Alterations In Antioxidant Enzyme Activities Research Articles

HEPATOPROTECTIVE ACTION OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF Artemisia pallens lEAVES IN CLOFIBRATE AND PHENOL TREATED FRESHWATER FISH Pangasius Sp.

Aim: The key motive was to investigate the toxicological upshot of clofibrate and phenol prescribed under human medicine, having potential in water and sediments contamination via input from sewage treatment plants as active pharmaceutical ingredients’ discharge into the environment had kindled present catastrophic effects upon the aquatic ecosystem. Methods: The present study involved, exposing the fish model, Pangasius sp. after acclimatizing them at a suitable LC50 concentration of selective drugs. Their toxic effects were studied in terms of oxidative stress markers, antioxidant status, and protein damage levels in the occupancies under the bioremediation source, Artemisia pallens and further supported by histopathological and cortisol level studies. Results: The results’ comparison between fish maintained under the bioremediation source, when exposed to clofibrate and phenol resulted in severe oxidative stress (significant *P<0.001, #P<0.001) with significant alterations in antioxidant enzyme activities (significant *P<0.001, #P<0.001), histopathological changes and cortisol levels. In the fish exposed to clofibrate and phenol, the significant increase in cortisol level (significant *P<0.05, #P<0.05) may confer distinctive effects on the cell survival by protecting against oxidative stress-induced changes. Conclusion: Since these results varied with the dwelling of the bioremediation source, determination of oxidative stress biomarkers in Pangasius along with Artemisia pallens may serve as a convenient approach for pollution biomonitoring.

Effects of several atypical antipsychotics closapine, sertindole or ziprasidone on hepatic antioxidant enzymes: Possible role in drug-induced liver dysfunction

ABSTRACT Chronic use of atypical antipsychotics may produce hepatic damage. Atypical antipsychotics, including clozapine, sertindole, and ziprasidone, are extensively metabolized by the liver and this process generates toxic-free radical metabolic intermediates which may contribute to liver damage. The aim of this study was to investigate whether clozapine, sertindole, or ziprasidone affected hepatic antioxidant defense enzymes which consequently led to disturbed redox homeostasis. The expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT), and glutathione-S-transferases (GST) were measured in rat livers at doses corresponding to human antipsychotic therapy. Clozapine increased activity of SOD types 1 and 2, GR and GST, but reduced CAT activity. Sertindole elevated activities of both SODs. In ziprasidone-treated rats only decreased CAT activity was found. All three antipsychotics produced mild-to-moderate hepatic histopathological changes categorized as regenerative alterations. No apparent signs of immune cell infiltration, microvesicular or macrovesicular fatty change, or hepatocytes in mitosis were observed. In conclusion, a 4-week long daily treatment with clozapine, sertindole, or ziprasidone altered hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities and induced histopathological changes in liver. The most severe alterations were noted in clozapine-treated rats. Data indicate that redox disturbances may contribute to liver dysfunction after long-term atypical antipsychotic drug treatment.

Prepubertal exposure to arsenic alters male reproductive parameters in pubertal and adult rats

Arsenic induces reproductive disorders in pubertal males after prepubertal exposure. However, it is unclear the extent to which those effects remain in testis and epididymis of sexually mature rats after arsenic insult. This study evaluated the effects of prepubertal arsenic exposure in male organs of pubertal rats, and their reversibility in adult rats. Male pups of Wistar rats on postnatal day (PND) 21 were divided into two groups (n = 20/group): Control animals received filtered water and exposed rats received 10 mg L‐−1 arsenic from PND 21 to PND 51. At PND 52, testis and epididymis of ten animals per group were examined for toxic effects under morphological, functional, and molecular approaches. The other animals were kept alive under free arsenic conditions until PND 82, and further analyzed for the same parameters. Pubertal rats overexpressed mRNA levels of SOD1, SOD2, CAT, GSTK1, and MT1 in their testis and SOD1, CAT, and GSTK1 in their epididymis. In those organs, catalase activity was altered, generating byproducts of oxidative stress. The antioxidant gene expression was unchanged in adult rats in contrast to the altered activity of antioxidant enzymes. Histological alterations of testis and epididymis tissues were observed in pubertal and adult rats. Interestingly, only adult rats exhibited a remarkable decrease in serum testosterone levels. Prepubertal exposure to arsenic caused morphological and functional alterations in male reproductive organs of pubertal rats. In adult rats, these damages disappeared, remained, get worsened, or recovered depending on the parameter analyzed, indicating potential male fertility disorders during adulthood.

