177 results match your criteria: "Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy (INEP)[Affiliation]"

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the causative agent of acute hepatitis E infection in humans. Two epidemiological patterns of the disease exist-endemic and sporadic. Genotypes 1 (HEV-1) and 2 (HEV-2) are transmitted through contaminated water and are responsible for the outbreaks of many large-scale epidemics in developing countries of Asia and Africa.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The helminth Trichinella spiralis, through its excretory-secretory (ES L1) products, induces immune regulatory mechanisms that modulate the host's immune response not only to itself, but also to bystander antigens, foreign or self in origin, which can result in the alleviation of inflammatory diseases. Under the influence of ES L1, dendritic cells (DCs) acquire a tolerogenic phenotype and the capacity to induce Th2 and regulatory responses. Since ES L1 products represent a complex mixture of proteins and extracellular vesicles (TsEVs) the aim of this study was to investigate the impact of TsEVs, isolated from ES L1 products, on phenotypic and functional characteristics of DCs and to elucidate whether TsEVs could reproduce the immunomodulatory effects of the complete ES L1 product.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Thyroglobulin (Tg) is a reliable marker for detecting recurrence in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients, but frequently occurring Tg antibodies (TgAbs) can hinder accurate measurement. We aimed to develop a preanalytical protocol for precise Tg detection in TgAb presence using the immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) platform. This study involved forty-five patients who underwent IRMA Tg and radioimmunoassay (RIA) TgAb measurements, including two patients monitored for recurrence and one with confirmed recurrence.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Despite significant advances in drug discovery and the promising antitumor potential of combretastatin A4 (CA-4), which selectively targets rapidly dividing cancer cells, CA-4's effects on non-dividing human cells, such as peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), remain unclear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the in vitro bioactivity of CA-4 in human PBMCs, focusing on its antigenotoxic and antioxidant properties, while comparing its cytotoxic potency against PBMCs, cancer cell lines (JAR and HeLa), and the normal trophoblast cell line HTR-8/SVneo. Cell viability and metabolic activity were evaluated using the MTT assay.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

(Un)Tying the Knot: Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory Markers, and Lipid Status in Dogs with Hypercortisolism.

Animals (Basel)

December 2024

Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Oslobođenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.

The aim of this study was to revisit the complex relationship between inflammation, oxidative stress and lipid metabolism in dogs with hypercortisolism (HC). Fourteen dogs newly diagnosed with HC and an equal number of healthy counterparts of similar age and markers of oxidative stress (AOPP, TBARS, TAC, GSH, PON-1, and UA) and inflammation (NLR, PLR, SII, HPT, CHE, CP, and Hcy) were included in the study. To determine the lipid profiles, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were measured, and the electrophoretic separation of lipoproteins was performed.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background/objectives: The aims of the presented study were the development of four types of silibinin-loaded liposomes (multilamellar liposomes-MLVs, sonicated small unilamellar liposomes-SUVs, UV-irradiated liposomes, and lyophilized liposomes) and their physicochemical characterization and biological potential related to skin health benefits.

Methods: The characterization was performed via the determination of the encapsulation efficiency (EE), particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, conductivity, mobility, storage stability, density, surface tension, viscosity, FT-IR, and Raman spectra. In addition, cytotoxicity on the keratinocytes and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential were also determined.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

CAR-T therapy has demonstrated great success in treating hematological malignancies, which has led to further research into its potential in treating other diseases. Autoimmune diseases have great potential to be treated with this therapy due to the possibility of specific targeting of pathological immune cells and cells that produce autoantibodies, which could lead to permanent healing and restoration of immunological tolerance. Several approaches are currently under investigation, including targeting and depleting B cells via CD19 in the early stages of the disease, simultaneously targeting B cells and memory plasma cells in later stages and refractory states, as well as targeting specific autoantigens through the chimeric autoantibody receptor (CAAR).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

