Background. ATP-sensitive K⁺ channels of the plasma membrane in the smooth muscles of the uterus are one of the most significant ion channels that regulate the excitability of this tissue both in the non-pregnant state and during pregnancy. MitoK_ATР-channels ensure regulation of the bioenergetic state of mitochondria (the intensity of mitochondrial respiration and the potential of the inner mitochondrial membrane). Thus far, there is no information on the participation of both types of these channels in the regulation of the mechanokinetics of spontaneous contractions, therefore the aim of this work was to perform a complete mechanokinetic analysis of spontaneous contractions of rat myometrium under conditions of blocking and activation of ATP-sensitive K⁺-channels of the plasma membrane and blocking of mitoK_ATP-channels. Materials and Methods. Experiments were performed on female Wistar rats. The spontaneous activity of smooth muscle stripes of longitudinal smooth muscles of uterine horns was registered by the tenzometric method in the isometric mode. The experiments used the activator of ATP-sensitive K⁺-channels of the plasma membrane diazoxide (50, 100, 150 and 200 μM) and the blocker of these channels glibenclamide (1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 μM), as well as the blocker of ATP-sensitive mitochondrial K⁺-channels 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD, 50 µM). The study of mechanokinetics of the contraction-relaxation process of muscle preparations was carried out according to the method (Kosterin et al., 2021) with the calculation of the mechanokinetic parameters of the contraction-relaxation cycle: force (F_max, F_C, and F_R), time (τ₀, τ_C, and τ_R), impulse (І_max, І_C, and І_R) and velocity parameters (V_C and V_R). Results. It was found that both blocking and activation of plasma membrane K_ATP-channels cause suppression of the amplitude, probably according to different cellular mechanisms of regulation of ion conductivity. Under the influence of glibenclamide, a significant decrease in the frequency and mechanokinetic parameters of spontaneous contractions of the myometrium was observed, which confirms the contribution of plasma membrane K_ATP-channels to maintaining the excitability of the myometrium of non-pregnant rats. Activation of plasma membrane K_ATP-channels by diazoxide caused a change in individual mechanokinetic parameters of spontaneous contractions of the myometrium. Under the action of the mitoK_ATP-channel blocker 5-HD, suppression of the amplitude and modulation of the mechanokinetic parameters of the contraction phase was observed without changes in the kinetics of the relaxation phase of spontaneous contractions. Conclusions. Thus, modulation of the K_ATP-channels of the plasma membrane and mitochondria is accompanied by the suppression of spontaneous contractions of the myometrium. Both types of K_ATP-channels are important regulators of myometrial excitability, however, unlike plasma membrane K_ATP-channels, mitoK_ATP-channels probably do not modulate the processes of extrusion of Ca²⁺ from the cytosol. Keywords: myometrium, K_ATP-channels of the plasma membrane and mitochondria, spontaneous contractions, mechanokinetic analysis

Background. Neuroblastoma is a malignant tumor of the sympathetic nervous system common in early childhood. Autophagy is manifested in neuroblastoma cells at basal levels, but is often upregulated in cells of the aggressive neuroblastoma forms. The aim of the study was to evaluate effects of polyamine spermidine and deficiency of arginine on cell viability and autophagy regulation in cells of human neuroblastoma. Materials and Methods. The human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line was an experimental model for the MTT assay of metabolic activity and cell viability upon exposure to different concentrations of spermidine in complete and arginine-free media. Assessing autophagy induction under arginine deficiency and spermidine treatment was carried out using fluorescence microscopy of neuroblastoma cells labeled with autophagic lysosomes-staining dye monodancylcadaverine. Results and Discussion. It was found that arginine withdrawal abrogates proliferation of SH-SY5Y cells. In the presence of arginine precursor, citrulline, in arginine-free medium, SH-SY5Y cells could not proliferate and, therefore, are auxotrophic for arginine. SH-SY5Y cells were more sensitive to arginine starvation than to starvation for indispensible amino acids lysine or leucine. It was also revealed that spermidine at low concentrations of 5-10 μM did not affect SH-SY5Y cells viability irrespective of arginine availability. However, at 50 and higher concentrations this polyamine was highly cytotoxic in arginine-sufficient or deficient media. Analysis of autophagy induction by spermidine and under arginine starvation revealed an increase in the number of autophagic lysosomes in SH-SY5Y cells and additive effect of the two stimuli. Conclusion. The described experiments revealed that arginine deprivation abrogated proliferation, led to a decrease in cell viability and induced autophagy in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Spermidine at the concentrations of 5-10 μM, while upinducing autophagy, did not improve survival of SH-SY5Y cells under arginine deprivation, whereas at a concentration above 50 μM spermidine had a strong cytotoxic effect. The main observation of this study is that autophagy can be readily manipulated in neuroblastoma cells by simultaneous deprivation for arginine and spermidine treatment. Keywords: cancer, neuroblastoma, SH-SY5Y, autophagy, spermidine

