Antigenotoxic activity of biologically active substances from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Inula britannica</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Limonium gmelini</Emphasis>

The antigenotoxic and antioxidant activities of biologically active substances of extracts from Inula britannica L. and Limonium gmelinii (Willd.) Kuntze in E. coli strains MG1655 (pColD-lux), MG1655 (pSoxS-lux), and MG1655 (pKatG-lux) were studied by the bioluminescent test. Plant extracts from I. britannica and L. gmelinii in all used concentrations (0.5, 5.0, 50.0, and 500.0 μg/mL) had no genotoxic or oxidant activity. The extracts statistically significantly reduced the bioluminescence intensity of the pColD-lux, pKatG-lux, and pSoxS-lux sensors (p < 0.05) induced by 4-NQO and dioxidine, hydrogen peroxide, and paraquat, respectively. The activity of the extracts depended on their concentration; the greatest antigenotoxic and antioxidant effects were detected at a concentration of 500.0 μg/mL.     

Biological activity of new flavonoid from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hieracium pilosella</Emphasis> L.

Hieracium pilosella L. (Asteraceae) is a well-known plant used in ethno-medicine as its inflorescences are particularly rich in beneficial polyphenolics. This research aimed to elucidate the structure of a new flavone glycoside isolated from the inflorescences of Hieracium pilosella and evaluate its antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities. The chromatographic methods were successfully applied to isolate the new flavonoid. Its structure was determined by subsequent UV, NMR and MS experiments and identified as isoetin 4′-O-β-D-glucopyranoside. Free radical scavenging capacity was examined by measuring the scavenging activity of the new isoetin derivative on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The compound was also screened for spectrum of antimicrobial activity using the agar well diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027 was performed by the micro-dilution broth method. The antiproliferative effect of tested glycoside was assessed in two human tumor cell lines derived from lung (A549) and colon (HT-29) carcinoma and cell proliferation was determined by means of MTT method. The tested compound showed high antiradical activity, reducing the DPPH? with EC₅₀ 7.9 μM (3.7 µg/ml) and exhibited narrow antimicrobial spectrum among tested microorganisms. The compound was active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027 (MIC 125 μg/ml) which is prone to causing infections that are difficult to treat due to it developing extremely rapid antibiotic resistance. In the antiproliferative studies, cell proliferation of the colon (HT-29) carcinoma cell line was significantly decreased after exposure to the compound. The results indicate that isoetin 4′-O-β-D-glucopyranoside possesses antioxidant capacity and very promising antibacterial activity and could have uses as an effective antipseudomonal agent as well a antiproliferative agent.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Camellia sinensis</Emphasis> increased apoptosis on U2OS osteosarcoma cells and wound healing potential on NIH3T3 fibroblast cells

Camellia sinensis (Cs) is a plant which is rich in polyphenols and has antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic and antibacterial activities. In this study, two different methanol extracts (Cs-I and Cs-II) were prepared from the leaf of C. sinensis in order to investigate the wound healing and anticancer activities. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the extracts were determined. Wound healing effects of Cs extracts were evaluated by using Masson’s Trichrome Tecnique on NIH3T3 fibroblast cells. Cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of the extracts were determined by MTT and AnnexinV-PI assays on U2OS osteosarcoma cells. Total phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of the extracts were almost the same. The highest concentration (60 µg/mL) of the extracts showed significant cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on U2OS cells. Especially, the highest apoptotic effect was determined with 60 µg/mL Cs-I extract. Significant wound healing potential on NIH3T3 fibroblast cells were determined especially with low extract concentrations (0.5, 1 and 5 µg/mL), while high extract concentrations showed significant anticancer effects. As a result, two Cs leaf extracts exhibited important apoptotic properties and both have wound healing potential. However, the Cs-I extract was found more effective on apoptotic osteosarcoma cell death and has an increased wound healing potential than the Cs-II extract.     

