Procter & Gamble (United Kingdom)
Digital Repository of Archived Publications - Institute for Biological Research Sinisa Stankovic (RADaR)Not a member yet
7316 research outputs found
Sort by
Geographical and ecological differentiation of stands dominated by species Ostrya carpinifolia Scop. and Carpinus orientalis Mill. in gorges and canyons of Serbia
No full textPredmet ove doktorske disertacije je ekološka i geografska diferencijacija zajednica sa dominacijom
vrsta Ostrya carpinifolia i Carpinus orientalis u 12 klisura i kanjona zapadne i istočne Srbije.
Florističko-fitocenološkim istraživanjima zabeleženo je 415 taksona i 211 fitocenoloških snimaka.
Biološki spektar analizirane flore je hemikriptofitskog tipa, a horološka analiza pokazuje da su
srednjoevropski i evroazijski areal tip najzastupljeniji. Hijerarhijska klaster analiza ukazuje na
diferencijaciju zajednica sa dominacijom O. carpinifolia i C. orientalis na po tri grupe sastojina, koje
su dalje klasifikovane u 4 sveze, 3 reda i 3 klase. U zapadnoj Srbiji su izdvojene zajednice Tilio-
Ostryetum carpinifoliae, Fraxino orni-Ostryetum i Erico-Ostryetum, a u istočnoj Srbiji Arabio
turritae-Carpinetum orientalis, Carpino orientalis-Quercetum mixtum i Seslerio filifoliae-
Carpinetum orientalis. Ekološka karakterizacija istraživanih zajednica prema indikatorskim
vrednostima vrsta pokazuje da na grupisanje sastojina najviše utiču vlažnost, dostupnost nutrijenata
u zemljištu, svetlost i temperatura, dok analiza odnosa istraživanih zajednica prema gradijentima
sredinskih faktora ukazuje da nagib terena ima najveći uticaj na njihovu diferencijaciju. Visoke
vrednosti α-diverziteta potvrđuju florističko bogatstvo i ravnomernu raspodelu brojnosti vrsta, dok
visoke vrednosti β-diverziteta ukazuju na heterogenost staništa na kojima se zajednice razvijaju. U
flori zajednica sa dominacijom O. carpinifolia i C. orientalis u klisurama i kanjonima zapadne i
istočne Srbije, zabeležena su 62 zaštićena i strogo zaštićena i 18 endemičnih taksona. Dobijeni
rezultati ukazuju na visok fitodiverzitet i konzervacioni značaj istraživanih zajednica i refugijalnih
staništa retkih i endemičnih vrsta.This doctoral dissertation examines the ecological and geographical differentiation of stands
dominated by Ostrya carpinifolia and Carpinus orientalis in 12 gorges and canyons of western and
eastern Serbia. Floristic-phytosociological research recorded 415 taxa and 211 relevés. The
biological spectrum of the analyzed flora is hemicryptophytic, while chorological analysis shows that
Central European and Eurasian area types are the most represented. Hierarchical cluster analysis
indicates the differentiation of stands dominated by O. carpinifolia and C. orientalis into three groups
each, which were further classified into 4 alliances, 3 orders, and 3 classes. In western Serbia, the
communities Tilio-Ostryetum carpinifoliae, Fraxino orni-Ostryetum, and Erico-Ostryetum were
distinguished, while in eastern Serbia, the communities Arabio turritae-Carpinetum orientalis,
Carpino orientalis-Quercetum mixtum, and Seslerio filifoliae-Carpinetum orientalis were identified.
