Superoxide Dismutase Activity In Group Research Articles

Comparative effects of Moringa oleifera and ascorbic acid on biochemical changes induced by subchronic lead toxicity in male Wistar rats

This experiment was aimed at comparing the effects of Moringa oleifera (MO) and ascorbic acid (AA) on biochemical changes induced by subchronic lead (Pb) toxicity in male Wistar rats. A total of 36 adult male Wistar rats were used for the work with grouping and dosing as follows; Group I was given distilled water (2 mL) only, Group II rats were administered Pb (190 mg/kg), Group III received Pb (190 mg/kg) + MO (500 mg/kg). While rats in groups IV, V, and VI were administered Pb (190 mg/kg) + AA (100 mg/kg), Pb (190 mg/kg) + MO (500 mg/kg) + AA (100 mg/kg) and Pb (190 mg/kg) + MO (250 mg/kg) + AA (50 mg/kg) respectively. Administration of all agents was done daily by oral gavage for a period of 6 weeks. Result showed decreased alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in group II compared to other groups. Creatine kinase (CK) activity was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher in group II compared to other groups while lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was significantly decreased in group II compared to other groups. Total protein, albumin and globulin concentrations were not significantly (P ≥ 0.05) different across all groups. The malondialdehyde concentration in group 2 was higher (P < 0.001) compared to other groups. A decrease (P < 0.01) was observed in superoxide dismutase activity in group 2 compared with groups 3 and 6. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities among groups. This study depicts the detrimental effects of Pb on biochemical parameters in the rats. Treatment with AA (50 mg/kg) and MO (250 mg/kg) gave better amelioration of the toxic effects of Pb.

The effects of amantadine on lung tissue in lower limb ischemia/reperfusion injury model in rats.

Background This study aims to evaluate the effect of amantadine on lung tissue of after lower limb ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats. Methods A total of 24 Wistar rats were divided into four equal groups including six rats in each: sham group (Group S), amantadine group (Group A), ischemia/reperfusion group (Group I/R), and ischemia/reperfusion + amantadine group (Group I/R-A). All groups underwent a midline abdominal incision. In Groups I/R and I/R-A, the infrarenal abdominal aorta was clamped for 120 min and, then, reperfused for 120 min after removal of the clamp. Amantadine hydrochloride 45 mg/kg was administered intraperitoneally to the rats of Groups A and Group I/R-A 15 min before surgery. At the end of reperfusion period (240 min), all rats were sacrificed, and their lung tissues were obtained. Lung tissue catalase and superoxide dismutase activities and glutathione S-transferase and malondialdehyde levels were analyzed. Lung tissues were examined histopathologically. Results Catalase activity was lower in Groups A, I/R, and I/R-A compared to Group S. Superoxide dismutase activity was higher in Group I/R than Group S. Superoxide dismutase activity in Groups I/R-A and A decreased, compared to Groups S and I/R. Glutathione S-transferase levels decreased in Groups I/R and A, compared to Group S. Glutathione S-transferase levels in Group I/R-A were higher than Groups I/R and A. The highest level of malondialdehyde was found in Group I/R and the lowest level was found in Group I/R-A. According to histopathological examination, infiltration scores were significantly lower in Group S than Groups I/R and I/R-A (p=0.009 and p=0.011, respectively). The alveolar wall thickening scores in Group I/R were also significantly higher than Groups S and Group A (p=0.001 and p=0.001, respectively). Conclusion Lung tissue can be affected histopathologically by ischemia/ reperfusion injury and this injury can be reversed by amantadine administration.