Genetic Diversity and Antifungal Susceptibility of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Candida parapsilosis</Emphasis> Sensu Stricto Isolated from Bloodstream Infections in Turkish Patients

Candida parapsilosis sensu stricto is an emerging cause of hospital-acquired Candida infections, predominantly in southern Europe, South America, and Asia. We investigated the genetic diversity and antifungal susceptibility profile of 170 independent C. parapsilosis sensu stricto strains obtained from patients with candidemia who were treated at the Ege University Hospital in Izmir, Turkey, between 2006 and 2014. The identity of each strain was confirmed via PCR amplification and digestion of the secondary alcohol dehydrogenase-encoding gene. The 24-h geometric mean minimum inhibitory concentrations of the antifungal agents, in increasing order, were as follows: posaconazole, 0.10 µg/mL; voriconazole, 0.21 µg/mL; caspofungin, 0.38 µg/mL; amphotericin B, 0.61 µg/mL; anidulafungin, 0.68 µg/mL; and fluconazole, 2.95 µg/mL. Microsatellite genotyping of the isolates (using fluorescently labeled primers and a panel of four different short-nucleotide repeat fragments) identified 25, 17, 17, and 8 different allelic genotypes at the CP6, B5, CP4, and CP1 locus, respectively. Posaconazole, caspofungin, and amphotericin B showed the greatest in vitro activity of the tested systemic azole, echinocandin, and polyene agents, respectively, and the observed antifungal susceptibility of the isolates was shown to be independent of their isolation source. We obtained a combined discriminatory power of 0.99 with a total of 130 genotypes for 170 isolates tested. Finally, microsatellite profiling analysis confirmed the presence of identical genotype between separate isolates, supporting that effective surveillance and infection-prevention programs are essential to limit the impact of C. parapsilosis sensu stricto on hospitalized patients’ health.     

The Antioxidant Activity of the Russian Far East Representatives of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Spiraea</Emphasis> L. (Rosaceae Juss.) Genus

Biologically active substances and antioxidant activity of extracts from leaves and inflorescences of nine representatives of the genus Spiraea L. growing on the territory of the Far East of Russia were investigated. Widespread species of the genus Spiraea (S. salicifolia, S. media var. media, S. betulifolia and S. ussuriensis subsp. ussuriensis) have the highest levels of biologically active substances. The inflorescences of spiraeas there contain more flavonols (up to 3.9%), oxycinnamic acids (up to 1.2%), catechins (up to 5.7%) and saponins (up to 5.1%) compared to their leaves, and there are more tannins (up to 11.6%) in the leaves. Among the Far Eastern representatives of the genus Spiraea, S. betulifolia and S. beauverdiana (section Calospira), S. humilis and S. salicifolia (section Spiraria), S. pubescens and S. media var. media (section Chamaedryon) are promising antioxidants. Plants of the genus Spiraea probably contain water-soluble antioxidant compounds of phenolic type, because the antioxidant activity of aqueous extracts in the leaves and inflorescences of spiraeas is higher (0.16–2.79 mg/g) than that of water-alcoholic compounds (0.06–2.54 mg/g). The antioxidant activity in the leaves of spiraeas is generally higher than that in the inflorescence. A reliable positive correlation is observed between the antioxidant activity of aqueous extracts from the organs of spiraeas and a content of oxycinnamic acids.     

In vitro anticancer properties of selected <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eucalyptus</Emphasis> species

In spite of the recent advancements in oncology, the overall survival rate for pancreatic cancer has not improved over the last five decades. Eucalypts have been linked with cytotoxic and anticancer properties in various studies; however, there is very little scientific evidence that supports the direct role of eucalypts in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. This study assessed the anticancer properties of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of four Eucalyptus species using an MTT assay. The most promising extracts were further evaluated using a CCK-8 assay. Apoptotic studies were performed using a caspase 3/7 assay in MIA PaCa-2 cells. The aqueous extract of Eucalyptus microcorys leaf and the ethanolic extract of Eucalyptus microcorys fruit inhibited the growth of glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, lung and pancreatic cancer cells by more than 80% at 100 μg/mL. The E. microcorys and Eucalyptus saligna extracts showed lower GI₅₀ values than the ethanolic Eucalyptus robusta extract in MIA PaCa-2 cells. Aqueous E. microcorys leaf and fruit extracts at 100 μg/mL exerted significantly higher cell growth inhibition in MIA PaCa-2 cells than other extracts (p < 0.05). Statistically similar IC₅₀ values (p > 0.05) were observed in aqueous E. microcorys leaf (86.05 ± 4.75 μg/mL) and fruit (64.66 ± 15.97 μg/mL) and ethanolic E. microcorys leaf (79.30 ± 29.45 μg/mL) extracts in MIA PaCa-2 cells using the CCK-8 assay. Caspase 3/7-mediated apoptosis and morphological changes of cells were also witnessed in MIA PaCa-2 cells after 24 h of treatment with the extracts. This study highlighted the significance of E. microcorys as an important source of phytochemicals with efficacy against pancreatic cancer cells. Further studies are warranted to purify and structurally identify individual compounds and elucidate their mechanisms of action for the development of more potent and specific chemotherapeutic agents for pancreatic cancer.     

