Article
Ecology
Anne E. Winters, Weili Chan, Andrew M. White, Cedric P. van den Berg, Mary J. Garson, Karen L. Cheney
Summary: The study found that defensive compounds of nudibranch molluscs can be categorized into different classes, serving both as deterrents and toxins, but there is no clear relationship between palatability and toxicity. Some species may have limited chemical defensive mechanisms.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sandra Jokanovic, Katarina Kajan, Svetlana Perovic, Maja Ivanic, Vesna Macic, Sandi Orlic
Summary: Coastal marine sediments are heavily impacted by human activities, with pollutants such as PAHs and PCBs affecting bacterial community diversity and function. High concentrations of PAHs and PCBs led to reduced richness and diversity of the bacterial community, with specific bacteria showing potential for degradation of aromatic compounds. Predicted metabolic pathways provide insights into the environmental health and human-induced pollution impacts on the coastal ecosystem of Montenegro.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Rahul Singh, Deepak B. Salunke
Summary: IDO1 enzyme catalyzes the initial step of kynurenine pathway and is implicated in immune modulation, antioxidation, and cancer progression. Overexpression of IDO1 plays a pivotal role in immune evasion and cancer development. Research and development of IDO1 inhibitors holds significant potential in immunotherapy and disease treatment.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Dahae Lee, Jaekyung Kim, Sungyoul Choi, Jinwon Choi, Jin Woo Lee, Ki Sung Kang, Sang Hee Shim
Summary: Pancreatic beta-cell function and insulin secretion are important in antidiabetic drug development. In this study, an endophytic fungus was investigated for its potential in regulating insulin secretion. Ten compounds were isolated and found to increase glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in rat pancreatic beta-cells. Further investigation revealed the involvement of a signaling pathway in the activation of PPAR gamma and PDX-1.
BIOORGANIC & MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Biology
Yousef Al-Dalahmeh, Sondos Abdullah J. Almahmoud, Nezar Al-Bataineh, Taqwa A. A. Alghzawi, Abdulrahman G. G. Alhamzani, Aamal A. A. Al-Mutairi, Hala I. I. Al-Jaber, Sultan T. T. Abu Orabi, Tareq T. T. Bataineh, Mohammed S. S. Al-Sheraideh, Mahmoud A. A. Al-Qudah
Summary: This study investigated the chemical composition of the essential oil of Scrophularia peyronii Post. from Jordan for the first time. The major constituents of the essential oil were Z,Z-farnesyl acetone, β-elemene, n-octanal, and spathulenol. Extracts obtained from different polar solvents contained flavonoids, saponins, anthraquinone, and glycosides. The butanol extract exhibited higher phenolic and flavonoid contents and higher antioxidant activity compared to the aqueous methanol extract.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Enzo Mancuso, Cecilia Romano, Nino Trattnig, Philipp Gritsch, Paul Kosma, Mads H. Clausen
Summary: The method involves preparing a suitably protected homogalacturonan tetrasaccharide backbone through post-glycosylation oxidation, followed by stereoselective glycosylation with a Kdo fluoride donor to synthesize a fully deprotected Kdo-containing rhamnogalacturonan II pentasaccharide.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yang Fang, Zhijian Jiang, Linglan Li, Jinlong Li, Jialu He, Songlin Liu, Lijun Cui, Xiaoping Huang, Yuncho Wu
Summary: Seagrass-herbivore interactions are crucial for regulating coastal food webs and are affected by nutrient enrichment. This study investigated the effects of ammonium enrichment on the nutritional quality and defense mechanisms of seagrass, as well as the subsequent grazing activity of herbivorous snails. The results showed that ammonium enrichment increased seagrass palatability and decreased physical defense. The preference of the snails for intact seagrass was primarily determined by nutritional quality, while grazing intensity on agar seagrass was mainly influenced by chemical deterrents. Overall, this study highlights the potential negative impact of ammonium enrichment on seagrass loss.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Bowen Yang, Qian Wu, Xiajuan Huan, Yingqing Wang, Yin Sun, Yueyue Yang, Tongchao Liu, Xin Wang, Lin Chen, Bing Xiong, Dongmei Zhao, Zehong Miao, Danqi Chen
Summary: In an in-house screening, it was discovered that the 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine scaffold has high inhibition on TNIK. Several designed compounds showed potent TNIK inhibition with IC50 values lower than 1 nM, and some exhibited concentration-dependent characteristics of IL-2 inhibition. These results suggest new applications and prospects for TNIK inhibitors as a drug target.