Bergapten modulates ovalbumin-induced asthma

Prior studies on the anti-inflammatory compound bergapten have shown promise in averting allergic airway hyperresponsiveness. This study sought to establish its possible role in modulating an immunologically-induced airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in an ovalbumin model of asthma. Asthma is characterised by inflammation and constriction of the airway passages. Therapy is aimed at bronchodilation and reducing inflammation. Histamine is an inflammatory mediator and involved in immune reactions. It is released from mast cells which are important sentinel cells of the innate immune system involved in the inflammatory response. In the asthma model, ovalbumin solution (2 mg ovalbumin) was administered i.p. as a sensitisation dose on day 1 and on day 14 as a booster dose to sensitise the immune system. This was followed by a 10-day challenge on days 21 – 30 using aerosolised ovalbumin (1% w/v dissolved in phosphate-buffered saline, PBS) at a cut-off latency of 10 min. Bergapten was administered at doses of 3 - 30 mg kg−1 p.o. 1 h prior to each challenge. Times to pre-convulsive dyspnoea were recorded. Guinea-pigs were sacrificed and lungs harvested for histological and antioxidant studies. In determining the effect of bergapten on histamine, an isolated guinea pig ileum preparation by the administration of bergapten (1 – 10 µg ml−1) in the presence of histamine. Bergapten increased times to pre-convulsive dyspnoea in the ovalbumin challenge and reduced pathological damage to bronchial tissue. The deposition of collagen around bronchioles was minimised. Antioxidant studies showed higher catalase and superoxide dismutase activity in groups treated with bergapten. Bergapten produced a rightward shift on the Schild plot analysis with a slope of 1.4 and a pA2 value of 9.3 was obtained in the isolated tissue experiment which confirms that bergapten acts as an antagonist on histaminic H1 receptors. Bergapten modulates inflammation in ovalbumin-induced asthma and antagonises histamine at the H1 receptor.

Protective effect of hypothermia and vitamin E on spermatogenic function after reduction of testicular torsion in rats.

This study was designed to investigate the protective effect of hypothermia and vitamin E on spermatogenic function after reduction of testicular torsion in rats. Ninety-six pure inbred male SD rats were divided into group A, B, C and D according to the principle of body weight and birth similarity, with 24 rats in each group. Four groups of rats were respectively twisted on the left testis to establish unilateral testicular torsion rats. Rats in groups A, B, C, D were respectively given normal saline, hypothermia therapy, vitamin E therapy, and hypothermia and vitamin E therapy. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content of the four groups were detected, and the correlation levels of inflammatory factors IL-1β, hs-CRP and related sex hormones luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), total testosterone (T) were detected by ELISA. Apoptosis of spermatogenic cells of testis in the four groups was detected by flow cytometry. SOD activity and MDA content in groups B, C and D were significantly higher than those in group A, MDA content was significantly lower than that in group A (P<0.05), SOD activity in group D was higher than that in groups B and C, while MDA content was lower than that in groups B and C (P<0.05). The levels of IL-1β and hs-CRP in group A were much higher than those in groups B, C and D (P<0.05). LH and FSH levels in group A were significantly higher than those in groups B, C and D (P<0.05), and in group D were significantly lower than those in groups B and C (P<0.05). Apoptosis rate of spermatogenic cells in group A was significantly higher than that in groups B, C and D (P<0.05). Hypothermia combined with vitamin E can reverse testicular injury in rats and reduce the apoptosis rate of spermatogenic cells.

Inflammatory and Functional Responses Induced by Normobaric and Hyperbaric Hyperoxia in Mice Lungs

