Galium genus belongs to the Rubiaceae family, which consists of approximately 14,000 species. In comparison to its well-known relatives, the plastomes of the Galium genus have not been explored so far. The plastomes of this genus have a typical, quadripartite structure, but differ in gene content, since the infA gene is missing in Galium palustre and Galium trfidum. An evaluation of the effectiveness of using entire chloroplast genome sequences as superbarcodes for accurate plant species identification revealed the high potential of this method for molecular delimitation within the genus and tribe. The trnE-UUC-psbD region showed the biggest number of diagnostides (diagnostic nucleotides) which might be new potential barcodes, not only in Galium, but also in other closely related genera. Relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) appeared to be connected with the phylogeny of the Rubiaceae family, showing that during evolution, plants started preferring specific codons over others.

This study investigates the immunomodulatory potential of Galium aparine L. (GAE) in immunodeficient animals. In this study, animals were categorized into five groups: the normal group, CYP group (cyclophosphamide intraperitoneal injection), GA5 group (cyclophosphamide + 5 μg GAE), GA50 group (cyclophosphamide + 50 μg GAE), and GA500 group (cyclophosphamide + 500 μg GAE). The CYP group exhibited significantly reduced spleen weights compared to the normal group, while the groups obtaining GAE displayed a dose-dependent increase in spleen weight. Furthermore, the GAE demonstrated dose-dependent enhancement of splenocyte proliferating activity, with significant increases observed in both LPS and ConA-induced assays. NK cell activity significantly increased in the GA50 and GA500 groups compared to the CYP group. Cytokine analysis revealed a significant increase in IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ levels in ConA-induced splenocytes treated with GAE. Gene expression analysis identified 2434 DEG genes in the extract groups. Notable genes, such as Entpd1, Pgf, Thdb, Syt7, Sqor, and Rsc1al, displayed substantial differences in individual gene expression levels, suggesting their potential as target genes for immune enhancement. In conclusion, Galium aparine L. extract exhibits immunomodulatory properties. The observed gene expression changes further support the potential of Galium aparine L. extract as a natural agent for immune augmentation.

Galium species are used worldwide for their antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties. Although this plant has demonstrated its antitumor properties on various types of cancer, its biological activity on cutaneous melanoma has not been established so far. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the phytochemical profile of two extracts of G. verum L. herba (ethanolic and ethyl acetate) as well as the biological profile (antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumor effects) on human skin cancer. The extracts showed similar FT-IR phenolic profiles (high chlorogenic acid, isoquercitrin, quercitrin, and rutin), with high antioxidant capacity (EC50 of ethyl acetate phase (0.074 ± 0.01 mg/mL) > ethanol phase (0.136 ± 0.03 mg/mL)). Both extracts showed antimicrobial activity, especially against Gram-positive Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus bacilli strains, the ethyl acetate phase being more active. Regarding the in vitro antitumor test, the results revealed a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect against A375 melanoma cell lines, more pronounced in the case of the ethyl acetate phase. In addition, the ethyl acetate phase stimulated the proliferation of human keratinocytes (HaCaT), while this effect was not evident in the case of the ethanolic phase at 24 h post-stimulation. Consequently, G. verum l. could be considered a promising phytocompound for the antitumor approach of cutaneous melanoma.