BIOORGANIC & MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Juan B. Rodriguez, Sergio H. Szajnman
Summary: This article presents molecular targets for a safe chemotherapy approach against toxoplasmosis, including the isoprenoid pathway, dihydrofolate reductase, calcium-dependent protein kinases, histone deacetylase, and mitochondrial electron transport chain.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Developmental Biology
Vasiliki E. Mourikes, Jodi A. Flaws
Summary: Ovaries are crucial for female reproductive health as the site of oocyte maturation and sex steroid hormone production, making them susceptible targets for chemical mixtures. Exposure to chemical mixtures can affect ovarian development, folliculogenesis, and steroidogenesis, leading to long-term consequences such as infertility and ovarian disease.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jelka Pleadin, Tina Lesic, Vesna Vujacic, Dragan Milicevic, Anamarija Buneta, Sasa Susnic, Ingrid Lukanic, Greta Kresic
Summary: The study found that Croatian and Montenegrin dry-cured meat products and dry-fermented sausages did not show significant differences in most chemical components, except for pancetta which had differences in moisture, fat, and sugar contents. The protein share also varied between the two countries in some products. Additionally, there were differences in the fatty acid profile between products from the two countries.
JOURNAL OF FOOD QUALITY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Kai P. Hussnaetter, Magnus Philipp, Kira Muntjes, Michael Feldbruegge, Kerstin Schipper
Summary: Heterologous protein production is achieved through unconventional secretion in the fungal model microorganism Ustilago maydis. By utilizing the kinase Don3 as a gatekeeper for export control, regulation is successfully established at both transcriptional and post-translational levels, allowing for efficient production and secretion of desired protein products.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fan Zhang, Yunpeng Wang, Jingyang Yue, Rongrong Zhang, Yong-er Hu, Ruoshi Huang, Ai-jia Ji, B. Andes Hess, Zhongqiu Liu, Lixin Duan, Ruibo Wu
Summary: This study identified two new plant 2,3-oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs) and revealed the essential residue responsible for protosta-13 (17),24-dienol biosynthesis. Mutations were introduced to completely reshape the native function of the cyclases into a different function. Computational modeling provided insights into the mechanisms of functional reshaping.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hoseong Hwang, Dahae Lee, Jong Dai Son, Jong Gwon Baek, Hyeon-Seong Lee, InWha Park, Dong Hoon Kim, Soon Kwang Lee, Won Kyu Kim, Hak Cheol Kwon, Ki Sung Kang, Jaeyoung Kwon
Summary: In this study, 13 compounds, including three new monoterpenoids, were isolated from the leaves of Actinidia polygama. The structures of these compounds were characterized and their potential bioactivities were investigated. Two compounds, 3-O-coumaroylmaslinic acid and jacoumaric acid, showed insulin secretion activity and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Furthermore, they increased the expression of insulin-related proteins and may be developed as potential antidiabetic agents.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ying Chen, Chuankun Zhang, Lin Lu, Xiaohui Zheng, Suqin Chang
Summary: This study examined the dynamics of upper-body sweat distribution in young males wearing fully encapsulated chemical protective ensembles (FCPE) and investigated the variations in sweat rate within regions and over time. The findings demonstrated that FCPE promotes body perspiration, and the upper body can be divided into three zones based on sweat rate distribution, which is significant for designing more comfortable clothing.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Vinaya Simha, Ian R. Lanza, Surendra Dasari, Katherine A. Klaus, Nathan Le Brasseur, Ivan Vuckovic, Marcello C. Laurenti, Claudio Cobelli, John D. Port, K. Sreekumaran Nair
Summary: Familial partial lipodystrophy (FPL) is characterized by muscle hypertrophy and insulin resistance. However, FPL patients do not show increased muscle strength despite their muscularity, and experience earlier fatigue during exercise. This is accompanied by impaired mitochondrial function and altered gene expression, which may explain the metabolic abnormalities and skeletal muscle dysfunction in FPL patients.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Aleksandar Popovic, Boban Andjelkovic, Dragana Djordjevic, Sanja Sakan, Ljubodrag Vujisic, Sava Velickovic, Dubravka Relic
Summary: This study analyzed the characteristics of the Principality of Serbia stamps as well as their forgeries using FTIR-ATR spectroscopy, and found that this method is a fast and reliable technique for distinguishing between the original stamps and forgeries based on the differences in paper and dye characteristics. The study also revealed variations in the printings of the same stamps. Additionally, it suggested the possibility that Vienna issue stamps may have been printed on different papers.