AimWe aimed to validate a lung injury model developed for small animals submitted to hyperoxia and hyperbaric environment.MethodsAfter approval by the Institutional Ethics Committee (CEUA, code: 016/17), 95 adult male BALB/c mice were used in three protocols. Protocol I: 45 mice were distributed into 5 groups. Each group was exposed to 100% oxygen in a hyperbaric chamber under pressures of 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 atmospheres absolute (ata), and survival curves and LC50 were calculated for each pressure. Protocol II: 25 mice were distributed into 5 groups and then exposed to 50% of the LC50 achieved at the same pressure levels. Protocol III: 20 mice were distributed into 4 groups (3ata, hyperbaric hyperoxia; HIPEROX, normobaric hyperoxia; HIPERBAR, hyperbaric normoxia; CTRL, ambient air).ResultsData are expressed as mean±SEM. Survival time was inversely proportional to ambient pressure. The LC50 obtained were 70.3, 33.1, 15.2, 9.7 and 5.9 h 100%O2, respectively. In protocol II, tissue damping (G) was significantly higher in 1ata than in the other groups (1ata 6.78±3.4; 1.5ata 3.4±0.4; 2ata 3.7±2; 2.5ata 2.8±0.6; 3ata 2.7±0.6; CTRL 1.94±0.2 cmH2O/mL, p=0.0007 vs control, ANOVA) and between 1ata and CTRL in tissue elastance (H) (51.4±29.1 vs 18.72±1.3 cmH2O/mL, p= 0.009, ANOVA). Superoxide dismutase activity in groups of hyperbaric hyperoxia was statistically higher than CTRL (2.5ata: 20.20±0.22; 3ata: 20.04±0.09 vs CTRL: 16.83±0.25 U/mg protein, p&gt;0.001, ANOVA). Apoptosis was more evident in 1ata, 1.5ata and 3ata groups than in CTRL (1ata: 0.13±0.01; 1.5ata 0.15±0.01 and 3ata: 0.22±0.01 vs CTRL: 0.08±0.004 positive/total cells, p&gt;0.05, ANOVA). The 1ata group had more collapsed alveoli (72.01±2.3 vs CTRL 41.39±5.6%, p&gt;0.01, ANOVA) and 1.5ata group had more inflammatory cells (1.5ata: 8.4±0.6 vs CTRL: 4.5±0.2 × 10−3/μm2 PMN cells p&lt;0.001, ANOVA) when compared to all other groups. In protocol III, Newtonian resistance [Rn, 0.62±0.03 (3ata); 0.75±0.06 (HIPEROX); 0.43±0.12 (HIPERBAR); 0.15±0.01 (CTRL) cmH2O/mL, p&lt;0.03, ANOVA], tissue viscance [2.7±0.2 (3ata); 2±0.09 (HIPEROX); 2.1±0.1 (HIPERBAR); 1.9±0.1 (CTRL) cmH2O/mL, p&lt;0.05, ANOVA] and inflammatory infiltrate [5.2±0.3 (3ata); 6.5±0.6 (HIPEROX); 4.4±0.3 (HIPERBAR); 4.5±0.2 (CTRL) × 10−3/μm2 PMN cells, p&lt;0.05, ANOVA] were worst in the hyperbaric hyperoxic groups. SOD activity was increased in hyperoxia [20.04±0.09 (3ata); 19.54±0.1 (HIPEROX); 19.7±0.4 (HIPERBAR); 16.83±0.25 (CTRL) U/mg protein, p&lt;0.001, ANOVA]. Moreover, the most significant apoptotic stimulus was found in groups 3ata and HIPERBAR [0.22±0.01 (3ata); 0.12±0.02 (HIPEROX); 0.17±0.01 (HIPERBAR); 0.08±0.004 (CTRL), p&lt;0.01, ANOVA].ConclusionWe achieved a model to generate acute lung injury, whose pattern changes as exposure moves across the normobaric hyperoxia to hyperbaric hyperoxia spectrum, accompanied by an overall bimodal response in mechanics, histopathological expression, antioxidant activity and apoptosis.Support or Funding InformationCNPq, FAPERJ, FINEP, CAPES (Brazil)

The effect of laparoscopic pre- and postconditioning on pneumoperitoneum induced injury of the peritoneum.

Pneumoperitoneum, widely used in laparoscopic surgery increases the intraabdominal pressure, leading to hypoperfusion of the abdominal organs, and promoting the buildup of reactive oxygen species(ROS) and inflammatory cytokines which in turn impairs the body postoperatively. Aim of our investigation was to evaluate the potential protective effects of short ischemic episodes on ischemic damages. 70 Wistar rats were used, divided into 7 groups: 1st group sham, 2nd group pneumoperitoneum with 5 mmHg, 3rd group preconditioning with 5 mmHg, 4th group: postconditioning with 5 mmHg, 5th group pneumoperitoneum with 10 mmHg, 6th group: preconditioning with 10 mmHg, 7th group postconditioning with 10 mmHg. Pneumoperitoneum was created by Veres needle. Oxidative stress parameters: malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, reduced glutathione (GSH), sulfhydril (SH-), myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels and superoxide-dismutase (SOD) activity were measured. We measured TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations. We monitored the activation of anti- and proapoptotic common signaling pathways (bax, bcl-2, p53) during the early phase of reperfusion. Histology was made from kidney samples. GSH concentrations were significantly reduced, MDA concentrations were significantly higher in each group compared to the Sham. SOD enzyme: a pressure of 10 mmHg elicited significantly greater damage than 5 mmHg. There was a significantly higher SOD activity in group 10 mmHg IPC compared to 10 mmHg. We found that the expression of bax was considerably higher in the none conditioned groups. Noticeably higher expression of anti-apoptotic bcl-2 level was measured in 10 mmHg IPC and 10 mmHg IPoC groups. In case of p53 expression: significant decrease could be seen in groups 10 mmHg IPC and 10 mmHg IPoC compared to the 10 mmHg group. Based on our results, the elevated intraabdominal pressure due to pneumoperitoneum induces oxidative stress, which is dependent on the applied pressure. Mostly precondiotioning - but also postconditioning - reduces surgical stress following laparoscopic procedures. In order to explore its mechanism it requires further investigations.

