Sağlık Hizmetleri Meslek Yüksekokulu Koleksiyonu

Bu koleksiyon için kalıcı URI

https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12428/3539

Listeleniyor 1 - 20 / 111

Modulation of Gut Microbiota Using VSL#3 and Its Impact on Aortic Parameters in a Rat Model
(Turkish Society of Cardiology, 2025) Altun, Mehzat; Küçük, Uğur; Yıldırım, Nuray
Background: The increase in aortic stiffness is a significant parameter of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), posing a substantial global health challenge and economic burden. The gut microbiota and its homeostasis, directly and indirectly, influence CVD. This study investigated the extent to which alterations in the gut microbiota can affect aortic parameters in a rat model through the administration of VSL#3. Methods: Twelve male Wistar rats were divided into VSL#3-treated and control groups. Cardiac function, aortic systolic, and diastolic values were assessed via echocardiography on day 0 and day 42, and fecal specimens were simultaneously collected from each rat. The formation and composition of the gut microbial flora were profiled using 16S rDNA gene sequencing. Results: Differences in bacterial density, as indicated by Chao analysis, exhibited statistical significance (P = .037) between the 2 groups. Additionally, in the VSL#3-treated group, significant improvements were observed in aortic systolic and diastolic diameters, as well as in aortic strain parameters, compared to the control group. Conclusion: This research highlights the potential of gut microbiome modulation, specifically through VSL#3 administration, as a promising strategy to improve aortic parameters, suggesting a novel avenue for cardiovascular health interventions.
Oxidative stress in preeclampsia: A comparative biomarker analysis across body mass index categories
(Sciendo, 2025) Çakına, Suat; Postacı, Emine Sevinç; Beyazıt, Fatma
Background Preeclampsia is a complex form of prenatal hypertension associated with endothelial dysfunction, systemic inflammation, and oxidative stress. This study aimed to determine the amounts of malondialdehyde, total oxidant status, and oxidative stress index in the blood of pregnant women with preeclampsia and controls, as well as how these parameters varied with body mass index. Methods The present study was a case-control study carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine & Ccedil;anakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Turkiye, from July 2023 to May 2025. The study included 50 pregnant women with preeclampsia and 50 with normotension (control group). They were divided into three groups: normal weight, overweight, and obese, using body mass index. Serum malondialdehyde, total oxidant capacity, total antioxidant capacity, and oxidative stress index levels were measured using validated spectrophotometric techniques. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 25.0, with a significance level of p<0.05. Results Malondialdehyde, total oxidant capacity, and oxidative stress index levels were significantly higher in the preeclampsia group than in the control group. Compared with the control group, total antioxidant capacity levels were significantly lower, particularly in the obese preeclampsia subgroup (p<0.05). Conclusions According to this study, preeclamptic women's oxidative stress rose as their body mass index rose. Our study's observed values suggest that they may be applied as prognostic or diagnostic biomarkers for preeclampsia. Our research might help create tailored risk evaluations and focused antioxidant treatments for high-risk pregnancies.
Synergistic Anticancer Effects of Metformin and Doxorubicin in Ovarian Cancer Cells Through Dual Apoptotic Pathway Activation and Oxidative Stress Enhancement
(Mdpi, 2025) Alkan Akalın, Senem; Afşin, Yasemin; Toprak, Veysel; Özdemir, İlhan; Tuncer, Mehmet Cudi; Öztürk, Şamil
This study aimed to evaluate the antiproliferative, apoptotic, and oxidative stress-inducing effects of the combination of metformin and doxorubicin (adriamycin) in OVCAR3 and SKOV3 ovarian cancer cell lines and to investigate the potential synergistic interactions between the two agents. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay. Apoptosis was quantified via Annexin V/PI staining followed by flow cytometry. Caspase-8 and caspase-9 activities were measured using colorimetric assays. Oxidative stress parameters, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO), were determined using DCFH-DA fluorescence and the Griess assay, respectively. The mRNA expression levels of apoptosis-related genes (Bcl-2, Survivin, Bax, and Caspase-3) were analyzed by qRT-PCR. Drug interaction and synergy were evaluated using the Chou-Talalay combination index (CI) model and the highest single agent (HSA) model. Prognostic relevance of target genes and protein interaction networks was examined through TCGA and STRING databases. The metformin-doxorubicin combination demonstrated strong synergistic antiproliferative effects in both cell lines (CI < 0.7 in OVCAR3). The combination significantly increased apoptosis compared with single-agent treatments, yielding a total apoptotic rate of 62.5 +/- 4.2% in OVCAR3. Caspase-8 and caspase-9 activities were elevated by 5.6 +/- 0.7-fold and 7.3 +/- 0.8-fold, respectively. Combination treatment also induced marked oxidative stress, increasing NO levels to 12.4 +/- 1.1 M and ROS levels to 412 +/- 25% in OVCAR3 cells. qRT-PCR analyses revealed downregulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 (0.28 +/- 0.04-fold) and Survivin (0.25 +/- 0.03-fold), along with upregulation of pro-apoptotic Bax (5.8 +/- 0.6-fold) and Caspase-3 (6.5 +/- 0.7-fold). Bioinformatic analyses indicated that high Bcl-2 and Survivin expression correlated with poorer overall survival in ovarian cancer patients. Metformin enhances the anticancer efficacy of doxorubicin through synergistic activation of intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways, induction of oxidative and nitrosative stress, and transcriptional regulation of key apoptotic markers. These findings support the potential use of metformin as an adjuvant agent to strengthen doxorubicin-based chemotherapy in ovarian cancer.