Changes in antioxidant enzyme activities and metabolic parameters in dairy cows during different reproductive periods

Our study aimed to monitor the alterations in antioxidant enzyme activities and the metabolic profile parameters and their relationships in dairy cows during different reproductive stages (gestational-, dry-, pre- and post-partum). The collection of blood samples from thirty healthy pregnant Holstein cows took place at a commercial dairy farm, between September 2015 and June 2016. The cows covered eight different reproductive stages (4–6 weeks before the dry period (D4-6w)), at the beginning of the dry period (D0; on day 210 of gestation), the first month of the dry period (D1m), antepartum day 8 (APd8), postpartum (PP) day 3 (PPd3), PP day 8 (PPd8), PP between 3rd-4th weeks (PP3-4w) and PP between 80 and 90 days (PP80-90d). The activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were analysed to monitor and evaluate the antioxidant system. Concentrations of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), albumin, glucose, total bilirubin, cholesterol, calcium (Ca) and the enzyme activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were also determined as metabolic profile parameters. GPx activities increased in D1m (P < 0.05) and peaked during the PP3d and PP8d periods (P < 0.0001), with values decreasing again at the PP3-4w period. The most significant change in SOD activities was detected in the PP3-4w with a significant decrease (P < 0.05). BHBA and NEFA concentrations increased significantly during the PPd3 and PPd8 periods (P < 0.05), with BHBA decreased to low values in the PP3-4w (P < 0.05). Significant positive correlations were found between BHBA, NEFA, total bilirubin and GPx (0.784, 0.874 and 0.871; P < 0.05, P < 0.01 and P < 0.01 respectively). A significant negative correlation between calcium and cholesterol and GPx was found (−0.857, P < 0.01; and −0.681, P < 0.05, respectively). As a result, a relationship was determined between blood antioxidant enzymes and metabolic parameters at different periods. High GPx and SOD activities, especially in the early period before and after parturition, is thought to be related to the adaptation of the animals to this process. The lack of adaptation abilities of animals during these periods causes many problems seen during early postpartum. Therefore, considering GPx and SOD activity measurements in pre- and postpartum periods contributes to better management of these periods and the prevention of complications.

Glutamic Acid-Assisted Phytomanagement of Chromium Contaminated Soil by Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.): Morphophysiological and Biochemical Alterations

Chelator-assisted phytoremediation is an economical, sustainable, and ecologically friendly method of extracting heavy metals and metalloids from the soil. Organic chelators are thought to enhance metal availability and mobility in contaminated media, thereby improving phytoextraction. The aim of the present study was to examine whether exogenous application of glutamic acid (GA) could improve chromium (Cr) phytoextraction by sunflower plants (Helianthus annuus L.). Seeds were planted in plastic pots filled with 5 kg of local agricultural soil spiked with increasing concentrations of Cr (1, 2, and 5 mg kg−1). Glutamic acid (5 mM) was applied to soil in solution according to a completely randomized experimental design, and the sunflower plants were harvested after 8 weeks. The results indicated that increasing Cr-induced stress significantly inhibited plant growth, leading to reduced biomass, photosynthetic pigment content, activities of antioxidant enzymes, and leaf area of the sunflower plants. However, exogenous addition of GA significantly reduced the Cr-associated toxic effects while also increasing the accumulation of Cr in the plants. Moreover, increasing concentrations of Cr in the soil increased the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) responsible for the altered antioxidant enzyme activities. The results revealed that GA application to the topsoil enhanced the Cr concentration and accumulation in the root, stem, and leaves by up to 254, 225, 355, and 47, 59, 150% respectively. Further the GA addition reduced the Cr-induced toxicity in plants and might be helpful for enhancing Cr phytoextraction by sunflower plants.

Apigenin ameliorates D-galactose-induced lifespan shortening effects via antioxidative activity and inhibition of mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract Apigenin, a dietary flavonoid, was used to alleviate D-galactose-induced aging in Drosophila melanogaster. Flies were treated with Apigenin and D-galactose for lifespan and survival studies respectively. Similarly, flies were fed with Apigenin and D-galactose for seven days. Thereafter, flies were exposed to Apigenin and/or D-galactose for 7 days to evaluate biochemical markers. The results revealed that D-galactose-fed flies exhibited decreased locomotor activity, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, Total thiol content, glutathione (GSH) level and altered activities of antioxidant enzymes. However, Apigenin prolonged the lifespan of flies and restored D-galactose-induced inhibition of catalase, glutathione S-transferase and AChE activities. Additionally, Apigenin ameliorated D-galactose-induced accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and nitrate and nitrite levels in flies. Moreover, Apigenin inhibited D-galactose-induced mitochondrial Permeability Transition (mPT) pore opening, consistent with reduction in caspases 9 (DRONC) and 3 (DrICE) activities in flies. Delay of D-galactose-induced aging by apigenin is partly due to its antioxidant property and inhibitory effect on mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis.