Chronic photodamage in the chicken retina using 650-nm semiconductor laser

To investigate the occurrence of chronic photodamage in the cone-based retina, following long-term exposure to a 650-nm semiconductor laser (power: 2 mW). Chickens fed for 1mo under natural light after hatching were irradiated with 650-nm laser light at different times each day. Fifteen animals were included in each group. Group A was a control group, irradiated with natural light during the entire study. Group B was irradiated with laser for 3 min/d. Group C was irradiated with laser for 6 min/d. Group D was irradiated with laser for 30 min/d. The duration of the light experiment was 6mo. We obtained data at 1, 3, and 6mo, including measuring the retinal thickness in vivo using optical coherence tomography, hematoxylin and eosin staining, TUNEL assay, apoptosis staining, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and Western blotting to detect changes in L/M opsins and rhodopsin. At 1mo, the MDA content in Group D was higher than that observed in Group A (P=0.019). At 3mo the MDA content in Groups C and D was higher than that reported in Group A (P=0.026, 0.003). At 6mo, the MDA content in Groups B, C, and D was higher than that observed in Group A (P=0.038, 0.032, 0.000, respectively). There was no difference in SOD activity, and L/M opsin and rhodopsin content between the groups at 1 and 3mo. The SOD activity in group D was significantly decreased at 6mo (P=0.000), as was the content of rhodopsin. There was no significant reduction observed in retinal thickness, abnormal cell arrangement, and positive staining of TUNEL in the groups during the 6-month study period. Irradiation using a 650 nm semiconductor laser (power: 2 mW) for 6min per day over 6mo do not cause photodamage. Similarly, a 3-month exposure of 30min per day do not cause damage. However, irradiation for 6mo resulted in a significant increase in the content of free radicals and a decrease in the content of rhodopsin in the retina, suggesting the presence of photodamage.

Protective effect of ulinastatin combined with dexmedetomidine on lung injury after cold ischemia-reperfusion in rats.

We investigated the protective effect of ulinastatin combined with dexmedetomidine on lung injury after hepatic ischemia-reperfusion in rats. A total of 60 healthy and clean male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were divided into the blank control group (group O), the model control group (group K), the ulinastatin and dexmedetomidine group (group F) according to random number table with 20 rats in each group. The plasma concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and malondialdehyde (MDA) at T1, T2 and T3 time points in rats of the three groups were significantly higher than those of the T0 time point (p<0.05). The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the plasma of rats of the three groups was significantly lower at T1, T2 and T3 time point when compared with that of T0 (p<0.05). The concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8 and MDA in group K at T1, T2 and T3 moments were significantly higher than those of group O (p<0.05). However, the concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and MDA in group F at T1, T2, T3 were significantly lower than those of group K (p<0.05). The activities of SOD in group K at T1, T2, T3 were all significantly higher than those of group O (p<0.05). Meanwhile, the activities of SOD in group F at T1, T2, T3 were significantly higher than those of group K (p<0.05). Ulinastatin combined with dexmedetomidine can reduce the inflammatory response and inhibit lipid peroxidation, eventually alleviating acute lung injury after hepatic ischemia-reperfusion in rats.

Antioxidant Effect of Purple Eggplant Flour (Solanum melongena L.) Against Oxidative Stress in Hyperglycaemic Rats