Combined Hesperidin and Doxorubicin Treatment Induces Apoptosis and Modulates Inflammatory Cytokines in HeLa Cervical Cancer Cells
(Mdpi, 2025) Özdemir, İlhan; Afsin, Yasemin; Tuncer, Mehmet Cudi; Öztürk, Şamil
Cervical cancer is a major gynecological malignancy linked to hormonal dysregulation and genetic alterations. Chemotherapy is standard but limited by toxicity and chemoresistance, prompting interest in plant-derived adjuncts. This study examined the anticancer and immunomodulatory effects of Hesperidin (Hes), a citrus flavonoid, with Doxorubicin (DX) in HeLa cervical cancer cells. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay, apoptotic markers (Bcl-2, Caspase-3) by RT-qPCR, and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1 beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma) by ELISA. Cytokine levels were normalized to 10(4) viable cells, and mRNA expression of all four cytokines was quantified by RT-qPCR, confirming protein-level changes and showing the strongest IL-6 suppression with Hes+DX. Chou-Talalay combination index (CI) analysis demonstrated synergistic interactions (CI < 1.0) between Hes and DX across all tested concentrations, with strong synergism (CI < 0.7) at medium and high doses, particularly at 48 and 72 h. Hes alone showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity, while the combination markedly increased Caspase-3, reduced Bcl-2, and decreased IL-1 beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha, indicating enhanced intrinsic apoptosis and complementary immunomodulation. These results suggest that Hes augments DX's pro-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects, potentially allowing lower chemotherapy doses and reduced systemic toxicity in cervical cancer treatment.
Molecular Identification of Fusarium Isolates from Bozcaada Çavuş and Karalahna Grapes in Türkiye
(Mdpi, 2025) Ateş, Gülçin Özcan
Contamination of agricultural products by Fusarium species is a significant concern and is commonly found in various agricultural products. They cause severe economic losses in the products, and contaminate and threaten human and animal health due to the toxins they produce. Therefore, determining species diversity in various agricultural products is crucial. Bozcaada is well suited for cultivating the highest quality Çavuş grape due to its unique location and climate. Therefore, in this study, the sequencing of the tef1 and tub2 genes in Fusarium isolates from table Çavuş and wine grapes Karalahna, which are specific to Bozcaada, was performed, and their phylogenetic relationships were examined. As a result, it was determined that 11 of the 17 isolates were Fusarium annulatum from the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex (FFSC), 2 were Fusarium nirenbergiae from the Fusarium oxysporum species complex (FOSC), 2 were Fusarium fabacearum from the FOSC, and the last 2 isolates were Fusarium makinsoniae and Fusarium clavus (as ‘clavum’) from the F. incarnatum-equiseti species complex (FIESC). The F. makinsoniae and F. fabacearum species obtained in the study are the first recorded for Türkiye. This research highlights the variety of Fusarium species identified in Bozcaada vineyards in Türkiye.
