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Salmonella bacteria are a major cause of sporadic and clustered acute intestinal infections, with S. Enteritidis being the predominant serovar both in Russia and worldwide. This underscores the need to study and improve surveillance of S. Enteritidis using modern methods. The aim of this study was to investigate the antibiotic resistance phenotype and molecular genetic characteristics of S. Enteritidis circulating in the Nizhny Novgorod region, to perform molecular subtyping of strains using WGS data, and to conduct a comparative analysis with MALDI-TOF MS results. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed using the disk diffusion method. MALDI-TOF MS was applied for analysis of mass spectral similarities and differences, while WGS and whole-genome MLST approaches were used for strain characterization and subtyping. It was found that 11.6% of isolates exhibited reduced susceptibility to fluoroquinolones, and 4.65% were resistant, which was associated with the presence of plasmid-mediated genes (qnrB5, qnrB10, qnrB19) and point mutations in the gyrA gene (Ser83Tyr and Asp87Asn). The strains were shown to differ in the number of pathogenicity islands, and the presence of eight types of plasmid replicons was identified, indicating the presence of plasmids potentially capable of transferring antibiotic resistance genes. The studied strains were found to belong to the Global and Atlantic phylogenetic lineages. The cgMLST method was identified as the most effective approach for epidemiological investigation of local outbreaks. A comparison of the two methodological approaches demonstrated that MALDI-TOF MS results are comparable to cgMLST-based subtyping. The use of MALDI-TOF MS in epidemiological surveillance of clustered and outbreak-associated salmonellosis cases is therefore justified, cost-effective, and enables rapid epidemiological investigation.

This paper analyzes eye-gaze dynamics in individuals with autistic traits during an emotion recognition task using partial facial stimuli. A distinct emotion recognition strategy was identified in individuals with elevated autistic traits. Specifically, the target group demonstrated superior efficiency in recognizing neutral and negative emotions compared to the control group, characterized by a smaller scanning area, shorter recognition latency, and higher accuracy. The findings demonstrate that eye-tracking methodology is effective not only for clinical autism diagnostics but also for identifying the broader autism phenotype (BAP). These results suggest that the broader autism phenotype is not characterized by deficits in emotion recognition; rather, it reflects a qualitatively alternative strategy of social cognition.

Over the past fifteen years, nanozymes—artificial nanomaterials with enzyme-like catalytic activity—have evolved from a laboratory phenomenon into one of the most rapidly advancing platforms in nanomedicine. The unique ability of nanozymes to selectively modulate the levels of reactive oxygen species within the tumor microenvironment opens fundamentally new avenues for highly selective therapy of malignant neoplasms. This review systematically presents current advances in the development of "smart" nanozymes for cancer treatment. Catalytic mechanisms are discussed in detail, including peroxidase-like, oxidase-like, catalase-like, superoxide dismutase-like, and hydrolase-like activities, as well as the factors influencing these processes. The main classes of nanozymes are analyzed: metals and metal oxides, carbon-based materials, metal-organic frameworks, single-atom catalysts, bimetallic and biomimetic systems. Strategies for enhancing catalytic efficiency are examined: heterometallic doping, defect engineering, surface modification, control of porosity and dimensionality, and the use of hybrid constructs with natural enzymes. Special attention is given to the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning methods for predicting nanozyme structure and activity, thereby accelerating the search for optimal candidates. Therapeutic modalities are described—chemodynamic, photothermal, photodynamic, and sonodynamic therapy, depletion therapy, immunotherapy, as well as the induction of novel forms of cell death. It is shown that combined approaches, in which nanozymes perform multiple catalytic functions simultaneously, are the most effective. Finally, barriers to clinical translation are critically assessed: long-term biosafety, incomplete in vivo specificity, the challenge of scalable synthesis, and the lack of standardized evaluation protocols. Potential strategies to overcome these limitations are proposed.

