BULLETIN of the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. BIOSCIENCE Series

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Native Beauveria bassiana Strains and Their Virulence Against Trialeurodes vaporariorum

N. E. Tashigul — 2026-09-30

Entomopathogenic fungi of the genus Beauveria are considered promising agents for the sustainable biological control of insect pests. The aim of this study was to investigate the morphological and molecular characteristics of two native Beauveria bassiana strains, BCa-09 and BP2-07, isolated from members of the order Coleoptera in southern and southeastern Kazakhstan, respectively, and to evaluate their virulence against the greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum. Colony growth rates were determined on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) at 25 °C for 14 days. We performed molecular identification by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal RNA, followed by phylogenetic analysis using the Neighbor-Joining method with 1,000 bootstrap replicates. Virulence was evaluated based on the activity of conidial suspensions against T. vaporariorum nymphs at a concentration of 1 × 10⁷ conidia/mL over 11 days. Strain BCa-09 exhibited a significantly higher colony growth rate on both media compared with BP2-07 (p < 0.01). BLAST analysis showed ≥99% nucleotide sequence similarity between both strains and reference B. bassiana sequences deposited in the GenBank database, confirming their taxonomic identity. In the phylogenetic analysis, both strains clustered with reference B. bassiana isolates with 99% bootstrap support. Both strains exhibited pathogenic activity against T. vaporariorum: by day 11, cumulative mortality reached 87.5 ± 4.7% for BCa-09 and 80.0 ± 4.1% for BP2-07. These results confirm the virulence of the investigated B. bassiana strains and indicate their potential for further evaluation as biological control agents against T. vaporariorum.

Biological properties of cosmetic soap based on horse fat

M.Kh. Narmuratova — 2026-09-30

Nowadays, soap is one of the most widely used and accessible cleaning agents both in everyday life and industry. Its properties depend not only on the production technology but also on the raw materials used. Soap made from natural animal fats is of particular interest, as it significantly affects the physicochemical and consumer properties of the product. Horse fat products have traditionally been used in skincare and folk medicine due to their therapeutic properties. However, studies on traditional soap production remain limited. In recent years, horse fat has attracted attention as a promising component of cosmetic formulations due to its ability to restore the skin barrier and maintain skin hydration. According to scientific literature, the anti-inflammatory properties of horse fat are associated with its high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, including linoleic acid (C18:2n6, LA) and α-linolenic acid (C18:3n3, ALA). For example, in cow fat, C18:2n6 is about 3%, and C18:3n3 is 0.5–1%, whereas in horse fat, they range from 15–25% and 3–10%, respectively. The anti-inflammatory activity of horse fat was determined by applying it to the skin of hairless mice. It was found that UV-B-induced production of IL-6 and TNF-α in the skin was significantly inhibited. The main aim of this study was to prepare soap from horse fat and investigate its properties. Two types of soap were prepared by saponification of horse fat with the addition of safflower oil (Carthamus tinctorius L.) and Trilon B. The physicochemical, microbiological, and skin irritation properties of the soaps were evaluated. All prepared soaps met the national standards. No irritation was observed in soaps containing safflower oil and Trilon B, i.e., no erythema or inflammation was detected in the application area.

Pain Intensity is Associated with Migraine-Specific Quality of Life: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Kazakhstan Cohort

Zh. Akhmetova — 2026-09-30

Migraine is a leading cause of disability, yet the relative contribution of individual attack characteristics — pain intensity, frequency, and duration - to migraine-specific quality of life remains incompletely defined, and data from Central Asian populations are scarce. This study examined the clinical and psychometric factors associated with migraine-specific quality of life in a Kazakhstan cohort. In a cross-sectional study, 195 participants (100 patients with migraine [ICHD-3] and 95 controls without migraine) were enrolled; analytic modeling was restricted to 88 women with migraine. Quality of life (MSQ v2.1: RFR, RFP, EF) was modeled against usual-attack pain intensity (VAS), attack frequency and duration, age, and anxiety and depression (HADS) using multivariable linear regression with HC3 confidence intervals and Benjamini–Hochberg correction; HURT burden was reserved for sensitivity analyses to avoid overadjustment. Higher pain intensity was associated with lower RFR (β = −7.51 per 1 SD; 95% CI −12.18 to −2.84; p = 0.002) and RFP (β = −10.91; 95% CI −16.45 to −5.37; p <0.001). No independent association was detected for attack frequency, duration, age, or affective symptoms. The pain-intensity association was robust across influence-diagnostic, categorical-VAS (dose–response), and HURT-adjusted sensitivity analyses. Usual-attack pain intensity, rather than attack frequency or duration, was the predictor most consistently associated with migraine-specific role functioning.

