Design, synthesis, and molecular docking studies of benzimidazole-1,3,4-triazole hybrids as carbonic anhydrase I and II inhibitors

In this study, with an aim to develop novel heterocyclic hybrids as potent enzyme inhibitors, we synthesized a series of 10 novel 2-(4-(4-ethyl-5-(2-(substitutedphenyl)-2-oxo-ethylthio)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)-phenyl)-5,6-dimethyl-1H-benzimidazole (5a-5j) derivatives and characterized by 1 H-NMR, 13 C-NMR, and HRMS. These compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory activity against hCA I and hCA II. All the compounds exhibited good hCA I and hCA II inhibitory activities with IC50 values in range of 1.288 μM-3.122 μM. Among all these compounds, compound 5e, with an IC50 value of 1.288 μM is the most active against carbonic hCA I. Compound 5h with an IC50 value of 1.532 μM is the most active against carbonic hCA-II. Compounds 5a-5j were also evaluated for their cytotoxic effects on the L929 mouse fibroblast (normal) cell line. The compounds were also analyzed for their antioxidant capacity by TAS, FRAP, and DPPH activity. Enzyme inhibition kinetics showed all compounds 5a-5j to inhibit the enzyme by non-competitive. The most active compound 5e for hCA I and compound 5h for hCA-II were subjected to molecular docking, which revealed their binding interactions with the enzyme's active site, confirming the experimental findings.

The anxiolytic and circadian regulatory effect of agarwood water extract and its effects on the next generation; zebrafish modelling

Anxiety is one of the most common psychiatric symptoms worldwide. Studies show that there is an increase of >25 % in the prevalence of anxiety with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic process. Due to the various side effects of drugs used in the treatment of anxiety, interest in natural therapeutic alternatives has increased. Agarwood is a plant used as a natural therapeutic due to its sedative effect as well as many effects such as antioxidant and antibacterial. Although there are many studies with agarwood, comprehensive behavioral studies, including the next generation, are limited. In present study, zebrafish fed with diets containing 10-100 ppm water extract of Agarwood (AWE) for 3 and 8 weeks were exposed to predator stress using Oscar fish in order to test the potential anxiolytic effect of AWE. At the end of the period, zebrafish exposed to predator stress were subjected to anxiety and circadian tests. Histopathological evaluation and immunofluorescent analyzes of BDNF and 5HT4-R proteins were performed in the brains of zebrafish. The effects on the next generation were examined by taking offspring from zebrafish. According to the results, it was observed that AWE had a healing effect on anxiety-like behaviors and on the disrupted circadian rhythm triggered by the predatory stress it applied, especially in the 8 weeks 100 ppm group. Interestingly, it was also found to be effective in offspring of zebrafish fed diets with AWE.

Synthesis and Molecular Docking of New N-Acyl Hydrazones-Benzimidazole as hCA I and II Inhibitors

BACKGROUND

The carbonic anhydrases (CAs) which are found in most living organisms is a member of the zinc-containing metalloenzyme family. The abnormal levels and activities are frequently associated with various diseases therefore CAs have become an attractive target for the design of inhibitors or activators that can be used in the treatmentof those diseases.

METHODS

Herein, we have designed and synthesized new benzimidazole-hydrazone derivatives to investigate the effects of these synthesized compounds on CA isoenzymes. Chemical structures of synthesized compounds were confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and HRMS. The synthetic derivatives were screened for their inhibitory potential against carbonic anhydrase I and II by in vitro assay.

RESULTS

These compounds have IC50 values of 5.156-1.684 µM (hCA I) and 4.334-2.188 µM (hCA II). Inhibition types and Ki values of the compounds were determined. The Ki values of the compounds were 5.44±0.14 µM-0.299±0.01 µM (hCA I) and 3.699±0.041 µM-1.507±0.01 µM (hCA II). The synthetic compounds displayed inhibitory action comparable to that of the clinically utilized reference substance, acetazolamide. According to this, compound 3p was the most effective molecule with an IC50 value of 1.684 µM. Accordingly, the type of inhibition was noncompetitive and the Ki value was 0.299±0.01 µM.

