Adverse Effects Of Oxidative Stress Research Articles

Evaluation of Some Antioxidant Parameters (Vitamin E & C), MDA and Hemoglobin Levels, in Women of Reproductive Age, Based on Mode of Child Delivery, in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

Childbirth indicates the positive outcome of pregnancy in humans, in which mode of child delivery, which is either by vaginal delivery (VD) or cesarean-section delivery (CS) is considered critical in maintaining maternal health. Antioxidants delay or inhibit cellular damage, mainly through their free radical-scavenging property. Changes in vitamin E and vitamin C antioxidants, lipid peroxidation (MDA) and hemoglobin (Hb) can lead to complications, forming reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cellular imbalance, bringing about oxidative stress (OS). These parameters remove the ROS efficiently and protect the body from the adverse effects of oxidative stress. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effect of mode of child delivery on maternal VE, VC, MDA and Hb status, in women of reproductive age in Owerri, Imo state, Nigeria. It involved 200 pregnant women, within the reproductive ages of 20 to 39 years, with 100 subjects being those who gave birth through VD and 100 being those who gave birth through CS. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, with results expressed as mean ± standard deviation and presented in tables. Independent t-tests and ANOVA were used for comparisons, with p≤0.05 considered significant. The results from this study showed that, women who gave birth through VD had significantly lower VE (p<0.001) and VC (p<0.001) levels compared to those who had CS. Similarly, the levels of MDA were significantly (p<0.001) reduced in women who gave birth through VD compared to those who had CS. The antepartum Hb of VD women was significantly higher than postpartum levels, while the antepartum Hb of CS women was significantly lower compared to the postpartum levels. The results indicate that women who gave birth through VD had significantly reduced VE, VC, MDA and Hb levels, after childbirth, compared to births of CS delivery. It is recommended that antioxidant parameters (Vitamin E & C), MDA and hemoglobin (Hb) levels, be assessed in women during childbirth in order to help in the management of their postpartum conditions.

Unraveling the Peroxidase Activity in Peroxiredoxins: A Comprehensive Review of Mechanisms, Functions, and Biological Significance.

Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) are members of the antioxidant enzymes necessary for every living object in the three domains of life and play critical roles in controlling peroxide levels in cells. This comprehensive literature review aims to elucidate the peroxidase activity of Prxs, examining their roles and significance for organisms across various taxa. Ironically, the primary role of the Prxs is the peroxidase activity, which comprises the reduction of hydrogen peroxide and other organic hydroperoxides and decreases the risk of oxidative damage in the cells. The above enzymatic activity occurs through the reversible oxidation-reduction catalyzed by cysteine residues in the active site by forming sulfenic acid and reduction by intracellular reductants. Structurally and functionally, Prxs function as dimers or decamers and show different catalytic patterns according to their subfamilies or cellular compartments. Compared to the mechanisms of the other two subgroups of Prxs, including 2-Cys Prxs and atypical Prxs, the 1-Cys Prxs have monomer-dimer switch folding coupled with catalytic activity. In addition to their peroxidase activity, which is widely known, Prxs are becoming acknowledged to be involved in other signaling processes, including redox signaling and apoptosis. This aversion to oxidative stress and regulation by the cellular redox state places them at the heart of adaptive cellular responses to changes in the environment or manifestations of diseases. In conclusion, based on the data obtained and on furthering the knowledge of Prxs' structure and function, these enzymes may be classified as a diverse yet essential family of proteins that can effectively protect cells from the adverse effects of oxidative stress due to peroxidase activity. This indicates secondary interactions, summarized as peroxide detoxification or regulatory signaling, and identifies their applicability in multiple biological pathways. Such knowledge is valuable for enhancing the general comprehension of essential cellular functions and disclosing further therapeutic approaches to the diseases caused by the increased production of reactive oxygen species.

Stem cell-conditioned medium improves methylation patterns and quality of caprine preantral follicles.