Zinc alleviates maneb-induced kidney injury in adult mice through modulation of oxidative stress, genotoxicity, and histopathological changes.

Zinc is one of the important essential trace minerals to human health due to its antioxidant properties. The present study was conducted to elucidate its potential protective role against maneb-induced nephrotoxicity. For this purpose, animals were randomly divided into four groups of six each. Mice of group I (negative controls) have received daily 0.5ml of distilled water, a solvent of maneb. Mice of group II (MB) have received 30mg/kg bw of maneb daily by intraperitoneal way. Mice of group III (MB + Zn) have received the same dose of maneb as group II, along with ZnSO4 (30mg/kg bw) daily. Mice of group IV (Zn), considered as positive controls, have received the same dose of ZnSO4 as group III daily. Our results revealed that ZnSO4 co-administration to maneb-treated mice decreased kidney levels of malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, protein carbonyls, and advanced oxidation protein products; the levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants like vitamin C, glutathione, and metallothionein. It recovered the alteration of antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase) and attenuated DNA fragmentation. Furthermore, this essential trace element was also able to alleviate kidney biomarkers' alterations by lowering plasma levels of creatinine, urea, uric acid, and lactate dehydrogenase. In addition, the histopathological changes induced by maneb were improved following zinc administration. Our results indicated that zinc might be beneficial against maneb-induced renal oxidative damage in mice.

In vivo evaluation of oxidative stress and biochemical alteration as biomarkers in glass clover snail, Monacha cartusiana exposed to zinc oxide nanoparticles

Oxidative stress is considered a main commonly reported mechanism of nanoparticles toxicity, so this study aimed to evaluate oxidative stress and biochemical alterations in the haemolymph and digestive gland of snail, Monacha cartusiana exposed to sublethal concentrations of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) for 14 days (d). The results indicated that, ZnONPs induced significant increases in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in treated animals and did not return to normal levels after recover period. A significant decline of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities, and glutathione (GSH) content in the haemolymph and digestive gland of snails was observed when compared with control. A significant increase was observed in catalase (CAT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities of treated animals. In general, nano-materials are able to induce oxidative stress in exposed animals. The present findings indicate that, alterations of antioxidant enzyme activities, increase of LPO, LDH, and reducing of GSH content and GST, GPx activities are recognized to oxidative stress and cell damage. This species could be considered a good bioindicator to assess nano-materials exposure.

Nitric oxide and ROS mediate autophagy and regulate Alternaria alternata toxin-induced cell death in tobacco BY-2 cells

Synergistic interaction of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) is essential to initiate cell death mechanisms in plants. Though autophagy is salient in either restricting or promoting hypersensitivity response (HR)-related cell death, the crosstalk between the reactive intermediates and autophagy during hypersensitivity response is paradoxical. In this investigation, the consequences of Alternaria alternata toxin (AaT) in tobacco BY-2 cells were examined. At 3 h, AaT perturbed intracellular ROS homeostasis, altered antioxidant enzyme activities, triggered mitochondrial depolarization and induced autophagy. Suppression of autophagy by 3-Methyladenine caused a decline in cell viability in AaT treated cells, which indicated the vital role of autophagy in cell survival. After 24 h, AaT facilitated Ca2+ influx with an accumulation of reactive oxidant intermediates and NO, to manifest necrotic cell death. Inhibition of NO accumulation by 2-(4-Carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (cPTIO) decreased the level of necrotic cell death, and induced autophagy, which suggests NO accumulation represses autophagy and facilitates necrotic cell death at 24 h. Application of N-acetyl-L-cysteine at 3 h, confirmed ROS to be the key initiator of autophagy, and together with cPTIO for 24 h, revealed the combined effects of NO and ROS is required for necrotic HR cell death.

Modulatory effects of vitamin C on biochemical and oxidative changes induced by acute exposure to diazinon in rat various tissues: Prophylactic and therapeutic roles.

