Biology Commons^™

Storage Temperature Of Boar Semen And Its Relationship To Changes In Sperm Plasma Membrane Integrity, Mitochondrial Membrane Potential, And Oxidoreductive Capability, Dariusz Gaczarzewicz, Jan Udala, Malgorzata Piasecka, Barbara Blaszczyk, Tomasz Stankiewicz

Turkish Journal of Biology

The aim of this study was to analyze changes in sperm plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, and extracellular environment during storage of boar semen at 5 °C, 16 °C, and 25 °C for 10 days. Progressive sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity (SYBR-14/PI-test and HOS test), aspartate aminotransferase (AAT), and mitochondrial activity (JC-1-test and NADH-dependent NBT assay), as well as pH and osmolality were assessed in nine ejaculates of Polish Landrace boars. The plasma membrane integrity of the semen stored at 5 °C was similar to that of the semen stored at 16 °C and 25 °C; however, an increase in …

Effect Of Sodium Nitroprusside On Micropropagation And Biochemical Parameters Of Cab-6p And Gisela 6 Cherry Rootstocks, Virginia Sarropoulou, Kortessa Dimassi-Theriou, Ioannis Therios

Turkish Journal of Biology

The effects of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on micropropagation of CAB-6P and Gisela 6 cherry rootstocks were investigated. Shoot multiplication of CAB-6P was reduced by adding 4.4 $\mu$M 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) and SNP. Gisela 6 microcuttings treated with BA + 30 $\mu$M SNP gave the highest average shoot number (4.15) and multiplication percentage (100%). In CAB-6P, $\alpha$-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) + 30 $\mu$M SNP led to the maximum root number (13.79) and fresh weight (0.336 g); average root length (82 mm) and rooting percentage (95.45%) were greatest after adding 40 and 10 $\mu$M SNP + NAA, respectively. In Gisela 6, NAA + 40 …

Y Chromosome Genetic Diversity And Breed Relationships In Native Polish Cattle Assessed By Microsatellite Markers, Beata Prusak, Wioletta Sawicka-Zugaj, Agnieszka Korwin-Kossakowska, Tomasz Grzybowski

Turkish Journal of Biology

Cattle provide a wide range of products and services to humans; thus the significance of conservation of livestock genetic resources is evident. We analyzed the genetic variability of five Y-chromosomal microsatellites in 395 bulls representing six cattle breeds (Polish Red, Polish Whitebacks, Polish Red-and-White, Polish Black-and-White, Polish Holstein Friesian, and Simmental). We identified three haplotypes in the paternal gene pool of analyzed populations. Haplotype diversity was low and frequencies ranged from 9.87% to 100%. In Polish autochthonous breeds (Polish Red, Polish Whitebacks), we detected two and three haplotypes. The network analysis revealed that tested bulls of both breeds were distributed …

Ghrelin Effects On Midgut Tissue Antioxidative Defense And Glutathione S-Transferase Activity In Lymantria Dispar (Lepidoptera), Vesna Peric Mataruga, Milena Vlahovic, Marija Mrdakovic, Dragana Matic, Anja Gavrilovic, Aleksandra Mrkonja, Larisa Ilijin

Turkish Journal of Biology

The aim of the study was to examine changes in Cu?Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), their gel electrophoresis profiles, glutathione reductase (GR) activity, amount of glutathione (GSH), and the activity of glutathione S-transferase (GST) - phase II biotransformation enzyme in the midgut tissue of gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L. (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae)) larvae after ghrelin treatment. Four subpicomolar injections of ghrelin (0.3 pmol) or physiological saline (control) were applied every 24 h. The SOD, CAT, GR, GST activity, and amount of GSH were higher in the ghrelin-treated group than in the control. Electrophoresis gel bands of SOD and CAT had …

The Biochemical And Histoanatomical Response Of Some Woody Species To Anthropic Impact In Suceava County, Romania, Elena Ciornea, Irina Boz, Elena Ionel, Sabina Ioana Cojocaru, Gabriela Dumitru

