Inactivation of Nosema spp. with zinc phthalocyanine.

Most honey bee pathogens, such as Vairimorpha (Nosema), cannot be rapidly and definitively diagnosed in a natural setting, consequently there is typically the spread of these diseases through shared and re-use of beekeeping equipment. Furthermore, there are no viable treatment options available for Nosema spores to aid in managing the spread of this bee disease. We therefore aimed to develop a new method using novel Zinc Phthalocyanine (ZnPc) as a photosensitizer for the photodynamic inactivation of Nosema spores that could be used for the decontamination of beekeeping equipment. Nosema spores were propagated for in vitro testing using four caged Apis mellifera honey bees. The ZnPc treatment was characterized, encapsulated with a liposome, and then used as either a 10 or 100 µM treatment for the freshly harvested Nosema spores, for either a 30 and or 60-minute time period, under either light or dark conditions, in-vitro, in 96-well plates. In the dark treatment, after 30-min, the ZnPc 100 µM treatment, caused a 30 % Nosema mortality, while this increased to 80 % at the same concentration after the light treatment. The high rate of anti-spore effects, in a short period of time, supports the notion that this could be an effective treatment for managing honey bee Nosema infections in the future. Our results also suggest that the photo activation of the treatment could be applied in the field setting and this would increase the sterilization of beekeeping equipment against Nosema.

Evaluation of serum placenta-specific gene 8 protein, total antioxidant capacity, interleukin-10, interleukin-17A, interleukin-21 and interleukin-33 levels in Turkish women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

PURPOSE: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as carbohydrate intolerance that begins or is diagnosed during pregnancy. Our study aimed to establish a correlation between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory response in order to be able to develop treatment strategies and determine early diagnosis biomarkers in the sera of cases diagnosed with GDM. Moreover, we aimed to investigate interleukin (IL), placenta-specific gene 8 protein (PLAC8) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in patients with GDM. METHODS: A total of 121 patients were included in the study. These were divided into four patient groups: pregnant and diagnosed with DM (P-GDM, n=30); pregnant and not diagnosed with DM (P-NGDM, n=32); non-pregnant diagnosed with DM (NP-DM, n=29) and non-pregnant and not diagnosed with DM (NPNDM, n=30). IL-10, IL-17A, IL-21, IL-33, PLAC8 and TAC determinations from patients were evaluated by ELISA (Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay) method. RESULTS: IL-10 and IL-33 concentrations were found to be significantly higher in P-GDM and NP-DM patient groups compared to P-NGDM and NP-NDM groups (p<0.001). The PLAC8 level in the P-GDM patient group (20.38±5.37) was determined to be significantly higher than in the P-NGDM patient group (3.41±2.17, p<0.001). TAC in the P-NGDM and NP-NDM groups (12.42±2.31 vs. 12.96±3.78, p<0.001) was determined to be significantly higher than in the P-GDM and NP-DM groups (4.8±0.52 vs. 2.21±0.71, p<0.001). DISCUSSION: The fact that the importance of PLAC8 level and TAC in the diagnosis and follow-up of GDM in pregnancy is demonstrated for the first time in this study shows that it is unique.

