Mustafa Yildiz

4-Nonylphenol (4-NP), an endocrine disruptor, is known to induce mutagenic, toxic, or carcinogenic effects, including testicular toxicity via inducing oxidative stress and apoptosis. The objective of this work was to determine the capacity of lycopene (LC) and gallic acid (GA) to protect testicular histological structure, biochemical responses, and semen parameters in rats exposed to 4-NP. In this 28-day dietary trial, six groups (n= 6 per group) received treatment via oral gavage: a control (corn oil, 2 mL/kg/day), LC (10 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day), GA (50 mg/kg BW/day), 4-NP (125 mg/kg BW/day), LC + 4-NP (LC followed by 4-NP), and GA + 4-NP (GA followed by 4-NP) groups. The results indicated that 4-NP administration adversely affects the final body weight, testicular histology, seminiferous epithelium heights (SEHs) (4-NP: 57.95 ± 0.49, p : 0.000), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level, testis antioxidant capacity, testis malondialdehyde (MDA) level, and sperm viability and morphology. LC and GA supplementation significantly improved SEHs, activities of testis superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH), and sperm viability compared to the 4-NP group. Moreover, LC and GA exposures decreased histopathological lesions, including germinal epithelial degeneration, vacuolization, immature germ cells in the tubular lumen, and congestion in the interstitial area. Furthermore, they lowered TUNEL-positive cell counts and tubule percentages, testicular MDA levels, and abnormal sperm percentages. To our knowledge, this study provides one of the first systematic comparisons of lycopene and gallic acid in protecting against 4-NP-induced testicular toxicity under identical experimental conditions. The findings suggest that both compounds preserve testicular structure and function through their antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties.

This research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of a novel nanocomposite, PtNPs/PEI N-GQDs, utilizing FTIR, UV–Vis, SEM, TEM, XPS, and XRD techniques. The study investigates the cytotoxic, apoptotic, and antiangiogenic effects of the nanocomposite on OVCAR-3 cells, aiming to understand the interplay between nanomaterials and cancer. Additionally, the electrochemical properties of PtNPs/PEI N-GQDs-modified glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) are explored, emphasizing analyses of HOMO–LUMO energy levels and band gap energy. Density Functional Theory (DFT) analysis results further support these findings by providing insights into the electronic structure and energetics of the nanocomposite. The nanocomposite exhibits promising electrochemical behavior, demonstrating high capacitance and sensitivity in glucose detection through cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) techniques. Selectivity towards glucose among interfering bioanalytes is highlighted, showcasing potential applications in tumor monitoring and diagnosis. Furthermore, the nanocomposite displays significant toxicity against cancer cells, inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Antiangiogenic effects are also observed, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits. Overall, these findings underscore the multifunctional properties of the synthesized nanocomposite, offering insights into its potential for cancer therapy and biosensor applications for glucose detection in bodily fluids. Graphical abstract

In this study, the synthesis, characterization, density functional theory calculations (DFT), and effect of polyethylenimine (PEI)-functionalized nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (PEI N-GQDs) and their palladium metal nanoparticles nanocomposites (PdNPs/PEI N-GQDs) on cancer cells were extensively investigated. The focus also includes investigating their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on ovarian cancer cells, which pose a serious risk to women's health and have high death rates from delayed diagnosis, inadequate response to treatment, and decreased survival. Graphene quantum dots and their palladium nanocomposites were differentially effective against ovarian cancer cell lines. In particular, the smaller particle size and morphology of PdNPs/PEI N-GQDs nanocomposites compared with PEI N-GQDs probably enhance their activity through highly improved uptake by cells. These findings emphasize the importance of particle size in composite drugs for efficient cancer treatment. DFT results revealed that the Pd-containing nanocomposite, with a smaller highest occupied molecular orbital-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital gap, exhibited higher reactivity and anticancer effects in human ovarian cancer cell line, OVCAR-3. Significantly, the application of nanocomposites to ovarian cancer cells initiated apoptosis, offering valuable insights into the intricate interplay between nanomaterials and cancer biology.

El síndrome metabólico es un trastorno común a nivel mundial en el que coexisten obesidad abdominal, presión arterial alta, dislipidemia y niveles altos de azúcar en sangre. En el estudio presentado, el objetivo fue evaluar los efectos del síndrome metabólico en la estructura histológica y las células enteroendocrinas del duodeno. Las ratas se dividieron aleatoriamente en dos grupos: control y síndrome metabólico. Mientras que las ratas del grupo de control recibieron agua del grifo durante 16 semanas, las ratas del grupo con síndrome metabólico recibieron agua del grifo que contenía un 20% de D–fructosa. Se tomaron muestras de duodeno del intestino delgado al final del experimento. Se aplicó el método de tinción con hematoxilina y eosina a secciones de tejido para exámenes histomorfológicos. Además, se detectaron inmunohistoquímicamente células inmunorreactivas de somatostatina y gastrina en el duodeno. Se determinó que la altura de las vellosidades, el ancho de las vellosidades, el área de las vellosidades y el grosor de la túnica muscular en el duodeno aumentaron significativamente en el grupo con síndrome metabólico en comparación con el grupo de control. De manera similar, se observó que el número de células inmunorreactivas de somatostatina y gastrina en el duodeno aumentó significativamente en el grupo con síndrome metabólico en comparación con el grupo de control. Como resultado, se reveló que el síndrome metabólico causa trastornos estructurales en el duodeno y cambia la población de células enteroendocrinas. Por tanto, se puede pensar que las funciones intestinales pueden verse afectadas negativamente y la fisiología digestiva puede deteriorarse debido al síndrome metabólico.

