Serum Antioxidant Enzymes Research Articles

Role of vitamin D in oxidative stress modulation in end-stage renal disease patients: A double-blind randomized clinical trial.

Oxidative stress is considered as important actor in uremia-associated morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. We aimed to evaluate the role of vitamin D supplementation on oxidative stress parameters in this group. This double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on HD patients who were randomly allocated into intervention (n = 40) or control groups (n = 38) for 10 weeks. Blood samples were taken before and at the end of the trial to measure serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Data were analyzed using SPSS, and P value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Out of the 78 patients with a mean age of 44.7 ± 13.0 years, 55.1% were men. At the commencement of the study, there was no difference with respect to serum 25(OH)D levels in our groups (P = 0.575), but during the study it was significantly elevated in the intervention group (18.1 ± 9.1 vs. 31.7 ± 12.9, P < 0.0001). Serum antioxidative enzymes activity (GPx, CAT, and SOD) had significantly increased after vitamin D supplementation in the intervention group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, MDA levels was significantly reduced only in the intervention group (31.7 ± 18.0 vs. 24.7 ± 7.7, P = 0.018). Regular consumption of vitamin D can increase the GPx, CAT, SOD, and reduce the MDA plasma levels in HD patients. Since no adverse effects of vitamin D supplementation was reported by the patients; hence, it can be prescribed for HD patients.

Production performances and antioxidant activities of laying hens fed Aspergillus oryzae and phytase co-fermented wheat bran.

ObjectiveWheat bran (WB) was co-fermented with Aspergillus oryzae and phytase (Phy) to determine whether co-fermentation improve WB phosphorus and fiber utilization in Isa-brown layers.MethodsA total of 112 Isa brown layer were randomly divided into 7 treatments with 8 replicates per a treatment and 2 hens per a replicate. The treatments included basal diet (control), basal diet supplemented with 250 unit/kg Phy (control+Phy), diet with 10% WB (10% WB), diet with 5% WB and 250 unit/kg Phy (5% WB+Phy) diet with 10% WB and 250 unit/kg Phy (10% WB+Phy), diet with 5% fermented WB supplemented with molasses and phy (PCFWH) and 125 unit/kg Phy (5% PCFWH), and diet with 10% PCFWH (10% PCFWH). The intestinal microbial population, intestinal morphology, serum antioxidant enzyme activities, and excreta phosphorus content were assessed.ResultsIn PCFWH, spore counts, protease activity, xylanase activity, and ferulic acid were 8.50 log/g dry matter (DM), 190 unit/g DM, 120 unit/g DM, and 127 μg/g, respectively. Xylobiose and xylotriose were released in PCFWH, while they were not detectable in WB. Antioxidant capacity was also enhanced in PCFWH compared to WB. The 10% WB+Phy and 10% PCFWH groups produced higher egg mass, but hens fed 5% WB+Phy had the lowest amount of feed intake. Eggs from 10% PCFWH had better eggshell weight, eggshell strength, and eggshell thickness. Birds fed with 10% PCFWH also had higher serum superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. Compare to control, 10% PCFWH significantly reduced excreta phosphorus content.ConclusionDiet inclusion of 10% PCFWH improved egg quality, antioxidant status, and excreta phosphorus content of laying hens.

Effects of Heracleum persicum Hydroalcoholic Extract on Insulin, Serum Anti-Oxidant Enzymes, Glucose, and Lipid Profiles in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats.

Background: Heracleum persicum (H. persicum) is a medicinal herb used in Iranian traditional medicine for its anti-toxic property. It is commonly consumed in the form of food additives and as a medicinal herbal tonic to treat liver and kidney diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-hyperlipidemic effects of H. persicum hydroalcoholic extract in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Adult male Wistar rats (n=30) were assigned to five groups: a normal group, a diabetic control group, and three diabetic groups treated orally with 200 and 400 mg/kg of the extract and 5 mg/kg of glibenclamide, respectively, for two weeks. Blood glucose and bodyweight were measured at the end of each week. On day 15, blood samples were collected to measure the levels of insulin, insulin growth factor-I (IGF-I), antioxidant markers for malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant activity (TAS), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) using commercial kits. The data were analyzed using SPSS Software (version 22.0).Results: Daily treatment with 400 mg/kg of the extract significantly reduced the blood glucose level (P<0.001) and improved bodyweight (P=0.002), insulin (P<0.001), IGF-I (P=0.024), SOD (P=0.001), GPx (P=0.009), MDA (P<0.001), TAS (P=0.006), TG (P<0.001), HDL (P=0.023), LDL (P=0.005), and VLDL (P<0.001) compared with the diabetic control group. Conclusion: Beneficial effects of H. persicum for the treatment of diabetes were confirmed.

