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

Short survey of Poa L. species’ distribution in Kazakhstan and description of external morphological seed features

K.Sh. Aitymbetova — 2026-03-31

Climate change and global warming are considered to cause desertification; irrational anthropogenic activity leads to plant species shortening or their extinction. Seeds of one common sod-forming herbaceous plant, bluegrass (Poa L.), were collected forage and pasture plants, and some species are also widely used for lawns. According to current data, the bluegrass genus of the Poaceae family consists of 575 species, of which 80 are found in the flora of Kazakhstan, not taking into account new species that were recently discovered and described in East Kazakhstan. According to the Catalog of the World Collection of the All-Russian Institute of Plant Growing (VIR), such 4 species of bluegrasses, Poa bulbosa L., P. nemoralis L., P. pratensis L., and P. trivialis L., were identified as wild relatives of cultivated plants (WRCP). The purpose of our research was to conduct a brief analysis of the literature sources for the species composition of Poa L., distribution, biological and economic significance, and application, analysis of the number of samples by species, floristic regions, and the description of the external morphological seed features and their photographing. Our brief review of systematic sources has revealed 57 species distributed throughout the research territory. The description of seeds with photographs is presented for 7 species, for which there are 75 samples from various floristic zones. Seeds and their description might be used for species identification and as valuable genetic material in breeding.

The family Apiaceae Lindl. in the flora of the Ulytau region

S.K. Mukhtubayeva — 2026-03-31

The article presents the results of a comprehensive analysis of literary sources, herbarium collections, and field studies on the Apiaceae family within the Ulytau region. A total of 66 species belonging to 30 genera were identified during the research. The family ranks among the ten leading ones and plays an important role in the formation of the region’s main phytocenoses. The high diversity is explained by the combination of steppe, desert, and mountain ecosystems, as well as by the region’s location within the Irano-Turanian floristic province. The greatest species richness was observed in the Zhanarka district (63 taxa), where xerophytic and halophytic species predominate. The largest genera are Ferula (17 species), Seseli (9 species), Prangos, Sium, Palimbia, Hyalolaena (3 species each), Cuminum, Pastinaca, Peucedanum, and Trinia (2 species each), while the remaining 20 genera are represented by single species. Perennial plants dominate in terms of life forms (84.6%). Among ecological groups, xerophytes (60.5%) prevail, mainly represented by the genera Ferula, Prangos, and Seseli. Regarding salinity tolerance, 8 halophytic and 11 mesohalophytic species were identified, occurring on solonetz and saline soils. Within the region, one Red Book species – Saposhnikovia divaricata – and five subendemic taxa were recorded: Palimbia defoliata, Prangos ledebourii, Sium medium, Seseli eriocephalum, and S. coronatum. These species are locally distributed and confined to specific habitats, which necessitates their protection and monitoring. Analysis of the resource potential showed that the majority – 58 species (87.8%) – are medicinal plants, including Carum carvi, Falcaria vulgaris, Ferula soongorica, F. tatarica, and others, which possess antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and tonic properties. Some species are promising as forage, essential oil, and ornamental plants. To identify species with potential inclusion in the Red Book of the Ulytau region, taxa with a limited number of habitats and classified as rare or occasionally occurring were analyzed.

Assessment of the probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria

T.S. Tasmaganbetova — 2026-03-31

Today, probiotic microorganisms, including lactic acid bacteria, are becoming increasingly important in the food industry and biotechnology. They play an important role in the formation of the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract, inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms, improve the absorption of nutrients, and contribute to the overall health of consumers. Effective selection of probiotic strains is based on their physiological stability (acids and salts of bile acids), adhesive ability, and technological properties. In this regard, a comprehensive assessment of the probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria is an important step in selecting promising strains for inclusion in food products. In this study, Lactobacillus acidophilus SLA, Lacticaseibacillus casei SLC және Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus SSV (hereinafter Lactobacillus - L) were used. The main probiotic properties of the strains were comprehensively evaluated in vitro. During the study, the Turner method revealed the activity of acid formation and conducted tests for resistance to acids and salts of the gallbladder to simulate gastrointestinal conditions. The ability of adhesion to erythrocytes was evaluated using the Brilis method. According to the results obtained, the L. acidophilus SLA strain is highly resistant to acids and bile salts (viability at pH 2.0 - 82.4%, viability at 0.5% - 90.4%) and showed a high level of adhesion (UAC = 4.3). Although the L. casei SLC strain has medium resistance and adhesion, the L. bulgaricus SSV strain had high acid-forming activity (124 °T), but low resistance to stress factors and adhesion. In general, the data showed that in a comprehensive assessment of the probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria, it is necessary to take into account such important criteria as stability and adhesion of acids and bile salts. The results of the study allow us to evaluate the L. acidophilus SLA strain as a promising candidate for introduction into food.