Copper is a trace element that accumulates in the body and forms harmful effects. Panax ginseng is a plant that possesses antioxidant properties. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether Panax ginseng protects the livers of rats exposed to copper sulfate. The rats were randomly divided into four groups as control, Panax ginseng, copper sulfate and Panax ginseng + copper sulfate. At the end of the trial, blood and liver samples were obtained from the animals. Biochemical analysis was carried out in blood samples. Oxidant and antioxidant parameters were analyzed in liver samples. In addition, liver tissue sections were stained with the hematoxylin-eosin, Masson’s trichrome, periodic acid-Schiff, and rhodanine staining methods for histochemical and histopathological examinations. It was found that serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels, also densities of copper and histopathological parameters except for central vein dilatation and malondialdehyde (MDA) value in the liver significantly increased in copper sulfate group compared to control group, but inflammatory cell infiltration and MDA value decreased in Panax ginseng + copper sulfate group compared to copper sulfate group. In addition, it was determined that glycogen density, glutathione (GSH) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the liver significantly decreased in copper sulfate group compared to control group, and they increased in Panax ginseng + copper sulfate group compared to copper sulfate group. As a result, copper sulfate causes structural and oxidative abnormalities in the liver. Additionally, Panax ginseng helps to protect liver tissue by diminishing oxidative damage in copper sulfate toxicity.

In this study, 3-amino-4-hydroxybenzenesulfonic acid-based imine compounds; 3-(2,5-dihydroxybenzylideneamino)-4-hydroxybenzenesulfonic acid (1), 3-(2,4-dihydroxybenzylideneamino)-4-hydroxybenzenesulfonic acid (2) and 4-hydroxy-3-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylideneamino)-4-hydroxybenzenesulfonic acid (3) was synthesized. The compounds were analyzed using various spectroscopy methods, and the experimental UV–vis data matched the theoretical predictions. The compound1displayed lower stability, higher reactivity, and easier photoexcitation due to a smaller HOMO-LUMO energy gap. The investigated compounds1-3showed promise as chemosensors for anions, providing visible detection in daylight conditions. The compound3exhibited selective fluorescence at specific wavelengths. The compounds1-3interacted with DNA through electrostatic interactions. Also, compounds1-3showed higher antioxidant activity than BHT. However, fluorescence measurements indicated that the emission signals were strongly influenced by the position and strength of the electron-donating group. Adding a hydroxy or methoxy moiety near the -OH group on the phenyl ring decreased the fluorescence signal due to intersystem crossing and intramolecular charge transfer mechanisms, respectively. These findings were supported by femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy measurements. The results emphasize the significance of substituents in imines derived from 3-amino-4-hydroxybenzenesulfonic acid in determining their biological activities, as well as their optical and sensor properties.

Chickens do not have lymph nodes. Gut‐associated lymphoid tissue is the major immunological organization for the digestive system. Cecal tonsils are an important part of this organization. This study is a descriptive and experimental study that was conducted to determine the histological development of the cecal tonsils and the distribution of Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 2, TLR4 and antigen‐presenting cells during the first 2 weeks of the chick's life. The tissue sections were stained using Crossmon's triple technique, Gordon and Sweet's silver impregnation, and streptavidin‐biotin‐peroxidase complex methods. The classical tonsil framework with fossa and tonsillar units were observed in 4 days cecal tissue. The web of reticular fibres forming the stroma of the tissue had the impression that the lymphoid cells filling in time. The development of cecal tonsil was completed histologically on the day 10 and following day 14 samples. Regardless of the antigenic stimulation, TLR2, TLR4 and CD83, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules are present in proximal cecal tissue. However, CD83‐positive dendritic cells in the germinal centre were first distinguished on day 7. Furthermore, the high antigen presentation capacity of the cecum with an intense MHC class II molecule expression was determined. Histological and immunohistochemical findings in this study revealed that both innate and adaptive cecal defence mechanisms were in the learning period during the first 2 weeks. The learning period of innate immunity may require more detailed research. However, the results obtained in this study will be taken into consideration in the vaccination programmes in chicks.

Stress is counted among the reasons of many diseases. Exposure to cold is one of the stimulants that leads to stress. No study has been found in the literature showing how the enteroendocrine cells in the small intestine are affected by cold stress. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the structural changes and the densities of gastrin, somatostatin, secretin and serotonin immunoreactive cells in the small intestines of rats exposed to cold. The rats were randomly divided into two groups as control and cold stress. Exposure to cold was performed as 6 hours once a day for 14 days. At the end of the experiment; duodenum, jejunum and ileum samples were taken from small intestines. For histopathological examination, hemotoxylin-eosin staining method was applied to tissue sections. In addition; gastrin, somatostatin, secretin and serotonin immunoreactive cells were detected in small intestine immunohistochemically. The numbers of gastrin, secretin and serotonin immunoreactive cells in all parts of the small intestine, as well as the number of somatostatin immunoreactive cells in ileum significantly decreased in the cold stress group compared to the control group. Besides, it was found that mucosal inflammation, edema, and villus atrophy increased in the small intestine due to exposure to cold. As a conclusion, cold stress causes structural disorders in the small intestine. Also, it reduces the populations of enteroendocrine cells containing gastrin, somatostatin, secretin and serotonin. Thus, cold stress might play a role in the pathogenesis of some intestinal diseases by adversely affecting digestive physiology.