CONCLUSION

According to the in vitro test results, detailed protein-ligand interactions of the compound 3p, which is more active against hCA I than standard azithromycin (AZM), were analyzed. In addition, the cytotoxic effects of the compounds on the L929 healthy cell line were evaluated.

Removal of algae from thermal mud pool: A case study in Koprukoy (Erzurum, Northeast (NE) Turkey) thermal spring area

ABSTRACT. Thermal spring areas, which are available globally, are used for recreational purposes or wellness applications because these areas have mineral-rich materials of thermal water and thermal muds. At the same time, thermal spring areas are one of the best habitats for algae among aquatic habitats. If algae formed on the surface of the thermal water in these areas, they create an ugly appearance and disrupt the aesthetics of the water because of their uncontrolled growth. The algae removal applications are the most effective methods for solution of these adversities in the thermal spring areas. In this work, experimental study was carried out to investigate the removal of algae from thermal water and thermal mud pools in the Delicermic-Koprukoy (Erzurum, NE Turkey) thermal spring area. For this purpose, some chemical materials were used for the removal of algae. The results of the experimental studies showed that the Al2SO3+CaO solution is a good material that provides 100% removal of algae from thermal water and thermal mud pools at pH 6.   KEY WORDS: Algae, Algae removal, Thermal water, Thermal mud, Spring area    Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2022, 36(3), 545-553.                                                           DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v36i3.5

The effects of MgS nanoparticles-Cisplatin-bio-conjugate on SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line

Magnesium sulfide nanoparticles (MgS NPs) is a nanomaterial that has an important place in diagnosis, treatment, diagnosis, and drug delivery systems. Neuroblastoma, a type of brain cancer, is an extremely difficult cancer to treat with today's treatment options. This study was carried out to determine the cytotoxic, oxidant, and antioxidant effects on the neuroblastoma cancer line (SH-SY5Y cell line) along with the green synthesis and characterization of MgS NPs structures. MgS NPs were synthesized by green synthesis using Na₂S and Punica granatum, a cleaner method for toxic effects, and characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, X-Ray diffraction methods. In cell culture, SH-SY5Y cells were grown in a suitable nutrient medium under favorable conditions. Five different doses of MgS NPs (10, 25, 50, 75, and 100 µg/mL) were applied to the cell line for 24 h. The analysis of the MgS NPs applications was performed with MTT cytotoxicity test and total oxidant and total antioxidant tests. According to the data obtained, 75 μg/mL MgS NPs application decreased cancer cell viability up to 48.54%. MgS NPs exhibited a dose-dependent effect on the SH-SY5Y cell line. Also, it was determined that MgS NPs increased oxidant activity in neuroblastoma cells, which was compatible with the cytotoxicity test. As a result, MgS NPs exhibited an effective activity on the neuroblastoma cell line. It was clearly seen that NPs obtained by green synthesis prevented the related cancer line from proliferating.

Preparation of CoS nanoparticles-cisplatin bio-conjugates and investigation of their effects on SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line

Neuroblastoma is one of the most widely seen under the age of 15 tumors that occur in the adrenal medulla and sympathetic ganglia. Cisplatin, an antineoplastic drug, is a Platinum-based compound and is known to inhibit the proliferation of neuroblastoma cells. Effective applications of nanoparticles in biomedical areas such as biomolecular, antimicrobial detection and diagnosis, tissue engineering, theranostics, biomarking, drug delivery, and anti-cancer have been investigated in many studies. This study aims to prepare the bioconjugates of CoS (cobalt sulfide) nanoparticles (NPs) with cisplatin combination groups and to evaluate their effects on the neuroblastoma cell line. Nanoparticle synthesis was done using the green synthesis technique using Punica granatum plant extract. The size and shape of CoS NPs were characterized by SEM, FT-IR, and XRD. Zeta potential was confirmed by the DLS study. For this purpose, the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line was cultured in a suitable cell culture medium. Cisplatin 5 µg and different concentrations (Cisplatin + CoS NPs bioconjugates (5, 10, 25, 50, 75 μg) doses were applied to SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell lines for 24 h. TAC, TOS and MTT tests were performed 24 h after the application. According to the MTT test results, cisplatin and CoS NP combinations reduced the proliferation of neuroblastoma cells by 78 to 57% compared to the cisplatin control. From the findings obtained; the most effective Bio-conjugate group was Cisplatin 5 μg/mL + CoS 75 μg/mL.

