Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial endocrine disorder with significant genetic components. Vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) regulates vitamin D bioavailability, and its gene polymorphisms may influence PCOS susceptibility. This study investigated the correlation of VDBP SNPs rs4588 and rs7041 with the risk of developing PCOS in Iraqi women. A case-control study involving 60 PCOS patients and 30 healthy controls was conducted. Serum vitamin D and VDBP levels were measured, and VDBP SNPs (rs4588, rs7041) were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The results showed that the levels of VDBP were significantly lower in individuals with PCOS compared to healthy individuals, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). The frequencies of A and G alleles were 0.46 and 0.54 in PCOS while 0.47 and 0.53 in the control, respectively. The homozygous GG genotype and the heterozygous AG genotype were not statistically significant in PCOS patients compared to the controls. Furthermore, the frequencies of the A and C alleles for the rs7041 SNP were 0.47 and 0.53 in PCOS, respectively, while they were 0.42 and 0.58 in the control group. When compared to the control group, PCOS patients' homozygous AA and heterozygous AC genotypes showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). Conversely, there are no appreciable variations in the prevalence of homozygous CC genotypes between PCOS patients and controls. The findings of the study revealed that the rs7041 polymorphisms in the VDBP gene may contribute to increasing the risk of PCOS.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
 06_69-80.pdf | 880.61 KB |
Recent years have seen a significant interest in Ginkgo biloba extract as a treatment for various chronic diseases. The study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on rats with induced osteoporosis, as measured by relevant biochemical indicators. A histopathological study was conducted to compare the results with those of the osteoporotic group. This study involves 40 male rats, divided into five equal experimental groups (eight rats per group). The first group represents the control group. Osteoporosis was induced in the remaining four groups, which received orally 10 mg/kg body weight of glucocorticoid three times a week for four weeks. Following the induction of osteoporosis, treatment was initiated for 30 days with bisphosphonates for group 3 and extract of Ginkgo biloba orally for groups 4 and 5 at different doses. Following treatment, rats were anesthetized, and blood samples were collected by heart puncture. Colorimetric methods and the ELISA technique were employed to determine the levels of calcium, calcitonin, and estrogen. The animals were euthanized by cervical dislocation under ethical guidelines, and the femur bone was taken for a histopathology study. Results showed increased levels of calcium, calcitonin, and estrogen (1.3761 ± 0.1526 mmol. /L, 56.45 ± 5.08 pg/ml, and 33.637 ± 1.56 ng/ml), respectively, following treatment with Ginkgo biloba extract (56 mg/kg). Histopathological analysis demonstrated decreased bone integrity in the osteoporotic group and increased it following treatment with Ginkgo biloba extract. In conclusion, a key finding of this study is the improvement in both biomechanical and histological bone indices in an osteoporotic rat model after treatment with the extract of Ginkgo biloba compared to bisphosphonate treatment.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| 05_55-68.pdf | 1.26 MB |
Resveratrol is a phytoalexin naturally produced by several plants in response to injury or pathogenic attack, such as bacterial or fungal infections. In this study, approximately 0.5 kg of fresh black grape skin cultivated in Iraq was macerated in 80% ethanol for three days. Hydrolysis was performed using 10% HCl at 60 °C, followed by filtration. The filtrate was then extracted with chloroform. The organic layer was evaporated to dryness, and the residue was subjected to further purification using silica gel G60 in an open column with a mobile phase consisting of benzene:methanol:acetic acid (20:4:1). Final purification was carried out using preparative layer chromatography (PLC). The resulting pure resveratrol (Res) was dried and stored in a cool, dark place for further analysis using UV absorption, TLC, HPLC, and FTIR spectroscopy. Five groups of albino mice (n = 5 per group) were used in the study. Four groups were rendered hyperglycemic by administration of alloxan. The animals were then treated intraperitoneally for two weeks as follows: Group 2 received Res at a dose of 5 mg/day; Group 3 received Res at 0.25 mg/day; Group 4 received glibenclamide at 600 µg/kg/day; Group 1 consisted of normal non-diabetic animals, and Group 5 represented untreated diabetic controls. The effects of resveratrol on liver function were evaluated by measuring blood glucose levels, serum malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) as indicators of antioxidant activity. Additionally, in vitro kinetic assays were conducted to determine serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST/SGOT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT/SGPT).
