Archives of Biological Sciences

Methyl jasmonate elicitation improves antioxidant and antibacterial activities in Portulaca oleracea

2025-07-21T09:28:44+02:00

Paper description:

Elicitation is a known strategy to enhance secondary metabolite production in plants, improving their medicinal properties, nutritional content, and functional food value.
The effects of methyl jasmonate treatment on Portulaca oleracea, with focus on the plants’ antioxidant activity, antibacterial properties, and toxicity profile were investigated.
Methyl jasmonate enhanced the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Portulaca oleracea, while exhibiting no significant toxicity.
This work highlights the potential of methyl jasmonate elicitation as a sustainable approach to enhance the medicinal and functional value of Portulaca oleracea, supporting its use in health-promoting plant-based products.

Abstract: The application of elicitors has been shown to enhance the biological activities of crops and medicinal plants by modulating their phytochemical content. This study evaluated the effect of methyl jasmonate elicitation on the biological activities of Portulaca oleracea. Antioxidant activity of methanol and aqueous extracts from methyl jasmonate-elicited and non-elicited plants was assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against Bacillus cereus, Serratia marcescens, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus using the well-diffusion method. Toxicity was tested using the brine shrimp lethality assay. The methyl jasmonate-elicited methanol extract showed the highest antioxidant activity with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values of 1556.52±30.81 µg/mL (DPPH), 3353.33±29.83 µg/mL (ABTS), and ferric reducing power of 273.24±3.49 mg ferrous (II)/g dry extract. Only methyl jasmonate-elicited methanol and aqueous extract inhibited the growth of Serratia marcescens, with inhibition zones of 15.1±0.06 mm and 11±0.06 mm, respectively. No inhibition was observed against the other tested bacteria. Toxicity results confirmed the non-toxic nature of all extracts, with median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) values >1000 µg/mL. Overall, methyl jasmonate elicitation enhanced the antioxidant and selective antibacterial activity of P. oleracea.

Tryptophan enhances diet-induced improvement of white adipose tissue in obese rats

2025-09-04T21:56:18+02:00

Paper description:

Dietary correction, a mainstay in obesity treatment, has limited effectiveness. L-tryptophan has shown potential in regulating lipid metabolism. This study investigated whether L-tryptophan enhances white adipose tissue (WAT) recovery during dietary correction in obese rats.
Forty-eight Wistar rats were assigned to control, high-calorie diet, dietary correction, and dietary correction with L-tryptophan (80 mg/kg).
L-tryptophan improved WAT morphology, reduced fibrosis, restored vascularization, and normalized lipid profiles better than diet alone, with changes in bioimpedance confirming improved tissue integrity.
L-tryptophan can potentiate dietary obesity treatment, offering a promising adjunct strategy for restoring the morpho-functional state of WAT.

Abstract: The study examined the effect of L-tryptophan on white adipose tissue and its potential to enhance the effectiveness of fasting-dietary obesity correction. Forty-eight Wistar rats were divided into four groups: I – control; II – animals that received a high-calorie diet for 12 weeks; III – rats that after 12 weeks of a high-calorie diet received a balanced diet for 4 weeks; IV – rats that after 12 weeks of a high-calorie diet received a balanced diet with the addition of L-tryptophan (80 mg/kg body weight) for 4 weeks. The high-calorie diet contained 45% fat, 9% protein, and 31% carbohydrate. Physiological, morphological, histomorphometric, biochemical, and biophysical methods were used in the experiment. A high-calorie diet induced obesity and structural alterations in white adipose tissue in the rats. Dietary L-tryptophan accelerated restoration of adipocyte composition, decreased connective tissue, improved white adipose tissue vascularization, and normalized visceral fat mass and lipid metabolism markers. L-tryptophan also contributed to a reduction in the disturbance of the bioelectric properties of the white adipose tissue in obesity. This may indicate restoration of adipocyte membrane integrity, adipose tissue hydration, and microstructural organization. The presented information may be applied clinically in the comprehensive treatment of obesity.

Uptake and distribution of Cu, Pb, and Zn in Tilia tomentosa Moench: plant tissue and urban soil interactions

2025-09-12T10:30:23+02:00

Paper description:

Trees contribute to urban ecosystem services.
This study analyzed Cu, Pb and Zn concentrations in Tilia tomentosa leaves, roots and associated soil (at 0-10cm and 10-30 cm) in an urban park, avenue and its natural habitat to test its vitality and phytoremediation potential.
Site-dependent variations were observed for all parameters, especially at the tree-lined avenue at both depths, with Pb and Zn concentrations >200 mg/kg and insignificant Pb soil-leaf transfer.
The study highlights the importance of species selection, as trees can affect soil’s chemical properties with urban green space planting, thus influencing soil functions and ecosystem service delivery.