JOURNAL OF THE SERBIAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ljubica Tasic, Natasa Avramovic, Melissa Quintero, Danijela Stanisic, Lucas G. Martins, Tassia Brena Barroso Carneiro da Costa, Milka Jadranin, Maria Theresa de Souza Accioly, Paulo Faria, Beatriz de Camargo, Bruna M. de Sa Pereira, Mariana Maschietto
Summary: Pediatric cancer NMR-metabonomics offers a powerful tool for studying tumor development and improving cancer diagnosis and treatment. This study used HR-MAS NMR to analyze Wilms tumor and normal kidney samples, revealing significant differences in metabolites between the tumor and normal tissues. These findings provide insight into the altered metabolic pathways in Wilms tumor.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nikola Vesovic, Marija Nenadic, Marina Sokovic, Ana Ciric, Ljubodrag Vujisic, Marina Todosijevic, Natasa Stevanovic, Vesna Peric-Mataruga, Larisa Ilijin, Srecko Curcic
Summary: The chemical composition and antimicrobial potency of the pygidial gland secretion of the blue ground beetle were studied. Methacrylic and angelic acids were identified as the dominant chemicals in the secretion. The secretion exhibited antimicrobial action against certain bacteria and all tested micromycetes, with the strongest antifungal effect observed against Penicillium ochrochloron.
Article
Biophysics
Ryan Meloche, Ivan Vuckovic, Prasanna K. Mishra, Slobodan Macura
Summary: In this study, a model of transverse relaxation accelerated by diffusion and exchange (TRADE) is proposed to describe the transverse relaxation of water in fixed tissue. The model was experimentally verified on water phantoms and formalin-fixed zebrafish, mouse brain, and rabbit larynx tissues. The results demonstrate that TRADE can quantitatively describe the transverse relaxation of water in fixed tissue and help predict optimal scanning parameters for high-resolution MRM.
NMR IN BIOMEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jin-Ho Koh, Mark W. Pataky, Surendra Dasari, Katherine A. Klaus, Ivan Vuckovic, Gregory N. Ruegsegger, Arathi Prabha Kumar, Matthew M. Robinson, K. Sreekumaran Nair
Summary: Resistance exercise training (RET) is effective in counteracting sarcopenia, frailty, and metabolic disorders. The increase in PGC-1 alpha 4 expression induced by RET promotes muscle hypertrophy and enhances glycolysis, providing a rapid supply of ATP for muscle contractions. The findings also suggest a mechanistic link between RET and improved glucose metabolism.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
D. Kent Arrell, Sungjo Park, Satsuki Yamada, Alexey E. Alekseev, Armin Garmany, Ryounghoon Jeon, Ivan Vuckovic, Jelena Zlatkovic Lindor, Andre Terzic
Summary: This study used multiomics surveillance and systems interrogation to study the cellular impact of Kir6.2 deficiency in the heart. The results showed that despite normal organ performance, the knockout hearts exhibited altered proteome and metabolome profiles, indicating that Kir6.2 deficiency can lead to metabolic reorganization and disease susceptibility.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Panteleimon G. Takis, Ivan Vuckovic, Tricia Tan, Aleksandar Denic, John C. Lieske, Matthew R. Lewis, Slobodan Macura
Summary: H-1 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is an established bioanalytical technology used for metabolic profiling of biofluids. Recently, researchers have demonstrated the quantification of urinary proteins using the same H-1 NMR experimental data. They have developed a freely available platform called NMRpQuant, which employs novel computational NMR approaches for rigorous and automated protein urine quantification. The results have been validated through interlaboratory comparisons and show agreement with clinical/biochemical methodologies, indicating the potential use of NMRpQuant as a ready-to-use tool for routine protein urinalyses.