Dietary synbiotic supplementation improves the growth performance, body antioxidant pool, serum biochemistry, meat quality, and lipid oxidative stability in broiler chickens.

The present study investigated the effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus (LBA) and mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) supplementation on the production performance, serum biochemistry, antioxidant profile, health indices, meat quality, and lipid oxidative stability of broiler chicken. A total of 252 commercial broiler chickens at 1 d old of uniform body weight were randomly allocated to 6 maize-soybean-based dietary treatments: T1 (control diet), T2 ( antibiotic bacitracin methylene di-salicylate [BMD] at 20 mg/kg diet), T3 (MOS at 0.1% + LBA at 106 CFU/g feed), T4 (MOS at 0.1% + LBA at 107 CFU/g feed), T5 (MOS at 0.2% + LBA at 106 CFU/g feed), and T6 (MOS at 0.2% + LBA at 107 CFU/g feed). Each treatment was assigned to 6 replicates of 7 birds. The samples for meat quality and serum biochemistry analysis were taken from 12 birds per treatment (2 birds/replicate). The results revealed better (P < 0.01) growth performance and production efficiency of birds fed either T5 or T6 diet compared to control or BMD supplemented diet and BMD-supplemented birds superseded the control birds. Higher (P < 0.01) serum and liver antioxidant enzyme activities, meat antioxidant capacity (2, 2-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid [ABTS] and 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] assays], serum total protein, high-density lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol (P < 0.05), and globulin levels (P < 0.01) were observed in birds fed either T5 or T6 diet compared to control or BMD supplemented birds, whereas, lower lipid oxidation (P < 0.01), cardiac risk ratio, atherogenic coefficient, atherogenic index of plasma, serum glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol levels (P < 0.01), and serum albumin-to-globulin ratio (P < 0.05) were observed in the chickens. The pH of meat from birds fed T4, T5 or T6 diet was lower (P < 0.01) compared to control and other treatments. The extract release volume (ERV), water holding capacity (WHC), and protein content of meat were higher (P < 0.05) in birds fed either T5 or T6 diet compared to control or BMD supplemented birds. Thus, it was concluded that the supplementation of 0.2% MOS along with LBA at 106 CFU/g is optimum for better growth performance, serum biochemistry, antioxidant profile, health indices, meat quality, and lipid oxidative stability of broiler chickens.

Effect of supplementation of broiler diets with essential oils on growth performance, antioxidant status, and general health

Objective: To evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of essential oils (EOs) of thyme, clove, and cinnamon to broiler chickens on growth performance, serum metabolites, and tissue lipid peroxidation and antioxidants enzyme activities. Design: Randomized controlled study Animals: One hundred-eighty, one-day-old Cobb broiler chicks were randomly allocated into 4 treatment groups (3 replicates, 15 chicks each). Broilers were reared in deep litter system - pens for 6 weeks of age. Procedures: The control group was fed on corn-soybean basal control diets (starter, grower and finisher) without EOs supplementation. In addition to the basal- control diets, the 3 experimental broiler groups were supplemented with thyme oil (2nd group), clove oil (3rd group) or cinnamon oil (4th group) at 100 mg/kg. Blood, liver and muscle (breast) samples were collected from 3 broilers of each replicate at 40 days of age for measurement of serum metabolites, malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidant enzyme activities (liver catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Results: The broiler chickens fed on the diets supplemented with 100 mg/kg cinnamon oil had significantly higher body weight, body weight gain and feed intake, followed by broiler chickens fed on the diets supplemented with 100 mg/kg thyme and 100 mg/kg clove oils in comparison with control group, which was showed the lowest growth performance. Supplementation with EOs significantly improved feed conversion ratio (FCR), with increased liver CAT, SOD, GSH-Px activities, as well as serum level of high density lipoprotein (HDL) in comparison with control group, also, it induced a significant decrease in serum levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL), as well as both liver and muscle tissue lipid peroxidation (MDA). Conclusion and clinical relevance: The present results indicate that dietary supplementation of EOs (thyme, clove, and cinnamon) at 100 mg/kg resulted in significantly higher body weight, body weight gain, improved FCR, reduced serum cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL. Also, reduced lipid peroxidation in liver and muscle, and improved antioxidants status of broiler chickens.

