Evaluation of miR-130b-3p and miR-375 levels and telomere length with telomerase activity in prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (PC) is the most frequent cancer in males, as well as the second highest cause of cancer-related deaths in men. Differences in expression levels of miRNAs were linked with prostat cancer pathogenesis. qPCR was used to evaluate the expression of miR-130b-3p and miR-375 in Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH (n = 20) and PC (n = 22, pre- and post-operative) patients plasma. Relative telomere lengths (RLTs) in genomic DNA isolated from plasma were measured with qPCR, and telomerase activity analyzed by the ELISA method. PSA levels of PC patients were greater than of BPH patients (p = 0.0473). miR-130b-3p and miR-375 levels were significantly lower in pre-operative specimens of PC patients according to BPH (p = 0,0362, p = 0.0168, respectively). Similarly, post-operative miR-375 levels were lower in PC patients than in BPH patients (p = 0.1866). BPH patients had shorter RTLs than PC patients in both pre- (p=0.0438) and post-operative (p=0.0297) specimens. Telomerase activity was higher in PC patients than BPH(p = 0.0129). Interestingly, telomerase activity was further increased after surgery (p = 0.0003). We aim to identify the levels of miR-130b-3p and miR-375 expression and their relationship with telomerase activity in PC patients. Our data suggest that miRNAs and telomere length (TL) with telomerase activity may play a role in regulating prostate tumorgenesis and may be used as biomarkers for PC diagnosis.

Determination of anti-cancer effects of Nigella sativa seed oil on MCF7 breast and AGS gastric cancer cells

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic, apoptotic, invasion, metastasis, and heat shock proteins (HSPs) effects of N. sativa oil on breast and gastric cancer cells.

METHODS

We assessed the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of various concentrations of N. sativa oil (10-50-100-200 µg/mL) on MCF7 breast cancer and AGS, an adenocarcinoma of the gastric cell line, at 24, 48 and 72 h using the MTT test. Additionally, the expression of the Caspase-3, BCL2/Bax, MMP2-9 and HSP60-70 gene was examined using RT-PCR in cell lines treating with N. sativa.

RESULTS

The MTT experiments demonstrate that N. sativa has a time and dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the proliferation of MCF7 and AGS cancer cells. The vitality rates of MCF7 and AGS cells treated with N. sativa were 77.04-67.50% at 24 h, 65.28-39.14% at 48 h, and 48.95-32.31% at 72 h. The doses of 100 and 200 µg/mL were shown to be the most effective on both cancer cells. RT-PCR analysis revealed that N. sativa oil extract increased caspase-3 levels in both cell lines at higher concentrations and suppressed BCL2/Bax levels. Exposure of MCF7 and AGS cell lines to N. sativa caused a significant decrease in the expression of MMP2-9 and HSP60-70 genes over time, particularly at a dosage of 200 µg/mL compared to the control group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that N. sativa oil has a dose-dependent effect on cytotoxicity and the expression of apoptotic, heat shock proteins, and matrix metalloproteinases genes in breast and gastric cancer.

Anticarcinogenic Effects of Gold Nanoparticles and Metformin Against MCF-7 and A549 Cells

Metformin is commonly prescribed to people with diabetes. Metformin has been shown in previous studies to be able to prevent the growth of cancer cells. This study aims to investigate the effects of metformin and gold nanoparticles in MCF7 breast cancer and A549 lung cell lines. The effects of metformin and gold nanoparticles on MCF7 breast cancer and A549 lung cells were determined on cells grown in 24 h cell culture. MCF-7 and A549 cells were incubated for 24 h with the treatment of escalating molar concentrations of ifosfamide. The MTT assay was used to determine the cytotoxicity of metformin toward MCF7 and A549 cell lines. The expression of Bax, BCL2, PI3K, Akt3, mTOR, Hsp60, Hsp70, and TNF-α was measured by RT-PCR. Metformin and gold nanoparticles inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 and A549 cells in a dose and time-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 5 µM and 10 µg/mL. RT-PCR assays showed ifosfamide + metformin + gold nanoparticles significantly reduced the expression of BCL2, PI3K, Akt3, mTOR, Hsp60 and Hsp70 and increased the expression of TNF-α and Bax. The findings obtained in this study suggest that further studies should be conducted, and metformin and gold nanoparticles can be used in breast cancer and lung cancer treatments.

