Pelin Eroglu

Nigella sativa black cumin oil (BCO) exhibits well-documented anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; however, the impact of extraction-related compositional variation on its cellular and molecular effects in stem cell systems remains insufficiently characterized. This study investigated the effects of cold-pressed (CP) and supercritical CO ₂ (ScCO ₂ )-extracted BCO on the viability, inflammatory response and angiogenic potential of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs). The oil composition and antioxidant activity were assessed using GC/MS and DPPH assays, respectively. ASCs were treated with different volumes of BCO, and cell viability was evaluated at 24, 48 and 72 h using the MTT assay. Anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated by real-time PCR analysis of IL6 and IL10 mRNA expression, while angiogenesis-related molecular responses were evaluated based on VEGF mRNA expression. Both CP and ScCO ₂ -extracted BCO significantly increased ASC viability in a volume-dependent manner, with the highest viability consistently observed at 100 µl (P < 0.05). Treatment with 50 µl and 100 µl of either oil significantly reduced IL6 expression and concomitantly increased IL10 expression at 24 and 48 h (P < 0.05). VEGF expression was also significantly up-regulated at these time points, with ScCO ₂ -extracted BCO inducing a more pronounced and sustained angiogenic response (P < 0.05). These findings indicate that BCO enhances ASC via­bility and molecular responses in a volume-dependent manner, while differences associated with extraction-related compositional variation may modulate inflammation- and angiogenesis-related molecular signalling in ASCs.

This study aims to evaluate and compare the efficiency of microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and conventional Soxhlet methods for the recovery of bioactive compounds from apple pomace. The total phenolic content (TPC) of extracts obtained under various temperature and time conditions was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. The antioxidant activity was evaluated through the 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay to calculate IC50 values. The highest total phenolic content was obtained with Soxhlet (9.78 ± 0.18 mg GAE/g extract) and MAE-5 (9.7 ± 0.18 mg GAE/g extract) methods (P>0.05). The IC50 values of MAE extracts ranged from 17.8 ± 1.2 to 33.3 ± 0.9 µg/mL, with the highest antioxidant activities observed in MAE-4 (17.8 ± 1.2 µg/mL) and MAE-2 (18.8 ± 1.3 µg/mL) samples. Notably, no significant statistical difference was observed between MAE-4 and MAE-2 (P>0.05), indicating that short-duration microwave treatment preserves antioxidant potency effectively across the tested temperature range. The Soxhlet extract (25 ± 1.2 µg/mL) showed significantly lower antioxidant activity compared to most MAE samples P

ObjectiveSilver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely utilized in anti-migratory applications due to their beneficial physicochemical and biological properties. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxic and anti-migratory effects of AgNPs synthesized using the above-ground parts (stems, flowers, and leaves) of Onosma mutabilis (O. mutabilis).SignificanceGreen-synthesized AgNPs derived from O. mutabilis exhibit notable cytotoxic and anti-migratory effects on A549 cells, offering dual-functional potential. Their biocompatibility and capacity for targeted release in acidic tumor microenvironments make them promising candidates for sustainable cancer therapies.MethodsAgNPs were green-synthesized using aqueous plant extracts and characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis spectroscopy), X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cytotoxicity against A549 cells was assessed via the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and anti-migratory effects were examined using a scratch assay.ResultsUV-Vis spectroscopy confirmed the formation of AgNPs synthesised from O. mutabilis extracts by showing a characteristic absorption band around 420-480 nm. XRD analysis revealed their crystalline structure, while SEM demonstrated predominantly spherical morphology. MTT assay indicated that the AgNPs, especially those derived from the flower extract, significantly reduced A549 cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner, with an IC50 value of 5.28 µg/mL. In addition, wound healing assays confirmed their strong anti-migratory activity.ConclusionThese findings suggest that green-synthesised AgNPs induce cytotoxic and anti-migratory effects, highlighting their potential as therapeutic agents against A549 lung cancer cells.