Turkish Journal of Biology

The use of extractive mining technologies in various areas of Suceava, Romania (C?limani Mountains - sulfur, Tarni?a-Ostra - copper and barite, and Crucea-Botuşana - uranium) has resulted in the accumulation of surplus chemicals with direct action on the ecosystem. The aim of this study was to analyze the possible damage on some woody species (Picea abies L., Populus tremulaL., Salix alba L., Betula verrucosa Ehrh.,and Larix decidua Mill.) and their adaptive and phytoremediation capacity through the biomarkers of oxidative stress and histoanatomical observations. Thus, we determined the total soluble protein concentration and superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase activities. Cross-sections of …

Expression, Purification, And Characterization Of Recombinant Humanparaoxonase 1 (Rhpon1) In Pichia Pastoris, Yağmur Ünver, Esabi̇ Başaran Kurbanoğlu, Orhan Erdoğan

Turkish Journal of Biology

The main purpose of the present study was to perform the expression in Pichia pastoris X-33 of the human paraoxonase 1 (hPON1) enzyme, which is a mammalian serum protein. Extracellular hPON1 enzyme was expressed with the pPICZ?A vector using a strong AOX promoter, and enzyme secretion in the fermentation medium was achieved by means of Saccharomyces cerevisiae alpha factor signal sequence. The recombinant cells were grown in a shaking flask containing production medium. SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis illustrated that the molecular mass of extracellular hPON1 enzyme produced by the recombinant P. pastoris strain was 59.1 kDa. Biochemical characterization of …

Melatonin, Mitochondria, And Ca2+ Homeostasis In The Exocrine Pancreas: An Overview, Antonio Gonzalez, Patricia Santofimia-Castaño, Gines Maria Salido

Turkish Journal of Biology

Melatonin, a derivative of the amino acid tryptophan, was initially thought to be mainly produced and secreted by the pineal gland; with time, it was also found in other tissues and organs, and even in plants. Since its discovery, the study of the role of the indole in cellular homeostasis has generated impressive data, which have led researchers to a common idea regarding the positive actions of melatonin in health. The uncontrolled production of free radicals in cellular systems leads to the situation termed oxidative stress, which has been signaled as the basis of disease and aging. In the exocrine …

Role Of Melatonin On Calcium Signaling And Mitochondrial Oxidativestress In Epilepsy: Focus On Trp Channels, Mustafa Naziroğlu

Turkish Journal of Biology

Calcium ion (Ca2+) accumulation and excessive oxidative stress in the hippocampus and brain cortex have long been known as major contributors to the etiology of epilepsy. I have reviewed the role of Ca2+ signaling through cation channels and mitochondria-mediated oxidative stress on epilepsy in human and animals. A review of the relevant papers and results from recent studies were obtained from PubMed and the Science Citation Index. Current literature findings indicate that melatonin and agomelatine reduce activation of hippocampal transient receptor potential (TRP), glutamate receptors, and voltage-gated calcium channels that are critical for the development of abnormal Ca2+ homeostasis and …

Melatonin As A Stabilizer Of Mitochondrial Function: Role In Diseases And Aging, Cristina Carrasco, Ana B. Rodriguez, Jose A. Pariente

Turkish Journal of Biology

It is now almost 60 years since the discovery of melatonin and new physiological functions of the indole continuously appear in the most recent studies worldwide. Experimental evidence emphasizes its importance as a stabilizer of the mitochondrial bioenergetics, which could be related to the prevention of development of aging and several diseases. In the next years, conscientious investigation about this topic should be undertaken by scientists of different research areas to achieve a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms implied. This will ultimately allow the development and clinical application of efficacious treatments.