Photopolymer materials based on methacrylic acid esters are extensively utilized in additive manufacturing; nevertheless, their application in medicine is constrained by the absence of antimicrobial activity, which elevates the risk of infectious complications. The present paper puts forth a methodology for producing composites for stereolithographic 3D printing by introducing metal oxide nanoparticles (TiO₂, CuO, ZnO, and Ag₂O) into a methacrylate resin. The synthesis of the nanoparticles was accomplished via a laser ablation process in water, followed by their transfer to acetone and subsequent dispersion in the resin at concentrations ranging from 0.001 to 0.1 vol%. The utilization of dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering methodologies has elucidated that the nature of particle agglomeration in acetone is contingent upon the nature of the oxide and exhibits a correlation with the surface charge density, otherwise known as the zeta potential. It has been demonstrated that all composites retain their photopolymerizability, thereby enabling the fabrication of three-dimensional objects (i.e., test models and an orthodontic mouthguard). The antibacterial activity of the modified materials was assessed by measuring the inhibition of Escherichia coli growth over a 24-hour period. The results demonstrated a pronounced bacteriostatic effect for all modified materials. The composite with 0.1% Ag₂O exhibited the strongest effect, with a maximum of 58% inhibition. ZnO and CuO, at the same concentration, showed similar results, with 48% and 45% inhibition, respectively. In contrast, TiO₂ demonstrated saturation of activity at a lower concentration, with 0.01% resulting in complete inhibition. The study of the cytotoxic effect on human fibroblasts (HSF line) was conducted using fluorescence microscopy. The results indicated that cell viability on all composites exceeded 95% relative to the unmodified polymer. Consequently, the developed composites exhibit a synergistic combination of high antibacterial efficacy and low toxicity, along with technological suitability for 3D printing. This technological aptitude renders the composites promising candidates for utilization in the fabrication of implants, surgical templates, and dental structures that possess enhanced antiseptic properties.

Laser light‑scattering analyzers, based on recording the radiation intensity in forward, side, and back scattering, have physical and technical limitations that prevent the implementation of universal technical solutions based on them for integration into industrial systems. Within the scope of the study, an improved scatterometric method is proposed. It is based on recording the radiation intensity in back scattering and enables component‑level diagnostics of highly scattering media (in particular, milk) regardless of their geometric features. This will allow the development of universal technical tools based on this method for integration into industrial quality control systems. A mathematical model of such light‑scattering systems has been developed, and an experimental prototype of the device based on the described method has been proposed.

In recent years, Danio rerio fish (D. rerio) have become increasingly used in the field of biological narcology to study the effects of narcogens on behavior and neurochemistry in the brain. In order to study the effect of ethanol, D. rerio was used most often. We analyzed all available studies and summarized information on behavior and neurochemistry obtained using different protocols for modeling chronic ethanol exposure and withdrawal status on D. rerio. The analysis of the publications allowed us to identify three approaches used to model chronic alcoholism on D. rerio. Such a generalization of the available data will be beneficial for researchers who use D. rerio as a model object to solve their problems in this area of research.

Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in the development of ovarian cancer (OC). Genetic variants in DNA repair genes, including XRCC1, may be significant markers for this disease. We aimed to assess the association of XRCC1 rs1799782 and rs25487 with ovarian cancer risk via a case-control study in Bashkortostan and a subsequent meta-analysis. Materials and Methods: This study included DNA samples isolated from venous blood of patients with ovarian cancer (n = 227) and women without cancer (n = 286). Genotyping of XRCC1 polymorphisms (rs1799782, rs25487) was performed using PCR-RFLP analysis. We assessed Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and calculated odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs. Additionally, we conducted a meta-analysis incorporating our data with previously published studies. Pooled ORs were calculated using fixed- and random-effects models. Results: The rs1799782 polymorphism showed no significant association with ovarian cancer risk in the case-control study (p > 0.05), consistent with the low heterogeneity observed in the meta-analysis (I² = 35.2%). For rs25487, the A allele was associated with decreased ovarian cancer risk in the Bashkortostan population (p = 0,035). However, the meta-analysis revealed the opposite trend, with the same allele conferring increased risk of gynecologic malignancies (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.00–1.39, p = 0.046), alongside substantial heterogeneity (I² = 69%). This pooled estimate aligns with previous meta-analyses reporting increased risk in Asian populations. Conclusion: XRCC1 rs25487 exhibits population-specific effects on ovarian cancer risk: protective in the Bashkortostan population but risk-associated globally. rs1799782 shows no association with ovarian cancer, despite its reported role in other gynecologic malignancies. These findings underscore the need for population-stratified genetic studies.