Evaluation Expression of the Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 Apoptotic Genes in Schizophrenia Patients

Objective

Apoptosis is programmed cell death that occurs by several pathways. Caspase-3 is induced by active caspase-9 via the intrinsic pathway. The aim of this research was to explore the expression of caspase-3 and caspase-9 in schizophrenia patients and healthy samples.

Methods

RNA was isolated from the peripheral blood of 39 schizophrenia patients' and healthy samples. After cDNA synthesis, real time PCR (RT-PCR) was used to analyse caspase-3 and caspase-9 gene expression. The severity of psychopathological symptoms of schizophrenia was evaluated using the Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale for schizophrenia (PANSS) and Clinical Global Impressions (CGI).

Results

The expression of caspase-3 and caspase-9 genes was higher in schizophrenia patients than in healthy samples (p = 0.012, p = 0.002, respectively). The increase in caspase-3 gene expression was significant with being male, smoking and with a duration of less than 6 years (p = 0.047, p = 0.049, p = 0.034, respectively). On the other hand, the increase in caspase-9 gene expression was significant in patients who is smoke, have children, and are under 33 years old (p = 0.040, p = 0.043, p = 0.045, respectively). A significant positive correlation was detected between the caspase-3 and caspase-9 gene expression (r = 0.3218, p = 0.049).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that caspase-3 and caspase-9 gene expression may activate cell death mechanisms by intrinsic apoptotic genes. Furthermore, caspase-3 and caspase-9 may play essential roles in different ways in schizophrenia. Hence there is a need to further study the apoptotic mechanism with expanded patient populations.

Relation of ATPase6 Mutations and Telomere Length in Schizophrenia Patients

Objective

Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder. Mutations in mitochondrial genes can change energy metabolism. Telomere is a tandem sequence at the end of chromosomes. Shorter telomere length has been shown in schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between ATPase6 gene mutations and telomere length in schizophrenia patients.

Methods

Blood samples of 34 patients and 34 healthy controls were used. In this study conventional PCR, Sanger sequencing technic and real-time PCR were utilized.

Results

Five different mutations (A8860G, A8836, G8697A, C8676T, and A8701G) in the ATPase6 gene were identified in schizophrenia patients. The most seen mutation was A8860G (94%). Telomere length analysis indicated the relation of ATPase6 gene mutations and telomere length variations (p = 0.001). Patients carrying the A8860G mutation had shorter telomere lengths than patients carrying other mutations. Comparing telomere length between schizophrenia patients and healthy controls revealed that the mean telomere length of schizophrenia patients was shorter than healthy controls (p = 0.006). The demographic analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between marital status and telomere length (p = 0.011). Besides that, the duration of the illness is another factor that impacts telomere length (p = 0.044). There is no significant relation between telomere length and other clinical and demographic characteristics including education status, age, gender, etc.

Conclusion

In conclusion, telomere length and ATPase6 gene mutations have a significant relation. Studies with larger patient populations and investigation of other mitochondrial gene mutations will make the clearer link between telomere length and mitochondrial mutations.

Author Correction: Impact of Enoxaparin +α Lipoic acid combination on oxidative stress, follicle development and apoptotic damage in ovarian ischemia reperfusion model

Correction to: European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences 2022; 26 (18): 6583-6592-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202209_29758-PMID: 36196708, published online on 30 September, 2022. After publication, the authors applied a correction to the Funding statement: "This Project was supported by the Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit at Hatay Mustafa Kemal University. Project Number: 18. M. 088." There are amendments to this paper. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/29758.