The Antimicrobial Activity of Herbal Soaps Against Selected Human Pathogens

Antioxidant substances are used not only in food and beverages, but also in soap formulations which are known to be effective in skin cleansing, and are also used as ingredients in the detergent and cosmetics market. The aim of this study was to determine the bactericidal effects of plain and antibacterial soaps containing Punica granatum flower (PGF), Carrot seed (CS, Daucus carota), Lavender (LV, Lavandula officinalis L.) extracts which are known for their high antioxidant activity. Antioxidant properties were determined by using the cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) and Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) for all soap samples. The effectiveness of soaps which are prepared using PGF, CS and LV extracts on gram positive and gram negative bacteria was investigated. From the findings obtained, all plant extracted soaps had antibacterial activity and it was determined that soap containing carrot extract caused a significant decrease in bacterial levels compared to other soaps. As a result, it has been concluded that the use of antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds as soap formulation components is extremely important for increasing the effectiveness of soap against bacteria.

Antiviral drugs and plasma therapy used for Covid-19 treatment: a nationwide Turkish algorithm

The Coronavirus outbreak described as COVID-19 is an insidious and enormous biohazard which began to be noticed in November 2019. When the virus was determined to cause serious upper respiratory tract infections resulting in death, pandemics were declared in the world. As of today, the number of cases exceeded 221 thousand people in Turkey, the number of patients who died had reached 5526. In more than 200 countries around the world, 15.1 million people fight the disease, while the number of people recovered is over 9.134 million, and the number of deaths has exceeded 620 thousand. The top 5 countries in the world are USA, Brazil, Russia, India and Spain. The countries with the highest number of cases after America (approximately 4 million 28 thousand) are Brazil (approximately 2 million 166 thousand), India (about 1 million 195 thousand), Russia (approximately 789 thousand), South Africa (approximately 382 thousand). In addition, the number of deaths and cases caused by Covid 19 continues to increase day by day. In this review, it was aimed to discuss that Covidien-19 against antiviral drugs used in the struggle across the globe and plasma treatment options about the current state of knowledge and Turkey algorithm by comparing the therapeutic treatment options.

Synthesis and Characterization of Nano-Strontium Oxide (SrO) Using Erzincan Cimin Grape (Vitis vinifera, Cimin)

Aims: Synthesis of Strontium oxide (SrO) is very remarkable for its applications in electrodes for gas sensors, lithium-ion batteries, solar cells, doped dye-sensitive solar cells, transistors, catalyst supports, super capacitors and semiconductors. This study aims to synthesize SrO nanoparticles using a new method, as they will find important and specific uses. Experimental Design: Synthesis of SrO nanoparticles (NPs) was planned to be obtained by bio-reduction method using the plant extract of Erzincan Cimin grape (Vitis vinifera, Cimin). Place and Duration of Study: The experimental steps of the study were carried out in the laboratories of Atatürk University, Erzurum Vocational College, Department of Chemical and Chemical Processing Technologies. Methodology: In this study, the synthesis of SrO NPs was made by using aqueous extract of Erzincan Cimin grape (Vitis vinifera, Cimin). Biosynthesis medium containing 0.1 M Sr(NO3)2 was added to Cimin grape extract to synthesize SrO NPs. Results: The structural characterization of the SrO NPs that were obtained as a result of the reaction was analyzed using SEM, EDAX and FTIR techniques. Using the X-ray diffraction pattern in the study, the mean particle size was calculated to be 28.6 nm. SEM analysis revealed that particles having a porous nanostructure in 20-50 nm of size were synthesized. It was determined that the maximum absorbance of SrO nanoparticles was at 203 nm. From the experimental data, it was determined that for SrO nanoparticles, the optimum synthesis rate was reached at 90 minutes, 40°C and pH 8. Conclusion: The newly synthesized nanomaterial is expected to find applications in many different areas thanks to its physical and chemical properties.