Ecological characterization based on indicator values of species, shows that moisture, nutrients, light,
and temperature have the greatest influence on the grouping of stands, while analysis of their
relationship to environmental gradients indicates that slope has the strongest effect on their
differentiation. High α-diversity confirms floristic richness and species evenness, while high β-
diversity indicates habitat heterogeneity in which these communities develop. In the flora of stands
dominated by O. carpinifolia and C. orientalis in gorges and canyons of western and eastern Serbia,
62 protected and strictly protected taxa and 18 endemic taxa were recorded. The results indicate high
phytodiversity and conservation importance of the investigated communities and refugial habitats of
rare and endemic species
Oral Administration of Crocus sativus Tepals Extract Restores High-Fat Diet-Induced Gut Dysbiosis and Modulates Intestinal Inflammation and Hepatic Lipid Metabolism
No full textMetabolic diseases have increased worldwide in recent decades, mainly due to a sedentary lifestyle and an unhealthy diet, withdiet identified as an important regulator of gut microbiota composition. The use of natural products, such as Crocus sativus tepalsextract (CTE) could be a promising approach to alleviate metabolic disorders. The aim was to investigate the potential ameliora-tive mechanisms of CTE in metabolic disorders induced by a high-fat diet in an animal model, focusing on the composition of thegut microbiota and its relationship with the gut-liver axis. We analyzed liver-related biochemical and morphological parametersin mice fed a 60% fat diet for 14 weeks and orally treated with CTE during the last 5 weeks of the diet. In addition, jejunal andliver histology, intestinal barrier integrity, inflammation and oxidative stress, liver inflammation and lipid metabolism wereinvestigated. The results showed that oral administration of CTE restored the composition of the gut microbiota and specifi-cally promoted short-chain fatty acids-producing and anti-inflammatory bacterial genera. It also improved intestinal barrierintegrity and reduced inflammation in the jejunum and liver, along with a suppression of Fas and CerS6 expression in the liverand a reduction in circulating free fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate levels. Our results indicate a possible link between the gutmicrobiota and the metabolic benefits of treatment with CTE, suggesting its therapeutic potential for the prevention or treatmentof metabolic disorders
Bioactive potential of Rosa canina L. fruits: antioxidant, cytotoxic, and antimicrobial activity with focus on antibiofilm properties
No full textR. canina fruits are well known bioactive agents. We have examined ethanolic and water extracts of fruits from Fruška gora, Serbia, using UHPL Q-ToF MS analysis, and by evaluating their flavonoid and phenolic content. Moreover, we have highlighted extracts antioxidant and cytotoxic potential and gave detailed insight into its antimicrobial potency. Both extracts were rich sources of numerous phytochemicals, phenolics and flavonoids. They have shown strong antioxidant potential and maintained non-cytotoxic towards HaCaT cell line. Their antibacterial potential was moderate (minimal inhibitory concentration 0.5 – 6 mg/mL), while their anticandidal potential was more pronounced (MIC 0.5 – 1 mg/mL). Ethanolic and water extract significantly affected the ability of C. albicans ATCC 10.231 to form biofilms. Moreover, 24 h old biofilms were significantly affected with minimal fungicidal concentration of extracts upon 120 min period. This study provided novel and more detailed information on the R. canina fruits bioactive potential, especially regarding its different aspects of antimicrobial activity. This natural product is rich source of phytochemicals and could be further explored especially in order to elucidate its antibiofilm properties
Differential Effects of Alfaxalone on Oxidative Stress Enzyme Activities in APPNL-G-F Knock-In Mice
No full textOxidative stress plays important role in the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), promoting mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired antioxidant response capacity, and metabolic disturbances in both central and peripheral tissues (Chen and Zhong, 2014). Neuroactive steroid Alfaxalone (ALX), a synthetic analog of Allopregnanolone, exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (Serrao et al., 2022), yet its systemic redox effects, particularly across peripheral organs, remain poorly understood. Given the pronounced sex-related differences in AD vulnerability and redox biology, the present study examined how chronic ALX administration modulates antioxidant enzyme activities in APPNL-G-F knock-in (APP KI) mice and their non-KI littermates (non-KI). At the age of 9 months, male and female APP KI and non-KI mice (9 months) received subcutaneous subanesthetic (10 mg/kg) or anesthetic (40 mg/kg) doses of ALX for four weeks (once per week). Activities of CuZnSOD, MnSOD, catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) were measured in liver, kidneys, heart, and erythrocytes. Non-parametric statistics (Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U) were used to assess sex-, dose- and genotype-specific effects. The goal was to identify whether ALX exerts organ-specific and sex-dependent effects on redox homeostasis and whether these effects differ in the presence of AD-like pathology. ALX induced pronounced and highly selective redox alterations, with the strongest effects in the liver and kidneys, while the heart and erythrocytes remained largely resistant to the treatment. In the liver, cytosolic CuZnSOD remained stable, however, mitochondrial MnSOD increased exclusively in APP KI females treated with the anesthetic ALX dose, suggesting mitochondrial sensitivity in AD-like amyloidosis. CAT activity decreased in females of both genotypes and with both ALX doses, whereas in males no alterations were observed. Pathology increased hepatic GPx in females, and ALX (both doses) lowered these levels toward control levels, suggesting partial functional restoration. GR activity showed minimal modulation across groups. Overall, hepatic redox responses to ALX were predominantly female-specific, with notable mitochondrial engagement. Kidneys demonstrated a distinct response pattern. While CuZnSOD remained unchanged, MnSOD activity exhibited opposite shifts in non-KI vs APP KI females, reflected by the decrease in non-KI and an increase in APP KI females following an anesthetic ALX dose. CAT levels were elevated in APP