Abstract: This study analyzed Cu, Pb, and Zn concentrations in roots and leaves of Tilia tomentosa Moench. and associated soil (at 0-10 cm and 10-30 cm) at Bulevar Nikola Tesla (BNT) and Park Ušće (PU) (Belgrade, Serbia), with Fruška Gora Mt. serving as the control. To evaluate its phytoremediation potential, the bioconcentration (BCF_Root and BCF_Leaf) and translocation factors (TF) were calculated. Site-dependent variations were observed for all analyzed parameters, especially at BNT at both depths, with Pb and Zn concentrations greater than 200 mg/kg. Leaf Pb concentrations indicated insignificant soil-leaf transfer. Photosynthetic efficiency measurements in T. tomentosa showed similar mean values within the optimum range for plants at all sites (Fv/Fm > 0.800). This indicates high overall vitality in urban habitats with elevated concentrations of potentially toxic elements, as shown by the absence of statistically significant differences in mean chlorophyll fluorescence values between sites. There was a positive correlation between Cu and Zn levels and Fv/Fm in leaves from all analyzed sites. Thus, the species appears well-adapted to the uptake and accumulation of elements that are vital for optimal photosynthesis and other physiological processes, while photosynthetic efficiency is not significantly impacted by their occasional deficiency.

Molecular characterization of a novel Betanucleorhabdovirus infecting sugar beet in Iran

2025-09-16T12:53:11+02:00

Paper description:

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) is an important crop mostly cultivated as a source of sugar worldwide. It is exposed to potential virus infection.
We discovered a novel betanucleorhabdovirus in sugar beet grown in Iran and named it beet betanucleorhabdovirus 1 (BNRV1).
BNRV1 was most closely related to tomato betanucleorhabdovirus 2, tomato betanucleorhabdovirus 1, and sambucus betanucleorhabdoviruses 1-5.
Chenopodium album, Malva neglecta, and Carthamus oxyacanthus plants were infected with BNRV1.

Abstract: We report the characterization and genetic variations of a novel betanucleorhabdovirus infecting sugar beet in Iran. Pairwise comparison of the obtained betanucleorhabdovirus sequence with betanucleorhabdoviruses from GenBank showed that it shares the highest nucleotide identity with tomato betanucleorhabdovirus 2 (TBRV2) and Sambucus betanucleorhabdovirus 4. The obtained sequence contained six open reading frames (ORFs) in antigenomic sense flanked by complementary 3′ leader and 5′ trailer sequences (3'-N-P-P3-M-G-L-5'). In the phylogenetic tree, the detected isolate was clustered with the betanucleorhabdoviruses and was most closely related to TBRV2, tomato betanucleorhabdovirus 1, and Sambucus betanucleorhabdovirus 1 to 5. The genome organization, phylogenetic relationships, and sequence similarities to other betanucleorhabdoviruses suggest that the virus is a new member of the genus Betanucleorhabdovirus, which we propose to name beet betanucleorhabdovirus 1 (BNRV1). The virus’s partial spread and host-range investigations revealed that sugar beet fields in northeast Iran were infected by BNRV1, which also infects Chenopodium album, Malva neglecta, and Carthamus oxyacanthus weeds. Low values of Ks*, Kst*, Z*, and Snn indicate no substantial genetic differentiation between populations of this virus. Selection pressures on a portion of the BNRV1 N gene analyzed were negative, showing purifying selection was occurring. The magnitude of negative selection in the BNRV1 N gene was consistent with what has been reported for other betanucleorhabdoviruses.

First report on ACE I/D polymorphism and lymphoma susceptibility in Algeria: Clinical and genetic insights

2025-09-30T17:28:03+02:00

Paper description:

Lymphomas are multifactorial cancers shaped by genetic, clinical, and lifestyle factors. Evidence from North African populations remains limited.
A case-control study in Algeria, including 86 patients with Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin lymphomas and 110 matched healthy controls, with ACE I/D polymorphism genotyping was undertaken.
Smoking and hypertension were significantly associated with increased lymphoma risk; cardiovascular disease and allergy showed inverse associations. The ACE ID genotype was underrepresented in non-Hodgkin subtypes.
This study provides the first evidence from Algeria linking ACE I/D polymorphism to lymphoma risk, underscoring the contribution of both genetic and modifiable factors relevant to disease prevention and personalized management.

