Acta Universitatis Lodziensis. Folia Biologica et Oecologica
Acta Universitatis Lodziensis. Folia Biologica et Oecologica publishes original and innovative research papers on all aspects of biology and ecology especially in the field of zoology, hydrobiology, botany, microbiology, biochemistry, biophysics, physiology, behaviour, and evolutionary biology. Folia Biologica et Oecologica publishes standard papers but also longer papers such as review articles that sum up the current state of the research on a particular and important topic. Acta Universitatis Lodziensis. Folia Biologica et Oecologica on Digital Commons (Elsevier)
Immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme
Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Assessment of the Impact of Pretreatment of Spent Coffee Grounds with Diluted Sulfuric Acid on the Efficiency of Methane and Lactic Acid Fermentation
Lignocellulosic materials are composed of three major biocomponents such as cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, which form a compact lignocellulosic complex. Characterized by high caloric content, lignocellulosic biomass, including coffee grounds, is a valuable energy source that can be efficiently used in various bioconversion and biotransformation processes. Due to the high consumption of coffee in the world, there is an increasing amount of coffee grounds, which is a rich waste and at the same time a valuable secondary raw material, and its use fits perfectly into a closed-loop economy. Coffee grounds biomass contains polysaccharides, mainly mannans, proteins, lipids, polyphenols, which will allow the development of different biorefinery strategies, the creation of new value-added products with reduced waste generation. The research describes the pre-treatment of coffee grounds with dilute sulfuric acid to evaluate the effect of acid concentration, hydrolysis time on biogas yield, including methane and lactic acid biosynthesis during anaerobic fermentations. A yield of 381.12 mL of CH4/g-VS methane was obtained, accounting for 72.48% of the total biogas composition. It was found that the most efficient sample in terms of substrate pre-treatment for lactic acid biosynthesis was coffee grounds after 90 min hydrolysis with 1.5% H2SO4 at 121 °C.
The posterior hypothalamic area as an independent generator of rhythmic theta oscillatory activity
Theta rhythm is one of the most prominent examples of rhythmic oscillatory activity in mammalian brain and it is generated mainly in structures of the limbic cortex, including the hippocampal formation. In the 1970s it was shown that theta rhythm may be also recorded in diencephalic region including the posterior hypothalamic nuclei and supramammillary nucleus, together considered as the posterior hypothalamic area (PHa). For decades it was stated that local posterior hypothalamic oscillatory activity is controlled by the descending inputs going to the PHa from the septohippocampal system. However, the latest studies indicated that theta rhythm can be recorded in deafferented PHa in vitro preparations which indicates that the posterior hypothalamic area should be considered as an independent of the other brain structures theta generator. In subsequent research the neurochemical and cellular basis of PHa theta were examined in both in vivo and in vitro conditions. In the light of multiple evidence obtained in these studies, it is the author’s intent to summarize the data concerning the role of the posterior hypothalamic area in hippocampal theta rhythm generation as well as the ability of that brain structure to independently generate theta rhythmicity.
The role of the cytokinin biosynthesis pathways in the rate of tobacco leaf senescence
The regulation of leaf senescence depends on endogenous and exogenous factors, among them phytohormones like cytokinins (CKs). CKs are key players regulating the senescing process, as their endogenous concentration is linked to the onset and rate of senescence progression. Thus, this study aimed to identify the relationship between the activity of endogenous CKs biosynthesis pathways - the cytosolic mevalonate (MVA) and the plastid methyl-erythritol phosphate (MEP) and the rate of leaf senescence. To this end, three distinct tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) cultivars – Xanthi, Golden Virginia and Monte Calme Yellow were analysed. The study involved treatment with exogenous CK – benzyladenine – and two different CK synthesis inhibitors: lovastatin and clomazone. The progression of senescence was induced by light deprivation and monitored with chlorophyll level (SPAD), photosynthetic activity (PAM) and changes in the Rubisco protein profile (SDS-PAGE). Analyses showed that the Xanthi cultivar was characterized by delayed onset of senescence and stay-green phenotype, while Golden Virginia, and particularly Monte Calme Yellow showed rapid leaf senescence. The studies provided valuable information regarding the role of MEP and MVA pathway of CK synthesis in the regulation of tobacco leaf senescence.
