Sürdürülebilir Kalkınma Amaçları

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  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ2
    Synergistic Effects of Caffeine and Paclitaxel in Breast Cancer Cells: Mechanistic Insights Into NF-κB and Nrf2 Signaling

    Gencoglu, Hasan; Delioglu, Saime; Nergiz, Mehmet Akif; Metin, Rumeysa; Erten, Fusun; Tokmak, Muhammed; Orhan, Cemal; Sahin, Kazim

    Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent malignancies among women. Recent studies have explored the potential of phytochemicals such as caffeine as chemosensitizing agents in enhancing the efficacy of standard chemotherapeutics like paclitaxel. This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic, apoptotic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress-related effects of caffeine alone and in combination with paclitaxel in MCF-7 cells. Cells were treated with various concentrations of caffeine (1–100 mM), paclitaxel (0–350 µg/mL), and their combinations for 24, 48, and 72 h. Cell viability was assessed using the MTS assay, and IC₅₀ values were calculated. The expression levels of Bax, Bcl-2, NF-κB, and Nrf2 proteins were analyzed by Western blotting. Both caffeine and paclitaxel induced time- and dose-dependent reductions in MCF-7 cell viability. The combination treatment showed synergistic cytotoxicity, with significantly lower IC₅₀ values compared to single-agent treatments. Western blot analysis showed that both treatments boosted pro-apoptotic Bax and decreased anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, with slightly less effect in the combination group. NF-κB levels increased considerably in caffeine and paclitaxel groups, but were lower in the combination group compared to paclitaxel alone, suggesting a possible reduction in inflammatory signaling. Nrf2 expression increased significantly with caffeine, suggesting oxidative stress responses. In MCF-7 cells, caffeine enhanced paclitaxel's pro-apoptotic and cytotoxic actions and modified inflammation and oxidative stress pathways in a complicated, dose-dependent manner. Cytotoxicity was synergistic; however, apoptotic and stress indicators may be antagonistic. In clinical circumstances, caffeine may be an adjuvant in breast cancer treatment, however mechanistic and in vivo investigations are needed.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
    AtıfScopus2WoS2OpenAlex1
    ScopusWeb of SciencePubMedİncele
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2024Scopus SJRQ1
    Impact of a Novel Valerian Extract on Sleep Quality, Relaxation, and GABA/Serotonin Receptor Activity in a Murine Model

    Sahin, Kazim; Gencoglu, Hasan; Korkusuz, Ahmet Kayhan; Orhan, Cemal; Aldatmaz, İsmail Ertuğ; Erten, Fusun; Er, Besir; Morde, Abhijeet; Padigaru, Muralidhara; Kilic, Ertugrul

    Insomnia is a major global health issue, highlighting the need for treatments that are both effective and safe. Valerian extract, a traditional remedy for sleep problems, offers potential therapeutic options. This research examined the potential sleep-enhancing effects of VA (Valerian Pdr%2) in mice. The study evaluated sleep quality by comparing the impact of the VA extract against melatonin on brain activity, using electrocorticography (ECoG) to assess changes in brain waves. For this purpose, the study utilized two experimental models on BALB/c mice to explore the effects of caffeine-induced insomnia and pentobarbital-induced sleep. In the first model, 25 mice were assigned to five groups to test the effects of caffeine (caffeine, 7.5 mg/kg i.p) alone, caffeine with melatonin (2 mg/kg), or caffeine with different doses of valerian extract (100 or 300 mg/kg) given orally on brain activity, assessed via electrocorticography (ECoG) and further analyses on the receptor proteins and neurotransmitters. In the second model, a different set of 25 mice were divided into five groups to examine the impact of pentobarbital (42 mg/kg) alone, with melatonin, or with the valerian extract on sleep induction, observing the effects 45 min after administration. The study found that ECoG frequencies were lower in groups treated with melatonin and two doses of valerian extract (100 and 300 mg/kg), with 300 mg/kg showing the most significant effect in reducing frequencies compared to the caffeine control group, indicating enhanced sleep quality (p < 0.05). This was supported by increased levels of serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine and higher levels of certain brain receptors in the melatonin and valerian extract groups (p < 0.05). Modulatory efficacy for the apoptotic markers in the brain was also noted (p < 0.05). Additionally, melatonin and both doses of VA increased sleep duration and reduced sleep onset time compared to the pentobarbital control, which was particularly notable with high doses. In conclusion, the findings suggest that high doses (300 mg/kg) of valerian extract enhance both the quantity and quality of sleep through the GABAergic pathway and effectively increase sleep duration while reducing the time to fall asleep in a pentobarbital-induced sleep model in mice.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
    AtıfScopus19OpenAlex19
    ScopusWeb of SciencePubMedİncele
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2024Scopus SJRQ1
    Determining the Levels of Cortisol, Testosterone, Lactic Acid and Anaerobic Performance in Athletes Using Various Forms of Coffee

    Gür, Melda; Çınar, Vedat; Akbulut, Taner; Bozbay, Kenan; Yücedal, Polat; Aslan, Mehdi; Avcu, Gökçe; Padulo, Johnny; Russo, Luca; Rog, Joanna

    Background: Coffee is considered one of the most preferred and consumed beverage types in the world, and caffeine is known to increase physical performance due to its ergogenic properties. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of coffee consumption in different forms on cortisol, testosterone, lactic acid and anaerobic performance levels. Methods: A total of 15 licensed male football players participated in the research voluntarily. The research was implemented in a single-blind, counterbalanced, randomized and crossover study design. Participants were given caffeinated coffee (CK), decaffeinated coffee (placebo) (DK), powdered caffeine (in a gelatin capsule) (PC) and powdered placebo (maltodextrin in a capsule) (PM) on different days, and the Wingate test protocol was performed after the warm-up protocol. Blood samples were collected post-test. Cortisol, testosterone and lactic acid levels in the serum samples taken were determined by the ELISA method. Results: As a result, it was revealed that caffeinated coffee given to participants who exercise increased anaerobic power. However, it was observed that lactic acid levels were higher in placebo and decaffeinated coffee. The highest level of cortisol was found in caffeinated coffee and powdered caffeine compared to the placebo. Testosterone values were observed to be highest in caffeinated coffee and decaffeinated coffee compared to a placebo. Conclusions: The study suggests that the type of caffeine is a factor that affects absorption rate, which impacts performance and hormone levels.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
    AtıfScopus9OpenAlex12
    ScopusWeb of SciencePubMedİncele