Background. Monocot plants in the flora of Ukraine embrace about 1000 species. The members of this group have various fruit types and ways of dissemination. In this review, the results of the evolutionary-morphological analysis of fruits in monocot plants of the flora of Ukraine and their structural adaptations to dispersal are presented.
Gynoecium structure and morphogenetic fruit types in monocots. The features of the inner gynoecium structure and the relation between gynoecium and fruit structure were analyzed, and the main problems of fruit classification were detected. It was revealed that apocarpous fruits are often polymerous or oligomerous, composed of 3–6 one-seeded fruitlets. The species with inferior ovary often develop capsular fruits. One-seeded fruits represent the most reduced variant of the gynoecium structure and fruit wall anatomy, providing few structural traits for analysis.
Ecological and functional features of fruits in monocots. The characteristics of dehiscent and indehiscent fruits, as well as adaptations to various ways of dispersal: myrmeco-, endozoo-, epizoo-, anemo-, hydro- and autochory are presented. Dehiscent fruits (follicle and capsule) reveal ventral, dorsal or double, dorsoventral dehiscence. One-seeded fruits and fruitlets are often adapted to hydrochory or anemochory. Trends of evolutionary changes of fruits in monocots. The most diverse fruits are found in low-species taxa of early monocots. Within the monocots, we can observe certain evolutionary trends: incomplete carpel fusion, the occurrence of superior one-seeded fruits and inferior many-seeded fruits. Each of these trends may be evoked by adaptations for pollination in gynoecium at the flowering stage. Conclusions. The present evolutionary morphological and ecological studies of fruits in monocot plants of the flora of Ukraine are impeded by controversial structural types of the gynoecium in some species and a scarcity of data on ways of dispersal of fruits and seeds. The precise carpological and carpoecological investigations of the monocots are desirable for many plants of the flora of Ukraine. Keywords:gynoecium, carpel, inferior ovary, fruit wall, adaptation, fruit dehiscence

Background. The paper presents the results of an original research on groups of freshwater molluscs in some water habitats of Shatsk Lake Area. The Shatsk National Nature Park belongs to the Volynian Polissia according to physical and geographical zoning. Aesthetic appeal, clear water, clean sandy lake bottoms, pine forests, etc., are attracting more visitors to the park every year. The recreational value of the Shatsk National Nature Park in the summer season is significant. The high anthropogenic load accelerates the intensity of eutrophication of lakes and promotes the overgrowth of the shores with macrophytes, which eventually leads to an increase in the density of the macrobenthos, in particular the malacofauna of the lakes. Material and Methods. Research was conducted in the summer period of 2013–2014 and 2018–2020 on some water bodies of the Shatsk National Nature Park with different trophic state including Lakes Svityaz, Pisochne, Lyutsymer, Krymne, Ostrivyanske and Somynets. Results. Freshwater molluscs are convenient subjects for water pollution stu­dies because they are good indicators of habitat quality. Svityaz and Pisochne Lakes belong to slightly mesotrophic water bodies, which are actively used for recreational purposes. Among water bodies under study, Lake Svityaz is characterized by the most significant species diversity of molluscs (23 species). Lakes Lyutsymer and Krymne are mesotrophic water bodies exposed to a high anthropogenic load. The largest number of bivalve molluscs of the genera Unio and Anodonta is characteristic of Lake Lyutsymer, while in Lake Krymne, the lowest species diversity of malacofauna (13 species) was observed. Lakes Ostrivyanske and Somynets are mesotrophic shallow water bodies. We detected a significant increase in the species composition of molluscs in these lakes during the research period. Conclusions. The research of the qualitative and quantitative composition of the malacofauna revealed an increase in the number and species diversity of molluscs. In addition, the spread of an invasive New Zealand snail Potamopyrgus antipodarum to new water bodies on the territory of Shatsk Lake Area has been recorded. Keywords: freshwater molluscs, Shatsk National Nature Park, trophic state, anthropogenic load