Selected biological properties of quercetin, curcumin, and kaempferol
Polyphenols are a large group of organic compounds present in plants, where they play various roles pivotal to their proper physiological functioning. Polyphenols are ubiquitous in many dietary sources such as fruits, vegetables, beverages, seeds, and honeys. Diet plays a crucial role in sustaining overall well-being of the organism and preventing diseases, including cancer. Despite broad spectrum of health promoting activity of polyphenols, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, many of them are also potent anti-cancer compounds. In this review we focused on presentation of three polyphenols such as quercetin, curcumin, and kaempferol. We discussed recent studies concerning their beneficial impact on human health and potential as anticancer agents.
Simple approach to bacterial genomes comparison based on Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) using fastANI and ANIclustermap
The Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) was proposed as a standard for taxonomic affiliation of newly sequenced bacterial genomes. However, usage of ANI value as a means of strains phenotypic diversity offers a relatively easy way for studding bacterial phylogeny. Here we present a simple approach to bacterial genomes comparison based on ANI using fastANI and ANIclustermap. Both programs are available as an open-source tools and can be run using simple command lines. We present protocol for programs installation as a conda packages, that facilitate it utilization. Further, we explain how to prepare commands to perform the analysis. We believed our work could be useful for young scientist that begin their experience with bioinformatics.
The characterization of genome sequences diversity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains from international reference panel using wide range of in silico techniques
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important pathogen in patients suffering from Cystic Fibrosis as well as acute opportunistic infections in people without it. For the reason of P. aeruginosa having a broad range of habitats it’s diversity and adaptability lead it to be a very diverse species. Previous attempts of classifying P. aeruginosa strains based on their biochemical and genetic characteristics were made. In presented studied we performed additional characteristic of P. aeruginosa panel strains genomes using wide range of in silico approaches, including Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) - based phylogeny, as well as pan-genome and Intergenic Regions (IGRs) investigation. We shed light on strains diversity, expanding our knowledge about the strains assembled in this international panel. The results of our study may become the basis for further research aimed at fully understanding the pathogenesis of P. aeruginosa.
Probiotics as a potential tool for gynecological cancers prevention and therapy suport
The human body is host to a variety of microbial species that are essential for maintaining general health. About nine percent of these microbial species inhabit the urogenital tract. It is therefore important to establish a symbiotic relationship between the host’s immune system and the microbiota in this region. Disruptions of this symbiosis can contribute to the development of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), bacterial vaginosis (BV), vaginal candidiasis and/or even gynaecological cancers by promoting the proliferation of infectious agents. The chemotherapeutic agents currently used in cancer treatment are associated with undesirable side effects. Therefore, there is an urgent need for antitumor agents that have minimal toxicity compared to conventional treatments. Furthermore, the use of drugs to prevent or alleviate the side effects of cervical cancer treatment could significantly improve the quality of life of patients undergoing such therapy. In this review, we focus our attention on the potential efficacy of probiotics in both the prevention and therapeutic intervention of neoplasms affecting the genital tract.