KI females but normalized following 40 mg/kg ALX, further supporting its restorative potential. GR activity showed robust modulation with both doses increasing GR in healthy males, whereas only the higher dose increased GR in APP KI males. In females, high-dose ALX elevated GR regardless of genotype. However, GPx activity remained unchanged. These findings highlight complex renal redox remodeling shaped by sex, disease state, and ALX dose. In summary, chronic ALX treatment did not produce uniform systemic antioxidant effects but instead drives distinct, organ-selective and sex-dependent redox modulation, with the strongest impact observed in females and APP KI mice. The lack of ALX-induced effects on cardiac and erythrocyte antioxidant profiles also indicates that systemic oxidative stress was not generally altered but restricted to specific organs with well-known metabolic burden. ALX particularly influences mitochondrial antioxidant pathways (MnSOD) and glutathione cycling (GR), suggesting potential therapeutic relevance for targeting peripheral oxidative stress in AD. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating sex and organ specificity when evaluating redox-active therapeutics in neurodegenerative disease models.Gotti S, editor. Abstracts of invited lectures and free contributions : 13th International Meeting - Steroids and Nervous System; 2026 Febr 21-25; Torino, Italy. Torino: Fondazione Cavalieri Ottolenghi; 2026. p. 96-7
Growth patterns and the shift from predominantly female to balanced sex ratios in Carassius gibelio (Bloch, 1782): a comparative study of lotic and lentic populations in Serbia
No full textSince its introduction into Serbian watercourses, the invasive Carassius gibelio (Bloch, 1782) (Prussian carp) has spread rapidly. This paper provides an up-to-date overview of the sex ratio, age structure, and growth parameters in Serbian populations of this fish and describes how growth varies in two contrasting ecosystems: lotic and lentic. A total of 133 individuals were sampled. The individuals from lentic habitats were longer on average, with no significant differences in average weight or age between the two ecosystem types. There was a difference in the sex ratio between the ecosystems, as indicated by a higher proportion of males in lentic waters (43.42%), than males in lotic waters (28.07%). Positive allometric growth was observed in both ecosystem types (b = 3.1693 and 3.0316). The individuals from lotic habitats had better growth performance and greater potential for reaching larger sizes (L∞ = 59.50 cm, K = 0.09, t0 = −0.07), whereas those in lentic waters grew faster and more efficiently (L∞ = 43.02 cm, K = 0.12, t0 = −0.30). The proportion of males was higher than anticipated for species known for gynogenesis in both ecosystem types, especially in lentic habitats. This suggests that Prussian carp has undergone naturalization events in Serbian watercourses over nearly 7 decades—a strategy that could increase genetic diversity and promote long-term population stability
Influence of Artificial Light at Night on Thyroid Gland Histology in Triturus Newts (Urodela, Salamandridae)
No full textArtificial light provides many benefits to humankind, allowing fundamental activities to continue during night; however, it also poses multiple risks to humans and wildlife and is recognized as a significant driver of global environmental change. Changes in natural light/darkness cycles caused by artificial light at night (ALAN) can affect amphibians, the most threatened vertebrate group globally. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of long-term exposure to constant nighttime light on the morphology of the thyroid glands of Triturus ivanbureschi metamorphosed juveniles using histological analysis. A cool LED light with a color temperature of 6000 K was selected, as this spectrum is commonly used in outdoor lighting. Larvae were raised at a natural day–night light regime. After metamorphosis, juveniles were randomly divided into a control group maintained under natural dark nighttime conditions (<0.1 lux) and a treatment group exposed to LED light (30 lux) at night for 60 days. Standard histological techniques (H&E) and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining were used to examine the thyroid glands. There were no significant differences in the absolute volume densities between the light-treatment and control groups; however, subtle morphological variations were observed. Immunohistochemical analysis of Tg immunostaining revealed a significant difference between the light-treatment and control groups, indicating that the thyroid gland of newts exposed to light has a stronger signal, suggesting the accumulation of thyroglobulin at the apical surface of the follicular cells. As LED lighting continues to expand globally, understanding how different light spectra, intensities, and exposure durations influence thyroid function, particularly during early life stages, remains an important direction for future research
Effects of storage conditions on oxidative stress biomarkers: methodological implications for ecological and evolutionary studies
No full textUnderstanding oxidative stress in ecological and evolutionary contexts requires reliable biomarker quantification across taxa, tissues, and experimental setups. However, storage conditions such as temperature and duration may bias these measurements. Here, we evaluated the stability of oxidative stress biomarkers, including three antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase) and a lipid peroxidation marker (malondialdehyde) in amphibian, mammal, bird, and insect samples stored under various temperature conditions (-80 °C, -20 °C, 4 °C) from hours to eight months. Storage significantly affected biomarker values depending on the marker, tissue, and taxon. Notably, even long-term storage at -80 °C altered some markers. In insect samples, lipid peroxidation was also influenced by triglyceride levels, indicating a potential confounding factor. Our results highlight the need to consider storage effects in oxidative stress studies. We also provide practical recommendations, aiming to improve data reliability across field and laboratory eco-evolutionary studies, as well as biomedical contexts
Comparative analysis of in vitro immunomodulatory potential of four Gentiana species
No full textContext: Among Gentiana species present in the Balkan Peninsula, eight are used in
traditional medicine mainly for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, but other
applications have also been recorded, including improving the immune system and
health maintenance.