Conditioned medium from Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells improved tissue and preantral follicle outcomes, preventing adverse effects of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and epigenetic changes. This study investigated the methylation patterns of H3K4me3 and H3K9me3, as well as the mRNA expression of genes encoding the epigenetic regulators KDM1AX1, KDM1AX2, and KDM3A in goat preantral follicles developed in vivo (Uncultured control) or after in vitro culture for 7 days in either the absence (α-MEM+) or presence of conditioned medium (α-MEM+ + CM) from Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs). In the invivo setting, all follicular categories exhibited similar H3K4me3 and H3K9me3 patterns, and transcripts of KDM1AX1, KDM1AX2, and KDM3A were detected in all samples. During in vitro culture, α-MEM+ + CM enhanced several important aspects. It increased the percentage of normal growing follicles, oocyte diameters across all categories, stromal cell density, and the H3K4me3 methylation pattern in preantral follicles. Simultaneously, it decreased the levels of reduced thiols and reactive oxygen species in the spent media, diminished the presence of lipofuscin aggresomes, lowered granulosa cell apoptotic rates, and reduced the H3K9me3 methylation pattern in preantral follicles. In conclusion, the findings from this study provide compelling evidence that supplementing the in vitro culture medium (α-MEM+) with CM from WJ-MSCs has a protective effect on goat preantral follicles. Notably, CM supplementation preserved follicular survival, as evidenced by enhanced follicular and oocyte growth and increased stromal cell density when compared to the standard culture conditions in the α-MEM+ medium. Furthermore, CM reduced oxidative stress and apoptosis and promoted alterations in H3K4me3 and H3K9me3 patterns.

Protective Role of Nanoceria-Infused Nanofibrous Scaffold toward Bone Tissue Regeneration with Senescent Cells.

The presence of oxidative stress in bone defects leads to delayed regeneration, especially in the aged population and patients receiving cancer treatment. This delay is attributed to the increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in these populations due to the accumulation of senescent cells. Tissue-engineered scaffolds are emerging as an alternative method to treat bone defects. In this study, we engineered tissue scaffolds tailored to modulate the adverse effects of oxidative stress and promote bone regeneration. We used polycaprolactone to fabricate nanofibrous mats by using electrospinning. We exploited the ROS-scavenging properties of cerium oxide nanoparticles to alleviate the high oxidative stress microenvironment caused by the presence of senescent cells. We characterized the nanofibers for their physical and mechanical properties and utilized an ionization-radiation-based model to induce senescence in bone cells. We demonstrate that the presence of ceria can modulate ROS levels, thereby reducing the level of senescence and promoting osteogenesis. Overall, this study demonstrates that ceria-infused nanofibrous scaffolds can be used for augmenting the osteogenic activity of senescent progenitor cells, which has important implications for engineering bone tissue scaffolds for patients with low regeneration capabilities.

Ceramides from sea red rice bran ameliorate oxidative stress and lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans by activating the p38/MAPK signaling pathway and regulating the gut microbiota

Sea red rice bran, a new salinity-tolerant sea rice by-product, contains high levels of ceramides (Cers), which are necessary to tap into their bioactivity for improving the health effects of the organism. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Cers on the improving the oxidative stress and lifespan of C. elegans, and the relationship of the interaction through the p38/MAPK signaling pathway and under the regulation of intestinal flora. The results showed that Cers treatment effectively reversed the oxidative damage caused by paraquat and hydrogen peroxide in C. elegans and reduced overexpression of ROS and accumulation of mitochondrial membrane damage. In addition, Cers intake successfully activated all gene targets of p38/MAPK signaling pathway, significantly promoted the migration of SKN-1 to the nucleus, and increased the abundance of probiotic bacteria such as Ruminoccus, AKKermansia, and Lactobacillus in the intestinal flora and effectively mitigated the adverse effects of oxidative stress. Therefore, these results indicate that Cers could be effectively in ameliorating the level of oxidative stress in the body, thereby increasing longevity and health indicators. Providing a theoretical basis for the prevention of aging-related chronic diseases and health care, and enhancing the high-value comprehensive utilization of sea red rice by-products.

