BIOREpository (Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade)
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Antibacterial activity and safety assessment of Agrimonia eupatoria ethanolic–aqueous extract
No full textM3
Region-specific neuroprotective effects of meldonium pretreatment in two models of sepsis-associated encephalopathy
No full textSepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a common yet poorly understood complication of sepsis, which poses a burden in clinical settings, as its management relies on supportive care without targeted pharmacological interventions. Meldonium is a drug approved for ischemic heart disease but has also gained attention for its neuroprotective effects. In animal models of sepsis, meldonium pretreatment exerted antioxidative, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects, but its neurological effects have not been studied in SAE. In the present study, rats were pretreated with meldonium for 4 weeks, before sepsis was induced via a faecal intraperitoneal injection (FIP) or a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection. The cerebellum, medulla oblongata, and prefrontal cortex were examined due to their involvement in functions that are often impaired in sepsis. Eight hours post-sepsis induction, markers of brain injury were assessed, including reflexes scores, dry to wet brain mass ratio, prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), lipid peroxidation (LPO), phosphatidylcholine (PC) to lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) ratio, HMGB1 and haptoglobin protein expression, and CD73 activity. Meldonium-pretreated FIP-septic rats showed an earlier decline in reflex scores compared to the sepsis-only group, accompanied by a slight brain water accumulation. However, in both models of sepsis, meldonium pretreatment prevented alterations in the PAB, AOPP, and LPO in a region-specific manner. It also preserved the PC/LPC ratio in the prefrontal cortex of FIP-septic rats and in all regions of LPS-septic rats. Haptoglobin protein content was altered only in FIP-septic rats, and preserved by meldonium pretreatment in the cerebellum and medulla oblongata of these rats. Additionally, meldonium pretreatment preserved CD73 activity in the medulla oblongata and prefrontal cortex of FIP-septic rats and in the cerebellum and prefrontal cortex of LPS-septic rats. In conclusion, our study is the first to demonstrate that pretreatment with meldonium, a drug that has shown neuroprotective effects in other invasive models can also provide benefits in SAE, with the extent of protection depending on both the model of sepsis induction and the specific brain region investigated. Our findings support the discussion on the importance of selecting the right sepsis model and studying individual brain regions when investigating SAE and potential therapeutic approaches.M21a4.815888311
Exploring the molecular mechanisms of multiple antifungal drug-resistant genes expression in Candida tropicalis: an emerging threat in vulvovaginal candidiasis patients
No full textVulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC) is increasingly caused by non-Candida albicans species due to antifungal drug misuse. Resistance to Candida tropicalis is particularly concerning, as persistent infections are linked to resistant isolates. This study investigated the expression of eight drug-resistant genes in 39 C. tropicalis strains from China and Pakistan. RT-qPCR analysis revealed ERG 1 as the most highly upregulated gene, while CDR2 was the most downregulated. Notably, ERG 1 was the most upregulated gene in Pakistani strains, while ERG 6 was most upregulated in Chinese strains. Our findings highlight the overexpression of ERG1, ERG11, CDR1, CDR2, and MDR1, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms of antifungal resistance. This study has significant clinical implications for improving patient outcomes in the face of rising resistant infections.M222.
A case of Vipera ammodytes bite in a companion dog
No full textOn April 1, 2024, outside a family house in a village in the foothills of Rudnik Mountain, a female shar pei companion dog was bitten by a nose-horned viper, Vipera ammodytes. The dog was taken to a veterinarian and received symptomatic therapy but not antivenom. The first night the dog’s state was very bad. For the following two days, she was lethargic and refused food and water. The oedema, which developed on her snout and spread to the abdomen, persisted for 3-4 days. After six days, the dog had fully recovered. In Serbian veterinary journals, reports describing the effects of snake bites on dogs are lacking; even in foreign scientific literature, there are few data regarding V. ammodytes bites in companion animals. Therefore, the present report could be useful for veterinarians and dog owners.79
Towards ex situ conservation of the moss Campyliadelphus elodes (Amblistegiaceae, Bryophyta)
No full textThe rare and threatened moss Campyliadelphus elodes (Amblysetgiaceae), whose population is in decline in Europe, was the subject of studies investigating its biological characteristics so as to establish a captive culture and an ex situ population. Herbarium material from Hungary was used to establish propagation from the vegetative parts under axenic laboratory conditions. Growth optimisation was tested by selecting the most suitable growth medium and evaluating the effects of plant growth regulators on rapid propagation and multiplication. The KNOP medium proved to be the most effective for the rapid propagation of the species when grown at a temperature of 18 ± 2°C, with 60-70% humidity, and a long-day photoperiod (16 h light/8 h dark cycle). The tested concentrations of auxin and cytokinin did not significantly improve the development and multiplication of C. elodes. Subsequently, the laboratorycultivated material was used to establish an ex situ population at the Belgrade Botanical Garden, thus contributing to the species’ sustainable preservation.M230.9496049
Unveiling the Subterranean Symphony: A Comprehensive Study of Cave Fungi Revealed Through National Center for Biotechnology Sequences