Background: Chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) is a dysregulation in renal function concurrently present with systemic inflammatory processes and neuroimmune interactions. Among the Iraqi cohort of patients with CRI, the present study aimed to clarify the relationship between serum acetylcholinesterase (AChE) levels and the inflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-10, TNF-α). Methods: Thirty CRI patients and thirty age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited. All participants had blood samples collected for measurement of serum AChE and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-10, TNF-α) using validated commercial ELISA kits. The hematological and biochemical parameters were also assessed. Results: TNF‑α was markedly elevated in Iraqi CRI patients and moderately correlated with AChE (r = 0.472, p < 0.01), while IL-1α and IL-10 were elevated but weakly correlated with AChE (r = 0.196 and 0.239, p > 0.05). Conclusion: TNF‑α may be a central mediator linking systemic inflammation with cholinergic perturbation in Iraqi CRI patients, whereas IL-1α and IL-10 have less influence on AChE. This study is the first to measure these markers simultaneously, supporting further exploration of TNF‑α and the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) as potential therapeutic targets.

Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) is a common respiratory condition in neonates with many complications. Early identification of neonates at risk of complications is essential for timely management. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of serum biomarkers—lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β)—for complications in neonates with TTN. This is a cross-section study including 88 neonates diagnosed with TTN. Serum levels of LDH, TNF-α, and IL-1β were measured at admission. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the predictive accuracy of each biomarker. Complications occurred in 13 neonates (14.8%). Median serum levels of LDH, TNF-α, and IL-1β were significantly higher in neonates who developed complications compared to those who did not. ROC curve analysis revealed that LDH had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.926, with 90% sensitivity and 92% specificity at a cut-off value of 1000 U/L. TNF-α demonstrated an AUC of 0.938 (cut-off: 82.75 pg/mL), with 90% sensitivity and 85% specificity. IL-1β had an AUC of 0.878, with 80% sensitivity and 79% specificity at a cut-off of 19.4 pg/mL. Conclusion: Elevated serum levels of LDH, TNF-α, and IL-1β at admission are significantly associated with the risk of complications in neonates with TTN. These biomarkers may serve as valuable early predictors for identifying high-risk patients and guiding clinical decision-making.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease which is characterized by death of motor neurons, development of muscle weakness, paralyses and atrophy of skeletal muscles. The most common immediate cause of lethal outcome of ALS patients is respiratory insufficiency due to paralysis of respiratory muscles. Effectiveness of currently used medications for ALS treatment is very limited and can extend life of patient only for few months. One of perspective directions in development of ALS therapy is use of microvesicles prepared from mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). Such microvesicles have neuroprotective properties and some advantages in comparison with parental cells (lower immune rejection, no tumor risk, etc.). Earlier we found that transplantation of MSC-derived microvesicles increases survival and reduces the severity of motor disorders in mice with ALS model. In current paper we evaluated the influence of transplantation of microvesicles obtained from mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiogenin (ANG) on contractile characteristics of diaphragmatic muscle of FUS transgenic mice with ALS model. Electrically induced single (0,1 Hz stimulation) and tetanic (5-50 Hz) muscle contractions were recorded with use of standard myographic technique on diaphragmatic muscles of 3,5-month old FUS mice after single or two time transplantation of microvesicles derived from MSC overexpressing VEGF and ANG. It was found that relative forces of single and tetanic muscle contractions were significantly increased in FUS mice received single time transplantation of microvesicles carrying VEGF and ANG comparing to FUS mice without treatment. No significant effects of treatment with microvesicles carrying VEGF and ANG on the threshold of diaphragmatic muscle contraction was found. Thus, transplantation of microvesicles carrying VEGF and ANG increases the contractility of diaphragmatic muscle of FUS mice, which should be beneficial in ALS-modelled pathology and can be one of mechanisms of therapeutic effects of microvesicles carrying VEGF and ANG on FUS mice with ALS model.

