Journal of Evolutionary Biochemistry and Physiology
ISSN (print): 0044-4529
Media registration certificate: PI No. FS 77 - 67139 dated 09/16/2016
Founder: Russian Academy of Sciences
Editor-in-Chief: Veselkin Nikolay Petrovich
Number of issues per year: 12
Indexation: RISC, list of Higher Attestation Commissions, CrossRef, White List (level 4)
Journal of Evolutionary Biochemistry and Physiology publishes experimental and review articles on comparative and ontogenetic physiology and biochemistry, as well as on the evolution of functions, morphology, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and ecological physiology.
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Vol 61, No 4 (2025)
REVIEWS
Evolutionary aspects of the neurophysiological role of tyramine and octopamine
Abstract
Currently, such biologically active substances of endogenous nature as tyramine and octopamine are classified as trace amines, which is associated with their relatively low concentration in tissues. However, this is true to a greater extent with respect to higher vertebrates, in which these amines play a wide range of physiological functions, including modulatory effects in the nervous system by activating their own receptors for trace amines. In invertebrates, the level of these amines is higher, and they act in the nervous system not so much as modulators, but as neurotransmitters activating receptors of a different nature. This review analyzes experimental data on the neurophysiological role of tyramine and octopamine in the body of invertebrates and vertebrates, demonstrating similarities and differences in both the functions and the receptors mediating these functions. A certain emphasis is placed on data indicating a close relationship between signaling mediated by trace amines and the sympathetic division of the nervous system in higher vertebrates. Based on this, the idea is formed that in the process of evolution the noradrenergic signaling system could take over the role of tyramine and octopamine signaling. However, this idea is still debated, and the signaling role of tyramine and octopamine in the nervous system of higher vertebrates remains significant and continues to be actively studied. Interest in this is due to the fact that it is in vertebrates that the amines in question “acquired” both a new spectrum of physiological functions and a new set of receptor proteins for their implementation in the process of evolution. These proteins, as it turned out, can act as potential targets for the treatment of a number of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Journal of Evolutionary Biochemistry and Physiology. 2025;61(4):211-225
211-225
THE NEUROPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF NON-CODING RNAS IN ISCHEMIA AND REPERFUSION OF THE BRAIN MAY BE MEDIATED BY A DECREASE IN THE LEVEL OF ATG PROTEINS
Abstract
In recent years, it has become clear that non-coding RNAs play an important role in regulating the development, metabolism and function of various organs. They play a pronounced regulatory role in various diseases and pathological conditions, including cerebral ischemia and reperfusion. Regulatory non-coding RNAs are mainly represented by long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs). Excessive activation of autophagy during severe cerebral ischemia and subsequent reperfusion leads to autophagic neuronal death, which, with apoptotic neuronal death, is known to be one of the main causes of brain injury in this disease. This review shows that regulatory noncoding RNAs can exert a neuroprotective effect by reducing the level of autophagy-related proteins (ATG proteins), which leads to inhibition and normalization of autophagy during brain ischemia and reperfusion. Thus, knockdown of one of the lncRNAs can lead to a significant increase in the level of microRNAs, which causes a subsequent decrease in the levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) of one of the ATG proteins and, as a consequence, a decrease in the level of the ATG protein itself. This results in inhibition of autophagy and reduction in brain damage from ischemia and reperfusion injury. Changes in miRNA and target protein mRNA levels occur due to the existence of complementary nucleotide sequences in lncRNA and miRNA, as well as in miRNA and mRNA of different ATG proteins, respectively. Thus, the final decrease in the level of ATG protein and inhibition of autophagy determine the protective effect of knockout of a number of lncRNAs (or circRNAs) during brain ischemia and reperfusion. Further study of the regulatory role of noncoding RNAs may help identify ways to counteract the brain-damaging effects of overactivation of autophagy and other abnormalities during brain ischemia and reperfusion.