Influence of environmental factors on the immune status of cyprinid fish and susceptibility to diseases

N.M. Seidaliyeva — 2026-03-31

This study investigated the influence of key environmental factors, including water temperature, ammonia concentration, and dissolved oxygen levels, on the immune status of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and their susceptibility to bacterial and parasitic diseases. The research was based on experimental modeling of aquaculture conditions with controlled variation of environmental parameters, followed by assessment of immunological indicators such as lysozyme activity, immunoglobulin content, neutrophil phagocytic activity, complement activity, and cortisol levels. Evaluation of the physicochemical characteristics of water confirmed the stability of experimental conditions and allowed isolation of the effects of the studied stressors. The results showed that an increase in temperature to 30°C, ammonia concentration to 1.0 mg/L, and a decrease in dissolved oxygen to 3 mg/L led to a pronounced suppression of immune responses and a significant increase in susceptibility to Aeromonas hydrophila and Dactylogyrus spp. The most substantial impairment of immune status was observed under hypoxic conditions, accompanied by elevated cortisol levels and maximal intensity of the infectious process. These findings highlight the key role of oxygen regimes in forming carp resistance to pathogens and emphasize the necessity of optimizing water quality control in freshwater aquaculture systems. The results allow the conclusion that environmental stressors significantly increase carp susceptibility to infectious diseases and should be considered a critical factor in practical fish farming.

Modification of plant genomes using DNA technologies: progress in the delivery of exogenous DNA

E.V. Deineko — 2026-03-31

The article reviews data on the delivery of exogenous DNA fragments used in DNA technologies as expression cassettes for heterologous genes in the creation of transgenic plants, or as tools for modifying plant genomes using genome editing methods. The main focus is on in planta delivery methods that allow researchers to bypass the plant cultivation stage, which includes the disintegration of plant tissues into callus cultures followed by the in vitro regeneration of plant regenerants. It is this stage of plant genome modification using modern DNA technologies that is currently attracting the attention of many research groups. Data are presented on the prospects of using viral vectors for the transient delivery of genome editing tools into plant cells. The possibilities and some disadvantages of this technology are discussed, as well as the prospects for its application to agricultural plant species.

Isolation and characterization of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells

A.Ye. Sekenova — 2026-03-31

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from human umbilical cord have been studied by scientists for more than 10 years due to their regenerative potential. Identification of the phenotype of these cells is very important because it shows the presence of properties of stem cells. This study aims to identify the phenotype of MSCs that were obtained from the human umbilical cord. MSCs were isolated from human umbilical cord and cultured in complete α-МЕМ medium. The colony-forming capacities of the obtained MSCs were analyzed by colony-forming assay. The phenotype of the obtained MSCs was evaluated using flow cytometry. Isolated MSCs showed the typical morphology of MSCs and demonstrated the ability to form colonies in the CFU assay. Obtained MSCs showed the expression of surface markers of normal MSCs. Thus, the cells that were isolated from the human umbilical cord confirmed the presence of the phenotype of MSCs.

Spectral signatures of wheat rust from hyperspectral data: the potential of machine learning methods

R.М. Ualiyeva — 2026-03-31

The study presents an approach for detecting rust and differentiating lesions using hyperspectral imaging and machine learning methods. Analysis of the differences in the spectral characteristics of lesions on the wheat ear, leaf, and stem revealed patterns between light reflectance and the structure of plants and pathogens. Healthy areas have a high reflectance coefficient due to their normal cellular structure and chlorophyll content. Lower intensity was detected in desiccated areas, which is associated with moisture loss and disrupted plant structure. Areas affected by rust exhibit low reflectance coefficients, which are related to tissue degradation and the accumulation of dark pigments by the pathogens, contributing to their resistance to external stresses. This forms a distinct spectral profile, allowing for clear visual identification of the disease. As a result, with the aim of identifying the presence of lesions caused by Puccinia graminis and Puccinia triticina, a classification model based on the Random Forest algorithm was developed to recognise rust-affected zones, achieving an overall classification accuracy of 94%. The obtained values indicate the model's high potential for detecting rust lesions, confirming the promise of synergistic analysis of hyperspectral data combined with ensemble machine learning algorithms for the non-invasive detection of wheat rust diseases.

Biochemical mechanisms of the effects of heavy metals on barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

M.K. Beisekova — 2026-03-31

Heavy metal pollution poses a major threat to ecosystems and the health of living organisms. In the present study, we investigated the effects of zinc and copper by applying ZnSO₄ and CuSO₄·6H₂O solution on the physiological and biochemical processes in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cv. Astana-2000 seedlings, 1 mM solutions of ZnSO₄ and CuSO₄·6H₂O were used. Sulfite oxidase (SO) is an enzyme that contains molybdenum and that contributes to sulfite detoxification and the regulation of redox reactions. The present research focuses on the impact of Zn and Cu on the enzyme SO activity. Zn and Cu treatments apparently induce moderate stress by stimulating SO activity, thereby enhancing sulfite detoxification and maintaining cellular redox balance. These results suggest that Zn and Cu differently affect the SO regulatory mechanism, also showing the participation of SO in the early regulation of redox balance and defense mechanism in barley under heavy metal stress. These findings support the importance of studying heavy metal interactions to develop strategies for enhancing plant tolerance to Zn, Cu, and similar stress conditions.