In silico Molecular Docking and ADME Studies of 1,3,4-Thiadiazole Derivatives in Relation to in vitro PON1 Activity

BACKGROUND

Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is a paraoxonase, arylesterase and lactonase associated with protection of lipoproteins and cell membranes against oxidative modification.

OBJECTIVE

Based on antioxidative properties of PON1 and significance of 1,3,4-thiadiazoles in pharmaceutical chemistry, herein we aimed to evaluate the potentials of 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives as PON1 activators.

METHODS

2-[[5-(2,4-Difluoro/dichlorophenylamino)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl]thio]acetophenone derivatives (1-18) were in vitro evaluated for their activator effects on PON1 which was purified using ammonium sulfate precipitation (60-80%) and DEAE-Sephadex anion exchange chromatography. Molecular docking studies were performed for the detection of affinities of all compounds to the active site of PON1. Moreover, Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion (ADME) properties of all compounds were also in silico predicted. In silico molecular docking and ADME studies were carried out according to modules of Schrodinger's Maestro molecular modeling package.

RESULTS

All compounds, particularly compounds 10, 13 and 17, were determined as promising PON1 activators and apart from compound 1, all of them were detected in the active site of PON1. Besides, ADME results indicated that all compounds were potential orally bioavailable drug-like molecules.

CONCLUSION

PON1 activators, compounds 10, 13 and 17 stand out as potential drug candidates for further antioxidant studies and these compounds can be investigated for their therapeutic effects in many disorders such as atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, obesity, chronic liver inflammation and many more.

Green synthesis of Ce2O3 NPs and determination of its antioxidant activity

In this study, the authors presented synthesis of ceria nanoparticles (NPs) by the bio-reduction method and their antioxidative activity. Aqueous extract of Euphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides) was used as reducing and stabilising agents. They used aqueous extract of Euphorbia (E. amygdaloides) as reducing and stabilising agent. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption spectroscopy was used to monitor the quantitative formation of ceria NPs. They also addressed the characteristics of the obtained ceria NPs using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmitting electron microscope (TEM). The synthesised cerium (III) oxide (Ce2O3) NPs were initially noted through visual colour change from colourless pale yellow cerium (III) to light yellow cerium (IV) and further confirmed the band at 345 nm employing UV-vis spectroscopy. The average diameter of the prepared NPs was about 8.6-10.5 nm. In addition, the synthesised Ce2O3 NPs were tested for antioxidant and anti-bacterial activities using ferric reducing antioxidant power, cupric reducing antioxidant capacity, ferrous ions chelating activity, superoxide the anion radical scavenging and 2, 2'-azinobis 3-ethylbenzothiazol to-6-sulphonic acid scavenging activity. It could be concluded that Euphorbia (E. amygdaloides) extract can be used efficiently in the production of potential antioxidant and anti-bacterial Ce2O3 NPs for commercial applications.