Journal of Evolutionary Biochemistry and Physiology. 2025;61(4):226-240
226-240
EXPERIMENTAL ARTICLES
Study of protein-dust aggregates formation in a solution of serum albumin containing dust from a mining and metallurgy enterprise
Abstract
Nanoparticles contained in airborne aerosols are a significant risk factor and require a comprehensive approach to studying and eliminating the gap in knowledge about interaction with biological media. The aim of the work is to study the dynamics of the interaction of industrial dust with serum proteins and to develop a new, integrated approach to assessing exposure and the impact of environmental components on health. The paper shows the results of studies of the interaction of isolated fractions of industrial dust with a solution of serum albumin using diffraction grating and molecular absorption spectroscopy, and its elemental composition is determined by the ICP-MS method. It was found that after 24 hours of exposure to industrial dust in a protein solution, protein-dust particles agglomerate, followed by their decomposition by 744 hours and the particle size approaches the initial one. An inverse correlation was found between the specific surface area of the particles, their diffusion coefficient and size. The results obtained by the diffraction grating method are in good agreement with the qualitative characteristics obtained by molecular absorption spectroscopy. The ICP-MS method has recorded the complex dynamics of the redistribution of elements between phases over time. An assumption is made about the interaction of the analyzed elements with the protein, leading to the formation of nanoscale aggregates and the binding of metals, which is important for understanding their biological effects. Experimental data can be used to determine the standards of air aerosol pollution.
Journal of Evolutionary Biochemistry and Physiology. 2025;61(4):241-250
241-250
Possible pathways and mechanisms of weak alternating magnetic fields influence on cognitive functions in drosophila melanogaster
Abstract
Today, in an increasingly complex technogenic situation, the study of the effect of alternating magnetic fields (AMF) on biological objects is of particular relevance. The most sensitive to the action of magnetic fields is the nervous system. Using models on Drosophila melanogaster with different content of cryptochrome (CRY) (universal photo- and magnetosensor) in the test of conditional reflex suppression of courtship, the ways and mechanisms of the effect of weak AMF on memory and cognitive functions were studied. As a result of the study, a persistent repetitive effect of changing the behavior of Drosophila was found. It has been shown that in the light, a weak AMF stimulates the formation of medium-term memory in a mutant by the CG1848 gene for LIM kinase 1 agnts3, which is characterized by a violation of the learning processes and the formation of a memorable trace both under normal conditions and when exposed to a weak AMF in the darkness. CRY is the main target of exposure to weak AMF, since data have been obtained on the differential effect of light and dark on the formation of medium-term memory. The role of AMF in cognitive processes was revealed. The participation of CRY and AMF in the processes of memory formation will allow developing effective methods of non-invasive therapy of neuropathologies.
Journal of Evolutionary Biochemistry and Physiology. 2025;61(4):251-259
251-259
FROM THE EDITOR
The Art of Scientific Publication. An Editorial Series. Part II: Statistical Analysis: From Experimental Design to Reporting
Abstract
This second article in the editorial series serves as a practical guide to applying statistics in experimental physiology and biochemistry research. We frame statistical analysis as a continuous process, beginning at the experimental design stage with sample size justification and statistical power calculation. The article provides a detailed strategy for handling outliers, combining both visual and formal methods for their detection and analysis. A clear algorithm for selecting parametric and non-parametric tests, based on data type and study design, is presented and supported by illustrative tables. Significant attention is paid to the correct interpretation and presentation of results, including the reporting of exact p-values, effect sizes, and confidence intervals. A dedicated section analyzes common errors and contentious issues (e.g., multiple comparisons,p-hacking, confusion between replication types) that undermine the reliability of conclusions. The overarching goal of this material is to provide authors with a comprehensive framework that enhances the methodological rigor, transparency, and reproducibility of their research at all stages—from initial design to final publication.
Journal of Evolutionary Biochemistry and Physiology. 2025;61(4):260-268
260-268