Impact of Enoxaparin +α Lipoic acid combination on oxidative stress, follicle development and apoptotic damage in ovarian ischemia reperfusion model

OBJECTIVE

With this study we aimed at investigating the impact of enoxaparin (E) and α-lipoic acid (α-LA) on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) damage in an experimental ovarian torsion (T) detorsion (D) model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study comprised 80 female albino rats aged 12 weeks. They were divided into 8 groups as follows, with 10 rats in each group: Group 1 (Sham), Group 2 (Ischemia, 3 hours), Group 3 (I/R, 6 hours reperfusion), Group 4 (I/R, 3 days reperfusion), Group 5 (I/R, E, 6 hours), Group 6 (I/R, E, 3 days), Group 7 (I/R, E+α-LA, 6 hours), and Group 8 (I/R, E+α-LA, 3 days). Immediately after detorsion, enoxaparin (0.5 mg/kg/day, sc) or α-LA (100 mg/kg/day, ip) were administered. Ovarian levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase were measured. In addition to total Antioxidant Status (TAS) and Total Oxidative Stress (TOS), the Oxidative Stress Index (OSI) was calculated. Serum levels of AMH, FSH, LH, E2, and progesterone were measured. Ovarian samples were histopathologically examined and they underwent Tag staining for apoptosis.

RESULTS

Compared with the sham group, there was a significant increase in TOS, OSI, and MDA levels in I/R group (p<0.001). Compared to Group 2, a significant increase was determined in TOS and OSI in Group 3 (p<0.05). In Group 4, a significant increase was found compared to Group 2 (p<0.01). The lowest level of I/R damage and the highest level of antioxidants were found in Group 2, 7, and 8. The highest values of TOS, OSI, and MDA were found in Group 3, Group 4, Group 5, and Group 6 (p<0.001). When the sham group and Group 4 were compared, it was found that AMH and E2 levels decreased (p<0.001), while FSH levels increased (p<0.001). In Group 6, AMH and E2 values were significantly decreased compared to the sham group (p<0.001). In the histopathological examination, the findings were observed to be parallel to those of the biochemical markers.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined use of α-Lipoic acid and enoxaparin prevents oxidative stress and ovarian damage due to ischemia-reperfusion injury better than the use of drugs alone.

Preliminary investigation of gene expression levels of PAPP-A, STC-2, and HIF-1α in SARS-Cov-2 infected patients

Background

Coronavirus-19 is still considered a pandemic that influences the world. Other molecular alterations should be clearer besides the increasing cytokine storm and pro-inflammatory molecules. Hypoxic conditions that induce HIF-1α lead to stimulate gene expression of STC-2 that targets PAPP-A expression. This study aimed to determine gene expression levels of PAPP-A, STC-2, and HIF-1α in COVID-19 infection. We also aimed to reveal the relationship of these genes with laboratory and clinical data of COVID-19 patients.

Materials and Results

We extracted RNA from peripheral blood samples of COVID-19(+) and COVID-19(−) individuals. The real-time PCR method was used to measure mRNA expression of PAPP-A, STC-2, and HIF-1α. Gene expression analysis was evaluated by the 2^−ΔΔCt method. PAPP-A, STC-2, and HIF-1α mRNA expressions of severe patients were higher than healthy individuals (p = 0.0451, p = 0.4466, p < 0.0001, respectively). Correlation analysis of gene expression patterns of severe patients demonstrated a positive correlation between PAPP-A and STC-2 (p < 0.0001, r = 0.8638).

Conclusion

This is the first study that investigates the relation of PAPP-A, STC-2, and HIF-1α gene expression in patients with COVID-19 infection. Besides the routine laboratory findings, PAPP-A, STC-2, and HIF-1α mRNA expressions may be considered to patients’ prognosis as a sign of increased cytokines and pro-inflammatory molecules.