Rapid analysis of milk components is often necessary in clinical settings, biotechnology, the food industry, and animal husbandry. Existing data on the possibility of analyzing milk through a correlation between lactose and mineral concentrations remain contradictory and require further verification. This study examines a possible correlation between the electromotive force (EMF) readings of ion-selective electrodes and lactose in raw cow's milk. A laboratory setup with an ion meter-conductometer-thermometer equipped with a potassium-selective electrode, a heated magnetic stirrer, and ultrasonic and viscometric milk quality analyzers was used to collect measurements of various milk parameters. Milk with the following parameters was used: fat content (from 2.59% to 4.49%), protein content (from 3.01% to 3.72%), and lactose (from 4.11% to 5.11%). As a result, it was found that changing the temperature from 30 °C to 39 °C leads to a 3-5% decrease in the generated EMF of a milk sample. The EMF decrease occurs differently for milk with different combinations of quality parameters. A statistically significant strong linear relationship of r = 0.88 at p < 0.05 was established, as well as a determination coefficient of R2 = 0.77 between lactose content and EMF in milk. This result opens the possibility of rapid analysis of milk using potentiometric methods.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of alpha-synuclein. Growing evidence implicates the gut-brain axis in PD pathogenesis, with dysbiosis potentially influencing alpha-synuclein homeostasis and serving as a disease biomarker. Methods: We established substrate-specific bacterial enrichment cultures from a pooled fecal inoculum of 15 treatment-naïve PD patients. 16S rRNA gene sequencing defined the taxonomic profiles of five consortia (PLactate, MTryptone, MPeptone/Sucrose, MFat, MStarch). The impact of bacterial lysates on a human neuronal model was assessed using SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Gene expression of SNCA, HSPA8, SNAP25, STX1A, and APP was quantified via qRT-PCR, and cytotoxicity was measured by MTT assay. Results: The choice of carbon source selected for communities with distinct taxonomic profiles. Lysates from the MTryptone consortium, dominated by Clostridium, Coprococcus, and Eggerthella, significantly upregulated APP, SNAP25, and HSPA8 expression and increased cytotoxicity in live co-culture. Conversely, lysates from the MPeptone/Sucrose consortium, enriched in Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Peptoniphilus, Ruminococcus, and Bacteroides, downregulated SNAP25, HSPA8, and STX1A and exhibited a protective effect on viability. SNCA expression remained unchanged across all treatments. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that specific gut bacterial consortia derived from PD patients can directly and differentially modulate the expression of key neuronal genes linked to synaptic function and protein processing. This work provides direct in vitro evidence supporting the hypothesis that a shift in gut microbial ecology may contribute to neuronal dysfunction in PD, highlighting specific microbial guilds as potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

Nanomaterial-based drugs are currently being actively developed for tumor diagnostics and therapy, and some are already in clinical use. However, systemic administration of nanomedicines often results in their rapid removal from the bloodstream by cells of the mononuclear phagocytic system and accumulation in the liver and spleen. For abdominal and pelvic tumors, intraperitoneal administration may be an option, overcoming the inefficiency of passive delivery. Peritoneal immune cells, which are tropic to tumor nodes, can be used to transport nanoagents to tumor sites. In this study, biocompatible complexes based on upconversion nanoparticles (UCNP) were synthesized and their interaction with mouse peritoneal macrophages was studied. UCNP-based particles were shown to be capable of being taken up by macrophages and maintain their integrity for an extended period. The obtained results allow us to further consider the use of peritoneal macrophages as a system for delivering nanopreparations to tumor foci.