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Charat Thongprayoon, Ivan Vuckovic, Lisa E. Vaughan, Slobodan Macura, Nicholas B. Larson, Matthew R. D'Costa, John C. Lieske, Andrew D. Rule, Aleksandar Denic
Summary: This study compared the urine samples of first-time stone formers and controls using high-resolution H-1 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy-based metabolomic analysis. The results showed differences in urine metabolites and chemistries between the two groups, providing insights into the pathogenesis of kidney stones.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katarina Simic, Nina Todorovic, Snezana Trifunovic, Zoran Miladinovic, Aleksandra Gavrilovic, Silvana Jovanovic, Natasa Avramovic, Dejan Godevac, Ljubodrag Vujisic, Vele Tesevic, Ljubica Tasic, Boris Mandic
Summary: Schizophrenia is a common mental disorder that significantly impairs patients' functioning and leads to premature death. There are gaps in the understanding and diagnosis of this disease, but personalized and precise approaches are needed for patients through customized medical treatment and reliable monitoring of treatment response. Metabolomic investigations of serum samples of Serbian patients with schizophrenia led to the identification of 26 metabolites/biomarkers for this disorder. These findings provide a good starting point for the establishment of a universal set of biomarkers for schizophrenia, including metabolites that are common among different ethnic and geographic origins.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stefan Ivanovic, Katarina Simic, Stefan Lekic, Milka Jadranin, Ljubodrag Vujisic, Dejan Godevac
Summary: This study used Allium ursinum and poisonous adulterants Convallaria majalis and Arum maculaturn as a model to detect adulterants in edible plants. Metabolomic analysis was conducted using H-1 NMR spectroscopy, and biomarkers of adulteration were identified using 2D NMR and LC-MS techniques. Isovitexin, vicenin II, azetidine-2-carboxylic acid, and trigonelline were found to indicate adulteration in A. ursinum samples. The study suggests that the plant metabolomics approach can be used to identify biomarkers of adulteration in edible plants.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Sofija Vranic, Ljubodrag Vujisic, Nikola Vesovic, Marina Todosijevic, Milos Pavicevic, Dejan Radovic, Srecko Curcic
Summary: Pygidial glands are important for ground beetles, especially those living in subterranean habitats, to defend against predators. This study aims to understand the chemistry, function, and structure of the pygidial gland secretions of subterranean ground beetles. The chemical composition of the defensive secretion was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and the morphology of the glands was examined using bright-field microscopy.
Article
Physiology
Bojan M. Mitic, Slavica S. Borkovic-Mitic, Jelena S. Vrankovic, Dalibor Z. Stojanovic, Sladan Z. Pavlovic
Summary: The study analyzed the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in different age classes of the Mediterranean centipede Scolopendra cingulata. The results showed that there were changes in the activities of these enzymes and the concentrations of sulfhydryl (SH) groups and glutathione (GSH) during different stages of development. The antioxidant enzyme (AOE) activities were not uniform among adult age classes, indicating different responses and susceptibility to reactive oxygen species (ROS). Body length was found to be directly related to age and played a role in the regulation of antioxidant defense.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY B-BIOCHEMICAL SYSTEMS AND ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jovan Lazarevic, Milica Acimovic, Lato Pezo, Biljana Loncar, Bojan Konstantinovic, Milena Popov, Olja Sovljanski, Vanja Travicic, Vladimir Sikora, Ljubodrag Vujisic
Summary: This study aimed to assess the additional value of hydrolates as by-products of essential oil distillation. The chemical compositions of angelica and hop hydrolates were compared with their corresponding essential oils, and their biological potential was examined. The results showed that the hydrolates had lower antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, but exhibited potential as natural herbicides in inhibiting weed growth and seed germination.
WASTE AND BIOMASS VALORIZATION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katarina Simic, Zoran Miladinovic, Nina Todorovic, Snezana Trifunovic, Natasa Avramovic, Aleksandra Gavrilovic, Silvana Jovanovic, Dejan Godevac, Ljubodrag Vujisic, Vele Tesevic, Ljubica Tasic, Boris Mandic
Summary: Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that affects mood, energy, and functioning. It has a high prevalence worldwide and poses a significant burden. A metabolomic study using NMR identified 22 metabolites in serum samples of Serbian patients with bipolar disorder, including threonine, aspartate, gamma-aminobutyric acid, 2-hydroxybutyric acid, serine, and mannose. Six of these metabolites were also found in previous studies on Brazilian and Chinese patients, suggesting their potential as universal NMR biomarkers for bipolar disorder. This study is of great importance for understanding and diagnosing bipolar disorder.