Prooxidant Effects Of Melatonin: A Brief Review, Malwina S. Munik, Cem Ekmekçi̇oğlu

Turkish Journal of Biology

Melatonin acts classically through the widely expressed G protein-coupled membrane receptors MT1 and MT2, respectively. The functional role of the MT receptors is not fully clear with multiple effects, such as effects on the circadian, reproductive, immune, cardiovascular, and intestinal systems, being suggested. In addition to receptor-mediated effects, melatonin also acts as a potent antioxidant and it is quite evident that melatonin and its metabolites efficiently reduce oxidative damage to proteins, lipids, and DNA and also exert protective effects on mitochondria. The potent antioxidant activity of melatonin stems from various complex mechanisms, including direct scavenging of radicals, stimulation of antioxidant …

Mitochondrial Dna-Related Disorders: Emphasis On Mechanisms And Heterogeneity, Umut Cagin, Jose Antonio Enriquez

Turkish Journal of Biology

Mitochondrial diseases are a heterogeneous group of disorders that are currently the focus of intense research. The many cell functions performed by mitochondria include ATP production, calcium homeostasis, and apoptosis. One of the unique properties of mitochondria is the existence of a separate mitochondrial genome (mitochondrial DNA, mtDNA) found in varying copy numbers and containing 37 genes, 13 of them encoding proteins. All 13 mitochondrially encoded proteins form part of oxidative phosphorylation complexes through combination with approximately 100 nuclear DNA-encoded proteins. Coregulation of nDNA and mtDNA is therefore essential for mitochondrial function, and this coregulation contributes to the heterogeneity and …

Expression Profiles Of Genes Related To Melatonin And Oxidative Stress In Human Renal Proximal Tubule Cells Treated With Antibiotic Amphotericin B And Its Modified Forms, Joanna Gola, Aleksandra Skubis, Bartosz Sikora, Celina Kruszniewska-Rajs, Jolanta Adamska, Urszula Mazurek, Barbara Strzalka-Mrozik, Grzegorz Czernel, Mariusz Gagos

Turkish Journal of Biology

Melatonin protects cells from oxidative stress caused by antibiotics. Through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), amphotericin B (AmB) causes oxidative injuries of the kidneys and liver. Generation of oxidized forms of AmB (AmB-ox) in a patient's circulation may also generate ROS, causing side effects. Studies aimed at elimination of toxic properties of AmB are focused on forming complexes of AmB with copper(II) ions (AmB-Cu2+). However, the influence of such modified forms on renal cells and their transcriptome has not been studied so far. Therefore, the aim of this study was to answer the question of whether AmB-Cu2+ complexes …

The Effects Of Midazolam And Etomidate On The Antioxidant System In The Rat Liver, Di̇lek Bayram, Meral Öncü, Efkan Uz, Haci Ramazan Yilmaz, Ayşe Yi̇ği̇t, Ahmet Koçak

Turkish Journal of Biology

This study was conducted to investigate the histopathological and biochemical effects of midazolam and etomidate, which are intravenous anesthetics used in surgical operations, on rat liver. There were 3 study groups each consisting of 9 animals: the control, midazolam, and etomidate groups. Midazolam and etomidate were administered 10 times with 1-day intervals. At the end of the study, tissues were taken for histological examination and biochemical analysis. We determined superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the liver. There was a slight increase in MDA level in the midazolam-exposed group when compared with the controls, and this …

Amelioration Of Subchronic Acrylamide Toxicity In Large Intestine Of Rats Byorganic Dried Apricot Intake, Mehmet Erman Erdemli̇, Zümrüt Doğan, Yilmaz Çi̇ğremi̇ş, Müslüm Akgöz, Eyüp Altinöz, Murat Geçer, Yusuf Türköz

Turkish Journal of Biology

Acrylamide (AA) has neurotoxic, mutagenic, and genotoxic effects in humans and experimental animals. Fruit consumption is important for human health, because fruits are the source of many nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, dietary fiber, and phytonutrients. Many agricultural products provide natural melatonin in the diet. At the onset of the study, rats were weighted and randomly divided into four groups each containing 10 rats as follows: group 1: control (fed with normal diet and normal drinking water); group 2: apricot (fed with a daily diet with 5% apricot and normal drinking water); group 3: AA (administered daily acrylamide at …

Melatonin Induces Antiproliferative Activity Through Modulation Of Apoptoticpathway In H-Ras Oncogene Transformed 5rp7 Cells, Ayşe Kaplan, Gülşen Akalin Çi̇ftçi̇, Hati̇ce Mehtap Kutlu