Effect of supplementation of broiler diets with essential oils on growth performance, antioxidant status, and general health

Objective: To evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of essential oils (EOs) of thyme, clove, and cinnamon to broiler chickens on growth performance, serum metabolites, and tissue lipid peroxidation and antioxidants enzyme activities. Design: Randomized controlled study Animals: One hundred-eighty, one-day-old Cobb broiler chicks were randomly allocated into 4 treatment groups (3 replicates, 15 chicks each). Broilers were reared in deep litter system - pens for 6 weeks of age. Procedures: The control group was fed on corn-soybean basal control diets (starter, grower and finisher) without EOs supplementation. In addition to the basal- control diets, the 3 experimental broiler groups were supplemented with thyme oil (2nd group), clove oil (3rd group) or cinnamon oil (4th group) at 100 mg/kg. Blood, liver and muscle (breast) samples were collected from 3 broilers of each replicate at 40 days of age for measurement of serum metabolites, malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidant enzyme activities (liver catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Results: The broiler chickens fed on the diets supplemented with 100 mg/kg cinnamon oil had significantly higher body weight, body weight gain and feed intake, followed by broiler chickens fed on the diets supplemented with 100 mg/kg thyme and 100 mg/kg clove oils in comparison with control group, which was showed the lowest growth performance. Supplementation with EOs significantly improved feed conversion ratio (FCR), with increased liver CAT, SOD, GSH-Px activities, as well as serum level of high density lipoprotein (HDL) in comparison with control group, also, it induced a significant decrease in serum levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL), as well as both liver and muscle tissue lipid peroxidation (MDA). Conclusion and clinical relevance: The present results indicate that dietary supplementation of EOs (thyme, clove, and cinnamon) at 100 mg/kg resulted in significantly higher body weight, body weight gain, improved FCR, reduced serum cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL. Also, reduced lipid peroxidation in liver and muscle, and improved antioxidants status of broiler chickens.

Immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects of Astragalus polysaccharide liposome in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea)

Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) have been widely used as immunopotentiators in aquaculture, however, the best way of their administration remains to be explored. In the present study, APS liposome (APSL) was prepared by film dispersion-ultrasonic method. The optimal conditions of APSL preparation were determined by response surface methodology, with a ratio of 10:1 (w/w) for soybean lecithin to APS and 8:1 (w/w) for soybean lecithin to cholesterol, and an ultrasound time of 15 min, which produced an encapsulation efficiency of 73.88 ± 0.88% of APSL. In vivo feeding experiments in large yellow croaker showed that both APS and APSL could enhance the contents of serum total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB), activities of serum non-specific immune enzymes such as acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and lysozyme (LZM), and phagocytic activity of head kidney macrophages. Meanwhile, they both increased the activities of serum antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and reduced the content of final lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum, thus exhibiting the antioxidant effects. In vitro experiments on primary head kidney macrophages (PKM) showed that both APS and APSL inhibited ROS production, but obviously enhanced NO production and phagocytic activity of PKM. Furthermore, expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α), IFN-γ, and iNOS in PKM were significantly up-regulated after APS and APSL treatments, but no expression change of IFN-h was observed. Taken together, our results showed that both APS and APSL could improve several immune parameters and antioxidant ability of large yellow croaker either in vivo or in vitro, and the efficacy of APSL was markedly better than APS. These findings therefore indicated that the immunomodulatory and antioxidant activities of APS could be enhanced after encapsulated with liposome, and APSL may represent a potential drug delivery system of APS for development of immunoenhancers in aquaculture.

