Adverse Effects Of Oxidative Stress Research Articles

Melatonin enhanced oilseed rape growth and mitigated Cd stress risk: A novel trial for reducing Cd accumulation by bioenergy crops

Melatonin (M) is a pleiotropic molecule that improves plant growth and increases heavy metal tolerance. The role of M for improving plant growth and tolerance under cadmium (Cd) stress, and mitigation of Cd-induced toxicity has not yet been sufficiently examined. Therefore, here we conducted a glasshouse experiment to explore the influence of various M dosages on Cd detoxification and stress-tolerance responses of Brassica napus under high Cd content (30 mg kg−1). The effects of M on the modulation of Cd tolerance in B. napus plants have been investigated using various growth attributes, Cd accumulation and tolerance indices, and secondary metabolic parameters. We found that Cd stress inhibited root growth (by 11.9%) as well as triggered reactive oxygen species accumulation (by 31.2%) and MDA levels (by 18.7%); however, exogenous M substantially alleviated the adverse effect of oxidative stress by decreasing levels of H2O2 (by 38.7%), MDA (by 13.8%) and EL (by 1.8%) in the Cd-stressed plants, as compared to the M-untreated plants (control). Interestingly, exogenous M reduced Cd accumulation in roots (∼48.2–58.3-fold), stem (∼2.9–5.0-fold) and leaves (∼4.7–6.6-fold) compared to control plants, which might be due to an M-induced defense and/or detoxification response involving a battery of antioxidants. Overall, addition of the exogenous M to the Cd-stressed plants profoundly enhanced Cd tolerance in B. napus relative to control plants. These results suggested the biostimulatory role (at the physiological and molecular level) of M in improving growth, Cd tolerance, and Cd detoxification in B. napus, which indicate the potentiality of M for green remediation of Cd contaminated soils. This green trial would provide a reference for producing renewable bioenergy crops under Cd stress in contaminated soils. However, these recommendations should be verified under field conditions and the potential mechanisms for the interaction between Cd and M should be explicitly explored.

Silymarin modulates cadmium-induced oxidative stress in human spermatozoa.

Environmental pollutants such as cadmium can negatively affect sperm parameters and decrease male fertility by inducing oxidative stress. Antioxidants are considered a useful strategy for oxidative stress conditions to neutralize free radicals and strengthen the antioxidant defence system. In this study, the effects of the common application of silymarin, as a natural antioxidant, with cadmium were assessed on human sperm. The washed human sperm samples were divided into five groups: (1) spermatozoa at 0- hour; (2) spermatozoa at 3h; (3) spermatozoa treated with cadmium (20 μM) for 3h; (4) spermatozoa treated with silymarin (2μM) + cadmium (20 μM) for 3h and (5) spermatozoa treated with silymarin (2μM) for 3h. Our results displayed that cadmium reduced sperm motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity and acrosome integrity by increasing malondialdehyde levels and decreasing the total antioxidant capacity and antioxidant enzymes activity. While silymarin attenuated oxidative stress biomarkers in human sperm treated with cadmium, and consequently improved the sperm quality. In summary, cadmium-induced oxidative stress impaired human sperm structures and silymarin with its antioxidant properties compensated for the adverse effects of oxidative stress on human spermatozoa.

Pfprex from Plasmodium falciparum can bypass oxidative stress-induced DNA lesions.

Apicomplexans such as the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum possess a unique organelle known as the apicoplast that has its own circular genome. The apicoplast genome is AT rich and is subjected to oxidative stress from the byproducts of the normal biochemical pathways that operate in the apicoplast. It is expected that oxidative stress will lead to the appearance of DNA lesions such as 2-hydroxydeoxyadenine, thymine glycol, and 8-oxodeoxyguanine in the apicoplast genome. The apicoplast genome is replicated by the DNA polymerase activity present in the Pfprex enzyme. We have named the polymerase module of Pfprex as PfpPol and the enzyme belongs to the A family of DNA polymerases. Similar to other members of this family, PfpPol also exhibits high fidelity of DNA synthesis. We show that this enzyme is also capable of carrying out translesion DNA synthesis past common DNA lesions that arise due to oxidative stress. The residues N505 and Y509 from the fingers sub-domain, which are unique to PfpPol, play an important role in the ability of PfpPol to bypass the three lesions. The observed lesion-bypass ability of the Pfprex enzyme will minimize the adverse effects of oxidative stress on the apicoplast genome of the malaria parasite. These findings also have implications regarding the evolution of the machinery responsible for replication of organellar genomes.