Unravelling the cardiovascular symphony: Decoding the intricate influence of green tea polyphenols from leaf to heart

The extensive exploration of green tea's therapeutic potential in relation to cardiovascular ailments has sparked considerable global interest. The green tea polyphenols notably EGCG, ECG, EGC, EC, and various catechins, exhibit considerable promise as agents with cardioprotective attributes. The green tea polyphenolic compounds effectively counteract the detrimental impact of reactive oxygen species while concurrently modulating intricate cellular signalling pathways, thereby ameliorating the adverse effects of oxidative stress—a pivotal contributor to cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, these compounds have demonstrated a capacity to function as antihypertensive agents, primarily through their facilitation of vasodilation, inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme activity, and deterrence of excessive vasoconstriction. Moreover, green tea polyphenols exert their influence on lipid profiles and cholesterol metabolism, presenting an additional avenue for cardiovascular health maintenance. By inhibiting key enzymes, namely ACAT and HMG-CoA reductases, involved in cholesterol esterification and synthesis, respectively, green tea polyphenols actively contribute to the preservation of a favourable lipid profile, effectively mitigating the risk of atherosclerosis development. In evaluating the bioavailability of green tea polyphenols, it is observed that they exhibit considerable stability in gastric conditions. However, substantial metabolic transformations occur within the intestinal and hepatic milieu, consequently influencing their availability and physiological activity within the human body. This comprehensive review proffers an array of interdisciplinary methodologies, encompassing in silico modelling, omics technologies, and innovative research approaches. These multifaceted avenues possess immense potential in unravelling novel insights and enhancing therapeutic strategies. Future investigations should seek to explore captivating prospects, including the identification of specific polyphenolic constituents or synergistic combinations that exhibit pronounced cardioprotective effects, thus guiding the development of targeted therapeutic interventions. By elucidating the molecular mechanisms underpinning the cardiovascular effects of green tea polyphenols, a greater understanding of the therapeutic targets involved in the prevention.

MgO@polydopamine Nanoparticle-Loaded Photothermal Microneedle Patches Combined with Chitosan Gel Dressings for the Treatment of Infectious Wounds.

As for wound drug delivery, microneedles (MNs) have attracted wide attention. However, while effective at increasing the depth of drug delivery, traditional MNs often have limited drug loads and have difficulty penetrating scabs on wounds. Herein, we develop a drug delivery system combining MgO@polydopamine (MgO@PDA) nanoparticle-loaded photothermal MN patches and chitosan (CS) gel to inhibit the formation of scabs and deliver sufficient drugs into deep tissue. When inserted into the wound, the MN system can keep the wound bed moist and weakly acidic to inhibit the formation of scabs and accelerate wound closure. The released MgO@PDA nanoparticles from both the tips and the backing layer, which immensely increase the drug load, continuously release Mg2+ in the moist, weakly acidic wound bed, promoting tissue migration and the formation of microvessels. MgO@PDA nanoparticles show excellent antibacterial activity under near-infrared irradiation synergized with the CS gel, and the PDA coating can also overcome the adverse effects of oxidative stress. Through in vitro and in vivo experiments, the MN system showed remarkable antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pro-angiogenic effects, indicating its potential in the treatment of infectious wounds.

The influence of Nrf2 gene promoter methylation on gene expression and oxidative stress parameters in preeclampsia

Background and aimsPreeclampsia (PE) is a serious medical condition that usually causes high blood pressure and affects multiple organs. Considering the adverse effect of oxidative stress on the process of PE in pregnant women and regarding the role of the Nrf2 gene in placental oxidative pathways, this study was conducted to investigate the DNA methylation status of Nrf2 in PE and healthy pregnant women.Materials and methodsThe present case-control study consisted of 70 PE and 70 healthy pregnant women. Blood and placenta samples were taken from all subjects, and the percentage of the Nrf2 gene methylation in the samples was assessed by the Methyl Light PCR method. Also, the Nrf2 gene expression was evaluated by real-time PCR. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidative status (TOS) were measured by the colorimetric method.ResultsIn PE women, there was a significant increase in blood pressure, term of pregnancy, and BMI. In addition, there were enhanced Nrf2 DNA methylation percentage in placenta tissue and increased TOS levels in placenta tissue and blood compared to healthy pregnant women (P < 0.05). Also, in the PE group, there was a significant decrease in Nrf2 gene expression and TAC level in placenta tissue compared to the control group (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe Nrf2 gene undergoes epigenetic modifications of DNA hypermethylation in the PE placenta. Decreased expression of this gene and the changes in the level of oxidative parameters (TAC, TOS) confirm it.