Effect of Sodium Metabisulfite on Oxidative Stress and Lipid Peroxidation Biomarkers

Background:Sulfites are widely used as preservatives in the foods and pharmaceutical agents. It has been demonstrated that sulfites can react with a variety of cellular components and cause toxicity.Objective:The present study was designed to investigate the effects of ingested sodium metabisulfite (SMB) on serum antioxidant status in rats.Methods:Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control and treated groups. Treated groups received 10, 100, and 260 mg/kg body weight of SMB for 28 days. After 28 days, serum was assayed for measuring superoxide dismtase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT) activities, glutathion (GSH) level and lipid peroxidation.Results:The results showed that the activities of GPx, GR, CAT and GSH levels were significantly decreased in 100 and 260 mg/kg SMB treated rats, while malondialdehyde (MDA) level was significantly increased in 260 mg/kg treated group when compared with the control group.Conclusion:It is concluded that SMB administration as dose-dependent is associated with decreased serum antioxidant enzyme activities and increased lipid peroxidation.

Amino acids and fatty acids in patients with beta thalassemia major.

Background:Oxidative damage and increasing of lipid peroxidation are caused by chronic iron overload in patients with beta thalassemia major. Fatty acids are important structural elements for palmitoylation of membrane proteins which constitute a great part of natural membranes. Oxidative damages caused by reactive oxygen derives in thalassemic erythrocytes can be determined with lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and antioxidant system elements. The aim of study was to evaluate the relationship between amino acid and fatty acid levels with iron overload and antioxidant enzymes in beta thalassemia major.Methods:A total 40 patients with beta thalassemia major with regular blood transfusion and chelating agents were included in the study. The levels of serum amino acid, fatty acid, ferritin, antioxidant enzymes and malondialdehyde were measured.Results:Only C16-palmitoyl level was found significantly low in patients, other fatty acids and amino acids were in normal range. There were lower malondialdehyde and ferritin levels in patients with low C-16 palmitoyl level (p<0.05).Conclusions:The high levels of ferritin and malondialdehyde in the patients with low C16-palmitoyl levels might be caused by this fatty acid’s preventative effect on oxidative stress. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Impact of Antioxidant and Lipid Lowering Effect of Epigallocatechin Gallate on Growth and Lipid Profile of Two Broiler Strains

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of lipid lowering and powerful antioxidant effect of Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) supplementation on growth performance, serum and meat lipid profile and antioxidant enzymes in two different broiler strains. A total of 360 one day old chicks, 180 Sasso T44 and 180 ISA Hubbard were randomly divided into two equal groups one considered control and the second supplemented with EGCG 95% at rate of 450 mg/kg ration each group was subdivided into 6 replicates each of 15 chicks. The obtained results revealed that EGCG supplementation had significantly reduced body weight at 42 day age (1582.41 vs. 1503.94 g) and 63 day old (2796.08 vs. 2604.19 g) and similarly within each breed treated groups of Sasso t44 and ISA Hubbard showed significantly lower weights at 42 and 63 days age however, ISA Hubbard showed more reduction in final body weight. Total weight gain reduced by EGCG supplementation. Feed intake had significantly reduced by treatment (6592.05 vs. 6061.78 g) and subsequently, feed conversion had improved by treatment (2.47 vs. 2.8). EGCG supplementation had significantly reduced mortality % (2.24 vs. 3.31 %). Serum total lipids, triacylglycerol and cholesterol and meat triacylglycerol and cholesterol had significantly reduced by EGCG supplementation. EGCG supplementation had significantly improved antioxidant enzymes as MDA significantly reduced in treated groups, while GPx and SOD were significantly increased. In conclusion, EGCG could be used as hypolipidemic feed additive and as a potent antioxidant improve general health status and to improve FCR and reduce mortality rate

Pre and post chemotherapy evaluation of breast cancer patients: Biochemical approach of serum selenium and antioxidant enzymes.