Epigenetic Landscapes of Endometriosis: From Pathogenesis to Precision Medicine
Endometriosis, a challenging gynecological disorder characterized by the ectopic presence of endometrial-like tissue, presents significant diagnostic and therapeutic hurdles due to its complex etiology and diverse clinical manifestations. Recent advancements in understanding its pathogenesis have underscored the pivotal role of epigenetic alterations, offering new insights into disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Epigenetic changes in endometrial cells significantly contribute to endometriosis pathogenesis, disrupting normal physiology and hormone responsiveness, particularly to progesterone. Dysregulation of histone modifications, DNA methylation, and non-coding RNA expression disrupts cellular homeostasis and promotes disease progression. Histone modifications, notably methylation and acetylation, influence chromatin structure and gene expression, affecting progesterone responsiveness and disease progression. Epigenetic regulators such as Cfp1 modulate progesterone receptor expression and downstream signalling pathways, presenting potential therapeutic targets. Non-coding RNAs, including miRNAs and lncRNAs, exert regulatory effects on gene expression and are implicated in endometriosis pathogenesis. Dysregulated expression disrupts cellular homeostasis and promotes disease progression. Biomarker studies have identified specific miRNAs and lncRNAs associated with endometriosis, offering avenues for non-invasive diagnosis and targeted therapies. siRNA-based therapies targeting key genes involved in endometriosis pathogenesis show promise as novel treatment modalities. By modulating gene expression and cellular functions, siRNA-based therapies offer a targeted approach to mitigate pathological processes. In this review, we summarize recent findings in the molecular mechanisms and regulatory pathways of endometriosis, offering valuable insights into pathology and therapeutic interventions. Future research efforts aimed at elucidating the complex interplay between epigenetic regulators and disease pathways hold promise for innovative diagnostic tools and targeted therapies.
The use of UV-A radiation for biofortification of lettuce and basil plants with antioxidant phenolic and flavonoid compounds
Stable plant production is a crucial concern of modern agriculture facing increasing food demands and the risk of less predictable weather conditions in the open field. Alternative approaches for plant production are greenhouses and indoor farming. Modern LED-based artificial lighting indoor facilities allow not only to fill the gap in the supply chain of food production, but to produce plants characterized with higher concentration of essential phytochemicals. Thus, in this study, we attempt to analyse the efficiency of short-term supplementation of spectrum within ultraviolet A light (UV-A, 365 nm) to increase the antioxidant potential of leafy plants, assessed by total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) content. To this end, two distinct cultivars of baby leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. crispa L.) and microgreens basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) plants were grown under red-green-blue spectrum supplemented prior to harvest with low doses of UV-A radiation. Analyses showed that UV-A exposition enhanced TPC and TFC with green leaf cultivars, compared to dark-pigmented ones. The analysis also proved that plants exposed to UV-A presented higher overall antioxidant potential measured with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil (DPPH). Results are crucial for better understanding the potential of UV-A supplementation to produce functional plants which are natural sources of dietary antioxidants.
Potential role of bacterial pathogens in the immunopathogenesis of ovarian cancer
The development of next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques allowed conducting research with greater efficiency and determining the microbial pattern of niches in the human body that were previously considered sterile. Observed changes in the microbiome composition of patients with cancer lesions increasingly indicate the role of microorganisms in the tumour induction and progression. Overgrowth of certain pathogenic strains within the tissue may cause inflammation, which in its chronic form may lead to destabilization of host genome. Such changes may result in altering the expression of genes encoding proteins involved in significant metabolic pathways and promote pathogenic cell functions such as proliferation stimulation, apoptosis inhibition and modulation of inflammatory response. Consequently, these events may lead to tissue destruction, disruption of physiological processes and development of disease states including cancer. In light of emerging reports on the role of changes in the composition of the microbiota in tumorigenesis induction and the presence of pathogenic strains in the ovarian cancer (OC) tumour microenvironment (TME), the hypothesis of a potential role for bacteria in the pathogenesis of this cancer is also gaining interest. The following review presents a summary of scientific research indicating potential role of TME bacteria in the immunopathogenesis of OC.