ANALYSIS OF MITOCHONDRIAL DNA CYTOCHROME-B (CYB) and ATPase-6 GENE MUTATIONS IN COVID-19 PATIENTS

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) is a pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Mutations of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are becoming increasingly common in various diseases. This study aims to investigate mutations in the cytochrome-b (CYB) and adenosine triphosphatase-6 (ATPase-6) genes of mtDNA in COVID-19 patients. The association between mtDNA mutations and clinical outcomes is investigated.

METHODS

In the present study, mutations of the mtDNA genes CYB and ATPase-6 were investigated in COVID-19(+) (n=65) and COVID-19 (-) patients (n=65). First, we isolated DNA from the blood samples. After the PCR analyses, the mutations were defined using Sanger DNA sequencing.

RESULTS

The age, creatinine, ferritin and CRP levels of the COVID 19 (+) patients were higher than those of the COVID-19 (-) patients (p=0.0036, p=0.0383, p=0.0305, p<0.0001, respectively). We also found 16 different mutations in the CYB gene and 14 different mutations in the ATPase-6 gene. The incidences of CYB gene mutations A15326G, T15454C and C15452A were higher in COVID-19 (+) patients than COVID-19 (-) patients (p<0.0001 (OR (95% CI): 4.966 (2.215-10.89)), p=0.0226 and p=0.0226, respectively). In contrast, the incidences of A8860G and G9055A ATPase-6 gene mutations were higher in COVID-19 (+) patients than COVID-19 (-) patients (p<0.0001 (OR (95%CI): 5.333 (2.359-12.16) and p=0.0121 respectively). Yet, no significant relationship was found between mtDNA mutations and patients' age and biochemical parameters (p> 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed that the frequency of mtDNA mutations in COVID-19 patients is quite high and it is important to investigate the association of these mutations with other genetic mechanisms in larger patient populations. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Investigation of CYP2E1 and Caspase-3 Gene Expressions in COVID-19 patients

Background

COVID-19 pandemic spread around the world like an infectious disease that presents waved effects on patients. Some patients needed ICU and respiratory support. Some patients only had flu-like symptoms. Cytokine storm and elevated ROS were serious problems for treatment. Apoptotic genes and CYP Family are part of these mechanisms.

Aim

In this study, our aim was to examine the gene expression CYP2E1 and Caspase-3 in patients with COVID-19 infection.

Method

60 COVID-19(+) patients (ICU and non-ICU patients) and 30 healthy volunteers were enrolled to study. To measure the level of gene expression qPCR was used. The 2-ΔΔCt method was utilized to analyze gene expression.

Results

The expression of CYP2E1 and Caspase-3 genes showed a significant discrepancy between patients and healthy individuals. Caspase-3 expression increased (p=0,0041) but CYP2E1 expression decreased (p=0,0214) in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy individuals. Both levels of gene expression were lower in patients with affected lungs than patients with unaffected lungs (p<0,05). Laboratory findings including d-Dimer, LDH, platelet count, lymphocyte count were related to both gene expressions (p<0,05). We found no correlation between CYP2E1 and Caspase-3 expressions.

Conclusion

The expression of Caspase-3 demonstrated apoptotic situations of patients but was not related to the CYP2E1 expression level. CYP2E1 gene expression is an important actor to metabolize endogens and xenobiotics however, COVID-19 patients demonstrated decreased CYP2E1 expression. CYP2E1 and Caspase-3 gene expression levels may be used as a diagnostic tool for COVID-19 patients.

Effect of testicular morphology on embryo development to the blastocyst stage after round spermatid injection