Lactobacillus brevis Lipase: Purification, Immobilization onto Magnetic Florosil NPs, Characterization and Application as a Detergent Additive

In this study, a thermo-tolerant and alkaline lipase enzyme was purified from Lactobacillus brevis and immobilized onto modified γ-Fe3O4 florisil nanoparticles (γ-Fe3O4 MF NFs) and the usability of free lipase (FL) and immobilized lipases (IML) as detergent additives was investigated. Lipase enzyme was purified by fractional precipitation using 20% ammonium sulfate, DEAE-Sephadex ion-exchange chromatographic column, and Sephacryl S200 gel filtration chromatographic techniques. Then, the enzyme was purified, which resulted in 135.2-fold purification. Its molecular mass was determined to be 57 kDa by SDS-PAGE. The covalent immobilization of purified lipase was done using γ-Fe3O4 MF NPs. γ-Fe3O4 MF NPs and IML were characterized by using SEM, TEM, FT-IR, and XRD. IML showed a good thermo-stability and its activities were calculated as 80% at 60°C. The free and IML enzymes were most stable at alkaline pHs in the range of 7.0–10.0. Also, IML is more stable towards metal ions compared to free lipase enzyme. Washing performances of some detergent formulations were investigated in the presence and absence of Lipase. Olive oil was removed by the detergent alone and by the detergent and IML at ratios of 45% and 72%, respectively. The study on removal of oil stain from cotton cloths indicated that the removal of oil was superior in the presence of IML and IML with detergent, when compared to the detergent alone.

Green synthesis and characterisation of platinum nanoparticles using quail egg yolk

Nanotechnology is extensively used in all parts today. Therefore, nano synthesis is also significant in all explored areas. The results of studies conducted have revealed that nanoparticle synthesis is performed by using both chemical and physical methods. It is well known that these syntheses are carried out at high charge, pressure and temperature in harsh environments. Therefore, this study investigated green synthesis method that sustains more mild conditions. In this study, quail egg yolk having high vitamin and protein content was prepared for green synthesis reaction and used for the synthesis of platinum nanoparticles in the reaction medium. Reaction situations were optimised as a function of pH, temperature, time and concentration by using quail egg yolk. The results showed that the highest platinum nanoparticles were synthesised at 20°C and pH6.0 for 4h. Also, optimal concentration of metal ions was established as 0.5mM. The synthesised platinum nanoparticles were characterised by using UV spectrum, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope.

Removing Trypan blue dye using nano-Zn modified Luffa sponge

This study has presented specific features that are examined to remove the Trypan blue dye from the waste using Luffa sponge (LS) and modified Luffa sponge with zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs). Peroxidase enzyme was obtained from Euphorbia amygdaloides plant and it was used with the green synthesis of Zn nanoparticles. Luffa sponge was used to be a support material for immobilized nanoparticles and it also used in remediation work. The obtained membrane forms, fibrous materials, (LS, ZnNPs-LS) were characterized with SEM and XRD. LS and ZnNPs-LS were employed as adsorbent to be used for the removal of Trypan blue dye from aqueous via batch studies. Measurements were made for the equilibrium, pH, temperature, concentration of dye with UV-visible spectrometer (590nm; for Trypan blue dye). The optimum removal of Trypan blue dye was found at pH7, the equilibrium was attained within 30min. The thermodynamic properties ΔG⁰, ΔH⁰, and ΔS⁰ showed that adsorption of Trypan blue dye onto LS and ZnNPs-LS were spontaneous and endothermic. The equilibrium isotherm data were analyzed using Langmuir and Freundlich models and the sorption process was described by the Langmuir isotherm with maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of 45.32 and 47.3mg/g for LS and LS-ZnNPs at 303±1°K, respectively.

Synthesis and evaluation of new benzodioxole-based dithiocarbamate derivatives as potential anticancer agents and hCA-I and hCA-II inhibitors