Plants are commonly used in folk medicine. Research indicates that the mechanisms of biological activity of plant extracts may be essential in the treatment of various diseases. In this respect, we decided to test the ethanolic extracts of Bidens tripartita herb (BTH), Galium verum herb (GVH), and Rumicis hydrolapathum root (RHR) on angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties and their total polyphenols content. In vitro studies using endothelial cells were used to see tested extracts\' angiogenic/angiostatic and anti-inflammatory properties. The DPPH assay and FRAP analysis were used to detect antioxidant properties of extracts. The Folin-Ciocalteu analysis was used to determine the content of total polyphenols. The results of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis was also presented. In vitro study demonstrated that BTH, GVH, and RHR ethanolic extracts significantly increased cell invasiveness, compared with the control group. Increased endothelial proangiogenic invasiveness was accompanied by reduced metalloproteinase inhibitor 1 (TIMP-1) and raised in metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9). Only BTH and GVH significantly reduced cell proliferation, while BTH and RHR facilitated migration. Additionally, tested extracts reduced the production of proangiogenic platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). The most potent anti-inflammatory capacity showed BTH and GVH, reducing proinflammatory interleukin 8 (CXCL8) and interleukin 6 (Il-6), compared to RHR extract that has slightly less inhibited CXCL8 production without affecting IL-6 production. Moreover, we confirmed the antioxidant properties of all examined extracts. The highest activity was characterized by RHR, which has been correlated with the high content of polyphenols. In conclusion, the modifying influence of examined extracts can be promising in disorders with pathogenesis related to angiogenesis, inflammation and free radicals formation. BTH is the best choice among the three tested extracts with its antiangiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which have recently gained attention due to their antimicrobial activity, can also be produced by green synthesis. The aims of this study were to (i) characterise green synthesized AgNPs using microwave-assisted aqueous extracts of Galium aparine (G-AgNPs) and Helichrysum arenarium (H-AgNPs) and (ii) investigate the combined antimicrobial effects of the G- and H-AgNPs in different ratios. Nanoparticle formation and reactions were determined with UV-Vis spectroscopy. The G-AgNPs were 52.0±10.9 nm in size, with a 0.285±0.034 polydispersity index (PDI), and a -17.9±0.9 mV zeta potential. For H-AgNPs these characteristics were 23.9±1.0 nm, 0.280±0.032, and -21.3±2.7 mV, respectively. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed that the particles were monodisperse and spherical. The Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) results showed the presence of reducing agents that stabilised the AgNPs. Three different nanoformulations (NF-1, NF-2, and NF-3) were prepared by combining these two synthesised nanoparticles in different ratios and their antimicrobial activity was tested against E. coli, S. aureus, C. albicans, and A. flavus. Our study is the first to show that combining AgNPs from two different biological sources can produce effective nanoformulations with improved antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. These nanoformulations showed lower minimum inhibitory concentrations (31.25 µg/mL against E. coli with all NFs; 62.5 µg/mL for NF-1 and 125 µg/mL for NF-2/3 against S. aureus) than G-AgNPs (62.5 µg/mL for E. coli) or H-AgNPs (125 µg/mL for S. aureus) alone. Their high combined inhibitory effect against E. coli (NF-1-3) was synergistic and against S. aureus (NF-2 and NF-3) potentially additive. Considering such promising results, we believe our study provides some direction for new research and strategies in antimicrobial therapeutics.
Srebrne se nanočestice (AgNP), koje su već neko vrijeme u središtu pažnje zbog svojih antimikrobnih svojstava, mogu proizvoditi i zelenom sintezom. Cilj je ovog istraživanja bio (i) opisati (karakterizirati) zelenu sintezu različitih AgNP-a pomoću vodenih ekstrakata čekinjaste broćike (Galium aparine) (G-AgNPs) i pješčarskoga smilja (Helichrysum arenarium) (H-AgNPs), dobivenih metodom mikrovalne ekstrakcije, te (ii) utvrditi antimikrobno djelovanje kombinacije tih dvaju nanosustava u različitim omjerima. Oblikovanje nanočestica i kemijske reakcije utvrđene su pomoću UV-Vis spektroskopije. Veličina G-AgNP-a bila je 52,0±10,9 nm, njihov polidisperzivni indeks (PDI) 0,285±0,034, a zeta potencijal -17,9±0,9 mV. Osobine H-AgNP-a bile su sljedeće: veličina 23,9±1,0 nm, PDI 0,280±0,032, a zeta potencijal -21,3±2,7 mV. Mikroskopijom atomskih sila (engl. atomic force microscopy, krat. AFM) i pretražnom elektronskom mikroskopijom (engl. scanning electron microscopy, krat. SEM) potvrđeno je da su čestice monodisperzivne i sferične. Rezultati infracrvene spektroskopije s Fourierovom transformacijom (engl. Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, krat. FT-IR) potvrdili su prisutnost reduktivnih agenasa koji su stabilizirali srebrne nanočestice. Zatim su pripremljene tri formulacije nanočestica (NF-1, NF-2 i NF-3) kombinacijom sintetiziranih nanočestica u različitim omjerima, a njihova antimikrobna djelotvornost testirana je na mikroorganizmima E. coli, S. aureus, C. albicans i A. flavus. Naše je istraživanje prvo koje dokazuje da kombinacija srebrnih nanočestica dobivenih iz dvaju bioloških izvora može biti djelotvorna te da ima poboljšano antibakterijsko djelovanje protiv E. coli i S. aureus u odnosu na zasebne nanosustave. Minimalna inhibicijska koncentracija kombinacija iznosila je 31,25 µg/mL za E. coli u svim nanoformulacijama te 62,5 µg/mL za S. aureus s NF-1, odnosno 125 µg/mL s NF-2 i NF-3, a minimalne inhibicijske koncentracije G-AgNP-a odnosno H-AgNP-a zasebno su iznosile 62,5 µg/mL za E. coli (G-AgNP), odnosno 125 µg/mL za S. aureus (H-AgNP). To kombinirano antibakterijsko djelovanje protiv E. coli bilo je sinergijsko, a protiv S. aureus naizgled aditivno. S obzirom na ovako obećavajuće rezultate, smatramo da naše istraživanje daje smjer za razvoj novih strategija u antibakterijskom liječenju.