Plant-Derived DPP-4 Inhibitors in Cardiometabolic Diseases: A Critical Evaluation of the Evidence Base and Priorities for Kazakhstan

K.K. Zhapar — 2026-09-30

The increasing prevalence of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and associated cardiometabolic complications has intensified the challenge of effectively controlling disturbances in carbohydrate metabolism and highlighted the need for new therapeutic targets and approaches. One promising target is the enzyme DPP-4, which inactivates the incretin hormones GLP-1 and GIP, thereby limiting their effects on insulin secretion and postprandial glycemic regulation. In this context, natural compounds are considered a promising source of new chemical scaffolds for the development of DPP-4 inhibitors. The aim of this review is to critically evaluate experimental evidence on plant-derived DPP-4 inhibitors and to identify promising plant sources and chemical scaffolds relevant to Kazakhstan. The analysis considered the chemical class of compounds, DPP-4 inhibitory activity, enzyme source, quantitative activity parameters, available data on kinetics and selectivity, and the potential availability of plant material in Kazakhstan. The most extensive evidence has been reported for flavonoids, chalcones, aurones, and other polyphenolic compounds. Alkaloids containing a berberine structural moiety are also of interest because of their inhibitory activity and the availability of mechanistic explanations. However, their activity is predominantly in the micromolar range and is lower than that of synthetic DPP-4 inhibitors. The evidence base remains heterogeneous because of differences among experimental systems and limited data on kinetics and selectivity. For Kazakhstan, the priority should not be the direct translation of plant-derived compounds into clinical practice, but rather the systematic investigation of promising locally available plant sources using standardized methods.

The Use of Selpercatinib in Recurrent Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma with the RET p.C630R Mutation: A Clinical Case

M.S. Mauletbayev — 2026-09-30

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare malignant tumor arising from parafollicular C cells and accounts for 1–5% of all thyroid cancers. Somatic RET mutations occur in 40–50% of sporadic cases and represent targets for selective RET inhibitors. Selpercatinib (RETEVMO, Eli Lilly), approved by the FDA in 2020 and the EMA in 2021, is currently not registered in Kazakhstan. This study describes its successful use in a 74-year-old patient with recurrent MTC, cervical lymph node and lung metastases, vandetanib intolerance, and a confirmed RET p.C630R mutation. Diagnostic evaluation included histology, immunohistochemistry, next-generation sequencing (NGS), contrast-enhanced CT, MRI, ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT, and laboratory monitoring of calcitonin, carcinoembryonic antigen, thyroid hormones, and liver and kidney function. NGS identified an activating RET p.C630R mutation with an allele frequency of 21.14%. Vandetanib was discontinued because of Quincke’s edema, drug-induced liver injury, and Stevens–Johnson syndrome. Selpercatinib was subsequently administered at a dose of 160 mg/day. After three months, PET/CT performed on March 4, 2026, showed no evidence of local recurrence and an approximately twofold decrease in the metabolic activity of the pulmonary lesions. Calcitonin levels remained stable near the upper limit of normal (16.0–16.3 pg/mL). No adverse events requiring treatment discontinuation were reported, while liver and kidney function remained normal. This case demonstrates the efficacy and favorable tolerability of selpercatinib in RET-positive MTC following intolerance to a first-generation multikinase inhibitor and supports its registration and improved accessibility in Kazakhstan.