This study provides the first detailed evaluation of C. erecta latex, an uncharacterised exudate of the Apocynaceae family, focusing on its phytochemical composition and bioactivity. HPLC analysis revealed nine phenolic compounds, mainly sinapic acid (4876.2 µg/g), ferulic acid (902.6 µg/g), and epicatechin (386.5 µg/g). Although the total phenolic content was relatively low (2.27 ± 4.2 mg GAE/g), DPPH assay indicated moderate antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 114 µg/mL), suggesting contributions from other bioactive constituents. Volatile profiling via HS-SPME-GC-MS and solvent-assisted GC-MS identified compounds such as p-cymene (14.05%), 2-hexanol (12.52%), and kaur-16-ene (72.06%). The latex exhibited antimicrobial activity against bacteria and yeasts, with MIC values ranging from 62.5 to 250 µg/mL, showing higher effectiveness against Acinetobacter baumannii, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida glabrata. Overall, the findings highlight C. erecta latex as a phenol- and terpenoid-rich natural product with promising antioxidant and antimicrobial potential, supporting its traditional dermatological use and future pharmaceutical relevance.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effects of hemp seed oil (HSO) on adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) to enhance tissue repair, regulate inflammation, and promote angiogenesis. Background: HSO, rich in bioactive compounds, was obtained via cold press (CP) and supercritical carbon dioxide (ScCO₂) methods to assess its effects on cytokines and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in ASCs. Methods: Chemical composition were assessed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and antioxidant activity was determined by measuring the % radical scavenging activity (RSA) with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). ASCs were treated with HSO and, cell viability was measured at 24, 48, and 72 h using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT). Gene expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and VEGF was quantified by real-time PCR. Results: The CP-fixed HSO had higher linoleic (48.48%) and oleic acid (29.33%) content than ScCO₂-extracted HSO. Phenolic content and antioxidant activity were greater in CP-fixed HSO [57.85 mgGAE (mgGallic Acid Equivalent)/g, 68.8%] than in ScCO_2-extracted HSO (58.5 mgGAE/g, 19.9%). Cell viability increased significantly with 75 and 100 µL of CP-fixed HSO at 48 and 72 h (p < 0.05). CP-fixed HSO up-regulated IL-10 and reduced IL-6 at 24 and 48 h (p < 0.05), while also increasing VEGF with 50 and 100 µL at 24 and 48 h (p < 0.05). ScCO₂-extracted HSO primarily up-regulated IL-10 but had limited effects on IL-6 and VEGF. Conclusions: CP-fixed HSO had superior phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and enhanced ASC viability, anti-inflammatory effects, and angiogenesis, suggesting strong therapeutic potential for stem cell use.

OBJECTIVE: Although many genes associated with prostate cancer have been identified, there are still many cases of prostate cancer whose genetics have not been identified. The urokinase-type plasminogen activator gene is thought to play a key role in cancer invasion and metastasis. The Pro141Leu polymorphism may be involved in the development of prostate cancer, although genetic evidence is lacking.

Objectives: Hereditary spherocytosis (HS) is the most common congenital hemolytic anemia in Northern Europe and North America. Damaged or deficient proteins in the erythrocyte membrane cause the condition, leading to a decrease in the surface area and volume of erythrocytes. Specialists traditionally use the osmotic fragility test (C-OF) for diagnosis. Researchers have developed new methods for flow cytometry-based tests that are the eosin-5-maleimide binding (EMA) and osmotic fragility (FC-OF) tests. In this study, we aimed to determine and compare the power of discrimination of FC-OF, EMA, and C-OF tests. Another purpose is to investigate the effect of incubation. Methods: We performed both real-time and incubated C-OF, EMA, and FC-OF on 20 patients diagnosed with HS and 30 healthy controls. We diagnosed HS based on family history, spherocytes, and clinical and lab findings. Results: We found that the success of all tests in the classification was statistically significant (p<0.001). The discriminatory power of C-OF was not different from that of EMA and FC-OF. FC-OF discriminated better than EMA. Incubation increased C-OF performance and decreased EMA and FC-OF performance. Conclusions: We think FC-OF should be preferred. Because it has higher discrimination power, specificity, and sensitivity. It gives faster results, costs less, and needs less labor. The lack of flow cytometer devices in every center is the biggest handicap of FC-OF and EMA. But we think that the FC-OF method can be adapted to hemogram devices available in every center in the future.

This study aimed to evaluate the phenolic profile, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antidiabetic properties of ethanolic and methanolic extracts of the different parts of the endemic Odontarrhena floribunda. The antioxidant activities of O. floribunda were determined with 1,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and the copper-reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assays. The strongest antioxidant activity was recorded in methanolic root extract (IC₅₀:1.68±0.25 μg/mL) for DPPH and ethanolic root (λ_450:0.68±0.20) extract for CUPRAC. Antibacterial activities of the extracts were displayed by the Resazurin Microplate Method (REMA). All plant extracts analyzed demonstrated stronger effects on Acinetobacter baumannii (ATCC 02026) than those of the standard compound. The in vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory of the plant extract were assessed using the Iodine method. Except for the methanol leaf extract, all other extracts showed strong α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (0.88-2.13 mmolTE/g). These results show that this endemic O. floribunda is a potential natural antioxidant, antibacterial, and enzyme inhibitor source.