Abstract: Lymphomas represent a heterogeneous group of malignancies influenced by genetic, clinical, and lifestyle factors, but data from North African populations remain scarce. We conducted a case-control study including 86 patients with Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas and 110 matched healthy controls from Algeria to evaluate the demographic, clinical, and genetic determinants of disease risk. Smoking (OR=2.06, 95% CI: 1.48-2.87) and hypertension (OR=3.99, 95% CI: 2.37-6.71) were independently associated with increased lymphoma risk, whereas cardiovascular disease (OR=0.30, 95% CI: 0.14-0.65) and allergies (OR=0.25, 95% CI: 0.15-0.40) showed inverse associations. Genetic analysis revealed that the ACE ID genotype was inversely associated with lymphoma (OR=0.18, 95% CI: 0.08-0.38), particularly for non-Hodgkin subtypes. These findings suggest that both modifiable lifestyle factors and genetic variation within the renin-angiotensin system may affect lymphoma risk in the Algerian population. The results represent preliminary, population-specific evidence that should be validated in larger multicenter studies.

Date extract as an alternative natural medium for cultivating Streptomyces sp. SA32 and enhancing its antifungal activity

2025-10-11T10:40:56+02:00

Paper description:

This study examines the use of low-quality date extract as a medium for cultivating Streptomyces SA32 and producing antifungal compounds. The idea emerged in response to the high cost of conventional media and the need for sustainable alternatives.
Growth and antifungal compound production of a Streptomyces SA32 strain on low-quality date extract vs standard culture media was compared.
The date extract medium was more effective in supporting growth and metabolite production.
This work supports the use of low-quality date extract as an alternative culture medium, particularly in date-producing regions such as southern Algeria.

Abstract: Our study investigated the use of a natural medium, date extract, which has a low market value, to cultivate a bacterial strain that produces antifungal compounds. Strain SA32 was isolated by the method of suspension dilution using chitin medium from Algerian Saharan soil. Analysis of its 16S rRNA indicated that it belongs to the genus Streptomyces, showing a 99.52% identity with Streptomyces griseoflavus LMG 19344^T. The kinetics of antifungal activity production on three solid media, date extract, ISP-2 (International Streptomyces Project-2), and Bennett, revealed that maximal production occurred on day 4 for ISP-2 and Bennett, and on day 5 for date extract. In broth media, maximal antifungal activities were observed on the 4^th day of incubation for all three media. The average inhibition zones were larger in the date extract than in ISP-2 and Bennett, regardless of whether the medium was liquid or solid. The antifungal activity was detected only in the n-butanol fraction. HPLC analysis of the crude butanolic extract identified one fraction displaying activity against Aspergillus carbonarius. These findings indicated that the date extract can serve as a natural alternative to conventional culture media to produce Streptomyces sp. SA32 antifungals.

Phytochemical composition and biological activities of Caryopteris grata and Caryopteris odorata from the Nakyal mountains, Azad Jammu, and Kashmir

2025-11-09T21:30:49+01:00

Paper description:

Leaves of Caryopteris grata and Caryopteris odorata from Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) showed significant variation in phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents.
GC-MS revealed distinct chemical profiles, with odorata rich in coumarin, phytol, and n-hexadecanoic acid.
odorata methanol and ethyl acetate extracts showed stronger antioxidant and cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitory activities.
odorata is a promising natural source for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents.

Abstract: Medicinal plants Caryopteris grata and Caryopteris odorata from Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), a biodiversity-rich region of the western Himalayas shaped by varied topography and climate, were examined. The Nakyal mountainous zone of the Kotli district represents a distinct ecological niche where plants experience environmental pressures that could influence their phytochemical profiles. Leaf extracts of C. grata and C. odorata were prepared using solvents of varying polarities. We hypothesized that polar extracts would show stronger antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed that C. grata was dominated by 7-methylcyclopenta[c]pyran-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (61.93%), while C. odorata exhibited a more balanced profile rich in coumarin (30.59%), phytol (10.39%), and n-hexadecanoic acid (7.02%), with both species sharing three compounds but differing markedly in their relative abundance. Dose-response curves revealed that C. odorata exhibited significantly stronger cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitory activity than C. grata, with methanol and ethyl acetate fractions showing the highest potency. DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging, and ferric thiocyanate (FTC) assays showed clear dose-dependent inhibition by all extracts, with C. odorata, particularly its methanol and ethyl acetate extracts, achieving higher activity at lower concentrations than C. grata. ANOVA with repeated measures for FTC inhibition (24-72 h) exhibited significant effects of species, extract type, and their interaction (P<0.05), with C. odorata methanol and ethyl acetate extracts consistently outperforming other treatments. C. odorata extracts show greater antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential than C. grata, as indicated by their stronger bioactive profile.