In the present study, phenolic and flavonoid composition and biological properties of methanolic extract of wild growing collected in Serbia have been investigated. Ellagic acid was the most abundant phenolic compound (34.92 µg g-), followed by 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid (4.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The increasing demand for natural compounds as an alternative to synthetic antioxidants and conservans has led to the utilization of secondary plant metabolites in the food industry, as these bioactive compounds possess great antioxidative and antimicrobial properties without side effects on human health. Despite this, the sensitivity of plant-derived compounds is a restrictive factor in terms of their full potential. The current research aimed to characterize rosehip-fruit-extract-loaded liposomes (non-treated and UV-irradiated) in terms of their density, surface tension, viscosity, chemical composition (FTIR and HPLC analyses), and thermal behavior.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Liposome Encapsulation Enhances the Antidiabetic Efficacy of Silibinin.

Pharmaceutics

June 2024

Department of Molecular Biology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11108 Belgrade, Serbia.

Silibinin has considerable therapeutic potential for the treatment of diabetes through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. However, the therapeutic application of silibinin is quite limited due to its poor bioavailability. In the present study, an attempt was made to improve the antidiabetic efficacy of silibinin by its encapsulation in liposomal vesicles.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The aims of the present research include (1) optimization of extraction from leaf waste via investigation of plant material:medium ratio, extraction medium, and extraction period, employing extractions at room and high temperatures, or using ultrasound and microwaves (M, HAE, UAE, and MAE, respectively), (2) physicochemical characterization, and (3) investigation of extract biological potential. The statistical analysis revealed that optimal levels of parameters for the greatest polyphenolic yield were a proportion of 1:30 g/mL, ethyl alcohol 50% (/) during 2 min of microwave irradiation. By LC-MS analysis, 29 phenolic components were detected; HAE showed the highest richness of almost all determined polyphenols, while chlorogenic acid and quercetin 3--glucuronide were dominant.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

In order to gain further insight into how various extraction techniques (maceration, microwave-, and ultrasound-assisted extractions) affect the chemical profile and biological activities of leaf extracts from L., Mill., and L.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Glycosylation and Characterization of Human Transferrin in an End-Stage Kidney Disease.

Int J Mol Sci

April 2024

Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy (INEP), Department for Metabolism, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health concern affecting approximately one billion individuals worldwide. End-stage kidney disease (ESKD), the most severe form of CKD, is often accompanied by anemia. Peritoneal dialysis (PD), a common treatment for ESKD, utilizes the peritoneum for solute transfer but is associated with complications including protein loss, including transferrin (Tf) a key protein involved in iron transport.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Without being aware of their chemical composition, many cultures have used herbaceous peony roots for medicinal purposes. Modern phytopreparations intended for use in human therapy require specific knowledge about the chemistry of peony roots and their biological activities. In this study, ethanol-water extracts were prepared by maceration and microwave- and ultrasound-assisted extractions (MAE and UAE, respectively) in order to obtain bioactive molecules from the roots of L.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Polyphenol-rich black currant and cornelian cherry juices ameliorate metabolic syndrome induced by a high-fat high-fructose diet in rats.

Heliyon

April 2024

Group for Nutritional Biochemistry and Dietology, Centre of Research Excellence in Nutrition and Metabolism, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia.