Effect of aza-BODIPY-photodynamic therapy on the expression of carcinoma-associated genes and cell death mode.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women worldwide.Photodynamic therapy(PDT) has now proven to be a promising form of cancer therapy due to its targeted and low cytotoxicity to healthy cells and tissues.PDT is a technique used to create cell death localized by light after application of a light-sensitive agent.Aza-BODIPY is a promising photosensitizer for use in PDT. Our results showed that aza-BODIPY-PDT induced apoptosis, probably through p53 and caspase3 in MCF-7 cells. Future studies should delineate the molecular mechanisms underlying aza-BODIPY-PDT-induced cell death for a better understanding of the signaling pathways modulated by the therapy so that this novel technology could be implemented in the clinic for treating breast cancer. AIM: In this study,we aimed to determine the change in the expression levels of 88 carcinoma-associated genes induced by aza-BODIPY-PDT were analyzed so as to understand the specific pathways that are modulated by aza-BODIPY-PDT. MATERIAL METHOD: In this study,the molecular basis of the anti-cancer activity of aza-BODIPY-PDT was investigated.Induction of apoptosis and necrosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells after treatment with aza- BODIPY derivative with phthalonitrile substituents (aza-BODIPY) followed by light exposure was evaluated by Annexin V 7- Aminoactinomycin D (7-AAD) flow cytometry. RESULTS: Aza-BODIPY-PDT induced cell death in MCF-7 cells treated with aza-BODIPY-PDT; flow cytometry revealed that 28 % of the cells died by apoptosis. Seven of the 88 carcinoma-associated genes that were assayed were differentially expressed -EGF, LEF1, WNT1, TCF7, and TGFBR2 were downregulated, and CASP3 and TP53 were upregulated - in cells subjected to aza-BODIPY-PDT.This made us think that the aza-BODIPY-PDT induced caspase 3 and p53-mediated apoptosis in MCF7 cells. CONCLUSION: In our study,it was determined that the application of aza-BODIPY-PDT to MCF7 cells had a negative effect on cell connectivity and cell cycle.The fact that the same effect was not observed in control cells and MCF7 cells in the dark field of aza-BODIPY indicates that aza-BODIPY has a strong phodynamic anticancer effect.

Determination of Rh type and gender using circulating cell-free fetal DNA in early pregnancy of Rh negative women in turkey.

INTRODUCTION: Choosing the right clinical approach for early and reliable diagnosis/screening is becoming more important day by day. The aim of the study was to determine the early RhD type with cff-DNA obtained from maternal plasma, especially in the light of recent developments. In this way, it is aimed to apply Rh Ig only to mothers who are determined to have RhD (+) fetuses and to prevent unnecessary further tests that may possess a risk for RhD (-) fetuses. METHODS: Prediction of fetal gender and RH genotype was performed by using RT-qPCR method. With simultaneous amplification of sequences of SRY, DYS14 and RH genes (exon 7 and exon 10). Fetal gender and RhD were determined in 30 RHD (-) pregnant women with cfDNA. RESULTS: As a result of genotyping, the gender of 67% (20/30) fetuses was determined as male; the gender of 33% (10/30) fetuses was determined as female in a sample group of 30 pregnancies. It was determined that the DYS14 100% (20/20) gene was more sensitive than the SRY 97% (18/20) gene in gender determination after examining prenatal and postnatal results. As a result of the analysis, the presence of 17% (5/30) RhD (-) fetuses and 83% (25/30) RhD (+) fetuses were determined which is 100% compatible with postnatal results. DISCUSSION: Detecting fetal RhD gene in maternal plasma made an important contribution to its use in non-invasive prenatal screening. This study shows that unnecessary intervention and cost can be avoided with successful genotyping analysis performed with RT-qPCR.

Genetic deviation associated with photodynamic therapy in HeLa cell.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a method that is used in cancer treatment. The main therapeutic effect is the production of singlet oxygen (1O2). Phthalocyanines for PDT produce high singlet oxygen with absorbers of about 600-700 nm. AIM: It is aimed to analyze cancer cell pathways by flow cytometry analysis and cancer-related genes with q-PCR device by applying phthalocyanine L1ZnPC, which we use as photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy, in HELA cell line. In this study, we investigate the molecular basis of L1ZnPC's anti-cancer activity. MATERIAL METHOD: The cytotoxic effects of L1ZnPC, a phthalocyanine obtained from our previous study, in HELA cells were evaluated and it was determined that it led to a high rate of death as a result. The result of photodynamic therapy was analyzed using q-PCR. From the data received at the conclusion of this investigation, gene expression values were calculated, and expression levels were assessed using the 2-∆∆Ct method to examine the relative changes in these values. Cell death pathways were interpreted with the FLOW cytometer device. One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey-Kramer Multiple Comparison Test with Post-hoc Test were used for the statistical analysis. CONCLUSION: In our study, it was observed that HELA cancer cells underwent apoptosis at a rate of 80% with drug application plus photodynamic therapy by flow cytometry method. According to q-PCR results, CT values ​​of eight out of eighty-four genes were found to be significant and their association with cancer was evaluated. L1ZnPC is a new phthalocyanine used in this study and our findings should be supported by further studies. For this reason, different analyses are needed to be performed with this drug in different cancer cell lines. In conclusion, according to our results, this drug looks promising but still needs to be analyzed through new studies. It is necessary to examine in detail which signaling pathways they use and their mechanism of action. For this, additional experiments are required.

