that the MIGU-1 complex promotes cardiomyocyte survival by balancing apoptosis and unfolded protein response, thus preventing alcohol-related cardiac injury.
Fatty acids composition of kidneys under rat exposure to fungicides
S. V. Khyzhnyak*, S. V. Midyk, О. В. Dovbysh, V. I. Korniyenko
National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv;
*e-mail: khyzhnyaks@gmail.com
Received: 08 August 2024; Revised: 10 December 2024;
Accepted: 21 February 2025; Available on-line: 03 March 2025
Most fungicides belong to the class of triazoles, of which tebuconazole and triadimefon are the most commonly used. Exposure to pesticides is accompanied by negative consequences for vertebrates and humans. However, the potential toxicity of fungicides is not well understood. The aim of the study was to estimate the fatty acids (FAs) composition of kidney total lipids after exposure of Wistar han rats to two fungicide preparations, one containing tebuconazole alone, the other tebuconazole + triadimephone. Animals were administered a single oral dose of fungicides (600 and 1200 mg/kg). After 14 days, the animals were decapitated and kidneys were used in the studies. FAs methyl esters were determined on a Trace GC Ultra gas chromatograph (USA) with the flame ionization detector. No qualitative changes in the FAs profile of the total kidney lipids after fungicides administration as compared to the control were detected, but the redistribution in the content of individual FAs was observed. The relative content of saturated fatty acids increased, while that of monounsaturated fatty acids, in particular oleic acid (C18:1ω9), decreased. An increase in the content of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, in particular docosahexaenoic (C22:6ω3) and arachidonic (C20:4ω6) acids, as well as the value of the ratio ω3/ω6, was revealed. The effect of the combined fungicides was found to be more pronounced. The results indicate metabolic shift in the FAs profile of total kidney lipids in the dynamics after exposure to fungicides.
Curcumin exerts protective effects against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity
O. О. Klymenko1*, T. I. Drevytska1, O. O. Gonchar1, K. V. Tarasova2,
V. I. Nosar1, V. Ye. Dosenko1, I. M. Mankovska1
1Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv;
2Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine;
*e-mail: klymenkooks2018@gmail.com
Received: 16 October 2024; Revised: 03 December 2024;
Accepted: 21 February 2025; Available on-line: 03 Marchy 2025
The mechanism of doxorubicin (Dox) cardiotoxicity involves different pathways, including oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. It’s supposed that pharmacological effect on HIF gene expression may protect the heart against the detrimental effects of the doxorubicin-induced injury. We hypothesized that the cardioprotective effects of Curcumin (Curc) are exerted by regulating HIF and its target genes expression. To test this, an in vitro model of Dox-induced injury to primary myocardial cardiomyocytes was used. Isolated Wistar rat neonatal cardiomyocytes were incubated in the culture medium for 24 h in control, either with Dox (0.5 μmol/ml) or Curc (20 μmol/ml), or in their combination in the same doses. Mitochondria were isolated from rat cardiomyocytes culture. It was demonstrated that cardiomyocytes exposure to Dox led to an increase in the activity of oxidative stress markers in isolated mitochondria, a decrease in the efficiency of the respiratory chain and phosphorylation processes, decline of membrane potential and the rate of K+ ions entry into mitochondria. Doxorubicin inhibited the expression of mRNA of both HIF-1α, 2α, 3α subunits and its important target genes PDK-1 and IGF-1 in mitochondria. A negative impact on the cardiomyocyte contractile activity was observed. The combined use of doxorubicin with curcumin led to an increase of cardiomyocytes viability and attenuation of oxidative stress in mitochondria, prevented the development of mitochondrial dysfunction and significantly improved the contractile activity of cardiomyocytes.
Experimental cancer rat models
Yu. D. Vinnichuk*, O. M. Platonov, O. O. Gryshchuk, S. V. Komisarenko
Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv;
*e-mail: vinnichukju@gmail.com
Received: 06 August 2024; Revised: 17 December 2024;
Accepted: 21 February 2025; Available on-line: 03 March 2025
Experimental rat models are widely used in cancer research. This is facilitated by the diversity of existing inbred animal lines and their relatively low cost. The purpose of this review was to analyze and systematize the publications 2000-2024 selected in PubMed and in national author databases on various cancer rat models. The advantages, disadvantages, and prospects of using these models in the study of different aspects of cancer pathology are discussed. The information will help researchers choos an adequate experimental rat model to study the mechanisms of cancer development and the possibility of its treatment.
“Oxford housewife” or the only british woman to have ever won the Nobel Prize in science? – Dorothy Hodgkin
V. M. Danilova*, S. G. Torkhova, S. V. Komisarenko
Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv;
*e-mail: valdan@biochem.kiev.ua
Received: 05 November 2024; Revised: 18 November 2024;
Accepted: 21 November 2024; Available on-line: 15 January 2025
Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin, a British chemist and Nobel Prize winner, who extended the method of X-ray crystallography to determine the structure of biomolecules that furthered the development of structural biology. In 1964, she was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry “for the determinations by X-ray techniques of the structures of important biochemical substances”, particularly vitamin B12 and antibiotic penicillin. Five years after winning the Nobel Prize, Dorothy Hodgkin also established the structure of insulin. Although The Daily Mail headlined her as an “Oxford housewife”, Dorothy Hodgkin overcame gender inequality to become the third woman in history to win the Nobel Prize in Chemistry and remains the only British woman researcher to be awarded the most prestigious prize in the sciences.