Nematicidal metabolites from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gliocladium roseum</Emphasis> YMF1.00133

A strain of the fungus Gliocladium roseum YMF1.00133 was found to secrete nematicidal metabolites against nematodes Panagrellus redivivus, Caenothabditis elegans and Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in experiments searching for nematicidal fungi. Through bioassay-guided fractionations, a unique trioxopiperazine alkaloid, gliocladin C (compound 1), and an alkylane resorcinol, 5-n-heneicosylresorcinol (compound 2) were obtained from the methanol extract of the fungus and determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis and spectroscopic data. In vitro immersion experiments showed that the ED₅₀ values of compounds 1 and 2 after 24 h incubation were 15 and 30 μg/mL against C. elegans, 50 and 80 μg/mL against P. redivivus, and 200 and 180 μg/mL against B. xylophilus, respectively. The X-ray diffraction data of compound 1 and the nematicidal activity of compounds 1 and 2 were reported for the first time.     

New <Emphasis Type="Italic">Penicillium</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Talaromyces</Emphasis> species from honey,pollen and nests of stingless bees

Penicillium and Talaromyces species have a worldwide distribution and are isolated from various materials and hosts, including insects and their substrates. The aim of this study was to characterize the Penicillium and Talaromyces species obtained during a survey of honey, pollen and the inside of nests of Melipona scutellaris. A total of 100 isolates were obtained during the survey and 82% of those strains belonged to Penicillium and 18% to Talaromyces. Identification of these isolates was performed based on phenotypic characters and β-tubulin and ITS sequencing. Twenty-one species were identified in Penicillium and six in Talaromyces, including seven new species. These new species were studied in detail using a polyphasic approach combining phenotypic, molecular and extrolite data. The four new Penicillium species belong to sections Sclerotiora (Penicillium fernandesiae sp. nov., Penicillium mellis sp. nov., Penicillium meliponae sp. nov.) and Gracilenta (Penicillium apimei sp. nov.) and the three new Talaromyces species to sections Helici (Talaromyces pigmentosus sp. nov.), Talaromyces (Talaromyces mycothecae sp. nov.) and Trachyspermi (Talaromyces brasiliensis sp. nov.). The invalidly described species Penicillium echinulonalgiovense sp. nov. was also isolated during the survey and this species is validated here.     

Characterization of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Staphylococcus aureus</Emphasis> isolates from pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the major respiratory pathogens associated with cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. In this study, we collected sputum and isolated fifty S. aureus isolates from CF patients with the median age of 9.5 years old. Then we determined the profiles of these isolates by antibiotic susceptibility testing, examining their cytotoxicity and ability to internalize into an epithelial cell line (A549), as well as multiple loci sequencing typing. Predominant CF S. aureus isolates were resistant to penicillin; however, these isolates were sensitive to various antibiotics, such as vancomycin and minocycline. Different CF S. aureus isolates showed distinct cytotoxic activities, and 90 % of CF S. aureus isolates possessed the enterotoxin genes, sea and hlg. Moreover, we found that multiple different CF S. aureus isolates appeared to have the distinct capacity of invading A549 cells. ST5 (14 %), ST30 (14 %), and ST8 (10 %) were prevalent ST types in these isolates. Further analysis revealed that ST5 and ST30 isolates were less toxic than ST8 and ST15 isolates, and that the ST5, ST15, ST59, and ST87 types of CF S. aureus were less capable of invading A549 cells. Our results suggest that the ST typing method may be useful in predicting cytotoxicity and the invading capacity of S. aureus isolates from patients with CF.     

Antioxidative properties of phenolic compounds isolated from the fungal endophytes of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Zingiber nimmonii</Emphasis> (J. Graham) Dalzell.

Background

The microbes living in planta termed ‘endophytes’ is bestowed with the potential to produce bioactive substances. The aim of this investigation was focused on the isolation and molecular identification of the fungal endophytes from Zingiber nimmonii (J. Graham) Dalzell., an endemic medicinal plant species of the ‘Western ghats’, a hotspot location in southern India and characterization of the secondary metabolites responsible for the antioxidant and DNA protective capacity using chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques.