Background:Chemotherapy for treatment of breast cancer uses some drugs to target and destroy the cancer cells. However, most of antineoplastic treatments are non-specific and the innate cells will be damaged. In this study, the effect of adriamycin/cytoxan (AC) chemotherapy on the status of antioxidant enzymes and Se levels in breast cancer patients was evaluated.Methods:A prospective study, includes 50 breast cancer patients treated with AC chemotherapy (adriamycin 60 mg/m2, cytoxan 600 mg/m2) from July 2016 until March 2017. First sampling was obtained before chemotherapy and the second, after 3 cycles of the intervention. Antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase) and selenium (Se) levels in serum were measured by spectrophotometry and atomic absorption methods, respectively. Age, BMI, familial history, stage and grade of cancer, tumor site, type of surgery, estrogen, progesterone and HER2 receptors, were recorded from each patient. Paired-t test was employed for comparing the data before and after chemotherapy. Age and disease stages were compared by independent t-test.Results:After 3 courses of chemotherapy, a significant decrease was observed in antioxidant enzymes and also Se (p<0.001). These studied indices were not significant in different age groups (≤48, >48) and stages of disease (early, advanced).Conclusion:Our findings show that the AC chemotherapy in the breast cancer patients result in drastic changes in oxidant/antioxidant system of the body, especially reduction of Se levels and antioxidant enzymes activities. However, it seems that these changes are not necessarily dependent on the age and disease stage.

Laying Diet Supplementation with Ricinus communis L. leaves and Evaluation of Productive Performance and Potential Modulation of Antioxidative Status.

This study evaluated the antioxidant capacity of Ricinus communis L. (RC) leaves and powder when used as a feed additive for laying hens. Results showed that the total phenolic content of the aqueous leaf extract of Ricinus communis L. (RCE) was 48.39 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per gram dry weight (DW). The flavonoid content was 9.76 mg quercetin dihydrate equivalent (QE)/g DW. Ferrous chelating activity was approximately 56.2% with an RCE concentration of 1 mg/mL; the highest chelating activity was 91.2% with 4 mg/mL extract. The reducing power of 1 mg/mL RC was 1.17 times better than 1 mg/mL butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) value of 12.5 mg/mL RCE was equivalent to 3.09 mg/mL Trolox. RCE (10 mg/mL) had a lipid oxidative inhibition capacity of 35.3%. A total of 80 ISA brown laying hens at twenty-nine weeks of age were randomly allocated into the control or 1 of 3 treatment groups; the latter received 0.5%, 1% or 2% of RC, respectively, for 12 weeks. Results showed that the RC supplementation improved the feed conversion rate and 0.5% RC generated the best results. Additionally, the egg yolk score was significantly increased in all RC-supplemented groups. Moreover, there was no significant difference in serum characteristics between the treatment groups. Serum antioxidant enzyme activity showed that superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased in the RC-supplemented groups relative to the control but was not significantly different. mRNA expression levels of the antioxidant regulatory genes GCLC, GST, HO-1, SOD1, and SOD2 were significantly increased with 2% RC supplementation. In summary, RC is a suitable feed additive for laying hens and the addition of 0.5% RC leaf powder resulted in the greatest benefits.

Possible Mechanism of Aframomum Sceptrum Extracts Mediated Modulation of Renal Function after Monosodium Glutamate Exposure

The objective of the research was to explain the possible mechanism of an earlier reported role of Aframomum sceptrum extract in the modulation of renal function parameters in monosodium glutamate-induced toxicity.&#x0D; Materials and Methods. Similar experimental methods previously reported by us in Ogbeke et al., (2016) were maintained.&#x0D; Results. Monosodium glutamate administration led to a significant elevation of levels of serum and kidney lipid peroxidation due to decrease in the levels of serum and kidney antioxidant enzyme, super oxide dismutase, catalase, gluthathione peroxidase and gluthathione. There was observed increase in oxidative enzyme, aldehyde oxidase, sulphite oxidase, xanthine oxidase and monoamine oxidase activities in serum and kidney after monosodium glutamate consumption. Aframomum sceptrum treatment significantly regulated all altered indices.&#x0D; Conclusions. The study concluded that the ability of Aframomum sceptrum extract to modulate renal function parameters in monosodium glutamate-induced toxicity is dependent on its efficacy in the induction and mobilization of antioxidant defense armory via the increased synthesis of tissue and serum enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, as well as improved oxidative enzyme activities that mediates the quenching of rising aldehydes and sulfoxides, N-oxides and aromatic oxides within the kidney.

