Toxicological effects of sublethal microcystin-LR exposure in Labeo rohita: histopathological, ultrastructural, immunological, and biochemical impairments

Aim: To evaluate the effects of borax and sleeve gastrectomy on mRNA expression of antioxidant genes in substantia nigra tissue of obese rats. Methods: Obese rats were fed with a high-fat diet containing 40% additional fat to the diet. Rats were allocated into four groups in random, which were normal rats (Group I) (n=14), obese rats subjected to SG (Group II) (n=14), obese rats subjected to borax (Group III) (n=14), and obese rats subjected to SG and borax (Group IV) (n=14). Catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene expressions were determined by polymerase chain reaction, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blotting. Results: When normal rats (Group I), and obese rats subjected to SG (Group II) were compared, a decrease in expressions of catalase, SOD and GST genes was observed in Group II. When obese rats subjected to borax (Group III) were compared with Group I and Group II, a decrease in expressions of catalase, SOD and GST genes was observed in Group III. This phenomenon demonstrates that borax and SG both decrease expressions of catalase, SOD and GST genes. Furthermore, the most significant decrease in expressions of catalase, SOD and GST genes was observed in obese rats subjected to SG and borax (Group IV) when compared to other three study groups. Conclusion: The borax decreases molecular obesity and consequently increases the expressions of Catalase, SOD and GST genes. These data show decrease of Catalase, SOD and GST genes in the substantia nigra tissue of obese rats, consistent with the possibility that these changes may contribute to disease pathogenesis.

Diethylstilbestrol (DES), a synthetic estrogen, is associated with liver cancer in rats and humans. DES undergoes redox cycling producing free radicals which can react with lipids causing lipid peroxidation. Lipid peroxides causes DNA damage, mutations and ultimately cancer. Dially sulfide has been shown to inhibit various types of cancers presumably by metabolic modulation. We hypothesize that DAS will inhibit lipid peroxidation by increasing gene expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Glutathione S Transferase (GST) in the liver of male Sprague Dawley rats. To test this hypothesis four groups of five male Sprague Dawley rats were treated as follows: (1) control (corn oil), (2) 50 mg/kg DAS (3) 50 mg/kg DES, (4) 50 mg/kg DAS, 50mg/kg DES. RNA was extracted from the liver using the trizol. SOD and GST gene expression was assed by real time RT‐PCR. The Folch Method was used to extract lipids from the liver and lipid peroxidation was determined by PeroxiDirect Kit, (Sigma). Animals treated with DES resulted in lipid peroxide formation of 14.5 nmoles/gram of tissue. Co‐administration of DAS and DES attenuated DES‐induced lipid peroxidation by 90%. No lipid peroxides were detected in the control and the DAS treated animals. DES, DAS and a combination of DES and DAS resulted in increases of SOD expression by 2.2, 10.1 and 18.1 fold respectively. Similar results were seen with GST. DES, DAS, and a combination of DES and DAS resulted in GST expression of 0.78, 8.1, and 13.2 fold respectively. Our results demonstrate that DAS inhibits DES induce lipid peroxidation. These data suggest that diallyl sulfide may prevent DES induced cancer and be used to develop potent chemopreventive compounds. Supported in part by NIH grantsRR08111 and RR03020.

Modification of gene expression by dietary antioxidants in radiation-induced apoptosis of mice splenocytes

Response of the freshwater mussel, Dreissena polymorpha to sub-lethal concentrations of samarium and yttrium after chronic exposure

Ultrastructural, molecular and haemato-immunological changes: Multifaceted toxicological effects of microcystin-LR in rohu, Labeo rohita