Diazinon (DZN) as an organophosphate pesticide may cause oxidative stress in different tissues. Antioxidants increase tissue protection from oxidative stress. The aim of the present study was to investigate prophylactic and therapeutic effects of vitamin C against oxidative stress caused by DZN in various tissues of male Wistar rats. Thirty rats were divided into five groups: control group received corn oil as DZN solvent, DZN group received 100mg/kg of DZN, C group received 200mg/kg of vitamin C, C-DZN and DZN-C groups received vitamin C before and after DZN injection. Plasma and various tissues were prepared and evaluated for measurement of the biochemical parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers. Results showed that acute administration of DZN significantly increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione-S-transferase activities and malondialdehyde level in all tissues, catalase (CAT) activity in liver, kidney and heart and some plasma biochemical indices, while it decreased cholinesterase and lactate dehydrogenase activities and glutathione content in all tissues. CAT activity in erythrocytes, brain and spleen was decreased in DZN-exposed rats compared with the control group. Administration of vitamins C in both prophylactic and therapeutic groups ameliorated in these parameters, although all these tests in tissues did not return to the normal level. These data suggest that oxidative stress is an essential mechanism involved in DZN-induced adversity effect, as evidenced by the altered activity of antioxidant enzymes, depleted GSH content and the enhanced membrane lipid peroxidation. Both the prophylactic and therapeutic treatments of rats to vitamin C have beneficial effects against oxidative stress and cholinergic hyperactivity induced by DZN in tissues especially in the brain tissue through free radical scavenging.

Integration of Metabolomics and Lipidomics Reveals Metabolic Mechanisms of Triclosan-Induced Toxicity in Human Hepatocytes.

Triclosan (TCS), an extensively used antimicrobial agent, has raised considerable concern due to its hepatocarcinogenic potential. However, previous hepatotoxicity studies primarily focused on the activation of specific intracellular receptors, the underlying mechanisms still warrant further investigation at the metabolic level. Herein, we applied metabolomics in combination with lipidomics to unveil TCS-related metabolic responses in human normal and cancerous hepatocytes. Endogenous and exogenous metabolites were analyzed for the identification of metabolic biomarkers and biotransformation products. In L02 normal cells, TCS exposure induced the up-regulation of purine metabolism and amino acid metabolism, caused lipid accumulation, and disturbed energy metabolism. These metabolic disorders in turn enhanced the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to the alteration of antioxidant enzyme activities, down-regulation of endogenous antioxidants, and peroxidation of lipids. TCS-induced oxidative stress is thus considered to be one crucial factor for hepatotoxicity. However, in HepG2 cancer cells, TCS underwent fast detoxification through phase II metabolism, accompanied by the enhancement of energy metabolism and elevation of antioxidant defense system, which contributed to the potential effects of TCS on human hepatocellular carcinoma development. These different responses of metabolism between normal and cancerous hepatocytes provide novel and robust perspectives for revealing the mechanisms of TCS-triggered hepatotoxicity.

Antihyperglycemic activity of chalcone based novel 1-{3-[3-(substituted phenyl) prop-2-enoyl] phenyl} thioureas

The present study describes the synthesis of novel chalcone based 1-{3-[3-(substituted phenyl) prop-2-enoyl] phenyl} thioureas (4a-c) using Claisen Schmidt condensation and investigates their protective role in diabetic conditions and associated oxidative stress. Spectral properties for the synthesized compounds were studied. Novel compounds were screened for antihyperglycemic effect in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats in a 6 week study and compound 4b exhibited significant (p ≤ .05) results similar to the standard drug glipizide. Treatment of diabetic animals with compound 4b (10 and 20 mg/kg, body weight) for 12 weeks, reduced the increased blood glucose level significantly (p ≤ .01) and restored attenuated serum biochemical parameters to normal levels. Altered antioxidant enzyme activity was also considerably (p ≤ .01) restored to the standard normal range. β-apoptotic TUNEL assay indicated that compound 4b (AI: 1.2 ± 0.05) could prevent further β-cell death in the pancreas of diabetic animals in a dose-dependent manner, which highlights its potentiality as an effective antihyperglycemic agent.