In the current work, new benzodioxole-based dithiocarbamate derivatives were synthesized via the reaction of N-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl)-2-chloroacetamide with appropriate sodium salts of N,N-disubstituted dithiocarbamic acids. These derivatives were evaluated for their cytotoxic effects on A549 human lung adenocarcinoma and C6 rat glioma cell lines. N-(1,3-Benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl)-2-[4-(4-nitrophenyl)-1-piperazinylthiocarbamoylthio]acetamide (10) can be identified as the most promising anticancer agent against C6 cell line due to its notable inhibitory effect on C6 cells with an IC₅₀ value of 23.33 ± 7.63 μg/mL when compared with cisplatin (IC₅₀ = 19.00 ± 5.29 μg/mL). On the other hand, compound 10 did not show any significant cytotoxic activity against A549 cell line. The compounds were also tested for their in vitro inhibitory effects on hCA-I and hCA-II. Generally, the tested compounds were more effective on CAs than acetazolamide, the reference agent. Among these compounds, N-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl)-2-[(morpholinyl)thiocarbamoylthio]acetamide (3) and N-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl)-2-[(thiomorpholinyl)thiocarbamoylthio]acetamide (4) were found to be the most effective compounds on hCA-I with IC₅₀ values of 0.346 nM and 0.288 nM, and hCA-II with IC₅₀ values of 0.287 nM and 0.338 nM, respectively.

Purification and characterization of an extracellular cellulase from Anoxybacillus gonensis O9 isolated from geothermal area in Turkey

In the present study, cellulase was purified and characterized from Anoxybacillus gonensis (Gen bank Number: KM596794) which was isolated and characterized from Agri Diyadin Hot spring. It was found to synthesize cellulase which had a wide range of industrial applications. Twenty four-hour-cultured bacteria induced cellulase production and specific activities during the purification steps were 1.47, 81.06 and 109.4 EU mg(-1) protein at crude extract, ammonium sulphate precipitated and DEAE-Sephadex purification steps. The highest enzyme activity was observed at 50°C and the optimum range of pH was 3-10. Molecular weight of enzyme was determined approximately 40kDa. The kinetic parameters of cellulase against carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) were 153.4 pmol min(-1) mg for Vmax and 0.46mM for Km. Among effectors of the enzyme, Zn2+, Ca2+, Co2+ and EDTA decreased enzyme activity.

Purification and characterization of [Formula: see text]-mannanase from Bacillus pumilus (M27) and its applications in some fruit juices

Thermo alkaline mannanase was purified from the bacteria of Bacillus pumilus (M27) using the techniques of ammonium sulphate precipitation, DEAE-Sephadex ion exchange chromatography and Sephacryl S200 gel filtration chromatography with 111-fold and 36 % yield. It was determined that the enzyme had 2 sub-units including 35 kDa and 55 kDa in gel filtration chromatography and SDS-PAGE electrophoresis systems. The optimum pH and temperature was determined as 8 and 60 °C, respectively. It was also noticed that the enzyme did not lose its activity at a wide interval such as pH 3-11 and at high temperatures such as 90 °C. Additionally, the effects of some metal ions on the mannanase enzyme activity. Moreover, the clarifying efficiency of purified mannanase enzyme with some fruit juices such as orange, apricot, grape and apple was also investigated. Enzymatic treatment was carried out with 1 mL L(-1) of purified mannanase for 1 h at 60 °C. It was determined that the highest pure enzyme was efficient upon clarifying the apple juice at 154 % rate.

The effects of some tumor markers on human erythrocyte (HCA-I and HCA-II), bovine erythrocyte (BCA) and bovine lung (CA-IV) carbonic anhydrase enzyme activities in vitro

OBJECTIVE

The influence of prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), tumor markers have been investigated on human erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase (HCA-I and HCA-II) and bovine erythrocyte (BCA) and bovine lung carbonic anhydrase (CA-IV) in vitro.