Methods

Endophytic fungi were isolated and identified by sequencing the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS). The secondary metabolites were extracted with ethyl acetate and evaluated for the total phenolic, flavonoid and antioxidant capacities. The isolates with potential antioxidative property were further analyzed for the DNA protection ability and the presence of bioactive phenolic compounds by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectroscopy/Mass Spectroscopy (ESI-MS/MS) techniques.

Results

Endophytic fungi belonging to 11 different taxa were identified. The total phenolic content of the extracts ranged from 10.8±0.7 to 81.6±6.0 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry extract. Flavonoid was present in eight extracts in the range of 5.2± 0.5 to 24.3±0.9 mg catechin equivalents/g dry extract. Bipolaris specifera, Alternaria tenuissima, Aspergillus terreus, Nectria haematococca and Fusarium chlamydosporum extracts exhibited a potentially high antioxidant capacity. Characterization of the extracts revealed an array of phenolic acids and flavonoids. N. haematococca and F. chlamydosporum extracts contained quercetin and showed DNA protection ability.

Conclusion

This study is the first comprehensive report on the fungal endophytes from Z. nimmonii, as potential sources of antioxidative and DNA protective compounds. The study indicates that Z. nimmonii endophytes are potential sources of antioxidants over the plant itself.

     

Antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of mycelial and fruit-body extracts from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mycoleptodonoides aitchisonii</Emphasis>

Mycoleptodonoides aitchisonii (Berk.) Maas Geest. is a culinary mushroom that is recognized as both a nutritious food and an excellent source of bioactive compounds. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of M. aitchisonii (MA) both in vitro and in vivo. Total oxyradical scavenging capacity (TOSC) assays revealed that fruit-body extracts had higher antioxidant capacity than mycelial extracts, 0.9-fold higher as measured by peroxynitrite (PN) scavenging assay, 3.7-fold higher as measured by peroxyl radical (PR) scavenging assay, and 1.6-fold as measured by hydroxyl radical (HR) scavenging assay, respectively. The assay of Akt phosphorylation, which is inhibited by Interleukin 6 (IL-6) in the signal transduction pathway for diabetes, was employed to evaluate the antidiabetic activity. Fruit-body extracts significantly increased Akt phosphorylation according to the fruit-body extract concentration, with a maximum increment of 77% at a concentration of 100 μg/mL compared to 51.4% decrement caused by IL-6, but there was no effect of mycelial extracts. Treatment with 5% MA fruit-body powder and streptozotocin (STZ) decreased the blood sugar level to 233.8 mg/dL in diabetic mice compared to 333.8 mg/dL after treatment with STZ alone. Additionally, MA treatment lowered total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and LDL-cholesterol levels, while it increased the HDL-cholesterol level. All these findings indicate that fruit-body of M. aitchisonii has potential utility in preventing various diseases such as disorders of sugar and lipid metabolism.     

Induction of cellular immunity interleukin-12, antiproliferative effect,and related probiotic properties of lactic acid bacteria isolated in Thailand

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are widely known as probiotic microorganisms that afford several health benefits for the host. In this study, 15 isolates of LAB from various sources in Thailand were examined for their probiotic properties. Based on their phenotypic and genetic characteristics, they belong to the genera Lactobacillus, Pediococcus, and Weissella. All isolates showed the ability to induce interleukin-12 (IL-12) at different levels. Cell-free supernatant of Lactobacillus acidipiscis SR7-1 and Lactobacillus farraginis SL4-1 showed an antiproliferative effect against Caco-2 cell lines with non-toxicity to normal cell lines (Vero cells), while they had no effect against U937 cell lines. Five strains, including Lactobacillus namurensis KC78-5, L. farraginis SL4-1, Lactobacillus mucosae SL7-2, Lactobacillus salivarius MSMC120-2 and Pediococcus pentosaceus PC73-3 grew at pH 3. All isolates were tolerant at 1% bile. L. farraginis SL4-1, L. mucosae SL7-2 and P. pentosaceus PC73-3 were not statistically different when compared to the negative control in vitro adhesion assay. These results suggest that L. farraginis SL4-1, L. mucosae SL7-2 and P. pentosaceus PC73-3, which meet the general criteria of probiotics, represent very interesting candidates for further study as anti-cancer agents, especially L. farraginis SL4-1, which has an antiproliferative effect against Caco-2 cells and immunomodulatory ability. These results also highlight the need for further study, especially in appropriate in vivo animal models.     