Abstract Background and Aims: Oxidative stress in diabetes mellitus (DM) occurs due to an increase in free radicals and decreased antioxidant defenses including superoxide dismutase (SOD). It causes the occurrence of lipid peroxidation as indicated by the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA). Healthy foods that are rich in antioxidants are needed to reduce oxidative stress, such as eggplant (Solanum melongena L.). Until now there is no scientific evidence about the effects of purple eggplant against oxidative stress in hyperglycemia. The aim of this study is to determine the antioxidant effect of eggplant flour (TTU) against oxidative stress in hyperglycemic rats by induced Nicotinamide-Streptozotocin (NA-STZ). Materials and Method: This experimental study was designed using posttest only. Thirty-six male Sprague Dawley rats, aged 10-12 weeks, body weight (bw) 207.25±26.76 grams were divided randomly into 5 groups, namely 2 control groups (normal and hyperglycemic) and 3 groups of treatment. Hyperglycemic rats were induced by NA-STZ (230-65 mg/kg bw). Administration of TTU through feed for 28 days varied with dose of 2.36 grams, 4.71 grams, and 7.07 grams in groups P1, 2, and 3, respectively. Examinations of blood glucose levels were conducted before intervention, whereas the antioxidant activity of SOD and MDA plasma levels were examined after intervention. Results: The antioxidant activity of SOD in groups which were given TTU was higher than the hyperglycemic rats (31.19±1.98%), but lower than the normal group (220.83±23.68%) Levels of plasma MDA in groups which were given TTU were lower than the hyperglycemic rats (220.47±5.24 nmol/L), but higher than the normal group (1.55±0.20 nmol/L). The antioxidant activity of SOD in the P3 group (69.29±3.82%) was higher than the P1 group (41.84±3.82%) and the P2 group (55.10±3.23%), while the levels of plasma MDA in the P3 group (1.89±0.17 nmol/L) was lower than the P1 group (3.79±0.24 nmol/L) and the P2 group (3.17±0.53 nmol/L). Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that administration of TTU significantly prevents oxidative stress in hyperglycemic rats.

МЕТАБОЛИЧЕСКИЕ АСПЕКТЫ ТЕЧЕНИЯ САХАРНОГО ДИАБЕТА 1-ГО ТИПА У ПРЕДСТАВИТЕЛЬНИЦ РАЗЛИЧНЫХ ЭТНИЧЕСКИХ ГРУПП

Background. Oxidative stress is an acknowledged pathogenic mechanism in diabetes mellitus type 1. Incidence, severity, and rate of complications of diabetes mellitus type 1 are associated with many factors including geographic location and ethnicity. Material and methods. The features of POL-AOD processes, the levels of lactate, pyruvate, and their relationships in 30 women of Buryat and Russian ethnic groups with diabetes mellitus type 1. The materials for biochemical studies were blood serum and red cells. Spectrophotometric and fluorometric methods were used. Results. Increase of lipid peroxidation activity at the initial stages and increase of total antioxidant blood activity in Buryat patients were marked. Increase of primary and secondary lipid peroxidation products concentrations and decrease of superoxide dismutase activity in group of Russian patients were marked. It is confirmed to the oxidative stress factor. The reduced concentration of lactate and the ratio lactate/pyruvate levels in patients Buryat ethnic group were observed. More intensive accumulation of lactate and ratio of lactate/pyruvate can contribute to hypoxic events and worsen the prognosis of the disease in Russian patients. Conclusions. It was found that the degree of intensity lipid peroxidation process and lactate and the ratio lactate/pyruvate levels in patients Buryat ethnic group reduced in comparison with Russian patients. This work was supported by grant of the President of Russian Federation (№ 5646.2014.7).

Effects of Dietary Taurine on the Growth, Digestive Enzymes, and Antioxidant Capacity in Juvenile Sea Cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus

AbstractTaurine has been widely used as a growth‐ or health‐promoting additive in aquatic animals because of its multiple functions, while little work has been done on its effects on sea cucumbers, in spite of the occurrence of serious diseases. In this study, juvenile sea cucumbers (4.68 ± 0.04 g) were fed diets supplemented with taurine at 0% (control), 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2% for 8 wk. At the end of an 8‐wk feeding trial, growth performance of sea cucumbers was not significantly affected by dietary taurine (P &gt; 0.05). However, dietary taurine significantly elevated intestinal lipase activities of sea cucumbers (P &lt; 0.05). Intestinal amylase activity and trypsin activity in sea cucumbers did not show significant changes after animals were fed diets supplemented with taurine (P &gt; 0.05). Dietary taurine at all five dosages significantly increased total antioxidant capacity in sea cucumbers, while superoxide dismutase activity in groups with dietary taurine at 0.25 and 0.5% was significantly higher than that of the control group (P &lt; 0.05). Therefore, it appears that taurine could be used as a potential feed additive to confer better health of farmed sea cucumbers.