Electrophysiological analysis of purinergic signaling of microglia as an approach to studying the immune mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease

G.T. Tasibekova — 2026-09-30

Neuroinflammation mediated by chronic microglial activation is considered a key factor in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Purinergic signaling, particularly P2X4 and P2X7 receptors activated by extracellular ATP, plays an important role in modulating microglial function. Understanding the ionic mechanisms triggered by these receptors is essential for identifying therapeutic targets and requires high-precision electrophysiological methods. The aim of this study was to investigate ATP-induced ionic mechanisms in BV-2 microglial cells to better understand the role of purinergic signaling in neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases, including AD. The study was performed on the immortalized BV-2 mouse microglia line and HEK293 cells, used to optimize recording parameters. Electrophysiological measurements were performed in the whole-cell configuration at a holding potential of –60 mV. Purinergic receptors were activated by local application of ATP (1 mM). Conditions for stable gigaohm seal formation and transition to the whole-cell configuration were optimized for cells with amoeboid morphology. ATP application induced inward currents in all BV-2 cells studied (n=10), with a mean amplitude of 188 ± 33 pA. Responses showed slow development kinetics and no rapid desensitization during agonist exposure. Unlike primary human cultures, BV-2 cells did not exhibit the classic biphasic kinetics associated with full opening of the P2X7 receptor pore. This may indicate predominance of the P2X4 subtype or specific regulation of purinergic receptors in immortalized cell lines. The results confirm the effectiveness of patch-clamp for assessing microglial functional state and support BV-2 cells as a model for primary screening of purinergic signaling modulators.

An electrochemical biosensor assay for diagnostics of Cytospora canker disease in apple trees

K. Dyussembayev — 2026-09-30

Apple is one of the most widely grown fruit trees, and Cytospora canker is a disease that causes branch canker and dieback. The treatment of the disease is mainly carried out by using fungicides. However, excessive use of chemicals has a significant impact on fruit quality, as well as on the environment, and is also economically unprofitable for countries with small apple production. The problem can be solved by establishing a management strategy based on timely diagnosis of the disease and preventing its spread. Therefore, there is a need for a reliable and inexpensive diagnostic tool that can be used for early detection and quantification of the pathogen. Although there are several conventional laboratory tests for this purpose, they lack simplicity and selectivity, and most importantly, require trained personnel. This article describes the development of an electrochemical biosensor method that can replace conventional molecular detection methods. This method is a hundred times more sensitive than existing quantitative PCR methods.

Molecular Identification of a Plasmopara halstedii Isolate and Assessment of Sunflower Hybrid Resistance to Race 330 in Kazakhstan

T.S. Khosnutdinova† — 2026-09-30

The oomycete Plasmopara halstedii is the causal agent of sunflower Downy mildew and plays a key role in identifying races and assessing the resistance of Kazakhstan’s sunflower hybrids to this pathogen. The relevance of the research is due to the high pathogenicity of the disease and the variability of the pathogen’s racial composition. The pathogen was isolated by in vitro cultivation on potato-glucose agar supplemented with sunflower sprout juice. Molecular identification was performed based on the analysis of the 28S rDNA region using PCR followed by sequencing. Race identification was carried out by artificial inoculation of differential sunflower lines under controlled conditions. The results of morphological and molecular-genetic analyses confirmed that the isolate belonged to the species Pl. halstedii. Based on the reaction of differential lines, the studied isolate was identified as race 330. Screening of 70 sunflower hybrids of Kazakhstani breeding revealed a predominance of susceptible genotypes and a limited number of resistant forms. The obtained data indicate the distribution of Pl. halstedii race 330 in the East Kazakhstan region and highlight the necessity of regular phytopathological monitoring. The identified resistant genotypes are of practical interest for breeding programs aimed at improving sunflower resistance to downy mildew.

Personalized Approach to Therapy Selection in a Patient with ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Clinical Case