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| 04_41-54.pdf | 927.51 KB |
This study aims to investigate the histopathological changes in the placental tissue of women who have experienced spontaneous miscarriage using a scoring system, as well as the physiological changes in the serum of these women. The focus is on those who do not have any chronic diseases, thyroid issues, blood clotting disorders, or blood group incompatibility. Samples are analyzed for TORCH (toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus). Samples that test positive for these infections are excluded from the study. Additionally, cases of ectopic pregnancy, septic abortion, and blighted ovum abortion are also excluded. Materials and methods: The study involved 30 patients who experienced spontaneous miscarriages. These participants were divided into two groups according to the duration of their pregnancies. Placental tissue samples from those women were processed, stained, and examined for histopathological changes. Moreover, physiological exams were performed to measure levels of prolactin and estrogen in these women as well. Results: The study identified significant differences in histopathological changes (intervillous fibrinoid deposition, perivillous fibrinoid deposition, inflammatory infiltrate, hemorrhage, increased angiogenesis, and hydropic change) in placenta tissue between groups G1 and G2, with more prevalent changes observed in G1. On the other hand, there is no significant difference between prolactin and estrogen hormones in G1 and G2. Conclusion: There was a relationship between increased histopathological changes in very early spontaneous miscarriages and the increase in maternal age. While there is no difference in prolactin and estrogen levels.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| 03_30-40.pdf | 1.08 MB |
The hydroperoxyl radical (•OOH), a reactive oxygen species (ROS), plays a critical role in regulating physiological processes. Its involvement in cellular redox pathways and association with pathological processes make it a key molecule for understanding how excessive free radicals modulate cellular metabolism. This study investigated the effects of exogenous •OOH on the redox metabolism of mononuclear cells during phagocytosis. Rat-derived mononuclear cells were treated with different concentrations of •OOH (generated via spark-discharge non-coherent radiation), and phagocytosis was induced using latex particles. The effect of •OOH on cell membrane integrity was assessed by trypan-blue-staining, while redox metabolites were quantified by spectrofluorimetry and spectrophotometry at 1-, 30-, and 60-minutes post-phagocytosis induction. In unexposed cells, free FAD and NADH levels increased during phagocytosis, tryptophan-containing proteins remained stable, and glycation end-products (AGEs) rose significantly by 60 minutes post-phagocytosis induction. •OOH at concentrations of (3.6 ± 0.9) × 10⁻⁵ and (1.8 ± 0.45) × 10⁻⁴ mol/L did not alter redox metabolism. However, exposure to higher concentrations ((5.4 ± 1.35) × 10⁻⁴ mol/L) induced significant cytotoxic effects. At the metabolic level, this dose triggered a marked redox imbalance, evidenced by a 1.4-fold increase in FAD, altered coenzyme ratios (NADH/FAD and NADH/NAD), and a significant decrease in tryptophan-related protein fluorescence, indicating extensive macromolecular damage. All •OOH concentrations tested suppressed the formation of AGEs 60 minutes after phagocytosis induction. We propose that this inhibition is not due to a protective effect, but to fragmentation of the protein backbone or modifications in the side chains induced by radicals.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| 02_14-29.pdf | 1.1 MB |
Background: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often struggle with movement coordination and social interaction. Yoga practices have shown potential in easing behavioural and sensory issues, but their long-term effects on motor skills and autism symptoms remain unclear. This study explored whether extended yoga sessions could improve neuromuscular function (NMF) and autism severity (AS) in children with ASD. Methods: Sixty children aged 5–15 years with ASD were randomly assigned to a Yoga Group (YG, n = 30) or Control Group (CG, n = 30). The YG participated in structured yoga sessions for 60 minutes daily, five days a week, over a six-month period. NMF was assessed using auditory reaction time (ART), visual reaction time (VRT), and postural stability (PS). AS was evaluated using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). Assessments were carried out at baseline then 3 months, and 6 months. Results: By six months, the YG showed significant improvement in ART (450 ± 10 m.s.), VRT (500 ± 12 m.s.), and PS (1.6 ± 0.5) compared to the CG (p < 0.001). The CARS score in YG reduced to 28.9 ± 4.5 versus 35.7 ± 5.3 in CG. ADOS communication and social interaction scores also improved significantly in YG (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Long-term yoga sessions enhanced motor responses and reduced autism-related symptoms, indicating potential as a supportive therapy for ASD.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| 01_5-13.pdf | 685.51 KB |