Various polysaccharide-based compositions containing xanthan and alginate were developed to produce spherical gel particles with immobilized probiotic microorganisms, Lactobacillus plantarum, and the bacteriocins produced by this strain. The conditions for the formation of spherical gel particles were optimized, and their stability was evaluated under different pH values and temperature conditions. It was demonstrated that at pH 2.4 the gel particles did not undergo degradation; thus, under conditions simulating gastric juice, lactic acid bacteria retained their viability. At pH values close to 7.5–8.0, visual observation showed dissolution of the gel particles, indicating that under conditions mimicking the colon environment, immobilized microorganisms were released from the matrix. In addition, L. plantarum actively synthesized bacteriocins exhibiting inhibitory activity against test pathogenic microorganisms. Thus, the developed gel particles containing probiotic cultures can effectively deliver viable probiotics to the colon without degradation in the stomach.

This study compared the effects of citric acid (CA) derived from microbial fermentation using Aspergillus niger (400 mg kg-1) and natural extraction from Citrus limon (400 mg kg1) in albino mice. Parameters assessed included cytogenetic damage via the micronucleus (MN) assay, immunological response through immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG, IgM) titers, and hepatoprotective activity based on liver enzyme levels (AST, ALT, ALP) and histopathological investigation. Mice were divided into six groups (n = 10/group) as follows: (1) negative control, (2) carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄ 0.02%), (3) lemon CA, (4) A. niger, (5) CCl₄ + lemon CA, and (6) CCl₄ + A. niger CA. The CCl4 group exhibited a significantly higher MN frequency (0.06 ± 0.008) compared to the control (0.01 ± 0.001). Co-treatment with lemon CA and A. niger CA significantly reduced MN frequencies to 0.02 ± 0.005 and 0.03 ± 0.001, respectively. Immunologically, lemon CA significantly increased IgG and IgM titers but decreased IgA compared to the control. Both CA sources demonstrated hepatoprotective effects, significantly attenuating the CCl4-induced elevation of AST, ALT, and ALP and reducing histopathological damage. The results indicate that while both CAs offer protective benefits, lemon-derived CA was more effective at the tested doses, particularly in mitigating genotoxicity and modulating the immune response. 

Phenols are used to make detergents, some prescription drugs, pesticides, and other industrially manufactured products. Consuming a range of phenolic compounds found in food reduces the risk of health issues because they act as antioxidants. Paclitaxel is a commonly used treatment for a variety of malignancies. It has been shown that higher doses of paclitaxel are more successful in treating a variety of cancer types. Nevertheless, in addition to inhibiting the growth of cancerous cells, chemotherapy medications have some unfavorable side effects. Twenty-four albino male rats were divided into three groups, and each group consisted of eight rats. Group I: negative control, injected with normal saline. Group II: positive control, received paclitaxel for 4 doses at 7 mg/kg over 30 days without phenol treatment. Group III: rats were treated with crude phenol extract at 10 mg/kg administered orally, along with paclitaxel, and samples were collected after 30 days. The results showed that the crude phenol extract reduced creatinine, urea, uric acid, AST, ALT, and ALP activity, while it increased SOD levels. The rats treated with crude phenol extract showed improvement in liver and kidney histopathological alterations. In conclusion, we investigated the possible advantages of crude phenol extract from Cinnamomum cassia L. in reducing the side effects of paclitaxel, a chemotherapy drug.

The development of photopolymer 3D printing materials for biomedical applications requires the creation of a new class of polymer resins, that combine high strength, antibacterial activity, and low toxicity against eukaryotic cells. In this paper, a new material for 3D printing based on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and tellurium nanoparticles (NPs) was developed. NPs Te were synthesized by laser ablation in water, transferred in acetone, and then included in a MMA solution. NPs concentrations Te were 0.001, 0.01, and 0.1% by volume. The introduction of Te NPs did not alter the energy required for polymerization or the mechanical properties of the finished polymer; however, it increased the degree of final polymerization as indicated by FTIR data. Additionally, it added significant bacteriostatic properties without increasing toxicity against eukaryotic cells. The mechanism of antibacterial action can be mediated through the induction of oxidative stress in bacteria (increased generation of 8-oxoGua and long-lived reactive forms of proteins in aqueous solutions). The severity of the antibacterial action is determined by the dose of the introduced NPs Te.