Combined Hesperidin and Gemcitabine Therapy Modulates Apoptosis and Angiogenesis Pathways in ISHIKAWA Human Endometrial Adenocarcinoma Cells
(Mdpi, 2025) Afşin, Yasemin; Özdemir, İlhan; Toprak, Veysel; Tuncer, Mehmet Cudi; Öztürk, Şamil
Background and Objectives: Endometrial adenocarcinoma is among the most prevalent malignancies of the female reproductive system, and therapeutic options remain limited, particularly in advanced stages. In recent years, natural agents, especially flavonoids, have gained considerable interest for their capacity to enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic drugs and modulate tumor-related molecular mechanisms. Hesperidin, a citrus-derived flavonoid, is recognized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, while Gemcitabine, a nucleoside analog, is widely used in cancer treatment. Investigating their combined effects on endometrial carcinoma cells could yield novel insights into multimodal therapeutic development. This current study aimed to assess the impact of Hesperidin (Hes) and Gemcitabine (Gem) on ISHIKAWA cells, a human endometrial adenocarcinoma model, with particular attention to pathways associated with hypoxia, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. Materials and Methods: ISHIKAWA cells were treated with varying concentrations of Hes (50-200 mu M) and Gem (10-50 nM), either individually or together, for 24 and 48 h. Cell viability was determined using the MTT assay, while apoptosis was measured by Caspase-3/7 activity and NucBlue nuclear staining. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was quantified via DCFH-DA fluorescence. Expression levels of HIF-1 alpha, VEGF, Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3 were examined by RT-qPCR. Synergistic interactions were analyzed with the Chou-Talalay combination index. Biological enrichment was further explored using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. Results: Both Hes and Gem significantly decreased ISHIKAWA cell viability in a concentration- and time-dependent manner (p < 0.001). The combined treatment induced stronger apoptotic effects, as reflected by increased Caspase-3/7 activity and nuclear morphological changes. RT-qPCR demonstrated upregulation of Bax and Caspase-3, together with downregulation of Bcl-2, HIF-1 alpha, and VEGF. While Hes reduced intracellular ROS, Gem elevated it; their combination produced a balanced oxidative response. All dose combinations displayed strong synergism (CI < 1). GO and KEGG enrichment confirmed the involvement of apoptosis-, angiogenesis-, and hypoxia-related pathways. Conclusions: Co-treatment with Hes and Gem exhibits synergistic anticancer activity in endometrial cancer cells by promoting apoptosis, suppressing angiogenesis- and hypoxia-related gene expression, and modulating oxidative stress. This combined therapeutic approach highlights its potential as a promising adjuvant option, warranting further evaluation in in vivo and translational studies.
Boswellic Acid Enhances Gemcitabine's Inhibition of Hypoxia-Driven Angiogenesis in Human Endometrial Cancer
(Mdpi, 2025) Alkan Akalin, Senem; Afşin, Yasemin; Özdemir, İlhan; Tuncer, Mehmet Cudi; Öztürk, Şamil
Background and Objectives: Endometrial carcinoma is among the most common gynecological malignancies, with recurrence and chemoresistance remaining major clinical challenges. This study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of Boswellic acid (BA), a natural pentacyclic triterpene, and Gemcitabine (GEM), a nucleoside analog chemotherapeutic, on hypoxia, angiogenesis, and apoptosis in human endometrial cancer cells. Materials and Methods: ECC-1 cells were treated with BA, GEM, or their combination under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Cell viability (MTT assay); nuclear morphology (NucBlue staining); cell cycle distribution (PI flow cytometry); angiogenesis (VEGF ELISA expression); apoptosis (Caspase-3/7 activity; Bax; Bcl-2 expression); inflammatory cytokines (IL-1 beta; IL-6; TNF-alpha); and gene ontology enrichment were analyzed. Results: Both BA and GEM reduced cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner, with the combination producing synergistic cytotoxicity and lower IC50 values. Hypoxia enhanced drug sensitivity, particularly in combination therapy. BA and GEM significantly suppressed HIF-1 alpha and VEGF expression, with maximal inhibition observed in the combination group. Apoptotic induction was confirmed by increased Bax and Caspase-3 and decreased Bcl-2 expression, together with elevated Caspase-3/7, -8, and -9 activity. Pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were markedly reduced, and gene ontology analysis revealed enrichment of apoptotic, anti-proliferative, and anti-angiogenic pathways. Conclusions: BA + GEM combination synergistically suppresses hypoxia-driven angiogenesis and promotes apoptosis in endometrial cancer cells. These findings support its potential as an adjuvant therapeutic approach, warranting further preclinical and clinical validation.
Integrated Molecular Analysis of Thymoquinone-Methotrexate Synergy in Breast Cancer Cells: Apoptosis, Oxidative Stress, and Pathway Modulation
(Mdpi, 2025) Alkan Akalın, Senem; Afşin, Yasemin; Özdemir, İlhan; Tuncer, Mehmet Cudi; Öztürk, Şamil
Background/Objectives: Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality in women worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for effective and less toxic therapeutic strategies. Thymoquinone (TQ), a bioactive phytochemical derived from Nigella sativa, possesses antioxidant and anticancer activities. Methotrexate (MTX), a widely used folate antagonist, is an established chemotherapeutic agent but is limited by toxicity and resistance. This study aimed to investigate the potential synergistic effects of TQ and MTX in estrogen receptor-positive MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Methods: MCF-7 cells were exposed to TQ (0-100 mu M), MTX (0-10 mu M), and their combinations for 24-72 h. Cell viability was assessed by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and drug interactions were evaluated using the Chou-Talalay method. Apoptosis was quantified by Annexin V/Propidium Iodide (PI) flow cytometry, and cell cycle distribution was analyzed by PI staining. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was measured using a 2 ',7 '-Dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) assay, while antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT)) activities were quantified spectrophotometrically. Gene expression of Bax, Bcl-2, NF-kappa B, MMP-2, and MMP-9 was determined by Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Results: TQ and MTX each reduced cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner, while combination treatment significantly enhanced cytotoxicity compared with single agents (p < 0.01). Combination Index (CI) values < 1 confirmed a synergistic interaction, particularly at 50 mu M TQ + 5 mu M MTX and 100 mu M TQ + 10 mu M MTX. Combination therapy increased total apoptosis up to 83.6%, markedly elevated the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and enhanced caspase-3 activation. Cell cycle analysis revealed pronounced G2/M arrest. ROS levels increased approximately six-fold, accompanied by significant suppression of SOD and CAT activities. qRT-PCR results demonstrated upregulation of pro-apoptotic Bax and downregulation of anti-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, and MMP-9. Conclusions: TQ potentiates the anticancer activity of MTX in MCF-7 breast cancer cells by synergistically inducing apoptosis, oxidative stress, and cell cycle arrest while suppressing metastasis-related genes. This combination may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for breast cancer, warranting further validation in in vivo and clinical studies.
Bacteria isolated from blood cultures in a neonatal and pediatric intensive care unit and their antibiotic resistance: 5-year results
(Aydın Pediatric Society, 2025) Orhan, Zerife; Kayış, Arzu; Kirişçi, Özlem; Küçük, Burak; Altun, Mehzat; Aral, Murat
Objective: Bloodstream infections represent a leading cause of illness and death among children in developing nations. The aim of this study was to determine the bacterial profile and antibiotic resistance status of pathogens isolated from blood cultures taken from children in the neonatal and pediatric intensive care units of a university hospital in Türkiye. Methods: Isolation, species identification, and antibiotic susceptibility testing of 1,197 blood culture samples from the neonatal and pediatric intensive care units of a university hospital were conducted using classical methods and automated Bact Alert and BD Phoenix systems between January 2018 and December 2022. Results: Of the 1197 blood cultures included in the study, 776 (64.82%) were isolated from neonatal, and 421 (35.18%) were isolated from the pediatric intensive care unit. Of the 1197 microorganisms identified in blood cultures, 868 (72.51%) were gram-positive, 259 (21.63%) were gram-negative bacteria, and 70 (5.84%) were fungi. Among the identified bacteria, the most common microorganism was coagulase-negative staphylococci (62.40%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (6.59%) and Acinetobacter baumannii (6.26%). Methicillin resistance was 93.44% in coagulase-negative staphylococci and 54.54% in Staphylococcus aureus. Among Gram-negative bacteria, Acinetobacter baumannii showed a high resistance to all antibiotics tested, while Serratia marcescens had the highest susceptibility rate. Conclusion: According to the results of our study, the antibacterial resistance rates of microorganisms isolated from blood cultures differ. We believe that regular monitoring of susceptibility patterns of strains will encourage rational antibiotic use and provide more effective treatment by reducing resistance among bacteria.
Protective effects of swimming exercise on experimental rheumatoid arthritis in rats through modulation of leptin receptor expression and inflammation
(Turkish Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2025) Yavaş Durasıllı, Tuğçe; Zateri, Coşkun; Yüksel, Pınar; Şaker, Dilek; Demir, Ufuk; Karatağ, Ozan; Sencar, Leman; Ülker Çakır, Dilek; Edremitlioğlu, Mustafa
Objectives: This study aims to investigate the effects of swimming exercise on arthritis severity, radiological joint damage, and leptinrelated molecular changes in experimental rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in rats. Materials and methods: A total of 30 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three groups (n=10 per group): Control, Arthritis, and Exercise + Arthritis. Experimental arthritis was induced by a single intradermal injection of Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA). The Exercise + Arthritis group underwent a six-week swimming protocol (1 h/day, five days/week), beginning two weeks before arthritis induction and continuing thereafter. Arthritis severity was assessed by visual scoring, radiological analysis, and histopathological evaluation. Plasma concentrations of leptin and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-8, MMP-13) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and leptin receptor expression in paw tissues was analyzed immunohistochemically. Results: The Exercise + Arthritis group exhibited significantly lower visual arthritis scores (p=0.002), reduced ankle swelling (p<0.001), and decreased cartilage and bone damage radiologically (p=0.045) compared to the Arthritis group. Histopathological evaluation revealed that swimming exercise markedly attenuated inflammatory cell infiltration, pannus formation, and bone resorption. Although plasma leptin and MMP levels did not differ between the groups (p>0.05), leptin receptor expression, considered to be associated with joint damage, was found to be significantly lower in the Exercise + Arthritis group (p=0.009). Swimming exercise reduced arthritis severity and joint damage. Conclusion: Moderate-intensity swimming exerts protective, anti-inflammatory effects in experimental RA by reducing inflammation and preserving joint structure in rats, possibly through modulating leptin receptor expression and inflammatory pathways. Although regular swimming may serve as a useful adjunct to slow disease progression and joint damage in RA in rats, the translational relevance of these results remains uncertain in humans.
IV. International Eurasian Mycology Congress (EMC’24) Book of Proceedings
(Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart Üniversitesi, 2024) Bican Süerdem, Tülay; Özcan Ateş, Gülçin; Demirel Zorba, Nükhet N.; Asan, Ahmet; Bican Süerdem, Tülay; Özcan Ateş, Gülçin; Demirel Zorba, Nükhet N.; Asan, Ahmet
[No Abstract Available]
Genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on human lymphocytes: A comprehensive analysis
(Elsevier, 2025) Berber, Ahmet Ali; Akıncı Kenanoğlu, Nihan; Demir, Şefika Nur; Aksoy, Hüseyin
A growing amount of plastic waste is finding its way into natural ecosystems as a result of the widespread usage of plastics in modern society. These wastes degrade physically and biologically over time, transforming into microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs). MPs and NPs emissions from the terrestrial environment then mix with rivers and eventually the seas, forming garbage. The cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of 50 nm polystyrene nanoplastics (PsNP) on human lymphocytes were assessed using the in vitro mitotic index (MI), micronucleus (MN), and comet assays. Both 24 and 48-h applications were performed for MI, and it was determined that 50 nm PsNP provided a statistically significant decrease in MI compared to the control at all concentrations and application times (except 0.001 and 0.1 mu g/mL at 24 h). According to the MN test results, the MN frequency increased significantly at all concentrations when compared to the negative control. In the comet test, a statistically significant increase of comet tail length was observed at 0.001, 10 and 100 mu g/mL concentration with 50 nm PsNP exposure. Tail moment also showed a statistically significant increase at the lowest concentration of 0.001 mu g/mL and the highest concentration of 1, 10, 100 mu g/mL compared to the negative control. All test results show that PsNP has both genotoxic and cytotoxic potential.
Hydroxylated-graphitic carbon nitride@graphene oxide composites for sensitive electrochemical determination of COVID-19 drug molnupiravir: Effect of modifier composition
(Elsevier, 2025) Emre, Deniz; Yılmaz, Selehattin; Bilici, Ali
In this research, pencil graphite electrode (PGE) surfaces were modified with a two-dimensional and multifunctional composite material consisting of hydroxylated graphitic carbon nitride (hCN) and graphene oxide (GO) components for sensitive voltammetric determination of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) drug molnupiravir (MLP). The synthesis of carbon nitride, hCN, GO, and the composite material (hCN@GO) included thermal polymerization, hydroxylation, intermediate Hummer's method, and sonochemical processes, respectively. Then, the resulting composite material was electrochemically loaded on the PGE surface. The effects of various experimental parameters, such as the supporting electrolyte, pH, buffer concentration, and scan speed, on the analytical signal were investigated. The most vital one was the composite composition loaded on the PGE. The highest signal was obtained when the PGE surface was coated with the hCN:GO ratio of 30:70 (as weight%). The findings assigned electrode modification with proper composition led to an approximately 17-fold increase in the electrochemically active surface area and a 100-fold decrease in the charge transfer resistance of bare PGE. Thus, it could achieve approximately a 3-fold lower detection limit. The sensor exhibited a linear response in the 7-300 nM MLP concentration range with a detection limit of 2.2 nM without significant interference.