No full textCaves can be regarded as extreme environments, and fungi are known as omnipresent and highly adaptable organisms that can easily colonize such environments. The primary objective of this study was to use the statistical analysis of sequences stored in the NCBI database, together with related metadata, to find and uncover statistically significant distribution patterns of fungi occupying different substrata inside the caves. The obtained list included a total of 1447 sequences corresponding to fungi isolated from various substrata within cave environments around the world, which corresponds to 445 fungal species, members of the 394 genera. Ascomycota was the most dominant phylum and Eurotiomycetes the dominant class of fungal dwellers in these environments. The highest species richness is detected for the genus Penicillium (57), followed by Aspergillus (51). On the other hand, the most frequently documented single species was Pseudogymnoascus destructans, isolated mostly from hibernating bats and guano, followed by Penicillium chrysogenum. Because caves have stable, nutrient-limited, low-competition microhabitats that support unusual or cryptic species, many new fungal taxa have been reported as well (such as Aspergillus, Apiotrichum, and Cephalotrichum species). Finally, cutting-edge molecular technologies and better sampling methods are revealing hitherto undiscovered fungal diversity in caves worldwide.M214.228611
Moss Extracts as Natural Neuroprotective Agents: Mitigating LPS-Induced Neuroinflammation and Microglial Activation
No full textNeuroinflammation plays a central role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, and there is increasing interest in identifying natural compounds with anti-neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective effects. In this study, we aimed to investigate the biological activities of ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts from five moss species (Dicranum scoparium, Fontinalis antipyretica, Hypnum cupressiforme, Polytrichum formosum, and Tortella tortuosa) with a focus on their neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory potential. Phytochemical profiling revealed the presence of phenols (up to 24.77 mg GAE/g), phenolic acids (up to 235.48 mg CAE/g), and triterpenoids (up to 367.98 mg UAE/g). A series of in vitro assays, including acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and tyrosinase inhibition, MTT, NBT, Griess, and ELISA, were used to assess their bioactivity. Several extracts, particularly ethanolic, significantly inhibited AChE activity, while tyrosinase inhibition was moderate and concentration-dependent. Most extracts maintained >85% cell metabolic activity in BV2 mouse microglia and L929 mouse fibroblasts. Moss extracts significantly suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in BV2 cells and reduced microglia-mediated neurotoxicity in undifferentiated SH-SY5Y cells. These findings indicate that moss-derived extracts possess promising anti-neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective properties that warrant further investigation.M215,1141
Microbial Assisted Biocontrol and Biocleaning In Stone Heritage Conservation – The Case of Rožanec Mithraeum Monument (Slovenia)
No full textAbstract book, p. 132M3
Phototrophs in Unique Habitats of Thermomineral Springs in Central Serbia
No full textThermomineral springs are unique aquatic habitats characterized by high temperatures or mineral-rich water and often host specialized microbial communities. In Serbia, these springs represent an important but under-researched ecological resource whose diverse physicochemical properties are shaped by their geological context. In this study, the physical and chemical properties of Serbian thermomineral springs and their relationship with phototrophic communities in different substrates are investigated. Phototrophic biofilms were categorized into fully submerged and splash zone biofilms, with the former showing higher primary production. Cyanobacteria, Chlorophyta, and Bacillariophyta were recorded, with Bacillariophyta being the predominant division in terms of diversity, followed by Cyanobacteria. Among Cyanobacteria, coccoid forms like Aphanocapsa, Chroococcus, Gloeocapsa and Synechococcus dominated splash zones, while trichal forms such as Leptolyngbya, Oscillatoria and Pseudanabaena were abundant in submerged biofilms, forming thick mats. Unique cyanobacterial taxa, including Desertifilum, Elainella, Geitlerinema, Nodosilinea and Wilmottia, were identified through molecular analysis, underscoring the springs' potential as habitats for specialized phototrophs. Diatom communities, dominated by Nitzschia and Navicula, exhibited site-specific species influenced by microenvironmental parameters. Statistical analysis revealed ammonia, total nitrogen, and organic carbon as key factors shaping community composition. This study enhances the understanding of these ecosystems, emphasizing their conservation importance and potential for biotechnological applications.M213.216915
Noninvasive in-vivo human split-faced clinical investigation of nonanedioic acid loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles immersed gel: revolutionizing cutaneous translational and cosmetical applications
No full textThis study assesses the effectiveness of nonanedioic acid (NAA)-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) in a 2% Carbopol gel for cutaneous restoration and anti-melanogenic therapy. The gel’s potential was evaluated through characterization and non-invasive skin hydration, elasticity, pigmentation, and rejuvenation tests. To verify amorphousness, thermal stability, and chemical makeup, MSNPs and NAA-MSNPs were characterized. The antioxidant activity of NAA and NAA-MSNPs was measured using the DPPH method, and spreadability tests were performed. The effects of the gel on the levels of melanin and erythema, sebum production, skin elasticity, moisture content, and facial pores were assessed using noninvasive in vivo tests. Patch tests on human volunteers demonstrated no skin irritation, and a panel test estimated the gel’s seven sensory and functional parameters. NAA-MSNPs showed improved antibacterial and antifungal activity compared to free NAA. SEM images showed spherical MSNPs and trials with human volunteers demonstrated significant improvements in skin parameters, including erythema, melanin index, hydration level, elasticity, sebum production, and facial pores, as illustrated by 3D visioFace imaging. Notably, the NAA-MSNP gel significantly reduced melanin levels by 16% after 12 weeks, enhancing skin hydration and elasticity. These results suggest that the NAA-MSNP-infused gel is a promising carrier for enhancing the efficacy of nonanedioic acid in skin care translational and cosmetical applications, particularly for depigmentation and anti-aging effects.M223.288790232