Telomere shortening associated with increased levels of oxidative stress in sulfur mustard-exposed Iranian veterans

Sulfur Mustard (SM) is the most widely used chemical weapon. It was used in World War 1 and in the more recent Iran-Iraq conflict. Genetic toxicity and DNA alkylation effects of SM in molecular and animal experiments are well documented. In this study, lymphocytic telomere lengths and serum levels of isoprostane F2α were measured using q-PCR and enzyme immunoassay-based methods in 40 Iranian veterans who had been exposed to SM between 1983-88 and 40 non-exposed healthy volunteers. The relative telomere length in SM-exposed individuals was found to be significantly shorter than the non-exposed individuals. In addition, the level of 8-isoprostane F2α was significantly higher in the SM-exposed group compared to controls. Oxidative stress can be caused by defective antioxidant responses following gene mutations or altered activities of antioxidant enzymes. Chronic respiratory diseases and infections may also increaseoxidative stress. The novel finding of this study was a the identification of ‘premature ageing phenotype’. More specifically, telomere shortening which occurs naturally with aging is accelerated in SM-exposed individuals. Oxidative stress, mutations in DNA repair genes and epimutaions may be among the major mechanisms of telomere attrition. These findings may help for a novel therapeutic strategy by telomere elongation or for validation of an exposure biomarker for SM toxicity.

The Role of Strigolactone in the Cross-Talk Between Arabidopsis thaliana and the Endophytic Fungus Mucor sp.

Over the last years the role of fungal endophytes in plant biology has been extensively studied. A number of species were shown to positively affect plant growth and fitness, thus attempts have been made to utilize these microorganisms in agriculture and phytoremediation. Plant-fungi symbiosis requires multiple metabolic adjustments of both of the interacting organisms. The mechanisms of these adaptations are mostly unknown, however, plant hormones seem to play a central role in this process. The plant hormone strigolactone (SL) was previously shown to activate hyphae branching of mycorrhizal fungi and to negatively affect pathogenic fungi growth. Its role in the plant–endophytic fungi interaction is unknown. The effect of the synthetic SL analog GR24 on the endophytic fungi Mucor sp. growth, respiration, H2O2 production and the activity of antioxidant enzymes was evaluated. We found fungi colony growth rate was decreased in a GR24 concentration dependent manner. Additionally, the fungi accumulated more H2O2 what was accompanied by an altered activity of antioxidant enzymes. Symbiosis with Mucor sp. positively affected Arabidopsis thaliana growth, but SL was necessary for the establishment of the beneficial interaction. A. thaliana biosynthesis mutants max1 and max4, but not the SL signaling mutant max2 did not develop the beneficial phenotype. The negative growth response was correlated with alterations in SA homeostasis and a significant upregulation of genes encoding selected plant defensins. The fungi were also shown to be able to decompose SL in planta and to downregulate the expression of SL biosynthesis genes. Additionally, we have shown that GR24 treatment with a dose of 1 μM activates the production of SA in A. thaliana. The results presented here provide evidence for a role of SL in the plant–endophyte cross-talk during the mutualistic interaction between Arabidopsis thaliana and Mucor sp.

Copper oxide nanoparticles induces oxidative stress and liver toxicity in rats following oral exposure.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of Copper Oxide (CuO) Nanoparticles (NP) on liver following oral exposure in rats. A total of 18 male wister rats were used in the experiments including a control group (6 rats). NP were given to the rats with a doses (5, 50 mg/kg b.w./day) via oral gavage and a control group (received only 200 μl PBS). The treatment was continued for 14 days. The supernatants of rat Liver tissue homogenates were used to analyze for glutathione levels (GSH), Catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), the extent of lipid peroxidation products (Malondialdehyde, MDA). Oral administration of NP to rats caused a significant (P < 0.05) dose dependent alterations in antioxidant enzyme activities. Data results clearly showed the significant decrease (p < 0.05) in GSH, Catalase (CAT) and SOD activity, whereas the lipid peroxidation product (MDA) levels were increased (p < 0.05). In conclusion, oral exposure of CuO nanoparticles to rats causes significant toxicity to the liver and it might be due to oxidative stress.

Alterations in antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation induced by diflubenzuron in the carmine spider mite, Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval) (Acari: Tetranychidae)

ABSTRACTThe eggs, larvae, nymphs and female adults of the carmine spider mite, Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval) were treated using corresponding sublethal dosages (LC10–LC50) of diflubenzuron. Then we examined the effect on the activities of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs), the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. The results showed that the activities of SOD, CAT and POD at different developmental stages increased with increasing of diflubenzuron concentration, but when diflubenzuron concentration continued to increase, the activities decreased. GSTs activities, T-AOC and MDA content increased with the increasing of diflubenzuron concentration. The change trend of GSTs activities was as follows: eggs < larvae < nymphs < female adults. T-AOC in both nymphs and female mites was higher than that in eggs and larvae, and MDA contents in larvae, nymphs and female adults were always higher than that of eggs. The increasing of MDA concentration indicated that diflubenzuron stress led to lipid peroxidation in organisms. In summary, diflubenzuron stress resulted in oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes played an important role in reducing oxidative damage in the carmine spider mite.