Effect of Motiflor AS probiotic for oral health on cell viability in human gingival fibroblasts and human dental pulp stem cells.

Objectives: In this study, it was aimed to investigate the possible effects of oral chewable probiotic tablets (PTs) produced to directly support the oral flora on the proliferation of human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and human gingival fibroblast cells (HGFCs). Materials and Methods: For analysis in this study, "Motiflor AS," a PT that dissolves in the mouth, containing 13.5mg Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell-52, L. rhamnosus Rosell-11, L. halivarus HA-118, and Bifidobacterium longum Rosell-175 was used. Cell survival and proliferation were analyzed by methyl-thiazole-diphenyl-tetrazolium (MTT) test and real-time cell analysis method (xCELLigence RTCA-DP) after 24-, 48-, and 72-h incubation periods. Results: According to the data obtained with RTCA-DP software, there was a significant increase in the proliferation of human dental pulp stem cells (HDPSCs) and HGFCs in the 72-h incubation after PT application compared to the 24-h and 48-h incubations (P < 0.0001). After the MTT test, for HDPSCs, the cell proliferation rate was 62.8% and 85.6% in 24- and 48-h incubation, respectively, while HDPSCs cell proliferation rate in 72-h incubation was 135.2% (P < 0.0001). For HGFCs, the cell proliferation rate was 73% and 120.4% in 24- and 48-h incubation, respectively, while HDPSCs cell proliferation rate in 72-h incubation was 139.8% (P < 0.0001). When the results of the two tests applied were evaluated together, the results showed compatibility. Conclusions: Based on the results, it has been concluded that PT will be useful for maintaining oral health and for dental and gingival patients who will/have undergone dental treatment. It should be keep in mind that protecting our oral and dental health is very important in terms of protecting our general health.

Evaluation of Alpha-Thalassemia Mutations in Cases with Hypochromic Microcytic Anemia: The Istanbul Perspective.

OBJECTIVE: Alpha thalassemia syndromes are caused by mutations on one or more of the four α-globin genes. Mutations could be either more commonly deletional or non-deletional. As some deletions (3.7 and 4.2) cause α+-thalassemia, some cause (-20.5, MED, THAI, FIL) α0 -thalassemia. The aim of this study was to determine alpha thalassemia mutations in patients with unsolved hypochromic microcytic anemia and to evaluate types of mutations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two hundred six patients with hypochromic microcytic anemia were evaluated for alpha thalassemia. A venous blood sample of 2 mL was drawn from each patient for DNA isolation. The samples were investigated for α-thalassemia mutations by using the Vienna Lab α-Globlin StripAssay TM commercial kit. RESULTS: Fourteen different mutations were determined in 95 (46.1%) patients. The most common mutation was the 3.7 single gene deletion and was found in 37 patients (n=37/95, 39%). Others common mutations were the 20.5 kb double gene deletion (n=20 patients, 21%), MED double gene deletion (n=17 patients, 17.9%), α2 IVS1 (n=10 patients, 10.5%), α2 cd142 Hb Koya Dora (n=6 patients, 6.3%), α2 polyA1 (Saudi type) (n=6 patients, 6.3%), 4.2 single gene deletion (n=4 patients, 4.2%), α1 cd14 (n=2 patients, 2.1%), and -FIL mutation (n=2 patients 2.1%), respectively. Hb Adana, Hb Icaria, α2 init cd and α2 polyA2 (Turkish type) were found in 1% of the patients (n=1). Seven patients (7.4%) had α-thalassemia triplication. In our study, three mutations (Hb Icaria, α1 cd14, α2 init.cd) were determined firstly in Turkey. Seven mutations (-SEA, -THAI, Hb Constant Spring, α2 cd19, α2 cd59, α2 cd125, Hb Paksé) were not determined in this study. CONCLUSION: Alpha thalassemia should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hypochromic microcytic anemia especially in cases without iron deficiency and b-thalassemia carrier state. Genetic testing should be performed for the suspicious cases. We also recommend that a national database with all mutations in Turkey should be created to screen the alpha thalassemia cost-effectively.