Acute limb ischemia (ALI) is characterized by a sudden reduction in arterial blood flow and may result in gangrene, systemic complications, and death. Urgent revascularization can be limb- and life-saving; however, it is associated with a risk of early postoperative complications. Both perioperative and intraoperative risk factors contribute to these outcomes and are influenced by the selected method of revascularization. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of intraoperative risk factors on postoperative outcomes according to the chosen treatment modality for acute limb ischemia, namely open or endovascular revascularization. Patients with Rutherford class II ALI from a single population were divided into two groups comparable in clinical and demographic characteristics: Group I – open surgical treatment (n = 50) and Group II – endovascular revascularization (n = 50). The influence of identified intraoperative risk factors on the development of complications differed between the two revascularization approaches. An operative time exceeding 85 minutes in the open surgery group (2.73) and exceeding 92 minutes in the endovascular group (1.52) was associated with an increased risk of adverse postoperative outcomes. The urgent nature of the procedure was also an independent predictor of adverse events in both groups, with ORs of 12.11 and 9.13 for Groups I and II, respectively. Outcomes of ALI treatment and the early postoperative course in the overall population depend on the selection of the revascularization method in accordance with each patient’s individual perioperative risk profile. Comparison of endovascular and open approaches demonstrated differences in outcomes favoring endovascular revascularization only in a specific subgroup of patients with a less severe functional class of limb ischemia.

Copy number variations (CNVs) are involved in eukaryotic genomes evolution. CNVs also the causes of multifactorial and monogenic diseases. Retroelements can be causes of CNVs emergence and evolution. Retroelements occupy 42.5% of the human genome and are located mainly in intergenic, intronic and regulatory regions. The mechanisms of CNVs formation are due to non-allelic homologous recombination between retroelements due to their distribution across all chromosomes and the presence of homologous sequences. Role of recombinations between retroelements as causes of neurofibromatosis type 1, Cowden syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, Langer-Gideon syndrome, Fanconi anemia, amelogenesis imperfecta, and spastic paraplegia type 4 and other monogenic diseases is described. Mechanisms of CNVs formation using retroelements suggest the role for retroelements as causes of trinucleotide repeat expansion diseases. The influence of LINE1 in Huntington's chorea caused by CAG expansion is described. In fragile X syndrome, CGG expansion occurs in the FMR1 gene, which homologue in Drosophila is involved in retroelements inhibition. In humans, CGG-binding protein influence on Alu and LINE1 described. Role for Alu in GAA expansion identified in Friedreich's ataxia. These relationships suggest the possible retroelements role in triplet code development during the origin of life. At the human population level, the underlying mechanisms of evolution through the influence of retroelements are the cause of numerous diseases. However, in the wild, the same mechanisms serve as substrates for the natural selection of more adaptive traits and eukaryotes evolution.

Gamma-wave stimulation represents one of the most promising non-pharmacological approaches for enhancing cognitive function, which declines with aging and in neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of the present study was to identify optimal protocols for maximizing the effectiveness of gamma-wave stimulation. We investigated the effects of various combinations of physical and cognitive loads during visual gamma-wave stimulation at a frequency of 40 Hz using light of different wavelengths on the amplitude of gamma rhythms in the human brain. The effects were evaluated both at the level of individual EEG leads and across global brain electrical activity. The strongest response to visual gamma stimulation was observed in the occipital region. This effect exhibited a cumulative component, reflected by an increase in baseline activity at the stimulation frequency. The cumulative effect was most pronounced in the occipital and temporal regions. The magnitude of the gamma-stimulation response depended on the wavelength of the light stimulus and increased in the order of white, pink, and red. The most robust effect was observed with red-light stimulation combined with physical exercise. The influence of cognitive load was more prominent in the frontal and parietal regions of the brain.

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.

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).