Establishment of Optimal Conditions to Extract Bioactive Substances from Gamazumi Using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

The fruits of Gamazumi (Viburnum dilatatum THUNB) have been previously reported to suppress the adverse effects of oxidative stress in rats. To reduce time and cost, we attempted to establish optimal conditions for extracting bioactive components from Gamazumi fruits using supercritical carbon dioxide. To verify whether the conventional hexane extraction may be replaced by the supercritical carbon dioxide extraction, component analysis results and antigenotoxic potential in mice were used to compare bioactivity of the supercritical carbon dioxide and hexane extracts. 
 At the same extraction pressure, the extraction rate was maximized when supercritical carbon dioxide with a low temperature was used, and extraction efficiency was improved. GC/MS analysis revealed that vitamins E and stigmasterols were included in supercritical carbon dioxide and hexane extracts, and that no qualitative differences between supercritical carbon dioxide and hexane extracts were observed. The antigenotoxic potential of Gamazumi extracts was studied in mice exposed to cigarette smoke inhalation. Mice received single or 5 consecutive oral administrations of Gamazumi extracts at 0, 3, and 6 h prior to smoke inhalation. Although single administration decreased nuclei tail length in the stomach when both administration and the intervals of smoke inhalation were short, five consecutive administrations decreased tail length in the lung and stomach regardless of the interval. At short intervals, inhaled cigarette smoke and orally administered extracts may be simultaneously present in the gastric cavity, and direct reaction between cigarette smoke and extract is possible. The antioxidant activity of Gamazumi extracts may result in antigenotoxic potential. There were no differences in component analysis and antigenotoxic potential between supercritical carbon dioxide and hexane extracts of Gamazumi; thus, it is possible to replace the conventional hexane extraction with the supercritical carbon dioxide extraction.

The effect of Tempo and MitoTEMPO on oocyte maturation and subsequent embryo development in bovine model

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are one of the factors which reduces oocyte quality and viability of the in vitro produced embryos. Oocyte mitochondria are the major source of ROS production, hence, and the addition of mitochondrion-specific antioxidants could be suggested to minimize the damage caused by ROS during culture. MitoTEMPO, a targeted mitochondrial antioxidant, is formed by conjugating TEMPO to triphenylphosphonium and has an activity like that of superoxide dismutase. It can pass through lipid bilayers easily and accumulate selectively in mitochondria. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of MitoTEMPO and its non-targeted form, TEMPO, on the developmental competence of bovine oocytes. Accordingly, oocytes were cultured in maturation medium supplemented with either five mM TEMPO (T5) or one μM MitoTEMPO (M1), or T5 + M1 (MT15), or without the antioxidants (C). Nuclear maturation to metaphase II (MII) stage, intracellular glutathione (GSH) content and ROS levels in matured oocytes were analyzed. In addition, cleavage after in vitro fertilization, and blastocyst rates, total cell number in blastocysts as well as the relative abundance of apoptosis-related genes (BAX and BCL2) in blastocysts were determined. Results revealed that the proportion of oocytes at the MII stage, embryos at the blastocyst stage and total cell number in blastocysts increased significantly in the M1 group compared to the C and T5 groups. The levels of intracellular GSH and ROS in oocytes decreased in the M1 group than in the C group (P < 0.05). The expression level of the pro-apoptotic gene (BAX) reduced in blastocysts from the M1 group in comparison to the C and T5 groups (P < 0.05). On the other hand, the expression level of anti-apoptotic gene (BCL2) in obtained blastocysts was not affected by TEMPO and MitoTEMPO. However, the ratio of BAX/BCL2 in blastocysts from the M1 and MT15 groups decreased significantly compared to the C group. These findings suggest that MitoTEMPO can mitigate the adverse effects of oxidative stress on the developmental competence of bovine oocytes.

Changes in Human Erythrocyte Membrane Exposed to Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts from Uncaria tomentosa.

Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) DC is a woody climber species originating from South and Central America that has been used in the therapy of asthma, rheumatism, hypertension, and blood purification. Our previous study showed that U. tomentosa extracts altered human erythrocyte shape, which could be due to incorporation of the compounds contained in extracts into the erythrocyte membrane. The aim of the present study was to determine how the compounds contained in U. tomentosa extracts incorporate into the human erythrocyte membrane. The study has assessed the effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts from leaves and bark of U. tomentosa on the osmotic resistance of the human erythrocyte, the viscosity of erythrocyte interior, and the fluidity of erythrocyte plasma membrane. Human erythrocytes were incubated with the studied extracts in the concentrations of 100, 250, and 500 µg/mL for 2, 5, and 24 h. All extracts tested caused a decrease in erythrocyte membrane fluidity and increased erythrocyte osmotic sensitivity. The ethanolic extracts from the bark and leaves increased viscosity of the erythrocytes. The largest changes in the studied parameters were observed in the cells incubated with bark ethanolic extract. We consider that the compounds from U. tomentosa extracts mainly build into the outer, hydrophilic monolayer of the erythrocyte membrane, thus protecting the erythrocytes against the adverse effects of oxidative stress.

ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL OF SOME HERBS REPRESENTED IN ARMENIAN FLORA AND CHARACTERIZATION OF PHYTOCHEMICALS

Adverse effect of oxidative stress is a huge problem in medicine. In several circumstances, exogenous antioxidants are needed to regulate the amount of reactive species in the body. Plants are considered as a promising source for new antioxidant compounds. The goal of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant potential of extracts of the following herbs: Agrimonia eupatoria, Hypericum alpestre, Rumex obtusifolius and Sanguisorba officinalis using different chemical-based tests. GC-MS technique was used for identification of plant’s volatile bio-active constituents. The results revealed good potential of the tested herbs as sources for new antioxidant compounds.

Dietary Pomegranate By-Product Alleviated the Oxidative Stress Induced by Dexamethasone in Laying Hens in the Pre-Peak Period.

Simple SummaryThe present work was designed to maximize an agro-industrial by-products’ benefits in an environmentally safe manner. This study explores the antioxidative effects of pomegranate peels as dietary additives on the performance of laying hens in the pre-peak period under oxidative stress induced by dexamethasone. Pomegranate peel powder was included at 2% and 4% in the diets of laying hens exposed to oxidative stress induced by dexamethasone compared with negative and positive control groups for 12 weeks. Based on the obtained results, the current study recommends the possibility of using dietary pomegranate peels up to 4% not only for alleviating the adverse effects of oxidative stress in the pre-peak laying period but also as a sustainable and economical approach for agricultural development.This experiment was conducted to assess the inclusion of the by-products of pomegranate peels to ameliorate the harmful impacts of oxidative stress in the pre-peak period of laying hens. For this, 120 local Egyptian strain hens (Inshas hens) aged 24 weeks old were used in four treatments. Pomegranate peel powder was included at 2% and 4% in the diets of laying hens subjected to oxidative injuries induced by dexamethasone compared with negative and positive control groups for 12 weeks. The addition of pomegranate peel powder (PPP) reduced the adverse effects of oxidative stress induced by dexamethasone on body weight (p = 0.006) and egg production (p = 0.010) comparing to the positive control. Additionally, pomegranate peel powder had a significant positive lowering effect on plasma cholesterol (p < 0.001) and triglyceride contents (p = 0.005) compared to control groups. The lipid peroxidation indicators (MDA) were reduced, but the antioxidative enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx) and total antioxidant blood capacity were improved with PPP. Based on the obtained data, the present research recommends using dietary PPP up to 4% to mitigate adverse oxidative stress effects in the pre-peak laying period and as a sustainable and economical approach for agricultural development.

Adverse Effects of Oxidative Stress on Bone and Vasculature in Corticosteroid-Associated Osteonecrosis: Potential Role of Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 in Cytoprotection.

Significance: Osteonecrosis (ON) is characterized by bone tissue death due to disturbance of the nutrient artery. The detailed process leading to the necrotic changes has not been fully elucidated. Clinically, high-dose corticosteroid therapy is one of the main culprits behind osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Recent Advances: Numerous studies have proposed that such ischemia concerns various intravascular mechanisms. Of all reported risk factors, the involvement of oxidative stress in the irreversible damage suffered by bone-related and vascular endothelial cells during ischemia simply cannot be overlooked. Several articles also have sought to elucidate oxidative stress in relation to ON using animal models or in vitro cell cultures. Critical Issues: However, as far as we know, antioxidant monotherapy has still not succeeded in preventing ONFH in humans. To provide this desideratum, we herein summarize the current knowledge about the influence of oxidative stress on ON, together with data about the preventive effects of administering antioxidants in corticosteroid-induced ON animal models. Moreover, oxidative stress is counteracted by nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-dependent cytoprotective network through regulating antioxidant expressions. Therefore, we also describe Nrf2 regulation and highlight its role in the pathology of ON. Future Directions: This is a review of all available literature to date aimed at developing a deeper understanding of the pathological mechanism behind ON from the perspective of oxidative stress. It may be hoped that this synthesis will spark the development of a prophylactic strategy to benefit corticosteroid-associated ONFH patients. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 35, 357-376.