Extract of Black Rice (Oryza sativa L. ‘Sembada Hitam’) Bran Protect Cytotoxicity of Hydrogen Peroxide on Vero Cells in a Short Time Incubation

Oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) can lead to cellular damage, contributing to degenerative diseases and aging. Black rice bran is a functional food known for its antioxidant properties, which are crucial in reducing the adverse effects of oxidative stress and maintaining redox balance. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of the extract of black rice bran (EBRB) 'Sembada Hitam' on Vero cells against H2O2 toxicity. To evaluate the protective effect, a co-culture method was employed, and cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay. Additionally, cell growth was examined through trypan blue staining. Vero cells were exposed to different concentrations of H2O2 and EBRB for a 24-hour period. The results demonstrated that EBRB at concentrations of 15.625, 250, and 500 μg/mL exhibited a protective effect on Vero cells exposed to H2O2 at concentrations of 100, 200, and 400 μM, respectively. Notably, when Vero cells were treated with EBRB at concentrations of 250 or 500 μg/mL for five days in conjunction with H2O2 exposure at concentrations of 200 or 400 μM for 24 hours, a significant decrease in cell viability was observed on day 3. Based on the collective findings, it can be concluded that EBRB has the potential to protect Vero cells against H2O2 -induced toxicity, but primarily during a short-term incubation period. Overall, this study highlights the protective properties of EBRB against H2O2-induced cellular damage and emphasizes the importance of further investigations to fully elucidate the underlying mechanisms and potential long-term effects of EBRB on cell viability.

Harnessing the power of nutritional antioxidants against adrenal hormone imbalance-associated oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress, resulting from dysregulation in the secretion of adrenal hormones, represents a major concern in human health. The present review comprehensively examines various categories of endocrine dysregulation within the adrenal glands, encompassing glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens. Additionally, a comprehensive account of adrenal hormone disorders, including adrenal insufficiency, Cushing's syndrome, and adrenal tumors, is presented, with particular emphasis on their intricate association with oxidative stress. The review also delves into an examination of various nutritional antioxidants, namely vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, selenium, zinc, polyphenols, coenzyme Q10, and probiotics, and elucidates their role in mitigating the adverse effects of oxidative stress arising from imbalances in adrenal hormone levels. In conclusion, harnessing the power of nutritional antioxidants has the potential to help with oxidative stress caused by an imbalance in adrenal hormones. This could lead to new research and therapeutic interventions.

Beneficial effects of antioxidant micronutrients during peri-parturient period on reproductive, udder and body performance of crossbred cows

BackgroundThe critical and stressful peri‑parturient period in the life of a dairy animal creates challenges for dairy owners to keep the animal in the optimum condition of health and hence production. Micronutrients with antioxidant properties help in reducing oxidative stress. A combination of antioxidant micro-nutrients was investigated in the ration of crossbred cows with a hypothesis to eliminate the negative effects of oxidative stress during the stressful peri‑parturient period. MethodsTwenty healthy advanced pregnant crossbred cows reared under similar conditions of feeding with no history of mastitis during previous lactation were selected randomly for the study. Cows were equally distributed randomly into two groups keeping the parity, body condition score, and last record of lactation comparable. Cows were fed the same basal ration with the inclusion of a combination of antioxidant micronutrients (having trace elements copper and zinc with vitamins A and E as per the standard recommendations for cows for the prevention of mastitis) in the diet of the treated group daily, while another group served as control. ResultsThe overall average total (5 %) and fat-corrected milk yield (10 %) remained high in the treatment group. The fat, protein, and lactose content of milk, as well as milk pH, remained statistically comparable (P > 0.05) between the two groups. The overall mean values of milk solid-not-fat remained significantly high (P = 0.04) with a reduced value of the somatic cell count (P = 0.03) in the treatment group indicating the advantage of the antioxidant micronutrients inclusion in the diet. The incidences of mastitis reported in the treatment group were only 14 % (8 Vs 56) as compared to the control group across the entire study period. Higher (P = 0.023) body condition scores in the treatment group cows during the prepartum period lead to lower (0 Vs 40 %) incidences of peri‑parturient reproductive disorders. ConclusionsIt may be concluded that supplementation of antioxidant micronutrients in the dairy cow's ration helps in preventing the adverse effect of oxidative stress during the stressful transition stage and is hence capable to reduce the incidences of mastitis and peri‑parturient reproductive disorders in addition to an enhancement in solid-not-fat content of the milk.