If spermatozoa cannot be found after testiculer sperm extraction (TESE) in patients followed up due to nonobstructive azospermia (NOA) and the patients do not want donor spermatozoa, performance of round spermatid injection (ROSI) with the current technology seems to be the last resort. This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the effect of testicular morphology on the development of embryos to the blastocyst stage obtained from ROSI. Between September 2019 and March 2020, after TESE and biopsy 29 patients who had only spermatid were taken to study. Tubular appearance, basal membrane appearance, Johnson score, peritubular fibrosis, interstitial fibrosis, and Leydig cell proliferation were pathologically examined. Following egg collection, ROSI was applied to the oocytes using the piezoelectric method. The embryos were monitored until the blastocyst stage. The mean age of the 29 patients was 36.3±5.01 years. Also, 7 patients had not previously undergone TESE, 20 had previously undergone once, and 2 had previously undergone twice. It was observed that having a history of TESE and a high Johnson score increased the likelihood of the embryo remaining in the blastocyst stage (P=0.021 and 0.014, respectively). However, other parameters do not affect the likelihood of blastocyst formation (P>0.05). Low TESE history and high Johnson score were associated with embryo development to the blastocyst stage. If spermatozoa are not found in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia, ROSI performed during initial TESE increases the likelihood of blastocyst formation.

Adipokine, gut and thyroid hormone responses to probiotic application in chukar partridges (Alectoris chukar) exposed to heat stress

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Lactobacillus reuteri E81 (LRE) probiotic supplementation on heat stress responses in chukar partridges (Alectoris chukar). The birds were divided into two groups, one of which was exposed to heat stress (HS). Within each group, four subgroups, each including 64 birds, were created for the three treatment doses (200, 400 or 600 mg/kg) of LRE and the control. The experiment was started with day-old birds, kept at a temperature of 25 °C or 37 °C. After a 7-day adjustment period, the LRE supplementation lasted for 35 days. The levels of different adipokines, including visfatin (VF), adiponectin (ADP), chemerin (CHEM), as well as the concentration of plasma citrulline (CIT) and the levels of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in the blood were measured at 21 and 42 days of age. A significant correlation (P < 0.01) was found between LRE supplementation and the decrease in serum VF, ADP, CIT, T3 and T4 levels in partridges exposed to HS. On the other hand, no significant relationship was found between LRE supplementation and the serum CHEM and TSH levels (P > 0.05). We concluded that the addition of 600 mg/kg LRE is beneficial in preventing intestinal damage and inflammation provoked by HS.

A Machine Learning Approach for the Association of ki-67 Scoring with Prognostic Factors

ki-67 score is a solid tumor proliferation marker being associated with the prognosis of breast carcinoma and its response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the way of clustering of prognostic factors by ki-67 score using a machine learning approach and multiple correspondence analysis. In this study, 223 patients with breast carcinoma were analyzed using the random forest method for classification of prognostic factors according to ki-67 groups (<14% and >14%). Also the relationship between subgroups of prognostic factors and ki-67 scores was examined by multiple correspondence analysis. There was a clustering of molecular classification LA, 0-3 metastatic lymph node, age <50, absence of LVI, T1 tumor size with ki-67 <14% and grade III, 10 or more metastatic lymph nodes, and presence of LVI and molecular classification LB, age >50, and T3-T4 tumor size categories with ki-67 >14%. The fact that the low scores of ki-67 correlate with early stage diseases and high scores with advanced disease suggests that 14% threshold value is crucial for ki-67 score.

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase regulatory subunit 1 and phosphatase and tensin homolog as therapeutic targets in breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in Turkey and worldwide. It is considered a heterogeneous disease and has different subtypes. Moreover, breast cancer has different molecular characteristics, behaviors, and responses to treatment. Advances in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms implicated in breast cancer progression have led to the identification of many potential therapeutic gene targets, such as Breast Cancer 1/2, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha, and tumor protein 53. The aim of this review is to summarize the roles of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase regulatory subunit 1 (alpha) (alias p85α) and phosphatase and tensin homolog in breast cancer progression and the molecular mechanisms involved. Phosphatase and tensin homolog is a tumor suppressor gene and protein. Phosphatase and tensin homolog antagonizes the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT signaling pathway that plays a key role in cell growth, differentiation, and survival. Loss of phosphatase and tensin homolog expression, detected in about 20%-30% of cases, is known to be one of the most common tumor changes leading to phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway activation in breast cancer. Instead, the regulatory subunit p85α is a significant component of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway, and it has been proposed that a reduction in p85α protein would lead to decreased negative regulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and hyperactivation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase regulatory subunit 1 protein has also been reported to be a positive regulator of phosphatase and tensin homolog via the stabilization of this protein. A functional genetic alteration of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase regulatory subunit 1 that results in reduced p85α protein expression and increased insulin receptor substrate 1 binding would lead to enhanced phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling and hence cancer development. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase regulatory subunit 1 underexpression was observed in 61.8% of breast cancer samples. Therefore, expression/alternations of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase regulatory subunit 1 and phosphatase and tensin homolog genes have crucial roles for breast cancer progression. This review will summarize the biological roles of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase regulatory subunit 1 and phosphatase and tensin homolog in breast cancer, with an emphasis on recent findings and the potential of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase regulatory subunit 1 and phosphatase and tensin homolog as a therapeutic target for breast cancer therapy.