Astaxanthin – King of antioxidants as immune modulator and anti-inflammatory for enhancing productive performance and health of animals

Astaxanthin is the potent antioxidant predominantly found in living organisms that are present in marine environment. It is known as “King of antioxidant” or “Super vitamin E” because of its potent antioxidant property. Antioxidant property of astaxanthin known to modulate different biological activity relating to antioxidant defence system, inflammation, immunity and ameliorating adverse effect of oxidative stress during summer season. Its use has been found in improving both male and female reproductive health and production performance of bovines. Astaxanthin helps in hastening of sexual maturity, improving sperm quality, increasing fertility and better development of embryos. It is considered as one of the essential feed additive in combating the adverse effect of climate change on production performance of animals. This review mainly focuses on source, structure and use of astaxanthin as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune stimulator and for improving productive performance of bovines.

The effect of vitamin E on sperm motility and viability in asthenoteratozoospermic men: In vitro study.

Induction of oxidative stress during the sperm preparation process for assisted reproductive techniques (ART) in men can weaken sperm parameters. Vitamin E (VE) is considered a factor in boosting male fertility. This experimental study (in vitro) aimed to assess the impact of VE supplementation on sperm quality and lipid peroxidation during sperm sampling at different times. For this mention, semen samples were collected from 50 asthenoteratozoospermic men. Samples were divided into control and test groups for 2, 4 and 6hr that the test group was incubated with VE (2mM). In two groups, total motility, progressive motility and viability based on the WHO 2010 criteria were assessed. Moreover, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were evaluated in each group. In the control group, total and progressive motility and sperm viability were decreased significantly after 2hr; however, MDA levels were increased significantly after 6hr. Also, in the test group, sperm parameters were increased significantly after 2hr, and MDA levels were decreased significantly after 6hr compared to the control group. In outcome, in vitro VE supplementation may protect spermatozoa from the adverse effect of oxidative stress during sperm preparation via preservation antioxidant processes in normal condition.

Synergetic enhancement toxicity of copper, cadmium and microcystin-LR to the Ceratophyllum demersum L

Heavy metals and microcystins commonly co-exist in water bodies with cyanobacteria, and have been shown to affect aquatic plants. However, their combined effects remain largely unknown. In this study, the toxic effects of copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) on Ceratophyllum demersum L. were characterized in the presence of microcystin-LR (MC-LR). The results showed that the bioaccumulation of MC-LR and Cu/Cd in C. demersum was significantly increased by the interaction between MC-LR and Cu/Cd. The combined toxicity assessment results suggested that the toxicities of Cu or Cd to C. demersum would be largely exacerbated by MC-LR, which could be the results of increased bioaccumulation of the pollutants. Cu, Cd and MC-LR, as well as their mixture, significantly decreased plant fresh weight and total chlorophyll content of C. demersum, especially at their high concentrations. The antioxidative system was activated to cope with the adverse effects of oxidative stress. Antioxidant enzyme activities were significantly stimulated by Cu, Cd and MC-LR, as well as their mixture. However, the decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities were observed when exposed to relative high concentrations of Cu or Cd together with MC-LR of 5 μg L−1. MC-LR brought more stress to the antioxidative system, which is another possible explanation for the synergistic effect. Our findings highlight increased ecological risks of the co-contamination of heavy metals and harmful cyanobacteria.