Arthrospira platensis prevents oxidative stress and suppresses IL-1β expression in the ileum of rats fed a hypercaloric diet

Obesity is characterized by an energy imbalance caused by caloric intake and expenditure, being a risk factor associated with a wide range of pathophysiological conditions including gastrointestinal diseases. In recent years, it has been shown that overexpression of oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines is a mechanistic link between obesity and cellular functions in animals and humans. Some natural products are reported to be effective in counteracting the adverse effects of oxidative stress. Thus, Arthorpira platensis (AP) stands out, an alga with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Thus, the objective is to evaluate the preventive effects of AP supplementation on oxidative stress and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels in the ileum of rats fed a hypercaloric diet. The rats were divided into a group fed a standard diet (SD), a hypercaloric diet (HCD) and/or fed a hypercaloric diet and supplemented simultaneously with AP 25 mg/Kg (HCD + AP25), after 8 weeks of treatment the ileum was collected for The analyses. It was observed that in the DHC group there was underproduction of antioxidant enzymes as well as overexpression of oxidative stress in the ileum of rats, interestingly this damage was prevented by the alga. Furthermore, the DHC group showed high levels of IL-1β (940.6 ± 34.5) such an increase was prevented in the HCD + AP25 group (597.2 ± 33.3). It is evident, therefore, that AP prevents the increase in oxidative stress and the inflammatory profile in the ileum of obese rats, making it a promising therapeutic alternative in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases aggravated by obesity.

Nonerythroid hemoglobin promotes human cumulus cell viability and the developmental capacity of the human oocyte

To determine the relationship between the levels of cumulus cell (CC) hemoglobin messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and the developmental potential of the associated oocyte and whether hemoglobin protects the CCs from oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. Laboratory-based study. University laboratory and university-affiliated invitro fertilization center. Cumulus cells from the oocytes of patients who underwent invitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection with and without preimplantation genetic testing between 2018 and2020. Studies on individual and pooled CCs collected at the time of oocyte retrieval or cultured under 20% or 5% O2. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of individual and pooled patient CC samples were used to monitor the hemoglobin mRNA levels. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction arrays were used to assess genes that regulate oxidative stress in CCs associated with aneuploid and euploid blastocysts. Studies were conducted to assess the effect of oxidative stress on the rate of apoptosis, level of reactive oxygen species, and gene expression in CCs invitro. Compared with CCs associated with arrested and aneuploid blastocysts, the mRNA levels encoding the alpha and beta chains of hemoglobin increased by 2.9- and 2.3-fold in CCs associated with euploid blastocysts, respectively. The mRNA levels encoding the alpha and beta chains of hemoglobin also increased by 3.8- and 4.5-fold in CCs cultured under 5% O2 vs. 20% O2, respectively, and multiple regulators of oxidative stress were overexpressed in cells cultured under 20% O2 compared with those under 5% O2. However, the rate of apoptosis and amount of mitochondrial reactive oxidative species increased by 1.25-fold in CCs cultured under 20% O2 compared with those under 5% O2. Variable amounts of the alpha and beta chains of hemoglobin were also detected within the zona pellucida and oocytes. Higher levels of nonerythroid hemoglobin in CCs are associated with oocytes that result in euploid blastocysts. Hemoglobin may protect CCs from oxidative stress-induced apoptosis, which may enhance cumulus-oocyte interactions. Moreover, CC-derived hemoglobin may be transferred to the oocytes and protect it from the adverse effects of oxidative stress that occurs invivo and invitro.

The progress of research on the application of redox nanomaterials in disease therapy.

Redox imbalance can trigger cell dysfunction and damage and plays a vital role in the origin and progression of many diseases. Maintaining the balance between oxidants and antioxidants in vivo is a complicated and arduous task, leading to ongoing research into the construction of redox nanomaterials. Nanodrug platforms with redox characteristics can not only reduce the adverse effects of oxidative stress on tissues by removing excess oxidants from the body but also have multienzyme-like activity, which can play a cytotoxic role in tumor tissues through the catalytic oxidation of their substrates to produce harmful reactive oxygen species such as hydroxyl radicals. In this review, various redox nanomaterials currently used in disease therapy are discussed, emphasizing the treatment methods and their applications in tumors and other human tissues. Finally, the limitations of the current clinical application of redox nanomaterials are considered.