BACKGROUND

Tumor markers are substances that can often be detected in higher-than-normal amounts in the blood, urine, or body tissues of some patients with certain types of cancer. Tumor markers are produced either by the tumor itself or by the body in response to the presence of cancer or certain benign (noncancerous) conditions. In addition to their role in cancer diagnosis, some tumor marker levels are measured before treatment to help doctors plan appropriate therapy.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

All of the tumor markers were determined to have inhibition effect, on human CA-I, CA-II, bovine erythrocyte CA (BCA) and bovine lung CA-IV isoenzymes. The effect of each tumor marker on CA was investigated by Wilbur-Andersen method modified by Rickly et al Inhibition effects of two different tumor markers on human CA-I, CA-II, bovine erythrocyte CA (BCA) and bovine lung CA-IV isoenzymes were determined by using the CO2-Hydratase method by plotting activity % vs (tumor markers). I50 values of tumor markers exhibiting inhibition effects were found by means of these graphs (Tab.1, Fig. 2, Ref. 20).

Purification of Chitinase enzymes from Bacillus subtilis bacteria TV-125, investigation of kinetic properties and antifungal activity against Fusarium culmorum

BACKGROUND

Chitin is the main structural component of cell walls of fungi, exoskeletons of insects and other arthropods and shells of crustaceans. Chitinase enzyme is capable of degrading chitin, and this enzyme can be used as a biological fungicide against phytopathogenic fungi, as well as an insecticide against insect pests.

METHODS

In this study, 158 isolates, which were derived from bacteria cultures isolated from leaves and root rhizospheres of certain plants in Turkey, were selected after confirming that they are not phytopathogenic based on the hypersensitivity test performed on tobacco; and antifungal activity test was performed against Fusarium culmorum, which is a pathogenic fungi that cause decomposition of roots of vegetables. Accordingly, chitinase enzyme activity assay was performed on 31 isolates that have an antifungal activity, and among them the isolate of Bacillus subtilis TV-125 was selected, which has demonstrated the highest activity.

RESULTS

Chitinase enzyme was purified by using ammonium sulphate and DEAE-sephadex ion exchange chromatography. Ammonium sulphate precipitation of chitinase enzyme from Bacillus subtilis TV-125 isolate was performed at maximum range of 0-20%, and 28.4-fold purification was obtained with a 13.4% of yield. Optimum activity of the purified enzyme was observed at pH 4.0 and at 50°C of temperature. In addition, it was identified that Bacillus subtilis TV-125A isolate retains 42% of its activity at 80°C temperature.

CONCLUSION

In the last phase of the study, chitinase enzyme purified from Bacillus subtilis TV-125A was tested on four fungal agents, although all the results were positive, it was particularly effective on F. culmorum according to the findings.

Synthesis and evaluation of new thiadiazole derivatives as potential inhibitors of human carbonic anhydrase isozymes (hCA-I and hCA-II)

2-[[5-(2,4-Difluoro/dichlorophenylamino)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl]thio] acetophenone derivatives (3a--s) were designed as human carbonic anhydrase isozymes (hCA-I and hCA-II) inhibitors and synthesized. hCA-I and hCA-II were purified from erythrocyte cells by the affinity chromatography. The inhibitory effects of 18 newly synthesized acetophenones on hydratase activity of these isoenzymes were studied in vitro. The average IC50 values of the new compounds for hydratase activity ranged from 0.033 to 0.14 μM for hCA-I and from 0.030 to 0.11 μM for hCA-II. Among the newly synthesized compounds, 2-[[5-(2,4-dichlorophenylamino)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl]thio]-4'-bromoacetophenone (3n) can be considered as a promising hCA-II inhibitor owing to its selective and potent inhibitory effect on hCA-II.

Purification of paraoxonase enzyme from the sera of patients with Behcet's disease and analyzing the effects of the drugs containing imuran (azathioprine), prednisolone (methylprednisolone) and colchium (colchicine)

In this study, serum samples from 50 patients with the diagnosis of Behcet's disease and 20 healthy volunteers were analyzed. The study consists of three parts. In the first part, paraoxonase (PON) activities were determined in the serum samples of 50 patients with Behcet's disease and 20 healthy people. In the second part, equal volumes of serum samples from 50 patients were pooled and PON enzymes were purified by using Sepharose-4B-L-tyrosine tyrosine-1-naphtylamine affinity column. Optimum temperature, optimum pH, Vmax and Km values of the pure enzymes were determined. The same purification procedure was also performed in the serum samples of 20 healthy people. Electrophoretic mobility was observed (via SDS-PAGE) in the PON enzymes that were purified from the serum samples of patients with Behcet's disease and healthy people. In the third part, in vitro effects of drugs containing azathioprine, methylprednisolone and colchicine that have already been used for the treatment of Behcet's disease were tested on the PON enzymes of the patients with Behcet's disease and control group. IC50 values and Ki constant values were measured and inhibition types were determined for the drugs containing azathioprine, methylprednisolone and colchicine that have already been used for the treatment of the Behcet's disease and demonstrate in vitro inhibition effects.

The activities of carbonic anhydrase and alkaline phosphatase in ancient human bones. Purification and characterization of outer peripheral, cytosolic, inner peripheral, and integral CA

In the present study, bone carbonic anhydrase was isolated from ancient human bones and its characteristic features were determined. For this purpose, the skull bone of about 3000 years age was used. The purification was performed in four steps. Four different isoenzymes of CA, including outer peripheral, inner peripheral, integral, and cytosolic were purified and characterized. Affinity chromatography using Sepharose-4B-L-tyrosyn sulfanilamide as a support material was used in its purification. Two different methods were used for enzymatic activity determination: a) hydratase, and b) esterase methods. Bradford and Coomassie Brillant Blue methods were used for protein determination. Optimal pH, temperature, and molecular weight determinations were performed by conventional methods. The purification degree and the subunits, if present, were determined by SDS-PAGE. The effects of some chemicals on the enzyme were also investigated. The most cardinal finding was that the enzymatic activity has been found in antique human bone, showing some other enzymatic activity. That the alkaline phosphatase activity has been determined in the same sample supports the finding of carbonic anhydrase.

Carbonic anhydrase from bovine bone

In this research, carbonic anhydrase enzyme, which was taken from the bones of an animal, was purified and characterized for the first time. For this, the bones of a young cow were used. The purification treatment was completed in three steps. Three different isoenzymes, such as peripheral, cystolic, and integral from the bone-cell cytozolic isoenzyme were purified and characterized. In purification of the three isoenzymes, the technique of affinity chromatography, which utilized Sepharose-4B-L-Tyrosine-Sulphanylamide, was used. In measuring the activities of enzymes, two different methods were applied. These are the esterase methods that utilize hydratase and p-nitrophenylacetate as substrate. The measurement of proteins was done with the methods of Bradford and Coomassie Brillant Blue. The optimum pH and temperature of each enzyme were measured and molecular weights were measured by gel-filtration. Its purity was examined by SDS-PAGE (3-10% alternating) electrophoresis and the inferior unit was defined. The inhibition effects of some chemicals were tested for each of the three isoenzymes.

Purification and characterization of carbonic anhydrase from bovine erythrocyte plasma membrane

Carbonic anhydrase (CA) was purified from bovine erythrocyte plasma membrane and characterized in this study. For this purpose, the blood taken from young animals was hemolysed, the membrane fraction was separated, and this fraction was repeatedly washed. The enzyme (CA) was removed from the membrane with buffered TritonX-100 (1%); it could be purified at a factor of 22.8 by affinity chromatography. The CA obtained from erythrocyte membrane has an esterase activity as well as hydratase activity. The Vmax and Km of the enzyme for the substrate (p-nitrophenyl acetate) are 1.948x10(-3) mM/L x dak, and 3.596 mM, respectively. The purification degree of the enzyme was controlled by SDS-PAGE (3-10), which showed two distinct bands. It was determined that the enzyme had activity within the pH range of 4.5-9.5 and that the optimal pH was 7.5. The temperature at which it showed activity was 20-60 degrees C and optimal temperature was 37 degrees C. Molecular weight of CA was found to be 29844 and 61706 Dalton by gel filtration. On the other hand, sulfanilamide and acetazolamide affected the enzyme.