The effect of melatonin on oxidative stress and apoptosis in experimental diabetes mellitus-related ovarian injury

We aimed to evaluate the effect of melatonin on oxidative stress and ovarian injury in rats. Twenty-four Sprague–Dawley albino rats were divided into three groups: Group 1 as nondiabetic healthy controls (n = 8), group 2 as nontreated diabetic rats (n = 8) and group 3 as melatonin-treated diabetic rats (n = 8). After overt diabetes was produced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozosin, 20 mg/kg/day of melatonin was given intraperitoneally to group 3 for a week. NF–kB and caspase-3 immunoexpressions, lipid peroxidation, the activities of antioxidative enzymes, total oxidant capacity and total antioxidant capacity were assessed. Immunoexpressions of NF–kB and caspase-3 were significantly lower in group 3 than group 2. There was a significant decrease in superoxide dismutase activity in group 2 than group 1 and a significant increase in group 3 compared with group 2. We observed a nonsignificant decrease in catalase activity between group 1 and group 2 and a nonsignificant increase between group 2 and group 3. There was a nonsignificant increase in the plasma level of total oxidant status in group 2 than group 1, but a significant decrease was observed in group 3 compared to group 2. Total antioxidant status was significantly lower in group 2 compared with group 1 and group 3. In conclusion, melatonin ameliorates the negative effects of oxidative stress on DM-related ovarian injury.

Beneficial Effect of Etanercept on Hyperoxic Lung Injury Model in Neonatal Rats

ABSTRACTPurpose: To determine whether prophylaxis with etanercept, an anti-inflammatory drug, would decrease the severity of lung injury in a neonatal rat model of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD); Materials and Methods: Rat pups were divided into three groups: pups exposed to room air (group 1; n = 10), to hyperoxia + placebo (group 2; n = 9), and to hyperoxia + etanercept (group 3; n = 8). Lung morphology was assessed by alveolar surface area percentage, which is a measure of alveolar size. The severities of lung inflammation and antioxidant capacity were assessed by quantifying tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) from lung homogenate; Results: The percentage of alveolar surface areas were significantly higher in group 3 compared to group 2 (p = .004) and similar in both group 1 and group 3 (p = .21). The mean level of lung MDA was significantly higher in group 2 compared to group 1 and group 3 (p < .05 for both). Lung homogenate SOD activities in group 3 was significantly higher than group 2 (p < .001). Furthermore, group 3 pups had lower levels of TNF-α and TGF-β in lung homogenate than that in group 2 (p < .05 for both) but similar in both group 1 and group 3; Conclusion: Etanercept has favorable effects on alveolarization as well as inflammation and oxidative stress markers in a neonatal rat model of BPD.

The Effects of Lithium Administration on Oxidant/Antioxidant Status in Rats: Biochemical and Histomorphological Evaluations.

Present study was planned to determine possible dose-dependent effects of lithium (Li) on oxidant-antioxidant status and histomorphological changes in liver and kidney tissues. For this purpose, twenty-four Wistar male rats were equally divided into three groups: the rats in group I served as controls, drinking tap water without lithium. Groups II and III received 0.1 and 0.2 % lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) through their drinking water, respectively, for 30 days. At the end of the experimental period, lithium concentrations, levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were measured in considered tissues. Histomorphological study was also performed on liver and kidney tissues. Compared to controls, MDA was significantly higher but GSH level lower in groups II and III. SOD activity was higher in group III, but no difference was determined in group II in liver tissue. In kidney tissue, there was no difference determined in MDA and GSH levels between control and experimental groups but SOD activity in groups II and III was significantly higher. In histologic sections of both experimental liver and kidney tissues, specific degenerations were observed. The results of the present study show that treatment with lithium carbonate may result in liver and kidney tissue abnormalities and oxidative damage.

The Neuroprotective Effect of Syringic Acid on Spinal Cord Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rats.