Comparative study of chemical composition and antitumor activity of aqueous-ethanol extracts of brown algae <Emphasis Type="Italic">Laminaria cichorioides,Costaria costata</Emphasis>, and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fucus evanescens</Emphasis>

The chemical composition of water-ethanol extracts of the brown algae Laminaria cichorioides, Costaria costata, and Fucus evanescens were studied. The extracts contained mannitol, iodine, micro elements, free amino acids, glycolipids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, fucosterine, and polyphenols. The extracts were distinguished by high contents of mannitol and iodine (L. cichorioides), lipophilic matter (C. costata), and polyphenol compounds (F. evanescens). All the extracts under study inhibited the growth of DLD-1 and HT-29 human intestine tumor cells. The strongest inhibitory effect was exerted by the extract of F. evanescens at a concentration of 50 μg/ml. The extracts can be recommended for the production of fucosterol, phlorotannins, chlorophyll derivatives, mannitol, and compositions for medical and veterinary application.     

Antibiofilm potential of biogenic silver nanoparticles against <Emphasis Type="Italic">Kocuria rosea</Emphasis> And <Emphasis Type="Italic">Kocuria rhizophila</Emphasis>

The present study aims at biosynthesizing, characterizing and evaluating the biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as antimicrobial and antibiofilm against Kocuria rosea and Kocuria rhizophila. Cellfree supernatant of Proteus mirabilis culture was used for biosynthesizing AgNPs, which confirmed by visualizing color change and X-ray diffraction. Transmission electron microscopy showed the formation of AgNPs in the range of 5–40 nm. ART-FTIR spectra provided evidence for presence of proteins as possible biomolecules responsible for stability of AgNPs and act as capping agent. AgNPs had ability to inhibit growth of K. rosea and K. rhizophila. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC₉₀) of AgNPs against both strains was 25 μg/mL. Antiadhesive effect of AgNPs was verified at sub-MIC₉₀ dose (12.5 μg/mL). The AgNPs concentrations up to 100 μg/mL were not effective for complete removing the already established biofilms with maximum removing percentage of 30.5–34.9%. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated an unprecedented green process for biosynthesizing stable spherical-shaped AgNPs. Early control is suggested by preventing biofilm formation using low AgNPs concentration (12.5 μg/mL) as a potential ingredient for formulating effective chemical sanitizers.     

Nivalenol production by<Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium poae</Emphasis>

Fusarium sp. were isolated from Swedish nivalenol containing grain and tested for toxin production. OnlyF. poae, 6 of 10 isolates, produced nivalenol. Highest production (44.7 μg/g) was obtained cultured on rice during 4 week at room temperature and under near UV-light. FiveF. poae isolates from other countries did not produce nivalenol but T-2/HT-2 toxin. One Swedish isolate produced both types of trichothecenes. Treatment with fungicides in aF. poae infected experimental field reduced the nivalenol concentration in the harvested grain.     

Bioactive sesquiterpene,plasticizer, and phenols from the fungal endophytes of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Polygonum chinense</Emphasis> L.

There is a constant need for novel antibiotic and antioxidant sources due to the ever-increasing resilience of pathogens and the occurrence of chronic diseases. The natural sources of these agents have advantages due to lower production cost, structural variation, and uses of active compounds for pharmaceutical uses. The microbes living in planta termed “endophytes” are alternative sources of host bioactive compounds. In this study, ten endophytic fungi were isolated from Polygonum chinense L. and identified by sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer regions. The fungal strains were fermented and the ethyl acetate extracts were evaluated for antimicrobial and antioxidant capacities. Almost 80% of the endophytes showed antibacterial potency against one or more pathogenic bacteria. Among all strains, Penicillium canescens showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens as well as significant antioxidative and DNA protective capacities. The strain Fusarium chlamydosporum displayed significant anti-radical (126.8?±?6.7 μg/ml) and ferric reducing (84.7?±?2.1 mg AA/g dry extract) capacities. The bio-autography, chromatography, and mass spectroscopy analyses of P. canescens extract revealed the presence of sesquiterpene (germacrene), plasticizer (phthalic acid ester) along with phenolic acids, flavonoid (quercetin), and short chain hydrocarbons. The secondary metabolites of F. chlamydosporum were identified with phenolic acids as bioactive compounds by chromatography and mass spectroscopy. This study indicates P. chinense endophytes as potential sources of antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds for novel drug discovery.     