Deciphering the genotoxic and cytotoxic properties of teicoplanin: a combined laboratory and computational investigation
(Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2025) Berber, Ahmet Ali; Alıravcı, Işıl Deniz; Akıncı Kenanoğlu, Nihan; Demir, Şefika Nur
In this study, the mutagenicity and carcinogenicity of the teicoplanin antibiotic were first investigated using the Vega Hub and Toxtree software through in silico prediction. The cytotoxic and genotoxic effects were evaluated using in vitro assays, including the mitotic index (MI), micronucleus (MN), nuclear division index (NDI), and Comet Assay (CA) in human lymphocytes. In the in vitro studies, both 24-hour and 48-hour exposures were conducted for MI, and teicoplanin significantly decreased MI compared to the control at all concentrations. In addition, a significant increase was detected in the MN frequency compared to the negative control at all concentrations. In the Comet assay, tail length significantly increased compared to the control at all concentrations except for 5.6 mu g/mL, while tail moment and comet tail intensity significantly increased at all concentrations compared to the control. In conclusion, within the concentration range used in this study, teicoplanin was found to have cytotoxic and genotoxic effects.
Evaluation of antioxidant activity, anti-lipid peroxidation effect and elemental impurity risk of some wild Agaricus species mushrooms
(Bmc, 2025) Okumuş, Emine; Canbolat, Fadime; Acar, İsmail
BackgroundMushrooms are natural antioxidant sources that have been consumed as food from past to present and have a nutraceutical effect thanks to the bioactive components they contain. The aim of this study is to comparatively evaluate the antioxidant activity, total phenolic content (TPC) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) inhibition effect of three mushroom species (A. bernardii, A. bresadolanus and A. cupreobrunneus) belonging to the Agaricus genus and to perform the carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risk assessment of toxic elements such as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) in mushrooms.ResultsThe highest antioxidant activity (12.85 mg/mL), TPC (993.04 mg GAE/100 g), and LPO inhibition effect (2.50 mg/mL) were detected in A. bresadolanus mushroom. The lowest content of bioactive compounds was measured in A. cupreobrunneus mushroom. The range of Cd, Pb, As, and Hg levels detected in the three mushroom species were 1775.54-7521.61 mu g/kg, 1176.87-2377.37 mu g/kg, 15201.26-3092.53 mu g/kg and 147.86-576.53 mu g/kg, respectively. The THQ value of As in A. bresadolanus was found to be higher than 1. The HI values of A. bernardii, A. cupreobrunneus and A. bresadolanu were 1.29, 0.98 and 5.57, respectively. The CR values of Cd, As, and Hg were found to be around 10- 4 in A. bernardii, A. cupreobrunneus, and A. bresadolanus. Meanwhile, the CR levels of Pb were found to be around 10- 6 in the three mushrooms. The HI value for non-carcinogenic risk assessment was higher than 1, and the CR for carcinogenic effect was around 10- 4, indicating that consumption of these mushrooms poses a risk to human health.ConclusionsIt is thought that the elemental impurity levels in the analysed edible mushroom species were found to be at a risk potential level, and despite their antioxidant properties, uncontrolled consumption of wild edible mushrooms may cause serious risks. In order to minimize these risks, metal risk assessment studies should be continued in addition to the antioxidant effects and health-beneficial properties of mushrooms.