Acute arterial occlusions via different vascular pathologies are the main causes of spinal cord ischemia. We investigated neuroprotective effects of syringic acid on spinal cord ischemia injury in rats. Rats were divided into four groups: (I) sham-operated control rats, (II) spinal cord ischemia group, (III) spinal cord ischemia group performed syringic acid, and (IV) spinal cord ischemia group performed methylprednisolone intraperitoneally. Spinal cord ischemia was performed by the infrarenal aorta cross-clamping model. The spinal cord was removed after the procedure. The biochemical and histopathological changes were observed within the samples. Functional assessment was performed for neurological deficit scores. A significant decrease was seen in malondialdehyde levels in group III as compared to group II (P < 0.05). Besides these, nuclear respiratory factor-1 and superoxide dismutase activity of group III were significantly higher than group II (P < 0.05). In histopathological samples, when group III was compared with group II, there was a significant decrease in numbers of apoptotic neurons (P < 0.05). In immunohistochemical staining, BECN1 and caspase-3-immunopositive neurons were significantly decreased in group III compared with group II (P < 0.05). The neurological deficit scores of group III were significantly higher than group II at twenty-fourth hour of ischemia (P < 0.05). Our study revealed that syringic acid pretreatment in spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion reduced oxidative stress and neuronal degeneration as a neuroprotective agent. Ultrastructural studies are required for syringic acid to be developed as a promising therapeutic agent to be utilized for human spinal cord ischemia in the future.

Influence of Two Various Durations of Resistance Exercise on Oxidative Stress in the Male Rat's Hearts.

Introduction: The previous studies have suggested that alteration in oxidative stress and antioxidant defense depends on various factors, such as mode, intensity, frequency and duration of exercise. In this study, we compared the effects of two various durations of resistance exercise (1 month and 4 month) on oxidative stress and antioxidant status in cardiac tissue. Methods: Thirty Wistar male rats divided into 3 groups: control (sedentary), exercise-1 (regular exercise for 1 month) and exercise-2 group (regular exercise for 4 months). After the final to the experiment, the rats were anesthetized, and then blood and heart samples were obtained and used to determine glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and biochemical estimation. Results: MDA levels between control and exercise-2 groups showed no significant difference, hence, MDA level in exercise-1 group was higher compared to control group (P < .01). The heart GPX activity increased significantly in exercise-2 group regarding other groups (P < .01). The SOD activities of groups were similar. Creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentrations increased in the exercise-1 compared to the other groups (P < .01). Conclusion: Our results indicate that in heart, the adaptation and alteration in oxidative stress and cell injury level depend on duration of exercise.

279 Antioxidant Effects of N-Acetylcysteine in a Neonatal Rat Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Background and AimHypoxia and ischemia appear to play an important role in the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) which is related to oxygen-derived free radical formation. This study was designed...

Antioxidant effects of N-acetylcysteine in a neonatal rat model of necrotizing enterocolitis

Background/PurposeHypoxia and ischemia appear to play an important role in the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), which may be related to oxygen-derived free radical formation. This study was designed to evaluate the role of oxidative stress and potentially beneficial effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in a neonatal rat model of NEC. MethodsThirty Wistar albino rat pups were randomly divided into 3 groups: group 1, control; group 2, NEC and saline; and group 3, NEC and NAC treatment. Necrotizing enterocolitis was induced by hyperosmolar enteral formula feeding and exposure to hypoxia after cold stress at 4°C and oxygen. The pups were killed on the fourth day, and their intestinal tissues were harvested for biochemical and histopathologic analysis. ResultsMucosal injury scores and intestinal malondialdehyde levels in group 2 were found to be significantly higher than that in other groups (P ≤ .05). Intestinal superoxide dismutase activities in group 3 were significantly higher than that in group 2 (P = .018). Intestinal tissue tumor necrosis factor α levels were significantly reduced with NAC treatment in group 3 compared with group 2 (P < .003). ConclusionsIt is likely that oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators contribute to the pathogenesis of NEC and that NAC has a protective effect on intestinal injury through its antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Study of potential protective effects of blueberry on hepatic cytochrome P450 2E1 expression in rats with immune hepatic fibrosis