Mutation distributions and clinical correlations of PIK3CA gene mutations in breast cancer

Breast cancer (BCa) is the most common cancer and the second cause of death among women. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway has a crucial role in the cellular processes such as cell survival, growth, division, and motility. Moreover, oncogenic mutations in the PI3K pathway generally involve the activation phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase-catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) mutation which has been identified in numerous BCa subtypes. In this review, correlations between PIK3CA mutations and their clinicopathological parameters on BCa will be described. It is reported that PIK3CA mutations which have been localized mostly on exon 9 and 20 hot spots are detected 25-40 % in BCa. This relatively high frequency can offer an advantage for choosing the best treatment options for BCa. PIK3CA mutations may be used as biomarkers and have been major focus of drug development in cancer with the first clinical trials of PI3K pathway inhibitors currently in progress. Screening of PIK3CA gene mutations might be useful genetic tests for targeted therapeutics or diagnosis. Increasing data about PIK3CA mutations and its clinical correlations with BCa will help to introduce new clinical applications in the near future.

Detection of PIK3CA gene mutations with HRM analysis and association with IGFBP-5 expression levels in breast cancer

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer and second leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway mutations are associated with cancer and phosphatidylinositol-4, 5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) gene mutations have been observed in 25-45% of breast cancer samples. Insulin growth factor binding protein-5 (IGFBP-5) can show different effects on apoptosis, cell motility and survival in breast cancer. We here aimed to determine the association between PIK3CA gene mutations and IGFBP-5 expressions for the first time in breast cancer patients. Frozen tumor samples from 101 Turkish breast cancer patients were analyzed with high resolution melting (HRM) for PIK3CA mutations (exon 9 and exon 20) and 37 HRM positive tumor samples were analyzed by DNA sequencing, mutations being found in 31. PIK3CA exon 9 mutations (Q546R, E542Q, E545K, E542K and E545D) were found in 10 tumor samples, exon 20 mutations (H1047L, H1047R, T1025T and G1049R) in 21, where only 1 tumor sample had two exon 20 mutations (T1025T and H1047R). Moreover, we detected one sample with both exon 9 (E542Q) and exon 20 (H1047R) mutations. 35% of the tumor samples with high IGFBP-5 mRNA expression and 29.4% of the tumor samples with low IGFBP-5 mRNA expression had PIK3CA mutations (p=0.9924). This is the first study of PIK3CA mutation screening results in Turkish breast cancer population using HRM analysis. This approach appears to be a very effective and reliable screening method for the PIK3CA exon 9 and 20 mutation detection. Further analysis with a greater number of samples is needed to clarify association between PIK3CA gene mutations and IGFBP-5 mRNA expression, and also clinical outcome in breast cancer patients.