Analysis of furin (FURIN) gene expression in the U-87 MG cell line as a potential target for gene inhibiting therapies in (auto-) immune diseases
Purpose: Furin is a proprotein convertase commonly found in the human body. The enzymatic activity of furin is necessary for the activation of numerous substrates including e.g. hormones and growth factors. Nevertheless, furin is involved in various pathological conditions caused by, among others, chronic inflammation. Therefore furin is considered as a potential target in autoimmune diseases therapy. We performed an experiment in which the expression of FURIN gene in U-87 MG astrocytoma cells was investigated. Additionally, this cell line contains some sequences coding human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), including ERVW-1 and its receptor- SLC1A5. Deregulation of HERV expression has been observed in some neurodegenerative diseases as well as in inflammatory process. Material and Methods: Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot (WB) techniques were utilized for analysis. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) were used for cell stimulation. Short interfering RNAs (siRNA) were used for gene expression inhibition in U-87 MG cells in vitro. Results: Cell stimulation by PMA strongly increased FURIN expression, simultaneously downregulating ERVW-1 (p<0.01). Moreover addition of PMA significantly stimulates the autocatalytic action of cellular furin itself resulting in the dissociation of its propeptide that was clearly visible in a time-dependent manner. SiRNA-mediated expression inhibition of ERVW-1 and FURIN influenced the mRNA level for SLC1A5 (ASCT2) - primary syncytin-1 receptor, that was significantly lower. FURIN inhibition by siRNA caused strong upregulation of ERVW-1 expression (p<0.01). Conclusion: Our results showed that stimulation by PMA and inhibition expression by siRNA affects the expression of FURIN in U-87 MG astrocytoma cells. Moreover, furin shows a complex relationship on the expression of ERVW-1 and SLC1A5 genes, as well as on the form (precursor or mature) and the amount of the final translation products of the transcripts. The regulation of FURIN may pose a potential therapeutic strategy in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases caused by autoimmunity.
Cytoplasmic male sterility in plants with special emphasis on sugar beet
The phenomenon of cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) in plants is characterized by a disturbance in the development of functional pollen. The cause of this disorder is the incompatibility of the mitochondrial and nuclear genome. Determinants of CMS are found in the mitochondrial genome and are inherited maternally. Nuclear Rf genes are responsible for restoring male fertility in CMS plants most often by posttranscriptional and/or posttranslational activity on mitochondrial gene expression. Two fertility restoring genes have been identified in sugar beet plants, of which Rf1 is the best characterized. It is concluded that the translation product of this gene acts as a molecular chaperone leading to inactivation of a specific mitochondrial protein that is a marker for the CMS trait in sugar beet. The CMS phenomenon is applied in the commercial breeding of hybrid varieties of many crop species. Exploiting heterosis is easier with the knowledge of cytoplasmic (mitochondrial) determinants of sterility and corresponding restorer genes.
Dielectric Spectroscopy of Polymers and Colloidal Systems
MMP-9 as a potential diagnostic marker for urolithiasis
Evaluation of the role of oxidative stress in the anticancer effects of CHK1 and PARP-1 inhibitors in HepG2 cells
Editorial. 9th Molecular Biology Conference
Current knowledge of the Łódź Upland avifauna
The authors evaluated the state of the knowledge of the Łódź Upland (about 18 000 km 2) avifauna. The total of 278 bird species was recorded by authors in the study area since the last century. After 1945, the total of 267 species were recorded, including 180 breeding species. According to the authors’ estimates about 11% of the area was investigated more preciously. The best investigated regions are: the Bzura river valley, 219 species were recorded including 165 breeding ones, the Pilica river valley, where the respective values are 211 and 158, region of the Jeziorsko Reservoir - 247 observed species and 152 breeding ones, the vicinities of the locality of Rogów with 118 breeding species and the Łódź city area with 125 breeding species. The Łódź Upland has been the place o f breeding for some rare birds in Poland: Cormorant, Purple Heron, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Hen Harrier, Montague’s Harrier, Curlew, Ruff, Herring Gull, White-winged Tern, Whiskered Tern, Crane, Stonechat, Collared Flycatcher, Aquatic Warbler, Bearded Tit.
Copyright (c) 2002 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The most important bird areas in the Łódź District
The eight areas of European or/and domestic importance for birds of Central Poland are presented in this paper. Jeziorsko and Sulejów Reservoirs; valleys of Pilica, Bzura, Ner and Grabia rivers; ponds in Walewice and ponds near Łowicz "Okręt” and "Rydwan” as well as Pilicka Forest and Zaięcze Landscape Park are described in the respect of bird communities and their potential risk assessment. Criteria for identification of other areas of local importance are proposed and 10 subsequent areas fulfilling them are listed.