Curcumin protects the testis against cadmium-induced histopathological damages and oxidative stress in mice.

Cadmium is an environmental pollutant which can induce the overproduction of free radicals while suppressing the antioxidant defense system. Curcumin is considered a free-radical scavenger and a potent antioxidant. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of curcumin on serum antioxidant enzymes and histopathological changes in mice treated with cadmium. In this experimental study, adult mice were divided into four groups, namely, control, cadmium chloride (5 mg kg-1), curcumin (100 mg kg-1), and curcumin+cadmium chloride. The animals received curcumin 24 h prior to cadmium chloride injection. After 24 h, blood samples were collected and used to assess the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), antioxidant enzymes activity (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase), total glutathione, total thiol, and hydrogen peroxide. Histopathological evaluation was also performed for testicular tissue. Mice treated with cadmium showed a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in the activity of antioxidant enzymes, serum amounts of total glutathione and total thiol, and the diameter of seminiferous tubules compared to the control group. This pollutant also significantly (p < 0.001) increased serum levels of MDA and hydrogen peroxide and the lumen diameter of seminiferous tubules compared to the control group. In the curcumin+cadmium group, curcumin significantly (p < 0.001) reversed the adverse effects of cadmium, compared to the cadmium group. In addition, curcumin alone significantly (p < 0.001) increased serum glutathione peroxidase activity and thiol content compared to the control group. Curcumin, as a potent antioxidant, could compensate the adverse effects of cadmium on lipid and protein peroxidation, potentiated serum antioxidant defense system, and ameliorated some morphometrical parameters in the testis of cadmium-treated mice.

Curculigoside Protects against Excess-Iron-Induced Bone Loss by Attenuating Akt-FoxO1-Dependent Oxidative Damage to Mice and Osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 Cells.

Summary The present investigation found that curculigoside (CUR) can prevent excess-iron-induced bone loss in mice and cells through antioxidation and inhibiting excess-iron-induced phosphorylation of the Akt-FoxO1 pathway. CUR can attenuate the decreasing of cell viability, enhance autophagy, potentiate the antioxidant effect, and reduce apoptosis in MC3T3-E1 cells treated with excess iron through regulating the expression of FoxO1 target gene. Introduction Oxidative stress induced by iron overload is an important factor involved in primary osteoporosis disease and iron overload-related diseases. Curculigoside (CUR), a phenolic glycoside found abundantly in Curculigo orchioides Gaertn., has been demonstrated to possess antioxidant and antiosteoporotic properties. The aim of the present study is to explore the underlying molecular mechanism of CUR on excess-iron-induced bone loss in mice and osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. Methods An iron-overload mice model was used to study the protective effects of CUR on bone loss induced by oxidative stress. Serum bone metabolism markers and antioxidant enzymes were also measured. To explore the antioxidant mechanism of CUR, the MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cell line was used. Results In vivo studies showed that BMD and microarchitectural parameters were improved after a 3-month administration of CUR. CUR improved the biochemical parameters related to bone metabolism and the expressions of Runx2, OCN, and type 1 collagen and increased the formation of bone-mineralized nodules in vitro. CUR also inhibited ROS generation and increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes both in vivo and in vitro treated with excess iron. CUR can upregulate the level of FoxO1 and Nrf2, downregulate the level of p53 and the phosphorylation level of FoxO1, improve nuclear translocation of FoxO1, probably by inhibiting the IGFR/AKT signaling pathway, then increased cell viability and autophagy, and reduced apoptosis of MC3T3-E1 cells treated with excess iron by regulating the expression of FoxO1 target genes MnSOD, Gadd45a, Bim, FasL, and Rab7. Conclusions These results demonstrated that CUR was able to alleviate bone loss induced by oxidative stress resulting from iron overload, suggesting its potential use for the treatment of primary osteoporosis and bone loss in iron-overload-related diseases.

