Glioblastoma, a primary brain tumor of the CNS, is the most malignant lesion among gliomas. It has a median survival time of about 12-15 months after diagnosis and limited treatment options. That neoplastic processes result from changes in the cell's redox potential and the overproduction of reactive oxygen species. As a consequence, the epigenetic marker, m5C of DNA, is oxidized with ROS to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, but guanosine is damaged to 8-oxo-dG, a general probe of oxidative stress. If so, the m5C, as well as 8-oxo-dG content in DNA, are subject to dynamic changes induced by environmental and endogenous cellular factors. These markers can be used to evaluate new therapeutic agents, among others. Currently, there are no effective drugs against human glioblastoma. Cannabinoids, small, lipophilic molecular compounds, are increasingly being studied for their antitumor properties. Using the precise nucleotide post-labelling method and thin-layer chromatographic analysis we monitored the effect of CBD, THC, and CFE, as well as their combination with temozolomide, on changes of global m5C and 8-oxo-dG contents. These results show that cannabinoids alone or in combination with the current standard glioblastoma chemotherapeutic, TMZ, inhibit the progression of GBM and could be used for its clinical treatment. The mechanism of cannabinoids' actions on glioblastoma cells is also proposed.
PVT1 is a non-coding RNA (ncRNA) playing an important role in various biological processes, including cell survival, differentiation, proliferation, and chromatin regulation. Overexpression of PVT1 improve a proliferation rate even for 30
In today’s tense geopolitical landscape, marked by strained relations among major powers and deep-rooted dependence on fossil-based economies, the emerging modern bioeconomy can provide resource independence and resilience, in tandem with economic, social, and environmental benefits, and thus has the potential to underpin a sustainable future. The bioeconomy is a vital cross-cutting meta-sector, but it is not inherently circular or sustainable; without intentional design, it risks becoming a linear, unsustainable replacement of the fossil-based economy. Realising its full promise requires purposeful engineering to address climate change, biodiversity loss, strengthen resource independence, support food security and resilience, create jobs, promote social inclusion, boost competitiveness and autonomy, and improve human, animal, and environmental health. The potential is enormous, but so are the challenges society faces in realising the vision for a biobased, nature-positive future.
Genomic selection has changed dairy cattle breeding by increasing the use of young bulls for artificial insemination and shortening the reproductive lifespan of sires. Under these conditions, semen quality at the beginning of commercial use has become an important practical issue. Semen samples from 39 fertile Holstein-Friesian bulls used for commercial AI were collected between 2013 and 2016, during the introduction of genomic selection in Poland. This paired within-bull study compared semen collected from the same bulls at an early reproductive stage (13-20 months; young bulls, YB) and at full maturity (5-6 years; mature bulls, MB). The evaluation included conventional ejaculate traits, CASA-derived motility and kinematic descriptors, mtDNA copy number, and mitochondrial content per sperm cell. Importantly, all ejaculates met the quality requirements for commercial insemination. Ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, mitochondrial DNA copy number, and mitochondrial content did not differ significantly between age groups. The CASA-derived sperm movement profile, in contrast, differed with age. Semen from young bulls showed a higher proportion of progressively motile spermatozoa, whereas semen from mature bulls showed higher velocity-related parameters, including VSL, VCL, and STR. These findings indicate that bull age mainly affected sperm movement characteristics rather than semen output or mitochondrial content. Overall, the results support the use of young bulls in artificial insemination programs and show that age-related differences in semen quality are expressed mainly through changes in the post-thaw sperm motility and kinematic profile.
Bacopa monnieri, also known as Brahmi or Waterhyssop, is a plant used in Ayurveda for its memory-enhancing properties and control of blood sugar levels. It contains active compounds such as alkaloids, saponins, and cucurbitacins, which have various biological activities. The plant has been studied for its potential in treating Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and depression. Animal studies have shown promising results in reducing symptoms and protecting against neurodegeneration. Concerning safety, Bacopa monnieri has been found to be generally non-toxic, with no serious side effects reported. However, interactions with certain medications and contraindications in conditions like hyperthyroidism should be considered. Further research is needed to determine optimal dosages and ensure safety, especially for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