Silymarin effect as an antioxidant to improve damages induced by CCl4 on some characteristics of male rats reproductive system

This study was conducted to investigate if silymarin can prevent the adverse effect of oxidative stress induced by carbon tetrachloride(CCl4) on some characters of male rat reproductive system. Twenty male albino rats were divided into 4 groups, 5 for each included, control group, CCl4 group, silymarin group and silymarin plus CCl4 group. Groups with silymarin received dose (150mg/kg) and group with CCl4 received (3ml/kg) at the end of experiment. The period of the study was 35 days. CCl4 can induce male reproductive toxicity through damage testis structure, weights, reduction in epididymis, sperm count, morphology, viability and motility. Silymarin plays its antioxidant role with scavenging free radical resulted by CCl4 and showed significant increasing in body and testis weight, normal sperms counting and vital sperms in compared to CCl4 group.

Integrated application of bacterial carbonate precipitation and silicon nanoparticles enhances productivity, physiological attributes, and antioxidant defenses of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under semi-arid conditions.

The use of calcium carbonate-precipitating bacteria (CCPB) has become a well-established ground-improvement technique. However, the effect of the interaction of CCPB with nanoparticles (NPs) on plant performance is still meager. In this study, we aimed at evaluating the role of CCPB and/or silicon NPs (Si-NPs) on the growth, physio-biochemical traits, and antioxidative defense of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under semi-arid environmental conditions. A 2-year pot experiment was carried out to determine the improvement of the sandy soil inoculated with CCPB and the foliar application of Si-NPs on wheat plants. We tested the following treatments: spraying plants with 1.0 or 1.5 mM Si-NPs (control = 0 mM Si-NPs), soil inoculated with Bacillus lichenforms (MA16), Bacillus megaterium (MA27), or Bacillus subtilis (MA34), and the interaction of individual Bacillus species with Si-NPs. Our results showed that soil inoculation with any of the three isolated CCPB and/or foliar application of Si-NPs at the rates of 1.0 or 1.5 mM significantly improved (p ≤ 0.05) the physiological and biochemical attributes as well as the enzymatic antioxidant activities of wheat plants. Therefore, the combined treatments of CCPB + Si-NPs were more effective in enhancing physio-biochemical characteristics and enzymatic antioxidant activities than the individual treatments of CCPB or Si-NPs, thus achieving the best performance in the treatment of MA34 + 1.5 mM Si-NPs. Our results demonstrated that the co-application of CCPB and Si-NPs, particularly MA34 + 1.5 mM Si-NPs, considerably activated the antioxidant defense system to mitigate the adverse effects of oxidative stress, thus increasing tolerance and enhancing the production of wheat plants in sandy soils under semi-arid environmental conditions.

Expression of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in mouse uterus during the peri-implantation period

ABSTRACT Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor- 2 (Nrf2) is a nuclear transcription factor that facilitates transcription of genes for detoxification enzymes and antioxidant proteins. We investigated the distribution and expression of Nrf2 during the peri-implantation period. We detected Nrf2 in uteri of mice during estrus (control) and on days 1, 4, 5, 6 and 8 of pregnancy using immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Nrf2 immunostaining was significantly greater on days 1, 5 and 6 of pregnancy compared to controls, and on days 4 and 8 of pregnancy; western blotting results were consistent with immunohistochemical observations. Nrf2 mRNA levels on days 5 and 8 were significantly higher than for control uteri. Increased expression of Nrf2 on days 1, 5 and 6 of pregnancy may be important for uterine receptivity, implantation and decidualization by protecting the developing embryo and uterus from the adverse effects of oxidative stress.