Neuroprotective and anxiolytic effects of Matricaria chamomilla ethanolic extract against harmine-induced anxiety and oxidative stress in rats exposed to forced swimming stress

2025-10-06T18:26:13+02:00

Paper description:

Harmine, a β-carboline alkaloid, induces anxiogenic and oxidative effects. Chamomile provides calming antioxidant properties.

Male Wistar rats were divided into six groups receiving harmine, the ethanolic extract of Matricaria chamomilla (EEC) (200 or 500 mg/kg), or their combination, and examined using behavioral experiments and biochemical markers.
EEC counteracted harmine-induced anxiety, restoring oxidative balance, normalizing adrenocorticotropic hormone and acetylcholinesterase, and enhancing antioxidant enzymes.
The results highlight chamomile’s potential as a natural therapeutic agent with anxiolytic and neuroprotective properties, offering an alternative approach to managing anxiety and oxidative disorders.

Abstract: The global rise in anxiety and depression disorders has drawn attention to compounds like harmine, a Peganum harmala alkaloid, which induces a pronounced anxiety response. Herbal treatments exhibit the potential to relieve such symptoms with minimal or no side effects. This study aimed to investigate the behavioral, neurobiological, and protective effects of the ethanolic extract of Matricaria chamomilla (EEC) in rats previously exposed to harmine and subjected to a forced swimming stress protocol. Six groups (n=8) of Wistar rats were formed as follows: group 1 (control); group 2 that received a single injection of harmine (40 mg/kg); groups 3 and 4 received 200 mg/kg or 500 mg/kg EEC, respectively; groups 5 and 6 received an injection of harmine (40 mg/kg) with administration of 200 mg/kg or 500 mg/kg EEC). Rats underwent behavioral testing alongside biochemical and histological analyses. Oxidative-stress markers were quantified, including malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST), reduced glutathione (GSH), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. The EEC extract ameliorated depression-like behavior by counteracting harmine-induced reductions in locomotor activity, environmental exploration, and memory performance. It also lowered circulating adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels and restored antioxidant enzyme activity, reflected by reductions in brain oxidative-stress markers. The findings indicate that oral EEC supplementation may enhance exploratory behavior, suggesting a potential neural mechanism for mitigating depressive states. Its modulation of brain oxidative-stress responses points to a possible prophylactic effect, supporting further investigation of EEC as an adjunctive therapeutic candidate.

Expression dynamics of hsa-miR-18a-5p and hsa-miR-135b-5p are associated with pathological tumor stage and lymph node status in locally advanced rectal cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy

2025-11-10T18:59:04+01:00

Paper description:

The expression of hsa-miR-18a-5p decreases significantly after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC).
High hsa-miR-18a-5p levels before treatment is associated with disease downstaging.
The expression of hsa-miR-135b-5p after nCRT was associated with advanced tumor stage and lymph node involvement.
Neither miRNA showed a significant association with response to therapy. Both reflect tumor biology and may assist in patient stratification.

Abstract: Locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) is characterized by tumor invasion into surrounding tissues and frequent lymph node involvement, often requiring neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) followed by surgical resection. LARC presents a significant therapeutic challenge because it is typically diagnosed at an advanced stage and shows variable responses to standard nCRT, highlighting the need for predictive biomarkers. microRNAs are considered valuable biomarker candidates due to their biological characteristics. We investigated the expression dynamics of hsa-miR-18a-5p and hsa-miR-135b-5p and their predictive potential for response to nCRT. We demonstrate a significant post-nCRT decrease in tumor expression of hsa-miR-18a-5p. High pre-treatment hsa-miR-18a-5p expression was significantly associated with lower post-treatment pathological stage and absence of lymph node metastasis, indicating potential predictive value. The expression of hsa-miR-135b-5p after therapy was associated with advanced disease stage and positive lymph node status, indicating it may be linked to more aggressive disease after the treatment. Despite these associations with tumor characteristics, neither miRNA showed a significant association with therapy response. Our findings suggest that while hsa-miR-18a-5p and hsa-miR-135b-5p are not predictive of nCRT response, their expression patterns before and after therapy may reflect underlying tumor biology and hold potential for LARC patient stratification.