Role of manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) against Cr(III)-induced toxicity in bacteria

The toxicity of Cr(VI) was widely investigated, but the defense mechanism against Cr(III) in bacteria are seldom reported. Here, we found that Cr(III) inhibited bacterial growth and induced reactive oxygen species (ROS). After exposure to Cr(III), loss of sodA not only led to the excessive generation of ROS, but also enhanced the level of lipid peroxidation and reduced the GSH level, indicating that the deficiency of Mn-SOD decreased the bacterial resistance ability against Cr(III). The adverse effects of oxidative stress caused by Cr(III) could be recovered by the rescue of Mn-SOD in the sodA-deficient strain. Besides the oxidative stress, Cr(III) could cause the bacterial morphology variation, which was distinct between the wild-type and the sodA-deficient strains due to the differential expressions of Z-ring division genes. Moreover, Mn-SOD might prevent Cr(III) from oxidation on the bacterial surface by combining with Cr(III). Taken together, our results indicated that the Mn-SOD played a vital role in regulating the stress resistance, expression of cell division-related genes, bacterial morphology, and chemistry valence state of Cr. Our findings firstly provided a more in-depth understanding of Cr(III) toxicity and bacterial defense mechanism against Cr(III).

Oxidized Oils and Oxidized Proteins Induce Apoptosis in Granulosa Cells by Increasing Oxidative Stress in Ovaries of Laying Hens.

The storage and preparation of corn for animal feed inevitably lead to lipid and protein peroxidation. Granulosa cells play an important role in follicular development in the ovaries, and hen laying productivity is likely to be dependent on follicle health and number. We hypothesized that oxidized oil and protein induce apoptosis via oxidative stress in laying hen granulosa cells. A sample of 360 38-week-old Lohmann commercial laying hens was used in a 2 × 2 factorial design for 8 weeks. Dietary treatments included dietary oil (fresh corn oil (FO) or oxidized corn oil (OO)) and corn gluten meal (fresh corn gluten meal (FP) or oxidized corn gluten meal (OP)). Productivity, ovarian histology, granulosa cell apoptosis, and indicators of oxidative stress were evaluated in all groups. Both dietary OO and OP decreased egg production and the average daily feed intake (ADFI) of laying hens. Flow cytometry, TUNEL, and real-time PCR revealed that both dietary OO and OP induced granulosa cell apoptosis in prehierarchical and hierarchical follicles. Furthermore, dietary OO and OP caused oxidative stress in prehierarchical and hierarchical follicles, as indicated by the downregulation of antioxidant-related-gene expression. Moreover, forkhead box O1 (FoxO1), extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK), and c-Jun NH2 kinase (JNK) are involved in potential apoptosis regulation pathways in the granulosa cells of laying hens fed OO and OP, as indicated by the upregulation of FoxO1 expression and downregulation of ERK/JNK expression. These results indicate that OO and OP induce granulosa cell apoptosis via oxidative stress, and the combined use of OO and OP aggravates the adverse effects of oxidative stress in laying hens.

RNAi-Mediated Silencing of Catalase Gene Promotes Apoptosis and Impairs Proliferation of Bovine Granulosa Cells under Heat Stress.

Simple SummaryReduced fertility of modern-day dairy cattle across the world is implicated by the global warming phenomenon. Heat stress (HS) is well-known for compromising the normal physiological functions of granulosa cells (GCs) by promoting reactive oxygen species (ROS), which subsequently induce apoptosis, impair the biosynthesis of estrogen and progesterone, and disrupt the mitochondrial membrane potential. The catalase (CAT) enzyme serves a key antioxidant role in catalyzing the HS-induced ROS, thereby preventing the adverse effects of oxidative stress on cells. Therefore, the regulation of the CAT gene under HS has been the subject of increasing interest among researchers. However, no researches till date performed a functional validation of the CAT gene in bovine GCs under HS. For instance, we silenced the CAT gene using siRNA in GCs and found that the silencing of CAT aggravated the HS-induced damages to these cells, depicting a protective role of the CAT gene under HS. Thus, the regulation of CAT under HS could be used as an effective molecular marker to enhance the fertility in heat-stressed dairy cows.Heat stress in dairy cattle is recognized to compromise fertility by altering the functions of ovarian follicle-enclosed cells, e.g., oocyte and granulosa cells (GCs). Catalase is an antioxidant enzyme that plays a significant role in cellular protection against oxidative damage by the degradation of hydrogen peroxide to oxygen and water. In this study, the role and mechanism of CAT on the heat stress (HS)-induced apoptosis and altered proliferation of bovine GCs were studied. The catalase gene was knocked-down successfully in bovine GCs at both the transcriptional and translational levels. After a successful knockdown using siRNA, GCs were divided into HS (40 °C + NC and 40 °C + CAT siRNA) and 38 °C + NC (NC) groups. The GCs were then examined for ROS, viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), cell cycle, and biosynthesis of progesterone (P4) and estrogen (E2) hormones. The results indicated that CAT silencing promoted ROS production and apoptosis by up-regulating the Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX) and Caspase-3 genes both at the transcriptional and translational levels. Furthermore, the knockdown of CAT markedly disrupted the MMP, impaired the production of P4 and E2, altered the progression of the G1 phase of the cell cycle, and decreased the number of cells in the S phase. This was further verified by the down-regulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), CyclinB1, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR), and cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily A member 1 (Cyp11A1) genes. Our study presented a novel strategy to characterize how CAT can regulate cell proliferation and apoptosis in GCs under HS. We concluded that CAT is a broad regulatory marker in GCs by regulating apoptosis, cellular progression, and simultaneously by vital fluctuations in hormonal signaling. Our findings infer a crucial evidence of how to boost the fertility of heat-stressed cows.