Lactobacillus fermentum and/or ferulic acid improved the immune responses, antioxidative defence and resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fingerlings

This study investigates the possible effects of using Lactobacillus fermentum (LF) and/or ferulic acid (FA) in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) on some immunological parameters as well as resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila. Four diets were prepared including control diet and three diets supplemented with LF (108 CFU/g), FA (100 mg kg−1) or LF + FA (108 CFU/g + 100 mg kg−1). After 8 weeks, fish fed LF or/and FA had significantly higher final body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate when compared to control group (P < 0.05). The feed conversion ratio of fish fed LF or/and FA were noticeably lower than control (P < 0.05). No alterations were observed in case of haematological parameters except red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (HCT) which were significantly (P < 0.05) increased in fish fed FA or those fed both LF and FA. Also, the WBCs of fish treated with LF or/and FA were noticeably higher than control (P < 0.05). Feeding on LF and FA notably increased the serum total protein and albumin levels (P < 0.05). The serum respiratory burst and lysozyme activity were also enhanced (P < 0.05) in fish fed both LF or/and FA. In addition, evaluation of the serum antioxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)) activity showed significant (P < 0.05) increase in fish fed FA or both LF and FA as compared to the control. Fish fed LF and FA supplemented diet had highest survival rate after experimental challenge with pathogenic A. hydrophila. The obtained results revealed that LF and/or FA can be used as beneficial feed additive to improve the immune responses and disease resistance in early stages of common carp culture.

Effects of copper supplement on the immune function and blood-chemistry in adult Chinese horseshoe crab Tachypleus tridentatus

Oxygen in hemocyanin binds to copper ions and turns the hemolymph of horseshoe crabs blue. Copper ions not only transport oxygen but also enhance the immune function of horseshoe crabs. A 28-day indoor culture experiment was conducted to study the effects of adding different levels of copper amino acid chelate (0, 50, or 100 mg kg−1) into semi-finished feed on the nonspecific immune enzyme activity and hemolymph biochemical parameters of Tachypleus tridentatus. Results revealed that the activities of serum antioxidant enzyme indicators, namely, copper–zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), lysozyme (LZM), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and acid phosphatase (ACP), of copper-fed adult horseshoe crabs increased; on the other hand, malondialdehyde (MDA) activity decreased. Hemolymph biochemical indicators, triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol (CHO) decreased in the copper-fed group, but hemocyanin concentration (HC) levels increased during the experiment. At the end of experiment, all antioxidant enzymes and blood biochemical indicators in the copper-fed group were significantly different from those without copper supplement. Hemolymph T-AOC, MDA, AKP, ACP values in the low-level copper group (50 mg kg−1) were significantly different from those in the high-level copper group (100 mg kg−1).

Zinc abrogates anticancer drug tamoxifen-induced hepatotoxicity by suppressing redox imbalance, NO/iNOS/NF-ĸB signaling, and caspase-3-dependent apoptosis in female rats

Tamoxifen (TAM) is used in breast cancer chemotherapy since its approval by the Food and Drug Administration in 1977. However, TAM therapy is accompanied with hepatotoxicity – a source of worry to clinicians. Oxidative stress and inflammation are the major implicated mechanisms contributing to TAM hepatotoxicity. In this study, we explored whether zinc (Zn) supplementation could prevent TAM-induced hepatotoxicity in female Wistar rats. Rats were subjected to oral pretreatment of Zn (100 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)/day) for 14 days against hepatic toxicity induced by single intraperitoneal administration of TAM (50 mg/kg b.w.) on day 13. TAM markedly elevated serum liver enzymes, whereas total protein and albumin considerably reduced. TAM caused prominent depletion of hepatic-reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. Also, TAM significantly increased malondialdehyde (MDA) level. Further, it raised liver levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β, (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and nitric oxide (NO) confirmed by the liver histopathological alterations. The mechanistic inflammatory expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-ĸB), and expression of caspase-3 protein prominently increased. Zinc supplementation significantly modulated serum liver function markers, antioxidant enzymes, and GSH and MDA levels. Zinc downregulated the expression of cytokines, NO, iNOS, NF-ĸB and caspase-3, and ameliorated histopathological changes. Zinc protects against TAM-induced hepatotoxicity; it may serve as an adjuvant supplement for female patients undergoing TAM chemotherapy.