Epichloe endophyte infection improved drought and heat tolerance of tall fescue through altered antioxidant enzyme activity

Epichloe endophyte infection improved drought and heat tolerance of tall fescue through altered antioxidant enzyme activity

Dietary fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds and garlic (Allium sativum) alleviates oxidative stress in experimental myocardial infarction

Soluble fiber-rich fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum) and garlic (Allium sativum) are understood to exert cholesterol-lowering and antioxidant effects. The cardioprotective influence of a combination of fenugreek seeds and garlic by their antioxidant influence was evaluated in hypercholesterolemic rats administered isoproterenol. Wistar rats were maintained on high-cholesterol diet for 8 weeks along with dietary interventions of fenugreek (10%), garlic (2%) and their combination. Myocardial infarction was induced with isoproterenol injection. Increased circulatory troponin, disturbed activities of cardiac ATPases, increased serum iron and decreased ceruloplasmin confirmed myocardial infarction. Elevated lipid peroxides accompanied with reduced antioxidant molecules caused by isoproterenol and altered activities of antioxidant enzymes in serum and heart in induced myocardial necrosis were countered by dietary fenugreek, garlic, and fenugreek+garlic. Dietary fenugreek seeds and garlic ameliorated isoproterenol-induced compromised antioxidant status, the cardioprotective effect being higher by the combination of fenugreek seeds and garlic.

Altered antioxidant enzyme activity with severity and comorbidities of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in South Indian population

BackgroundOxidative stress has been suggested in the pathogenesis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) with an additional burden of diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. In the present study, we investigated erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes activities in correlation to COPD severity and COPD comorbidities.MethodsOne hundred twenty seven subjects with COPD and 59 healthy controls participated in this study. COPD severity was done based on the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease criteria. The erythrocytes enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-s-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and total antioxidant status (TAS) were measured with spectrophotometric method.ResultsCOPD patients showed significant decrease in TAS (p > 0.05), GST (p < 0.001) and GPx (p < 0.01) activities with progression of the disease. In patients, FEV1 was negatively correlated with SOD, GR and positively correlated with GST and GPx activities. Further, multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed GST (OR = 0.93; 95% CI = -0.10 – 0.01; p < 0.01), GPx (OR = 0.98; 95% CI = -0.03 – 0.00; p < 0.05) and TAS (OR = 0.95; 95% CI = -0.08 – 0.00; p < 0.05) were independently associated with FEV1 in GOLD stage IV and GST (OR = 1.11; 95% CI = 0.04–0.18; p < 0.001) in GOLD stage II. Regression analysis confirmed a significant difference in GPx activity in COPD – type 2 diabetes (OR = 0.04; 95% CI = -6.60 – 0.53; P = 0.09), and GST activity in COPD – cardiovascular disease (OR = 2.51; 95% CI = 0.00 - 1.84; p < 0.05) patients when compared to patients without comorbidities.ConclusionA significant decline in lung function may be associated with altered antioxidant enzyme activity due to the strong correlation between GST and GPx with COPD severity. Our results also indicate that erythrocytes GST and GPX activities are significantly associated with comorbidities, but only in COPD patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Hypoxia effects on oxidative stress and immunocompetence biomarkers in the mussel Perna perna (Mytilidae, Bivalvia)

This study investigated the effects of hypoxia on oxidative stress response and immune function in mussels Perna perna exposed to air for 6, 12, 24 and 48 h. In air-exposed mussels, the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione reductase (GR) activities were lower in gill tissues (24–48 h) and digestive gland (12 h), while the glutathione peroxidase and GR activities were increased in the digestive gland (48 h). In both tissues, aerial exposure promoted a rapid (6 h) and persistent (up to 48 h) increase of glutathione levels. Decreased hemocyte count and viability, as well as increased phagocytic activity and cellular adhesion capacity were detected after prolonged aerial exposure (>12 h). In summary, induction of thiol pools, altered antioxidant enzyme activities, and activation of immune responses were detected in hypoxia exposed brown mussels, indicating hypoxia induced tissue-specific responses in both antioxidant and immune systems.