Role of Oxidative Stress in the Genesis of Ventricular Arrhythmias.

Ventricular arrhythmias, mainly lethal arrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation, may lead to sudden cardiac death. These are triggered as a result of cardiac injury due to chronic ischemia, acute myocardial infarction and various stressful conditions associated with increased levels of circulating catecholamines and angiotensin II. Several mechanisms have been proposed to underlie electrical instability of the heart promoting ventricular arrhythmias; however, oxidative stress which adversely affects ion homeostasis due to changes in the ion channel structure and function, seems to play a critical role in eliciting different types of ventricular arrhythmias. Prevention or mitigation of the severity of ventricular arrhythmias due to antioxidants has been indicated as the fundamental contribution in the field of preventive cardiology; however, novel interventions have to be developed for greater effectiveness and specificity in attenuating the adverse effects of oxidative stress. In this review, we have attempted to discuss proarrhythmic effects of oxidative stress differing in time and concentration dependence and highlight a molecular and cellular concept how it alters cardiac cell automaticity and conduction velocity sensitizing the probability of ventricular arrhythmias with resultant sudden cardiac death due to ischemic heart disease and other stressful situations. It is concluded that pharmacological approaches targeting multiple mechanisms besides oxidative stress might be more effective in the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias than current antiarrhythmic therapy.

Protective Effect of the Red Quinoa Seeds versus Oxidative Stress Induced by Alloxan and Carbon Tetrachloride in Experimental Rats

ABSTRACT The Red Quinoa seeds (RQ seeds) shows a higher number of total phenolic and flavonoids content. Therefore, the protective effect of the RQ seeds versus oxidative stress induced by Alloxan and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) may treatment in rats. Fifty-six healthy male albino rats were randomly divided into three main groups. The first group of healthyrats (8 rats) was negative control and fed on commercial diet. The second group (24 rats) received CCl4 injections subcutaneously (for two weeks); while, the third group (24 rats) were fasted for 24 hours, injected with one dose prepared Alloxan by intraperitoneal injection to induce oxidative Stress. Then both main 2 groups were divided into 3 subgroups (8rats /each) and treated by different concentrations of RQ seedsas for 6 weeks. The rats were weighed weekly and at the end of the experimental, the animals were fasted overnight, anesthetized; sacrificed and weighted the organs excise” liver, kidney and Pancreas”. Results showed that stress groups (Alloxan and CCl4) were significantly increased risk for oxidative stress. However, the results indicated that a diet fortified at 5g and 10g RQ seeds improves weight gain, increased antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT and GPx), reduces liver enzymes, kidney function, lipid profiles, serum glucose and reduces the risk of organ functions (liver, kidney and pancreas), related to oxidative stress, when compared to stress groups. More specifically, a diet with 10g RQ seeds reduced the adverse effect of oxidative stress.