This study was conducted to investigate the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant effect of Artemisia argyi powder (AAP). 240 mixed-sex one-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into five treatment groups, each consisting of six replicates (one replicate per cage) with eight broilers per replicate. Broilers were fed basal diets supplemented with 0, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 g AAP per kg feed, respectively. The hepatic and intestinal samples were collected on d 21 and 42 for analysis of antioxidant indices and antioxidative enzyme gene expression. The in vitro results showed that the scavenging activity of Artemisia argyi against •OH and DPPH were 34.99±1.11% and 74.12±0.50%, respectively; the ferric reducing power was 2.58±0.03%. The in vivo results showed that dietary 20 g/kg of AAP significantly enhanced the hepatic total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), catalase (CAT) activity, and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, also decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content; dietary10 g/kg of AAP significantly increased the gene expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and CAT on d 42. For the duodenum, 10 g/kg of AAP increased SOD activity (P<0.05), and reduced MDA level (P<0.05) on d 21; the gene expression of CAT and SOD were increased in the 20 g/kg of AAP treatment compared with the control group on d 42. For the jejunum, on d 21, the T-AOC level was increased by inclusion of 10 g/kg of AAP, and CAT activity was enhanced significantly at 5, 10, and 20 g/kg of AAP group; dietary AAP significantly decreased MDA level at the concentration of 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 g/kg in contrast with control group on d 42; 5 and 20 g/kg of AAP increased the gene expression of SOD on d 21, and the gene expression of GSH-Px was increased (P<0.05) in 10 g/kg of AAP group on d 42. For the ileum, compared to the control group, 2.5 and 20 g/kg of AAP increased SOD activity (P<0.05); and dietary 10 and 20 g/kg of AAP significantly reduced MDA level; dietary 10 g/kg of AAP increased the gene expression of SOD, CAT and GSH-Px in broilers on d 42. In conclusion, dietary AAP could improve the antioxidant defenses of liver and small intestine, and the best concentration of the AAP improving hepatic and small intestinal antioxidant status was 20 g/kg and 10 g/kg, respectively.

Lycopene has the highest antioxidant activity among carotenoids due to its high number of conjugated double bonds; thus, it can be used in pig diets to look for improvements in growth performance and health status, eliminating or preventing the formation of free radicals. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of dietary lycopene on the growth performance, the gene expression of antioxidant enzymes and blood lipid profile of finishing pigs. In total, 40 barrows and 40 gilts (Piétrain × Landrace × Large White) were used, averaging 75.04 ± 1.6 kg of initial bodyweight. Pigs were distributed in a 2 × 5 factorial arrangement, consisting of two genders (male and female) and five dietary levels of lycopene (0, 12.5, 25.0, 37.5 and 50.0 mg/kg of diet) supplemented for 28 days. It was observed that gilts presented with average daily feed intake (P = 0.001) being lower and the gain : feed ratio (P = 0.001) higher than for barrows. Increasing dietary lycopene concentration provided a linear decrease in the gene expression of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD1; P = 0.018) and catalase (P = 0.001) in the liver of gilts. The gilts showed a lower gene expression than did barrows for SOD1 gene (P = 0.001) receiving 50.0 mg lycopene/kg of diet and for catalase gene (P = 0.001) receiving of 0, 12.5 and 50.0 mg lycopene/kg of diet. Glutathione peroxidase showed a lower expression (P = 0.001) for gilts than for barrows. Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and LDL : high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio decreased (P = 0.001) as lycopene concentration increased in the diet. Increasing dietary lycopene in pig diets improved the lipid profile of the blood plasma, providing an increase in the concentration of high-density lipoprotein (HDL; P = 0.001). Gilts had greater plasma concentrations of urea (P = 0.001) and triglycerides (P = 0.001) and lower concentrations of HDL (P = 0.001), LDL (P = 0.001) and a lower LDL : HDL ratio (P = 0.004) than did barrows. Dietary lycopene up to 50 mg/kg does not affect the growth performance of pigs, acting as a potent modulator of the lipid profile and also reducing the plasma concentrations of total cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins, while increasing the high-density lipoproteins. In addition, lycopene also reduces the gene expression of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes in the liver of gilts.

Anoxia regulates gene expression in the central nervous system of Drosophila melanogaster.