The occurrence of black stork Ciconia nigra (L.), black grouse Tetrao tetrix (L.) and hazel hen Bonasa bonasia (L.) in Łódź region (The results of an enquiry)
This paper presents the results of enquiry sent (in 1994) to the forest district administration in Łódź (Central Poland), concerning three forest bird species: black stork, black grouse and hazel hen. Compared to the results of older study (from 1972) the increase of black stork population is distinguishable (now about 50 breeding pairs) contrary to abruptly decreased numbers of the other two species.
The present state of knowledge of the insect fauna o f the Bolimów Landscape Park, with particular reference to the river Rawka’s valley
During the study, 653 species of insects have been found in the Bolimów Landscape Park, including 62 rare and interesting species. Among them the beetle Aderus peniaiomus is a new species for the Polish fauna. Many species occurring here are new for the Mazovia region.
Invertebrates fauna of the Wzniesienia Łódzkie Landscape Park
This paper summarises the current data on the invertebrates found in the Wzniesienia Łódzkie Landscape Park (Central Poland). Untill now about 650 species were recognised in the border of the landscape park. Among those 23 species of insects are listed as protected and 7 invertebrates species are in the Red Data Book of the Polish fauna.
Disappearing and endangered butterfly species Ropalocera (Papilionoidea + Hesperioidea) of the central part of Poland
Based on own research and data from literature, the author created a list of endangered and extinct butterfly species in central part of Poland. He also brought forward the direction of change. He has also prepared proposals and notions for investors of country adm inistration in the field of managing of National Parks and all other landholders.
Longhorn beetles fauna (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) of Puszcza Pilicka
On the basis of the material collected from 1981-1995 in Pilica F orest and analysis of published data 76 species of Cerambycidae were recorded. Twenty nine of them have for the first time been recorded from the mentioned area.
Bag moths (Psychidae, Lepidoptera) of the Łódź Upland
Results of the investigations of Psychidae (Lepidoptera) of the Łódź Upland were presented. In total 15 species (41.7% of fauna of our country) were found. Their distribution was analysed.
The change of butterfly fauna (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea and Hesperioidea) of the central water-basin of the Pilica river
Results of 43 years investigations of butterfly of the river-basin Pilica were presented, in total 102 species were found 5 of them: Helroplerus morpheus (Pall.), Chazara briseis (L.), Minois dryas (Scop.), Pararge achine (Scop.) and Lysandra dorylas (Den. et Schiff.) are extinct now. The next 6 are endangered. It is: Colias palaeno (L.), Ephydryas aurinia (R ott.), Pseudophilotes balon (Berg.), Maculinea arion (L.), Vacciniina optilete (Knoch.) and Lysandra bellargus (Rott.).
Plants from the orchid family (Orchidaceae) in the Częstochowa Upland (south-central Poland)
In the 1992 and 1993 vegetation seasons, investigations were carried out on the distribution of plants from the orchid family in the area roughly corresponding to the Wyżyna Częstochowska (Częstochowa Upland) mesoregion (341.31 in the classification of Kondracki 1980). During those investigations, sites of occurrence were found for 22 species, 5 interspecific hybrids and 1 intergeneric hybrid. Of special interest are the sites of Russow’s Marsh Orchid (Dactybrhiza russowii), Violet Helleborine (Epipaclis purpurata) and Greater Butterfly Orchid (flatanihera chloraniha) as well as of aJl the nothotaxa, which have never been found in this area before.
Caddis flies (Trichoptera) in springs of the nature reserve Struga Dobieszkowska
Nine caddis fly species occur in springs and streams of the nature reserve Struga Dobieszkowska. Their life cycle and microdistribution were investigated. Five new species for the Łódź Upland were found.
Regional list of extinct and threatened vascular plants of the northern pa rt of the Silesia-Cracow Uplands
The presented list was created as a result of comparing almost 35-year long, mostly own (Hereźniak 1993; Hereźniak et al. 1996), floristic-sociological observations of the study area with a register of vascular plant species that were identified by F. Karo (1881) in the vicinities of Częstochowa over 100 years ago.
Endangered species of vascular plants of Kutno
In this article a list and characterization of endangered species of vascular plants, found in the area of Kutno in 1992-1994, has been presented. The research was carried out using a cartogram method.