The Protective Effect of Grape Seed and Skin Extract and Ulva rigida Against Oxidative Stress Induced by Cisplatin on The Testis of Rats

Cisplatin, an anticancer drug used in chemotherapy, has made considerable progress recently; particularly in the treatment of testicular cancer. However, the side effects of this treatment, limit its use. Grape Seed and Skin Extract (GSSE) and Ulva rigida (U. rigida) marine seaweeds are giving compounds with high antioxidant capacity. This work aims to develop a model in vivo to evaluate the protective effect of extracts of GSSE or U. rigida against the oxidative stress induced by cisplatin. This stress occurring in healthy cells is one of the major causes of the adverse effects of chemotherapy. Healthy male rats received an intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin only or cisplatin and GSSE or U. rigida extract. At the end of the treatment, the rats were sacrificed and from the crushed testicles; the supernatant was recovered for biochemical assays. The data showed that the dose of cisplatin induces testicular toxicity, and a pro-oxidant state characterized by increased levels of malondialdehyde, carbonyl proteins, superoxide anion, calcium and iron. Besides, treatment with cisplatin increases the activity of superoxide dismutase and inhibits the activity of catalase. GSSE or U. rigida extract exerts a protective effect on the testes of cisplatin-treated rats, or they protect against the adverse effects of oxidative stress induced by cisplatin to restore levels near control. This study demonstrated that GSSE and U. rigida can protect against cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity.

Long-Term Adverse Effects of Oxidative Stress on Rat Epididymis and Spermatozoa.

Oxidative stress is a common culprit of several conditions associated with male fertility. High levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) promote impairment of sperm quality mainly by decreasing motility and increasing the levels of DNA oxidation. Oxidative stress is a common feature of environmental pollutants, chemotherapy and other chemicals, smoke, toxins, radiation, and diseases that can have negative effects on fertility. Peroxiredoxins (PRDXs) are antioxidant enzymes associated with the protection of mammalian spermatozoa against oxidative stress and the regulation of sperm viability and capacitation. In the present study, we aimed to determine the long-term effects of oxidative stress in the testis, epididymis and spermatozoa using the rat model. Adult male rats were treated with tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) or saline (control group), and reproductive organs and spermatozoa were collected at 3, 6, and 9 weeks after the end of treatment. We determined sperm DNA oxidation and motility, and levels of lipid peroxidation and protein expression of antioxidant enzymes in epididymis and testis. We observed that cauda epididymal spermatozoa displayed low motility and high DNA oxidation levels at all times. Lipid peroxidation was higher in caput and cauda epididymis of treated rats at 3 and 6 weeks but was similar to control levels at 9 weeks. PRDX6 was upregulated in the epididymis due to t-BHP; PRDX1 and catalase, although not significant, followed similar trend of increase. Testis of treated rats did not show signs of oxidative stress nor upregulation of antioxidant enzymes. We concluded that t-BHP-dependent oxidative stress promoted long-term changes in the epididymis and maturing spermatozoa that result in the impairment of sperm quality.

Resveratrol treatment during maturation enhances developmental competence of oocytes after prolonged ovary storage at 4 °C in the domestic cat model

Resveratrol (Resv; 3,4,5-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a phytoalexin with antioxidant activity that modulates redox homeostasis in oocytes and improves in vitro embryo production. Cold storage of cat ovaries for a period longer than 24 h alters oxidative status of oocytes after in vitro maturation and reduces their developmental competence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of resveratrol supplementation to the maturation medium on embryo development of oocytes after storage of domestic cat ovaries at 4 °C for 24 h or 48 h. Cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were recovered from ovaries of domestic queens and cultured in maturation medium supplemented with (+) or without (−) 5 μM resveratrol for 24 h. COCs collected from fresh ovaries were matured in vitro (IVM) in standard conditions as control. After IVM, oocytes were in vitro fertilized (IVF) and presumptive zygotes cultured for 7 days. Oocyte nuclear maturation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) levels as well as cleavage, blastocyst formation and blastocyst cell number were determined. There were no differences in the maturation rates of oocytes between the control and stored groups, irrespective of resveratrol supplementation. Resveratrol treatment during IVM significantly increased the level of GSH and reduced the level of ROS of oocytes recovered from ovaries stored for 48 h as compared to the non-treated group (48 h-). The rate of blastocyst formation from oocytes recovered from ovaries after 48 h storage that underwent IVM with resveratrol was higher (P < 0.05) than that of oocytes matured without resveratrol and similar to that of control oocytes. Resveratrol treatment increased (P < 0.05) cell number in blastocysts from 24 h + and 48 h + groups as compared to their respective counterparts. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that resveratrol supplementation during IVM can reverse the adverse effect of oxidative stress on oocytes, and enhances embryo development after ovary storage at 4 °C for 48 h. These results may provide a basis for improving culture conditions and extend the possibility of storage of cat ovaries for more than 24 h thus ensuring successful in vitro embryo production.