Background. Biological invasions are one of the recognized causes leading to the loss of native diversity. Among wild bees in Europe, only three invasive species are known, one of them being Megachile (Callomegachile) sculpturalis Smith, 1853 (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) – the rapidly spreading giant resin bee whose impact on local diversity remains unexplored. Not only scientists, but also many naturalists are involved in monitoring this invasive species in Europe. The unique appearance of this species and the lack of similar species in the family Megachilidae in Europe makes it easy to identify it even by photo. This oriental species was first recorded in Europe in 2008, in Ukraine in 2018. The aim of our work was to study the distribution of M. sculpturalis in Ukraine and some features of its ecology. Material and Methods. The object of the study is the alien species of wild bees Megachile sculpturalis. For data analysis, we used records of amateur naturalists and their photographic evidence, as well as our own collection material. Insects were identified using binocular stereoscopic microscope Olympus SZX 12 and specialized keys. Results. The article presents analysis of records of the invasive species M. sculpturalis in Ukraine. Five new sites of its distribution were revealed: in the territory Zaporizhzhia region (Zaporizhzhia, Khortytsia island), Odesa region (Odesa, Chornomorsk, Kuyalnytskyi estuary) and Mykolaiv region (Mykolaiv). This allowed us to change the chronology of its settlement in Ukraine and expand the map of its distribution. Bees exhibited relative ecological plasticity when choosing nesting sites, and consistency of nesting cavities recolonization. Conclusions. Data analysis and observations have shown that the alien species M. sculpturalis was brought to Ukraine repeatedly and in different places, which enables it to establish itself in the secondary habitat, form viable offspring and successfully reproduce. Our study also shows the importance of citizen science and the importance of actively involving amateur naturalists in monitoring invasions. Keywords:Megachile sculpturalis, invasion, Ukraine, new record

In sustainable agriculture, there is a tendency for an increased use of microbiological preparations, especially plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB), that can supplement the phenotypic plasticity and adaptability of plants, stimulate their growth and development, increase resistance to stress. The endophytic PGPB could be a promising element of technologies for the improvement of mineral nutrition and promotion of growth and yield of wheat (Triticum spp.). They are transferred to the plant by a horizontal, from the environment (rhizosphere, phyllosphere), or a vertical, from the seeds (from generation to generation), way. The growth-promoting effect of endophytes is mediated by the synthesis and secretion of phytohormones and secondary metabolites as well as their ability to absorb N₂, suppress the development of bacterial and/or fungal phytopathogens; improve mineral nutrition. The review elucidates current data on the presence of bacterial endophytes in various organs of wheat plants and their characterization as potential PGPB. Data on the most common genera of bacterial endophytes of wheat (Bacillus, Micrococcus, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Pantoea, Kosakonia, etc.) are presented, and their influence on plants is described, in particular, the effect on the absorption of micronutrients important for plants and humans such as iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), resistance to stress factors and growth. The varietal differences in the wheat endophytic microbiome are noted. An increased micronutrient absorption and assimilation assisted by the bacterial endophytes are associated with the changes in endogenous auxins and ethylene, the release of organic acids, siderophores, indirect activation of metal transporters, etc. The mechanisms underlying plant growth stimulation are complex due to interactions between a microorganism and the whole plant microbiome and their changes during the plant ontogenesis. The analysis of the published data confirms the need for further studies of the species composition and mechanisms of interaction of endophytic PGPB to develop new strategies for improving mineral nutrition of wheat and trace element biofortification of grain. It is a feasible and promising technology of the future to overcome the problems of hidden hunger and provide quality food products to the world population with available resources and a reduced negative impact on the environment. Keywords: bacterial endophytes, PGPB, wheat, biofortification, Zn, Fe