The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of regular physical activity on the gut microbiota architecture and associated metabolic modules in 8- to 10-year-old children. Participants were divided into two groups: controls (Group 1) and those who had been practicing taekwondo for over two years outside of school physical education (Group 2). The metagenomic component was based on sequencing of the 16S rRNA V1–V9 regions; the data were analyzed within a pipeline using Minimap2, Emu, and network analysis in R (vegan, igraph, ggraph). The results indicate that Group 2 exhibits a more complex microbiota network, highlighting specific modules associated with fiber processing and the synthesis of anti-inflammatory SCFAs, including butyrate and propionate. A direct link between metabolic pathways and immune regulation was observed through effects on regulatory T cells, IgA, and anti-inflammatory signaling. Network module analysis identified a core anti-inflammatory microbiota in athletes (modules 1, 4, 6, 8, 9, 13, 25) and found enhanced lactate and succinate detoxification mechanisms. These findings highlight the role of physical activity in restructuring the functional architecture of the microbiota and increasing intestinal resistance.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| 17_Шепилова_180-213.pdf | 3.4 MB |
This paper summarizes five years of monitoring opportunistic bacteria in laboratory primates and assessing their phage sensitivity. The main representative of the microbiota in both healthy and sick animals was lactose-positive Escherichia coli (84.6% and 92.7%, respectively). Among other enterobacteria, Proteus spp., Enterobacter spp., and Klebsiella spp. were most frequently detected. Molecular genetic analysis revealed widespread circulation of pathogenic groups of E. coli, primarily enteroinvasive (92.9%) and enteropathogenic (63.4%) strains. Staphylococcus aureus carriage was noted in 41.6% of animals. Assessment of the lytic activity of bacteriophages showed limited effectiveness of phages targeting Gram-negative enterobacteria: Intesti bacteriophage lysed 25% of cultures, Klebsiella bacteriophage lysed 3.4%, and Proteus phages lysed 22.2-55.5%. In contrast, staphylococcal bacteriophage CH1 was active against all S. aureus cultures. No bacteriophages with broad activity against EIEC, EPEC, Klebsiella spp. or Proteus spp. were identified. The data highlight the similarity between primate and human microbiota and the need for individualized selection of bacteriophages to ensure microbiological safety and increase the effectiveness of phage prophylaxis in laboratory animal husbandry.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| 16_Черкашина_171-179.pdf | 811.35 KB |
Noroviruses are the leading cause of outbreaks of nonbacterial gastroenteritis and the second most common cause of all viral intestinal infections. An effective norovirus vaccine is expected to help reduce the incidence of intestinal infections, but intensive efforts to develop such a vaccine have so far been unsuccessful. Failures in vaccine development may be due to the high heterogeneity of noroviruses and/or the hypothetical low protective efficacy of the immune response to the most common virus variants, such as GII.4 Sydney 2012. The subject of the study was potential vaccine components – virus-like particles (VLPs), formed from VP1 of norovirus GII.4 Sydney 2012 (VP1N) and VLPs from a fragment of this protein containing the shell domain and hinge region (SN). We investigated the effect of VLPs on the ability of human dendritic cells (DCs) to recruit T cells into the immune response in vitro. VLP-treated DCs were cultured with pure CD4+ T cells, and then T cell maturity and cytokine production were assessed. It has been shown that VP1N-treated DCs, but not SN-treated DCs, have an increased ability to shift the ratio of T cell from naïve T cells to more mature central memory T cells and stimulate IL-17 production. Intracellular cytokine assay revealed no differences in T-helper type 1 (Th1), Th17 and Th1/17 levels between mixed cultures with VP1N-treated DCs and control DCs. Apparently, the increase in IL-17 production occurs due to an increase in the activity of mature Th17, and not the maturation of new producer cells.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| 15_Талаев_162-170.pdf | 684.84 KB |
Radiation therapy is a fundamental part of the treatment of many oncological diseases. It is used both as a primary treatment modality and adjunct to other treatment approaches, with therapeutic intent ranging from curative to palliative interventions. Different dose rates exert differential biological effects in the cells - a phenomenon known as the dose-rate effect. For example, the severity of DNA damage, cell cycle progression and cellular senescence was strongly influenced by the dose rate of corpuscular radiation. Valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying tumor cell responses to ionizing radiation can be gained by analyzing changes in the expression of genes involved in radiation-induced cellular reactions using standardized real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). However, accurate interpretation of qPCR data is often complicated by challenges in selecting appropriate reference genes for normalization. The effects of ionizing irradiation in this case introduce more unpredictable, due to variability in both the extent and the nature of damage. These variations can result in delays or even arrest of the cell cycle, subsequently leading to pronounced alterations in the expression profiles of numerous cellular proteins, including the housekeeping genes. This study aimed to determine the reliable reference genes for assessment of gene expression changes in tumor cells exposed to high-dose rate and low-dose rate irradiation. We found differences in the stability of expression of traditionally used housekeeping genes depending on the irradiation dose rate.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| 14_Сороко_152-161.pdf | 551.66 KB |