In vitro studies on protective effect of Glycyrrhiza glabra root extracts against cadmium-induced genetic and oxidative damage in human lymphocytes

Cadmium is a modern environmental contaminant that is toxic and carcinogenic. Glycyrrhiza glabra is a traditional medicinal herb which grows in the various parts of the World. Recent studies demonstrated that G. glabra has antifungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and powerful antiinflammatory features. The purpose of this study was to investigate the genetic safety of extracts from G. glabra and its effects on cadmium (as CdCl2) induced genotoxicity. Therefore we evaluated the capability of G. glabra extract to inhibit the rate of micronucleus (MN), sister chromatid exchange (SCE) formations induced by CdCl2. Moreover, to assess the effects of G. glabra on cell viability and oxidative status, we performed 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assays. Our results showed that there were significant increases (P < 0.05) in both SCE and MN frequencies of cultures treated with CdCl2 (5 ppm) as compared to controls. However, co-application of G. glabra extract (5, 10 and 20 ppm) and CdCl2 resulted in decreases of MN and SCE rates as compared to the group treated with CdCl2 alone. Again, the results of MTT and TAC assays clearly indicated dose dependent ameliorative effects of G. glabra extracts against CdCl2 toxicity. In conclusion, this study demonstrated for the first time that G. glabra extracts provided increased resistance of DNA against CdCl2 induced genetic and oxidative damage in human lymphocytes. So, the risk on target tissues of CdCl2 could be reduced and ensured early recovery from its toxicity.

The cytogenetic effects of the aqueous extracts of migratory locust (Locusta migratoria L.) in vitro

One of the useful and most commonly cultivated commercially species, migratory locust ( Locusta migratoria; Orthoptera), was investigated in light of genotoxic damage potentials. For this aim, we evaluated the genotoxic potentials of water soluble extracts of L. migratoria on cultured human blood cells. The micronucleus, sister chromatid exchange and structural chromosome aberration assays were applied to assess DNA and chromosomal damage produced by aqueous extracts in vitro. The extracts were added to the cultures at different concentrations ranging from 0 to 1000 mg/L. Our results indicated that these extracts did not exhibit genotoxicity at tested concentrations. We conclude that this in vitro approach for biomonitoring genotoxicity assessment is useful for comparing the potential health risks of edible insects.

In vitro studies on chemoprotective effect of borax against aflatoxin B1-induced genetic damage in human lymphocytes

A common dietary contaminant, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), has been shown to be a potent mutagen and carcinogen in humans and many animal species. Since the eradication of AFB1 contamination in agricultural products has been rare, the use of natural or synthetic free radical scavengers could be a potential chemopreventive strategy. Boron compounds like borax (BX) and boric acid are the major components of industry and their antioxidant role has recently been reported. In the present report, we evaluated the capability of BX to inhibit the rate of micronucleus (MN) and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) formations induced by AFB1. There were significant increases (P < 0.05) in both SCE and MN frequencies of cultures treated with AFB1 (3.12 ppm) as compared to controls. However, co-application of BX (1, 2 and 5 ppm) and AFB1 resulted in decreases of SCE and MN rates as compared to the group treated with AFB1 alone. Borax gave 30-50 % protection against AFB1 induced SCEs and MNs. In conclusion, the support of borax was especially useful in aflatoxin-toxicated blood tissue. Thus, the risk on target tissues of AFB1 could be reduced and ensured early recovery from its toxicity.

The genotoxic potentials of some atypical antipsychotic drugs on human lymphocytes

Olanzapine (OLZ), risperidone (RPD) and quetiapine (QTP) are atypical antipsychotic drugs and are commonly used for the treatments of schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. However, recent reports indicated that these drugs could exhibit toxic effects on nervous and cardiovascular systems. To our best knowledge, there are scarce data considering the genotoxic damage potentials of OLZ, RPD and QTP on human lymphocyte culture system. Therefore, in this study, the genotoxic potentials of OLZ, RPD and QTP (0–400 mg/L) have been evaluated in human whole blood cultures (WBCs; n = 4). The single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) and micronucleus (MN) assays were applied to estimate the DNA damage. The results of the present study indicated that the tested antipsychotic drug did not induce genotoxicity. In fact, the mean values of the total scores of cells showing DNA damage (for SCGE assay) and MN/1000 cell were not found significantly different from the control values ( p > 0.05). However, the application of the highest drug concentrations (250 mg/L and above) caused the sterility in lymphocyte cultures. It is concluded that the tested three different atypical antipsychotic drugs can be used safely, but it is necessary to consider the cytotoxic effects that are likely to appear depending on the doses exposed.