A.T. Bekisheva — 2026-09-30

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive non-small cell lung cancer (ALK-positive NSCLC) is a molecularly defined subtype of lung cancer in which the optimal sequencing of systemic therapy is essential for achieving long-term disease control. Progression involving the central nervous system (CNS) represents a particular clinical challenge, as intracranial disease control becomes an independent and important treatment objective. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the potential of an individualized approach to treatment selection in a patient with ALK-positive NSCLC who received several consecutive lines of therapy with ALK inhibitors, including lorlatinib after CNS progression. The clinical case was described using data from the patient’s medical history, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, morphological, immunohistochemical, and molecular genetic examinations, multidisciplinary team decisions, and information on systemic and radiation therapy. A 40-year-old patient was diagnosed with ALK-positive NSCLC of the lower lobe of the right lung, stage IIIB (T4N2M0). Following disease progression after platinum-based chemotherapy, sequential targeted therapy with crizotinib and ceritinib was administered. When multiple brain metastases developed, the patient received symptomatic radiation therapy followed by chemotherapy. In February 2024, treatment with lorlatinib was initiated. This therapy resulted in clinical improvement, stabilization of the pulmonary lesions, and positive radiological dynamics according to follow-up brain MRI. The presented case highlights the importance of timely molecular profiling, regular assessment of CNS involvement, multidisciplinary decision-making, and personalized selection and sequencing of ALK inhibitors. Lorlatinib may provide effective systemic and intracranial disease control after progression during previous lines of treatment.

Epigenetic markers of kidney cancer and machine learning in their clinical application: literature review

A.R. Zhanymbetova — 2026-09-30

Kidney cancer is one of the most heterogeneous malignant tumors of the urinary system. Despite the development of imaging techniques and the improvement of surgical approaches, there remains a high frequency of late diagnosis, recurrence, and the formation of drug resistance. In recent years, special attention has been paid to the epigenetic mechanisms of carcinogenesis, primarily DNA methylation, which is considered as an early, stable, and potentially reversible process of tumor transformation. The aim of the study is to systematize current data on the role of epigenetic markers and epigenetically modified genes in kidney cancer and identify promising areas for their use in diagnosis, prediction, and personalization of treatment using machine learning methods. This systematic review of scientific publications for the period 2008-2026 was performed using the databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, TCGA, and GEO. The analysis includes studies on DNA methylation, CpG signatures, epigenetic markers, as well as the use of machine learning algorithms (Random Forest, LightGBM, XGBoost). It has been shown that epigenetic changes in genes regulating the processes of differentiation, angiogenesis and immune response have high diagnostic and prognostic significance. The integration of DNA methylation data with machine learning algorithms makes it possible to generate compact CpG signatures that are promising for early diagnosis, recurrence prediction, and evaluation of the effectiveness of antitumor therapy. The use of epigenetic markers in combination with machine learning methods opens up new opportunities for personalized oncourology, providing more accurate stratification of patients and optimization of treatment tactics.

DNA Methylation and microRNA regulation of the IL-33/TSLP–Th2

A. Shahimuratova — 2026-09-30

Bronchial asthma is a heterogeneous chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that results from a complex interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Among these, respiratory viral infections—including rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, influenza virus, and SARS-CoV-2—are recognized not only as the leading cause of asthma exacerbations but also as major contributors to persistent airway inflammation. A central role in virus-induced immune responses is played by the epithelial alarmin axis comprising interleukin-33 (IL-33) and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), whose activation drives Th2-mediated inflammation, resulting in eosinophilic infiltration, airway hyperresponsiveness, and bronchial remodeling. The aim of the present review is to examine the relationship between the epithelial alarmins IL-33 and TSLP and epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation and microRNA expression, in asthma pathogenesis, with special emphasis on respiratory viral infections as triggers of these molecular events. Current evidence on the mechanisms by which respiratory viruses modulate IL-33- and TSLP-dependent signaling through epigenetic regulations are summarized. Particular attention is given to DNA methylation and microRNA-mediated regulation of genes encoding epithelial alarmins and their downstream signaling pathways. Aberrant epigenetic regulation contributes to persistent Th2-driven inflammation, enhanced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and increased susceptibility to recurrent viral infections and non-infectious triggers. In addition, microRNAs can regulate the expression of epithelial alarmins and serve as potential biomarkers of asthma activity and response to treatment. Studying their role in the interaction between viruses and epigenetic mechanisms broadens our understanding of the pathogenesis of asthma and opens up new possibilities for precision therapy.