Ontogenetic spectrum of rare Linaria cretacea Fisch ex Spreng coenopopulations in the Aktobe region

M.S. Bakytzhanova — 2026-03-31

The article is devoted to the assessment of the state of coenopopulations of the plant Linaria cretacea, a rare species that needs special protection, by botanical methods. To study the age structure and ontogenetic state of rare species in the Aktobe region. L. cretacea coenopopulations, test sites were built for Akkudyksai, Kopaly, and Utek coenopopulations in the populations of the Ishkargantau chalk massif. The age structure and ontogenetic state of the registered individuals of the species were determined, and the demographic situation in the coenopopulations, the values of the age index and the energy efficiency index, i.e., "delta-omega", and the indicators of recovery, exchange, and aging were calculated. In the results obtained, the average density of the species around coenopopulations and the average number of plants in different age states in the sample sites were calculated. According to coenopopulations, indicators were determined to determine changes in the demographic situation. The soil cover of the coenopopulation consists of gravelly chalk formed by sedimentary rocks of the Cretaceous period. In the soil where L. cretacea plant populations are found, facultative calcefites are twice as dominant as obligate calcefites. Studied rarely, the base spectra of L. cretacea coenopopulations are of a single and mature type. In the future, based on the results obtained, it will be possible to make recommendations for the conservation and protection of this rare species.

The influence of ticks on the spread of vector-borne and arbovirus diseases in the West Kazakhstan region

R.N. Toleuova — 2026-03-31

The article discusses the findings of a study investigating the impact of ticks on the transmission of vector-borne and arboviral diseases among livestock in the West Kazakhstan region. The epizootic situation with blood-sucking ticks in farm animals has also been studied. The results presented in this article show a potential solution to many problems associated with the spread of tick-borne infections. The analysis of epizootic indicators used for monitoring and zoning the territory of Western Kazakhstan according to the degree of intensity of the epizootic situation and a number of infections among farm animals has been carried out. To monitor and zone the territory of Western Kazakhstan according to the degree of intensity of the epizootic situation for the following viral infections among farm animals (bluetongue, Schmallenberg's disease, nodular dermatitis of cattle, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, etc.). The methods developed and adapted for the detection and strain differentiation of the virus were used, based on PCR and nucleotide sequencing, followed by analysis of the amplified nucleotide sequences of the genome of isolates of identified animal viruses in Western Kazakhstan. The results are of scientific and practical interest to researchers from neighboring countries: Central Asia, Russia, China, etc.

The prevalence of some parasitic insects and helminths in the natural biocenoses of the West Kazakhstan region

A.K. Darzhigitova — 2026-03-31

The article presents the results of a study of the epidemic and epizootic well-being of the West Kazakhstan region on parasitic diseases. In the course of the work, biological and parasitological studies were carried out. Data on the epizootic situation of the spread of ticks, mosquitoes and some helminthiasis in a number of areas of the studied region have been obtained. 6 species of blood-sucking mosquitoes and 6 species of ixodes ticks, 3 types of trematodes: opisthorchiasis, fascioliasis and dicroceliosis, and 1 cestodosis: echinococcosis were studied as having epidemiological significance, their distribution zones were studied, as well as indicators of animal infection with ticks and the level of helminth invasion detected in summer and autumn. The degree of infection of the population of the studied region with echinococcosis and opisthorchiasis was also considered. The work is aimed at scientific provision of epidemic and epizootic well-being for infectious parasitic diseases, development and implementation of databases for modeling and forecasting of parasitic diseases. Studying the dynamics of parasitic insects and helminths in the natural biocenoses of the West Kazakhstan region makes it possible to understand the stability of local ecosystems and identify the main factors of their circulation, helping to prevent the transmission of parasites to pets and humans. The conducted studies have confirmed the high diversity of parasitic organisms in the natural biocenoses of the West Kazakhstan region.

Myocardial histomorphometry of rat in doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy

E.V. Fiodorova — 2026-03-31

Morphological changes in the structural components of the myocardium were established in an experimental model of cardiomyopathy induced by doxorubicin. The most informative markers of disease progression were: α-actinin-2 (ACTN2; λ = 0.0051, р = 0.005), cardiac troponin T (TNNT2; λ = 0.0085, р = 0.008), succinate dehydrogenase (SDG; λ = 0.0097, р = 0.010), lactate dehydrogenase (LDG; λ = 0.0135, р = 0.014) and parenchymal-stromal ratio (PSR; λ = 0.0137, р = 0.014).