Association of glutathione s-transferase pi (GSTP1) gene polymorphism in unexplained infertile women

15–20 million people in India are affected by infertility.Among them, 34% of the couples are shown to have unexplained infertility (UEI). Both genetic and environmental factors influence UEI. Data from various studies show that oxidative stress plays an important role in unexplained infertility. The genes of the phase II detoxification enzyme, Glutathione s-transferase family are upregulated in humans as a defense mechanism opposing the adverse effects of oxidative stress and play important role during pregnancy. Since all investigations for infertility work-up are normal evaluating the causes for UEI will have impact on the treatment protocol. In this study the association between GSTP1 variations and unexplained infertility are discussed. To compare the association of GSTP1 polymorphism in women with unexplained infertility and a control group.: This is a case control study with 70 normal ovulatory women who conceived within 12 months of contraceptive free intercourse, and with no history of miscarriage were recruited in the control group and 70 women with unexplained infertility were recruited as study group. All participants included in the study were between 28 and 38 years of age. The association of GSTP1 polymorphism were studied using real-time PCR with the Light Cycler instrument (Roche Applied Science).: GSTP1 variant allele frequencies were 0.39 and 0.41for control and cases respectively. The results of this study indicate GSTP1 genetic polymorphisms did not show a significant association with unexplained infertile group.

Ellagic acid ameliorates hexavalent chromium-induced renal toxicity by attenuating oxidative stress, suppressing TNF-α and protecting mitochondria

Nephrotoxicity is an important adverse effect of oxidative stress induced by hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)]. The effect of ellagic acid, a dietary polyphenolic compound with potent antioxidant activity, was investigated in Cr(VI)-induced kidney injury. Six groups of male Wistar rats were treated intragastrically with vehicle or ellagic acid (15 and 30 mg/kg) for 10 days. On day 10, rats received saline or Cr(VI) (K2Cr2O7 15 mg/kg) subcutaneously. Cr(VI) significantly increased kidney weight, affected kidney function assessed by biomarkers in blood and urine (protein, creatinine and urea nitrogen), caused histological changes (tubular injury and glomerular capillary tuft damage), increased markers of oxidative stress and reduced the activity of antioxidant enzymes. In addition, Cr(VI) altered mitochondrial ultrastructure, impaired mitochondrial respiration, increased lipid peroxidation, and inhibited the function of mitochondrial enzymes. Pretreatment with ellagic acid (30 mg/kg) attenuated all the aforementioned alterations. Furthermore, we explored whether ellagic acid might regulate the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)/receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3) pathway, reducing Cr(VI)-induced tubular necrosis. Cr(VI) upregulated both TNF-α and RIPK3, but ellagic acid only decreased TNF-α levels, having no effect on RIPK3 content. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms through which Cr(VI) promotes necroptosis is crucial for future studies, in order to design strategies to mitigate kidney damage. In conclusion, ellagic acid attenuated Cr(VI)-induced renal alterations by preventing oxidative stress, supporting enzymatic activities, suppressing TNF-α, and preserving mitochondrial ultrastructure and function, most likely due to its antioxidant properties.

Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction method for phytochemical compounds and antioxidant activities of sour jujube extracts.

Ultrasonic-assisted extraction is a rapid and effective extraction method that uses ultrasound energy and solvents to extract target compounds from various plant matrices. In this study, the ultrasonic-assisted extraction conditions of sour jujube were optimized. A five-level central composite design (CCD) with four variables was used to evaluate ultrasonic treatment variables influencing the total saponin content (TSC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total phenolic content (TPC) extracted from sour jujube. The solvent concentration, extraction time, ultrasonic power, and solid-to-liquid (S/L) ratio were optimized using aqueous ethanol and methanol solutions as extraction solvents. A central composite design (CCD) was used for an in-depth study, and then the optimal value that could produce the maximum TPC, TFC, TSC, and four in vitro antioxidant activities (scavenging activity of hydroxyl free radicals, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), phosphomolybdic acid reduction method, and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity) was determined. Hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress experiment confirmed that the Jujube extract could have an antioxidant role in vivo. The relationship between the contents of three compounds and the antioxidant activity in vitro and in vivo was further studied. The results showed that optimizing methanol and ethanol extraction process parameters could improve target components' extraction efficiency. Under the optimum conditions, the TFC and TPC yields of sour jujube by ethanol are better than methanol, while the yield of TSC by methanol is better than ethanol. In vivo data showed that Jujube extract protects against the adverse effects of oxidative stress and improves the life span of female and male Drosophila. This study provides a valuable reference for the full use of Ziziphus jujube, as well as a new direction in food development.