Emodin ameliorates metabolic and antioxidant capacity inhibited by dietary oxidized fish oil through PPARs and Nrf2-Keap1 signaling in Wuchang bream (Megalobrama amblycephala)

Dietary lipids and fatty acids are involved in cell metabolism and animal physiological regulation. However, oxidized lipids could induce oxidative stress and disorder normal growth and physiological health in fish. A 12-week rearing experiment with 6% fish oil (6F), 6% oxidized fish oil (6OF) and emodin supplemented diets (6F + E, 6OF + E) was conducted to evaluate the protective mechanism of emodin on oxidized fish oil stress in Megalobrama amblycephala. Results indicate that, under oxidized fish oil stress, emodin rescued the growth performance inhibition, improved special growth ratio (SGR), and reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR) and hepatosomatic index (HSI); rescued intestine histological impairment, ameliorated the structural expansion and membrane damage of mitochondria in intestine cells, and increased the length and intensity of intestinal villus. Moreover, emodin enhanced serum immune and antioxidant enzyme activity, increased metabolic activity through PPARs signaling, increased antioxidant capacity through PPARs and Nrf2-Keap1 signaling based on the transcriptional expression of specific genes. These results indicate emodin could be used as an effective immunostimulant to protect organism form oxidative stress induced by dietary oxidized lipid. This may provide insights for oxidized lipid prevention in aquaculture production.

Effects of duration of thermal stress on growth performance, serum oxidative stress indices, the expression and localization of ABCG2 and mitochondria ROS production of skeletal muscle, small intestine and immune organs in broilers.

The purpose of the current study was to investigate that effect of duration of thermal stress on growth performance, oxidative stress indices in serum, the expression and localization of ABCG2, and mitochondria ROS production in skeletal muscle, small intestine and immune organs, and then to further reveal correlations between indicators. At 28 days of age, sixty broilers were randomly divided into the control group (25 ± 2 °C; 24 h/day) and the heat stress group (36 ± 2 °C; 8 h/day lasted for 1 week or 2 weeks). Fifteen broilers per group were respectively euthanized, and some samples were respectively collected from the control and the heat stress groups at the end of the 1st week or the 2nd week of heat stress. A typical heat stress response has been observed at this temperature. Compared with the control group, the birds subjected to heat stress at the end of the 1st week reduced (P ＜ 0.05) body weight (BW), average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), the activity of serum antioxidant enzyme and content of glutathione (GSH), while increased (P ＜ 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR), serum corticosterone and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. However, when the heat stress lasted for the end of the 2nd week, there was no significant difference (P ＞ 0.05) in ADFI, ADG, FCR and serum contents of corticosterone, MDA and GSH. Regardless of duration of thermal stress, the localization of ABCG2 protein had no change. Moreover, heat stress also did not affect (P ＞ 0.05) the IOD of the ABCG2 positive portion and the expression of the ABCG2 mRNA in the pectorales, crureus, duodenum, jejunum, ileum and spleen, while significantly increased (P ＜ 0.05) the corresponding tissues ROS production at the end of the 1st week of heat stress. In contrast, at the end of the 2nd week of heat stress, IOD of the ABCG2 positive portion and the expression of the ABCG2 mRNA in heat stress group significantly increased (P ＜ 0.05), while the corresponding tissues ROS production had no difference (P ＞ 0.05) compared to the control group. Collectively, duration of thermal stress affects growth performance, serum oxidative stress indices, and the expression of ABCG2 and the ROS production of broiler tissues in a time-dependent manner. There is a negative correlation between the expression of ABCG2 and the ROS production in the corresponding tissues under heat stress.