Background. Analysis of the causes of infertility revealed an increase in the proportion of male factors over the past 20 years by an average of 10–12 %. World Health Organization data, which summarize the observations of many authors in recent years, show a decrease in male reproductive potential. The ejaculate parameters of the modern average man are steadily declining. For example, the concentration of germ cells in the seminal fluid has decreased three times, and this trend continues: the concentration of sperm decreases annually by about 2 %, and their motility – by 1.5 %. Not only is infertility a pressing problem in modern medicine, but also an important social issue, as it is associated with the mental state of men and the preservation of the family. Materials and Methods. Spermograms were obtained during the study of patients in the clinic of reproductive medicine “Alternative Clinic” (Lviv, Ukraine). A total of 50 men were surveyed, including 16 men aged 20 to 29 (junior age group), 17 men aged 30 to 39 (middle age group) and 17 men 40 to 49 years old (senior age group), respectively. We found that out of the 16 men in the junior group, 4 spermograms corresponded to asthenozoospermia, and 12 – normozoospermia, of the 17 middle-aged group, 7 spermograms corresponded to asthenozoospermia, and 10 – normozoospermia and 10 men of the senior group to 15 spermograms asthenozoospermia, 2 – normospermia. Spermograms were evaluated by the following indicators: ejaculate count, viscosity, sperm count per 1 mL of ejaculate, sperm motility in categories “A” and “B”, the number of morphologically normal and morphologically degenerative sperm, Farris index. For control we took spermograms of patients with normozoospermia. Results. Analyzing spermograms according to the studied indicators, we found a decrease in the amount of ejaculate in older men relative to the norm, which may indicate a lack of function of the seminal vesicles, prostate. According to the criteria for the number of sperm in 1 ml of ejaculate and the total number of sperm in the whole ejaculate, it was shown that in the spermograms of patients with asthenozoospermia of different age, these figures are much lower than normal. This indicates a decrease in male fertility in these diseases. Examining sperm motility according to the following criteria: “A” – fast translational movements and “B” – slow, sluggish translational movements, we found a decrease in these indicators compared with the norm in men of all ages with asthenozoospermia. This indicates a decrease in the quality of ejaculate in men, and, consequently, reduce the likelihood of fertilization. Examining sperm morphology, we assessed the number of normal and degenerative sperm. We have shown that in men of all ages with asthenozoospermia, the number of morphologically normal sperm is lower than in the control, and the number of morphologically degenerative sperm is increasing. Probably, such pathology can lead to a decrease in the possibility of fertilization and increases the likelihood of malformations in the fetus, if fertilization has occurred. Evaluating the spermograms of men in the study groups according to the Farris index, we found a significant reduction in this number in men with asthenozoospermia. This indicates a low probability of fertilization. Conclusions. Male infertility (in particular, asthenozoospermia) can be caused by many different diseases in which there are deviations from the norms of qualitative and quantitative indicators of ejaculate. According to the data obtained from the observation of men, there is a tendency for the reduction of ejaculate volume, concentration and motility of sperm, as well as their morphological status. Keywords: asthenozoospermia, normozoospermia, spermogram, male infertility

Background.According to the International Diabetes Federation Diabetes Atlas, 10th edition, diabetes is responsible for 6.7 million deaths in 2021. Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by hyperglycemia secondary to either resistance to insulin, insufficient insulin secretion, or both. Oxidative and nitrative stress is a vital part of the complex mechanism by which diabetes and its complications develop. It is known that Photobiomodulation therapy accelerates diabetic wound healing, treats relegated inflammation, and increases oxygen availability for cells. Although some basic molecular mechanisms caused by photobiomodulation therapy in different cell types are already known, they have not been studied in erythrocytes and are different due to the absence of central organelles such as nucleus and mitochondria. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of photobiomodulation therapy on the development of nitrative stress in blood plasma and erythrocytes of rats from different experimental groups. Materials and Methods. The study was performed on white outbred male rats weighing 130–180 g. The diabetes mellitus was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). Rats were exposed to photobiomodulation with light-emitting diodes at a wavelength of 630–660 nm daily for 10 days. The irradiation time was 5 minu­tes. The content of nitrite and nitrate anions, total NO synthase activity, as well as the activity of its endothelial and inducible isoforms in red blood cells of rats were determined spectrophotometrically. Results and Discussion. Under streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus, the content of nitrite and nitrate anions and NO synthase activity increased in the rats’ red blood cells, as well as in blood plasma. Moreover, we found an increase in inducible NO synthase activity and nitrate ion content in red blood cells of irradiated healthy rats. Also, there was an increase in nitrite and nitrate ion content after photobiomodulation therapy in the blood plasma of healthy animals. On the other hand, irradiation caused a decrease in NO synthase activity with a parallel reduction in both nitrite and nitrate anions content in erythrocytes and blood plasma of rats with experimental diabetes. Conclusion. Photobiomodulation therapy protects rats’ red blood cells from nitrative stress during streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus. Keywords: diabetes mellitus, photobiomodulation therapy, nitrative stress, red blood cells