Dietary Yucca schidigera extract (YSE) could enhance immune function in broilers, which was attributed primarily to its saponin components. However, YSE also contains phenolic compounds which possess antioxidant ability. This study tested the effects of YSE on growth performance of broilers, its antioxidative enzyme activities and corresponding gene expressions in the small intestine. A total of 128 15-day-old broilers were randomly assigned to 4 treatments: corn-soya bean meal as the basal control diet or the basal diet containing either 100, 200 or 300mg/kg of YSE. Each treatment consisted of four replicate pens with eight broilers per pen. The experiment lasted 28days which was divided into a grower period (day: 15-28) and a finisher period (day: 29-42). On day 28 and day 42 body weight (BW), feed intake (FI) and feed conversion rate (FCR) were recorded. Duodenum, jejunum and ileum were collected to analyse superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and gene expressions of SOD, CAT, GPx. The results showed that during the grower period a diet including 100mg/kg YSE improved CAT capacity in the ileum, tended to increase activities of GPx in the duodenum, and further showed enhancing tendencies in SOD and GPx abilities in ileum. Gene expressions of CAT, SOD and GPx in the ileum tended to upregulate at 100mg/kg YSE level. In the finisher period and over the whole period, all YSE groups had a reduced FI compared to the control group without compromising BW; 100 and 200mg/kg YSE significantly improved FCR. In conclusion, the improved growth performance of broilers during the finisher period may be due to enhanced antioxidative ability in the grower period with YSE supplementation. This study provided evidence of using YSE as an additive to enhance growth in broilers.

Background: Green tea (GT) contains green tea polyphenols (GTPs) which have been shown to play a role in the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis in prostate cancer cells in vitro and in animal models using human prostate cancer cell xenografts. GTPs are also potent scavengers of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which play a role in tumorigenesis. While there is extensive epidemiological and basic science evidence for these effects of GTPs, data from human intervention studies is much more limited. Objective: We conducted a phase II intervention study to evaluate the anticarcinogenic and antioxidant effects of green tea in prostate cancer by administering green tea in men prior to prostatectomy. Design: 79 men, diagnosed with prostate cancer and scheduled for prostatectomy, were randomized to either 6 cups of brewed green tea (GT group, N=34) or water (control group, N=33) daily for 3-8 weeks prior to surgery. 67 men completed the intervention. Blood and urine samples were collected before and after the intervention, and a section of prostate tissue was obtained following the pathology evaluation. Serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) concentration was determined by ELISA assay and prostate tissue PSA protein concentration was measured by Western blot. The prostate concentration of GTPs and their metabolites was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with CoulArray electrochemical detection. The concentration of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a biomarker for oxidative DNA damage, was measured in urine by HPLC. In addition, gene expression of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase were determined in normal and tumor prostate tissue using real-time quantitative PCR. Results: Statistical analysis within each treatment arm showed that the serum PSA concentration significantly decreased in the GT group (final vs. baseline blood) (P<0.01), while no change was observed in the control group. The comparison of percent change in serum PSA between GT and control group showed a decreasing trend (p=0.085). Prostate tissue PSA protein expression was lower in men consuming GT compared to water control (p=0.06). The major bioactive component of GTPs, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and its methyl metabolite 4″-O-methyl EGCG were found in prostate tissue in similar amounts, along with a small amount of epicatechin gallate. As compared to the pre-intervention level there was a significant decrease in urinary 8-OHdG concentration after GT intervention (83 vs. 50 nmol/g creatinine), while there was no change in the control group (54 vs. 55 nmol/g creatinine). Gene expression of SOD (p=0.087) and catalase (p=0.15) in the prostate tumor tissue normalized to normal prostate tissue in each individual showed a decreasing trend in men consuming GT as compared to the water control. Conclusion: The consumption of 6 cups of GT provided antioxidant protection, which may contribute to an inhibitory effect on prostate tumor growth in humans. Large-scale human intervention studies are needed to confirm these findings. Citation Format: Piwen Wang, William Aronson, Narine Abgaryan, Catherine L. Carpenter, Jaydutt V. Vadgama, David Heber, Susanne M. Henning. Antioxidant activity of green tea: A phase II clinical trial in men with prostate cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2012 Oct 16-19; Anaheim, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Prev Res 2012;5(11 Suppl):Abstract nr B68.