Turkish Journal of Biology

In the present study, cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of melatonin were investigated on H-ras oncogene transformed rat embryo fibroblast 5RP7 cells. Melatonin inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis in 5RP7 cells. We showed inhibition of cell proliferation that was time- and dose-dependent in 5RP7 cells for 24 and 48 h. Melatonin was not toxic in NIH/3T3 primary mouse embryonic fibroblast cells at low doses for 24 and 48 h. The IC50 (380 μM) value of melatonin for 48 h was chosen for advanced assays. The percentages of early/late apoptotic cells to which melatonin (IC50: 380 μM) was administered were increased …

The Effects Of Topical Melatonin On Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis Signals,And P53 Protein Expression During Cutaneous Wound Healing, Azi̇ze Şener, Özge Çevi̇k, Özge Doğan, Nazli Gül Altindi̇ş, Hali̇l Aksoy, Betül Okuyan

Turkish Journal of Biology

Elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can be an important strategy to improve healing of wounds. ROS have an effect on proliferation and cell survival signaling, which results in alteration of apoptotic pathways in cells. Melatonin has antioxidant properties on skin wounds. In our study, we investigated the effects of topical melatonin (3%, w/w) on apoptosis and p53 protein expression together with parameters of oxidative stress in a cutaneous excision wound model. Bcl-2 protein levels in wound tissue at the end of days 3, 7, and 14 were significantly increased, while caspase-3 activity and p53 protein expression in wound tissue …

Melatonin Attenuates Apoptosis And Mitochondrial Depolarization Levels In Hypoxic Conditions Of Sh-Sy5y Neuronal Cells Induced By Cobalt Chloride (Cocl2), Abdülhadi̇ Ci̇hangi̇r Uğuz, Ahmi̇ Öz, Büşra Yilmaz, Seda Altunbaş, Ömer Çeli̇k

Turkish Journal of Biology

Melatonin (MEL) and its metabolites serve as endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers and have a wide spectrum of antioxidant activity. Cobalt chloride is one of the commonly used hypoxia-mimetic agents, due to blocking the degradation of and triggering the accumulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α ) protein, which is very well known as a critical regulator of the cellular response against hypoxia. In the current study we aimed to determine the possible protective effects of melatonin on a cobalt chloride-induced hypoxia model of SH-SY5Y neuronal cells. Group I was the control group and SH-SY5Y cells were incubated in normal …

The Effects Of Agomelatine And Melatonin On Ecog Activity Of Absenceepilepsy Model In Wag/Rij Rats, Hati̇ce Aygün, Duygu Aydin, Sema İnanir, Fati̇h Eki̇ci̇, Mustafa Ayyildiz, Erdal Ağar

Turkish Journal of Biology

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the melatonergic M1 and M2 receptor agonist and serotonergic 5-HT2C receptor antagonist agomelatine on the spike wave discharges (SWDs) seen in electrocorticographic (ECoG) recordings of WAG/Rij rats with absence epilepsy. Twenty-one WAG/Rij male rats were used in this study. Tripolar electrodes were placed on skulls and control ECoG activities were recorded. Experimental groups received normal saline (Group I: 1 mL, intraperitoneally (i.p)), agomelatine (Group II: 40 mg/kg, i.p), and melatonin (Group III: 40 mg/kg, i.p) injections for 7 days. Following this period, 2-h ECoG recordings were repeated. The number …

Melatonin Is A Potent Modulator Of Antioxidative Defense And Cellular Proliferation Against Aluminum Toxicity In Rats, Ni̇hal Ömür Bulan, Guner Sarikaya-Unal, Sevim Tunali, Pelin Arda Pi̇ri̇nççi̇, Refiye Yanardag

Turkish Journal of Biology

Aluminum is the most abundant metal on earth, known for its toxicity to humans and laboratory animals. Melatonin, produced by the pineal gland, has been shown to be an effective antioxidant. In this study, we investigated the possible protective role of melatonin in modulating toxicity and oxidative stress induced by chronic exposure to aluminum in the small intestine of rats. Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups. Group I served as the control and received only physiological saline, Group II served as the control for the melatonin group and received ethanol and physiological saline, Group III received melatonin, Group …