Effects of acetic acid on plant responses to Тomato bushy stunt virus infection

M. Mambetova — 2026-09-30

Plant viral infections pose a serious challenge to agriculture and plant research, as they can cause significant yield losses and negatively impact plant growth. Unlike bacterial or fungal pathogens, plant viruses are not controlled by standard chemical pesticides once they have infected. As a result, researchers are increasingly interested in finding alternative ways to reduce viral infection or limit viral replication in plant tissues. One of the most promising areas of plant pathology is the study of inexpensive and environmentally friendly chemicals that can enhance plant resistance or inhibit viral infection processes. Chemicals that have generated interest in this area include organic acids. Acetic acid is an inexpensive organic acid that has been reported to promote stress adaptation and defense responses in plants. This study examined the effect of acetic acid on Nicotiana benthamiana infection with tomato bushy stunt virus (TBSV). Plants were treated with acetic acid solutions (5, 10, and 20 mM) by spraying the leaves and then infected with TBSV. These findings suggest that acetic acid may serve as an effective inducer of plant defense responses and could potentially enhance resistance against pathogen infection. Plants must cope with stress-related variations, such as oxidative stress, to survive. Catalase activity, an important indicator of antioxidant defense, was analyzed by native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Virus-infected plants exhibited higher catalase activity than control plants, indicating activation of antioxidant responses during infection. In contrast, treatment with 5 mM acetic acid alone reduced catalase activity. When combined with virus infection, catalase activity increased, remaining higher than that of acetic acid-treated plants but lower than that of virus-infected plants. These results suggest that acetic acid modulates oxidative stress responses associated with TBSV infection and may contribute to improved redox homeostasis and antiviral defense in N. benthamiana.

Qualıtatıve composıtıon and dynamıcs of soybean varıetıes of varıous ecologıcal groups durıng pre-sowıng treatment wıth trace elements

G.K. Kabylbekova — 2026-09-30

The article presents the results of studies on the effect of trace elements on the qualitative composition and development of varieties of different ecological groups of soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merrill). The purpose of the work was to evaluate the effectiveness of various trace elements in the pre-sowing treatment of seeds. The experiments were conducted in 2022-2024 on experimental plots of the department of leguminous crops of the Kazakh Scientific Research Institute of Agriculture and Crop Production (KSRIACP, Almaty region) in light chestnut, loamy, and rarely sandy loam soils. The study used microelements of balanced complexes (Mo+"B"+"Zn"+"Co"). It was found that the use of trace elements had a positive effect on field germination, physiology, phenology and grain quality indicators. Kazakh (Zhansaya, Ivushka) and North American (Dawson, Supra) ecotypes are the most adaptive and responsive to pre-sowing microelement treatment in the foothill zone of southeastern Kazakhstan (KSRIACP). Treatment with trace elements ensures a steady increase in grain productivity by 16.0–18.0% due to an increase in the mass of 1000 seeds and lacustrine content, as well as increases the protein content of grain by 1.5–2.1%. Thus, pre-sowing treatment with trace elements has shown high efficiency and can be recommended for integrated environmentally friendly soybean cultivation technologies.

Psychological resources and risk factors of adaptation to military service among military personnel with different lengths of service and graduating students

R.K. Tatayeva — 2026-09-30

Adaptation to military service is a complex process requiring the mobilization of personal resources and the ability to cope with emotional and psychological stress. The aim of this study was to identify psychological resources and risk factors associated with adaptation to military service among conscripts with different lengths of service and to determine potential risk factors among students. The study assessed adverse childhood experiences (ACE-10), hardiness (PVS III-R), emotional state (DASS-21), traumatic stress, adaptive potential, and interpersonal interaction. A high level of commitment was observed in 69.6% of servicemen after 5 months of service and in 63.6% after 12 months. High levels of control were found in 60.9% and 63.6%, respectively, while high levels of risk acceptance were observed in 60.9% and 63.6%. A high level of overall hardiness was identified in 13.0% of servicemen after 5 months of service and in 22.7% after one year; however, a moderate level of overall hardiness predominated in both groups. Low levels of adverse childhood experiences were identified in 95.7% of servicemen after 5 months and in 100% after 12 months of service. Among final-year students, a moderate level of hardiness predominated (61.5%). High levels of depression, anxiety, and stress were identified in 43.5%, 39.1%, and 13.0% of students, respectively, while a moderate level of stress was observed in 69.6%. The findings highlight the need for early psychological screening and the development of stress resilience, emotional self-regulation, and other adaptive resources during pre-conscription training.