Serratia ficaria isolated from sputum specimen

Serratia ficaria was first described in 1979 as a Gram-negative facultative anaerobic rod. S. ficaria was found in figs, but also isolated from human specimens in a few cases. We now report an isolate of S. ficaria from sputum specimen.A 46-year-old man was suffering from a chronic renal failure of five years, four months of peritoneal dialysis and one week of fever due to respiratory tract infection, accompanied by cough. Sputum culture yielded a Gram-negative rod. It was identified as S. ficaria and the antibiotic susceptibility test was performed by automated Vitek II (bioMerieux). The tested S. ficaria strain was susceptible to amikacin, gentamicin, cefepime, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, imipenem, meropenem, tigecycline and ciprofloxacin. This strain was resistant to ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, cephalothin, cefoxitine, cefuroxime and ceftriaxone. The patient was treated successfully (80 mg trimethoprim/400 mg sulfamethoxazole twice daily for 7 days)S. ficaria is an opportunistic pathogen responsible for intestinal colonization or serious infections such as septicaemia, gall bladder empyema in immunocompromised patients. The fig tree and fig play an important role in human colonization. It should be remembered that S. ficaria infections may be encountered frequently especially in fig tree culture zones.

The evaluation of the genotoxic and oxidative damage potentials of Ulothrix tenuissima (Kutz.) in vitro

Several alga species are known to produce a variety of toxic metabolites that pose a threat to aquatic organisms, animals and humans. Moreover, these metabolites have been thought to cause serious diseases including certain cancers and neurodegenerative disorders. On the other hand, Ulothrix is a genus of filamentous green algae, generally found in fresh water and marine and abundantly available in some lakes and rivers of Turkey. To our best knowledge, no study has been performed to assess the genotoxic and biochemical effects of U. tenuissima on cultured human blood cells. Therefore, in order to determine clastogenic or aneugenic effects of aqueous alga extracts the micronucleus assay was carried out. Nuclear division index (NDI) in peripheral lymphocytes was also analyzed for cytotoxicity evaluations. In addition, biochemical parameters (total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidative stress (TOS)) were examined to determine oxidative effects. For this aim, we obtained heparinized blood samples from three healthy persons. The alga samples were collected from Porsuk Pond in Hasankale (Erzurum, Turkey) in summer period of the year 2010. The aqueous extracts of this species were added to cultures at different concentrations (0 to 5000 ppm) for 72 h. Our results showed that this alga did not cause any statistically important changes in the rates of studied genotoxicity endpoint. But dose-dependent alterations were observed in TAC and TOS levels and NDI rates. In conclusion, U. tenuissima was found to be non-genotoxic but caused sterility at higher concentrations due to oxidative stress.

A modulator against mercury chloride-induced genotoxic damage: Dermatocarpon intestiniforme (L.)

Mercury has been used in many domains of human activities for many years, although in any form mercury is reported to be toxic. On the other hand, lichens have been used in the treatment of several diseases such as tuberculosis, hemorrhoids, ulcer, dysentery and cancer. Animal investigations on some common lichen species have demonstrated their antioxidant and antimutagenic activity. However, there is very scarce data on the medical or biologic effects of specific lichen species. Therefore, in the present study, we assessed the cyotogenetic effects of mercuric chloride (HgCl2) and the role of aqueous Dermatocarpon intestiniforme lichen extracts in mercury-treated human blood cultures ( n = 3). The sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and micronucleus (MN) assays were performed to assess DNA damages in lymphocytes. Our results clearly revealed that the SCE and MN rates induced by HgCl2 were alleviated by the presence of D. intestiniforme. In conclusion, the results of the present study revealed for the first time that the lichen D. intestiniforme provided increased resistance of DNA against HgCl2-induced genetic damage on human lymphocytes.