Dna Protective And Antioxidative Effects Of Melatonin In Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats, Seli̇m Sekki̇n, Eda Duygu İpek, Murat Boyacioğlu, Cavi̇t Kum, Ümi̇t Karademi̇r, Hande Sultan Yalinkilinç, Mehmet Onur Ak, Hulki̇ Başaloğlu

Turkish Journal of Biology

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease characterized by elevated blood sugar levels. In diabetic patients, oxidative stress induced by the presence of excessive free radicals is closely associated with chronic in?ammation, leading to potential tissue damage. Melatonin (MEL) is a compound synthesized by the pineal gland and a scavenger of free radicals. The aim of this study was to research the effects of MEL on oxidative stress and its DNA protective effects in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. In total, 32 rats were equally divided into four experimental groups: control, melatonin, diabetic, and diabetic + melatonin. A single dose of streptozotocin (60 …

Effects Of Photoperiod Variations And Alpha-Lipoic Acid Treatment On Melatonin,Cortisol, And Oxidative Stress Levels In The Blood Of Rats, Cahi̇de Çevi̇k, Recep Aslan

Turkish Journal of Biology

This study aimed to investigate the effects of frequently changing photoperiods and alpha-lipoic acid treatment on melatonin, cortisol, oxidative markers, and some blood parameters. Eighty-four rats were randomly and equally divided into 7 groups: a control group, 3 prolonged light groups, and 3 prolonged dark groups. The study was completed in 2 stages, with 1- and 4-week periods, respectively. Blood samples were obtained at the end of the first and fourth weeks, and at the end of the dark period for the first and second stages. Serum aspartate aminotransferase and creatinine levels were significantly elevated in the prolonged dark olive …

A New Laelapine Mite (Acari: Mesostigmata: Laelapidae) Associated With The Spiny Rodent, Scolomys Melanops, In Amazonian Peru, Donald Gettinger, Scott L. Gardner

Scott L. Gardner Publications

Gigantolaelaps scolomys Gettinger and Gardner n. sp., an ectoparasitic mite (Acari: Laelapidae) associated with the rodent Scolomys melanops in Amazonian forests of Peru, is described and illustrated.

Mites of the genus Gigantolaelaps Fonseca are common ectoparasites associated exclusively with rodents of the sigmodontine tribe Oryzomyini (see Gettinger, 1987). They are often abundant in the dorsal pelage and are easily collected by brushing the host at capture. The laelapine populations sampled are female dominant; males and immatures are assumed to live within the nest of the host (Martins-Hatano et al., 2011). A new species was encountered in a small collection of …

Snails From Heavy-Metal Polluted Environments Have Reduced Sensitivity To Carbon Dioxide-Induced Acidity, Hugh Lefcort, David A. Cleary, Aaron M. Marble, Morgan V. Phillips, Timothy J. Stoddard, Lara M. Tuthill, James R. Winslow

Biology Faculty Scholarship

Anthropogenic atmospheric CO2 reacts with water to form carbonic acid (H2CO3) which increases water acidity. While marine acidification has received recent consideration, less attention has been paid to the effects of atmospheric carbon dioxide on freshwater systems—systems that often have low buffering potential. Since many aquatic systems are already impacted by pollutants such as heavy metals, we wondered about the added effect of rising atmospheric CO2 on freshwater organisms. We studied aquatic pulmonate snails (Physella columbiana) from both a heavy-metal polluted watershed and snails from a reference watershed that has not experienced mining pollution. We used gaseous CO2 …

Engineering Triterpene Metabolism In Tobacco, Zuodong Jiang

Theses and Dissertations--Plant and Soil Sciences

Terpenes comprise a large diverse class of natural products and many of them attract interest because of their physiological function, therapeutic and industrial values. Triterpene oils including squalene (C30), botrycococcene (C30) and their methylated derivatives (C31-C37) generated by the green algae Botryococcus braunii race B, which have recently received significant attention because of their utility for advanced biofuels. However, the slow growth habit of B. braunii makes it impractical as a robust biofuel production system. In this thesis, we firstly evaluated the potential of generating high levels of triterpene (C30) production in tobacco plants by diverting carbon flux from cytosolic …

Parental Experience And Its Effects On Reproductive Success In Common Loons, Brandon S. Braden Ms

All Student Scholarship

Common Loons (Gavia immer) are a highly territorial , long-lived species of waterbird that breed throughout the northern tier of North America. Loons form pair bonds seasonally, on their breeding territories, but overwinter separately. Much is known about environmental effects on loon reproductive success but little is known about how parental experience affects reproductive outcomes. I investigated the effects that individual experience and breeding pair length have on the reproductive success of Common Loons. The data I used were a compilation of individual territory occupancy and breeding records that were obtained by the Biodiversity Research Institute in Gorham, Maine from …

Non-Destructive Dna Extraction Methods That Yield Dna Barcodes In Spiders, Reva Ann Bork

Honors Program Theses

DNA barcodes are short sequences of nucleotides that differ from species to species (Hebert et al., 2003; Hebert & Gregory, 2005). DNA barcoding is very important in helping to reconstruct phylogenetic trees and to confirm the identity of threatened or endangered species in the wild. Additionally, it has become increasingly popular in the food industry to test the accuracy of the food being sold in fast food chains (Wong and Hanner, 2008). For scientific purposes, nondestructive DNA extraction techniques need to be explored because they allow for preservation of the voucher specimen, which is particularly important for rare or extinct …

Effects Of Acetyl Salicyclic Acid On Drosophila Models Of Cancer-Inflammation, Roma Rajwani

Dissertations and Theses

Chronic inflammation is a fundamental condition underlying many human disease pathologies including diabetes, cancer, and neurodegeneration. Indeed, one of the most commonly-used anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, has been shown to be effective in the treatment of many cancers. To understand the mechanistic linkages between inflammation and cancer, we used Drosophila models in which hyperactive immune signaling causes overproliferation of the hematopoietic system leading to the production of inflammatory blood tumors. In mutant animals, hematopoietic cells divide uncontrollably and exhibit pre-mature differentiation giving rise to large sticky cells. Some mutant cells infiltrate and adhere to cells of the fat body. The fat …

Effects Of Temperature Stress On Coral Fluorescence And Reflectance, Andrea Gomez

Dissertations and Theses

Around the world, climate change, land-based pollution and fishing impacts are recognized as principal threats to coral reef ecosystems. Sea surface temperatures, in particular, are expected to change dramatically over the next decades and result in high coral mortality in some regions. Through controlled experiments, I examined changes in coral fluorescence and reflectance in response to water temperature alterations to assess the potential of employing these signatures as a diagnostic tool to measure coral health. At the NOAA Coral Culture and Collaborative Research Facility, I conducted controlled laboratory-based heat stress experiments on three Caribbean species of coral: Acropora cervicornis, Orbicella …

Characterization Of The Interaction Between Ftsz-Ring Stabilizer Zapc And The Conserved Protease Clpxp In E. Coli Cytokinesis, Andrea Cardenas Arevalo

Dissertations and Theses

Cell division in bacteria requires the assembly of a macromolecular protein machinery at midcell that is spatiotemporally regulated during the bacterial cell cycle. Central to the process of division is the assembly of a cytokinetic ring-like structure, termed the Z-ring, formed by polymers of the essential tubulin-homolog FtsZ. Polymerization of FtsZ is regulated by a number of proteins that bind FtsZ and regulate its assembly/disassembly mechanisms. Despite being extensively studied, the molecular nature of the diverse protein-protein interactions that regulate the assembly of FtsZ during early stages of division is not well understood. Here, I focus on an FtsZ-ring stabilizer …

"Model Complexity And Variable Selection In Maxent Niche Models: Analyses For Rodents In Madagascar", Peter Galante

Dissertations and Theses

Ecological niche models (ENMs) characterize the relationship between localities where a species is known to occur and the abiotic characteristics of these regions. While widely used, ENMs remain subject to several outstanding issues, including those related to model complexity and violation of modeling assumptions (e.g., representative sampling). Critical in resolving these issues is a better understanding of the effectiveness of model selection techniques. Here, I compare two strategies for optimizing ENMs: an information-criterion approach (AICc) and a sequential approach that assesses model performance on withheld data. I do so for a single species using two datasets, one with all available …