To study the protective effects of blueberry against rat immune hepatic fibrosis, specifically through the expression of hepatic cytochrome P450 2E1. Fifty Wistar rats were randomly divided into five study groups (n = 10 each): Group A: normal control group, Group B: hepatic fibrosis model group, Group C: preventive group administered blueberry juice, Group D: preventive group administered Fu-Fang-Bie-Jia-Ruan-Gan tablet, and Group E: preventive group administered a combination of blueberry juice and Fu-Fang-Bie-Jia-Ruan-Gan tablet. The hepatic fibrosis model was established by intraperitoneal injection of porcine serum once daily for 12 weeks. Simultaneously, rats in preventive groups (Groups C-E) were perfused with blueberry juice or Fu-Fang-Bie-Jia-Ruan-Gan tablet or combinations of blueberry juice and Fu-Fang-Bie-Jia-Ruan-Gan tablet, respectively, for 12 weeks. The normal control group was perfused with saline for 12 weeks. All animals were sacrificed at the end of the 12 weeks, and serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydroxyproline (Hyp) in liver homogenates were determined. Pathology of hepatic fibrosis was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining. Expression of CYP2E1 was detected by real-time RT-PCR, immunohistochemical techniques, and Western blotting. Serum ALT levels were not significantly different in the control and treatment groups (F=4.056, P more than 0.05): A: 37.87+/-4.53 U/L, B: 49.23+/-9.81 U/L, C: 39.94+/-6.32 U/L, D: 40.50+/-5.70 U/L, and E: 38.24+/-8.43 U/L. Compared with Group B, the pathological stages of hepatic fibrosis were significantly reduced in the prevention groups (C-E) (F=95.097, P less than 0.05). Hyp and MDA in liver homogenates of groups C-E were significantly lower than those of Group B (Hyp: C: 472.68+/-44.14 mug/g, D: 416.12+/-39.38 mug/g, E: 429.51+/-55.14 mug/g vs. B: 603.16+/-68.92 mug/g, F=39.315, P less than 0.05; MDA: C: 0.83+/-0.06 nmol/mg, D: 0.96+/-0.08 nmol/mg, E: 0.85+/-0.06 nmol/mg vs. B: 1.24+/-0.15 nmol/mg, F=46.376, P less than 0.05). In contrast, SOD activities in Group C-E were significantly higher than those in Group B (C: 2.47+/-0.38 U/mg, D: 1.95+/-0.45 U/mg, E: 2.16+/-0.23 U/mg vs. B: 1.56+/-0.41 U/mg, F=25.557, P less than 0.05). Compared with Group A, the mRNA and protein expressions of CYP2E1 were increased in groups B-E, however the differences did not reach statistical significance (mRNA: F=0.897, protein: F=0.492, both P more than 0.05). The mRNA and protein expressions of CYP2E1 in groups C-E were lower than those of Group B, however the differences did not reach statistical significance (mRNA: F=0.897, protein: F=0.492, P more than 0.05). Blueberry exhibits certain protective effects against porcine serum-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. The expression of hepatic cytochrome P450 2E1 in rats with immune hepatic fibrosis is not significantly different from the normal rats. Blueberry has no effect on the expression of hepatic cytochrome P4502E1.

The effects of dexmedetomidine on mesenteric arterial occlusion-associated gut ischemia and reperfusion-induced gut and kidney injury in rabbits

ObjectiveWe assessed the antioxidant activity of dexmedetomidine (Dex) administered during the ischemic period in a rabbit model of mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury using biochemical and histopathological methods. MethodsA total of 24 male New Zealand white rabbits weighing between 2.5 and 3.0 kg were randomly divided into three groups: the sham group (Group S, n = 8), the I/R group (Group I/R, n = 8), and the I/R plus Dex treatment group (Group Dex, n = 8). In the I/R group, ischemia was achieved with 60 min of mesenteric occlusion. The sham group provided normal basal values. The rabbits in Group I/R were operated to achieve I/R. Group Dex received intravenous Dex 30 min after the commencement of reperfusion (10 μg/kg Dex was infused within 10 min, and then a maintenance dose of 10 μg/kg/h Dex was infused intravenously). For the measurement of tissue malondialdehyde, total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, lipid hydroperoxide levels, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and myeloperoxidase activity levels in the renal tissue samples of animals, the rabbits in each group were sacrificed 3 h after reperfusion. The histopathological examination scores were determined using the intestinal and renal tissues. ResultsThe mean malondialdehyde, total oxidant status, myeloperoxidase, and lipid hydroperoxide levels were significantly higher in Group I/R than in Groups S and Dex (P < 0.05). There also were significant decreases in the mean total antioxidant status, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities in Group I/R compared with Groups S and Dex (P < 0.05). The histopathological examination scores of the intestinal and renal tissues were significantly higher in Group I/R compared with Groups S and Dex (P < 0.05). ConclusionDex treatment may have biochemical and histopathological benefits by preventing I/R-related cellular damage of intestinal and renal tissues as shown in an experimental mesenteric ischemia model. The preference to use Dex for anesthesia during the mesenteric ischemia procedure may attenuate I/R injury in intestinal and renal tissues.