Is AI the future of evaluation in medical education?? AI vs. human evaluation in objective structured clinical examination
(Bmc, 2025) Tekin, Murat; Yurdal, Mustafa Onur; Toraman, Çetin; Korkmaz, Güneş; Uysal, İbrahim
BackgroundObjective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) are widely used in medical education to assess students' clinical and professional skills. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) offer opportunities to complement human evaluations. This study aims to explore the consistency between human and AI evaluators in assessing medical students' clinical skills during OSCE.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted at a state university in Turkey, focusing on pre-clinical medical students (Years 1, 2, and 3). Four clinical skills-intramuscular injection, square knot tying, basic life support, and urinary catheterization-were evaluated during OSCE at the end of the 2023-2024 academic year. Video recordings of the students' performances were assessed by five evaluators: a real-time human assessor, two video-based expert human assessors, and two AI-based systems (ChatGPT-4o and Gemini Flash 1.5). The evaluations were based on standardized checklists validated by the university. Data were collected from 196 students, with sample sizes ranging from 43 to 58 for each skill. Consistency among evaluators was analyzed using statistical methods.ResultsAI models consistently assigned higher scores than human evaluators across all skills. For intramuscular injection, the mean total score given by AI was 28.23, while human evaluators averaged 25.25. For knot tying, AI scores averaged 16.07 versus 10.44 for humans. In basic life support, AI scores were 17.05 versus 16.48 for humans. For urinary catheterization, mean scores were similar (AI: 26.68; humans: 27.02), but showed considerable variance in individual criteria. Inter-rater consistency was higher for visually observable steps, while auditory tasks led to greater discrepancies between AI and human evaluators.ConclusionsAI shows promise as a supplemental tool for OSCE evaluation, especially for visually based clinical skills. However, its reliability varies depending on the perceptual demands of the skill being assessed. The higher and more uniform scores given by AI suggest potential for standardization, yet refinement is needed for accurate assessment of skills requiring verbal communication or auditory cues.
Inhibitory effect of Curcumin on a cervical cancer cell line via the RAS/RAF signaling pathway
(F Hernandez, 2025) Özdemir, İlhan; Zaman, Fuat; Doğan Baş, Dilek; Sarı, Umut; Öztürk, Şamil; Tuncer, Mehmet Cudi
Objective. Cervical cancer has a very important place in female infertility and ranks fourth among cancers affecting women. Curcumin (CUR) is closely associated with the expression and activity of various regulatory proteins. It is also known that curcumin has preventive and therapeutic effects on various types of cancer. In this study, the anticancer activities of curcumin were demonstrated in the human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa). Methods. qRT-PCR and western blot analyses were used to evaluate mRNA and protein expression of curcumin in HeLa and immortalized human skin keratinocyte cell lines (HaCaT) (proliferation and apoptosis regulatory markers of the RAS/RAF signaling pathway). MTT analysis was performed, showing HeLa and HaCaT cell proliferation depending on the dose and duration of curcumin and doxorubicin. A wound scratch healing assay was applied to examine cell migration and invasion of HeLa after curcumin application. To determine the role of curcumin and doxorubicin in the apoptosis of HeLa cells, the mRNA levels of caspase-3 were examined by qRT-PCR. The results were analyzed with a one-way ANOVA SPSS 20.0 program. Results. CUR (IC50: 242.8 mu M) and DOX (IC50: 92.1 mu M) were determined to have the ability to inhibit the proliferation of HeLa cells and induce apoptosis over a 72-hour period and dose- dependently. Moreover, the results revealed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of RAF and RAS in HeLa cells were downregulated by CUR and DOX. Conclusions. The findings show that an alternative treatment method for cervical cancer can be developed with the application of CUR and DOX. Alternative methods for cervical cancer treatment may be developed using different methods in future studies.
Assessment of genotoxic and cytotoxic effects in COVID-19 patients
(Cukurova Univ, Fac Medicine, 2025) Alıravcı, Işıl Deniz; Berber, Ahmet Ali; Akıncı Kenanoğlu, Nihan; Ertekin, Yusuf Haydar
Purpose: The objective of our study was to ascertain whether the SARS-CoV-2 virus exerts direct cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on human blood defence cells. Materials and Methods: An in vitro analysis was conducted to assess the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of the virus using three established tests: the mitotic index (MI), micronucleus (MN), and comet assay (CA). These tests were applied to blood samples from 101 patients. The blood samples were simultaneously analyzed using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. The study population included patients of all ages and genders who presented to the outpatient clinic with symptoms suggestive of a respiratory tract infection and fever. Results: The frequency of MN in the human lymphocytes of COVID-19-infected patients (1.06) was higher compared to COVID-19-negative patients (0.68). Similarly, in COVID-19-positive individuals, parameters such as tail length (3.67), tail moment (1.786), and tail intensity in the comet assay showed a significant increase compared to the negative control, indicating DNA damage. In the cytotoxicity assessment, the MI frequency of COVID-19-positive individuals (0.041) was significantly lower than that of negative controls (0.051). Gender did not influence the cyto/genotoxicity (except for tail length) in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients. Among age groups, the SARS-CoV-2 virus increased MI frequency and tail intensity only in middle-aged individuals (26-36 years). Conclusion: The SARS-CoV-2 virus has the potential to induce cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in the human lymphocytes of infected individuals.