BackgroundThe effects of curcumin on the activities and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione-S-transferase (G-ST), B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in diabetic rats were studied.MethodsTwenty four rats were assigned to three groups (8 rats for each). Rats of first group were non diabetic and rats of the second group were rendered diabetic by streptozotocin (STZ). Both groups received vehicle, corn oil only (5 ml/kg body weight) and served as negative and positive controls, respectively. Rats of the third group were rendered diabetic and received oral curcumin dissolved in corn oil at a dose of 15 mg/5 ml/kg body weight for 6 weeks.ResultsDiabetic rats showed significant increase of blood glucose, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and activities of all antioxidant enzymes with significant reduction of reduced glutathione (GSH) compare to the control non diabetic group. Gene expression of Bcl2, SOD, CAT, GPX and GST was increased significantly in diabetic untreated rats compare to the control non diabetic group. The administration of curcumin to diabetic rats normalized significantly their blood sugar level and TBARS values and increased the activities of all antioxidant enzymes and GSH concentration. In addition, curcumin treated rats showed significant increase in gene expression of IGF-1, Bcl2, SOD and GST compare to non diabetic and diabetic untreated rats.ConclusionCurcumin was antidiabetic therapy, induced hypoglycemia by up-regulation of IGF-1 gene and ameliorate the diabetes induced oxidative stress via increasing the availability of GSH, increasing the activities and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes and Bcl2. Further studies are required to investigate the actual mechanism of action of curcumin regarding the up regulation of gene expression of examined parameters.

Enhancement of radiation-inducible hepatic glutathione-S-transferases Ya, Yb1, Yb2, Yc1, and Yc2 gene expression by oltipraz: possible role in radioprotection.

Oxidative stress responses in relationship to persistent organic pollutant levels in feathers and blood of two predatory bird species from Pakistan.

Microcystins (MCs) are cyclic heptapeptide hepatotoxins that are highly soluble in water and can be transferred to farmland through irrigation with potentially substantial effects on crops, especially rice. In order to investigate the possible negative effects of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) on rice, the oxidative stress induced in rice suspension cells exposed to MC-LR at environmentally relevant concentrations (0.05, 0.5, 5.0, and 50.0 μg·L-1) was investigated. Results showed that the exposure to MC-LR at 0.5-50.0 μg·L-1 resulted in a significant decline in viability of rice suspension cells and an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) contents. In the 50.0-μg·L-1 MC-LR treatment group, the content of MDA was as much as 5.39 times that of the control group after 6 days of exposure. The excess MDA production indicated that MC-LR exposure has caused lipid peroxidation damage in rice cells, whereas these negative effects could be recovered over time when suspension cells were exposed to low concentration of MC-LR (0.05 μg·L-1). When exposed to MC-LR for 3 days, the O2- content in all treatment groups increased significantly compared with the control group. Additionally, the antioxidant system of rice suspension cells initiated a positive stress response to MC-LR exposure. Indeed, peroxidase (POD) played an active role in the removal of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in rice suspension cells during the early period of exposure, while total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) was induced after 6 days. Similarly, after 6 days of exposure, the anti-superoxide anion free radical activity (ASAFR), glutathione (GSH), and glutathione-S transferase (GST) in rice suspension cells were higher than that in the control group. These results provided a comprehensive understanding of the exposure time- and dose-dependent oxidative stress induced by the environmentally relevant concentrations of MC-LR in rice suspension cells.

Effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa) on the expression of hepatic genes associated with biotransformation, antioxidant, and immune systems in broiler chicks fed aflatoxin