Background. Many types of tumors are sensitive to changes in prooxidant-antioxidant balance. Thus, further studies on reactive oxygen species inducing antitumor drugs that generate oxidative stress-dependent cytotoxic effects are promising. Our previous works showed that thiazole derivatives in combination with polymeric carriers have a pronounced cytotoxic effect on tumor, while not being cytotoxic against pseudo-normal cells in vitro. It was found that thiazole derivatives in complex with PEG-based polymeric carriers affected the antioxidant system of lymphoma cells in vitro. The aim of this work was to study the in vitro effect of the complex of thiazole derivative N-(5-benzyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-3,5-dimethyl-1-benzofuran-2-carboxamide (BF1) in combination with polymeric carriers poly(VEP-co-GMA)-graft-mPEG (Th1), poly(PEGMA) (Th3) and poly(PEGMA-co-DMM) (Th5) on the level of lipid peroxidation products in NK/Ly cells. Materials and Methods. The experiments were conducted on white wild-type male mice with a grafted NK/Ly lymphoma. Ascites tumor cells were inoculated into mice intraperitoneally. Abdominal drainage with ascites of anesthetized mice was performed with a sterile syringe on the 7th–10th days after inoculation. Investigated compounds BF1, polymeric carriers Th1, Th3, Th5 and combination of BF1 + Th1 (Th2), BF1 + Th3 (Th4) and BF1 + Th5 (Th6) at a final concentration of 10 μM were added to the lymphoma samples and incubated for 10 minutes. The level of lipid peroxidation products, such as lipid hydroperoxides and thiobarbituric acid-positive products) were determined according to the techniques described below. Results. All applied complexes based on thiazole derivative BF1 and PEG-based polymeric carriers at a concentration of 10 μM increased the activity of lipid hydroperoxi­des in the lymphoma cells by 29–36% compared to control. Complexes Th2 and Th6 increased the significance of BF1 influence on lymphoma cells from P <0.05 to P <0.01. Among all of the studied complexes, Th4 and Th6 significantly increased the level of TBA-positive products, while Th2 and BF1 did not change the content of the secondary products of lipid peroxidation. None of the unconjugated polymeric carriers affected the level of lipid peroxidation products. Conclusions. Thus, based on the results of this work, thiazole derivative BF1 in complex with polymeric carriers increases the level of primary and secondary products of lipid peroxidation in lymphoma cells. Polymeric carriers enhanced the effect of thiazole derivative on the studied parameters, so complexes of thiazole derivatives and PEG-containing polymeric carriers should be taken into consideration and further investigated as potential antitumor agents. Key words: lymphoma, thiazole derivative, polymeric carriers, polyethyleneglycol, lipid peroxidation

Background. Various cationic polymers have been proposed for use as carriers of genetic materials in biotechnology and biomedicine. The poly(2-dimethylamino)ethyl-methacrylate (poly(DMAEMA)) demonstrated high transfection efficiency and low cytotoxicity when used as a gene delivery system.The aim of the present study was to evaluate the ability of poly(DMAEMA)-block-poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone)-co-(butyl-acrylate)-co-2-aminoethyl methacrylate carrier, BP83-1, to deliver p21 gene into human cervix carcinoma HeLa cells and to define its effects on the viability of tumor cells in vitro. Methods. Transfection assay, Western-blot analysis, MTT test, DNA comet analysis in alkaline conditions, diphenylamine assay for DNA fragmentation (Barton’s assay), FACS analysis of cell cycling. Results. The BP83-1 polymer effectively transferred pFlag-P21WT plasmid DNA containing p21 gene into human cervix carcinoma HeLa cells. The level of BP83-1-facili­tated delivery of p21 into HeLa cells was significantly higher than the level achieved with linear polyethyleneimine (PEI). A significant (26.1 % and 40.1 %) reduction in the viability of HeLa cells transfected with pDNA/BP83-1 and pDNA/PEI polyplexes was detected compared to non-transfected cells. The reverse dependence between the elevated amount of p21 and the reduced amount of Cdk2 was observed in the transfected HeLa cells. The number of cells in G1 phase of the cell cycle in HeLa cells increased from 54.9 % to 65.8 % and to 64.9 % after their transfection with pFlag-P21WT/BP83-1 and pFlag-P21WT/PEI polyplexes, correspondingly. Besides, an increased number of single-strand breaks in DNA and content of the fragmented DNA was detected in HeLa cells transfected with pDNA/BP83-1 and pDNA/PEI polyplexes. The DNA dama­ging effects of the BP83-1 carrier and pDNA/BP83-1 polyplex were less pronounced in treated HeLa cells, compared with such effects of PEI and pDNA/PEI polyplex. Conclusion. An effective transfer of p21 gene with BP83-1 carrier into human cervix carcinoma HeLa cells was demonstrated. The overexpression of p21 gene led to inhibition of viability of HeLa cells, DNA damage, and blocking of cell cycle progression from G1 phase to S phase via a reduction of the amount of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (Cdk2) and accumulation of cells in G1 phase. Keywords: poly(2-dimethylamino)ethyl-methacrylate, polymeric carrier, gene transfer, p21,cytotoxic action, cell cycle, DNA damage