Characterization of chickpea (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cicer arietinum</Emphasis> L.) lectin for biological activity

Lectins are proteins that are subject of intense investigations. Information on lectin from chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) with respect to its biological activities are very limited. In this study, we purified lectin from the seeds of chickpea employing DEAE-cellulose and SP-Sephadex ion exchange chromatography and identified its molecular subunit mass as 35 kDa. The free radical scavenging activity of lectin measured by the DPPH assay has IC₅₀ of 0.88 µg/mL. Lectin exerted antifungal activity against Candida krusei, Fusarium oxysporium oxysporium, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans, while antibacterial activity against E. coli, B. subtilis, S. marcescens and P. aeruginosa. The minimum inhibitory concentrations were 200, 240, 160 and 140 µg for C. krusei, F. oxysporium, S. cerevisiae and C. albicans respectively. Lectin was further examined for its antiproliferative potential against cancerous cell line. The cell viability assay indicated a high inhibition activity on Ishikawa, HepG2, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 with IC₅₀ value of 46.67, 44.20, 53.58 and 37.46?µg/mL respectively. These results can provide a background for future research into the benefits of chickpea lectin to pharmacological perspective.     

First record of the tick <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ixodes</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pholeoixodes</Emphasis>) <Emphasis Type="Italic">kaiseri</Emphasis> in Turkey

Nymphs and larvae belonging to Ixodes spp. were collected from a red fox in Turkey. The ticks were identified morphologically and molecularly (16S rDNA PCR and phylogenetic analysis) as I. kaiseri. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses show that our I. kaiseri isolate is very similar to I. kaiseri isolates collected from Germany, Serbia, Romania, and Hungary. Therefore, the existence of I. kaiseri has been demonstrated for the first time in Turkey. More studies relating to the regional distribution and vectorial competence of I. kaiseri are needed.     

Alterations in the Antioxidant Status of Transgenic Roots of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Artemisia</Emphasis> spp. Representatives after <Emphasis Type="Italic">A. rhizogenes</Emphasis>-Mediated Genetic Transformation

The effect of A. rhizogenes-mediated genetic transformation on the antioxidant status of Artemisia tilesii, A. vulgaris, A. dracunculus, and A. annua transgenic roots has been studied. Antioxidant activity (AOA) of aqueous extracts was determined using methods based on the ability to reduce DPPH⁺ and ABTS⁺-radicals. The level of AOA (DPPH) in 50% of extracts obtained from transgenic roots was higher than the level of activity possessed by extracts from untransformed roots. An increased ability to reduce the ABTS+ radical was observed in 80% of the extracts. Extracts of A. annua and A. tilesii transgenic roots were the most active, while the lowest antioxidant activity was shown in A. dracunculus extracts. Thus, A. rhizogenes-mediated transformation has led to a change in the antioxidant status of the “hairy” roots of several Artemisia spp. plants (except A. vulgaris). It can be used as a method for the enhancement of the natural antiradical properties of plants belonging to the Artemisia genus.     

In Vitro Anticancer Activity of Staphyloxanthin Pigment Extracted from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Staphylococcus gallinarum</Emphasis> KX912244, a Gut Microbe of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bombyx mori</Emphasis>

The present study reports the in vitro biological nature of the pigment produced by Staphylococcus gallinarum KX912244, isolated as the gut microflora bacterium of the insect Bombyx mori. The purified pigment was characterized as Staphyloxanthin based on bio-physical characterization techniques like Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, high performance liquid chromatography, Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H NMR), Liquid chromatography-Mass spectroscopy and Gas chromatography-Mass spectroscopy. The Staphyloxanthin pigment presented considerable biological properties including in vitro antimicrobial activity against pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans; in vitro antioxidant activity by % DPPH free radical scavenging activity showing IC₅₀ value of 54.22 µg/mL; DNA damage protection activity against reactive oxygen species and anticancer activity evaluated by cytotoxicity assay against 4 different cancer cell lines like the Dalton’s lymphoma ascites with IC₅₀ value 6.20?±?0.02 µg/mL, Ehrlich ascites carcinoma having IC₅₀ value 6.48?±?0.15 µg/mL, Adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial cells (A549 Lung carcinoma) bearing IC₅₀ value 7.23?±?0.11 µg/mL and Mus mucus skin melanoma (B16F10) showing IC₅₀ value 6.58?±?0.38 µg/mL and less cytotoxicity towards non-cancerous human fibroblast cell lines (NIH3T3) with IC₅₀ value of 52.24 µg/mL. The present study results suggest that Staphyloxanthin acts as a potential therapeutic agent especially due to its anticancer property.