暂无摘要。

Climate-change induced warmer spring temperatures advance tree leaf-out and result in earlier shading of the forest floor. Climate change also leads to more frequent droughts. Forest understorey herbs may respond to these environmental changes by varying traits at different hierarchical levels of organization. While trait mean variation at the inter-individual level in response to environmental changes is well-studied, little is known about how variation at the intra-individual level responds.
We sampled genets of the forest understorey herb Galium odoratum from 21 populations in three regions in Germany, varying in microclimatic conditions. The genets were transplanted into a common garden, where we applied shading and drought treatments. We measured plant height and leaf length and width, and calculated the coefficient of variation (CV) at different hierarchical levels: intra-population, intra-genet, intra-ramet and intra-shoot.
Variance partitioning showed that intra-shoot CV represented most of the total variation, followed by intra-ramet CV. We found significant variation in CV of plant height and leaf width among populations of origin, indicating that CV is at least partly genetically based. The soil temperature at populations\' origins correlated negatively with CV in plant height, suggesting adaptation to local conditions. Furthermore, we observed that early shade led to increased intra-ramet CV in leaf length, while drought reduced intra-shoot CV in leaf width. Finally, intra-shoot leaf width mean and CV were independent under control conditions but correlated under drought.
Our experimental results reveal correlations of intra-individual variation with soil temperature, indicating that intra-individual variation can evolve and may be adaptive. Intra-individual variation responded plastically to drought and shading, suggesting functional changes to improve light capture and reduce evapotranspiration. In conclusion, intra-individual variation makes up the majority of total trait variation in this species and can play a key role in plant adaptation to climatic change.

Messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs) comprise a class of small nucleic acids carrying genetic information, which exhibit very important role in medical research and diagnosis. If only the mean mRNA expression levels of the mRNA population are considered in medical research, important information linking mRNA expression and cellular function may be lost. Single-cell analysis provides valuable insights into studying its heterogeneity, signaling, and stochastic gene expression. In this study, a \"bunge bedstraw herb\"-type DNA machine based on DNAzyme catalyzing coupled clamping hybrid chain reaction (c-HCR) is presented. In the DNA machine, a bunge bedstraw herb-type DNA structure was first formed by hybridizing a core junction scaffold cruciform probe to a hairpin probe that can trigger the c-HCR via a target molecule in four directions. This approach can reduce the detection limit of mRNA to 5 × 10-15 M. Absolute quantification of survivin mRNA in individual cells was achieved using the DNA machine on a microfluidic chip electrophoresis platform. The reported method represents an unprecedented single-cell analysis platform for single-cell biology studies.

The toxicity of acetaminophen (N-acetyl-para-aminophenol (APAP)) is the most frequent cause of drug-induced liver damage. Galium aparine L. (GA) is traditionally used to treat jaundice. We aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective potential of GA in the APAP-induced hepatic encephalopathy (HE) rat model. Qualitative phytochemical characterization of GA was performed by LC/Q-TOF/MS analysis. Wistar rats were pretreated with GA (250 and 500 mg/kg b.wt. per oral) for five days. On the 6th day, the rats were exposed to APAP (1500 mg/kg b.wt. oral gavage) and behavioral tests (open field and passive avoidance tests) were applied on the 7th and 8th days. The animals were killed, and biochemical and histopathological parameters were assessed in blood and hepatic specimens. GA pretreated rats exhibited a significant reduction in APAP-induced liver damage, evidenced by the reduction in liver necrosis and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and bilirubin (BIL). GA demonstrated an anxiolytic effect, as seen in the acquisition trial and grooming behavior. The short-term memory performances of animals were not changed in all groups, suggesting that APAP intoxication did not affect hippocampal function. These results show that GA extract markedly exerts hepatoprotective activity, while its effect on hepatic encephalopathy was limited.

Although oral ulcers represent one of the most frequent oral mucosal diseases, the available treatment is not sufficient to provide complete ulcer recovery without side-effects. Therefore, the aim of our study was to prepare a mucoadhesive oral gel based on Galium verum ethanol extract (GVL gel) and reveal its healing effects in the model of aphthous stomatitis in rats. Rats with oral ulcers were divided into the following groups: control (untreated), gel base (ulcer was treated with the gel base, three times per day for 10 days), and GVL gel group (the ulcer was treated with GVL gel in the same way as the gel base). Animals from each group were sacrificed on days 0, 3, 6, and 10 for collecting blood and ulcer tissue samples. Healing properties of oral gel were determined by clinical evaluation, as well as biochemical and histopathological examinations. Our findings suggest a significant decrease in the ulcer size in GVL gel group, with healing effects achieved through the alleviation of oxidative stress, reduction in COX-2 immunopositivity, and increase in collagen content in buccal tissue. Significant ulcer repairing potential of GVL gel highlights this oral mucoadhesive gel as a promising tool for prevention and treatment of RAS.