Diets high in fat and sugar lead to metabolic syndrome (MetS) and related chronic diseases. We investigated the effects of commercially available, cold-pressed polyphenol-rich black currant (BC) and cornelian cherry (CC) juices on the prevention of MetS in rats induced by a 10-weeks high-fat high-fructose (HFF) diet. Juice consumption, either BC or CC, with a HFF diet resulted in lower serum triglycerides compared to only the HFF consumption.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and caveolin-1 are membrane proteins that are overexpressed in prostate cancer (PCa) and are involved in tumor growth and increase in aggressiveness. The aim of the present study is therefore to evaluate PSMA and caveolin-1 proteins from plasma exosomes as effective liquid biopsy biomarkers for PCa. This study included 39 patients with PCa and 33 with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus had a great impact on the population of patients treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD). This study demonstrates the impact of infection and vaccination in 66 patients treated with PD and their outcomes during a 6-month follow-up. This is the first research that has studied the dynamics of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG in serum and effluent.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Aberrant glycosylation is a hallmark of cancer and thereby has an excellent potential for the discovery of novel biomarkers. Impairments in the glycan composition of lipoproteins impact their functional properties and can be associated with various diseases, including cancer. This research is still in its infancy; however, it can lead to the development of new diagnostic and disease stratification approaches as well as therapeutic strategies.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Recovering the bioactive components from pomegranate peel (PP) in the fruit-processing industry has attracted great attention in terms of minimizing the waste burden, as well as providing a new source of a multitude of functional compounds. The present study aimed to develop a feasible microencapsulation process of PP extract by using pectin and a pectin/2-hydroxypropyl--cyclodextrin (HP--CD) blend as coating materials. Microsized powders obtained by a spray drying technique were examined in terms of technological characteristics, exhibiting high powder yield and desirable moisture content, flowability, and cohesive properties.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Copper(II) complexes with an α-diimine show a wide variety of biological activities, such as antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant and anticancer. In this work, we synthesized and structurally characterized two novel Cu(II) complexes with methyl 3-formyl-4-hydroxybenzoate (HL) and α-diimines: 2,2'-bipyridine (bipy) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen). Crystal structure analysis shows that the formulas of the compounds are [Cu(bipy)(L)(BF)] (1) and [Cu(phen)(L)(HO)](BF)·HO (2), with BF as a ligand in complex 1, which is rarely coordinated to metals.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Sandwich ELISA for the Quantification of Nucleocapsid Protein of SARS-CoV-2 Based on Polyclonal Antibodies from Two Different Species.

Int J Mol Sci

December 2023

Centre of Excellence for Molecular Food Sciences, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 12-16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.

In this study, a cost-effective sandwich ELISA test, based on polyclonal antibodies, for routine quantification SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein was developed. The recombinant N protein was produced and used for the production of mice and rabbit antisera. Polyclonal N protein-specific antibodies served as capture and detection antibodies.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Blue C-phycocyanin (C-PC), the major Spirulina protein with innumerable health-promoting benefits, is an attractive colourant and food supplement. A crucial obstacle to its more extensive use is its relatively low stability. This study aimed to screen various food-derived ligands for their ability to bind and stabilise C-PC, utilising spectroscopic techniques and molecular docking.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Effects of Cesium on Physiological Traits of the Catherine's Moss Hedw.

Plants (Basel)

December 2023

Faculty of Biology, Institute of Botany and Botanical Garden Jevremovac, University of Belgrade, Takovska 43, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.

Mosses are proven bioindicators of living environments. It is known that mosses accumulate pollutants from precipitates and, to some lesser extent, from the substrate. In this study, the effects of cesium (Cs) on the physiological traits of acrocarp polytrichaceous Catherine's moss ( Hedw.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Early diagnosis of thyroid cancer is hampered by the inability of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) to accurately classify ∼30% of cases while preoperative cancer staging detects lymph nodal involvement in only half of cases. Liquid biopsy may present an accurate, non-invasive alternative for preoperative thyroid nodule assessment. Thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) mRNA, a surrogate marker for circulating cancer cells (CTC), may be an option for early detection of malignancy from peripheral blood, but requires methodological improvements.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

L. (steppe peony) petal extract was proficiently encapsulated into liposomes and biopolymer films in the current work, both times utilizing a single-step procedure. The encapsulation efficiency, size of the particles, and index of polydispersity (PDI), as well as the ζ potential of the obtained liposomes were determined, whereas in the case of films, the test included moisture content and mechanical property assessment.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF