The sesquiterpenoid valerenic acid protects neuronal cells from the detrimental effects of the fungicide benomyl on apoptosis and DNA oxidation.

BACKGROUND: Valerenic acid (VA), a sesquiterpenoid of the plant Valeriana officinalis, has attracted attention of the research community due to its potential positive role against neurodegenerative diseases induced by chemicals. However, the relevant evidence in the literature is scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the putative protective role of VA on the toxic effects of the fungicide benomyl on SH-SY5Y neural cells. METHODS: Cell viability was determined via the MTT and NRU assays, DNA damage was assessed via comet assay and apoptosis was evaluated through the expression of relevant genes. RESULTS: According to the results, exposure of the cells to benomyl enhanced viability inhibition and promoted DNA damage and apoptosis since the expression levels of the genes coding for MAPK8, NF-kB, Bax, Caspase-9 and Caspase-3 were increased. Treatment of the cells with VA ameliorated these effects in a concentration dependent manner. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the molecular mechanism through which benomyl exerts its toxic action appears to depend on DNA oxidation and apoptosis induction. Furthermore, VA, a plant-derived compound is a protective antioxidant against pesticide-induced toxicity. Therefore, herbs, extracts and compounds of plant origin could be used as nutritional supplements that back up the beneficial role of medicine in neurodegenerative diseases.

Investigation of the diagnostic value of chromosome analysis and bacterial artificial chromosome-based array comparative genomic hybridization in prenatal diagnosis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To investigate the diagnostic value of bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC)-based array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) and chromosome analysis in prenatal diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included the chromosome analysis and BAC-based array CGH analysis of 140 amniocentesis samples with prenatal diagnosis indications. RESULTS: Karyotype analysis showed trisomy 21 in 4 patients, trisomy 18 in 5 patients, monosomy X in 1 patient, and other anomalies in 3 patients. The BAC-based array CGH analysis showed 4 patients with trisomy 21, 4 patients with trisomy 18, and 1 patient with monosomy X as a numerical chromosome anomaly, while partial duplication was observed in chromosome 14 in 1 case as a structural anomaly. CONCLUSION: The array CGH is the most effective method available to complement cases where chromosome analysis, a gold standard in prenatal diagnosis, proves to be insufficient. Considering the inherent limitations of both methods, complementary features should be introduced in order to be able to give the most accurate data at the right time.