Objective: To examine the immunomodulatory potential of methanol extracts obtained
from the aerial parts of Gentiana asclepiadea, G. utriculosa, G. cruciata, and G. dinarica.
Materials and methods: Following phytochemical analysis of Gentiana extracts by
HPLC , splenocytes isolated from Wistar rats were stimulated with the extracts in culture
for 48 h, and changes in cell viability and function (nitric oxide (NO), myeloperoxidase
(MPO), and cytokine production) were examined.
Results: Among the examined extracts, G. asclepiadea was the most toxic to immune
cells (IC20 = 146 μg/ml), followed by G. dinarica (IC20 = 331 μg/ml), G. utriculosa (IC20 =
467 μg/ml), and G. cruciata (IC20 = 705 μg/ml). G. asclepiadea and G. cruciata extracts
both suppressed (2 μg/ml) and stimulated (10 and 50 μg/ml) interferon-γ (IFN-γ)
production, while G. cruciata extract additionally suppressed interleukin (IL)-10 but
stimulated the IL-17 response. Extracts obtained from G. utriculosa and G. dinarica
suppressed MPO (all examined doses), IL-6 (10 and 50 μg/ml), IL-17 (2 μg/ml), and IFN-γ
(50 μg/ml).
Discussion and conclusions: All examined Gentiana species extracts have the potential
to modulate immune system function, which may be beneficial in the treatment of
various diseases
Chemical Fingerprint of Floral Nectar in Apple (Malus sp.) Cultivars Grown in Norway
No full textThis study included the nectar of nine standard apple (Malus × domestica) cultivars (‘Red Aroma’, ‘Discovery’, ‘Summerred’, ‘Rubinstep’, ‘Elstar’, ‘Asfari’, ‘Eden’, ‘Fryd’, and ‘Katja’) and two crab apple (Malus sylvestris) cultivars (‘Dolgo’ and ‘Professor Sprenger’). The aim was to determine the diversity of chemical compounds in the floral nectar of the two different apple species and their cultivars. Chemical analysis identified five sugars, two sugar alcohols, two organic acids, forty phenolic compounds, and five phenylamides. The crab apples ‘Dolgo’ and ‘Professor Sprenger’, along with the commercial cultivar ‘Rubinstep’, had the highest levels of all three main sugars (glucose, sucrose, and fructose). The cultivar’s ‘Katja’ nectar had the highest level of total phenolic content (60.7 mg/100 g GAE), the nectar sample from ‘Dolgo’ exhibited the greatest ability to neutralise DPPH radicals (83.4 mg/100 g TE), and the ‘Dolgo’ (100.6 mg/100 g TE FW) and ‘Katja’ (72.1 mg/100 g TE FW) nectars proved to be the best reducing agents. Floral nectar from ‘Eden’ and ‘Fryd’ showed very high levels of isorhamnetin, 49.04 mg/kg and 50.83 mg/kg, respectively, while nectar from ‘Katja’ had the highest level of gentisic acid at 39.06 mg/kg. Besides being vital for insects, apple floral nectar is a significant reservoir of phenolic compounds and can be considered a “superfood” for the human diet
Comparative LC–MS Analysis and In Vitro Evaluation of Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Enzyme Inhibitory Properties of Ultrasound-Assisted and Soxhlet Extracts of Cachrys cristata DC
No full textThis study evaluated the extraction efficiency, phenolic composition, and bioactivity of Cachrys cristata using different methods. Ultrasound-assisted extraction (US) yielded higher extract amounts and phenolic contents, including flavonoids and flavonols, compared to Soxhlet extraction (S). While US 70% ethanol gave the highest extract yield, the US methanol (MeOH) extract contained the highest total phenolic content (105.47 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry extract) and was selected for LC–MS profiling. Seventeen compounds were identified, with gentisic acid (39.03/50.73 mg/L), ferulic acid (27.00/25.68 mg/L), and rutin (13.28/11.91 mg/L) as dominant in Soxhlet and US extracts, respectively. The US MeOH extract showed strong antioxidant activity in DPPH and ABTS assays and eightfold higher anti-tyrosinase activity than kojic acid, while no acetylcholinesterase inhibition was observed. The hexane extract exhibited potent antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Listeria monocytogenes, inhibited biofilm formation and pyocyanin in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and had limited antifungal activity. It also strongly inhibited bovine serum albumin denaturation (88.88% vs. 95.60% for diclofenac). For antidiabetic potential, the US methylene chloride extract inhibited α-amylase better than acarbose (IC50 0.267 vs. 0.832 mg/mL) and moderately reduced α-glucosidase activity. These results provide novel insights into the phenolic profile and multifunctional bioactivity of C. cristata extracts