Thymoquinone Enhances Doxorubicin Efficacy via RAS/RAF Pathway Modulation in Ovarian Adenocarcinoma
(MDPI, 2025) Toprak, Veysel; Özdemir, İlhan; Öztürk, Şamil; Yanar, Orhan; Kızıldemir, Yusuf Ziya; Tunçer, Mehmet Cudi
Background/Objectives: Ovarian cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies among women worldwide. The heterogeneity among tumor subtypes and the emergence of treatment resistance have raised significant concerns regarding the long-term efficacy of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. In response to these challenges, drug repurposing strategies-utilizing existing drugs in novel therapeutic contexts-have gained increasing attention. This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of the combined application of doxorubicin (DX) and thymoquinone (TQ) on ovarian adenocarcinoma cells (OVCAR3). Methods: OVCAR3 cells were cultured in RPMI medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and 1% penicillin/streptomycin. Cell viability and proliferation were assessed using the MTT assay following treatment with various concentrations of DX and TQ. NucBlue immunofluorescence staining was employed to examine nuclear morphology and to identify apoptosis-associated changes. Additionally, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was per-formed to evaluate the expression levels of apoptosis-related and oncogenic pathway genes, including RAF, RAS, Bcl-2, and Bax. Results: The results demonstrated that the combination of DX and TQ significantly reduced OVCAR3 cell viability and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. qRT-PCR analysis revealed a downregulation of RAS, RAF, and Bcl-2 expression, along with an upregulation of Bax, indicating activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. These findings suggest that thymoquinone exerts an-ti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects by modulating the RAS/RAF signaling cascade. Furthermore, the co-administration of thymoquinone with doxorubicin potentiated these effects, suggesting a synergistic interaction between the two agents. Conclusions: Histopathological and molecular evaluations further confirmed the activation of apoptosis and the suppression of key oncogenic pathways. Collectively, these results underscore the therapeutic potential of thymoquinone as both a monotherapy and an adjuvant to conventional chemotherapy, warranting further validation in preclinical and clinical studies.
Antibiotic Resistance Trends in ESKAPE Pathogens Isolated at a Health Practice and Research Hospital: A Five-Year Retrospective Study
(J Infection Developing Countries, 2024) Orhan, Zerife; Kirişci, Özlem; Doğaner, Adem; Altun, Mehzat; Küçük, Burak; Aral, Murat
Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance remains a global threat with increasing morbidity and mortality rates. The aim of this study was to identify the antimicrobial resistance trends among ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp.) isolated from clinical samples at a Health Practice and Research Hospital over five years. Methodology: Microbiological diagnosis utilized classical culture methods and automated systems. Antimicrobial susceptibility analysis was conducted using BD Phoenix, adhering to European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) standards. Results: A total of 15,272 clinical strains of ESKAPE pathogens were identified in this study. The most frequently isolated pathogens among ESKAPE were K. pneumoniae (3.938, 27.79%), Acinetobacter baumannii (3,013, 19.73%) and Enterococcus faecium (2,966, 19.24%). Bacterial strains were isolated predominantly from urine (3,263, 21.37%), followed by blood cultures (3,099, 20.29%). ESKAPE pathogens were most commonly found in internal intensive care units (4,758, 31.16%), followed by surgical intensive care units (4,000, 26.19%). Reduced resistance rates were observed for most antibiotics against Enterococcus faecium and Staphylococcus aureus. The vancomycin resistance rate for Enterococcus faecium was 18.48%, and the methicillin resistance rate for Staphylococcus aureus was 44.87%. A concerning trend of increasing antimicrobial resistance was noted in Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp. Conclusions: The alarming rise in antimicrobial resistance among Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Klebsiella pneumoniae is a significant concern. The high rates of antimicrobial resistance observed in ESKAPE pathogens underscore the urgent need for improvement in antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention and control programs.

Güncel Gönderiler